Caribbean News

Paradise is in Trouble says UN Sec-Gen at CARICOM Meeting in Barbados

Published

2 years ago

February 21, 2025

Deandrea Hamilton

Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

Barbados, February 21, 2025 – There is trouble in paradise, and it has not escaped the attention of the United Nations, as Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary General on Friday (February 21) commended host prime minister for her unerring words as he acknowledged what is an unequivocal truth for the Region; “wave after wave of crisis is pounding your people and your islands with no time to catch your breath before the next disaster strikes.”

Barbados is host country to the 48^th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community and Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados set and unapologetic tone for the session which was held from February 19-21.

“The only way we will make it through these difficult times, is if we are prepared to be more unified and bolder than ever,” said Mottley, chairperson of the CARICOM.

The Secretary General pointed to socio-economic fall out from a string of existentially threatening events, none of which originate within the Caribbean region.

“Geopolitical tensions fuelling uncertainty. The scarring effects of COVID-19 leaving a trail of socio-economic crisis. Soaring debt and interest rates, on top of a surge in the cost of living. All amidst a deadly swell of climate disasters – ripping development gains to shreds and blowing holes through your national budgets. And all as you remain locked-out of many international institutions – one of the many legacies of colonialism today.”

It was a central point when host, Mia Mottley spoke to the audience assembled at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre.

“You have heard everybody on this platform this evening and what is clear is that it cannot be business as usual. We have come to Bridgetown, in this year of 2025 at a time when the world is reeling,” she said pointing to the heartfelt expressions already delivered by immediate past chairman of CARICOM, Dikon Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada.

“We know what it is, each summer, to have to hold our breath and to wait and to hope that this is not going to be our turn. We know firsthand, how the world has become an awful place since the pandemic, where all of the warts and all of the scars and all of the cuts have become very, very clear and open for all to see and where effectively, the world has said ‘might is right’ and where small states are often excluded because our orders are too miniscule to command attention.”

Guetteres sided with the plight echoing from the CARICOM pulpit at the opening ceremony, listing three area which stack up as top priorities.

“I see three key areas where, together, we must drive progress. First, unity for peace and security. Second, unity on the climate crisis. Because, third, we need unity for sustainable development.”

Haiti, and its years of unrest and chaos, which is now fuelling a deadly humanitarian crisis absorbed the lion’s share of the Sec-Gen’s attention in terms of security for the region.

“CARICOM, and the Eminent Persons Group, have provided invaluable support. We must keep working for a political process – owned and led by the Haitians – that restores democratic institutions through elections.

And I will soon report to the United Nations Security Council on the situation in Haiti, including proposals on the role the UN can play to support stability and security and address the root causes of the crisis.”

While an announcement to restore this fledgling democracy through a general election in November has been made, there is doubt expressed that Haiti is progressing enough to hold a national poll.

“It is my intention to present to the Security Council a proposal that is very similar to the one that we have presented for Somalia, in which the UN assumes the responsibility of the structural and logistical expenditures that are necessary to put the force in place. And the salaries of the force are paid through the trust fund that already exists.

And if the Security Council will accept this proposal, we will have the conditions to finally have an effective force to defeat the gangs in Haiti and create the conditions for democracy to thrive.”

A multi-national force deployed to Haiti has had some impact, but those looking on had higher hopes for the Kenyans, Jamaicans, Bahamians and others are fighting against ruthless gangs on the ground. A mission which is estimated to cost $600 million has also not been fully funded; it is said over 5,600 have been killed and more than a million people are displaced.

Many have lost hope and see peace for the Republic as elusive, even as leaders press on.

“I urge you to continue your work and advocacy to tackle the weapons and drug trafficking that is fuelling violence across the region, including through prevention.”

Crime has been spurned by gun and illicit drug trafficking in the islands; all recording harrowing murder tolls with crippling spikes in violence. The Secretary General pointed to the push and pull factors sustaining these nefarious industries and the countries where these items, which are outlawed in the Caribbean, are coming from and to where they are going.

“Without their cooperation, we will never be able to win this battle, and the people of the Caribbean are paying a heavy price for the lack of cooperation that unfortunately, we still face,” said Guterres.

