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Caribbean Heritage, British Artist Presented with Damehood at Windsor Castle

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News Americas, LONDON, England, Weds., May 22, 2024: Black Caribbean heritage artist Sonia Boyce has been presented with her damehood at Windsor Castle by the Prince of Wales.

British-Caribbean artist Sonia Boyce poses with her medal after being appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) following an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle, southern England, on May 22, 2024. (Photo by ANDREW MATTHEWS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Following the investiture ceremony, Dame Sonia spoke to the PA news agency, expressing her desire to use her elevated profile to continue advocating for the arts. Born in Islington, north London, in 1962, to a Guyanese father and a Barbadian mother who met and married shortly after arriving in the city, Dame Sonia was honored for her services to the arts in the King’s New Year Honours list in 2024.

Reflecting on the moment she received the news of her damehood, she said, “It was very hard for me to reconcile when I got the letter saying, ‘We’d like to offer you the damehood’. I was like, really? Trying to put myself in what I imagine a dame to be. It took a while for me to reconcile that yes, I could take that on somehow.”

Dame Sonia made history in 2016 as the first black woman elected to the Royal Academy of Arts and is a professor of black art and design at the University of the Arts London. She commented on her damehood, saying, “It’s a recognition of work that not only I have done but has been done over the decades to acknowledge and, I suppose, reward the contributions that many have made. So I feel very privileged – slightly shocked still – to be in this position and also to be an advocate for the arts. We so need that at the moment – the arts are just incredible, they’re not an add-on, they’re integral to everyday life.”

Dame Sonia emphasized the importance of the arts, stating, “The arts are really about if you’ve got something to say, or you’re envisaging something, you’re in a dialogue with everybody about it. So it really is about ‘Come and take part, come and add to the conversation, come and dream your dreams’.” She also noted the evolving inclusivity of the Royal Academy of Arts, saying, “The Royal Academy of Arts is becoming much more inclusive, and people have fought very hard to make that possible. Of course, it needs to open the doors to a really diverse group of artists who are in a renaissance at the moment. There is so much creativity going on.”

Discussing the broader cultural landscape, she added, “In the UK, we’ve still got a long way to go, but in the same way that British culture is always slightly quirky and often ahead of the curve, the creative industries are punching above their weight.”

Dominican Republic President Secures Second Term

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News Americas, New York, NY, Mon. May 19, 2024: Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader has secured a second term in office, winning decisively in the first round of elections, according to preliminary results. The president’s victory reflects strong public approval of his economic management and stringent policies on migration from neighboring Haiti.

Dominican Republic’s President and presidential candidate for the Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM), Luis Abinader, gestures during a message to supporters after the first results of the general elections in Santo Domingo on May 19, 2024. Luis Abinader declared his re-election for a second four-year term, shortly after receiving the concession from his two main rivals with just over 20% of the votes counted. (Photo by FEDERICO PARRA/AFP via Getty Images)

With just over half of the votes counted, Abinader held a commanding lead with 58.85 percent of the vote. His closest competitor, former three-time President Leonel Fernandez, garnered 27.29 percent, as reported by electoral authorities. The substantial margin prompted Fernandez and another contender, Abel Martinez, to concede on Sunday night.

“Today our country shines with its own light,” Abinader declared to his supporters at the headquarters of his Modern Revolutionary Party. He pledged to lead with unity and impartiality, calling for a nation “without distinction, without sectarianism, and without party colors.”

A member of the Military Electoral Police frisks a man before he entered a polling station to vote during the general elections in Santo Domingo on May 19, 2024. (Photo by FEDERICO PARRA/AFP via Getty Images)

Abinader also committed to constitutional reforms to ensure the continuity of power would not be subject to the “personal whim” of the sitting president, reaffirming that he would not seek a third term.

Despite reports of minor irregularities from opposition parties, the election process was largely smooth. The 2024 elections saw high voter turnout, likely influenced by lingering dissatisfaction from the 2020 municipal elections, which were suspended due to a technical glitch.

Luis Fortuno, an international observer and former governor of Puerto Rico, remarked, “In general, the electoral process was carried out correctly, openly, and democratically.”

Abinader’s victory signals strong support for his administration’s policies, particularly his tough stance on migration from Haiti. During his first term, Abinader initiated the construction of a 164km (102-mile) concrete wall along the Haitian border and deported over 250,000 undocumented migrants in 2023. These actions, while criticized internationally, have been popular domestically.

