Caribbean News
World Environment Day 2024: Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience
Castries, Saint Lucia. June 4th, 2024. Caribbean small island developing states face a unique vulnerability to the effects of climate change, namely high temperatures, droughts, rising sea levels, flooding and more intense and frequent storms. These effects cause detrimental challenges for crucial industries, infrastructure, the region’s ecosystems and unique biodiversity and communities. Highly dependent industries such as tourism and agriculture are already seeing worrying trends associated with climate change such as food insecurity and loss or deterioration of ecosystems and natural attractions[1]. Coupled with the impact of climate change, non-climatic or human activities further propel the prevalence of land degradation, water stress and threaten sustainable land management efforts.
Despite the ecological, economic, social and health benefits of forested areas, global deforestation continues at an alarming rate. Land degradation and desertification, caused by a depletion in the soil quality and land utility, negatively impact food production and livelihoods. These events are compounded by prolonged instances of deforestation, poor agricultural practices and pollution due to poor solid waste disposal; adversely impacting human and environmental health. In developing countries, droughts are the single most common cause of severe food shortages[2], crippling food production and security in the Region. As droughts or extreme heat are becoming more prevalent in the Caribbean, low water availability especially in rural or remote areas exacerbate existing water stresses, resulting in severe socio-economic and public health implications.
On World Environment Day, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) joins the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and other partners’ call for global action on land restoration, halting desertification and building drought resilience. CARPHA aims to promote sustainable solutions to address the Region’s environmental challenges and needs through the development of tailored initiatives and interventions.
The Global Environmental Fund Integrating Water, Land and Ecosystem Management in Caribbean Small Island Developing States (GEF-IWEco) Project, co-implemented by CARPHA and the UNEP Caribbean Environment Programme in collaboration with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission, seeks to build upon and guide the sustainable management of local environments and the preservation of valuable ecosystems. The participating countries are Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago.
Sustainable land management interventions are one of the key project outcomes; in efforts to safeguard the interconnected nature of the Region’s ecosystems. In Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the IWEco national project focused on reforestation and forest management, and soil and streambank stabilization in the Georgetown watershed, aiming to improve cross-sectoral cooperation in eco-tourism and integrated landscape management in the watershed. Similarly in Trinidad, the project focused on the reduction and reversal of land degradation associated with quarry operations at selected sites in the north-east area. Thereby, restoring natural vegetation, reducing sedimentation and flood risk and reinstating ecological function at select project demonstration sites.
The implementation of resilient strategies to assist in combating drought is particularly vital to CARPHA Member States, to mitigate potential economic, environmental, and social threats. The water and sewerage authorities may be burdened with additional cost of trucking water, purchasing new equipment and supplies, developing/improving infrastructure and executing water rationing schemes.
Access to safe water is critical to reduce the incidence of illness associated with exposure to pathogens, toxins or other contaminants. In addition to water quality, loss of life and property due to bush fires and poor air quality are of key health concerns.
Water safety planning, a proactive approach in analysing and managing risks to ensure potable water from catchment to consumer, is an essential tool for all Caribbean States. In recent years, CARPHA has strengthened water system safety and resilience in Members States through the development of climate-resilient water safety plans. Through the Pilot Program for Climate Resilience Project, CARPHA supported the implementation of rainwater harvesting (RWH) and advanced strategies to implement RWH policies and incentives in three Member States as one of the mechanisms to increase resilience to drought.
World Environment Day observed annually on June 5th, calls for the protection and revival of ecosystems worldwide for current and future generations.
The theme for 2024 “Land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience,” brings awareness to the ongoing balance among human activity, economic development and nature in the preservation of biodiversity and ecosystem sustainability.
Flow Cayman recognised for six decades of National Development and Digital Leadership
Miami, FLORIDA (January 27, 2026) — Leading connectivity provider Flow Cayman has been honoured with a National Recognition Award for its role as a ‘Builder of Cayman’.
