Caribbean year of tensions, culture and climateCEFR A1
30 Dec 2025
Adapted from Janine Mendes-Franco, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Edgardo Ibarra, Unsplash
- A new president took office after a disputed election.
- Tensions rose with a larger neighbour and the United States nearby.
- Many musicians and writers won important regional and world awards.
- One steelpan player set a very long playing world record.
- Hotels and islands began using more solar and renewable power.
- A strong hurricane caused serious damage in parts of the Caribbean.
- Some Caribbean national teams qualified for the World Cup.
- The region mourned many well-known cultural figures and artists.
Difficult words
- dispute — a disagreement or argument between people or groupsdisputed
- tension — a nervous or unfriendly feeling between countries or groupsTensions
- renewable — energy from natural sources that do not run out
- hurricane — a very strong storm with strong winds and rain
- qualify — to reach the needed level to take partqualified
- mourn — to feel or show sadness after someone diesmourned
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you ever seen a strong storm where you live?
- Would you like hotels to use solar power?
- Do you enjoy music or books from your country?
Related articles
Wildfire smoke in late pregnancy linked to higher autism risk
A study of more than 200,000 births in Southern California found that exposure to wildfire smoke during the third trimester was associated with higher autism diagnoses by age five. Researchers say the results are not conclusive and need more study.
El Salvador expands AI telemedicine with DoctorSV
El Salvador has promoted AI to modernize public services and launched DoctorSV, a telemedicine app that began in 2025 and entered a second phase in April 2026. Supporters praise it, while medical workers and privacy experts raise concerns.
Ancestral healing in the Caribbean
Ancestral healing asks societies to face historical wounds so people can live healthier lives. In the Caribbean, educators combine shamanic practices, nervous-system work and cultural rituals with scientific findings about trauma and community care.
Cleaning plastic can release harmful chemicals
A study from Iowa State University shows some common cleaning methods for recyclable plastic can release phthalates into wash water. Ultrasonic cleaning and detergent with sodium hydroxide released DEHP and DCHP, and reuse of water raised DEHP levels.