By Tiana Cole | HGP Nightly News
CARICOM
The Guyana-based CARICOM Secretariat says consultations are underway with key stakeholders across the region to finalize the CARICOM Industrial Policy and Strategy (CIP), which is expected to be approved by regional trade ministers later this year. Suriname, which has lead responsibility for the policy within CARICOM’s Cabinet, is spearheading the work to present it at a special meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development in October 2025. Consultations have already been held with stakeholders in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with additional sessions planned for later in August.
Trinidad & Tobago
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has clarified that her government’s upcoming migrant policy will not include mass deportations. While promising further details soon, Persad-Bissessar reiterated that deportation measures will only apply to migrants involved in criminal activities. She criticized the previous administration for failing to properly assess Venezuelan migrants seeking refugee status, claiming billions were spent over the last decade, with some criminals benefiting.
Caribbean Weather
Tropical Storm Erin is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane by late Friday as it approaches the northern Caribbean islands. Tropical storm watches are in effect for Anguilla, Barbados, St. Barthélemy, St. Martin, and Saba, where conditions could worsen within 48 hours. According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center, Erin is expected to reach Category 3 or higher over the weekend, possibly intensifying into a Category 4 hurricane. The storm’s center is projected to pass near or north of the northern Leeward Islands.
