12 March 2025
Encompassing technological ventures, strategic partnerships, and personal visits that have significantly influenced the region’s connectivity and tourism sectors.
Expansion of Starlink Internet Services
Musk’s SpaceX has been actively introducing Starlink, a satellite-based internet service, to various Caribbean nations:
• Jamaica: In October 2022, Starlink received approval to operate in Jamaica, aiming to enhance internet connectivity across the island.
• Guyana: As of November 2024, discussions are underway for Starlink to obtain a license to operate in Guyana. This initiative seeks to provide high-speed internet, particularly benefiting remote hinterland regions.
• Turks and Caicos Islands: In November 2024, Musk expressed interest in offering high-speed internet services across the Turks and Caicos Islands using satellite communications, providing connectivity with speeds up to 150 Mbps.
Strategic Partnerships
Musk’s ventures have led to collaborations that enhance technological infrastructure and tourism in the Caribbean:
• Royal Caribbean Cruises: In August 2022, Royal Caribbean Group announced a partnership with SpaceX to deploy Starlink internet services across its fleet. This collaboration aims to provide high-speed, reliable internet connectivity to guests and crew members, enhancing the overall cruise experience.
• The Bahamas: In February 2025, The Bahamas entered into an agreement with SpaceX to facilitate Falcon 9 rocket booster landings off its coast. This collaboration positions The Bahamas as a key player in space tourism and technological advancements, with plans for up to 20 rocket booster landings in the coming months.
Regulatory and Financial Interactions
Musk’s initiatives have also led to regulatory and financial engagements in the region:
• Antigua and Barbuda: In February 2025, authorities in Antigua raised concerns regarding unpaid taxes by Starlink for services rendered to local internet users. The government emphasized the necessity for all telecommunications entities, including Starlink, to comply with local tax regulations to ensure fair competition and revenue collection.
Personal Engagements
Beyond his business endeavors, Musk has also spent personal time in the Caribbean:
• Saint Barthélemy (St. Barts): Musk celebrated New Year’s Eve in 2024 on the island of St. Barts, accompanied by his son, X Æ A-Xii. This visit underscored Musk’s personal appreciation for the region’s leisure offerings.
In summary, Elon Musk’s connections to the Caribbean are diverse, spanning technological collaborations that enhance regional connectivity, strategic partnerships that bolster space exploration and tourism, and personal visits that highlight his affinity for the area’s cultural and recreational appeal.
