Your weekly satirical roundup of Caribbean news beyond Guyana’s borders. Because the drama doesn’t stop at one country.
🇯🇲 JAMAICA: $415 Million IMF Bailout — Because Even Paradise Needs Cash
The IMF Executive Board has approved Jamaica’s request for US$415 million in emergency financial assistance.
Why? To meet “urgent balance-of-payments needs.”
Translation: The books looking rough and they need help quick.
Jamaica — land of reggae, jerk chicken, and apparently, fiscal emergencies. But don’t worry, the beaches still beautiful and the resorts still full. The tourists don’t need to know about the balance sheet.
Meanwhile: Jamaica Tourist Board projecting 10% growth in stayover arrivals for 2025. So the country broke but the hotels booked. Economics is wild.
✈️ CARIBBEAN AIRLINES: Closing Barbados Hub — Chaos Incoming
Breaking: Caribbean Airlines will close its Barbados operational hub in February 2026.
Aircraft and crew currently based in Barbados will relocate to Trinidad. Routes between Trinidad, Barbados, Tortola, and San Juan already suspended.
What This Means:
- Longer connection times through the region
- More complex routing for Caribbean travel
- Higher fares on certain routes (competition dropping)
- Jamaica-Florida routes already cancelled in November 2025
Caribbean Airlines struggling with “financial sustainability.” Passengers with confirmed reservations are getting full refunds.
The Upside: Avelo Airlines expanding into Caribbean markets from New Orleans, Tampa, and Providence. Budget travel options increasing even as the flagship carrier retreats.
🇺🇸 US VISA CRACKDOWN: Birth Tourism Target Across Caribbean
The Trump administration is implementing stricter visa scrutiny across the Caribbean in 2026 targeting birth tourism.
Countries Affected:
- Barbados
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Jamaica
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Dominica
- Grenada
What’s Changing:
- Enhanced interviews for B1/B2 visa applicants
- Deeper examination of travel intent
- Questions about pregnancy and maternity plans
- Potential processing delays
The Reality: Caribbean nationals who previously traveled to the US for maternity care may need to reconsider. If you pregnant and applying for tourist visa, expect QUESTIONS.
Existing visas issued before January 1, 2026 remain valid. But new applications? Prepare for scrutiny.
🇻🇪 VENEZUELA CONFLICT: Caribbean Tourism Feeling the Ripple
The ongoing US-Venezuela situation continues to affect regional travel:
Flight Disruptions:
- FAA banned US commercial flights from Venezuelan airspace
- Routing through the region now more complex
- Trinidad and Tobago facing uncertainty due to proximity
Tourism Impact:
- Jamaica, Aruba, Barbados, Puerto Rico all experiencing ripple effects
- Flight cancellations and rerouting common
- Travel advisories causing booking hesitation
Trinidad and Tobago: While not directly involved, the island facing increased travel disruption and “spillover” concerns from the Venezuela situation.
Caribbean tourism — usually smooth sailing — now navigating geopolitical turbulence.
📊 CARIBBEAN TOURISM: Record 2025, Uncertain 2026
Despite everything, 2025 was a record year for Caribbean tourism:
| Destination | Status |
|---|---|
| Barbados | Near-capacity bookings |
| Jamaica | 10% growth projected |
| Antigua & Barbuda | Strong arrivals |
| St. Lucia | Winter peak performing |
| Trinidad & Tobago | Carnival approaching |
Cruise Season: In full swing with multiple ship calls daily at major ports.
Private Aviation: Spiked during holiday season as wealthy travelers flock to St. Barts, Turks & Caicos, and Mustique.
The Caribbean entered 2026 with “sun-drenched confidence” — but the clouds on the horizon getting darker.
🇹🇹 TRINIDAD & TOBAGO: Carnival Countdown
With all the regional chaos, let’s not forget: Carnival 2026 approaching!
Trinidad gearing up for its biggest tourism event of the year. Soca music blasting, costumes getting finalized, and fete tickets selling.
If you planning to visit, book NOW. Flights getting complicated with Caribbean Airlines restructuring.
Also: CCJ President Justice Winston Anderson and Registrar Gabrielle Figaro-Jones holding important regional judicial meetings.
🇧🇧 BARBADOS: Sailing Week 2026 Launches
Despite losing Caribbean Airlines hub, Barbados pushing forward with major events.
Barbados Sailing Week 2026 officially launched with a signing ceremony.
Also:
- Eight new lifeguards trained
- New semi-professional cricket league launching
- IMMAF looking to expand mixed martial arts development
Barbados — handling airline turbulence with yacht races and beach safety. Priorities straight.
🌊 THE WEEK AHEAD
Watch For:
- Caribbean Airlines hub closure fallout
- More US visa processing delays
- Venezuela situation developments
- Trinidad Carnival preparations
- Jamaica’s IMF programme details
The Caribbean Brief: All the regional news that’s fit to satirize.
For Guyana-specific coverage, check out today’s Daily Brief.