The partnership between CTO and The Travel Foundation marks an important step in the evolution of tourism policies in the Caribbean. At the ITB Berlin 2026 international trade fair, the region’s tourism leaders confirmed that they would strengthen their cooperation to support a more sustainable tourism model, more resilient to climate change and more focused on local communities.
In a region where the economy is heavily dependent on tourism, climate change is no longer an abstract issue. The effects of global warming, the intensification of weather phenomena and the erosion of coastal ecosystems now represent immediate challenges for many island territories. It is against this backdrop that the partnership between CTO and The Travel Foundation takes on a strategic dimension. The objective is clear: to transform climate commitments into concrete actions capable of supporting the economic and social future of Caribbean destinations.
ITB Berlin, a strategic venue for the voice of the Caribbean
Every year, ITB Berlin brings together the world’s key tourism players: ministries, international organizations, airlines, destinations and industry experts. For the Caribbean, this event is an essential platform for recalling a reality that is often underestimated on an international scale: small island states are among the territories most exposed to the effects of climate change.
At a session devoted to the gap between climate risks and adaptation solutions in tourism, the Secretary General and CEO of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, Dona Regis-Prosper, highlighted the region’s real-life experience. The devastating hurricanes that regularly hit the Caribbean, rising sea levels and increasing pressure on marine ecosystems have had a profound impact on the territories. Today, this first-hand experience is a driving force for rethinking the region’s tourism strategies. The partnership between CTO and The Travel Foundation is precisely in line with this dynamic of transformation.
Moving from climate talk to concrete solutions
At the heart of the partnership between CTO and The Travel Foundation lies one overriding conviction: climate strategies must now go beyond declarations of intent. Caribbean destinations already have numerous studies, scientific data and prospective scenarios on climate risks. However, a persistent challenge remains: transforming this information into genuinely funded and operational projects.
This is one of the points raised by Narendra Ramgulam, Deputy Director of Sustainable Tourism at the Caribbean Tourism Organization. According to him, the region has no shortage of ideas and analyses, but the concrete implementation of projects is often hampered by a lack of access to funding. In this context, the partnership between CTO and The Travel Foundation aims to bridge the gap between strategic planning and real action on the ground.
A tourism model focused on local communities
One of the major thrusts of the partnership between CTO and The Travel Foundation concerns the role of local populations in tourism development. In many Caribbean destinations, the economic benefits of tourism sometimes remain concentrated in certain segments of the industry. The new cooperation framework aims to foster a more inclusive approach in which tourism projects generate direct benefits for communities.
This vision also implies a strengthening of local skills in sustainable tourism professions, as well as increased support for economic initiatives that enhance the region’s natural and cultural resources. This approach is in line with a global trend in the tourism sector. Today’s travelers are increasingly interested in responsible, authentic experiences that are closely linked to the realities of the areas they visit.
Caribbean tourism faces structural transformation
The partnership between CTO and The Travel Foundation comes at a pivotal time for the Caribbean tourism industry. Several profound transformations are redefining the future of the sector. The intensification of extreme climatic phenomena, the gradual weakening of coral reefs, the erosion of certain beaches and the evolution of travelers’ expectations in terms of sustainability are gradually changing the balance of regional tourism.
These elements are not just about the environment. They directly influence the tourism experience, the competitiveness of destinations and the livelihoods of many local populations. Against this backdrop, strengthening the resilience of Caribbean tourism is becoming as much an economic priority as an environmental one.
International cooperation to strengthen resilience
The renewal of the partnership between CTO and The Travel Foundation formalizes a strengthened collaboration between two organizations committed to the transformation of global tourism. The Travel Foundation has been working for several years on initiatives to make tourist destinations more sustainable, notably through climate planning, tourism flow management and ecosystem protection.
For its part, the Caribbean Tourism Organization represents the tourism interests of many of the region’s territories and plays a central role in coordinating regional policies. By combining their expertise, the two institutions aim to develop tools and strategies that will enable Caribbean destinations to better anticipate climate risks, while maintaining their attractiveness to tourists.
A regional vision for the future of Caribbean tourism
Beyond technical cooperation, the partnership between CTO and The Travel Foundation is also part of a broader vision: that of a coordinated regional approach to sustainable tourism. The Caribbean shares many common realities. The economies of many territories rely heavily on tourism, the islands remain particularly exposed to climatic risks, and the region boasts an exceptional natural and cultural heritage.
In view of these common characteristics, regional cooperation appears to be an essential lever for developing solutions tailored to the specific characteristics of island destinations. This approach is also in line with the ambitions of the CTO Reimagine Plan, a strategy that aims to reposition Caribbean tourism around sustainability, innovation and resilience.
The Caribbean, a global laboratory for sustainable tourism
Through the partnership between CTO and The Travel Foundation, the Caribbean is also seeking to assert its role in international debates on the future of tourism. The challenges facing the region today could foreshadow those that other tourist destinations will have to face in the coming decades. From this perspective, the Caribbean can become a veritable laboratory of innovation for climate-resilient tourism strategies, sustainable management of island destinations and the integration of communities into the tourism economy.
The stakes involved in the partnership between CTO and The Travel Foundation extend far beyond regional borders. The solutions developed in the Caribbean could inspire other regions of the world facing similar challenges.
The partnership aims to develop concrete strategies to make Caribbean tourism more resilient in the face of climate change, while supporting local communities.
Caribbean destinations have to cope with intensifying hurricanes, beach erosion, coral reef degradation and rising sea levels.
The Caribbean Tourism Organization aims to position the Caribbean as a sustainable destination, capable of reconciling tourism development, ecosystem protection and benefits for local populations.