The award, which was presented by the Government of the Cayman Islands during a ceremony to mark National Heroes Day on January 26,
acknowledges Flow’s 60-year partnership in building the communications infrastructure and digital capabilities that underpin national development. Since the introduction of the islands’ earliest telephone services, Flow has continuously invested in both physical and human infrastructure that enable modern life and commerce. Those investments, which range from expansive fibre networks and resilient core infrastructure to the rapid deployment of 5G across the islands, have helped the Cayman Islands compete globally while strengthening services and opportunities at home.
In a historic moment in June 2024, the Cayman Islands became the first territory in the Caribbean to experience 5G connections after Flow officially switched on the first of its 5G-enabled cell towers – a move that ushered in the fifth generation of mobile technology across the islands.
“This national recognition reflects a relationship built on trust, service and purpose,” said Bruno Delhaise, Country Manager, Flow Cayman.
“Our work connects students to education, entrepreneurs to opportunities, clinicians to patients, and governments to their citizens. Being named a ‘Builder of Cayman’ is a profound honour and a reminder of the responsibility we carry to invest in resilient networks, nurture local
talent, and create opportunities that uplift our communities.” Flow’s contribution to national development extends beyond connectivity. Through partnerships with government, private sector organisations and community groups, Flow has focused on creating digital pathways for Caymanians including vocational training and apprenticeships that build local careers in technology and engineering, to programmes that help small and medium enterprises trade and scale online, and initiatives that expand household access to the digital economy.
“In our evolution from a traditional telco to a technology-first company, our objective is to turn network capability into tangible outcomes for Caymanians,” said Susanna O’Sullivan, VP, North Caribbean, Liberty Caribbean, the operators of Flow and Liberty Business.
“That means faster, more reliable services but also better healthcare access, more resilient public services, safer and more efficient
businesses, and expanded economic opportunity for people across the islands. We will honour this recognition by continuing to invest in people, partnerships and programmes that deliver measurable social and economic value.” O’Sullivan also paid tribute to Flow’s local team in the Cayman Islands. “Thank you to everyone at Flow Cayman and beyond for the role you play in making moments like this possible. We take great pride in this recognition, and it inspires us to keep building and connecting the communities we serve.”
A week of wind, water, and heartbreak
From Haiti’s hillsides to Bermuda’s reefs, seven Caribbean nations have been battered, bruised, and forever marked by Hurricane Melissa — a storm that tested not only the region’s infrastructure but its unshakable spirit of unity.
Saturday–Sunday, October 25–26 – The First Strike: Hispaniola
Before the storm even earned its name, torrential rain and flash floods swept across Haiti and the Dominican Republic, claiming lives and
tearing through rural communities.
In southern Haiti, rivers burst their banks, swallowing roads and homes; 23 people were confirmed dead by Sunday evening. Across the border, one death was reported in the Dominican Republic as swollen rivers cut off villages in Barahona and Pedernales.
By nightfall, the tropical system had strengthened — and the Caribbean knew it was facing something historic.
Monday, October 27 – Evacuations and Airlifts
In The Bahamas, Prime Minister Philip Davis issued a mandatory evacuation for the MICAL Islands — Mayaguana, Inagua, Crooked Island, Acklins, Long Cay, and Ragged Island.
Bahamasair added extra flights as the nation braced for what forecasters warned could become the strongest storm in nearly two decades.
Meanwhile, Jamaica, Turks & Caicos, and Cuba activated their national emergency operations centers.
Tuesday, October 28 – Jamaica and Haiti Hit Hard
By afternoon, Hurricane Melissa made landfall near St Elizabeth, Jamaica, as a Category 5 hurricane — winds of 185 mph, central pressure 892 mb, the lowest ever recorded so close to the island.
Roads collapsed, bridges washed away, and Black River Hospital lost its roof. Power failed for 72 percent of the island.
BOJ TV footage shows split asphalt, sparking lines, and flooded communities abandoned for safety.
