News Americas, New York, NY, April 27, 2025: Guyana’s oil production saw a slight dip in March 2025, falling about 3% to 627,000 barrels per day (bpd) from the previous month. Yet, the small South American CARICOM nation continues to solidify its position as one of the region’s fastest-rising energy giants.

According to new data from the Ministry of Natural Resources, Guyana’s first-quarter production reached an impressive 631,000 bpd—3% higher than the same period last year, underscoring a strong year-on-year growth trend.

Now ranked as Latin America’s fifth-largest oil exporter, behind only Brazil, Mexico, Venezuela, and Colombia, Guyana is poised for even greater expansion. The country’s output is set to soar later this year with the start-up of Yellowtail, ExxonMobil’s fourth major offshore project. The addition of a new floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessel this month is expected to lift the nation’s oil capacity to an estimated 940,000 bpd.

The Guyanese government projects that by the fourth quarter of 2025, average daily output will rise sharply to around 786,000 bpd, cementing Guyana’s status as a critical player in the global energy market.

Meanwhile, ExxonMobil and its consortium partners are nearing final agreements with the government to relinquish portions of the vast Stabroek Block that have not been explored or yielded commercial finds. The government confirmed that at least 2,534 square kilometers (approximately 253,400 hectares) will be returned, creating opportunities for new entrants into Guyana’s booming energy sector.

Oil revenues are also on a robust trajectory. The Ministry of Finance reported $605.46 million earned from royalties and crude sales in the last quarter of 2024 alone, including proceeds from seven cargoes sold from the government’s share.

As global energy dynamics shift, Guyana’s consistent production growth and strategic resource management continue to position it as a rising powerhouse in the Americas, with even bigger gains on the horizon.

News Americas, New York, NY, April 24, 2025: In a landmark step toward transforming the Caribbean’s energy landscape, the World Bank has approved a major new initiative designed to boost renewable energy across the region. The Caribbean Resilient Renewable Energy Infrastructure Investment Facility, officially announced on April 17, 2025, will provide US$110 million to strengthen clean energy systems in Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, with additional countries eligible to join over time.

workers installing solar panels on a villa roof in the Caribbean. St. John, United States Virgin Islands

Developed in collaboration with the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank and regional governments, the initiative aims to reduce the Caribbean’s dependence on expensive imported fossil fuels, which currently power over 90% of the region’s electricity.

“Across the Caribbean, residents are paying some of the highest electricity prices in the world,” said Lilia Burunciuc, World Bank Division Director for the Caribbean. “This project is about lowering costs, improving reliability, and investing in a more affordable and secure energy future for Caribbean communities.”

A Bold Shift Toward Energy Resilience

Between 2016 and 2021, fossil fuel imports in the Eastern Caribbean cost an average of $444 million per year, accounting for more than 15% of total imports. Despite growing demand for greener energy, renewable sources made up just 11.6% of the region’s electricity generation by 2022. The barriers have been considerable: small-scale projects, weak regulatory frameworks, under-resourced grids, and high vulnerability to natural disasters.

This new facility seeks to address those issues head-on. It will:

Aggregate projects across countries to reduce costs and attract private sector developers.

Modernize transmission and distribution infrastructure, including battery energy storage systems.

Mobilize up to $120 million in commercial credit using partial credit guarantees.

Launch a new insurance product to protect renewable energy infrastructure from natural disasters.

Training, Jobs, and Long-Term Impact

Beyond infrastructure, the initiative will invest in skills training, technical assistance, and educational scholarships to support a new generation of energy professionals in the Caribbean. This includes apprenticeship programs and regulatory support to streamline project development.

“This Facility is a game-changer,” said Timothy Antoine, Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank. “It helps us strengthen capacity, enhance energy security, and lower electricity costs. We’re building the foundation for a cleaner, more competitive regional economy.”

The project is supported through the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA), along with funding from the Climate Investment Fund, the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program, and the Canada Clean Energy and Forests Climate Facility.

As climate resilience becomes a global priority, the Caribbean is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable energy transition—turning today’s challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities.

By Dr. Isaac Newton

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. April 7, 2025: The world’s biggest economies are locked in a financial war. The U.S., China, Europe, Mexico, Canada, and other nations are imposing high taxes – called tariffs – on each other’s goods. These battles may seem far away, but they hit home when prices for food, gas, and household items rise in the Eastern Caribbean.

Despite these global shocks, the EC dollar has remained stable for nearly 40 years, holding its value at 2.7 to 1 against the U.S. dollar. But with inflation creeping up and economic uncertainty growing, can this small yet resilient currency continue to stand strong?