Culture in Ouagadougou recently took on a special international dimension. From February 28 to March 3, 2026, the capital of Burkina Faso hosted Roots and Future 2026a meeting dedicated to the development of cultural and creative industries and cooperation between Africa and its diaspora. Conceived as a forum for dialogue and structuring of the cultural sector, the event brought together artists, entrepreneurs, institutions and players in the creative economy around a single ambition: to strengthen bridges between African territories and diasporic communities, particularly in the Caribbean.
For many observers, Roots and Future 2026 marks a milestone in the construction of an international cultural network where artistic and entrepreneurial exchanges become a lever for development.
A vision: linking Africa and its cultural diasporas
Under the theme “Authentic Africa and the Africa of the Diasporas”, the first edition of Roots and Future 2026 is part of a global movement to promote black cultural identities and strengthen cooperation between territories historically linked by the African diaspora. With this in mind, the event offered several formats for professional meetings: masterclasses, strategy sessions, discussions between cultural entrepreneurs and moments of exchange between artists.
These initiatives addressed key issues for the sector: financing of cultural projects, circulation of works, professionalization of players and development of new markets for African artists. Beyond the discussions, Roots and Future 2026 was distinguished above all by its willingness to create concrete collaborations between the various participants.
A strong Caribbean presence
One of the most significant aspects of Roots and Future 2026 was the participation of personalities from the Caribbean, illustrating the growing importance of cultural exchanges between these two areas.
Guests included entrepreneur Davon Carty as well as Victor E. Lewis, CEO of Caribbean One Media Group and Director of the Creative Campus Eco Institute (CCEI). Through the CCEI Victor E. Lewis develops training and coaching initiatives for talent in the creative industries, sports and environmental sectors. His work aims to open up new professional perspectives for young artists and cultural entrepreneurs.
His presence at Roots and Future 2026 provided an opportunity to share the Caribbean’s experience in the creative economy, a field in which the region has recognized expertise, notably in music, events and cultural festivals. These exchanges also served as a reminder of the extent to which the cultural trajectories of Africa and the Caribbean remain deeply intertwined.
Ouagadougou, fertile ground for the cultural economy
Even before the official opening of Roots and Future 2026, a strategy meeting was organized at the Centre culturel Gambidi, an emblematic venue on the Burkinabe art scene. The meeting brought together a number of international players as well as Claude Guingané, General Manager of the center and representative of the IKAM Burkina Faso focal point.
Discussions focused on consolidating the partnership established in 2019 between IKAM and the Maison des industries culturelles et créatives de Ouagadougou (MICCO). One of the projects discussed was the creation of an entrepreneurial hub dedicated to the cultural industries, designed to support artists and project leaders in developing their initiatives. Such a structure could play an essential role in structuring Burkina Faso’s cultural sector and opening it up to international networks.
Action-oriented business meetings
Highlights of Roots and Future 2026 include A media workshop at the Hotel Pacific brought together a number of professionals from the cultural sector for B2B meetings. These exchanges gave participants the opportunity to present their artistic projects, identify potential partners and explore new avenues of cooperation.
Discussions focused on the circulation of artists between Africa and the Caribbean, the co-production of cultural events and the development of transatlantic media projects. For many of the players present, these meetings represent a first step towards the creation of lasting collaborations.
Momentum set to continue
The first edition of Roots and Future 2026 ended on an encouraging note. By bringing together decision-makers, cultural entrepreneurs and artists around a common vision, the event laid the foundations for more structured international cooperation in the cultural field. In a context where the creative industries represent an important economic lever, the initiative also opens up prospects for the circulation of talent and the development of new cultural projects.
For the Caribbean, these exchanges represent an opportunity to strengthen historic ties with the African continent, while helping to build a more connected diasporic cultural space. With this first edition, Roots and Future 2026 positions Ouagadougou as a strategic meeting point between Africa and the world’s creative diasporas.
Roots and Future 2026 is an international event dedicated to the development of the cultural and creative industries, held in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
The event aims to strengthen cooperation between Africa and its diaspora, particularly in the Caribbean, and to support the structuring of the cultural sector.
International guests included entrepreneur Davon Carty and Victor E. Lewis, CEO of Caribbean One Media Group and Director of the Creative Campus Eco Institute.
The integration of Richès Karayib into the Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU) marks a new stage in the development of Caribbean media. This membership formalizes Richès Karayib’s regional roots and reinforces its determination to actively contribute to the structuring of the Caribbean media landscape.
In a context where the circulation of content remains fragmented between linguistic and geographic territories, joining the Caribbean Broadcasting Union represents a strategic lever for boosting the visibility and circulation of Caribbean content.
The Caribbean Broadcasting Union, a pillar of the Caribbean media landscape
The Caribbean Broadcasting Union is the regional organization that federates the Caribbean media, covering radio, television, print and digital platforms. It plays a central role in cooperation between broadcasters, the circulation of content, the professionalization of players in the sector and the promotion of Caribbean productions.
Every year, the Caribbean Broadcasting Union organizes the CBU Media Awards. These awards recognize the most outstanding productions in radio, television, print and digital. These awards are a major event for Caribbean media professionals, helping to raise standards of journalistic and editorial quality in the region. By becoming a member of the Caribbean Broadcasting Union, Richès Karayib joins a structured and recognized network at the heart of regional media dynamics.
A strategic step for Richès Karayib
Since its creation, Richès Karayib has been promoting culture, heritage, tourism and the women and men who shape the Caribbean’s attractiveness and influence. Membership of the Caribbean Broadcasting Union consolidates this trajectory by opening up new prospects:
- – publishing cooperation on a regional scale
- – increased circulation of content
- – professional exchanges between member media
- – enhanced visibility with institutional and economic players
Joining the Caribbean Broadcasting Union also enables Richès Karayib to place its productions within a demanding regional framework, where content quality, journalistic rigor and editorial impact are decisive. This new step comes at a time when the medium is developing its print, digital and audiovisual formats, with a clear ambition: to connect Caribbean territories beyond linguistic borders.
