Martinique asserts its ambitions at Seatrade Cruise Global 2025
From April 8 to 11, 2025, Martinique shone at the Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami, the world’s largest trade show dedicated to the cruise industry.
Through the voice of the Grand Port Maritime, the Comité Martiniquais du Tourisme, Marship – Antilles Shipping Services, and the CODERUM, the island has set itself a clear goal: to strengthen its position in the Caribbean cruise ecosystem, by combining operational excellence, tourism strategy and heritage enhancement.
The Grand Port Maritime de la Martinique: a hub in full transformation
For Bruno Mencé, Chairman of the Board of the Grand Port Maritime de la Martinique, the Seatrade is “the place to be”.
In a Caribbean region that accounts for 38% of the world cruise market, it was essential for the port to assert its projects and investments with European and American companies.
The major challenge? The impact of the new European environmental tax (ETS), which penalizes both air tickets and sea fares. ” The impact on air fares can be as much as 180 euros per passenger, which is a real brake on our development as a port base,” explains Bruno Mencé.
In the face of these challenges, Martinique is counting on the unity of its players: the port, shipping agents and the Comité Martiniquais du Tourisme (Martinique Tourism Board) are moving forward together with a common vision. This collective approach has been hailed by companies as a guarantee of reliability and attractiveness.
🎯 If Bruno Mencé had a magic wand, he would above all like to ” lighten the impact of the ETS to preserve the development of cruising in Martinique”.
The Comité Martiniquais du Tourisme: positioning the island as a territory of excellence
For Bruno Brival, CMT General Manager, Seatrade is a strategic opportunity to prepare for future seasons and attract new companies.
” We still have a lot under our belts, as they say. Now it’s up to us to structure offers that are more rooted in the authenticity of the region, to transform this potential into a differentiating offer. “he stresses.
Today, Martinique is highly rated by cruise lines, but must continue to innovate. The region is moving towards year-round cruise tourism, beyond the high season, with jobs that will become less seasonal.
Bruno Brival recalls the four pillars of the island’s tourist identity:
Seaside and water sports,
Historical and memorial heritage,
Gastronomy and spirit tourism,
Nature and biodiversity.
🎯 If he had a magic wand, Bruno Brival would like to ” structure a more immersive, authentic and sustainable tourism offer “.
Photo credit @Comité Martiniquais de Tourisme
Marship - Antilles Shipping Services: guaranteeing operational excellence for the cruise industry
Present in Guadeloupe and Martinique for over twenty years, Marship and Antilles Shipping Services are the full representatives of shipping companies, whether cruise or cargo.
” Our role is to coordinate everything: customs formalities, provisioning, technical assistance, passenger reception, waste management “, explains Catherine Defontis, Branch Manager.
Their unobtrusive but essential work ensures that every port of call runs smoothly.
Marship works with a wide range of companies: MSC, Virgin Voyages, Mein Schiff, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Compagnie du Ponant, and many others.
However, several obstacles remain:
Cumbersome administrative procedures compared with other Caribbean territories,
The financial impact of the ETS, which makes French stopovers more expensive than those of their English-speaking neighbors.
🎯 If the Marship team had a magic wand, they would ” do away with the ETS, increase the number of stopovers, and continue to strengthen links between all players in the sector”.
CODERUM: promoting authentic Martinique through spirit tourism
Célia Sainville, tourism manager at Habitation Clément represented CODERUM at Seatrade.
Her mission: to defend the spiritourisme, a cultural showcase for Martinique rum.
” Spiritourism adds a strong cultural dimension to our tourism offering,” she reminds us.
Visiting historic distilleries, tasting rums and discovering the region’s built heritage are all experiences that enrich the stopover and leave a lasting impression on cruise passengers.
🎯 If Célia Sainville had a magic wand, she would like ” every cruise passenger, after discovering our sites, to want to come back for a real stay in Martinique “.
Coeur des îles: Martinique's experience earns international acclaim
Another strong signal for Martinique is the international recognition of the Martinique-based incoming agency Coeur des îles, recently awarded a prize by Azamara Cruises in the “Best New Tour Operator” category – a first for the Antilles. Behind this award lies the in-depth work carried out by the Julian’s group since 2022, with a qualitative, immersive and sustainable approach to tourism.
By focusing on small groups, off-the-beaten-track tours (cocoa, vanilla, Creole garden) and a coherent blend of physical activity, culture and gastronomy, Coeur des îles is responding to a growing demand to give meaning to the experience. This strategy appeals as much to North American cruisers – on the rise with 11 weekly flights to Canada in high season – as to longer-stay travelers. With more than 80,000 visitors a year, the agency proves that it is possible to combine high operational standards with local roots.
Martinique charts its course towards an ambitious maritime future
At Seatrade 2025, Martinique demonstrated its collective spirit, its capacity for innovation and its determination to assert its Caribbean identity.
By combining port excellence, an authentic tourism offering and a strategy of unity between stakeholders, the island is gradually establishing itself as a benchmark cruise destination in the Caribbean.
