Caribbean year of tensions, culture and climate ^{CEFR B1}

The year brought political tension and regional debate. Nicolás Maduro was sworn in on January 10 for a third consecutive term after July 2024’s disputed election. U.S. policy moves, including mass deportations starting in February, helped widen a geopolitical standoff between the United States and Venezuela. Regional leaders defended the Cuban Medical Cooperation Programme after U.S. visa restrictions, even as U.S. military strikes in regional waters raised concerns.

Culture and sport featured notable achievements and losses. Joshua Regrello set a Guinness World Record for the longest steelpan-playing marathon by May. Anthony V. Capildeo won both the OCM Bocas Prize and the Windham Campbell Prize 2025. Subraj Singh and Chanel Sutherland won regional and overall Commonwealth Short Story titles. Jamaica’s bobsled team won the North American Cup, and Caribbean athletes performed strongly at the 2025 World Athletics Championships. Haiti and Curaçao qualified for the 2026 World Cup; Curaçao was the smallest nation ever to qualify.

Environment and social debate remained central. The Dominican Republic expanded renewables, Guadeloupe promoted Creole gardens and zero-waste efforts, and Jamaica explored ocean renewables but faced funding hurdles. Hurricane Melissa struck, with Jamaica among the hardest hit. Social debates re-emerged over anti-gay rhetoric in Jamaica, while Trinidad and Tobago’s Court of Appeal reversed a 2018 buggery law ruling and sent the case to the UK Privy Council. Citizens and leaders expressed hope for a peaceful 2026.