Pulse of the Caribbean

#83 Caribbean News Round Up Episode 4 Week of July 21

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Caribbean nations navigate a complex balance of international relations, environmental leadership, economic development, and cultural recognition as highlighted in this episode of Pulse of the Caribbean News Roundup. 

  • US plans to exit UNESCO 
  • Actor Idris Elba expresses inspiration from Guyana's environmental stewardship and plans to visit 
  • USEPA proposal could change US climate strategy, potentially impacting the St. Croix refinery in USVI
  • Jamaica's Prime Minister inaugurates $1 billion Harmony Cove development project expected to create thousands of jobs
  • St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Terence Drew nominated for prestigious 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award
  • Antigua and Barbuda nominated for Caribbean's Best Emerging Culinary Destination 2025 by World Culinary Awards 

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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 Victory Run Walk, sponsored by the US Virgin Islands Department of Tourism. Accommodations are now available. Register at VictoryRunWalkVIcom for the 5K, 10k and Half Marathon Labor Day weekend, august 30th. St Thomas, us Virgin Islands, and Diamond Key, marina, yosemite, british Virgin Islands, home of Foxy's Taboo and Gateway to the Bubbly Pool. The Caribbean News Roundup episode four for the week of July 21st. Here's a look at what's making Caribbean headlines.

Speaker 2:

We start a report at the United Nations. The United States will report at the United Nations. The United States will exit from the United Nations Educational, scientific and Cultural Organization, unesco. Tammy Bruce, us State Department spokesperson, said the organization's focus conflicts with American priorities. This decision follows President Donald Trump's first administration 2017 withdrawal from UNESCO over alleged financial mismanagement and anti-American bias. The report noted that the Trump administration withdrew the United States from UNESCO, but the Biden administration rejoined UNESCO in 2023 and agreed to pay over $600 million in overdue dues. Unesco has seen US engagement and disengagement with various American president administrations. About 200 countries and 12 associate members belong to UNESCO. The United States plans to leave the organization on December 31st 2026.

Speaker 2:

Now on to Guyana. World-renowned actor and philanthropist, idris Elba is inspired by Guyana's environmental stewardship and intends to visit soon to see how the country protects the environment while developing economically. Elba's written message from the ACANA group was read at the inaugural Global Biodiversity Alliance Summit in Georgetown, guyana. International leaders heard the message, which was delivered on behalf of Elba by Guyanese climate economist, pradipa Boulanath. Alba thanked Guyana's president, dr Ifram Ali, for his global vision, saying your message resonates far beyond these borders. Alba said that he is deeply inspired by Guyana's example and plans to visit in the near future. Alba is founder of the Akana Group. The Akana Group promotes African industry and entrepreneurship through strategic multi-sectoral alliances, impact investments, innovative technology and high-level consultancy services worldwide.

Speaker 2:

Our next stop is the US Virgin Islands. The Virgin Islands Consortium reports that the Environmental Protection Agency of the United States has drafted a proposal that could fundamentally change the US climate change strategy, affecting industries, communities and environmental policy nationwide, including in the United States Virgin Islands. On June 30, 2025, the US White House received a plan from the US Environmental Protection Agency to remove the 2009 Endangerment, finding a landmark scientific finding that greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane damage human health and well-being. This Clean Air Act ruling for the United States has governed emissions from cars, power plants and industrial sites, including the long-shuttered refinery on St Croix, us Virgin Islands. As the EPA prepares to release the draft for public comment, discussion has erupted over its potential to change energy markets, environmental regulations and economic prospects. Following the 2007 Supreme Court ruling in Massachusetts versus the EPA, the 2009 endangerment finding found that six greenhouse gases CO2, ch4, n2o, hfcs, pfcs and SF6 endanger public health by contributing to climate change. On December 15, 2009, the EPA was authorized to control emissions from significant sources, resulting in automobile emission standards and power plant and industrial facility requirements.

Speaker 2:

The proposed repeal could have major implications for the refinery on St Croix, us Virgin Islands. The St Croix Refinery, previously operated by Lime Tree Bay, is now owned by West Indies Petroleum Limited and Port Hamilton Refining and Transportation. The St Croix Refinery is one of the world's largest oil processing plants. It has been closed since 2021 after an EPA-ordered suspension and bankruptcy. According to a March 2022 EPA letter to the new owners, the refinery's restart requires a Prevention of Significant Deterioration PSD permit due to the 2009 endangerment determination. The permit requires contemporary pollution controls to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants. The finding might be repealed to allow the new owners to begin operations without costly upgrades. Repealing the endangerment finding would eliminate the EPA's capacity to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles, power plants and industries, which account for most US emissions.