The challenge remains great, between regional competition, regulatory adaptation and constant innovation.
But one thing is certain: Martinique is moving forward with conviction towards an ambitious and sustainable maritime future.
The Caribbean Shipping Association organizes the 23rd edition of the Caribbean Shipping Executives’ Conference (CSEC 2025) Fort Lauderdale, May 19-20, 2025. More than 300 maritime industry leaders from the Caribbean, Latin America and the United States will meet to discuss structural issues affecting supply chains, port security and commercial change in the Caribbean basin.
A unifying organization at the heart of regional exchanges
Founded in 1970 in Kingston, Jamaica, the Caribbean Shipping Association represents all maritime transport players in the area. Its role is to structure cooperation between ports, shipowners and freight forwarders, defend common interests and support the modernization of the sector. Backed by over five decades of experience, it is now a key player in the transformation of the regional maritime economy.
Why Fort Lauderdale for the CSEC 2025?
The holding of CSEC 2025 in Fort Lauderdale underlines the strategic importance of Port Everglades, a major infrastructure in Broward County. At the crossroads of trade between the United States and Caribbean countries, this port is adapting to the new demands of regional trade. According to Joseph Morris, Port Everglades’ General Manager, the evolution of equipment and the digitalization of logistics operations are positioning the port as a key player in cross-border maritime dialogue.
Themes in line with the sector's transformations
AI and the maritime supply chain
The integration of artificial intelligence into port and logistics management will be a central theme of CSEC 2025. The Caribbean Shipping Association will highlight the work of Daniel Acosta (Grydd Inc) and Alex Marroquin, who will illustrate how AI can improve port responsiveness and the operational performance of shipping companies. They will also discuss profitability, process automation and business intelligence.
Climate resilience and port safety
Resilience in the face of climate disruption and improved safety are among the priorities addressed. Business continuity plans, resilient infrastructures, shore power, innovations in low-emission fuels… The Caribbean Shipping Association aims to engage its members in concrete strategies for ecological transition, adapted to the specificities of the climate and local resources.
Tariffs and changes in cruising
The implications of US trade policies and the outlook for the cruise sector will be discussed on the second day. Diego Rodriguez Paez (Americas Market Intelligence) will present a macroeconomic analysis of Latin America, with a focus on port flows and tariff trends. The aim of this session is to strengthen the anticipation skills of Caribbean Shipping Association.
Key players and structuring partnerships
Official opening and speeches
William Brown, President of the Caribbean Shipping Associationand Milaika Capella Ras, General Manager, will introduce the event. They will be joined by Hazelle P. Rogers (Broward County Commissioner) and Joseph Morris. This opening sequence will emphasize the importance of a concerted approach to tackling regional logistics, energy and trade challenges.
Strategic partners
The CSEC 2025 is supported by major players such as Port Everglades, Tropical Shipping, Shipco Transport, Svitzer, Tote Maritime, Kingston Wharves Ltd, Inter-American Development Bank and CFL Global Logistics Solutions. These partners illustrate the Caribbean Shipping Association federate public, private and multilateral institutions around concrete projects.
Why register for CSEC 2025?
Direct access to expertise and networking
The CSEC 2025 offers a unique opportunity to dialogue with the leaders of the Caribbean Shipping AssociationThis will enable them to benefit from sector feedback and position themselves within a solid regional business network. Workshops, conferences, informal networking sessions… each sequence is designed to encourage useful exchanges.
Registration, fees and location
Registration is online on the official website of the Caribbean Shipping Association (conference.caribbeanshipping.org). Members benefit from a preferential rate of 750 USD until April 4, then 850 USD until May 15. Non-members can register at an early bird rate of 1,100 USD, or 1,250 USD until May 15. Day passes are also available. The event will be held at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, within easy reach of the region’s main hubs.
By bringing together decision-makers, experts and operators in the sector, the Caribbean Shipping Association confirms its structuring role for the region. The CSEC 2025 promises to be a forum for collective reflection, in the service of more resilient, more intelligent and better coordinated maritime transport. An essential milestone in anticipating future changes.
On May 12, 2025, on the Pointe des Grives quay, the Grand Port Maritime de la Martinique presented two new-generation gantry cranes. This equipment marks a strategic step forward for the region, at the heart of the Hub Antilles project, supported by the French government, local authorities and private partners.
A structuring step forward for the Pointe des Grives terminal
“This is just one brick in the larger Hub Antilles project,” asserts Bruno Mencé, Chairman of the Executive Board of the Grand Port Maritime. The arrival of these two gantry cranes marks an essential step in a major modernization program designed to make Martinique a high-performance logistics hub in the Caribbean.
Designed by a Franco-Chinese consortium and manufactured in China, this low-profile Hub Antilles project equipment – rare in the world – took 60 days at sea to reach Fort-de-France. Each weighs 1,600 tonnes and represents a total investment of 35 million euros. Commissioning is scheduled to take place between the end of July and September 2025.