Inflation occurs when money loses its buying power. Imagine walking into a supermarket with the same $100 you had last year, only to find that it buys you less food. That’s inflation in action. When major economies raise tariffs, the cost of imports increases, making life harder for families already struggling to make ends meet.

Another challenge is external shocks—unexpected events that shake the economy. Some are natural, like hurricanes that destroy crops and drive up food prices. Others are financial, such as a crash in the U.S. banking system that weakens the U.S. dollar. Since the EC dollar is tied to the U.S. dollar, any trouble in the American economy can indirectly affect the Caribbean.

So, how can the region protect itself? Leaders must think ahead. Instead of relying heavily on oil, governments should invest more in green energy, such as solar and wind power, while also exploring new technologies from Africa. Innovations like biofuel from waste and hydro-powered farming are reducing costs and increasing energy security in several African nations—solutions the Caribbean can adopt.

The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) must also maintain strong financial reserves—a large savings pool that serves as a financial cushion during tough times. Just as families save for emergencies, the ECCB must ensure that enough foreign currency and gold reserves are available to protect the EC dollar’s value.

On a personal level, people must take control of their financial future. This means not just saving money but also investing to generate returns. Instead of keeping all their cash in a regular bank account, individuals should explore investments like mutual funds, stocks, or even starting a small business. Multiple streams of income—from real estate and online trading to agriculture and freelancing—can provide financial security.

For those looking to earn extra, side hustles like baking, tutoring, graphic design, and selling handmade crafts can create additional income. Even small steps, like growing food in a backyard garden, can reduce expenses and make households more resilient.

The Eastern Caribbean has weathered economic storms before and emerged stronger each time. Our people are no strangers to resilience—we have rebuilt after hurricanes, adapted to global financial crises, and found ways to thrive in the face of hardship. But survival is not enough. To secure our financial future, we must shift from merely reacting to crises to actively preparing for them. Smart leadership, forward-thinking policies, and personal financial discipline can ensure the EC dollar remains a pillar of strength.

Instead of fearing the unknown, we should embrace the power of preparation. My teachers used to say, “Previous preparation prevents poor performance,” and the wise elders in my village often reminded me, “If you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail.” So why not plan ahead, invest wisely, and create multiple streams of income? Faith in God provides peace of mind, but faith without action is powerless. Now is the time to make wise financial decisions—because the future belongs to those who prepare for it today.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Dr. Isaac Newton is a Harvard, Princeton, and Columbia-trained scholar, a global economic strategist, and a governance expert. A prolific author, he has spent decades advising world leaders on financial resilience and sustainable development. Passionate about empowering people to take charge of their economic future, he believes that smart planning, bold innovation, and a deep faith in God can turn uncertainty into opportunity.

News Americas, New York, NY, April 2, 2025: Former U.S. President Donald Trump has unveiled sweeping new reciprocal tariffs that will impact trade with more than 180 countries around the world – including numerous Caribbean nations.

Announced on Wednesday, the plan includes a baseline 10 percent tariff on imports from most countries, with significantly higher duties for what the Trump administration has labeled “the worst offenders.” The sweeping trade action represents a major policy shift that could affect economies across Latin America and the Caribbean.

Among the Caribbean nations hit hardest is Guyana, the new oil-rich South American CARICOM member, which will face a 38 percent tariff on imports into the United States under the new trade regime. Ironically, the tariffs come on the heels of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Guyana, where he met with President Irfaan Ally ad praised Guyana as one of the most exciting places in the world right now, citing its transformational economic opportunities and strategic importance to the United States.

Meanwhile, the following Caribbean countries will be subject to a 10 percent baseline tariff:

The Dominican Republic

Trinidad & Tobago

British Virgin Islands

Barbados

Cayman Islands

Curaçao

Antigua & Barbuda

Bermuda

Saint Kitts & Nevis

Grenada

Turks & Caicos Islands

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Saint Lucia

The Bahamas

Haiti

Jamaica

Sint Maarten

Suriname

Belize

Dominica

Guadeloupe

Martinique

French Guiana

In addition, the former president confirmed that 25 percent tariffs on foreign auto imports will also go into effect beginning Thursday, expanding the reach of the tariff policy beyond goods to the auto sector.

While these tariffs have yet to take effect, their potential impact on trade relationships between the U.S. and the Caribbean could be significant — especially for small island economies reliant on exports and tourism.

News Americas will continue monitoring the policy rollout and its effects on the region.