Building a structured Caribbean media space
The Caribbean is rich in talent, culture and initiative. However, content produced in one territory is still not widely distributed to other islands and countries in the region. One of the major challenges of the Caribbean Broadcasting Union is precisely to promote this circulation and encourage regional collaboration.
By joining the Caribbean Broadcasting Union, Richès Karayib is affirming its desire to play an active part in this dynamic. This is not just institutional recognition, but a commitment: to contribute to a more connected, visible and structured Caribbean media.
This approach is in line with Richès Karayib’s mission to promote the region’s talents, initiatives and heritage, while encouraging synergies between regions.
Setting course for the CBU Media Awards
As part of this membership, Richès Karayib will take part in the 37th CBU Media Awards organized by the Caribbean Broadcasting Union. Richès Karayib’s participation is in line with the company’s commitment to professionalization and regional outreach.
Beyond the competition, the CBU Media Awards represent a space for Caribbean media to meet, exchange ideas and gain visibility. For RK, it’s a further opportunity to promote a committed editorial voice in the service of the Caribbean.
A new development phase
Joining the Caribbean Broadcasting Union marks a natural evolution for Richès Karayib. After consolidating its presence in the French-speaking Caribbean, the medium is now taking a decisive step towards wider regional integration.
In a changing media environment, where cooperation, editorial quality and international visibility are essential, joining the Caribbean Broadcasting Union is a strong signal.
Richès Karayib’s ambition is to contribute to a more visible, coherent and assertive Caribbean media.
The Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU) is the regional media organization for the Caribbean, covering radio, television, print and digital platforms. It promotes cooperation, the circulation of content and the professionalization of players in the sector.
Membership of the Caribbean Broadcasting Union enables Richès Karayib to join a structured regional network, boost its visibility on a Caribbean scale and develop editorial collaborations with other member media.
The CBU Media Awards are an annual competition organized by the Caribbean Broadcasting Union to recognize the best radio, television, print and digital productions in the region.
Every February 19th, International Whale Day invites us to celebrate these emblematic marine mammals and reflect on their essential role in the health of the oceans. In the Caribbean, International Whale Day resonates with particular intensity: here, the turquoise waters become the scene of a natural ballet that attracts visitors from all over the world, combining wonder, environmental commitment and responsible tourism.
This region is no longer just a migratory stopover for humpback whales. It has become, for curious travelers and nature enthusiasts, a must-see destination for a unique cetacean-watching experience.
A well-established migration season, already active in 2025
The annual migration of humpback whales to the warm waters of the Caribbean continues to be a major seasonal phenomenon. Scientists and local observers confirm that the first individuals are seen as early as January, and that their presence intensifies throughout the following months. This spectacular migration, visible from the waters off Guadeloupe to the protected marine areas of the Dominican Republic, offers a prime viewing window for visitors between December and April, with peak activity often recorded around February and March – precisely when the Caribbean celebrates International Whale Day.
For travellers, these months represent the ideal time to combine vacations, the discovery of marine biodiversity and responsible tourism.
The Caribbean in the global cetacean ecosystem
The Caribbean region is home to a wide variety of cetaceans: whales, sperm whales and dolphins frequent these rich waters at different times of the year. According to the data collected, several species of mysticetes (baleen whales) and odontocetes (toothed whales and dolphins) are present, some permanently, others in transit.
This diversity enriches the observation experience and makes the Caribbean a global world crossroads for the study and conservation of marine mammals. It also offers visitors the chance to see different species on the same expedition.
A real and growing impact on tourism (2024-2025)
Although figures on whale-watching tourism in the Caribbean are still fragmentary, it is undeniable that this activity attracts a significant number of foreign visitors each season. In some of the region’s cruise ports, for example, over 375,000 passengers are expected during the 2024-2025 season, reflecting the strength of the island’s tourism sector as a whole.
If we take into account that whale watching is often integrated into these maritime experiences (excursions, nature stopovers, marine safaris), this shows the extent to which cetaceans have become a strong attraction in the Caribbean tourism offer.
In the most famous areas, such as Samaná Bay in the Dominican Republic, whale-watching activity is already recognized as one of the most important in the region. Dozens if not hundreds of individuals are identified each season, reflecting the importance of this marine area for the breeding and rearing of young whales.
Biodiversity as an attraction
What sets the Caribbean experience apart is the combination of natural spectacle and exceptional biodiversity. Unlike purely visual marine safaris, whale-watching trips here take place in a rich ecological context where different types of cetaceans co-exist: humpback whales, sperm whales and dolphin species, each with their own unique behaviors.
Passionate travelers have the opportunity not only to see these animals, but also to learn more about their life cycles, underwater songs and migration strategies – a scientific and educational dimension that simply transforms “observing” into “understanding”.
Exceptional observation hotspots
The Caribbean boasts several remarkable observation sites:
- – Samaná Bay (Dominican Republic): renowned for hosting numerous humpback whales during their breeding and calving periods.
- – The coasts of Guadeloupe particularly around the islands of Les Saintes and Marie-Galante, offer excellent conditions for watching spectacular whale jumps.
- – Silver Bank (off the coast of the Dominican Republic): a marine sanctuary where you can sometimes enjoy more immersive experiences.
- – French departments of America (Guadeloupe, Martinique) part of the Agoa sanctuary, which protects over 143,000 km² dedicated to marine mammals.