“We’re going to go from 180,000 TEU to 300,000, adding transshipment to our operations. These gantry cranes will improve our performance by at least 30%,” he explains. This increase is in response to the need to accommodate larger vessels, up to 7,900 TEU, in anticipation of growth in regional traffic.
Economic development, regional cooperation and logistical sovereignty
Bruno Mencé detailed the Hub Antilles’ ambition: “It’s not just about transshipment. It’s about creating value, capturing flows from South America, processing locally and re-exporting. A logistics zone in the inner harbor is planned to develop these processing activities.
The Hub Antilles has a clear objective: to offer local companies new economic outlets by facilitating supply, industrial transformation and re-export within the Caribbean zone. This logistical leverage should enable the structuring of a new value chain, more integrated, more competitive, and less dependent on traditional channels via Europe.
He has also announced his attendance at the annual Caribbean Ports Congress in Curacao, where the project will be presented to raise Martinique’s profile in the region. The port intends to offer an alternative to saturated hubs such as Kingston and Cartagena.
Coordinating, securing and adapting: the keys to commissioning
For Ivanh Alingéry, the port’s Director of Operations, the arrival of the gantry cranes is the culmination of a project lasting over two years: “This is a major milestone. This equipment, ordered over two years ago, is finally here. Now we just have to make the most of it.
Unloading the gantry cranes from the ship is a delicate operation. “Each gantry weighs 1,600 tonnes. They have to be transferred to the quay in complete safety, thanks to sensors installed to monitor the structure during the maneuver.”
What happened next? Months of fine-tuning and adaptation. “It takes one to two years for optimal use. This is what we call a debugging period, when we fine-tune the parameters to adapt them to our ships and production rates.”
Despite the technical challenges, Alingéry emphasizes the collective commitment: “The teams have risen to every challenge so far. It’s a shared success.”
Cross-fertilization: institutional vision, port memory and ecological ambition
Frantz Thodiard, Vice-Chairman of the Supervisory Board and former Port Director, retraced the history of the different generations of gantry cranes: “We’re on the fourth, and it’s the ports that adapt to the ships, not the other way round. The project is mature, supported by the State, the CTM, the AFD, and European funds.” He insists on creating value and jobs: “Alé, viré é rété. It’s about creating local jobs and businesses around maritime transport, digital technology and the environment.
Jean-Claude Florentiny, speaking on behalf of the Development Council, hailed this rare and structuring renewal: “It’s not an everyday occurrence. Attractiveness also depends on our ability to attract other shipping companies. It’s a common tool, and we should be proud of it.
Philippe Rech, representing CMA CGM, praised the quality of the collaboration: “Genuine attentiveness, professional rigor. It’s a pleasure to work with professionals. He also announced the arrival of six hybrid straddle carriers, and the deployment of a new photovoltaic-powered reefer fleet, representing an investment of around 30 million euros.
Maurice Claude, a former employee of the port, gave a testimony charged with memory and transmission. “What you see here, we built with our own hands. At the start, there was nothing. This terminal is the fruit of our sacrifices”, he recalled with emotion. Drawing on his 38-year career, he stressed the importance of never losing sight of the human dimension of these achievements: “A man without memory is a man without life. A people without memory is a people without a future.
Two current employees also spoke at the event. The first, impressed, said: “It’s not every day you see something like this. We’re used to seeing gantries on rails, but put on a boat like this, it’s impressive.”
The second shared a more transmission-oriented view: “I’ve seen the arrival of P4, P5, P6… Today, P7 and P8. I hope that the young people who have just arrived, and those who will arrive, will be able to continue the work we’ve started.”
A tool for the future
This project has been awarded the “La Mer en Commun” label as part of the Year of the Sea 2025. It is as much a technical investment as a structural commitment: Martinique is asserting its determination to play a leading role in regional exchanges.
The port’s transformation is underway, and it’s an entire ecosystem that needs to get to grips with it: companies, manufacturers, importers, elected representatives. “The economic players have to get on board,” insists Bruno Mencé. “These gantries are a key. It’s up to all of us to build on this.
Sint Maarten asserts its ability to combine gigantism and quality of welcome
Present at Seatrade Cruise Global 2025 in Miami, Sint Maarten highlighted one of its greatest strengths:
its unique ability to simultaneously welcome several of the world’s largest cruise ships, while offering a safe, smooth and welcoming experience to cruise passengers.
Through the testimony of Rensley Rollan, Port Facility Security Manager at the Port of Sint Maarten, the Dutch island affirms its ambition to combine operational excellence with Caribbean hospitality.
Impressive control over the flow of cruise passengers
For Rensley Rollan, Sint Maarten’s performance is based on meticulous organization.
The port can accommodate up to seven cruise ships simultaneously, including theIcon of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise liner.
” We are capable of handling over 30,000 passengers in a single day, which is more than the entire population of the Dutch side of the island,” he explains.
A challenge met thanks to close coordination between port teams, security forces and local authorities.
The system is reinforced on busy days:
Traffic control,
Creation of safe pedestrian zones,
Permanent patrols to guarantee passenger safety.
Even alcohol-related incidents or medical emergencies are handled with responsiveness and efficiency.
