Caribbean round-up: Caricom energy push, Guyana talks with US, Haiti search and SVG joins CAF

Caricom

Caricom Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett has called on member states to invest more in renewable energy and resilient infrastructure to reduce reliance on imported fuels and strengthen regional energy security amid climate change threats.

Speaking at the launch of Caricom Energy Month 2026, under the theme "Harnessing Energy, Advancing Resilient Development", she said: "These converging challenges underscore the urgency of building energy systems that are sustainable, affordable, and resilient."

Barnett stressed the need to modernise electricity grids, expand energy storage and strengthen infrastructure against hurricanes and other disasters. She said conventional energy sources would remain important during the transition, but that renewables could strengthen energy security, reduce emissions, save foreign exchange and create economic opportunities.

Guyana

President Dr Irfaan Ali met US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick in Washington to discuss expanding American investment in energy, agriculture, infrastructure and technology, including developing Guyana into a regional data centre hub. Lutnick reaffirmed the US commitment to keep investing in Guyana, describing the country as an important ally.

"This partnership reflects our shared commitment to long-term investment, economic diversification, and sustainable prosperity for Guyana and the wider region," Ali said.

Haiti

El Salvador has deployed more than 2,000 soldiers to Haiti to search for four missing Salvadoran military technicians, who disappeared on October 18 after their armoured vehicle was attacked by gangs in Croix-des-Bouquets.

President Nayib Bukele held talks with Haiti's Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé on the rescue effort. Bukele said El Salvador is funding 90% of the mission's costs and warned gangs of serious consequences if the men are not returned.

Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader said his country would not permit gangs within about 20 kilometres of the border on the Haitian side. "For us, security does not begin at our border," he said.

Jamaica

The Jamaican government is asking Justices of the Peace to help small business owners affected by Hurricane Melissa access grants from a Ja$500 million recovery programme. Eligible businesses must have had no more than 20 employees and annual sales below Ja$75 million, and can receive up to Ja$350,000, plus a further Ja$100,000 to replace damaged equipment, tools and stock.

Hill, the minister, said applications opened on October 6 and close on November 16. He warned against fraudulent schemes, adding that applying is free, and acknowledged the fund would not cover all losses.

St Vincent and the Grenadines

Parliament has approved legislation allowing St Vincent and the Grenadines to join the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF). The country will invest about US$2 million to buy 141 shares, which Friday said could unlock up to US$8 million in borrowing for infrastructure, climate resilience and sustainable development.

Friday noted that public debt stands at EC$3.6 billion, about 113% of GDP. Opposition members supported the bill but warned about high interest rates and urged that loans fund productive investment rather than everyday government spending.