Pulse of the Caribbean

#71 Caribbean News Round Up Episode 4 Week of June 30

• Pulse of the Caribbean

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Significant developments across the region, with major court rulings, policy shifts, and economic investments are making headlines throughout the Caribbean and its diaspora. as highlighted in the latest Pulse of the Caribbean News Roundup. 

  • US Judge Brian Kogan ruled DHS Secretary cannot partially remove the 18-month TPS extension for Haitians
  • Trump administration implements stricter Cuba policies to include a travel ban
  • The Bolivarian Alliance sharply criticized US policy toward Cuba 
  • CFAL forms $10M private equity fund for renewable energy projects in the Bahamas
  • La Concha Resort becomes Puerto Rico's first Marriott Autograph Collection hotel following $80.2M renovation
  • Guyana's Global Super League T20 cricket tournament combines sports with ecotourism promotion
  • US Virgin Islands celebrating Emancipation Day marking the end of slavery in the Danish West Indies on July 3, 1848 

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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. Register now for the 5K, 10k and Half Marathon. August 30th, labor Day weekend, st Thomas, us, virgin Islands. Special rates for on-island accommodations are now available. And Diamond Key, marina, yosemite, British Virgin Islands home of Foxy's Taboo and Gateway to the Bubbly Pool.

Speaker 2:

A News Roundup, episode 4, for the week of June 30th. Here's a look at what's making Caribbean headlines. We start our report at the US court ruling on temporary protected status for Haitians in the United States. A US federal judge ruled on Tuesday that the US Department of Homeland Security Secretary, kristen Noem, exceeded her legal authority when she attempted to shorten the temporary protected status extension for over 500,000 Haitians originally given under the Biden administration. Us Judge Brian Kogan of the federal court in New York City ruled that NOAA could not partially remove the 18-month extension set to last until February 3, 2026. The judge noted that tens of thousands of Haitians depend on temporary protected status for legal residency employment permits and that the unexpected shift caused significant harm. Now the court has reversed that. Nine Haitians with temporary protected status filed a case. Judge Kogan stated that the finding applies to all Haitian temporary protected status applicants due to Administrative Procedure Act violations.

Speaker 2:

Under the Trump administration, the US federal government had ordered temporary protected status beneficiaries to apply for a new immigration status or leave the country by September 2nd. The court judgment repeals that requirement. The court judgment repeals that requirement. Former US President Biden administration restored temporary protected status in July 2024. The ruling restores protected status for 521,000 Haitians. Disaster-stricken, conflict-torn countries receive temporary protected status for humanitarian immigration. Sociopolitical turmoil has kept Haiti on temporary protected status since 2010, when it was hit by a magnitude 7 earthquake.

Speaker 2:

In other news, a new order by US President Donald Trump is tightening US-Cuba's economic sanctions and tourism ban. A White House source told Reuters that the order seeks to take a tougher stance against Cuba than the Biden administration. To prevent tourism from circumventing sanctions, the regulation requires quarterly audits and complete travel records for at least five years. According to the administration, tourism increases the Cuban government's revenue and undermines enforcement. The agreement also supports civil society in Cuba by promoting free Internet, press, private enterprise and freedom of association. Juan Carlos Garcia Granda, cuba's tourism minister, suggests a regional visa similar to the Shenzhen visa in Europe to facilitate travel and attract international tourists. He said this would eliminate border bureaucracy and allow the region to benefit from long-distance tourism.

Speaker 2:

In related news, the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America People Trade Treaty sharply criticized the US policy on Tuesday that strengthens economic aggressions and blockades against Cuba. The group criticized Washington's choice to reactivate and update the presidential memorandum, number five from the Trump administration, which makes the US blockade against Cuba stronger. The group asserted that the decision shows that the US is trying harder to compel regime change and disrupt Cuba's major industries, such as tourism, health care, migration, cultural and academic interaction and access to technology. The member states reaffirmed their commitment to peace, security, diplomacy, non-interference and the right to self-determination. The Alliance for the Peoples of our America's People Trade Treaty is an intergovernmental group made up of Antigua and Barbuda, bolivia, cuba, dominica, grenada, nicaragua, st Kitts and Nevis, st Vincent and the Grenadines, st Lucia and Venezuela. Its goal is to bring together Latin America and Caribbean countries socially, politically and economically.

Speaker 2:

Now on to the Bahamas. The Bahamas' leading independent investment management and advising business, cfaw, has formed a private equity fund to invest in two new public electricity suppliers prepared to deliver clean energy to New Providence and the family island in the Bahamas. The fund was created as a segregated accounts company to allocate different classes of shares to independent projects, thus avoiding the commingling of assets and liabilities for various investments. According to CFAW, a and B shares will be offered by CFAW to raise $10 million for a 10% investment in EA Energy Limited and Island Power Producers Limited. The government of the Bahamas picked EA Energy to build a renewable energy plant on Abaco and Elethra. Solar and liquefied natural gas will power those plants under a 25-year power purchase agreement with the government. According to CFAW's explanatory page, cfaw reported in March that EA Energy was seeking $132 million in finance and equity financing for its Abaco and Elethra renewable energy projects. In EA Energy, bahamian investors will hold 65% and a Turkish partner 35%. Quarter 2, 2026 is projected completion date for the 140 million dollar project for the new providence cruise ship terminal.