🎯 Rensley Rollan’s wish: to further expand the port in anticipation of market growth and continue to offer a seamless experience to visitors.
A lively destination, combining leisure and authenticity
Beyond its infrastructure, Sint Maarten seduces with its unique energy.
With its water sports, lively beaches, festivals, casinos and vibrant nightlife, the island is often described as a veritable “mini Las Vegas” of the Caribbean.
This diversity allows cruisers to enjoy a wide range of experiences:
Farniente on white sandy beaches,
Cultural exploration,
Creole and international cuisine,
Sports activities for all tastes.
Even during the low summer season, Sint Maarten maintains a regular cruise activity, welcoming several calls per week.
🎯 Rensley Rollan’s vision: to continue to offer a lively, rich and attractive destination, while managing the growing volumes of visitors.
Sint Maarten, the balance between power and hospitality
At Seatrade Cruise Global 2025, Sint Maarten reaffirmed its unique position as a port of excellence capable of welcoming the world’s largest ships, without ever sacrificing the human experience and quality of welcome.
With its world-class infrastructure and Caribbean energy, Sint Maarten embodies a powerful promise: to bring gigantism, fluidity and authenticity to the world of modern cruising.
Cruise tourism in Saint Kitts : The announcement marks a turning point for the island, which recorded an 8% increase in cruise passenger arrivals during the 2024-2025 high season, compared with the previous year. Between October 2024 and April 2025, Saint Kitts welcomed 748,056 cruise passengers, compared with 690,244 in the previous season. This increase is no mere coincidence, but the fruit of a considered strategy led by the Ministry of Tourism, its partner agencies and industry players.
Speaking at a press conference at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort on April 29, 2025, Minister of Tourism Marsha Henderson emphasized that this growth was “the result of collective efforts to enhance the visitor experience, strengthen port infrastructure and ensure tourist satisfaction and safety”. This dynamism is in line with the company’s determination to make tourism a lever of development for the entire population of Saint Kitts.
Growth drivers of cruise tourism in Saint Kitts
Strategic collaboration and joint efforts
The success of the 2024/2025 season is based not only on the island’s natural appeal, but also on close collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism, partner agencies and industry professionals. This synergy has enabled us to optimize our welcome for cruise passengers, offer high-quality services and ensure flawless organization at every port of call.
Minister Marsha Henderson emphasizes the importance of this collective approach: “This growth is the result of joint efforts, all focused on improving the visitor experience, developing port infrastructures and ensuring tourist satisfaction”. The figures speak for themselves: Saint Kitts cruise. Saint Kitts now boasts 748,056 visitors in a single season, making it one of the best-performing destinations in the region.
Improving port infrastructure
One of the pillars of this growth has been ongoing investment in port infrastructure. The port of Zante, the main point of arrival for cruise passengers, has benefited from improvements designed to make disembarkation more fluid, enhance security and provide attractive shopping areas for visitors. These improvements have helped to strengthen the image of Cruise tourism in Saint Kitts as a pleasant, well-organized stopover.
Companies such as Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Celebrity, Carnival and MSC have multiplied their stopovers, seduced by the quality of the facilities and the welcome reserved for their passengers. This success confirms that cruise tourism in Saint Kitts is a lasting trend.
The impact of cruise tourism on the local population
Economic and social benefits
Over and above the figures, the Minister of Tourism reminds us that “the real success of tourism is not measured in visitor numbers alone, but in the concrete impact it has on people’s lives”. The increase in arrivals has generated significant economic spin-offs, creating jobs, boosting local trade, developing new activities and increasing purchasing power.
The cruise industry acts as a driving force for many small businesses, artisans, restaurateurs and local guides. Thanks to the influx of visitors, these players benefit from a renewed clientele and new growth opportunities.
The Tour Development Programme: a lever for small businesses
Program objectives and operation
To bring the benefits of tourism to the entire population, in August 2024 the Ministry launched the Tour Development Programme. This scheme supports small businesses in creating authentic tourist experiences, promoting the island’s culture and heritage.
At present, 15 local companies benefit from personalized support to design, promote and market their offers to cruise passengers. The aim is clear: to ensure that the Cruise tourism in Saint Kitts also supports the industry’s smaller players.
Results and outlook
The initial results are encouraging: increased sales, improved visibility, greater capacity for innovation. The Ministry of Tourism is committed to continuing this support so that these companies can continue to develop.
The evolution of tourism operators and the challenges they face
Insurance: a hurdle cleared
One of the main obstacles encountered by small operators was access to suitable insurance, which is essential if they are to offer their services to cruise operators. Thanks to the Ministry’s action, this problem has now been resolved. These companies can now offer their services directly via the cruise lines, in the same way as the major operators.
This step guarantees fairer competition and opens up new growth prospects for smaller structures, reinforcing the diversity of the Cruise tourism in Saint Kitts .
Direct access for cruisers
Small local businesses can now offer their tours directly to passengers, without intermediaries. This development promotes a more authentic and equitable form of tourism, in direct contact with the local population.
