Pulse of the Caribbean

#78 Caribbean News Round Up Episode 3 Week of July 14

• Pulse of the Caribbean

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US policy changes, environmental challenges and tourism developments continue to influence the region's strategic planning as highlighted in our latest news roundup.

  • US proposes 10% tariff on Caribbean imports despite WTO concerns about impact on developing economies
  • Grenada politician Peter David urges self-reliance and suggests diaspora investment fund as US cuts aid programs
  • Dominican Republic launches major operation to manage sargassum seaweed affecting eastern beaches
  •  Cayman Islands approves law banning non-Caymanians from taking marine life to protect local fishing resources
  • Direct flights between Antigua and Colombia scheduled to begin September 2025
  • Indian charity delivers materials for 800 artificial limbs to Trinidad and Tobago following PM Modi's visit 

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Send news releases to news@pulseofthecaribean.com. If you have an interest in sponsoring our podcast, email us at  biz@pulseofthecaribbean.com.

Speaker 1:

This is the Pulse of the Caribbean Caribbean News Roundup. Now today's Caribbean News Headlines.

Speaker 2:

This podcast is brought to you by Varlic Ventures for convenient airport transfers and ferry service in the US Virgin Islands and Diamond Key, marina, yosemite, british Virgin Islands, home of Foxy'soo and Gateway to the Bubbly Pool, a natural jacuzzi and hidden gem. Welcome to the Pulse of the Caribbean News Roundup, episode 3 for the week of July 14th. Here's a look at what's making Caribbean headlines. We start our report with a look at US tariffs. Us President Donald Trump told reporters Tuesday that he will impose a 10% tariff on smaller countries, including countries in Africa and the Caribbean. Trump stated he will probably set one tariff for all of them, adding that imports from at least 100 nations might be charged a little over the 10% tariff rate. According to US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, the countries taxing goods at these rates are in Africa and the Caribbean, which have modest trade with the United States and are unlikely to help US President Trump reduce trade imbalances. Us President Trump said he would probably unveil pharmaceutical tariffs at the end of the month. The US President said he would decrease tariffs and give corporations a year to create US domestic manufacturing before raising import taxes. Trump said similar levies will be applied to computer chips. Us Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the president, will manage tiny nations in the best way possible. African and Caribbean countries. The World Trade Organization is asking the United States to reconsider. World Trade Organization Director General Ngozi Nkongo Iwila has asked for African countries to be spared from the proposed tariffs, warning that they might hurt developing economies and undermine years of progress.

Speaker 2:

Our next stop is Grenada. According to Grenada politician, peter David, grenadians at home and abroad should work together to establish generational wealth under new US tax and spending climate. The One Big, beautiful Bill includes a 1% levy on Western Union money, gram and other remittances services transferred to Grenada and other Caribbean countries. According to Peter David, the original proposal was set at a 3.5% tax. David explained what this implies for Grenadian households. Is that a 1% tax of course, beats the 3.5% proposed rate. However, he said it takes money from struggling families taxing every dollar sent home. In reviewing other US government activities, david said Grenada and the Caribbean are also affected by USAID program closures and cuts to staff and contractors. David, grenada's opposition leader representing Demovement, remarked the American message is clear we must rely on ourselves. We can't build our future on others' generosity. David suggests Grenada rethink its tax structure and find a financing solution for small businesses. He also proposed a diaspora investment fund to channel overseas Grenadian wealth directly into local startups and small businesses. Now on to the Dominican Republic.

Speaker 2:

To combat rising sargassum on eastern Dominican Republic beaches on its eastern shores, the Dominican Republic's Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources has launched a large environmental operation. The July 10th resolution number 0046-2025, seeks to lessen the environmental, social and economic repercussions of this natural event. Technical brigades are examining cleanup processes, assessing environmental damages and finding sustainable solutions. The ministry presented updated sargassum collection, containment and disposal standards to hotel representatives on July 11. Hotels were given 10-day permits and urged to pay for environmental harm. Over 15 hotels between Uvero Alto and Cabeza de Toro have been inspected. These evaluations identify which hotels can manage temporary sargassum collection locations and which need government-approved disposal sites. Last week, community groups and concerned individuals in the Dominican Republic accused one hotel group of damaging sea turtle nesting sites in Uvero Alto and Punta Cana. Sargassum was allegedly being removed from the beach by bulldozers without the Dominican Republic's Ministry of Environment's permission. The action was said to damage the coastal ecology by crushing sea turtle eggs, especially those of the endangered hawksbill turtle. Local organizations in the Dominican Republic last week called for the environmentally destructive actions to be stopped immediately and conservation measures enforced to maintain the region's sensitive marine biodiversity.

