🌴 Good Morning, Caribbean! Here’s your regional roundup for Sunday, February 8, 2026.

🚢 US MILITARY DESTROYING BOATS IN THE CARIBBEAN — AT LEAST 80 DEAD

The biggest story in the region remains the US military’s ongoing operations near Venezuela. Since September, American forces have destroyed multiple vessels in international waters, killing at least 80 people in what Washington calls anti-drug-smuggling strikes. The most advanced US aircraft carrier is now stationed in the Caribbean Sea, with nearly a dozen Navy ships and 12,000 personnel deployed to the region.

US Senator Peter Welch has expressed alarm at the mobilisation of National Guard troops, warships, and fighter jets. The FAA temporarily closed airspace over much of the Caribbean on Saturday after a surprise strike, though flights resumed Sunday. For a region that depends on tourism and air travel, every airspace closure is a direct hit to the economy.

🇯🇲 JAMAICA GETS US$415M EMERGENCY IMF LOAN POST-HURRICANE MELISSA

The Caribbean Development Bank and IMF have approved Jamaica’s request for approximately US$415 million in emergency financial assistance following Hurricane Melissa, which struck as a Category 5 storm in October 2025, killing at least 19 people. Jamaica’s Ministry of Entertainment separately reported raising an estimated J$200 million from its ‘I Love Jamaica’ concert series to support recovery.

The island is still rebuilding. The money helps, but Category 5 scars take years to heal.

🇹🇹 TRINIDAD DEFENCE MINISTER: “OUR AIRSPACE IS FINE, STOP PANICKING”

Trinidad and Tobago’s Defence Minister Wayne Sturge has dismissed social media claims that the country’s airspace has been restricted, insisting all aviation operations remain “normal and fully functional.” Meanwhile, T&T Prime Minister is set to address Caribbean Energy Week 2026 amid a multi-billion-dollar energy investment surge.

When the government has to publicly deny that the airspace is closed, the situation is already not normal. But sure — everything is fine.

🏏 T20 WORLD CUP KICKS OFF — WEST INDIES BEAT SCOTLAND

The ICC T20 World Cup has officially begun in India and Sri Lanka! West Indies opened their campaign with a victory over Scotland, powered by Shimron Hetmyer’s explosive half-century. The team had tuned up with a T20I series against Afghanistan in Dubai.

Cricket West Indies also unveiled new playing kits in partnership with Macron. Fresh threads, fresh start. Let’s see if the bat can back it up through the tournament.

🇻🇨 ST. VINCENT GETS US$3M FROM TAIWAN + SVG SAILING WEEK COUNTDOWN

Taiwan has donated US$3 million to support St. Vincent’s social relief programmes — a reminder that Taiwan continues to invest heavily in its Caribbean diplomatic allies. Meanwhile, SVG Sailing Week 2026 has officially launched with a media ceremony.

🍽️ BAHAMA BREEZE CLOSING ALL LOCATIONS — END OF AN ERA

Bahama Breeze, the Caribbean-inspired restaurant chain that was a staple for diaspora diners across the US, is closing ALL remaining locations. For generations of Caribbean-Americans, this was the spot for jerk chicken and a tropical cocktail without buying a plane ticket. Gone.

🎵 STEPHEN “CAT” COORE OF THIRD WORLD DIES SUDDENLY

Reggae legend Stephen “Cat” Coore, co-founder of the iconic band Third World, has died suddenly. The band gave us classics that defined Caribbean music for decades. The entire region mourns. Rest in power.

🏝️ QUICK HITS

  • CPL 2026 Finals tickets now on general sale (INews Guyana)
  • CCJ President visits Trinidad for judicial consultations (Caribbean Today)
  • Dominican Republic opens “tourism war” with Mexico — beach beats and diplomacy (eTurboNews)
  • Bahamas ex-police officer to be sentenced Feb 25 over cocaine seizure case (Caribbean Today)
  • US H-2B visa expansion — 64,716 supplemental visas added for 2026 (Caribbean National Weekly)
  • Caribbean Tourism Organization SOTIC conference coming to Guyana for first time (INews Guyana)

That’s your Caribbean Brief. The US is running naval operations like it’s 1898, Jamaica is rebuilding, Trinidad is pretending everything is fine, and the cricket has started. Have a blessed Sunday, Caribbean. 🌴

The Caribbean Daily Brief covers regional news from a Guyanese perspective. All stories sourced from regional media. Read original sources for full context.