Good morning, Caribbean! 🌴
Carnival Tuesday is tomorrow in Trinidad, Barbados has a brand new cabinet, Maduro pleaded not guilty in New York, and the US is making it harder for Caribbean nationals to visit. Your Monday regional roundup.
🎭 Trinidad: J’ouvert Done, Parade of the Bands Tomorrow
Carnival Monday is winding down in Trinidad after a J’ouvert that started before dawn and a full day of revelry through Port of Spain, Tunapuna, and beyond. Police confiscated an impressive collection of weapons during early morning exercises — because some people apparently think Carnival is a medieval tournament.
Tomorrow is the big one: Parade of the Bands on Carnival Tuesday. The country will be functionally closed. Don’t call anyone in Trinidad tomorrow unless it’s an emergency.
🇧🇧 Barbados: Mottley’s New Cabinet Sworn In
The Barbados Labour Party’s new cabinet was sworn in today at CARIFESTA House following Mia Mottley’s historic third consecutive election victory. Mottley called on Barbadians to “fall in love with our country again” and promised electoral reform.
Meanwhile, opposition leader Ralph Thorne couldn’t even vote on election day because his name was missing from the register. When you can’t participate in the democracy you’re trying to lead, that’s a special kind of bad day.
🇻🇪 Maduro Pleads Not Guilty in New York
Nicolas Maduro appeared in a New York federal court and pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking charges, telling the court “I am still president.” The UN has expressed alarm over the escalating conflict in Venezuela.
Caribbean nations continue to watch nervously — Venezuela’s instability has direct implications for energy supply, migration, and regional security.
🇨🇺 Cuba Crisis Deepens — Students Affected
The fuel crisis in Cuba is worsening under a tightened US embargo. Both Jamaica and Guyana have students on the island whose studies are being disrupted. Jamaica’s government is considering what support to provide; Guyana has 45 students affected.
🏏 West Indies Cruising in T20 World Cup
The West Indies maintained their perfect record in the T20 World Cup with a nine-wicket win over Nepal, clinching a spot in the Super 8s. Jason Holder took four wickets. Caribbean cricket fans celebrating across the region — well, the ones not busy with Carnival.
Stay Caribbean. Stay informed. 🌊
The Caribbean Daily Brief — Regional news for people who care about more than one island.