Regional
Caribbean Leaders Rally for Immunisation Progress at 38th EPI Managers’ Meeting

Caribbean health officials gathered for the 38th Caribbean Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) Managers’ Meeting, held from 28-30 October, where renewed urgency for immunisation efforts and HPV vaccine promotion took centre stage. The regional meeting, hosted in St. Kitts and Nevis, spotlighted progress and ongoing challenges in the effort to raise vaccination coverage across CARICOM Member States following setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In her address, Dr Rhonda Sealy, Assistant Director of the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), commended Caribbean health leaders for reversing the decline in vaccination rates but emphasised the need for continued momentum, particularly around HPV vaccinations. With the Caribbean grappling with vaccine hesitancy and disruptions to healthcare access, Dr Sealy highlighted the importance of the HPV programme within the broader Cervical Cancer Elimination Initiative, as countries move towards a one-dose schedule in line with recommendations.
Dr Sealy outlined a strategic roadmap to sustain immunisation successes, calling for strengthened political and financial commitment. “Maintaining our targets for eliminating polio, measles, and rubella requires us to achieve and sustain a 95% coverage rate,” she urged. She advocated targeted strategies to improve vaccine accessibility for children under five and reiterated the importance of training healthcare workers to address vaccine hesitancy effectively.
Dr Daniel Salas, Executive Manager of PAHO’s Special Programme on Comprehensive Immunisation, echoed Dr Sealy’s commitment to strengthening HPV vaccination in the region. “The Caribbean is known as a leader in disease elimination,” he declared. “I urge you to be the first subregion to eliminate cervical cancer and reduce the toll of preventable disease.”
The meeting also celebrated regional achievements, with Jamaica receiving the esteemed Harry Smith Award for the most improved immunisation coverage in 2023. Grenada was honoured with the inaugural Beryl Irons Award for its excellence in surveillance and immunisation achievements. Additional surveillance awards went to Barbados, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Belize, acknowledging their strides in immunisation monitoring and public health commitment.
Curtis Martin, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Health in St. Kitts and Nevis, praised PAHO’s vital support, noting, “PAHO’s technical expertise in EPI is a global best practice. The transfer of skills and knowledge has had a measurable impact on our region’s health systems.” He emphasised that “health is too big to fail,” underscoring the need for PAHO’s ongoing involvement in the Caribbean’s public health endeavours.
Dr Solange Kobi-Jackson, speaking on behalf of PAHO/WHO Representative Dr Amalia Del Riego, acknowledged the progress made in 2023, crediting committed healthcare professionals, government investment, and public trust in vaccination. However, she cautioned that maintaining immunisation gains and reestablishing the Americas at the top of the global immunisation rankings remains critical.
The meeting concluded with a workshop focused on risk communication strategies for boosting vaccine uptake, where Caribbean EPI managers shared innovative approaches to address public concerns and overcome vaccine hesitancy. Presentations from health officials from Turks & Caicos, Grenada, and Suriname offered insight into managing measles outbreaks, preparing for new vaccine rollouts, and responding to adverse events.
Chaired by Professor Peter Figueroa, Chair of the Caribbean Immunisation Technical Working Group, the meeting left participants with a sense of urgency and collective resolve. “Vaccination has averted an estimated 154 million deaths globally, and we must remain vigilant to uphold this legacy,” Professor Figueroa urged, calling on Caribbean nations to reach and maintain 95% vaccination coverage.
Under the theme “Stronger Together: Advancing Immunisation, Eliminating Disease,” the 2024 EPI Managers’ Meeting underscored a regional commitment to collaborative health efforts, aiming to build a healthier, disease-free Caribbean.
Business
Caribbean Shipping Secures Exemption from U.S. Port Fees on Chinese-Built Vessels

