Caribbean News

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

Published

8 months 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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Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts celebrate a night of wins, and take home a total of 16 titles at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards

Published

2 days ago

October 8, 2025

Deandrea Hamilton

~Sandals Resorts hosts the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards Caribbean and The Americas Gala & celebrates its 32nd consecutive win as The Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Brand~

MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA, October 8, 2025 – Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts have been honoured with 16 awards at the 2025 World Travel Awards Caribbean and The Americas, underscoring their continued leadership across the hospitality landscape.

The Gala Ceremony held at Sandals Grande St. Lucian honoured the visionaries and trailblazers shaping the travel and tourism industry. The evening united government leaders and hospitality professionals for a night of celebration, recognition and inspiration.

Among celebratory toasts, Sandals Resorts International was named the Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Brand for the 32nd year in a row. Beaches Turks and Caicos also celebrated its 18th win as the Caribbean’s Leading All-Inclusive Family Resort, a recognition that comes ahead of the debut of its Treasure Beach Village, the resort’s $150 million expansion set to open spring 2026.

Other key wins include Sandals Dunn’s River, recognized as the Caribbean’s Leading Luxury All-Inclusive Resort for the third year in a row after opening its doors in 2023 and Sandals South Coast, awarded the Caribbean’s Most Romantic Resort.

The 16 awards won under Sandals’ portfolio are:

Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Brand 2025: Sandals Resorts International
Caribbean’s Leading All-Inclusive Family Resort 2025: Beaches Turks & Caicos
Caribbean’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Montego Bay, Jamaica
Caribbean’s Leading Dive Resort 2025: Sandals Royal Curaçao
Caribbean’s Leading Honeymoon Resort 2025: Sandals Grande St. Lucian
Caribbean’s Leading Luxury All-Inclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Dunn’s River, Jamaica
Caribbean’s Most Romantic Resort 2025: Sandals South Coast, Jamaica
Bahamas’ Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Royal Bahamian
Curaçao’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Royal Curaçao
Grenada’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Grenada
Jamaica’s Leading Adult-Only All-Inclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Negril
Jamaica’s Leading All-Inclusive Family Resort 2025: Beaches Negril
Jamaica’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Montego Bay
Jamaica’s Leading Resort 2025: Sandals Royal Caribbean
Saint Lucia’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Grande St. Lucian
Saint Vincent & The Grenadines’ Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Surrounded by the beauty of Gros-Islet, St. Lucia, the peninsula location of Sandals Grande St. Lucian created the perfect backdrop for World Travel Awards’™ guests to enjoy an unforgettable dining experience and breathtaking island views.

“At the heart of every Sandals and Beaches vacation is pure, inviting Caribbean soul, paired with world-class hospitality experiences for all our guests. The recognitions bestowed to our brands tonight are truly meaningful. They serve as a testament to the incredible passion and dedication of our talented team members,” said Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts. “It is yet another reminder of why we will never stop evolving, listening to our customers and refining our experiences year after year.”

For more information about these award-winning resorts, please visit www.sandals.com and www.beaches.com. For more information on the World Travel Awards™, please visit https://www.worldtravelawards.com/.

Caribbean News

Caribbean Powerhouses to Inspire at CaribCon in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Published

4 days ago

October 6, 2025

Deandrea Hamilton

Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson is the keynote speaker at CaribCon

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (October 6th, 2025) – CaribCon, the Caribbean conference celebrating culture, innovation, and creativity, will welcome some of the region’s most influential voices to its inaugural edition in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event, set to be a dynamic gathering of thought leaders and cultural icons, will feature impactful panel discussions, inspiring and intimate fireside chats and a flow of knowledge from some of the Caribbean’s brightest and best in the creative sector.

Elizabeth “Lady” Montano

Jamaica’s own Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, celebrated communications specialist, media personality, and global keynote speaker, will headline CaribCon as the official keynote speaker. Known for her ability to connect authentically and inspire audiences worldwide, Dr. Reid will share her insights on Caribbean identity, storytelling, and the power of representation in shaping global narratives. Another highlight of CaribCon will be the presence of Elizabeth “Lady” Montano, mother and former manager of soca superstar Machel Montano. Lady will launch her award-winning book, King of Soca, in which she is positioned as the ultimate insider, chronicling the evolution of one of the Caribbean’s most iconic entertainers. She will also share her invaluable experiences on nurturing talent, building a brand, and sustaining longevity in the competitive music industry in an intimate fireside chat. Adding further star power to the event is Simon Baptiste, CEO of Question Mark Entertainment, co-founder of ODOS, a global collective network spanning over 1000 professionals in 35 countries, film director, talent manager and creative strategist. Baptiste will bring his expertise to conversations on shaping the region’s creative sector and talent.

Simon Baptiste

“CaribCon is where the Caribbean’s voices, ideas, and creativity converge,” says Omega Simmons, founder of CaribCon and CEO of SOS Media. “Having leaders like Terri Karelle, Lady Montano, and Simon Baptiste share their stories and expertise truly embodies the spirit of this event. Their presence reinforces the power of Caribbean culture to inspire and influence on the world stage.” CaribCon will take place at the Shore Club in Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Islands, from October 23^rd to 26^th. Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities, panel discussions, and meaningful dialogue to foster an ecosystem that develops the region’s creative sector and propels it onto the global stage.

Sponsors are:

Signature Experience Partners: Ministry of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and The Shore Club.

Other sponsors: PPID, Invest TCI, InterCaribbean Airways, Subtronic Sounds, Spotlight Communications.

Hotel partners: Ocean Club Resorts, Waterloo Hotel Management, The Somerset on Grace Bay and Ports of Call Resort.

For more information, tickets, and updates, visit www.caribcon.co or follow @caribconhq on all social media platforms.

For more information please email: contact@caribcon.co

Caribbean News

Guyanese Scholar and Olympian Arrested in Iowa ICE Crackdown

Published

2 weeks ago

September 27, 2025

Deandrea Hamilton

Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

September 27, 2025 – In a shocking breach of public trust and institutional oversight, Ian Andre Roberts, superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, who is a citizen of Guyana, was arrested on September 26 by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under a string of serious offenses that raise troubling questions about hiring practices, accountability, and public safety.

Roberts, born in Georgetown, Guyana, is a former Olympian and accomplished scholar. According to online reports, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Coppin State University after transferring from St. Francis College in Brooklyn, where he played soccer. He holds two master’s degrees—from St. John’s University and Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business—attended an Executive MBA program at MIT Sloan School of Management and earned a doctorate in education with a focus on urban educational leadership from Trident University.

Despite these accomplishments, Roberts was living and working without legal authorization. ICE reported that he fled a traffic stop and abandoned his school-issued vehicle. At the time of his arrest, he was reportedly in possession of a loaded handgun, a fixed-blade hunting knife, and $3,000 in cash. He also has a prior weapons-related charge.

ICE officials questioned how Roberts could hold such a prominent role while subject to a final deportation order issued in May 2024. The school district said they were unaware of his immigration status, noting that he had undergone background checks and completed an I-9 form confirming work authorization. Roberts was placed on administrative leave pending further investigation.

This case highlights vulnerabilities in systems meant to safeguard public institutions and underscores the challenges ICE faces in identifying individuals operating outside U.S. immigration laws while in positions of authority.

For many, Roberts has become a near-literal poster child for these enforcement gaps.