Speaker 2:

In other news from the Cayman Islands, the Cayman Islands Ministry of Health, environment and Sustainability reported that the Cayman Islands Cabinet has approved new law to ban non-Camanians from taking marine life from Camanian seas, except for control, catch and release fishing. The idea supports marine biodiversity and Cayman fishing resources. It contains new protections for fragile species for all anglers, regardless of country. According to the statement, the proposed framework restricts non-Kumanians while preserving resources for indigenous fishermen. Currently, residents and visitors can fish in approved areas without a license. The National Coalition for Kumanians proposed banning non-Kumanians from collecting any fish, conch, lobster or other marine life from Cayman waters. A licensing scheme might allow near-shore catch and release of selected game fish and offshore catch and release of certain billfish species. Next up direct flights between Antigua and Columbia are set to start after this.

Speaker 2:

Visit stjohnticketingcom, the reliable go-to service for locals and visitors alike. Charlotte and Molly to Cruise Bay Ferry Service is now available at the Edward Wilmot Blyden Ferry Terminal located on the waterfront in downtown St Thomas the fastest and most affordable way to travel when exiting the St Thomas Airport. Purchase your downtown ferry tickets and see departure times for Cruise Bay and downtown St Thomas on our website stjohnticketingcom. Safe, fast and affordable is the way to go. Designated taxi and transportation services are also available to pick you up from the airport and take you to the downtown ferry terminal and on your trip back from the Downtown Ferry Terminal to the St Thomas Cyril E King Airport, visit stjohnticketingcom, the reliable go-to service for locals and visitors.

Speaker 2:

This is the Pulse of the Caribbean News Roundup, episode 3, for the week of July 14th. A new agreement between Caribbean regional airline LIA-20 and Latin American travel giant Blue Sea will establish direct air service between Antigua and Colombia in September 2025. The news was made during a press conference with Blue Sea CEO, maria Brito-Bettini and Antigua and Barbuda's tourism minister, charles Fernandez. Weekly chart of flights between St John's and Cartagena will begin, with plans to increase frequency based on demand. Antigua and Barbuda's tourism minister called the service crucial for Colombian travelers, especially those without US visas, who struggle with many airport connections. Nonstop travel will take two and a half hours on the new route. And here's our final note.

Speaker 2:

An Indian charity verified the shipment of artificial limbs to Trinidad and Tobago after India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi visit. For BMVSS, jaipur Foot USA delivered materials to over eight. For BMVSS, jaipur Foot USA delivered materials for over 800 artificial limbs to a humanitarian camp in Trinidad and Tobago. The plan was launched by Prime Minister Modi during a joint session of Trinidad and Tobago Parliament, making a historic moment in bilateral relations. According to BMVSS, eight to ten technical professionals will perform the prosthetic limb fitting camp in Trinidad and Tobago. Dr R Mehta, the charity's founder and recipient of India's highest honor, is set to attend the camp. The local government and Indian High Commission in Trinidad and Tobago organized a program. This is part of India's Caribbean humanitarian outreach. Organizers hope Trinidad and Tobago camp will restore mobility to hundreds of recipients and improve India-Caribbean ties. As a part of Modi's Caribbean diplomacy. The project emphasizes India's South-South cooperation and humanitarian aid.

Speaker 2:

This podcast has been brought to you by Varlic Ventures for convenient airport transfers and ferry service in the US Virgin Islands and Diamond Key, marina, yosemite, british Virgin Islands, home of Foxy's Taboo and Gateway to the Bubbly Pool, a natural jacuzzi and hidden gem. Have news and information you'd like to share with us. Send news releases to news at pulseofthecaribbeancom and, if you have an interest in advertising on our podcast, email us at biz at pulseofthecaribbeancom. This has been your Pulse of the Caribbean News Roundup, episode 3 for the week of July 14th. Here's a shout out to our listeners in Atlanta, georgia and Canada. Thanks for listening and do spread the word and share our podcast with others across the region and the diaspora. I'm Keisha Blyden. See you next time.

Speaker 1:

For more Caribbean news stories and information, visit us online at pulseofthecaribbeancom. If you found value in this podcast, be sure to like and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and thank you in advance for choosing Pulse of the Caribbean Caribbean News Roundup as your source for Caribbean-centered news.