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has exempted Caribbean shipping routes from newly proposed port fees on Chinese-built vessels. This decision follows concerted advocacy by the Caribbean Private Sector Organisation (CPSO) and regional stakeholders, who warned that the fees could have devastating economic consequences for the Caribbean.
The USTR’s initial proposal aimed to impose fees of up to $1.5 million per port call on vessels constructed in China, as part of a broader strategy to counter China’s dominance in global shipbuilding and bolster the U.S. maritime industry. However, the policy faced immediate backlash from Caribbean nations, where a significant portion of shipping relies on Chinese-built vessels.
Dr. Patrick Antoine, CEO and Technical Director of the CPSO, testified at a USTR public hearing, emphasizing that over 90% of CARICOM’s trade in goods depends on maritime transport. He warned that the proposed fees could lead to a 60% increase in shipping costs to and from the Caribbean, severely impacting economies where more than 50% of the ships are Chinese-built.
The potential repercussions were particularly alarming for smaller Caribbean states like Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, which rely heavily on short-sea shipping routes serviced by Chinese-built vessels. Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda expressed concern that shipping a container could increase by $3,000 to $4,000, leading to an 8–10% rise in consumer prices and pushing inflation rates to potentially 12–14%.
In response to these concerns, the USTR revised its policy to exempt ships operating between U.S. domestic routes, the Caribbean, U.S. territories, and Great Lakes ports from the new fees. This adjustment aims to prevent inflation, supply chain disruptions, and surging trade costs in the region.
The exemption has been met with relief across the Caribbean. Dr. Antoine expressed gratitude to the USTR for recognizing the unique challenges faced by Caribbean economies and for taking steps to safeguard regional trade stability.
While the exemption provides immediate relief, regional leaders and industry stakeholders continue to monitor the situation closely. They advocate for long-term strategies to enhance the resilience of Caribbean supply chains and reduce dependency on external factors that could disrupt trade.
Entertainment
The Dynamic Duo: Chef Davio and Davian Henry Shine at Caribbean Baking Awards

The Caribbean Baking Awards (CBA) has become the premier platform for recognising exceptional talent within the Caribbean baking community. Among the standout participants is The Dynamic Duo, a Jamaican team comprised of Chef Davio Henry and her brother Davian Henry.
Chef Davio Henry first gained significant attention at the inaugural CBA in 2024, where she was nominated in multiple categories, including Best Buttercream Cake, Rising Star, Cake Hero, and Best Cupcakes.
Her innovative approach to traditional Caribbean flavors, particularly showcased in her renowned Bob Marley’s rum cake, has set new standards in the industry.
This year, The Dynamic Duo continues to make waves in the Caribbean baking scene. Chef Davio Henry has once again been nominated for multiple awards, solidifying her growing influence and passion for the craft. Her dedication to excellence has reinforced her position as a leading figure in the Caribbean culinary world.
While Chef Davio has garnered widespread recognition, Davian Henry has played a key role in supporting and enhancing the team’s success. His behind-the-scenes contributions are crucial to the duo’s overall achievements. Their innovative creations and dedication to the art of baking continue to inspire both peers and aspiring bakers across the region.
Local News
FDA Investigating SpaceX Starship Debris Over Turks and Caicos

SpaceX’s mega rocket Starship launches for a test flight from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) (AP Photo/Eric Gay / Associated Press)
Turks and Caicos authorities and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are investigating reports that debris from SpaceX’s Starship rocket landed across the Caribbean following an in-flight explosion during a test launch last month.
The incident, which occurred in mid-January, led to the rocket’s rapid disintegration, sending fragments hurtling toward the Earth. Witnesses in the Turks and Caicos Islands reported rumbling noises and discovered scorched metallic fragments scattered across parts of North and South Caicos. Meanwhile, observers in the Dominican Republic described seeing bright objects streaking through the sky, fueling speculation about the fallout’s extent.
The FAA confirmed that it had opened an investigation into the matter, working closely with SpaceX and regional governments to assess any potential risks posed by the debris.
SpaceX officials stated that a fire in the rocket’s aft section likely caused the failure, triggering an emergency disassembly. The company emphasized that no hazardous materials were present in the debris and reassured that it was collaborating with local authorities to ensure proper cleanup and safety measures.
This latest setback comes as SpaceX continues its ambitious efforts to develop Starship, the largest and most powerful rocket ever built, designed for deep-space missions, including future Mars colonization. However, the explosion and subsequent debris fallout have raised concerns about the safety implications of the program’s test flights, especially over populated areas.
The FAA and local officials in Turks and Caicos have urged residents who come across debris to report findings to authorities and avoid handling any objects. Cleanup efforts are already underway, with aviation regulators monitoring potential airspace disruptions caused by the incident.
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