Dominican activists are protesting against a new penal code that maintains a total ban on abortion, reduces penalties for marital sexual violence, and excludes protections for sexual orientation. The bill, approved by the Senatelast month, is pending final green light. Critics say it endangers women’s lives and discriminates against the LGBTQ+ community. (Associated Press)
The new code keeps the Dominican Republic as one of only five countries in the Caribbean and Latin America with a total abortion ban that includes incarceration for those seeking or performing abortions, according to Human Rights Watch.
Abortion in the Dominican Republic is illegal in all circumstances, including rape and incest. Medical procedures are not permitted to save a woman’s life or when the fetus is inviable. The law has been in effect since 1884 and women face up to two years in prison for having an abortion, while the penalties for doctors or midwives range from five to 20 years. (The Guardian)
“The penal code that the Senate approved does not represent us,” said Rosalba Díaz, from the Dominican Inclusive Lesbian Community. “And what does this mean? That now, people who have a different sexual orientation, or gender identity, will be at risk of facing constant discrimination”, she told the Associated Press.
Migration
Cuba’s government said 10 percent of the country’s population — more than a million people — left the island between 2022 and 2023, the largest migration wave in Cuban history — Miami Herald. On a far smaller scale, a low birthrate and high number of deaths also contributed to a massive fall in Cuba’s population.
The Migration Law project in Cuba, set to be approved soon, introduces new guarantees for migrants, allowing the acquisition and maintenance of effective residency through cumulative periods of stay and evidence of ties to the country. It also recognizes the right of Cubans residing abroad to use and manage their properties in Cuba. Simultaneously, the Council of State approved regulations to control the non-state sector, imposing price caps on essential products and updating regulations for self-employment, cooperatives, and SMEs. (La Joven Cuba)
As the number of vacant homes in Cuba increases due to emigration, a new profession of caretaking these empty properties has emerged. Despite the growing number of empty houses, the official stance has largely ignored the situation, while many Cubans live in overcrowded conditions. Caretakers like Dayana manage these vacant properties, providing maintenance and security. (14 y Medio)
Regional Relations
U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump has promised to maintain a hardline stance on Cuba, requiring three conditions for normalizing relations: releasing political prisoners, holding free elections with international observers, and ending the exportation of its revolutionary ideology. These demands echo policies from Trump's previous term, which critics argue are interventionist and ineffective at fostering democratic values in Cuba. (La Joven Cuba)
Democratic Governance
On July 22, 2019, one of the largest protests in Puerto Rico's history took place in San Juan, where hundreds of thousands of people gathered to demand the resignation of former governor Ricardo Rosselló. This protest culminated after ten consecutive days of demonstrations triggered by the release of a Telegram chat that revealed abuses of power by Rosselló and his allies. (CPI)
Aging populations and declining workforces in Caribbean countries, such as Barbados, pose significant challenges in sustaining tax revenues needed for pensions, healthcare, and education. Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados highlighted the crisis, suggesting immigration as a solution to bolster the working population and increase productivity. Successful examples like Antigua and Barbuda demonstrate that planned, orderly immigration can help maintain social services and support economic growth. (Menafn)
Climate and Environmental Justice
In the Climate Conscious Podcast, Kendria Ferguson emphasizes the significant social costs of major hurricanes on Caribbean communities, using Hurricane Beryl as a case study. She advocates for a bottom-up approach to disaster risk management and climate resilience in the Caribbean. Listen.