Responsible tourism: challenges and best practices
The growth of whale-watching tourism is not without its challenges. It involves a shared responsibility between tourism operators, local authorities and the travellers themselves. In many areas, ethical approach protocols have been adopted to minimize stress on the animals. These include respectful approach distances, speed limits at sea, controlled observation times, and a ban on swimming with whales without strict scientific supervision.
For travelers, choosing certified service providers committed to conservation has become a marker of quality experience. It’s also a concrete way of supporting sustainable tourism: by respecting the rules, you protect the animals while promoting responsible economic activity that benefits local communities.
An unforgettable human and ecological experience
International Whale Day is a reminder that these species are both jewels of biodiversity and vectors of connection between man and nature. For tourists visiting the Caribbean, whale watching is an encounter with an ancient animal intelligence, an immersion in a unique migratory cycle and an awareness of the importance of preserving these marine giants.
Witnessing these encounters, whether it’s a whale calf playing on the surface or a mother accompanying her calf, is rarely an indifferent experience. And for those with a passion for the Caribbean, the experience becomes a must. source of inspiration and commitment to protecting the oceans.
A call to action as conscious travelers
On International Whale Day, the Caribbean reminds us that it’s not just a postcard destination: it’s a living hub of marine biodiversity, where natural beauty meets environmental responsibility. For travelers and enthusiasts alike, International Whale Day is an invitation to enjoy authentic, informed and respectful experiences, enriching not only their stay but also their understanding of the marine world around us.
Every whale-watching excursion can become a moment of sharing, knowledge and respect, a personal contribution to the preservation of these giants of the sea, today and for future generations.
International Whale Day coincides with the peak migration season of humpback whales to the warm waters of the Caribbean. This makes the region a major breeding and whale-watching site, reinforcing its role in the preservation of marine biodiversity and the development of sustainable tourism.
The whale-watching season generally runs from December to April, with a peak between February and March. It is during this period that humpback whales calve in Caribbean waters, offering visitors ideal viewing conditions.
Yes, when governed by strict rules. Many Caribbean territories apply regulated approach protocols: minimum distance, limited number of boats, controlled speed and operator training. Choosing a certified service provider is essential to guarantee a responsible and sustainable experience.
Anguilla has reached a major milestone in its tourism development. In 2025, the island recorded 229,734 visitors its highest number of arrivals in 33 years according to official data from the Department of Statistics and the Anguilla Tourist Board. This performance represents an increase of 11.2% compared to 2024 and confirms the strength of this Caribbean territory’s tourism model.
In a regional context marked by intense competition between destinations, Anguilla has demonstrated its ability to maintain a premium positioning while increasing its visitor numbers.
Anguilla reaches a historic milestone in 2025
The year 2025 will remain a benchmark for the island, which achieves its highest annual visitor volume in over three decades. With 229,734 arrivals, the destination is not only outperforming its recent performance, but also the levels recorded prior to the pandemic. The increase in 11,2 % compared to 2024 illustrates a controlled growth dynamic. It is based on a targeted promotional strategy, continuous improvement of the tourism offering and close collaboration between public and private players in the sector.
This performance also confirms Anguilla’s resilience in the face of fluctuations in the global tourism market, and its ability to maintain a high level of attractiveness to a demanding international clientele.
Growth driven by two complementary segments
The island’s tourism success in 2025 is based on the positive evolution of two major visitor categories: stayover tourists and day-trippers. Stay-over visitors, who spend at least one night on the island, have reached 114,965 arrivals. These figures testify to the good health of the hotel sector and the upscale accommodation on offer. At the same time, the number of day-trippers reached 114,769 arrivals confirming the importance of regional flows.
This complementarity between extended stays and short-term visits is one of the pillars of the island’s tourism model. It enables the island to benefit from a high overall volume of visitors, while diversifying its economic spin-offs.
A particularly dynamic end to 2025
Tourism performance in Anguilla was reinforced by a particularly active final quarter. The month of december 2025 was the best-performing of the year, with 28,855 visitors. This illustrates the attractiveness of the destination during the peak winter season. The months of January, February and March also posted solid results, confirming the loyalty of international customers during the main tourist season. This concentration of arrivals in strategic periods underlines the effectiveness of promotional campaigns in priority markets. In this way, the island is able to consolidate its visitor numbers throughout the year, while capitalizing on its periods of strong demand.
The U.S. market, the main driver of visitor numbers
The U.S. market remains the main contributor to the island’s performance. By 2025, American visitors will account for around 70% of tourist arrivals. This confirms the strategic importance of this customer base. This dominance can be explained by several factors: geographical proximity, accessibility via regional hubs, and Anguilla’s reputation as a high-end, secure destination. Canada and Europe complete the picture, making a more moderate but stable contribution.
However, the gradual diversification of markets remains an objective for tourism authorities, who wish to reduce dependence on a single source.
A quality-oriented tourism strategy
The island’s positioning is based on a clear strategy: quality of experience rather than massification. The island continues to focus on specific segments such as luxury tourism, gastronomy, weddings and wellness holidays. This orientation enables the island to maintain a high level of spending per visitor, while preserving its identity. It also encourages balanced tourism development that respects the environment and local communities.
The results for 2025 demonstrate the relevance of this approach. The island has succeeded in increasing its visitor numbers without compromising its image or the quality of its offering.
A strong signal for the entire Caribbean
Performance in 2025 is a positive indicator for the Caribbean region as a whole. It confirms the sustainable recovery of tourism in the area, and the ability of island destinations to attract a high value-added international clientele. In a changing global tourism environment, the island stands as an example of strategic management and coherent development of its tourism industry. The year 2025 offers encouraging prospects for the years to come.
