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This Week's News in . . .
The Caribbean
Halli V.
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Updated immigration acts between the Caribbean and the U.S.
The Virgin Islands Visa Waiver Act was recently approved by the US Congress House Judiciary Committee. This bill would allow Caribbean residents to enter the US Virgin Islands with a nonimmigrant visitor visa for up to 45 days. This only applies to the Virgin Islands and does not allow entry to any other part of the United States. One of the main goals of this Act is to increase the ability for the Virgin Islands to economically compete with other countries within the Caribbean area. This Act is also only for Caribbean residents/countries approved by the Department of Homeland Security, citizens of countries elsewhere will not be able to enter the islands without a visa.
Drought in the eastern islands
The month of February brought some rainfall to the Caribbean, but both short-term and long-term drought are expected to take over until May. The latest report from the Caribbean Drought Bulletin states that long-term drought is expected to occur in the east from St. Lucia, up to Antigua and including parts of Belize, Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao. Surrounding areas are warned to keep an eye on their water resources and continue monitoring the drought to be prepared. There is also said to be short-term drought that could develop or continue into May in Cuba, Dominica, Martinique, St. Lucia, Puerto Rico, St. Vincent and Tobago. There are concerns that the long-term drought may evolve into the Bahamas, Barbados, and Trinidad. All countries are told to be on the lookout for reduced water levels in reservoirs, large rivers, and groundwater exhibiting signs of long-term drought.
Concerns brought to attention at the 2022 Caribbean Nations Security Conference
Last week, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Western Hemisphere warned 21 Caribbean nation officials about emerging transnational criminal organizations. This US official addressed the nations gathered in Barbados to discuss security tactics and regional cooperation. The transnational criminal organizations (TCO’s) are said to be involved in trafficking, drug smuggling, kidnapping, sexual assault, and other violent crime. The Department of Defense is willing to work with the Caribbean to enforce safety and security measures. The Caribbean has responded by saying that they need to trust in the cooperation of the U.S. and other affected countries.
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