Despite claims of green credentials, cruise ships, including those powered by liquefied natural gas, are not environmentally sustainable. The cruise industry's growth exacerbates environmental impacts, including high CO2 and sulphur oxide emissions, waste, and noise pollution. (BBC)
The response to Hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean has highlighted the critical importance of Disaster Risk Reduction strategies and Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems in mitigating damage and protecting lives. (Relief Web)
The devastating impact of Hurricane Beryl on the Caribbean, particularly on Union Island and its significant environmental restoration project at Ashton Lagoon, underscores the urgent need for sustainable livelihoods and resilience against climate change. (Petchary’s Blog)
The Jamaica Environment Trust is urging the Jamaican government to support a moratorium on deep sea mining, citing the significant environmental risks and uncertainties. (Petchary’s Blog)
Five years after Hurricane Dorian devastated the Bahamas in 2019, survivors like Shervante Nixon still struggle with trauma. The storm exposed systemic vulnerabilities, including inadequate housing and socio-economic inequalities. Despite immediate relief efforts, long-term recovery focuses on resilience and equity. (Global Voices)
Beyond material reconstruction, Hurricane Beryl highlighted deep-rooted issues of climate injustice, inadequate infrastructure, and systemic vulnerabilities. The impact was catastrophic, particularly in the southern Grenadines, where many areas were described as "flattened" and "devastated." Recovery efforts have been complicated by misinformation, inadequate disaster preparedness, and unequal distribution of aid. (Global Voices)
Human Rights
The Barbados Homicide Database launch provides public access to detailed crime data on homicides in Barbados, dating back to 2017. This initiative aims to enhance transparency, raise awareness about violent crime, support effective policy development, and encourage community engagement and research to improve public safety. (Caribbean Signal)
The Caribbean Climate Network Team is urgently soliciting support and donations to help communities in Grenada and Jamaica recover and rebuild after the devastating impacts of Hurricane Beryl. Donate.
“Conflicts have indirect health implications beyond the direct harm from violence, the study said, and even if the Gaza war ends immediately, it will continue to cause many indirect deaths in the coming months and years through things like diseases. And to think that many in high places refuse to call Israel’s war a genocidal act of aggression necessitating a war crimes tribunal”, wrote for IWN Jomo Sanga Thomas is a lawyer, journalist, social commentator and a former Speaker of the House of Assembly in St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Food Security
St. Vincent and the Grenadines is facing imminent food insecurity following Hurricane Beryl’s devastating impact earlier this month. The storm destroyed 90-95% of banana and plantain crops, significantly damaged fruit trees, and obliterated the conch and lobster fisheries. (IWN)
Reparations and Decolonization
The Reconstituted National Committee on Reparations held a media launch, reaffirming the Caribbean Community’s commitment to seeking justice for the legacies of colonialism, enslavement, and indigenous genocide. (The New York Carib News)
Women’s Rights
Anette Sanford, a former opposition United Workers Party (UWP) legislator and registered nurse, made history by becoming the first woman elected as Carib Chief in Dominica. This milestone was achieved during the recent Kalinago Territory election, where Sanford secured 693 votes. (Loop)
Public Health
The Caribbean can potentially end its AIDS epidemic by 2030 if decisive action is taken immediately, according to a new UNAIDS report. Despite significant progress in HIV treatment and prevention since 2010, recent years have seen a slowdown, particularly in reducing new infections. (Loop)
Culture
The podcast episode "Rihanna is Deeper Than You" explores the profound cultural impact of Rihanna on Caribbean society, transcending her ventures into cosmetics and fashion. The discussion delves into her evolution as an artist through her eight albums, from "Pon De Replay" to "Work," highlighting her influence on the Caribbean's sociopolitical landscape. Listen.
Despite severe economic hardships and a lack of resources, the musicians of Guantánamo, Cuba, are preserving and celebrating the traditional music form of changüí. (The Guardian)
Bob Marley's song "Roots, Rock, Reggae" has reached 100 million streams on Spotify, marking a significant milestone. (The New York Carib News)
Opportunities
Climate Analytics Caribbean is seeking a Research Assistant with expertise in adaptation and loss and damage policy research in the Caribbean region. This role involves conducting research, engaging stakeholders, and supporting project activities related to climate change adaptation and loss and damage. The position will be remote and based in Trinidad and Tobago. Apply.
Numun Fund, facilitated by Alicia A. Wallace, is conducting a survey to understand how Caribbean feminist organizations use the internet and technology, their priorities, challenges, and needs. The survey aims to inform Numun Fund’s efforts to support and enhance feminist tech infrastructures, mobilize resources, and strengthen social movements. Participate.
Events
25 July — the African Union Commission and the South Centre are co-organizing a briefing to discuss the Draft Terms of Reference for a UN Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation. Register.