Speaker 2:

In 1966, american entrepreneur Leon Hess formed Hess Oil Virgin Islands Corporation, which began building a huge oil refinery on the island's south shore. The site was chosen because of its deep water, port, strategic Caribbean position and accessibility to US markets. Now on to Jamaica. On Tuesday, july 22nd, jamaica's Prime Minister, dr Andrew Holness, cut the ribbon for the $1 billion Harmony Cove development in Duncan's Trewani, which could transform the parish and Jamaica. Texas Luxury Collection and the Jamaican government will collaborate on the 2,300-acre tourism and real estate project between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. The multi-phase project will employ thousands of Jamaicans, with luxury hotels, residential villas, recreational facilities and entertainment, including a casino. Recreational facilities and entertainment, including a casino.

Speaker 2:

In his keynote address, prime Minister Holness called the project revolutionary and said Jamaicans would gain. He said the government's engagement involves careful planning, negotiations and investment. Holness says this size project has fiscal, environmental and social risk. He stressed the government's aim on balancing economic growth with responsible fiscal management, saying governments must be careful and consider long-term effects. He said we stayed the course, understanding the risk and working tirelessly to reach an agreement that protects Jamaica's interests during nexus negotiations. He said the negotiations ensure the government did not give up too much and the project will benefit Jamaicans and support social and communal development, as well as the economy.

Speaker 2:

Next up, sinkits and Nevis Prime Minister, dr Terrence Michael Drew, nominated for a global high honor after this. St Thomas Virgin Islands Victory Run 2025 accommodations are now available After race registration. Book your stay and be the first occupants to stay at the Hamptons by Hilton, directly located at the start and finish line of Victory Run 2025. While around the bend and at the beach shore is the beautiful Westin Resort, and connecting waterfront villas of the Bowie House is the beautiful Westin Resort and connecting waterfront villas of the Bowie House. Both locations are family friendly and here to accommodate you with special rates, making your stay a breeze as you gear up and get ready for St Thomas Victory Run 2025 USVI. Book your stay now.

Speaker 2:

This is the Pulse of the Caribbean News Roundup, episode 4, for the week of July 21st. Dr Terence Michael Drew, prime Minister of Sinkits and Nevis, has been nominated for the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award and tribute by the most influential people of African descent, also known as MIPAD, a United Nations Recognized Civil Society Organization. This award, one of MIPAD's highest honors leaders of African descent whose work has changed generations. At his national press conference on July 22, 2025, prime Minister Drew said I have been nominated to receive recognition by most influential people of African descent, which is connected to the UN to honor or recognize leaders of African descent who are making significant strides to advance African peoples in the world. I probably will be the only regional prime minister to do that. Drew continues to develop St Kitts and Nevis international ties and promotea progressive, people-centered, sustainable island state Connecting with Africa. Pioneering renewable energy, extending health care access, updating infrastructure and fostering inclusive economic prosperity has been his hallmarks. Dr Drew will be recognized by the most influential people of African descent's recognition weekend at the Harvard Club in New York City on September 26, 2025. The event takes place in conjunction with the 80th UN General Assembly. Former US President Barack Obama, former Ghana President Nanan Akufo-Nagata and the World Health Organization Director General, dr Fidros, are among the past lifetime achievement recipients. And here's our final note the World Culinary Awards have nominated Antigua and Barbuda for the Caribbean's Best Emerging Culinary City Destination 2025, confirming the destination's culinary ascent. This nomination represents a milestone in the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority's three-year plan to reposition the island as a Caribbean culinary tourism leader.

Speaker 2:

Antigua and Barbuda's Culinary Month program transformed Restaurant Week into a month-long festival of cuisine, culture and creativity. The month which takes place during the month of May includes Restaurant Week, antigua's Food, art and Beverage Festival, a vibrant signature event featuring the island's top chefs, mixologists, artists and food producers. And Eat Like a Local a growing directory and digital map of certified vendors, food stalls, hidden gems and authentic dining experiences. The culinary month was enhanced by the Caribbean Food Forum, which brings together thought leaders, chefs, culinary entrepreneurs and policymakers from across the region to discuss the future of Caribbean cuisine, food security and culinary innovation. Curated chef events offer intimate dining experiences and live cooking demonstrations. Antigua and Barbuda encourages foodies, admirers and the diaspora to vote until August 15, 2025 to support the destination's culinary growth. Antigua and Barbuda cuisine fans can vote online at worldculinaryawardscom to support their rise.

Speaker 2:

This podcast has been brought to you by Victory Run Walk, sponsored by the US Virgin Islands Department of Tourism. Accommodations are now available. Register at VictoryRunWalkVIcom for the 5K, 10k and Half Marathon. Labor Day weekend, august 30th, st Thomas, 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. If you have an interest in sponsoring our podcast, email us at biz B-I-Z at pulseofthecaribbeancom. This has been your Pulse of the Caribbean News Roundup, episode 4, for the week of July 21st. Here's a shout-out to our listeners in St Lucia, massachusetts and Japan. 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 diaspora.

Speaker 1:

I'm Keisha Blyden. See you next time and thank you in advance for choosing Pulse of the Caribbean Caribbean News Roundup as your source for Caribbean-centered news.