Voter Willy Soto, 21, expressed approval for Abinader’s migration policies, stating, “The policies he’s implemented, how he’s cracked down, closed the border and built a wall, I feel like it’s a good initiative to control the problem of Haitian migration.”

Javier Taveras, 38, shared a nuanced view, supporting the preservation of national sovereignty while opposing abuse against Haitians. He voiced uncertainty about the wall’s effectiveness but affirmed his support for maintaining stringent border controls.

Human rights groups have criticized Abinader’s migration policies as racist and in violation of international law. However, the president’s focus on national security and anti-corruption measures has resonated with many voters.

Abinader, a U.S.-trained economist of Lebanese descent, was first elected in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. His administration has worked to restore public trust following several corruption scandals involving high-profile officials.

As he prepares for his second term, Abinader faces the challenge of balancing national security concerns with international human rights standards, while continuing to address the economic and social issues facing the Dominican Republic.

ARCHIPELAGO INTERNATIONAL CONTINUES EXPANSION IN THE CARIBBEAN AND LATIN AMERICA

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PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic, May 17, 2024 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Today, at an official launch event in Punta Cana, attended by the Vice Minister for Tourism and the Indonesian Ambassador, Archipelago International opened its first corporate office in the Dominican Republic and announced the signing of multiple management agreements in the Dominican Republic and Mexico.

Indonesian headquartered Archipelago International, the largest privately owned hotel management group in Southeast Asia, today announced details of its expansion in the region and the roll out of its brands, management services and hospitality technology development company, Sentinel Tech, at the opening of its new corporate office in the Dominican Republic. In addition to senior representatives of the Indonesian and Dominican Republic governments, the opening ceremony was attended by leading investors and developers from the travel and tourism sector.

Speaking on behalf of the Board of Archipelago International, Mr. Gerard Byrne, Managing Director, outlined the 27- year history of the company, from humble beginnings in Jakarta, Indonesia to a current position of managing over 270 operating hotels (45,000 rooms) and a pipeline of over 80 hotels (16,000 rooms) across 15 countries and 5 continents. He explained how a strong group wide ethos of ensuring a seamless customer experience from booking to review, high-level Asian service standards, Kaizen philosophy (continuous improvement) and long-term investment in technology solutions are major reasons for both its domestic success and international growth. In explaining the success story of Archipelago’s international expansion strategy, he said “We are providing owners, developers and investors with proven alternative branding and operational solutions for their hospitality assets at a price point that is well below other global brands. We have developed technology solutions which are made by hoteliers for hoteliers. Our renowned Asian service standards, leading technology solutions and flexibility as an independent company is setting us apart from the competition. In addition, we have changed the paradigm when it comes to the owner and operator relationship, by constructing new partnership operating models that reward the owner in a more equitable way than the traditional double digit fee structures of the past“.

Speaking after Mr. Byrne, Jose Luis Leonardo, Vice President – The Americas, outlined details of their existing operations in the Americas. “Since opening our first resort in the region in 2019, Grand Aston Cayo Las Brujas Beach Resort & Spa, Cuba, we have grown to having five hotels (3,242 rooms) in operation today, all of them achieving No.1 positioning in their respective destinations. In the next twelve months, we will open one hotel in Cuba, four hotels and condotels in the Dominican Republic and two in Mexico. These are Aston Panorama Hotel, Havana (320 rooms), Reserva Real by Harper, Punta Cana (187 rooms), Aston Rubí City Suites, Santo Domingo (179 rooms), Grand Aston Punta Cana Beach Resort & Spa (170 rooms), Aston Bocettos City Suites, Santo Domingo (126 rooms), Aston Puebla Hotel, Puebla (105 rooms) and IIk Tulum by Aston Tulum (104 rooms)“.

In terms of major new signings for the Dominican Republic Mr. Leonardo announced, Grand Aston Larimar City Golf Hotel & Residences, Punta Cana (228 rooms), Grand Aston Cáicu Coral Golf Hotel & Residences, Punta Cana (669 rooms), Riviera Bay by Aston, Cana Bay (110 rooms), Harbor Bay by Aston, Cap Cana (186 rooms), Juanillo Hills by Aston, Cap Cana (60 rooms), Aston Piantini Boutique Hotel, Santo Domingo (144 rooms), Aston Towers Larimar City, Punta Cana (432 rooms), Paradise Tower by Harper, Punta Cana (144 rooms), Harper Paradise Punta Cana (135 rooms), Aston Arts Hotel & Residences, Punta Cana (368 rooms) and The Alana Experience Punta Cana (530 rooms).