Adaptation, in the face of a changing climate is expensive and for the low-lying lands of the Caribbean region, there is an urgency for funding which must remain in the spotlight, according to the UN boss.

“This year, countries must deliver new national climate action plans, ahead of COP30, that align with that goal, with the G20 – the big polluters – leading the way. This is a chance for the world to get a grip on emissions.”

Despite the hearty pitches and persuasive presentations, the effort to fulfill financing commitments to push back against climate change continues to gain little traction. A shift in presidency in the US is expected to further stifle progress to hit the targets agreed upon in the Paris Treaty.

The Secretary General admonished the small island developing states to “seize the benefits of clean power. To tap your vast renewables potential and to turn your back on costly fossil fuel imports. But this requires finance.”

Guterres informed, “We need confidence that the $1.3 trillion agreed at COP29 will be mobilized. And we need the world to get serious in responding to the disasters that we know will keep coming.”

But climate change funding is not the only area in need of resources, according to the secretary general.

“Globally, the Sustainable Development Goals are starved of adequate finance, as debt servicing soaks-up funds, and international financial institutions remain underpowered. Caribbean countries have been at the forefront of the fight for change – pioneering bold and creative solutions. And the Pact for the Future agreed last year, together with the Bridgetown Initiative, now 3.0, marks significant progress – and I thank you all for your support. The Pact commits to advancing an SDG Stimulus of $500 billion a year.”

The UN also believes debt recovery is a mammoth of a mountain standing between financial stability and unending debt for the Small Island Development States. The disparities are now legendary, and the changes are slow-going.

There was some advice and assurances offered by the secretary general, one of the specially invited guests at that 48^th Regular Meeting.

“A unified Caribbean is an unstoppable force. I urge you to keep using that power to push the world to deliver on its promise. And I can guarantee that the United Nations and myself are with you, and will remain with you, every step of the way.”

Related Topics:#AntonioGuterres #CARICOM #magneticmedianews #UN

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Royal Caribbean Group and Sandals Resorts Announce Landmark Partnership to Accelerate Their Leading Vacation Experiences

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5 days ago

September 24, 2026

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Royal Caribbean Group Investment to Advance Sandals and Beaches’ Growth and Broaden the Group’s Vacation Portfolio

Montego Bay, Jamaica and Miami, September 24, 2026 – Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) and Sandals Resorts today announced the signing of an agreement to form a partnership in the all-inclusive resort space with a 50% investment from Royal Caribbean Group. Building on Sandals and Beaches Resorts’ more than four decades of leadership in Caribbean hospitality, the joint venture will create new opportunities for continued resort growth while broadening the experiences across Royal Caribbean Group’s vacation platform.

The partnership brings together two of the travel industry’s most celebrated vacation companies, pairing Sandals and Beaches’ all-inclusive resort expertise with Royal Caribbean Group’s vacation platform, including industry-leading brands – Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea – a portfolio of private destinations, new river cruising offering, and an industry-first loyalty program. United in a shared history in the Caribbean and connected by a love for their communities, the companies will offer travelers an unparalleled collection of cruise, private destination and resort experiences, serving guests across more vacation occasions and establishing their undisputed leadership in Caribbean vacations.

The joint venture expands Royal Caribbean Group into an adjacent vacation category, growing its participation in the approximately $2 trillion global vacation market, and meets the growing global demand for Sandals and Beaches Resorts by accelerating their expansion. The partnership will include Sandals and Beaches’ collection of premier all-inclusive properties across the Caribbean, and the companies will explore opportunities to broaden distribution, deepen guest engagement, and make it easier for travelers to discover vacation experiences offered across both portfolios.

“For nearly 60 years, we’ve reimagined what a vacation can be, constantly expanding the ways we inspire our guests to explore, connect and create lifelong memories,” said Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “We have been building a vacation platform that brings joy to millions of people around the world and creates meaningful relationships that last with our guests. Our partnership with Sandals and Beaches Resorts is an important next step on that journey – bringing together two iconic leading vacation companies to further strengthen and grow one of the most admired resort portfolios in the world. The Stewart family has created powerful and beloved brands, and we are honored to build on that legacy. Together, we see tremendous opportunity to expand the reach of Sandals and Beaches Resorts and continue turning the vacation of a lifetime into a lifetime of vacations.”

