Pulse of the Caribbean

#87 Caribbean News Round Up Episode 4 Week of July 28

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This week was a landmark week for Caribbean development as the AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum 2025 yields extraordinary results with Afrexim Bank.  Major Infrastructure, Health, Trade, Investment, and Regional Cooperation is underway in the region as highlighted in this episode of Pulse of the Caribbean News Roundup. 

  • Trinidad and Tobago and Grenada Chambers signed a cooperation agreement for economic and social development
  • Tanzania expressed interest in improving diplomatic relations with Grenada 
  • The Bahamas  National Health Insurance Bill 2025 to bring universal healthcare to all its citizens
  • CARPHA launched its Strategic Plan 2025-2030 to improve regional health systems and promote innovation
  • Dominican Republic Consulate in Miami launched a 24/7 chatbot for consular services
  • First annual Caribbean Vibes Party and boat contest coming to Chicago this summer

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.

Speaker 1:

A News Roundup Episode 4 for the week of July 28.

Speaker 2:

Here's a look at what's making Caribbean headlines report today. Once again at the Fort Afri-Caribbean Trade and Investment Forum 2025, which was held from Monday July 28 to Wednesday July 30 in St George's, grenada, under the theme Resilience and Transformation Enhancing Africa-Caribbean Economic Corporation in an Era of Global Uncertainty Caribbean Economic Corporation in an era of global uncertainty, afrexim Bank announced five transformative deals worth over $290 million on day one of the forum. At the AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum, trinidad and Tobago and Grenada Chambers of Industry and Commerce signed a Trade and Business Development Corporation Agreement to strengthen regional corporation and economic resilience. On Tuesday, july 29,. Caricom's integration strategy saw private sector leadership begin when Sanjay Pierre Chase, the first attorney, president of the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce, and Colin Francis, president of Grenada's Chamber of Commerce, signed the corporation agreement. Nine areas of corporation are listed in the agreement, including corporative economics and social development projects, high potential sector research, cultural exchange, capacity building and technical knowledge transfer. It also coordinates trade missions, engages government and stakeholders, support trade initiatives and collaborates to overcome market access restrictions. The single market and economy values free movement of service, goods, skills and capital, and they are all supported by the agreement. The signing is a beginning, francis stated, a shift towards stronger corporate relationships and more chambers leading regional development.

Speaker 2:

In other news from the Afro-Caribbean Trade and Investment Forum on Wednesday, tanzanian Prime Minister Kasim Majaliwa told Grenada Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell that Tanzania wants to improve diplomatic and Investment Forum in Grenada. Maliwa said Tanzania would use the forum's platform to deepen cooperation in agriculture, fisheries, health and education for the benefit of both nations. Tanzania has pledged to share technology and experience with Grenada to stimulate industrial growth and create UTE employment in production and services. The Afro-Caribbean Trade and Investment Forum 2025 had the highest registration rate of all four editions, at 1,700. Now we head to the Bahamas.

Speaker 2:

The government of the Bahamas signed a $52.6 million public-private partnership agreement with GDA Paving and Construction Limited for the Bahamian island, san Salvador road paving and dock renovation. The multi-million dollar project will rehabilitate the Cockburn Town dock and surface 40 miles of island roads. According to the Bahamas Minister of Works and Family Island Affairs, clay Sweeting, the $52 million contract comprises of $47.8 million in direct infrastructure work and is San Salvador's first extensive road and dock restoration in decades. According to the Works Ministry, the dock will be rebuilt to international standards and extend to improve freight handling. Over 95% of the 40 to 60 workers hired for the project will be Bahamians. The Bahamas Prime Minister and Member of Parliament for Cat Island, rumkee and San Salvador, philip Davis, said the project is part of the government's island-by-island commitment to create greater possibilities for Bahamians. The extended marina is expected to provide storm-safe harbor, more reliable supply chains and transport infrastructure connections. Work will begin in a few weeks on the 18-month project.