Initially four were reported dead, that grew to seven deaths and heavy damage in 170 communities; Andrew Holness, Jamaican Prime Minister calling it “a national test of resilience.”
Haiti, still recovering from the weekend’s flooding, was hit again as outer bands dumped more rain on Les Cayes and Jacmel, deepening the humanitarian crisis.
Wednesday, October 29 – Crossing to Cuba
Weakened slightly to Category 4 (145 mph), Melissa tracked north-northeast at 8 mph, hammering eastern Cuba with hurricane-force winds
and mudslides. Over 15 000 people were evacuated from Santiago de Cuba and Holguín.
In Turks & Caicos, the Regiment deployed to Grand Turk, Salt Cay, South, North and Middle Caicos, preparing shelters and securing public buildings.
Thursday, October 30 – The Bahamas and the All Clear
Melissa’s speed increased, sparing the northern Caribbean its worst.
The Bahamas Airport Authority closed 13 airports from Mayaguana to Exuma International; none reported casualties, though infrastructure suffered.
In Turks & Caicos, the all-clear came early Thursday after minimal impact. Premier Washington Misick expressed gratitude and pledged support for neighbors:
“We must act — not only with words, but with compassion and deeds.”
Friday, October 31 – Counting the Cost
By Friday, Melissa had weakened to Category 3 (120 mph) north of Cuba.
The Bahamas Department of Meteorology issued its final alert, lifting warnings for the southern islands.
Regional toll:
- Haiti: 23 dead, thousands displaced.
- Jamaica: 7 dead, 170 communities damaged; 72% without electricity
- Cuba: 2 dead, 15, 000 evacuated.
- Dominican Republic: 1 dead, flooding in southwest.
- Bahamas: 0 dead, minor infrastructure damage and flooding in southeast.
- Turks & Caicos: minimal to no impact.
Relief and Reconnection
The Cayman Islands became the first government to touch down in Jamaica post-storm. Premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly led a contingent bringing a plane-load of essentials and pledged US $1.2 million in aid.
Reggae icon Shaggy arrived on a private jet with friends, delivering food, medical kits, and hygiene supplies.
Meanwhile, Starlink and FLOW Jamaica activated emergency satellite internet across Jamaica providing free connectivity through November.
From overseas, U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking during his Asia tour, announced that American search-and-rescue teams and disaster aid will support the region.
“They can depend on U.S. assistance as they recover from this historic storm,” he said.
Faith, Funds, and False Websites
The Government of Jamaica and the Sandals Foundation have both launched verified donation portals for recovery. Officials are warning against fake crowdfunding pages posing as relief sites and urging donors to use only official channels.
A Seventh Nation in the Crosshairs – Bermuda
As Hurricane Melissa left the Caribbean basin, Bermuda found itself next in line.
Forecasts indicated the storm would pass just west of the island late Thursday into Friday, likely as a Category 1 to 2 hurricane with sustained winds near 105 mph.
Though far weaker than when it ravaged Jamaica, officials issued a hurricane warning, urging residents to secure property and expect tropical-storm conditions.
By all appearances Bermuda is heeding the warnings
The Human Response
Across the Caribbean, solidarity surged.
The Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) in Miami began airlifting relief supplies, while churches, civic groups, and businesses in The Bahamas and Turks & Caicos organized drives for displaced families.
“Your dedication gave our islands the strength to face the storm,” Premier Misick said. “Together, as one Caribbean family, we will rise stronger.”
Resilience in the Wake
Melissa’s winds may have faded, but her impact endures. Engineers are inspecting bridges, hillsides, and water systems; volunteers are clearing debris and distributing aid in communities still cut off.
From Haiti’s ravaged river valleys to Jamaica’s sugar towns, from Cuba’s eastern hills to The Bahamas’ salt ponds and Bermuda’s reefs, the region once again stands at the crossroads of ruin and renewal — and leans, as always, toward hope and a faithful God
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