Anguilla welcomed 229,734 visitors in 2025, its highest level in 33 years. This 11.2% increase can be attributed to the upturn in international tourism and the strength of Anguilla’s upmarket positioning.
The United States is Anguilla’s leading outbound market, accounting for around 70% of visitors, followed by Canada and Europe.
This record strengthens Anguilla’s tourism economy, supports local employment and confirms the island’s place among the Caribbean’s premium destinations.
Black History Month 2026 is more than just an annual commemoration in the American cultural calendar. February 2026 marks a major historical turning point: the centenary of what was to become Black History Month. A century earlier, in 1926, an intellectual and activist initiative laid the foundations for an in-depth effort to correct a glaring absence: that of the history of black populations in official narratives and educational programs.
In 2026, Black History Month celebrates more than symbolic longevity. It invites us to question the way societies produce, select and transmit their memories, as well as the power relations that determine what deserves – or not – to be taught, recognized and commemorated.
Origins of Black History Month: from Negro History Week to national recognition
The history of Black History Month officially began in 1926 with the creation of Negro History Week the initiative of African-American researchers united within the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. At a time when black history is largely absent from school textbooks and universities, this initiative aims to produce rigorous, documented and transferable knowledge about the contributions of people of African descent to the United States.
From the outset, the challenge went beyond mere symbolic recognition. It’s about rebalancing the historical narrative, based on research, archiving and educational dissemination. Negro History Week gradually became a space for contesting dominant narratives, highlighting trajectories, struggles and creations long relegated to the margins.
2026, a pivotal year: the centenary of Black History Month
A century after this first initiative, Black History Month 2026 is part of a dynamic of historical rereading. The transformation of a week of commemoration into an officially recognized month in the mid-1970s marked an important, but not definitive, step in the institutional recognition of black history.
The theme chosen for this edition, “A Century of Black History Commemorations”. A century of commemorations is an opportunity to take a critical look at the road we’ve travelled. The aim is not simply to measure the progress made, but to analyze the profound dynamics revealed by a century of commemorations: tensions between institutions and communities, issues of educational transmission, struggles for historical legitimacy.
Miami, Afro-American and Afro-Caribbean crossroads for Black History Month 2026
In this context, Miami occupies a singular place in the celebrations of Black History Month 2026. As a crossroads between North America, the Caribbean and Latin America, Miami embodies a transatlantic black memory, shaped by migration, exile and cultural circulation.
The programming supported by local and community institutions reflects this plurality. It articulates African-American and Afro-Caribbean heritages, underlining the historical continuity between the United States and the Caribbean. In Miami, Black History Month is not just a tribute to the past, but a living space for diasporic dialogue.
Black History Month 2026 program in Miami: highlights
Ceremonies and times of remembrance
- – February 1st – Trayvon Martin Remembrance Gala
- – February 2 – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Pieces of Black History Exhibition
- – February 3rd – HistoryMiami Icon Awards
– Institutional launches and public events
- – February 6th – Black History Month Kickoff and Exhibit (Miami-Dade County)
- – February 20th – Black History Month Food Truck & Vendor Fair
Music, jazz, gospel and stage creations
- – Concerts and performances throughout the month at the Adrienne Arsht Center, the New World Center and the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center
- – Jazz, spirituals and gospel highlights, including creations dedicated to Malcolm X, Langston Hughes and Margaret Bonds
- – Symphonic and vocal programming combining Afro-American heritage and contemporary expression
Festivals, gastronomy and diasporic culture
- – Heritage Fest (February 7)
- – Culinary events integrated into the South Beach Wine & Food Festival, with an explicit focus on Afro-Caribbean cultures
- – Cultural brunches and community gatherings in Miami’s historic neighborhoods
Exhibitions and events throughout February
- – Art exhibitions at Historic Hampton House, Pérez Art Museum Miami and in the public library network
- – Heritage tours and Black History Bus Tours of historic black neighborhoods
- – Screenings, performances and educational activities throughout the month
Black arts, music and heritage: passing on a living history
Black music and collective memory
Music takes center stage at Black History Month 2026. Jazz, gospel, spirituals and contemporary creations tell the story of a black sound that spans the centuries. These musical forms bear witness to resistance, adaptation and cultural transmission from African and Caribbean worlds, transformed in the American context.
Through concerts and performances, music becomes a tool tool of memory capable of linking the history of slavery with contemporary artistic expression.
Visual arts, exhibitions and urban narratives
The exhibitions and heritage projects presented during Black History Month 2026 contribute to a critical re-reading of urban and social history. They shed light on long-invisibilized narratives, rooted in the neighborhoods, cultural practices and individual trajectories of black communities.
Afro-American and Afro-Caribbean gastronomy: an embodied cultural history
Gastronomy is another essential vector of transmission. Afro-American and Afro-Caribbean cuisines tell a story of constraint, inventiveness and resilience. Born of contexts marked by slavery and migration, they have established themselves as cultural heritages in their own right.
As part of Black History Month 2026, the showcasing of these culinary traditions highlights the historical circulations between the Caribbean and the United States, as well as the contemporary recognition of these heritages.
The Caribbean, an essential dimension of Black History Month 2026
Even when the Caribbean is not explicitly named, it remains omnipresent in Black History Month 2026. Caribbean migrations have profoundly shaped black American cultures, influencing music, religious practices, cuisine and intellectual movements.
Miami illustrates this historical continuity, where Afro-Caribbean and Afro-American narratives intersect and respond to each other. The Caribbean thus appears not simply as a background, but as a structural component of black history in the United States.
A century of commemoration: passing on long-marginalized stories
The centenary of Black History Month raises a fundamental question: how does a society choose to pass on the stories it has long marginalized? The recognition of black history has never been a linear process. It is the result of intellectual struggles, community mobilizations and ongoing institutional negotiations.
