Barbados

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley said her government will focus on helping citizens cope with rising global living costs while continuing national reforms. To free up more resources, celebrations for Barbados' 60th Independence anniversary and fifth Republic anniversary will be shortened and held over three months instead of longer, separate events. "What I'm not going to do as prime minister of this country is to mis-allocate funds or misprioritize funds when circumstances clearly show you are dealing with a war," Mottley said, referring to global conflicts and their impact on small economies. Mottley said Barbados must continue making careful financial decisions amid global economic challenges. She also announced that a draft report for a new Constitution has been submitted to the President and will be reviewed by Cabinet before being released for public consultation. Although the government hoped to complete the process by November, it will allow enough time for public input. Mottley defended the government's decision to absorb part of the recent increase in global fuel prices. Instead of raising fuel prices to Bds$4.20 per liter as recommended, the government capped the price at Bds$4.01 per litre and paid the difference to reduce the burden on consumers. Mottley announced plans to introduce new laws to help tackle diabetes and kidney disease as part of Barbados' goal of becoming a regional hub for medical tourism and pharmaceutical manufacturing. She also reaffirmed support for natural gas as a temporary energy source while expanding renewable energy, saying it provides reliable electricity after disasters and will only be sourced from companies that meet strict methane emissions standards.

Caricom

Caricom Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett said regional integration and cooperation are vital to overcoming the Caribbean's challenges. As Caricom celebrates its 53rd anniversary, she said the organization continues to help Caribbean people build a better future through unity and mutual support. "Caricom is a strong expression of collective determination to shape our own destiny," she said. Barnett said Caricom has made major progress in areas such as regional security, disaster response, climate change, public health, and education. She added that Caricom institutions and member governments have worked together to create policies and programs that support sustainable growth and development across the Caribbean. She said Caricom's success is based on unity and determination despite the region's small size and limited resources. She praised Caribbean people for their achievements but noted that climate change and global economic uncertainty continue to pose challenges. Barnett added that Caricom remains focused on promoting economic growth, food security, crime reduction, climate resilience, regional trade, job creation, and stronger infrastructure. She stressed the need to improve transportation and digital connectivity to make it easier for people, goods, and services to move across the Caribbean community. "We remain ever mindful of the current and future needs of our young people, who deserve a region that is prosperous, technologically advanced, and full of opportunity," Barnett said. Barnett said she hopes Caricom's anniversary will strengthen regional unity and cooperation.

Cuba

Cuba's free universal healthcare system has declined significantly because of ongoing economic problems and fuel shortages, which analysts link to stricter US sanctions. The Trump administration says it will only consider lifting the sanctions if Cuba's government carries out major economic reforms and changes its system of governance. Hospitals in Cuba are facing severe shortages of medical supplies, medicines, and equipment parts, making it difficult to provide proper patient care. Food shortages have also affected patients' ability to follow prescribed diets, while many doctors and medical technicians have left the country, worsening the healthcare crisis. Cuba's economic crisis deepened after the COVID-19 pandemic, tighter US sanctions, and increased pressure on countries and companies trading with the island. These challenges led to long power outages, fuel rationing, and reduced industrial and food production. Despite Cuba's traditionally strong healthcare system and health indicators, the current crisis is alarming. A representative from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) described the situation as "shocking" because of the extent to which the healthcare system has deteriorated.

Jamaica

Jamaica's Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Horace Chang said the country's deportation transit agreement with the United States will not allow criminals to remain in Jamaica. He assured the public that the government would protect national security and would not risk the progress made in reducing violent crime. "To consider that I would bring criminals into Jamaica, from anywhere of any kind, after we have done all we have done to reduce crime and violence, it is ridiculous," Chang said. He emphasized, "No criminal will find a safe haven anywhere in Jamaica" while the current administration remains in office. The deportation transit agreement has sparked debate, with critics raising concerns about transparency and possible security risks. However, the Jamaican government says it only allows the temporary, controlled transit of third-country nationals and does not allow criminals to settle in the country. Chang also highlighted a 23% drop in homicides, saying Jamaica could record fewer than 600 murders this year because of stronger policing and investment in national security. Chang said Jamaica's Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) is assisting law enforcement agencies in several Caribbean countries. He also said the government is improving agriculture, healthcare, and land administration through a 10-year agricultural plan, faster land titling, and efforts to address informal settlements.

Trinidad and Tobago

ExxonMobil has expressed strong confidence in Trinidad and Tobago's deepwater energy sector. The company has nearly completed its first seismic survey in Block TTUD-1 and is preparing to evaluate the area's oil and gas potential. In a recent letter to Energy Minister Dr. Roodal Moonilal, ExxonMobil highlighted the progress of the exploration program and its close collaboration with the government. The project supports Trinidad and Tobago's efforts to discover new oil and gas reserves to replace declining production and secure future energy supplies. ExxonMobil met its goal of beginning seismic survey operations within six months of signing the Production Sharing Contract for Block TTUD-1. Paul Riley credited the Energy Ministry and the Environmental Management Authority for helping the project move quickly by maintaining good communication, providing guidance on regulations, responding promptly to questions, and giving timely updates on permit applications. ExxonMobil's seismic survey is almost complete, marking a major milestone in its first year in Trinidad and Tobago. The company will now analyze the seismic data, carry out detailed underground studies, and identify potential drilling sites. Decisions on whether to drill exploration wells will only be made after these studies are completed. ExxonMobil thanked the government for supporting its partnership with Anadarko Caribbean Limited, saying it strengthens the project and improves its ability to assess the block's potential. During its first contract year, ExxonMobil paid US$3.66 million to the Energy Ministry, including US$935,000 for training, research, development, and scholarships for Trinidad and Tobago nationals.