Caribbean RoundUp

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit confirmed that the United States has not withdrawn or suspended its Dec. 16 proclamation imposing partial travel restrictions, but stated that the government has received key clarifications on how the measures will be implemented.

Skerrit stated that the first formal review of the restrictions will occur 90 days after Jan. 1, 2026, and that the measures will remain in effect until the identified concerns are addressed. He reassured Dominican nationals who already hold US visas that they can continue to travel after Jan. 1 and added that “no valid US visas are being revoked as a result of the proclamation.”

The prime minister said that Dominican nationals can continue to apply for Visas, but new visas cannot be issued while restrictions remain in place for affected categories. “At this time, the government has not been advised of any new or additional visa application requirements,” Skerrit added.

The issue, however, has drawn regional attention from other islands.

Skerrit stated that the government acted promptly after the proclamation, engaging with US officials through the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Dominica’s embassy in Washington, and writing to President Donald Trump to seek clarification on the issue.

He defended Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Program, stating that the country had approved several reforms on Oct. 14, including stricter due diligence, enhanced residency requirements, and stronger powers to revoke citizenship where necessary. Skerrit said the government remains confident the reforms address the issues raised.

“We remain fully committed to cooperation, transparency, and shared security objectives,” he said, adding that discussions with US authorities will continue with the intention of reversing all restrictions affecting Dominican nationals.

According to Guyana’s mid-year economic report, the country’s non-oil economy grew by a remarkable 13.8% in the first half of 2025.

Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Susan Rodrigues, described the figures as exceptional by global standards, saying, “By any measure, that is a remarkable growth percentage”.

During a live broadcast, Rodrigues said that the overall economy grew by 7.5% for the fifth consecutive year of broad-based economic expansion in Guyana, highlighting the performances in a number of areas, including agriculture, tourism, trade, and infrastructure.

“Guyana’s economy is extremely diversified, and that is something that we are very proud of, and we will continue to build on,” she said, making reference to the country’s next phase of development.

“Our objective is very simple, to ensure that prosperity reaches every single Guyanese regardless of your geography, background, your ethnicity, your religion, or your political affiliation,” Rodrigues said.

She stated that Guyana’s diversification will be reflected in various agencies, including the Small Business Bureau, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards, the Guyana Tourism Authority, and the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission.

While the non-oil economy posted impressive gains, Guyana’s oil and gas sector remains a dominant economic force. The sector has expanded rapidly since its first commercial oil production in December 2019, contributing significantly to GDP growth, export earnings, and government revenue.

The surge has also dramatically increased revenues in Guyana’s Natural Resource Fund and other state funds, providing resources used to invest in the country’s infrastructure, energy projects, and broader economic transformation.

The European Council has adopted additional restrictive measures against former Haitian president Michel Martelly, Youri Latortue, his former political advisor and the founder of the political party LAyiti An Aksyon (AAA), as well as one entity, in view of the escalating gang violence, unremitting serious human rights abuses, and the continuing impunity for the perpetrators in the French-speaking CARICOM country.

Martelly, who served as president from May 2011 until his resignation in February 2016.

It said they armed and financed several gangs to promote their political agenda, defend their personal and economic interests, and control the territory.

Rony Celestin, a former Haitian senator, was also listed and is said to be involved in violence linked to armed groups and smuggling, and is also responsible for orchestrating the murder of the journalist Néhémie Joseph, who exposed his illegal activities and corruption.

The listed organisation is Gang 5 Segond, a powerful gang based in the Village-de-Dieu neighbourhood in Port-au-Prince, and is responsible for committing theft, rape, kidnapping, murder, piracy, extortion, obstruction of humanitarian aid, arms and drugs trafficking.

“Those designated are subject to an asset freeze, and European Union persons and entities are forbidden from making funds, financial assets, or economic resources available to them, both directly and indirectly. In addition, individuals are subject to a travel ban to the EU,” the European Council said.

The EU stated that it is a long-standing political and development partner of Haiti and will continue to play its part, along with other regional partners, to help address the dire situation in the country.

Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, says the tourism sector is recovering following the passing of Hurricane Melissa on October 28, which killed at least 45 people and caused damage estimated at over nine billion US dollars to the country.

Bartlett said since then, the island has registered 300,000 visitor arrivals, marking a significant milestone.

Following the Category 5 hurricane, key tourism resort areas, including Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Negril, and Kingston, are now open for business and ready to provide world-class experiences to visitors from around the world.

“Our recovery has exceeded expectations. Jamaica is not just back, we are stronger, more resilient, and more committed than ever to delivering the authentic Jamaican experience our visitors know and love.”

“The dedication of our tourism workers, many of whom were personally affected by the hurricane, exemplifies the true spirit of Jamaica,” Bartlett said.

He added that all major airports, including Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, and lan Fleming International Airport in Ocho Rios, have resumed normal operations.

Major airlines have also resumed and maintain regular flight schedules.

“This has truly been a collaborative effort. Hotels, attractions, transportation providers, and government agencies have worked around the clock to ensure that Jamaica is ready to welcome our guests. Every visitor who chooses Jamaica during this time directly supports the rebuilding of communities and the restoration of livelihoods,” said Bartlett.

Director of Tourism Donovan White said the best way to support Jamaica is to visit the Country.

“We are ready to deliver unforgettable experiences while showcasing the incredible strength and hospitality of the Jamaican people.”

The Justice Minister of Venezuela, Diosdado Cabello, is accusing Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, of being in a “drunk stupor” and is promising a “forceful response” if T&T allows the United States military to use its territory as a base to attack Venezuela.

This is the first reaction from a senior Venezuelan Government official since Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar criticised CARICOM for supporting Venezuela, which she described as a “dictatorship” in a recent statement posted on her X account.

Although no evidence was provided, Persad-Bissessar also accused the Venezuelan Government of imprisoning and killing “thousands of Venezuelans”.

Cabello, Venezuela’s second most powerful official after President Nicolás Maduro, who controls the military and state security, warned of a response in the event of an “attack”.

“Venezuela is not fighting with anyone, but they leave us no alternative. If Trinidad lends its territory to attack Venezuela, we have to respond, and we have no other choice but to prevent them from attacking us,” Cabello said.

During a television broadcast recently, Cabello alleged that the US military is already “using Trinidadian territory” against Venezuela, something he insisted Trinidad and Tobago citizens “do not agree” with.

“We hear this lady from Trinidad, who is still in a ‘drunken stupor’, allowing the territory of Trinidad to be used against Venezuela. We have always lived in peace,” he added.

He warned: “But if Trinidad lends its territory to attack Venezuela, we must respond with maximum, popular military-police fusion.”