Your regional roundup from across the Caribbean 🌴

🇯🇲 Jamaica Gets US$415 Million IMF Emergency Loan

The IMF Executive Board has approved Jamaica’s request for emergency financial assistance of approximately US$415 million to help meet urgent balance-of-payments needs. This comes as the region continues to navigate economic pressures from various global factors.

Jamaica’s Finance Minister is expected to outline how these funds will be deployed to stabilize the economy and protect vulnerable populations. The country has been a model for IMF structural adjustment programs in the past, but this emergency assistance signals ongoing challenges.

🇹🇹 Caribbean Court of Justice President Visits Trinidad

Justice Winston Anderson, President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), along with Registrar and Chief Marshal Gabrielle Figaro-Jones, are currently in Port of Spain for high-level meetings. The visit comes as CARICOM continues to grapple with questions of regional integration and the role of the CCJ in Caribbean jurisprudence.

The CCJ serves as both an original and appellate court for member states that have accepted its jurisdiction – though notably, Jamaica and several other nations still use the Privy Council in London as their final court of appeal.

✈️ Caribbean Airlines Closing Barbados Hub

In a major shake-up for regional travel, Caribbean Airlines has announced it will close its Barbados operational hub in February 2026. Aircraft and crew currently positioned in Barbados will transition to operate from Trinidad.

This means travelers may face:

  • Increased connection times
  • More complex routing options
  • Higher fares on some routes due to reduced competition

The closure follows earlier cancellations of Jamaica-Florida routes in November 2025, revealing a pattern of service reductions as the airline struggles with financial sustainability.

For affected travelers: InterCaribbean Airways, LIAT 2020, and Winair continue serving many regional routes as alternatives.

🛂 US Visa Scrutiny Tightening Across the Caribbean

Caribbean nationals continue to face stricter US visa processes as the Trump administration cracks down on birth tourism and strengthens security vetting:

  • Jamaica: Under high scrutiny; visa interviews now include detailed questions on health plans and maternity costs
  • Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago: Facing delays and enhanced documentation requirements
  • Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica: Partial travel restrictions under new proclamations tied to citizenship-by-investment concerns

Existing visas issued before January 1, 2026 generally remain valid. Travelers are advised to:

  • Provide comprehensive documentation
  • Clearly articulate travel purposes
  • Have evidence of prepaid medical expenses if applicable

🇻🇪 Venezuela Fallout Affecting Regional Tourism

The ongoing US-Venezuela situation continues to create ripple effects across the Caribbean:

  • Airspace restrictions forcing flight rerouting
  • Trinidad & Tobago seeing travel uncertainty due to proximity
  • Tourist confidence shaken across the region
  • Airlines struggling to plan routes with ongoing instability

The FAA’s ban on US commercial flights operating in Venezuelan airspace remains in effect due to military activity. Caribbean destinations known for stability are working overtime to reassure travelers.

🏨 Caribbean Tourism Still Strong Despite Challenges

Despite headwinds, the region’s tourism sector remains robust:

  • Record arrivals across multiple destinations in 2025
  • Cruise season in full swing with major ports handling multiple ship calls daily
  • Luxury travel thriving in St. Barts, Turks & Caicos, and Mustique
  • Barbados focusing on eco-tourism and green hotels
  • Trinidad & Tobago attracting cultural travelers ahead of Carnival

The Caribbean Tourism Organization will host its State of the Industry Conference in Guyana this year, focusing on innovation and sustainability.

🎭 Carnival Season Approaching

Speaking of Trinidad & Tobago – Carnival is coming! The biggest party in the Caribbean is just weeks away, and the islands are gearing up:

  • Soca music in full rotation
  • Mas bands finalizing costumes
  • Fetes happening every weekend
  • Hotels nearly fully booked

For those heading down: book your accommodations NOW if you haven’t already. And pace yourself – Carnival is a marathon, not a sprint!

📰 Quick Regional Hits

  • Barbados: Eight new lifeguards certified after 2025 training program
  • Jamaica: Tourism Board projecting record year with 10% growth in stayover arrivals
  • SVG: Sailing Week 2026 countdown officially begun
  • Smart Metering: Jamaica leads region with 75%+ smart meter penetration; Barbados at nearly 100%
  • Guyana: Hosting CTO State of Industry Conference; record 453,489 visitors in 2025

🌊 Weather Outlook

The dry season continues across most of the Caribbean. Perfect beach weather, but remember:

  • Stay hydrated
  • Wear sunscreen
  • The UV index is no joke at these latitudes

Read time: 4 minutes ☕

That’s your Caribbean Brief! From Belize to Barbados, from Bahamas to Guyana – one region, one family.

DISCLAIMER: The Caribbean Daily Brief provides regional news summaries for informational purposes. For detailed coverage, please consult local news sources in each territory.