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.

News Americas, New York, NY, March 28, 2025: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has issued a pointed critique of China’s growing footprint in Latin America and the Caribbean, highlighting concerns over poor infrastructure quality, debt burdens, and data security risks, while calling on U.S. companies to offer better alternatives.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Suriname’s President Chan Santokh attend a meeting, in Paramaribo, Suriname, on March 27, 2025. (Photo by NATHAN HOWARD/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Speaking during a joint press availability with Suriname’s President Chandrikapersad Santokhi in Paramaribo, Rubio made it clear that the U.S. is not seeking “spheres of influence,” but rather, is responding to the lack of viable and trustworthy alternatives in the region.

“We don’t talk about spheres of influence. The United States is an Indo-Pacific nation… My problem with China is twofold,” Rubio said as he wrapped up a visit to the Caribbean Community nations of Jamaica, Guyana and Suriname. “In many cases, we don’t have American companies that have shown interest. But where China does show up, the quality of work is terrible.”

Rubio recounted a recent experience in Guyana where a Chinese-built road was so poorly constructed it nearly caused injuries. “We almost all had concussions,” he said. “It was a bad road. If you did that job in America, someone would sue you.”

He further criticized Chinese companies for importing their own labor and offering infrastructure projects that often go over budget and leave host nations burdened with unsustainable debt. “They bring their own workers; they don’t hire you… or they want you to borrow a bunch of money and hold it over your head.”

Rubio also raised concerns over national security, particularly in sectors like telecommunications. “If you’re going to have a telecommunications system that is controlled by Chinese companies, you’re going to have trouble having American investors come in,” he warned. “They don’t want all their stuff stolen or yanked out through a backdoor the Chinese installed.”

Rubio emphasized the U.S. goal is to provide “real alternatives” that include high-quality work, respect for local labor, and long-term partnerships based on transparency and mutual benefit.

President Santokhi echoed the importance of diversified partnerships, stating that while Suriname works with over 170 countries, including China, the U.S. private sector is “very welcome.” He encouraged greater U.S. investment in Suriname’s energy and infrastructure sectors, emphasizing proximity and strategic value: “They don’t have to look for opportunities in the Far East or in Africa. Here we are.”

Rubio’s visit to Suriname is part of his first official tour of the Caribbean as Secretary of State, underscoring the Trump administration’s renewed emphasis on strengthening ties with democratic allies in the hemisphere.

His comments come on the heels of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stating on March 7th that “what people in the Caribbean and Latin America want is to build their own home, not become someone else’s backyard; what they aspire to is independence and self-decision, not the Monroe Doctrine.”

And as the Chinese Embassy in Guyana posted on their Facebook page during Rubio’s visit there on March 27th: “China has always “Put China-Guyana Friendship First”. We honor our commitment with concrete actions. As a matter of fact, China has participated fully at the biggest economic and social transformation in the history of Guyana. Facts and figures speak louder than anything else.”

The Embassy stated that 6 regional hospitals in Guyana will be completed this year; the construction of the Joe Viera Park has started; the new Demerara River Bridge is taking shape and over the past 12 years, Guyana-China trade volume has increased from USD 180 million in 2013 to USD 1.4 billion in 2024.