In 2026, Black History Month presents itself not as a finished celebration, but as a critical tool for the present. It reminds us that history is a field of debate, where dominant narratives can and must be interrogated.
Black History Month 2026 marks the centenary of Negro History Week, created in 1926 by African-American scholars to document and transmit the history of black populations, long absent from mainstream narratives. This centenary edition invites critical reflection on a century of commemorations and the transmission of historical knowledge.
Miami is a unique Afro-American and Afro-Caribbean crossroads. In 2026, the city will host a dense program of memory, arts, music, gastronomy and heritage, illustrating the historical links between the United States and the Caribbean in the construction of contemporary black cultures.
Yes, the black history of the United States is inseparable from Afro-Caribbean migration and heritage. Black History Month 2026 highlights these cultural circulations, particularly in Miami, where Caribbean music, cuisine and stories play a central role in the celebrations.
The Caribbean coral reefs are one of the region’s most precious natural pillars. They protect coasts, feed populations, support tourism and harbor exceptional biodiversity. Yet this strategic ecosystem is undergoing an unprecedented crisis. In just over forty years, almost half of all hard corals have disappeared, under the combined effect of global warming and increasing human pressure. Behind this silent erosion lies a central issue for the future of the Caribbean territories: their ecological, economic and social resilience.
Caribbean coral reefs: a historic loss since 1980
Data compiled by the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network have drawn a stark conclusion. Between 1980 and 2024, hard coral cover in the Caribbean fell by 48 %. This decline occurred in fits and starts, during several episodes of mass mortality, often correlated with major climatic anomalies.
Some years were marked by abrupt changes. In 1998 and again in 2005, widespread bleaching episodes led to major losses. More recently, the 2023-2024 period has been marked by a further fall estimated at 16.9% reduction in coral cover in a single year. This is a direct consequence of exceptionally high ocean temperatures. These figures now place Caribbean reefs among the world’s most threatened marine ecosystems.
Coral bleaching and thermal stress: the causes of the decline
Warming waters and record-breaking sea temperatures
The main factor explaining the decline of Caribbean coral reefs is ocean warming. In the region’s reef zones, the average surface temperature has risen by around 1.07°C between 1985 and 2024 at a rate higher than that observed on a global scale. In 2023, some areas recorded temperatures exceeding 30°C for several weeks. This is a critical threshold for coral survival.
Ocean acidification and coral disease
Under the influence of heat or pollution, corals expel zooxanthellae, the symbiotic microalgae that provide them with most of their energy. This phenomenon, known as bleaching, permanently weakens colonies. When the stress is prolonged, mortality becomes inevitable. Added to this is ocean acidification, linked to the absorption of atmospheric CO₂, which weakens the calcareous structures of corals and encourages the onset of disease.
Why are Caribbean coral reefs essential to biodiversity?
Although they only cover about 1% of the seabed coral reefs are home to almost 25% of the world’s marine biodiversity . In the Caribbean, they provide essential habitat for hundreds of species: parrotfish, lobsters, conch shells, sea turtles and coastal sharks.
The gradual disappearance of coral leads to a cascading cascade collapse associated ecosystems. Degraded reefs are gradually being invaded by macroalgae, whose presence has increased by more than 80% since 1980. This transformation is accentuated by the over-fishing of herbivorous fish, which used to play a key role in maintaining the reef’s ecological balance.
A major economic impact for Caribbean territories
Coastal tourism and coral reefs
The Caribbean coral reefs represent a major economic driver. Their contribution is estimated at more than $6 billion a year. In many areas, these activities are an essential part of the local economy and employment. In many areas, these activities are an essential part of the local economy and employment.
Artisanal fishing and food security
Reefs also serve as breeding and feeding grounds for many species exploited by artisanal fishing. Their degradation directly threatens the food security of already vulnerable coastal communities.
Natural coastal protection against storms
Last but not least, reefs act as a natural natural barrier against coastal erosion and cyclonic swell. Their weakening exposes Caribbean coasts to increased risks of flooding and forces states to invest in costly artificial infrastructures.
Human pressure and urbanization: vulnerability specific to the Caribbean
The specificity of the Caribbean lies in the high human density in the vicinity of reefs. Since the early 2000s, the population living within 20 kilometers of these ecosystems has increased by nearly 30 %. This concentration results in increased coastal pollution, inadequate sanitation systems, poorly regulated tourism and rapid coastal urbanization.
The Caribbean coral reefs are undergoing a double shock: local pressure from human activities and the global impact of climate change, two mutually reinforcing dynamics.
Can the Caribbean's coral reefs still regenerate?
Marine protected areas and ecological corridors
Despite the gravity of the situation, some areas are showing signs of resilience. Particularly resilient coral colonies have been identified in the southern Gulf of Mexico, some of them disease-free and home to critically endangered species. These discoveries have led to the creation of interconnected marine protected areas, encouraging the circulation of species and the natural regeneration of reefs.
Coral restoration and natural resilience
Restoration programs, based on coral nurseries and targeted transplants, demonstrate that recovery is possible when human pressures are reduced. As the United Nations Environment Programme, science shows that reefs can recover if coherent policies of protection, fisheries management and pollution reduction are implemented.
The loss of almost half of the Caribbean’s coral reefs since 1980 marks a historic turning point. It reveals the limitations of current management models, and underlines the urgent need for an integrated approach that brings together science, public policy and local stakeholders. The survival of the reefs will largely determine the environmental, economic and social future of the Caribbean.
Coral reefs in the Caribbean are disappearing mainly due to global warming, which is causing massive bleaching episodes, combined with ocean acidification, coral disease and local human pressures.
