Caribbean

Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre said the IMF expects Dominica’s economy to expand by 3.1% in 2026, following an estimated 4.5% growth in 2025 driven by tourism, construction and trade.

Four years after taking office, the Drew administration highlights progress in water security, renewable energy, education, healthcare, infrastructure and social programmes as it enters its fifth year in government.

The Meteorological Service forecasts above-average temperatures across both islands from August to October, while Tobago is expected to receive below-normal rainfall that could affect water supplies and agriculture.

Scheduled airline capacity across the Caribbean fell by 4.2% in July 2026, removing about 200,000 seats and raising concerns over regional connectivity, tourism and economic activity.

The government has identified 24 locations for the rollout, with six more to be confirmed, as part of a four-month plan to strengthen security, improve police visibility and enhance public safety across communities.

The official calendar features events from August 1 to October 25, including cultural celebrations, national ceremonies, youth programmes, sporting activities and community events leading up to Independence Day on September 19.

Dominica will present its EC$1.119 billion National Budget today, with Associate Times bringing you live updates on every major announcement, sector allocation, and key measure as it happens.

The 2026/2027 National Budget is expected to outline Dominica's spending priorities, including healthcare, education, infrastructure, job creation and economic measures for the new financial year.

Deputy Prime Minister Ernest Hilaire praised Julien Alfred as Saint Lucia marked two years since she became the country's first Olympic medallist with her historic 100m gold in Paris.

Search teams recovered the bodies of a five-year-old Venezuelan girl and an adult man after an overloaded migrant boat carrying 29 people capsized shortly after leaving Los Iros Beach in southern Trinidad.

Richards claimed silver in the men's 400m, while cyclist Nicholas Paul secured another silver and the women's 4x100m relay team earned bronze as Trinidad and Tobago enjoyed another successful day at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne said Antigua and Barbuda has addressed all US security concerns surrounding its Citizenship by Investment Programme and is seeking a review of the visa restrictions imposed on its citizens.

A site visit on August 4 will mark the start of the rehabilitation project, with construction set to begin shortly after under an EC$898,000 contract awarded to CR5 Limited.

Both Dominican teams were coached by Yannick Regis, who guided the boys’ and girls’ squads to basketball championship victories at the 2026 Windward Islands School Games in Saint Lucia.

The government plans to strengthen anti-terrorism laws, expand intelligence-sharing with the United States and CARICOM, improve border security, and disrupt terrorist financing.

Consumers are now paying between 53 cents and BBD $2.68 less for four LPG cylinder sizes after the revised retail prices took effect across Barbados from midnight on August 2.

The facility is expected to produce two million gallons of potable water daily, significantly improving water security and providing 24-hour access to around 70 percent of St. Kitts' population.

The 22-year-old sprinter claimed silver in the women’s 200m final with a time of 22.35 seconds, earning Trinidad and Tobago a podium finish at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

The four-day festival features drag racing, stunt exhibitions, entertainment and an island tour, with participants from across the Caribbean, Brazil and the United States boosting tourism activity.

The cargo flight, operated by Atlas Air on behalf of Caribbean Airlines, landed safely at Norman Manley International Airport after declaring an emergency en route from Miami to Kingston.