21 November 2025
Weekly News Update
Week of 16 November 2025
By Ray Carmen
Island-by-island News, Power Moves & Resilience
JAMAICA & REGIONAL: RECOVERY STRAINS AFTER HURRICANE MELISSA
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The road to recovery continues in Jamaica, where communities are still reeling from Hurricane Melissa’s devastating strike.
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Critics warn that Jamaica is caught in a cycle of “overlapping recoveries”: the island never fully rebuilt from previous storms, making it more vulnerable to each new disaster.
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Tourism is a top priority: with peak season approaching, Jamaica’s tourism ministry is pushing to have major hotels back online by 15 December.
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The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has reiterated its commitment to regional solidarity, declaring “One Caribbean Will Rise Stronger” in the wake of Melissa.
CANADA ISSUES UPDATED TRAVEL WARNINGS
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Canada has issued fresh travel advisories for several Caribbean nations — including Jamaica, Cuba, the Bahamas, Haiti and the Cayman Islands — because of the ongoing fallout from Hurricane Melissa.
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These warnings reflect not just safety risks but significant disruption to infrastructure and tourism services.
CLIMATE FORECAST: SEASONS SHIFT IN THE CARIBBEAN
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According to the Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum (CariCOF), the region is transitioning into its dry and cool season starting December.
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However, forecast models still show a “high to extremely high” potential for flooding and cascading hazards in certain areas — especially in ABC Islands, the Lesser Antilles, and Belize.
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This shift is being driven by emerging La Niña conditions, which could complicate recovery efforts in storm-affected places like Jamaica.
POLITICS: CARICOM REPARATIONS COMMISSION HEADS TO UK
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In a historic move, the CARICOM Reparations Commission (CRC) is making its first official visit to the UK from 17–20 November 2025.
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The delegation — led by Prof Sir Hilary Beckles — will meet UK parliamentarians, academics, and civil society to press for formal apologies, debt cancellation, and reparative justice.
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This visit marks a significant moment in the Caribbean’s long-running campaign for reparations tied to the legacies of slavery and colonialism.
SPORT: WOMEN’S CARIBBEAN BASKETBALL CROWNED
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The 2025 FIBA Women’s Caribbean Championship concluded in Guyana on 16 November.
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ISV (U.S. Virgin Islands) won the tournament for the first time, securing qualification for the 2026 Centrobasket Women’s competition.
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This is a big boost for women’s sport in the region — especially in underrepresented markets — and gives Caribbean basketball more visibility.
WHY IT MATTERS FOR OUR READERS (35+ ABC1, Luxury & Travel-Focused)
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Investment & Travel Risk: The ongoing recovery in Jamaica highlights both risk and opportunity. Rebuilding could attract investment, but uncertainties remain for early-winter tourism.
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Trip Planning: With Canada tightening travel advice, high-net-worth travellers may reassess plans or favour more stable islands.
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Sustainability Appeal: The seasonal climate transition and disaster resilience narrative support eco-luxury travel messaging.
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Social Justice & Legacy: The reparations debate is gaining diplomatic momentum — a compelling story for readers interested in history, politics, and ethical travel.
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Sport as Soft Power: Success in women’s sport (basketball here) can feed into broader Caribbean branding — supporting wellness, empowerment and high-end experiential travel.