“My father, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, founded Sandals Resorts with the belief that a company built in the Caribbean could stand on the world stage alongside the most respected names in hospitality. Today is proof of how far that vision can go,” said Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts. “This partnership is the natural next step in building on that conviction. It gives us the ability to grow faster with a partner that shares our values of exceptional hospitality, long-term investment, and the power of enduring brands. Together, we will introduce more guests to Sandals and Beaches Resorts while creating even more extraordinary experiences for those who have made our resorts part of their lives for decades.” Stewart added, “As we continue to grow, we will remain true to what has always defined us: delivering authentic vacations that exceed expectations while creating opportunities for our team members, travel advisor partners and the communities we call home. The future has never been brighter, and I know this moment would make my father incredibly proud.”

The joint venture will be governed by a board under the shared leadership of Stewart and Liberty. Stewart will maintain a leadership role in guiding the company’s long-term strategic growth as Executive Chairman of Sandals and Beaches Resorts. Existing reservations, loyalty programs, resort operations and cruise operations will continue as usual, with the partnership bringing additional resources to support future opportunities.

Under the terms of the agreement, Royal Caribbean Group will acquire a 50% equity interest in Sandals and Beaches Resorts for approximately $3 billion, representing a forward EBITDA multiple of approximately 10x. Royal Caribbean Group has secured committed debt financing from Morgan Stanley to fund the investment. The transaction is expected to close in early 2027, subject to customary approvals and closing conditions, and is expected to be accretive to earnings next year.

BofA Securities and PJT Partners acted as financial advisors, and Latham & Watkins and Jones Day acted as legal advisors to the Sandals Group. Perella Weinberg Partners and Morgan Stanley acted as financial advisors and Kirkland & Ellis LLP acted as legal advisor to Royal Caribbean Group.

PHOTO CAPTION: Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, and Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts, mark the signing of an agreement to form a landmark partnership that expands Royal Caribbean Group into the all-inclusive resort space and supports the future growth of Sandals and Beaches Resorts. The signing took place at Royal Caribbean Group’s new headquarters in Miami, with the city’s skyline in the background.

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Royal Caribbean Signs US$3-Billion Deal for Half of Sandals and Beaches

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September 23, 2026

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The Caribbean tourism deal first reported as a possibility on Tuesday is now a signed agreement. Royal Caribbean Group plans to pay approximately US$3 billion for a 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches Resorts, putting the value of the business at about US$6 billion. The purchase is expected to close in early 2027, subject to approvals.

Founded in Jamaica by the late Gordon “Butch” Stewart in 1981, the resort business has a presence across nine Caribbean destinations, including Jamaica, The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos. Sandals has described its workforce as nearly 20,000 people, most of them Caribbean nationals.

“My father, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, founded Sandals Resorts with the belief that a company built in the Caribbean could stand on the world stage alongside the most respected names in hospitality,” said Adam Stewart in the announcement carried by PR Newswire. He will remain executive chairman, while the Stewart family retains a stake. The companies say existing reservations and resort operations will continue as usual.

Caribbean News

Pres Ali declares three days of national mourning following MV Barima tragedy July 21, 2026

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2 months ago

July 21, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has declared three days of national mourning following the tragic loss of lives in the M.V. Barima incident, as the nation continues to grieve alongside the families and communities affected.

The period of national mourning will be observed from Wednesday, July 22, through Friday, July 24, 2026, in honour of the victims of the tragedy. During this time, the National Flag will be flown at half-mast on all Government buildings and other appropriate locations across the country.

As part of the observances, Wednesday, July 22, has been designated a National Day of Prayer. A National Day of Prayer and Remembrance will be held at the Kingston Seawall in Georgetown, bringing together citizens in solidarity to honour the lives lost and offer support to grieving families.

The programme of remembrance will continue with a Night of Reflection and Prayer in Port Kaituma on Thursday, July 23, followed by another observance in Mabaruma on Friday, July 24.

The government is also encouraging religious organisations, civic groups and citizens throughout Guyana to organise candlelight vigils and moments of prayer during the three days as the nation collectively reflects on the tragedy and pays tribute to the victims. The declaration of national mourning underscores the government’s commitment to standing with the bereaved families and affected communities as Guyana mourns one of the country’s most heartbreaking maritime tragedies.