New signings in Mexico include Grand Aston Tulum (153 rooms), Aston Naomi Boutique Hotel & Residences, Playa Del Carmen (246 rooms), Zonna Beach Resort & Residences, Playa Del Carmen (257 rooms) and The Alana Hotel & Residences, Playa Del Carmen (376 rooms). He further commented “Aston hotels have long been referred to as ‘trusted’ hotels by our customers in Southeast Asia and we are delighted that owners, investors and developers in Latin America are not only excited about Aston coming to the Dominican Republic and Mexico but also that we are introducing new brands, technology and business model solutions for their hotels, resorts, condotels and branded residences in all segments. The government of the Dominican Republic has demonstrated commendable dedication to fostering a favorable business and economic climate that encourages growth in the travel and tourism sector. This commitment greatly influenced our decision to establish our second regional corporate office in Punta Cana. Furthermore, to enhance our operational capabilities, we are planning new corporate offices in Santo Domingo and Playa Del Carmen“.

About Archipelago International

Archipelago International is Southeast Asia’s largest privately owned hotel management group, with over 45,000 rooms in 200+ locations across Southeast Asia, Oceania, the Middle East, Africa, the Caribbean and Latin America. It has a rapidly expanding portfolio in the Americas region with 5 operating hotels and resorts (3,242 rooms) and a development pipeline of 9,500+ rooms across 30+ upcoming projects. The company provides hospitality and advanced technology solutions for hotels, resorts and branded residences through its 12 award winning brands, Aston, Aston Collection, Huxley, Alana, Avanika, favehotel, Harper, Quest, Hotel Neo, Kamuela, Nordic and Powered by Archipelago. These brands are positioned in different market segments, from budget to luxury hotels, resorts and branded residences.

Its consistent technology and systems focus, flexibility and agility as an independent company and variety of hotel brands have been key factors in its success and expansion in the hotel industry.

Four Flight Attendants Accused Of Smuggling Millions In Drug Money To Dominican Republic

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. May 10, 2024: Federal authorities says four flight attendants exploited their privileges as airline personnel to transport millions of dollars in drug proceeds from New York City to the Dominican Republic.

According to Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Ivan J. Arvelo, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations, the suspects took advantage of their access to the “Known Crewmember (KCM)” lane at John F. Kennedy International Airport, circumventing standard security measures and inspection protocols.

A Homeland Security Investigations special agent highlighted the lax security procedures associated with KCM privileges, noting that flight attendants could transport significant amounts of cash without detection.

The individuals facing charges are Charlie Hernandez, 42; Sarah Valerio Pujols, 24; Emmanuel Torres, 34; and Jarol Fabio, 35. They stand accused of engaging in unlicensed money transmission activities and were apprehended on Tuesday.

Hernandez resides in West New York, New Jersey, while the remaining defendants are residents of New York City.

Prosecutors allege that the group collectively smuggled approximately $8 million in bulk cash to the Dominican Republic over several years, purportedly including funds derived from drug trafficking.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams emphasized the serious nature of the allegations, stating that the flight attendants abused their status to facilitate the illegal transfer of illicit funds.

An informant provided Hernandez with $121,215, sourced from narcotics trafficking, a portion of which he allegedly passed on to Pujols for transport to the Dominican Republic in December 2019.

Delta Airlines confirmed that two of the defendants are employees, asserting their cooperation with law enforcement in the ongoing investigation.

While Pujols has been released from custody, her attorney declined to provide further comments. No immediate responses were available from Fabio’s legal representation, and court records did not list attorneys for Hernandez and Torres at the time of reporting.

Brit Charged With Rape Of Three Cayman School Girls

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News Americas, GEORGE TOWN, Cayman, Fri. May 3, 2024: A British man residing in the Cayman Islands faces serious charges involving three school children, as reported by local authorities.

The charges include rape, sexual communication with minors, and possession of indecent images. The man is accused of grooming the girls and posing as a teenager to commit the offenses. The man is facing 18 counts including rape, sexual communication with a child, meeting a child following sexual communication and having indecent images of a child. He is accused of grooming the girls but cannot be named due to an order made at the Cayman Islands Grand Court. The man’s age has also not been released.

