Reparations and Decolonisation
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley paused government plans to acquire land from a descendant of British slave traders, amid public outcry. The land was intended for a housing project, but the site’s historical significance — described by the CARICOM Reparations Commission as a “killing field” for tens of thousands of enslaved Africans who died under horrible conditions between the mid-17th and 19th centuries — and the possibility of entering a commercial agreement with the Drax family, which has opposed reparations, has roused opposition in Barbados, writes Janine Mendes-Franco in Global Voices)
The Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has publicly acknowledged the need for Portugal to address its colonial legacy and the consequences of its historical involvement in the transatlantic slave trade. In a rare move for a European leader, he has advocated for reparations, stating that Portugal "takes full responsibility" for the past wrongs and that "we have to pay the costs" for these crimes, including colonial massacres. (The Guardian)
"The Case for Colonialism" by Bruce Gilley's present a controversial but thought-provoking view on colonialism, emphasizing its role in economic, societal, and civil development. While his stance challenges prevailing narratives, it invites critical reassessment of the impact of colonial rule, particularly in the Caribbean. (Caribbean Progress Studies Institute)
Climate and Environmental Justice
Suriname's Indigenous and Maroon communities are pushing the government to ensure that carbon credit sale revenues are directed toward sustainable development projects benefiting these communities, particularly in light of their role as protectors of the country's forests and their vulnerability to climate change. They also advocate for stronger inclusion in decision-making processes, land rights recognition, and a fair distribution of benefits from the carbon credit market. (Climate Tracker)
70% of the global workforce is facing serious health risks due to climate change, according to a new International Labour Organisation report. The wide range of hazards, from extreme heat to UV radiation, air pollution, and vector-borne diseases, illustrates the complex challenges workers face worldwide, especially in the Caribbean.
Climate change's impacts exacerbate unsafe working conditions for workers worldwide, particularly in the Caribbean. It underscores the complex relationship between climate change and worker safety, as environmental shifts lead to adverse health, economic, and social effects for employees. There is a need for climate justice and comprehensive measures to protect workers from climate-related risks, including gender-responsive policies, safety initiatives, and inclusive decision-making processes. (Caribbean Feminist)
A new report by ODI highlights how international debt is exacerbating the challenges faced by small island developing states (SIDS), making them less capable of investing in climate-resilient infrastructure and providing basic public services. Despite contributing little to climate change, SIDS face escalating debt burdens due to the need to rebuild after climate-induced storms, such as hurricanes. (Inside Climate News)
The Great Mangrove Cleanup, a new initiative of the Kingston Harbour Cleanup Project, was launched on Earth Day, April 22, in Kingston, Jamaica. The cleanup aims to remove waste from Kingston Harbour's mangrove forests and beaches, gathering data to support future pollution prevention efforts. (Petcharys Blog)
The inaugural meeting of the Loss and Damage Fund (LDF) in Abu Dhabi risks excluding those most affected by climate change, according to Climate Change News. The fund, designed to support communities suffering from climate impacts, is restricting participation to only two representatives per UNFCCC stakeholder group, limiting the diversity of voices heard. This exclusion undermines the fund's effectiveness and legitimacy.