Speaker 2:

In other news from the Bahamas, on Wednesday, july 30th, bahamas Minister of Health and Wellness, dr Michael Darville, opened the House of Assembly debate on a package of proposals he said will modernize Bahamian health care and bring the nation closer to universal health coverage. The National Health Insurance Bill 2025 repeals and replaces the 2016 Act and is the core of the bill. The law will establish a legal foundation for national health insurance, bringing the Bahamas closer to universal health care, darville added. Darville said that the bill will level the playing field and make health care Darville added. Darville said that the bill will level a playing field and make health care available to all Bahamians, regardless of island. The bill guarantees primary care, maternal and pediatric services, diagnostic health, education and promotion, cancer screening programs and other specified conditions for all Bahamians, regardless of income or location. With no cash at point of service. Darville said the measure will establish clear governance and funding streams to ensure transparency, fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability of the Bahamas' national health insurance. The bill expands prescription coverage and select catastrophic care to include dialysis and cancer treatment. Darville said the bill will streamline the Bahamas National Health Insurance registration, claims processing and provider payment, lowering paperwork by 40 percent and claim turnaround times.

Speaker 2:

Now on to CARFA, the Caribbean Public Health Agency. On Wednesday, july 30th, at the Pegasus Hotel, Guyana, the Caribbean Public Health Agency, carfa, launched its Strategic Plan 2025-2030, a milestone for regional public health. A keynote lecture by CARICOM Deputy Secretary General, dr Armstrong Alexis, was followed by CARFA Executive Director Dr Lisa Indar's unveiling of the new strategic plan. Despite changing global dynamics, dr Alexis stressed strategic clarity and regional alignment. He said this plan comes at a time when meticulous execution and design are needed. He stated that the Caribbean faces overlapping crises, economic uncertainty, climate volatility, heightened disease threats and ongoing structural issues, adding that CARFA's forward-looking plan shows a timely and laudable commitment to action. Dr Alexis remarked that the plan might improve regional integration by enhancing organized engagement between CARFA, the CARICOM Secretariat and other regional institutions To assess regional development achievements. He encouraged coordinated resource mobilization, clear implementation roles and shared reporting. Dr Alessa said we must reduce duplication, increase interoperability and focus on results that matter. In its strategic plan 2025-2030, carf for aims to improve regional health systems, promote innovation and measure Caribbean impacts through regional corporation.

Speaker 2:

Next up, the Dominican Republic Council in Miami launches a chat bot. 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. 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. 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, take advantages of the special rates for accommodations now available through registration online with VictoryRunWalkVIcom. Sign up and book your stay now.

Speaker 2:

This is the Pulse of the Caribbean News Roundup, episode four for the week of July 28. Mia, a 24-7 WhatsApp chatbot from the Consulate General of the Dominican Republic in Miami streamlines counselor information and improves service for Dominicans and foreigners. The initiative supports the consulate's modernization and service improvement goals. Mia provides quick, easy information and passport renewals, apostilles, counselor cards, power of attorneys and minor travel authorizations. The chatbot was intended to alleviate phone line congestion, wait times and provide instant support for frequently requested services. The consulate also opened a call center this year to handle individual concerns. And here's our final note.

Speaker 2:

This summer in Chicago, illinois, the first annual Caribbean Vibes Party and Caribbean-themed boat contest will take place at the Southern Shore Yacht Club, 6401 South Richard Drive, Jackson Park, inner Harbor in Chicago. Caribbean sights, sounds and flavors will be featured at the event. This unique Caribbean cultural celebration, presented by Cruise Planners and supported by the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, highlights tourism, hospitality and legacy in a new way. The inaugural event welcomes culture seekers, boaters and travelers who love the Caribbean lifestyle and want to experience it from Chicago. Participation requires advanced ticket purchases available online at TicketFalconcom. Forward slash e, forward slash Caribbean caribbean vibes forward slash sells for your advanced tickets. 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.

Speaker 2:

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 and Natural Jacuzzi and Hidden Gem 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 28. Here's a shout-out to our listeners in Chicago, illinois, and in Antigua and Barbuda getting together this weekend with Caribbean nationals and friends. 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:

See you next time, using Pulse of the Caribbean Caribbean News Roundup as your source for Caribbean-centered news.