Caribbean RoundUp

Bahamas

Human Rights Bahamas (HRB) has expressed disappointment with the decision of the Phillip Davis government not to bring legislation to make marital rape a crime.

“I am extremely disappointed, especially [of] those with daughters, sisters, mothers, and wives. Shame on you for prioritizing votes over the fundamental rights and dignity of half our population,” said HRB Vice President Joseph Darville.

Section 3 of the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act defines rape as “the act of any person not under fourteen years of age having sexual intercourse with another person who is not his spouse without the consent of that person…

A 2024 Gender-Based Violence study by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) indicated that one in four women in The Bahamas has experienced physical and/or sexual violence in her lifetime.

HRB noted that survivors of these acts “continue to face significant challenges in accessing healthcare, legal protection, and social services.”

“As leaders, we must walk in the shoes of the marginalized and suffering. God’s protection is meant to shield us from harm. Not to justify or enable abuse. Does that protection not extend to women? Darville said.

Last week, Attorney General Ryan Pinder said he does not believe the government will move forward with an amendment to the law to criminalize spousal rape because of the fear that the party may lose votes in an election.

Barbados

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) says it has approved a US$100 million project to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of social policies and ensure the sustainability of social security in Barbados.

The program, approved by the IDB’s Executive Board of Directors, also aims to improve the coverage and quality of policies that promote gender equality, the inclusion of people with disabilities, and the protection of vulnerable groups in Barbados.

The IDB said that the project would directly benefit 49,000 pensioners, 133,000 contributors to the National Insurance and Social Security Service (NIS), 46,000 individuals aged 65 and above, 12,000 people with disabilities, and 1,000 families living in extreme poverty.

The program will also improve the administrative efficiency of social protection systems, including a digital transformation expected to yield benefits of approximately $80 million per year.

The IDB said the project will also strengthen the long-term sustainability of the social security system for both public and private sector employees. It will support reforms to promote the financial sustainability of the general pension scheme and provide greater flexibility for contributions made by the self-employed to the NISSS.

The US$100 million IDB project has a disbursement period of 12 months and a grace period of 5.5 years.

Guyana

Guyana recorded a steady increase in trade with China at the end of 2024, reaching US$1.4 billion.

This was recently revealed by the Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Guyana, Huang Rui.

Huang, who was speaking at the Association of Chinese Enterprises in Guyana’s Annual Dinner commemorating the Chinese New Year, also highlighted that the sum represents 14.4% compared to 2023.

The Charge d’Affaires also praised China/Guyana relations, emphasizing that the two sides have significantly supported each other. On the trade front, he said, Chinese enterprises contributed significantly to Guyana.

“Chinese enterprises have made great contributions to the biggest economic and social transformation of Guyana while abiding by the local content law, creating new job opportunities, and shouldering their social responsibilities,“ Huang said.

Meanwhile, Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh told potential investors they would be supported.

He also hailed the contributions of the Chinese people to Guyana’s vibrant culture and economy and noted that China’s relationship with Guyana has evolved.

Haiti

Gang violence in Haiti continues to have a devastating impact on the population, according to a new report from the UN office in the country (BINUH) on human rights violations recorded during the last quarter of 2024.

On Feb. 4, the report noted that at least 5,626 people have been killed and more than 2,213 have been injured in the past year, caused by armed gangs who control most parts of the country.

According to BINUH, the last quarter of 2024 saw an alarming rise in deadly gang-related attacks, where at least 1,732 people were killed and 411 injured due to violence by armed groups, self-defense units, and law enforcement operations.

The report highlights three main incidents that resulted in over 300 deaths. The murders sparked reprisals by self-defense groups, further intensifying the violence.

The report documents more than 250 executions carried out by police icons, with two children among the victims. It said many individuals were executed after being detained, while others, including street vendors and motorcycle taxi drivers, were shot for failing to provide identification.

Despite calls for accountability, investigations into police abuses remain primarily stalled.

BINUH noted that no officers have undergone vetting since June 2023, reflecting a deep-seated lack of supervision.

Haiti has also experienced a 150% surge in kidnappings, with gangs increasing their target to children.

The report raised alarm over widespread sexual violence, with at least 94 cases of rape and sexual exploitation documented in the last quarter alone.

Jamaica

Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness has warned Jamaicans being deported from the United States against carrying out any criminal act on the island.

Speaking in the western parish of St James, the Prime Minister said that persons who return with criminal intent will meet the “judge or their maker.“

“Let me be clear to you: This is not the Jamaica that you left 10 or 20 years ago.

This is not the Jamaica Constabulary Force that you left 10 or 20 years ago. You will either meet a judge or your maker if you come back to Jamaica and violate our laws or create havoc; we will not tolerate that.“

He made that statement as, according to reports, over 5,000 Jamaicans are scheduled to be deported from the United States as the country clamps down on illegal immigrants, based on orders issued by President Donald Trump.

The Prime Minister added that the government has been implementing measures to treat security issues.

Holness, however, stated that while some people set to be deported may have breached immigration laws, they have otherwise been law-abiding residents, and the country is prepared to welcome all hard-working citizens who are returning.

St. Kitts and Nevis

The St. Kitts and Nevis government says it will establish a sovereign wealth fund (SWF) to ensure that national revenues, particularly from the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme and future renewable energy ventures, are protected, prudently managed, and invested for long-term national prosperity.

Under the CBI, foreign investors are granted citizenship of the twin island federation in return for significantly contributing to the country’s socio-economic development.

Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew, said that his administration had received the official framework for the SWF, setting the stage for legislation to be passed in Parliament soon.

“The days of reckless spending and financial mismanagement are over. This sovereign wealth fund will ensure that our national resources are safeguarded for future generations, ending the unchecked depletion of public funds,“ he told reporters.

The government said the fund will be designed to operate under strict international best practices to guarantee transparency, accountability, and high returns. It will protect the country’s finances from economic shocks, ensuring that essential public services, infrastructure development, and social programs remain well-funded even in uncertain times.

— Compiled by Devika Ragoonanan