Future prospects and partnerships
Visits to large cruise groups
The future looks bright, with the upcoming visit of Royal Caribbean officials to explore partnership opportunities. This follows a meeting with Carnival Corporation in October 2024.
These exchanges bear witness to the interest shown by major cruise lines in Cruise tourism in Saint Kitts and point to new prospects for the coming seasons.
Future challenges and sustainability
Despite these successes, a number of challenges remain: managing flows, preserving the environment and adapting to visitor expectations. The Ministry of Tourism is working to implement sustainable solutions so that theCruise tourism in Saint Kitts remains a model of balanced growth.
TheCruise tourism in Saint Kitts is experiencing significant growth, driven by a concerted strategy, targeted investments and strong support for local players. The 8% increase in arrivals by 2024-2025 is not only a statistical success, but also illustrates an ambition: to build an inclusive, resilient and sustainable tourism model serving the entire population.
Saint Kitts affirms its commitment to sustainable tourism and immersive experiences
Present at Seatrade Cruise Global 2025 in Miami, St. Kitts confirmed its determination to establish itself as an authentic, sustainable and attractive Caribbean destination all year round.
Through the testimonies of representatives of the St. Christopher Air and Sea Ports Authority and St. Kitts Tourism Authority The island has shown that it relies both on environmental innovation and on enriching the tourist experience to attract cruise passengers and visitors from all over the world.
A port at the service of the island's attractiveness - The Port Authority's strategy
Adeola MooreGeneral Manager of St. Christopher Air and Sea Ports Authority It’s the first and last impression cruise passengers have of our island,” she stresses.
Aware of this essential role in the visitor experience, the island is constantly striving to improve its infrastructure to meet the expectations of a rapidly evolving industry.
In response to the new demands of the sector, Saint Kitts is investing in sustainable projects:
Deployment of solar and wind power solutions to reduce carbon footprint,
Anticipation of the arrival of the first ships powered by shore power.
With its new slogan “Venture Deeper”, the island invites visitors to dive deeper into the soul of St. Kitts: explore its culture, savor its gastronomy, vibrate to the rhythm of its music and discover its authentic way of life.
🎯 Adeola Moore’s aim: to make Saint Kitts a dynamic and attractive cruising destination all year round, beyond the peak season.
Strengthening the tourism offer - The commitment of the Comité du Tourisme
For Kelly Fontenellerepresentative of the St. Kitts Tourist Board (St. Kitts Tourism Authority) For more information, visit
” It’s crucial to remind companies of all that St. Kitts has to offer,” she says.
This season, the island is aiming for a historic milestone: welcoming over a million cruise passengers – a landmark performance after the slowdown caused by the pandemic.
Saint-Kitts is seductive for the diversity of its offer:
– Unspoilt beaches,
– Brimstone Hill Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site,
– Rich cultural heritage,
– Local gastronomic experiences,
– Numerous activities and events.
To further enhance its nautical appeal, the island is preparing to launch its own regatta, scheduled for 2026-2027.
🎯 Kelly Fontenelle’s ambition: to make this regatta a major event in the Caribbean sailing calendar.
Saint Kitts, a new impetus for sustainable and immersive tourism
At Seatrade Cruise Global 2025, St. Kitts clearly asserted its determination to consolidate its position as a benchmark cruise destination, extend its appeal beyond the traditional season, offer a more authentic experience and inscribe its development in a sustainable approach.
A cruise to St. Kitts is more than just a stopover: it’s an immersion in a lively, generous island with a resolutely forward-looking outlook.
Dominica asserts its identity at Seatrade and strengthens its cruising strategy
Present at Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami, Dominica’s Minister of Tourism, Denise Charles Pembertonhighlighted the island’s natural and cultural assets. Against a backdrop of growing cruise tourism, she also stressed the importance of raising international awareness of Dominica – often confused with its Spanish-speaking namesake – and of continuing efforts to improve accessibility and hospitality.
A unique destination driven by nature and tradition
Nicknamed “nature island of the CaribbeanDominica cultivates a unique positioning around well-being, adventure and culture.. With its 365 riversits thermal springsits spectacular waterfalls and its boiling lake – the second-largest in the world -, it is a magnet for ecotourism and immersive experiences.
But there’s more to the island than its scenery. It is also the cradle of the aboriginal people KalinagoA living richness that nurtures the Dominican cultural identity. Hiking on the Waitukubuli Trailkayaking, diving, local gastronomy… the offer is dense, varied and deeply rooted in the region.
Cruising, a fast-growing economic engine
“Last year, we recorded a 23% increase in the number of cruise passengers disembarking on the island”, the Minister proudly announces. This dynamism benefits many players: craftsmen, restaurateurs, cab drivers, guides… Every stopover generates immediate, tangible economic activity.
Aware of this challenge, Dominica is currently investing in the modernization modernizing its port infrastructure to accommodate larger vessels. A strategy designed to reinforce the island’s place on the map of the region’s must-visit cruise destinations.