They support tourism, fishing and coastal protection. Their degradation leads to significant economic losses and increases the costs associated with erosion and coastal infrastructure.
Yes, when human pressures are reduced and effective protection measures put in place, some reefs show a real capacity for resilience and regeneration.
Minister of Health, Tourism and Sport, the Honourable Cardigan Connor embodies a rare political profile: that of an internationally renowned athlete turned public servant. Deeply rooted in his island homeland, and with a successful sporting career on the world stage to his credit, he now embraces a bold, human-centered vision of government. In this exclusive interview, we show how his background, values and ambition come together to help shape the future of Anguilla and the Caribbean.
Cricket pitches at the Council of Ministers
Born and raised in Anguilla, Cardigan Connor left the island as a teenager to pursue his studies in the UK. On the cricket pitches of Hampshire County. He built a remarkable career that spanned more than a decade, with seasons also played in Australia. And yet, even at the height of his sporting success, the link with his island never broke.
In 1991, he returned to Anguilla during the off-season to coach young players and promote cricket in local schools. This duty of transmission has never left him. In 2015, he entered politics and now heads three strategic ministries. Its mission: to make Anguilla a model of sustainable, inclusive and resolutely Caribbean development.
Tourism that belongs to the locals
For Minister Cardigan Connor, tourism isn’t just about luxury villas and five-star hotels: it’s also about identity, community and ownership.
“Our greatest wealth is not beaches or hotels. It’s the people”, he insists.
He advocates a tourism economy in which Anguillais are creators, not just employees. At the heart of this approach jollification – deeply-rooted tradition of collective work and celebration – becomes, he believes, a model for designing authentic, shared experiences. He also makes sports tourism an essential pillar of growth, especially during the low season (May to November), drawing on the island’s strengths in cricket, tennis, boat racing and golf.
Golf, in particular, has a potential that is still under-exploited. Anguilla is home to a world-class course designed by Greg Norman: an asset that Minister Cardigan Connor wants to mobilize not only to attract a high-end clientele, but also to democratize access to the sport among local youth. “If golf is a way of life for many of our visitors, it must also represent an opportunity for our population”, he explains. In October, the island will host a major regional tournament bringing together players from all over the Eastern Caribbean. For the Minister, it’s not just about competition: it’s about inclusion, visibility and long-term development.
Festivals such as Del Mar, Moon Splash and the Anguilla Summer Festival are also being upgraded, not only to attract visitors, but to strengthen cultural pride and intergenerational ties. For Minister Cardigan Connor, these events are more than attractions: they are affirmations of identity.
A self-confident, connected Caribbean
The Honourable Minister Cardigan Connor speaks with clarity and determination when he talks about regional cooperation.
For him, building a stronger Caribbean means making inter-island travel simpler and cheaper, reducing excessive taxes and encouraging public-private partnerships that transcend language barriers.
“Geography, history, blood: we already share so much. It’s time to turn this into a policy and a source of opportunities”, he says.
In this spirit, it supports the extension of maritime links between Anguilla and Saint-Martin, encourages inter-island hotel collaboration and advocates greater integration through organizations such as the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO). His government is also investing in airport modernization and the opening of new air routes to improve connectivity.
Towards sovereignty and controlled growth
As a British overseas territory, Anguilla straddles the line between autonomy and dependence. Minister Cardigan Connor speaks frankly about the challenges and responsibilities of this status. He advocates pragmatic governance: measured tax reforms, public investment, and strategic use of new sources of revenue, such as AI domain registration.
Faced with the rising cost of living, he insists on the need for human-centered policies. Recent adjustments to the General Sales Tax (GST) are designed to ease the pressure on households and businesses alike.
“We want every Anguillais to feel they have a place in this economy – not just survive in it”, he stresses.
Leading with integrity, rooted in the community
Cardigan Connor is not a politician who speaks from afar. He leads with the quiet confidence of someone who knows his people, because he has lived their realities. His leadership is based on proximity, discipline and a deep sense of heritage.
Anguilla, he says, is a “home away from home” for those who visit – and proof that a small island can become an example when its people are empowered, its culture valued and its vision shared.
FAQ
Cardigan Connor is a former top-level cricketer, trained in the UK and having competed professionally in England and Australia. Deeply attached to Anguilla, he has always maintained a strong link with his island through his involvement in youth training. He entered politics in 2015 and is now Minister of Health, Tourism and Sport.
His vision is based on tourism rooted in the local population. He advocates a model where Anguillais are actors and creators of value, through culture, festivals, sport and traditions such as jollification. Sports tourism, notably cricket and golf, is also at the heart of his strategy to strengthen the year-round economy.
Cardigan Connor advocates a more connected Caribbean, with easier inter-island travel, stronger regional partnerships and greater economic integration. He supports investment in infrastructure, cooperation through regional bodies, and controlled growth focused on people and economic sovereignty.
From November 22 to November 30, 2025, the Caribbean Film Days festival is underway online. For the first time, a space entirely dedicated to Caribbean cinema brings together more than forty works accessible anywhere in the world, at any time. The event, the result of a collaboration between Caribbean Creativity and the Caribbean Chamber of Commerce in Europe, transforms the month of November into a time of cultural sharing and solidarity, in aid of the populations affected by Hurricane Melissa.
Caribbean Film Days doesn’t just show films: it builds bridges. A link between the islands, between the diaspora and the territories of origin, between art and social reality, between memory and the future. For a public often far removed from traditional cinemas or deprived of access to Caribbean films, it’s a rare, almost unique opportunity to enter into stories that tell the region from the inside.
A festival designed to be seen everywhere
Unlike physical festivals, Caribbean Film Days requires no travel, no reservations and no set times.
