Caribbean

Scientists aboard the RV Falkor recovered a rare deep-sea octopus during Trinidad and Tobago’s first deep-sea expedition, with researchers now examining its DNA to determine whether it represents a previously unknown species.

The US$50-55 million rehabilitation project at V.C. Bird International Airport remains ahead of schedule, with Phase 3 substantially complete and the full upgrade still targeted for completion by September 2026.

The Bahamas will compete alongside 11 other nations at the 2026 Team Racing World Championship in Stockholm, marking the first time the keelboat event will be hosted in Europe.

The Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London heard the final appeal in Trinidad and Tobago's landmark same-sex intimacy case on Wednesday, with a written judgment expected later this year.

Premier Mark Brantley urged OECS governments to reduce their reliance on Citizenship by Investment revenues, warning that the EU's planned phase-out poses a serious economic challenge for the region.

The Barbados-London flight was cancelled after several cabin crew members were allegedly found unfit for duty following a night of heavy drinking, prompting suspensions and an internal investigation.

Grenada’s men's 4x400m relay team clocked 3:05.77 at the Barbados Grand Prix, finishing just 0.13 seconds outside the national record in one of the country's fastest relay performances.

While travellers report long appointment delays and slow passport processing, the Ministry of Homeland Security says there is no shortage of passport booklets and enough stock remains during the move to biometric e-passports.

Dominica will take over the rotating chairmanship of the ECCB Monetary Council during a ceremony that will also mark the 50th anniversary of the EC dollar's peg to the US dollar.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett were seen speaking ahead of the CARICOM Heads of Government meeting, signalling continued diplomatic engagement despite recent disagreements.

The government says the Citizenship by Investment Programme will remain in place, arguing it is a vital source of revenue while Antigua and Barbuda continues discussions with the European Union.

Citizens of Barbados and Guyana can now travel between the two countries using ICAO-compliant national ID cards instead of passports under a new bilateral travel arrangement that took effect on July 1.

Prime Minister Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit urged eligible Dominicans to complete the voter confirmation process, saying the Electoral Commission's role is to provide registration opportunities, not compel citizens to register.

The additional daily service will operate from December 17, 2026, to April 5, 2027, increasing airlift during the peak winter travel season.

TravelPulse highlighted Nevis as the birthplace of Alexander Hamilton, featuring immersive attractions including The Trial of Hamilton & Nelson and the Alexander Hamilton Island Tour.

Dr. Terrance Drew called on CARICOM leaders to settle disagreements privately and work together on regional challenges, saying unity is essential to address security, economic and development issues.

Police are investigating the fatal shooting of Amar Bissoon in St Augustine after he became the fourth member of the Bissoon family to die in violent incidents since 2018.

Michael Pintard has urged police to conduct a forensic review of Top Notch Builders' finances, saying new information raises questions about the company's possible links to an ongoing drug trafficking investigation.

Belize remains free of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, but BAHA has urged poultry producers and the public to strengthen biosecurity and report sick or dead birds following outbreaks in Honduras and Costa Rica.

Event organisers must notify the Ministry of Health, meet public health requirements, and obtain permits before hosting mass gatherings during Barbados' busy festival season.