Caribbean RoundUp

The Guyana-based Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat recently announced that it is offering a three-level crop protection training program to build knowledge and practical capacity across the region’s food production and processing sector.

The program, which commences on Jan. 26, will also support safer, more effective, and more sustainable pest management practices.

The Secretariat said that the training program aims to achieve the goals of its food security initiative, Vision 25 x 2025 +5, which is aimed at reducing the region’s food import bill by 25%. CARICOM intends to achieve the goal by boosting regional agriculture and improving trade. It also aims to create economic opportunities, focus on priority products and climate-smart farming, and invest in infrastructure such as transport and storage.

The program is held in collaboration with the Trinidad-based Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) and COLEAD, a private-sector not-for-profit organization devoted to inclusive and sustainable agriculture.

“The course is designed to meet the needs of professionals such as farm managers, horticultural producers, production managers, nursery managers, crop protection managers, packing managers, service providers, and expert trainers,” the CARICOM Secretariat said. It added that participants will benefit from progressive learning, from introductory concepts to advanced integrated pest management strategies across three levels.

First is the introductory level, which introduces the concept of crop protection. The intermediate level deepens the understanding of pest management and focuses on maximizing field and post-harvest yields. Lastly, the advanced level focuses on improving pest population management on a farm.

The Grenadian government reassured international partners, travelers, and the global community that the Caribbean island is a safe, secure, and desired destination for residents and visitors.

The Dickon Mitchell government was responding to the latest travel advisory issued by the United States, which urged potential travelers to exercise increased caution due to the risk of crime.

“Violent crime can occur anywhere in Grenada. American citizens in Grenada have been victims of armed robbery, assault, burglary, and rape. In some cases, American citizens have been killed. Police response times are not as fast as one may expect in the United States,” the US Department of State said in its advisory.

But the Grenadian government defended its country. It said Grenada continues to enjoy “a strong record of public safety, social stability, and effective law enforcement.”

“Grenada has long been home to a significant and vibrant population of United States citizens, many of whom live, work, study, and invest in our tri-island state. These individuals are valued members of our communities. They benefit from the same security protections and public services as all nationals and residents,” the government added.

“Their presence is a testament to the confidence placed in Grenada’s quality of life, safety, and governance and historical people-to-people ties with the United States. Additionally, hundreds of thousands of visitors travel to Grenada annually, enjoying our renowned hospitality, rich culture, and world-class tourism offerings.”

The government said Grenada consistently ranks among the safest countries in the region. It has an exceptionally low crime rate.

“This reflects the nation’s strong commitment to public safety, proactive policing, and community engagement. Visitors and residents alike enjoy a secure environment. This supports Grenada’s reputation as a peaceful and welcoming destination.”

The government said that as a premier tourism destination, Grenada remains fully committed to providing a secure, enjoyable, and enriching experience for travelers.

A senior official from Guyana has confirmed that the country is in talks with the United US on accepting third-country nationals from the North American country.

“Guyana and the USA have been in productive discussions on a framework of understanding which is consistent with our national priorities and needs and supportive of the USA objectives,” Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud said.

Washington is reported to have first made the proposal to some Caribbean and other countries in early 2025.

The US government, particularly under the second Trump administration, has actively pursued and made deals with a number of countries, which include Belize, Ecuador, Honduras, Uganda, Ghana, and Rwanda, to accept asylum seekers or deported migrants from the US as “safe third countries”, aiming to shift asylum processing away from the US.

Washington is also offering incentives, such as eased tariffs and immigration restrictions. This is despite human rights concerns about migrant safety in these locations.

The Eminent Persons Group (EPG) of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has called on all stakeholders in Haiti to demonstrate patriotism above all if they are to determine their own destiny.

“Given the sustained efforts of CARICOM and the international community in supporting a Haitian-led process, the EPG is deeply concerned by the tardiness of the stakeholders to find common ground and coalesce around a Haitian-led consensual agreement on an alternative transitional process despite the points of convergence in the multiple proposals made public,” the EPG said in a statement.

The EPG, which consists of former St Lucia prime minister Dr Kenny Anthony, former Jamaica prime minister Bruce Golding, and their former Bahamian counterpart Perry Christie, said it continues to “render its good offices to Haitian stakeholders.” They are assisting as Haitians address the myriad political, security, and institutional challenges facing Haiti at this time.

“The EPG is particularly mindful that the mandate of the Transitional Council ends on 7 Feb., 2026,” it said, calling on “the stakeholders to demonstrate patriotism above all other sentiments if Haitians are to determine their own destiny.”

“It is vital that stakeholders, civil society, and the people of Haiti reach a consensus before 7 Feb., 2026. A failure to do so could lead to unwanted repercussions. Time is, therefore, of the essence,” the EPG warned.

The St. Lucia government recently announced that the new income tax exemption, intended to provide significant financial relief to pensioners and beneficiaries of certain social security payments, took effect on Jan. 1 this year.

The measure takes effect upon the enactment of the Income Tax (Exemption) (No. 4) Order. The order aims to reduce tax liabilities for older citizens and pension recipients, providing welcome financial support.

The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) said that under the new measures, the following income is exempted from income tax: pension income, pensions payable by the government or an approved pension fund, as well as pensions payable by a non-approved pension fund or directly by an employer (and earned income of senior citizens).

In addition, income earned by a resident individual who is a St. Lucia citizen and has attained the age of 60 years, excluding pension income, is exempt from income tax up to a maximum of EC$6,000 per year.

IRD acting Comptroller Felicia Ellie is encouraging employers, pension administrators, and payroll officers to ensure that payroll systems and tax deductions are updated to reflect these exemptions.