Clarifying Dominica's image and strengthening connectivity
Despite its assets, Dominica still suffers from a lack of awareness. “Many people confuse our island with the Dominican Republic,” laments Denise Charles Pemberton. “If I could wave a magic wand, I’d make sure the whole world knew that Dominica is an English-speaking island located between Martinique and Guadeloupe.
Improving air and sea connectivity remains a priority to facilitate access to this still too discreet jewel of the Caribbean.
The Minister took the opportunity to invite the public to discover the island through its major cultural events, notably the Jazz & Creole on May 4 in Portsmouth, and above all the 25th anniversary of the World Creole Music Festival next October, an anniversary edition she promises will be “grandiose, combining music, culture and gastronomy”.
Fondation de la mer embodies action, innovation and mobilization in defense of the Ocean. From the outset, it is essential to understand that the Fondation de la mer takes concrete action to preserve marine biodiversity, combat pollution, support research and raise public awareness, particularly in sensitive areas such as the Caribbean Sea. Today, the Fondation de la mer is a major player in the protection of marine ecosystems, uniting NGOs, scientists, local authorities and citizens around a universal cause.
History of the Fondation de la mer
Created in 2015, the Fondation de la mer was born from the initiative of maritime enthusiasts, civil society and scientists. Their ambition: to respond to the ecological emergency with a global approach, combining ecology, research, innovation and citizen involvement. Thanks to solid partnerships with institutions such as the French Ministry of Ecological Transition, the CNRS and the National Museum of Natural History, the Fondation de la mer has rapidly gained in credibility and effectiveness.
Mission and values of the Fondation de la mer
The five pillars of action
The Fondation de la mer’ s missions are structured around five major themes:
- Knowledge: supporting research and knowledge of the oceans.
- Protect: preserve biodiversity and marine ecosystems.
- Involve: mobilize citizens, businesses and local authorities.
- Transform: encouraging innovation and sustainable business models.
- Raising awareness: informing and training all audiences, especially young people.
Key partners
Its network of partners includes public institutions, associations, research centers and companies, enabling it to pool skills and reinforce the impact of its actions.
Fondation de la mer's major programs
Protecting marine biodiversity
The Fondation de la mer pilots and supports over 40 programs, including several in the Caribbean, to restore coral reefs, mangroves and seagrass beds. It also takes action against overfishing, pollution and the degradation of marine habitats.
Combating pollution and supporting research
Since 2020, the NGO has collected over 1,500 tonnes of waste from coastal areas, thanks to the mobilization of 97,000 volunteers. It also funds research projects to better understand and combat threats to the oceans.
Public awareness and involvement
More than 350,000 young people have been made aware of marine issues through workshops, educational resources and local events. The Fondation de la mer relies on everyone’s involvement to build a collective dynamic.
Concrete actions in the Caribbean Sea and areas concerned
The Fondation de la mer is deploying several flagship projects in the Caribbean Sea, in Martinique, Guadeloupe, French Guiana and other overseas territories.
These initiatives strengthen the presence and mission of the Fondation de la mer in this particularly fragile region.
A helping hand for the Mangrove Martiniquaise (Martinique)
Supported by the Roots of the Sea association, this winning project of the SOS Corail 2024 program aims to restore two degraded mangrove areas, one on the Atlantic coast, the other on the Caribbean coast. These areas are threatened by global warming, sargassum beachings, urbanization and pollution. The aim is to replant and regenerate the mangroves, while involving the local population, managers and other local associations.
The project includes :
- An impact study and an inventory of flora and fauna.
- Analysis of environmental conditions prior to any intervention.
- The creation of in situ and ex situ nurseries to grow mangrove seedlings.
- Planting and growth monitoring of 5,000 m² of mangroves.
- An awareness-raising and training program for local residents and schoolchildren.
Restoration of the mangroves of Diamant and Robert (Martinique)
This project, also supported by the Fondation de la mer, targets the restoration of two mangrove areas, in Diamant (Caribbean coast) and Robert (Atlantic coast). The aim is to respond to the rapid degradation of these ecosystems due to urbanization, pollution and climatic pressures. The initiative involves close collaboration with communities, the local population and experts to ensure a sustainable and inclusive approach.
The project includes :
- Preliminary studies to identify pressures and needs.
- Replanting mangroves with local species.
- Ongoing environmental monitoring and involvement of local stakeholders.
Eco-anchors to protect the seabed (Guadeloupe)
In Guadeloupe, the Fondation de la mer is supporting an innovative project to install 200 mooring eco-reefs, led by the Kazarecycle association. These eco-anchors are designed to protect seagrass beds and coral reefs, which are severely affected by boat anchors. Submerged, they provide a refuge for marine fauna and support coral growth. On the surface, they enable environmentally-friendly mooring, avoiding the destruction of sensitive habitats.
The project includes :
- The immersion of 200 eco-reefs in areas to be protected.
- 12 actions to clean up the seabed.
- A social integration and circular economy component via Kazarecycle’s Atelier Chantier d’Insertion.
- Scientific monitoring to ensure no negative impact on the environment.
