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Pulse of the Caribbean
The Pulse of the Caribbean Podcast with Kysha captures the Caribbean spirit. Listen to the latest news from the region, interviews with beautiful Caribbean people making exceptional contributions worldwide, and travel with us as we highlight destinations and activities. Inspirational messages are also shared. Experience the essence of the Caribbean right here.
Pulse of the Caribbean
#60 Caribbean News Round Up Episode 1 Week of June 16
The Caribbean faces significant shifts as the US considers visa restrictions for four Eastern Caribbean nations with citizenship-by-investment programs, while other islands tackle financial regulation challenges and pursue new economic opportunities. Tourism officials express concern about potential travel disruptions if the US implements its proposed restrictions against Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Lucia.
- US State Department Puts 4 Caribbean Nations On Watch List Over Citizenship-By-Investment Programs
- British Virgin Islands Placed On FATF "Gray List" Due To Financial Services Industry Deficiencies
- Barbados Opens Its First Medicinal Cannabis Dispensary Within A Regulated Framework
- Dominican Republic Coffee Exports Surge 106.6% To $41.1 Million In 2024
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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. Register now for the 5K, 10k and Half Marathon. Labor Day weekend St Thomas, us Virgin Islands, and Diamond Key. Marina, yosvendike, british Virgin Islands. Home of Foxy's Taboo and Gateway to the Bubbly Pool, a natural jacuzzi and hidden gem.
Speaker 2:Welcome to the Pulse of the caribbean news roundup, episode one for the week of june 16th. Here's a look at what's making caribbean headlines. We start a report at the us state department. A new us state department watch list includes four of five eastern caribbean states promoting citizenship by investment. In a leaked State Department memo acquired by the Washington Post, the Trump administration is considering visa bans or other restrictions for 36 more nations, including Antigua and Barbuda, dominica, st Kitts and Nevis and St Lucia. The four Caribbean countries cited in the document have defended their Promoting Citizenship by Investment program as legitimate economic development tools, with protections including rigorous due diligence. The memo cites concerns about selling citizenship without residency. Other areas mentioned in the memo included anti-American activity in the United States by people of designated countries. The memo, signed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and sent to US Foreign Post over the weekend, gives the named states 60 days to achieve new goals and to submit an initial action plan to meet the requirements. According to the Washington Post, caribbean officials fear restrictions could hurt tourism. Airlines and visa offices expect route planning and travel demand problems.
Speaker 2:Now on to the British Virgin Islands. Financial Action Task Force has placed the British Virgin Islands on their gray list, meaning the territory is still addressing major financial service industry inadequacies. Financial Action Task Force sets money laundering and terrorism financing rules worldwide. In its 2024 Mutual Review Report, the British Virgin Islands identified corporate beneficial owner system deficiencies. During a crucial Financial Action Task Force meeting in Europe last week, the British Virgin Islands delegation confirmed its gray list status. A government statement claimed the British Virgin Islands is under Financial Action Task Force increased monitoring to improve its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing system due to its graylist position. Goals should be met in two years. The financial services industry, which accounts for 60 percent of British Virgin Islands revenue, has improved. Last year, nearly 20 laws were amended and improved, including the Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Code of Practice and the Proliferation Financing Prohibition Act.
Speaker 2:Our next stop is Barbados. Barbados opened its first medicinal cannabis dispensary, a major industry milestone for Barbados. The government, ministers, medical, academic and Rastafarian leaders attended a Friday evening ceremony at Worthington Christ Church to launch Island Therapeutics Inc. From seed to sale, cannabis is grown and sold locally in Barbados. Shanika Roberts-Odell, ceo of the Barbados Medicinal Cannabis Licensing Authority, said the new facility is part of a highly regulated environment and working to standards. She stressed that walk-ins cannot buy medicinal cannabis. Barbados has clear laws. Medicinal cannabis is legal. Doctors prescribe and pharmacists dispense it. The recreational use of cannabis is not, she said. Since 2019, the Medicinal Cannabis Business Bill, the Barbados Medicinal Cannabis Licensing Authority, the medicinal cannabis business bill, the barbados medicinal cannabis license and authority has approved at least 11 licenses and awarded 30 licenses across the business.
Speaker 2:Now we head to the bahamas. According to the deputy director general of the bahamas ministry of tourism, investment and aviation, bahamas air will begin picking up Silver Airways Old Family Island routes on June 22nd and will announce the changes by the end of the week. Last week, silver Airways, which provided service to the Bahamas and other Caribbean routes, ended its service. Bahamas Air has begun selling seats to islands in the Bahamas affected by Silver Airways closure. According to Aviation Director, dr Keith Romo, flights to family islands are crucial. Flights to family islands are crucial. Nasa receives a lot of airlifts, but our family islands are worried, he said. Silver airways serves marsh harbor, georgetown, north ulethra and bimini. Bahamas air will take over these routes. Bah Bahamas Air has increased schedules and resumed routes to family islands, including Exima and Freeport, to fill Silver Airways gaps. On June 22-23, the Bahamas Air will release new itineraries to capitalize on summer travel, with tourism expected to perform well. The airline's fleet and capacity is ready to satisfy the demand.
Speaker 2:Next up, dominican Coffee export on the rise. After this, get ready for Victory Run Walk 2025. Registration is open for the Virgin Islands 5K, 10k and half marathon. Register at VictoryRunWalkVIcom.
Speaker 2:Whether you're a Caribbean national or just want to learn more about the Caribbean, you've got the right podcast. In our newest feature, the Pulse of the Caribbean podcast interview segment, episode number 50, meet Israel Peterson, culture bearer and teacher, as he shares the rich tradition of Mukajumbi stilt dancing and its deep cultural significance in the US Virgin Islands. His passion for preserving this African heritage shines through as he recounts his personal journey from childhood fascination to becoming a master practitioner. Pulse of the Caribbean podcast Listen online on our website for the week of June 16. Of 41.1 million US dollars in 2024, up 106.6 percent from the previous year, mainly due to national initiatives to enhance production and target international markets, particularly Puerto Rico and the United States. According to the Dominican Gastronomic Observatory, this rise is a result of strong state policies that encourage agriculture, as well as a cultural resurgence that recognizes coffee as a national identity and quality icon. From 2019 to 2023, coffee production increased by 68%, reviving the industry. For the first time in years, the country is exporting more coffee than it imports. And here's our final note Cayman Airways International Jet Flights now offer Sir Turtle Skybrew a K-brew exclusive, in an effort to promote local collaborations and give an authentic Kamanian flying experience.
Speaker 2:Cal claimed the new brew merges Kamanian pride, craftsmanship and innovation. In recent months, leadership teams from boat organizations tasted on the ground and in the air to find the optimal blend for 30,000 feet, where dry air and reduced pressure affects taste. Paul Tibbetts came in Airways Executive Vice President for Commercial Affairs and Chief Financial Officer said Sky Brew complements the company's world-class Kemanian brand and hospitality. This podcast is brought to you by Victory Run Walk, sponsored by the US Virgin Islands Department of Tourism. Register now for the 5K, 10k and Half Marathon. Labor Day weekend St Thomas, us Virgin Islands, and Diamond Key, marina, yosvendike, 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 sponsoring our podcast, email us at biz B-I-Z at pulseofthecaribbeancom. This has been your Pulse of the Caribbean News Roundup, episode 1, for the week of June 16th.
Speaker 1:I'm Keisha Blyden. See you next time. 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.