Detectives discovered extensive evidence, including thousands of messages and illicit content on seized phones. They say he was reported to police at the end of 2023 after the mother of a young girl intercepted communications between her child and the man. He is currently in custody awaiting trial and is also facing five further charges relating to separate offences against a different child relating to a separate incident on similar charges involving a fourth alleged victim that took place in March 2023. He pleaded not guilty to all the charges against him and denies any wrongdoing.

Detective Superintendent Peter Lansdown emphasized the importance of parental vigilance regarding children’s online interactions. “It appears contact with the victims was initiated through social media. This situation serves to stress the importance of parents and guardians being actively aware of the communication young persons are engaging in on messaging services and social media networks, via, predominantly, their mobile devices,” he said.

New Provisional Government Sworn In Amidst Turmoil in Haiti

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News Americas, PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti, Thurs. April 25, 2024: Amidst the backdrop of a nation grappling with turmoil and unrest, a new provisional government was quietly ushered into power today in the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member state of Haiti. This significant development comes nearly two months after a criminal insurrection threw the capital into chaos, exacerbating an already volatile situation.

New Haitian Prime Minister Michel Patrick Boivert speaks during the swearing in of a new transitional council in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on April 25, 2024. A long-awaited transitional ruling council was sworn in in crisis-torn Haiti Thursday, an official told AFP, the first step to forming a new government after months of gang violence in the Caribbean nation. (Photo by CLARENS SIFFROY/AFP via Getty Images)

The formation of a nine-person “transitional council” marked a pivotal moment in the nation’s trajectory, with Prime Minister Ariel Henry, currently in the United States due to the volatile conditions in Haiti, formally announcing his resignation in a letter. Henry, a former neurosurgeon turned politician, assumed power following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, navigating the country through turbulent times.

Smith Augustin (C), member of the new transitional council, speaks to the press after the swearing in of the council in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on April 25, 2024. A long-awaited transitional ruling council was sworn in in crisis-torn Haiti Thursday, an official told AFP, the first step to forming a new government after months of gang violence in the Caribbean nation. (Photo by CLARENS SIFFROY/AFP via Getty Images)

This morning’s early morning swearing-in ceremony was shrouded in secrecy, a precautionary measure taken in light of looming threats of violence. Reports hinted at the possibility of the event being held at an undisclosed government property, underscoring the delicate security situation gripping the nation.

Despite the challenges and risks posed by the prevailing unrest, the United States and a 15-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM)-backed council pressed forward with the inauguration, a testament to their commitment to restoring stability and order. Michael Patrick Boisvert, Henry’s former finance minister, assumed the role of interim Prime Minister, tasked with steering the nation through this tumultuous period.

The composition of the Presidential Transitional Council, including prominent figures such as Smith Agustin, Louis Gérald Gilles, Fritz Alphonse Jean, Edgard Leblanc Fils, Laurent Saint-Cyr, Emmanuel Vertilair, Leslie Voltaire, Régine Abraham, and Frinel Joseph, underscores a diverse array of voices tasked with guiding the nation forward. These individuals solemnly took the oath of office at the National Palace before proceeding to the Villa d’Accueil for the formal ceremony and subsequent address.

As the nation navigates its transition period, the selection of a President-coordinator for the Transition Council looms large. Names such as Louis Gérald Gilles, Lesly Voltaire, Edgard Leblanc Fils, and Fritz Alphonse Jean have emerged as potential candidates, though no official announcement has been made thus far.

Against the backdrop of heightened tensions and isolation, the capital city of Port-au-Prince finds itself cut off from the rest of the world, with its international airport and port shuttered due to ongoing gunfights. Meanwhile, roads connecting the city to neighboring regions have fallen under the control of armed groups notorious for their involvement in kidnapping and extortion.

In response to the escalating crisis, foreign governments have initiated evacuation efforts, ferrying hundreds of citizens to safety in the United States and the neighboring Dominican Republic. As Haiti grapples with the complexities of its transition, the international community watches closely, hoping for a swift resolution to the crisis gripping this Caribbean nation.

Guyana President Among Caribbean Leaders Honored At American Foundation For The University Of The West Indies Event

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. April 24, 2024: The President of Guyana, Mohamed Irfaan Ali, was among six honorees at the recent American Foundation for The University of the West Indies (AFUWI) fundraising gala, held on April 18th in New York City.