Call for projects to protect and rehabilitate mangroves and reefs (Caribbean and French Guiana)
The Fondation de la mer, in partnership with IFRECOR, regularly launches calls for projects to support the protection and restoration of mangroves, coral reefs and seagrass beds in French overseas territories, including Martinique, Guadeloupe and French Guiana.
These calls for projects enable :
- Finance concrete ecological restoration actions (planting, clean-up, scientific monitoring).
- Involve local associations, communities and citizens.
- Raise public awareness of the importance of these ecosystems.
- Encourage innovation and research into nature-based solutions.
Raising awareness and involving young people and local communities
In addition to restoration projects, the Fondation de la mer also runs awareness-raising campaigns in schools and among the general public, to raise awareness of the essential role played by mangroves, reefs and seagrass beds in the Caribbean. These actions include workshops, conferences, field trips and the creation of appropriate teaching aids.
Key figures and outlook
Results
- More than 40 active programs, including several in the Caribbean.
- 1,500 tonnes of waste collected since 2020.
- 350,000 young people reached.
- 97,000 committed volunteers.
- In Guadeloupe, densification of seagrass beds and creation of new coral habitats thanks to eco-anchors.
The challenges ahead
The Sea Foundation must continue its efforts in the face of accelerating climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss. Innovation, citizen involvement and the strengthening of local partnerships will be key to guaranteeing the sustainability of its actions in the Caribbean Sea and beyond.
Fondation de la mer proves every day that ocean preservation, particularly in the Caribbean Sea, is possible thanks to concrete, innovative and inclusive actions. Whether by restoring mangroves, installing eco-anchors or raising public awareness, the NGO is establishing itself as a benchmark player. The results are there, but we must continue to mobilize to ensure that the sea remains a source of life and balance for future generations.
The name Joseph Laroche resonates today as a powerful symbol, that of a Haitian man, talented engineer, family man and, above all, the only known black passenger aboard the Titanic. Yet for decades, his story was overshadowed, forgotten or ignored in official accounts of the legendary sinking. A look back at an extraordinary destiny, which sheds light not only on the history of the Titanic, but also that of Haiti, the little-known jewel of the Caribbean and the silent struggle against racism in the early 20th century.
A Haitian childhood between heritage and ambition
Joseph Philippe Lemercier Laroche was born in 1886 in Cap-Haïtien, a historic city in northern Haiti, the cradle of the Haitian revolution and a powerful symbol of the Caribbean. Born into a middle-class family, he carried with him a prestigious heritage: his grandfather was a bootmaker to King Henri Christophe, the emblematic figure of Haitian independence. His mother, a shrewd businesswoman, prospered in the coffee, cocoa, sugarcane and cotton trades. She invested everything in her only son’s education, convinced that knowledge was the key to success.
At the age of 15, Joseph Philippe left Haiti for France, his chosen destination for higher education. His departure marked the beginning of a journey that combines hope, determination and confrontation with the realities of a racialized world.
Studying in France: engineers face invisible barriers
In Beauvais, Joseph Laroche obtained his baccalaureate and then a diploma in agricultural engineering. He married Juliette Lafargue, a young French woman, a rare and courageous union for the time, defying racial and social prejudice. Together, they started a family with two daughters, Simone and Louise, and were expecting a third child. Despite his skills, Joseph encounters insidious racism in France.
His diploma was not enough to open every door. He worked on the construction of line 12 of the Paris metro, linking Porte de la Chapelle to Porte de Versailles, a major project of which he was proud. But opportunities are few and far between, and stable jobs are nowhere to be found. Republican France, despite its ideals of equality, is often closed to talent from former colonies.
The return to Haiti: a hope supported by the family
Faced with these difficulties, Joseph Laroche and Juliette decided to return to Haiti, where Joseph’s uncle by marriage, Cincinnatus Leconte, had just been elected President of the Republic. This family link opens up new prospects: Joseph is promised a job as a mathematics teacher, a welcome professional and social recognition.
Returning to their native land becomes a family project, a dream of a better future for their children, far from European discrimination.
Choosing the Titanic: a voyage of hope and constraint
Joseph Laroche’s family first to book first-class tickets on the liner Francea symbol of elegance and social status. But the ship’s policy forbids children to dine with their parents, an unbearable affront for Joseph and Juliette. They cancel their reservation and choose to travel second class aboard the Titanic, a brand-new ship reputed to be unsinkable, which accepts children at the table.
On April 10, 1912, they set sail from Cherbourg, hoping to reach New York and then Haiti. The voyage begins under the best of auspices: luxury, comfort, the children’s wonderment. Juliette wrote a letter describing their happiness, still unaware of the tragedy that lay ahead.
The shipwreck: a sacrifice and a painful separation
On the night of April 14-15, 1912, the Titanic struck an iceberg. Panic gripped the ship. Women and children are given priority for the lifeboats. Joseph Laroche sees to it that Juliette and their daughters board safely. He entrusts little Louise to his wife and daughter Simone, promising to join them soon. This will be their final farewell.
