Your regional Caribbean news roundup. Because Guyana isn’t the only island making headlines! 🌴
🗳️ BARBADOS: Elections Set for February 11
Prime Minister Mia Mottley has called elections for February 11, 2026, seeking her THIRD consecutive term.
Here’s the thing: Mottley’s Barbados Labour Party won 30-0 in 2018. Then won 30-0 AGAIN in 2022. That’s every single seat. Twice.
| Election | BLP Seats | Opposition Seats |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 30 | 0 |
| 2022 | 30 | 0 |
| 2026 | ? | ? |
The question isn’t whether Mottley will win — it’s whether the Democratic Labour Party can win even ONE seat this time.
Mottley has positioned herself as a global voice on climate change and debt restructuring. At home, she’s pushing “Barbados 2.0” economic reforms. Love her or hate her, she’s dominating.
✈️ US VISA: Birth Tourism Crackdown Hits Caribbean
The United States is tightening visa rules for pregnant travelers, and Caribbean nationals are feeling the squeeze.
What’s happening: US consulates are now asking more questions about pregnancy status and due dates. Women in their third trimester may face additional scrutiny or denial.
The concern: “Birth tourism” — traveling to the US specifically to give birth so the child gets automatic US citizenship.
Caribbean impact:
- More visa interviews asking about pregnancy
- Requests for return flight documentation
- Questions about medical insurance coverage
One Guyanese traveler reported: “They asked me why I wanted to see Disney World at 7 months pregnant. I just like Mickey Mouse!”
The State Department says they’re not banning pregnant travelers — just ensuring visitors have “legitimate” tourism purposes. Uh huh.
🤖 TRINIDAD: Microsoft AI Partnership Announced
Trinidad and Tobago is going high-tech with a new Microsoft artificial intelligence partnership.
The plan:
- AI training programs for government workers
- Digital transformation of public services
- Technology hub development in Port of Spain
Minister of Digital Transformation: “This partnership will position T&T as a Caribbean leader in AI adoption.”
Meanwhile, some Trinis on social media asking if AI can fix the potholes on the Priority Bus Route. Baby steps, people.
💰 JAMAICA: IMF Back in the Picture
Jamaica is reportedly in discussions with the International Monetary Fund for additional financial assistance.
The background: Jamaica successfully completed its previous IMF program in 2019, reducing debt-to-GDP from over 140% to under 100%. It was hailed as a success story.
The current situation: Rising inflation, energy costs, and post-COVID recovery challenges have the government seeking additional support.
PM Andrew Holness: Emphasizing this is “precautionary” assistance, not emergency bailout.
Translation: “We’re not broke, we’re just… financially cautious.”
🌊 REGIONAL QUICK HITS
Antigua: Citizenship by Investment program under review after international pressure.
St. Lucia: Tourism numbers up 15% year-over-year as cruise arrivals surge.
Grenada: Spice exports hit record highs as nutmeg demand increases globally.
Suriname: Oil exploration continues in offshore blocks adjacent to Guyana.
Haiti: Political instability continues as transitional government struggles.
📊 CARIBBEAN WATCH
| Country | Big Story | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Barbados | Elections | Feb 11 |
| Trinidad | AI Partnership | Announced |
| Jamaica | IMF Talks | Ongoing |
| Guyana | Budget 2026 | Today |
| Suriname | Oil Exploration | Active |
💭 REGIONAL THOUGHT
The Caribbean in 2026: Barbados perfecting democracy, Trinidad embracing AI, Jamaica managing debt, and Guyana swimming in oil money.
Same islands, different problems. That’s the Caribbean way!
Regional news compiled from Caribbean media sources.
Sources: Barbados Today, Trinidad Express, Jamaica Gleaner, regional wire services