Guyana President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, second from left, receives the AFUWI Legacy Award from UWI Vice Chancellor Sir Hilary Beckles, second from right and Guyana born actress CCH Pounder, r.

Ali was presented with the Legacy Award by Guyana-born actress, CCH Pounder of  NCIS New Orleans fame.  In accepting the award, the President announced that a University of the West Indies Medical School will be built in Guyana.

He also reflected on the profound impact of colonization on the region and reiterated the imperative need for reparatory justice and praised the University of the West Indies and Vice Chancellor Sir Hillary Beckles, for its efforts in advancing this cause.

President Ali also emphasized the significance of investing in and leveraging indigenous resources as pivotal for fostering collective development amidst the region’s ongoing healing journey from colonial legacies. Underscoring Guyana’s commitment to regional and global obligations, the President, who is also the current chairman of CARICOM, the Caribbean Community, stressed that the nation’s prosperity is intertwined with that of the wider Caribbean.

The 27th annual legacy gala raises funds in the US Diaspora to open doors for Caribbean students from underprivileged backgrounds to pursue the dream of higher education.

The other honorees were:

Don Christian, a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, who received the Caribbean Luminary Award;

Antony Mark Desnoes Hart, the executive chairman of Caribbean Producers Jamaica Ltd., who was presented with the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Business Leadership and Community Engagement;

Attorney Darren Skinner, the Jamaican born partner and co-general counsel of the Washington, D.C. office of Arnold & Porter, who received the Pinnacle Award;

Michele Chow-Tai, the managing director of Business Development at Fairview Capital Partners, who was presented in absentia with the Vice Chancelleor’s Achievement Award, and;

Rev. Patrick Perrin, who from Jamaica to New York, has dedicated most of his life to guiding his congregation and youth, received the Pelican Award.

University of Glasgow Repatriates Giant Galliwasp To Jamaica

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News Americas, GLASGOW, Scotland, Tues. April 23, 2024: In a landmark collaboration, The University of the West Indies (The UWI) and the University of Glasgow (UofG) have announced the repatriation of a Jamaican Giant Galliwasp specimen from The Hunterian collection at UofG in Scotland, UK. This significant event marks the first-ever repatriation of a natural history specimen in the Caribbean, symbolizing a pivotal moment in scientific research and cultural heritage preservation.

Zoologist Elizabeth Morrison (left) from the Institute of Jamaica (IoJ) receives the Jamaican Giant Galliwasp specimen from curator Mike Rutherford at the Hunterian Collections Study Centre in Kelvin Hall, Glasgow, ahead of its repatriation by the University of Glasgow to the University of the West Indies in Jamaica. The Jamaican giant galliwasp (Celestus occiduus) is thought to have been collected in the mid-19th century and became part of the University of Glasgow collections in 1888. Picture date: Monday April 22, 2024. (Photo by Jane Barlow/PA Images via Getty Images)

The joint effort, facilitated by a team comprising members from The UWI and the Institute of Jamaica (IOJ), underscores a commitment to rectify past injustices and ensure Caribbean ownership of its scientific and cultural treasures. The repatriation exercise is a tangible outcome of the 2019 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between The UWI and UofG, aimed at fostering collaboration in research and education while addressing the historical legacies of colonialism.

(left to right) Elizabeth Morrison, from the Institute of Jamaica (IoJ), Dr Shani Roper from Univeristy of West Indies (UWI), Desireina Delancy from UWI, Curator Mike Rutherford from The Hunterian, Dionne Newell from the IoJ and Dr Tannice Hall from the UWI with the Jamaican Giant Galliwasp specimen at the Hunterian Collections Study Centre in Kelvin Hall, Glasgow, ahead of its repatriation by the University of Glasgow to the University of the West Indies in Jamaica. The Jamaican giant galliwasp (Celestus occiduus) is thought to have been collected in the mid-19th century and became part of the University of Glasgow collections in 1888. Picture date: Monday April 22, 2024. (Photo by Jane Barlow/PA Images via Getty Images)

The Galliwasp, believed to be extinct, will return to its homeland, Jamaica, after being collected in the 1850s. Accompanied by a joint team from The UWI and IOJ, the specimen will be deposited in the Natural History Museum of Jamaica on permanent loan, ensuring its accessibility to all Jamaicans.