Human Rights
The Dominica High Court of Justice has decriminalized consensual same-sex relations, striking down discriminatory provisions in the Sexual Offences Act that had criminalized "buggery" and "gross indecency." This ruling follows similar decriminalization moves in Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Barbados, reflecting a broader push to protect LGBT rights in the Eastern Caribbean. (Human Rights Watch)
The Caribbean Rights Out Loud! campaign was launched on Human Rights Day 2023, translating the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) into Saint Lucian Kwéyòl and Jamaican Patwa. This initiative aims to make the UDHR more accessible to millions of people in the Caribbean, breaking down language barriers and empowering communities. (United Nations)
The Caribbean and The World
The Antigua and Barbuda government dismissed a claim by Newsweek that the country has become a key location for Chinese influence, dismissing the claim as "utter nonsense" and "sensational speculation." Prime Minister Gaston Browne emphasized that Antigua and Barbuda values its relationship with the United States and would never engage in activities detrimental to US interests. (Loop)
The U.S. State Department is touting the U.S.-Caribbean Partnership to Address the Climate Crisis 2030 (PACC 2030) as a comprehensive effort that will bolster climate adaptation, resilience, and clean energy cooperation in the Caribbean region. (U.S. Department of State)
Democratic Governance
The Dutch Caribbean island of St Eustatius, commonly known as Statia, has appointed its first-ever female island governor. Alida Francis, who up until her swearing-in was the government commissioner, took the oath of office at a ceremony, attended by family, friends, the former island governor, Gerald Berkel, the acting Kingdom representative, Jan Helmond, legislators, and other dignitaries. (Island Innovation)
Public Security
Grenada is set to implement a gun amnesty program from May 1 to July 30, following the recent approval of an amendment to the Firearms Act. The legislation allows for a 90-day period during which individuals can surrender illegal firearms and ammunition anonymously at designated collection points, including police stations and headquarters. (Loop)
Seven countries have informed the United Nations of their plans to contribute personnel to a Security Council-backed support mission for Haiti. This mission aims to assist Haiti's national police in regaining control of the streets from gang violence, which has led to chaos in the Caribbean nation. (Loop)
Culture
The African Diaspora International Film Festival 2024 Caribbean Film Series is showcasing films exploring Caribbean culture and life. The festival opens with the documentary "The Mali-Cuba Connection: Africa Mía" on April 26, 2024, at Teachers College, Columbia University, and continues through April 28. (Repeating Islands)
Puerto Rico's southern coast, stretching from Yabucoa to Cabo Rojo, offers a blend of cultural, culinary, and natural attractions. This region features a diverse landscape, from the lush Cordillera Central mountains to arid coastlines, with unique lodging options, local hospitality, and beautiful beaches. The area's low-key Caribbean beaches, like Combate Beach and Playa Sucia, provide serene experiences, while Cabo Rojo's vibrant Boquerón neighborhood offers seafood and cultural delights. (News Is My Business)
Elio Villafranca & The Jass Syncopators are performing "Crossroads from Cuba to New York '' at the City College Center for the Arts' Aaron Davis Hall in New York on April 26, 2024, at 7:00pm. This concert explores the musical connection between Cuba and New York, blending Afro-Cuban rhythms with jazz. (Repeating Islands)
Opportunities
CESaRE Impacts is looking for writers passionate about environmental and energy issues within the Caribbean to contribute to their upcoming issue. Apply.
The Open Society University Network Academy Fellowships 2024-25 at Chatham House are offering a four-month opportunity for individuals to develop research and leadership skills at a premier policy institute. The fellowship includes a monthly stipend of £2,365, coverage for relocation and research expenses, access to various workshops, media training, career coaching, and networking opportunities. It is a hybrid role, with at least two days per week in the office, and applications are open until 11 am BST on May 15, 2024. Apply.
Events
From July 18 to 22, 2024 BirdsCaribbean is organizing its International Conference in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The event aims to bring together bird enthusiasts, conservationists, researchers, and various stakeholders to explore and safeguard the avian treasures of the Caribbean. Register.
From June 6 to 8, 2024 the CBF Caribbean Environmental Film & Arts Festival will be held in Kingston, Jamaica. The festival invites Caribbean artists to submit their works, including films, music, poetry, visual arts, and performing arts, that focus on environmental conservation and activism. The 3-day event aims to celebrate the intersection of art and environmental activism, showcasing diverse voices and creative expressions. (Caribbean Biodiversity Fund)
May 10th at 12pm AST, the I Love the Caribbean campaign launches its orientation call to learn more about the initiative, connect with the team, share ideas, and get support for climate action. The project aims to spotlight and protect the region's cultural, natural, and ecological assets from the climate crisis. Register.