Joseph disappears into the icy waters of the North Atlantic, his body never found. Juliette and her daughters are rescued by the Carpathia, but the trauma is immense. Juliette gives birth to their third child, a boy named Joseph, in honor of his lost father.
Haiti, the Caribbean and rediscovered memory
Joseph Laroche’s story is also that of Haiti, the founding country of the first independent black republic, often marginalized in global historical narratives. His story illustrates the challenges faced by a black man from the Caribbean, confronted with discrimination in Europe, but with a strong cultural and political heritage.
For a long time, his name was erased, forgotten in the Titanic archives. This silence bears witness to the racial bias and wilful neglect of history. It was only thanks to the research of journalist and author Serge Bilé in his book: ” TITANIC’S ONLY BLACK PASSENGER” that the memory of Joseph Laroche has been revived, offering a new, more inclusive and human perspective on the Titanic tragedy.
Joseph Laroche embodies the strength of a man who, despite the odds, pursued his dreams and protected his family to the point of ultimate sacrifice. His story invites us to rethink historical narratives, to recognize forgotten voices, and to celebrate the richness of Caribbean heritages in the larger global story.
The resilience of coastal fisheries in Barbados has become a crucial issue following the damage caused by Hurricane Beryl on July 1, 2024. This sector, vital to the local economy and food security, is facing major challenges linked to climate change. In this article, we look in detail at the impacts of these upheavals, the responses implemented through an ambitious project, and the expected benefits for Barbadian fishermen and coastal communities.
Climate change impacts on coastal fisheries in Barbados
Barbados, like many Caribbean islands, is already suffering the devastating effects of climate change. Hurricane Beryl in particular highlighted the vulnerability of coastal infrastructures. The Bridgetown Fisheries Complex, the heart of the local fishing industry, saw its breakwater, docks, jetties and more than 200 boats severely damaged. These infrastructures are essential for commercial and artisanal fishing, and their destruction has disrupted operations and affected fishermen’s incomes.
In addition to hurricanes, other phenomena linked to climate change are aggravating the situation: rising sea levels, more frequent and intense storms, and the invasion of sargassum, which is destroying marine habitats. These factors compromise not only the productivity of fisheries, but also the food security of the Barbadian population, which relies heavily on coastal fishing for its protein supply. This is why the resilience of coastal fisheries in Barbados is now a national priority.
The Barbados Coastal Fisheries Resilience Project
In response to these challenges, a major project was launched on April 14, 2025: the Barbados Coastal Fisheries Resilience Project. This project is the result of collaboration between the Government and people of Japan, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Barbadian Ministry of Environment and National Beautification, as well as other partners.
With funding of US$2.93 million, this project aims to strengthen the resilience of coastal fisheries in Barbados. The project is part of a wider strategy to recover from Hurricane Beryl and adapt to climate change. It is part of a broader strategy for post-Hurricane Beryl recovery and adaptation to climate change, incorporating innovative and sustainable measures.
Concrete actions to strengthen resilience
The project has several key components:
- Infrastructure rehabilitation : Reconstruction and modernization of the Bridgetown Fisheries Complex is a priority. This includes repairing the docks, piers and breakwater to protect the facility from future storms.
- Installation of technological equipment : A Marine Travel Lift capable of lifting boats up to 54 tonnes will be acquired to facilitate ship maintenance operations. In addition, a Starlink communication system will be installed on around 100 boats to improve coordination, safety and rescue at sea.
- Training and capacity building: Fishermen will benefit from training in disaster-resistant boat building, as well as emergency preparedness simulations and exercises. The project also supports the organizational strengthening of the Barbados National Union of Fishermen (BARNUFO) through the provision of office equipment and digital technologies.
Each initiative aims to increase the resilience of coastal fisheries in Barbados by implementing concrete solutions adapted to local realities.
Expected benefits for fishing and coastal communities
The benefits of this project are manifold. Firstly, it will rapidly restore the means of production and marketing of fisheries, thus ensuring continuity of income for fishermen and their families. Secondly, by strengthening disaster preparedness, it will reduce the risk of human and material losses in future extreme weather events.
The project also contributes to Barbados’ food security, by guaranteeing a stable supply of seafood products. It is also part of a sustainable development dynamic, promoting a blue economy that respects marine resources and coastal ecosystems. Strengthening the resilience of coastal fisheries in Barbados also helps stabilize local economies while ensuring the survival of traditional fishing practices.
Finally, international collaboration, notably with Japan and the UNDP, demonstrates the importance of mutual assistance between island states and global partners in tackling the challenges of climate change. This model of cooperation reinforces the resilience of coastal fisheries in Barbados through collective intelligence.
The resilience of coastal fisheries in Barbados is vital to the island’s economic and social survival. The project launched in 2025 illustrates a concrete and innovative response to the impacts of climate change, combining rehabilitation, technology and training. This exemplary approach offers a model for other Caribbean countries facing similar challenges. It is essential to pursue these efforts with determination and solidarity to ensure a sustainable future for Barbados’ fisheries and coastal communities.
