By Publisher Ray Carmen
Dominica Prepares for Cruise-Season Surge
Dominica is set to welcome over 25,000 cruise-ship visitors this week, with seven major cruise vessels docking between 1–7 December. Ships scheduled include the Queen Mary II, Valiant Lady, Grand Princess, MSC Virtuosa, Mein Schiff 2, Vision of the Seas, and Aidamar. The island’s tourism sector expects a significant boost as it kicks off the high season, providing opportunities for local businesses and cultural experiences.
Jamaica Accelerates Post-Storm Recovery
After Hurricane Melissa battered coastal areas in late October, Jamaica is racing to restore its tourism industry by mid-December 2025. Major hotels and resorts are reopening, cruise tourism is resuming, and public amenities are being repaired. The government’s Recovery Task Force and Tourism Resilience Coordination Committee are overseeing reconstruction, ensuring that the island rebounds efficiently for the holiday season.
Connected Caribbean Summit 2025 in Grenada
From 1–5 December, Grenada hosts the Connected Caribbean Summit, gathering leaders to discuss economic resilience, digital innovation, governance, education, and financial inclusion. The summit aims to drive transformative regional development, emphasizing collaboration and modernization across Caribbean nations.
St. Lucia Election Results: Continuity for Government
St. Lucia held its general election on 1 December, with the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) retaining power, winning 14 of 15 parliamentary seats. Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre begins his second term, promising to stabilize the economy, combat crime, and enhance transparency in citizenship-by-investment programs.
Rising Geopolitical Tensions: U.S.-Venezuela Strain
The U.S. is expanding its military presence in the Caribbean, sparking concern among regional nations. The deployment of radar installations and marines in Trinidad and Tobago has heightened fears of regional entanglement in U.S.-Venezuela tensions. These developments could affect tourism, foreign investment, and diplomatic relations in the coming months.
Quick Take for Travellers and Readers
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For travellers: Dominica’s cruise season is in full swing — ideal for nature lovers and cultural experiences.
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Jamaica: Most resorts are reopening, offering winter sun escapes while recovery continues.
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Regional development: Grenada’s summit reflects a Caribbean increasingly focused on innovation and collaboration.
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St. Lucia: Familiar leadership promises stability and continuity in governance.
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Watch for geopolitical shifts: The U.S.-Venezuela tensions could impact security and regional dynamics.