A drawing of the Jamaican Giant Galliwasp (Celestus occiduus) from Sir Hans Sloane, 1725, in A voyage to the islands Madera, Barbados, Nieves, St. Christophers and Jamaica. (UofG image)

Upon the specimen’s return to Jamaica, an official handover ceremony will be held as it will be deposited in the Natural History Museum of Jamaica on permanent loan in the national flora and fauna collection for safekeeping and allowing it to be accessible to all Jamaicans.

Members of the public are invited to stay tuned to follow the repatriation journey of the Jamaican Giant Galliwasp from Scotland to its homeland.

This initiative reflects ongoing strategic collaborations between The UWI and UofG, including the Glasgow-Caribbean Centre for Development Research (GCCDR) and the joint Masters Programme in Reparatory Justice. The repatriation of the Galliwasp signifies a commitment to social justice and cultural equity, highlighting the importance of addressing historical injustices and fostering greater understanding of repatriation issues in the museum sector.

Former Surinamese President Bouterse and Military Officials Designated by US for Human Rights Violations

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. April 12, 2024: Former Surinamese President Desiré Delano Bouterse, along with six former Surinamese military officials, namely Benny Brondenstein, Stephanus Marinus Dendoe, Iwan Dijksteel, Ernst Gefferie, Kenneth Kempes, and Lucien Lewis, have been designated by the United States today as ineligible of entering the country.

FLASH BACK: Suriname’s former president (2010-2020) Desi Bouterse walks next to a body guard while leaving the High Court of Justice after a hearing in his appeals case in the December 8, 1982 murders, in Paramaribo on January 31, 2023. (Photo by RANU ABHELAKH/AFP via Getty Images)

This designation, pursuant to Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, stems from their involvement in gross violations of human rights, specifically in relation to the “December Murders” of 1982, which included extrajudicial killings of political opponents.

As a result of this designation, these individuals, along with four of their family members, are generally prohibited from entering the United States.

In announcing these designations, the United States acknowledged Suriname’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, including efforts to maintain judicial independence and address official impunity. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has emphasized the importance of ending impunity as a means to prevent future abuses. The robustness of Suriname’s judicial institutions underscores the significance of the rule of law in safeguarding democracy and upholding human rights.

Guyana Growth Projected To Slow In Next Year

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. April 12, 2024: Guyana is forecast to see a slowing of its economic growth next year according to future casts from the World Bank.

In its latest growth outlook for the Caribbean as outlined in its Caribbean and Latin America economic review for 2024, the South American new oil rich CARICOM nation, is forecast to go from a growth of 34.3 percent this year to 16.8 percent next year. In 2025, the growth could bounce back slightly to 18.2 percent. The economic forecast comes as the World Bank chief economist for Latin America and the Caribbean, William Maloney, recently urged Guyana to ensure that its new found oil wealth benefits the entire population.

Maloney, who was fielding questions from journalists following the release of the Regional Economic Report for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), described the efforts to ensure all sectors of the country benefitted from the oil wealth “as one of the 200 million dollar question.

“One is to ensure that this new oil wealth will actually get to the people who need it and I would say in particular in the building of human capitals so that the economy can diversify over time,” he said. “The second is to ensure that we find ways of using these revenues so that we build a more diversified economy. This requires a set of institutions that know how to keep the right amount of resources, the revenues off shore, the Sovereign Welfare Fund so it can maintain an exchange rate that is competitive.”

Maloney added that there is also need for strong institutions within the country “that are able to mediate the very different demands from the population and ensure that the oil resources go to where they are suppose to go.”

In January this year, the Guyana government presented a national budget of US$5.496 billion (GUY$1.146 trillion). The Irfaan Ali administration said that the expansion is being partially fueled by the country’s increasing oil windfall, projected to constitute nearly 29 percent of the budget.

OTHER CARIBBEAN NATIONS

However, while Guyana is forecast for double digit growth next year, no other Caribbean nation will see such good fortune according to the Bank.

Here’s the latest growth outlook for other Caribbean nations as analyzed by News Americas – from high to low.

COUNTRIES 20242025The Dominican Republic5.15Saint Lucia 53.9Dominica 4.64.2Grenada 4.13.7Barbados 3.72.8Suriname33Saint Vincent & The Grenadines2.91.4The Bahamas 2.31.8Jamaica 21.6

No other countries in the region were listed.