Caribbean News

Insurance Development Forum and Bridgetown Initiative Announce Strategic Partnership for Resilience Finance Frameworks

Published

4 months ago

June 5, 2025

London, UK 5 June 2025 – The Insurance Development Forum (IDF) and the Bridgetown Initiative today announced a strategic partnership at the IDF Summit 2025, aimed at accelerating the integration of insurance into the international financial architecture (IFA) as a key part of the toolkit for enhancing resilience in Emerging Markets and Developing Economies (EMDEs).

Climate-related catastrophes are increasing in frequency and impact, with nations most vulnerable to disasters bearing severe economic costs. For the least developed countries, the impact is around 10 times more than in the richest countries as a share of their gross domestic product (GDP). When these or other natural disasters strike, development plans often need to be postponed, and/or hard-won development gains are lost. Strengthening the physical and economic resilience of these economies is essential, not only to withstand the impacts of disasters, but also to unlock greater investment and support their critical development, resilience and growth agendas.

The new public-private partnership seeks to elevate insurance as a central enabler in the global response to climate and other natural disaster risks, with a view to leveraging the full capabilities and functions of the insurance industry in enhancing resilience for vulnerable nations.

In a first step, the new partnership will publish a seminal paper during London Climate Action Week, outlining specific recommendations that different actors across the public and private sectors can implement in order to support this goal. Realising the full potential of insurance requires close collaboration between the industry and across a range of stakeholders, including EMDE governments, Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), bilateral donors and regulators.

In a second step, IDF and the Bridgetown Initiative will unite to drive engagement and action to see the recommendations from the paper implemented. This will include both political engagement and technical work.

The Bridgetown Initiative will engage with the COP30 Presidency and other critical fora specifically centered on climate vulnerable countries, donor governments and MDBs, to strengthen the inclusion of insurance in the global IFA reform processes
IDF will lead the technical design and execution of insurance solutions in countries where the approach proposed in the paper can be demonstrated, and ensure representation of the insurance industry in high-level policy reform platforms.
Together, the IDF and the Bridgetown Initiative will advocate with EMDE governments to champion insurance inclusion in global IFA reform processes as appropriate.

The work to develop the paper to be published soon is also supported by the Government of Denmark though the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as part of its commitment to a wider set of priorities aimed at providing assistance in the development of critical analytical work that can inform its wider strategic engagement. The partnership is further supported by funding from the Quadrature Climate Foundation, a charitable foundation working to build a just, equitable, and low-carbon future.

This joint effort signals a new chapter in action for enhancing EMDEl resilience – one that puts risk management and long-term financial stability at the heart of development finance.

Ekhosuehi Iyahen, Secretary General, Insurance Development Forum, said:

“This partnership brings together the Bridgetown Initiative’s deep, practical understanding of the realities faced by vulnerable countries with the IDF’s technical insurance expertise, global reach, and our combined proven track records of project execution in emerging and developing markets. The upcoming paper will provide a clear pathway to embed insurance within development finance strategies and support countries in strengthening their long-term resilience. We are united by a shared commitment to move beyond theory to implementation.”

Pepukaye Bardouille, Director, Bridgetown Initiative and Special Adviser on Climate Resilience, Barbados Prime Minister’s Office, said:

“For many vulnerable nations, climate disasters are not rare events. They are a lived reality, disrupting lives, economies, and hard-won development gains. The Bridgetown Initiative is working to redesign the international financial system to serve the needs of those on the frontline of the climate crisis. Insurance has a critical role to play in that transformation. This partnership with the IDF brings together tremendous expertise to co-create practical, scalable and affordable solutions that support resilience-building. We are excited to present a more holistic view of IFA reform through this partnership.”

Katherine Stodulka, Programme Director, Quadrature Climate Foundation, said:

“The new climate reality demands bold leadership and a sharper focus on proven tools that can build resilience and accelerate our response to escalating climate risks. Tackling this challenge requires catalytic partnerships across the financial system. This is why we support the collaboration between the Insurance Development Forum and the Bridgetown Initiative. We welcome the upcoming paper and the next phase of implementation, which will help strengthen resilience in countries and communities that are most exposed to climate impacts and often underserved by traditional financial mechanisms to manage risk.”

Related Topics:#COP30 #EMDEI #IDF #IFA #magneticmedianews

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Deandrea Hamilton

Caribbean News

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

6 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

1 week 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.