Speaker 2:

Island power producers limited will provide and offer liquefied natural gas shore power. The informational document states that seafall will develop a natural gas power plant, regasification and storage facilities to supply liquefied natural gas to other family islands. The Segregated Accounts Company Fund, registered by the Securities Commission of the Bahamas, will give investors stock in private Bahamas enterprises according to Seafall. Stock in private Bahamas enterprises. According to Seafall. For the fund, seafall says the minimum investment is $1,000 and there is no maximum. Next up, la Concha Resort, puerto Rico becomes the first Marriott Autograph Collection Hotel in Puerto Rico.

Speaker 2:

After this, ready to lace up your shoes, experience paradise and say I'm an overcomer? This Labor Day weekend, august 30th, join us for the Victory Run Walk in beautiful St Thomas, us Virgin Islands, sponsored by the US Virgin Islands Department of Tourism. Imagine yourself running along the beautiful waterfront and pushing yourself to achieve your personal best. The Victory Run Walk is more than just a race. It's a community celebration. It's a chance to challenge yourself, connect with friends and experience the unparalleled beauty of St Thomas. Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or just starting your fitness journey, we have to race for you. Choose from the exhilarating 5K, the challenging 10K or the ultimate test, the half marathon. And it's not just about the run. Bring the whole family, enjoy post-race festivities and the unforgettable island vibe. Don't miss out on this incredible event. Register today at VictoryRunWalkVIcom. Sign up now and secure your spot in the Victory Run St Thomas Labor Day weekend, august 30th. Get ready to say I'm an overcomer. Be there to celebrate. We'll see you at the finish line.

Speaker 2:

This is the pulse of the caribbean news roundup, episode four for the week of june 30th, one of san juan, puerto rico's most iconic oceanfront destinations, la Concha Resort, has joined Marriott International's autograph collection. The hotel's 80.2 million property-wide renovation, including the opening of Japanese restaurant Tika levant by chef Michael White in the hotel's oceanfront shell-shaped structure. Hotel's oceanfront shell-shaped structure, alamara Spa and Salon. The new Aqua Oceanfront Restaurant. A lobby transformation and redesign of the suite tower with 238 rooms and suites with new amenities. The redesign was done by Solano Design. The redesign was done by Solano Design. The resort becomes Puerto Rico's first autograph collection hotel as a part of Merritt's collection of over 30 hotel brands. Puerto Rico's Governor, jennifer Gonzalez, and other public and private sector figures attended the inauguration of the renovated hotel, led by Paulson Puerto Rico and Condado Collection owner, john Paulson.

Speaker 2:

In other tourism news out of Guyana, the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League GSLT20, is bringing cricket to Guyana's stunning landscapes and thriving communities In a bold and exciting approach. The league's stars from around the world will go on regional tours celebrating ecotourism, cultural history and local connections in Guyana. The GSL is embracing Guyana's grandeur while providing fans with a unique chance to interact with their cricketing heroes. The experience begins with all teams visiting Cuyahoga Falls, one of the world's most beautiful single drop waterfalls. Cricketers from around the world will stand together in awe of one of nature's greatest treasures in Guyana, symbolizing unity. The unique encounter will occur during the first two weeks of July before the intense cricket tournaments. Along with global cricket, the GSL T20 will feature global super concerts with local and regional stars over multiple nights from July 10th to July 18th.

Speaker 2:

And here's our final note the US Virgin Islands is celebrating Emancipation Day, which commemorates the end of slavery in the Danish West Indies on July 3, 1848. This day honors the strength and determination of enslaved Africans who fought for and reclaimed their freedom 177 years ago. Enslaved Africans worked on sugar cane farms under difficult conditions. This repressive climate sparked multiple revolts, notably a six-month uprising on St John in 1733. On July 3, 1848, nearly 8,000 enslaved people, commanded by Moses Gottlieb, known as General Butto, began a nonviolent insurrection on St Croix. The insurrection overwhelmed Danish Governor Peter van Schulten, who ordered the liberation of all enslaved people in the Danish West Indies. We say happy Emancipation Day to the people of the US Virgin Islands.

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. August 30th, labor Day weekend St Thomas, us Virgin Islands Special rates on island accommodations are now available. Islands Special rates on island accommodations are now available. 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? Send news releases to news at pulseofthegribbeancom. This has been your Pulse of the Caribbean News Roundup, episode 4 for the week of June 30th. Here's a shout out to our listeners in Haiti and in Washington DC area. 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 the diaspora.

Speaker 1:

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