Caribbean year of tensions, culture and climateCEFR A2
30 Dec 2025
Adapted from Janine Mendes-Franco, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Edgardo Ibarra, Unsplash
On January 10 a Venezuelan leader was sworn in for a third consecutive term after a disputed July 2024 election. U.S. policy moves, including mass deportations that began in February, increased tensions and set a wider geopolitical standoff.
Cultural life saw wins and records: a Trinbagonian steel pannist set a Guinness World Record by May, Anthony V. Capildeo won major literature prizes, and Jamaica-born Melissa Koby became the first Black artist to make imagery for the U.S. Open. The Bocas Lit Fest lost its longtime title sponsor after 14 years, raising funding worries.
Climate and sport also featured. The Dominican Republic expanded renewable energy and hotels used more solar power. Hurricane Melissa hit, and Haiti and Curaçao qualified for the 2026 World Cup, with Curaçao noted as the smallest nation ever to qualify.
Difficult words
- consecutive — happening one after another without a break
- disputed — not agreed on by different people or groups
- deportation — official removal of people from a countrydeportations
- geopolitical — about politics and relations between countries
- sponsor — person or company that gives financial support
- renewable — able to be replaced naturally and not used up
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why might a festival worry when it loses a longtime sponsor?
- Do you think using more solar power is helpful for hotels? Why or why not?
- How would you feel if your country qualified for the World Cup for the first time?
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