Caribbean News
United Action towards a Greener, Secure Future: Reflections on the United Nations Latin America and Caribbean Climate Week, October 23-27
Didier Trebucq
October 23, 2023 – In the heart of the Latin American and Caribbean region where the vibrant cultures and rich biodiversity intersect, the United Nations Latin America and Caribbean Climate Week (LACCW) will be convened from October 23 to 27, 2023hosted by the Government of Panama. Leaders, activists, policymakers and experts from across the region will assemble to take stock on the critical challenges of climate change ahead of COP28 in Dubai. LACCW is a call to regional action on four priority areas: i) energy systems and industry; ii) cities, urban and rural settlements, infrastructure and transport; iii) land, ocean, food and water; and iv) societies, health, livelihoods and economies.
The consequences of climate change are felt acutely in the 29 Caribbean small island developing states (SIDS) that have experienced record high temperatures, with consequent impacts from rising sea levels, devastating hurricanes, longer dry seasons and droughts, which affect economies, populations and livelihoods. Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean SIDS are among the smallest and most vulnerable, with small, open economies that have been beset by recent external shocks such as the 2008 global financial and 2020 COVID-19 crises. Caribbean SIDS also grapple with decades of unsustainable practices in development, production and infrastructure that have, over decades, spewed solid waste and effluent pollution into sensitive terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Combined with climate effects, these threaten the resilience of ecosystems which provide frontline protection in coastal areas.
In a 2023 Caribbean survey on SIDS challenges conducted by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), the highest category of reported concerns cited were “adverse effects of climate change” (15%), followed by “loss of biodiversity” (11%), and “natural disasters” (8.7%). Climate change disproportionately affects the poorest, most marginalized, and vulnerable communities. Women and children often lack access to resources and assets to cope with disasters. Poverty levels in Eastern Caribbean SIDS average 24.6 percent, while women tend to be unemployed at higher rates and paid at lower levels than men, which increases their vulnerability.
Most of the poor are employed in tourism and agriculture – sectors that are particularly vulnerable to external events. Small-scale landholders and producers are also increasingly vulnerable due to high levels of income dependence on degraded agriculture lands and fishing stocks. It is essential to protect and empower these communities to become more resilient by involving them in coordinated disaster preparedness and response, early warning systems, and investing in climate-resilient livelihoods and social safety nets. This also means investing in education and public awareness, ensuring that everyone knows the role they can play in turning the tide against global warming and reducing the severity of future climate impacts.
The theme of this year’s LACCW is “Building a Resilient and Inclusive Future in Latin America and the Caribbean.” The theme is more apt than ever for reinvigorating the battleagainst climate change and leveraging the power of the collective to build a resilient and inclusive future. The 2023 LACCW will bring together multiple institutions and national stakeholders to gather the sentiments and core messages for action that the region will take to COP28 as well as the upcoming Fourth International SIDS Conference in 2024.
Caribbean communities are already experiencing the effects of climate change, and quick action must be taken to learn, adapt and prepare for these changes. Infrastructure must be strengthened to withstand extreme weather events, sustainable agriculture practices adopted, and cities reinforced to be more climate resilient. Mitigation is also key to combating climate change. Although the region is not among those that have historically emitted the most greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, we must take proactive steps to reduce our carbon emissions. This involves transitioning to clean and renewable energy sources, such as wind, geothermal and solar power, and promoting sustainable options across all sectors.
Vincent Sweeney
Consequently, access to climate finance, especially for adaptation, is essential to build resilience but unfortunately the Caribbean SIDS do not have sufficient financing to support their investment needs. This should be addressed with utmost priority and both the Bridgetown initiative promoted by Prime Minister Mia Mottley and the UN Secretary General’s SDG Stimulus plan provide most needed financing solutions.
The UN Eastern Caribbean Multi-Country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (MSDCF) 2022-2026 provides a robust framework for UN assistance in the sub-region. For example, the promotion of sustainable agriculture and forestry practices, and identifying suitable policy frameworks for sustainable transportation and energy-efficient buildings.
The UN is also working to improve the resilience of communities through strengthening early warning systems, disaster preparedness and responsive social protection mechanisms. Despite this valuable work, efforts must be scaled up so the sub-region can build a resilient and inclusive future. This may seem like a huge task, however, progress can be accelerated by taking small steps to accelerate the transition to clean energy, leverage natural resources for sustainable solutions and protect and empower vulnerable communities.
To combat climate change effectively, we must come together as a region. Climate change does not respect class, race, borders, or boundaries. It is a global problem that requires a collective response.
As we observe LACCW, let us be reminded of the tremendous benefits to be gleaned from f collaborating as countries and communities to promote public awareness, share knowledge, pool resources ,and work towards common goals. By strengthening our collective response, we can find innovative solutions to address the biggest threat to mankind – as we endeavour to preserve people and planet.
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
-
News23 hours agoThe Department of Trade, Industry & Fair Competition to Host Export Readiness Workshop Under the theme “Empowering TCI Businesses for Local Growth and Global Markets.”
-
TCI News3 days agoExperience Turks and Caicos and Aquila Host Product Development Workshops to Strengthen Sister Islands Tourism
-
TCI News1 week agoIllegal Structure Removed During Crown Land Enforcement Exercise in Five Cays