How to watch movies?
- – visit the YardVibes platform,
- – browse the catalog,
- – choose a film,
- – rent it via Vimeo on Demand,
- – and watch it streaming, at any time of day.
No geographical constraints: Europe, the Americas, the Caribbean, Oceania: everyone can take part.
A cinema that tells the story of the islands as they live
To appreciate a festival, you have to understand what it shows. Caribbean Film Days isn’t just a list of titles: it’s a mosaic of Caribbean realities, from its music to its struggles, from its creativity to its contradictions.
Here are just a few examples of the works on offer at Caribbean Film Days:
- “Kanaval” (Haiti – Dominican Republic): a powerful feature film about identity, migration and memory.
- “Jocelyne Béroard, At Heart”: a sensitive portrait of the zouk icon and her influence in the Caribbean.
- “Joseph” (Barbados – Jamaica – Ghana): a quest for origins linking the Americas to Africa.
- “Stones Have Laws” (Suriname): an immersion in Maroon traditions and their relationship with the land.
- “Heart of Haiti”: a journey to the heart of Haitian artistic creation.
- “Why Do Jamaicans Run So Fast?” an intimate look at Jamaican athletes and their heritage.
Documentaries, fiction, archives, independent projects, artistic experiments: this is a complete panorama of Caribbean cinema, too often absent from international platforms. The aim of this program is clear: to show a Caribbean that is not just beaches or tourist clichés, but one that expresses itself through voices, faces, struggles and dreams.
A festival in support of the islands affected by Hurricane Melissa
This first edition of Caribbean Film Days would not have the same scope without the context in which it takes place.
Hurricane Melissa left a devastating mark on the region, particularly in Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
The rains, destruction and loss of life have left a deep mark on communities.
Caribbean Film Days has chosen to act on its own scale. Each film rental generates a donation, which goes entirely to reconstruction and support initiatives.
Watching a film means :
- – support affected families,
- – contribute to infrastructure rehabilitation,
- – a gesture of solidarity that goes beyond words.
It’s an ethical stance: the Caribbean, while contributing very little to global emissions, is exposed to the most violent consequences of climate change.
This festival reminds us of this injustice by giving a central role to culture.
A rendezvous for the diaspora and fans of Caribbean culture
For many, watching “a film from home” means reconnecting with a language, an accent, a landscape, a way of telling a story. The Caribbean diaspora in Europe and North America will find in the festival a way to reconnect with universes that are similar to their own. For non-Caribbean audiences, it’s an essential discovery: the Caribbean isn’t just a vacation zone, it’s a region with social, political and artistic dynamics that deserve to be understood.
The online format also makes it possible to engage a younger audience, often accustomed to streaming platforms, but with little exposure to Caribbean cinema.
Why does this festival matter today?
Caribbean Film Days fills a void. A gap in access, a gap in distribution infrastructure, a gap in international recognition.
They show that :
– the Caribbean has a solid, diverse and meaningful film production;
– solidarity can take the form of a cultural gesture;
– a film can link territories that sometimes don’t intersect;
– the stories told by Caribbean people have their place in global digital spaces.
How to get involved
- ▶️ Go to YardVibes (official platform).
- ▶️ Choose one of the films below.
- ▶️ Rent it via Vimeo on Demand.
- ▶️ Watch, share, recommend.
- ▶️ Every viewing contributes to Melissa’s post-hurricane relief efforts.
FAQ
Simply visit YardVibes, choose a film and rent it via Vimeo on Demand. Viewing is available 24/7.
Over forty works from Caribbean cinema: documentaries, fiction, portraits, historical accounts and musical films.
Yes, all proceeds from film rentals during Caribbean Film Days are donated to Hurricane Melissa relief and reconstruction initiatives in Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
The OECS continues its regional modernization with a landmark initiative in Saint Lucia: the commissioning of automated kiosks at the country’s two main airports. A decisive step towards smoother, more technological and more secure border management in the Caribbean.
A forward-looking regional project
The OECS Commission (Organization of Eastern Caribbean States) has handed over ten self-service kiosks to Saint Lucia: eight at Hewanorra International Airport (HIA) and two at George F. L. Charles International Airport. This state-of-the-art equipment enables travellers to complete entry formalities themselves, reducing waiting times and congestion in arrival halls.
This operation is part of the OECS Border Management Improvement Program, financed by the European Union through the Regional Integration Through Growth Harmonisation and Technology (RIGHT) program. This partnership illustrates the regional organization’s determination to strengthen cooperation between its member states, while relying on technology as a lever for efficiency and security.
Automated kiosks for a better passenger experience
With this installation, Saint Lucia becomes a concrete example of digital transformation at the service of tourism. The new automated kiosks scan passports, capture fingerprints and speed up data verification, while maintaining a high level of security.
The aim is twofold: to facilitate travel for the region’s nationals, particularly those from CARICOM and the OECS, and to strengthen the country’s ability to identify and filter high-risk passengers. This intelligent approach illustrates the balance the region is seeking to strike between opening up tourism and tightening controls.
Strong words from Caribbean leadership
At the official handover ceremony at Hewanorra International Airport, OECS Director General Dr Didacus Jules emphasized the strategic significance of this development:
“As global tourism becomes more competitive, travelers are looking not only for beautiful destinations, but also for an efficient, seamless and secure entry experience.”
Dr Didacus Jules emphasized that modernizing ports of entry is an essential pillar for supporting the economic growth of member states and reinforcing the international perception of an organized, technological and welcoming Caribbean.
For his part, Saint Lucia’s Minister of the Interior, Crime Prevention and Persons with Disabilities, Hon. Jeremiah Norbert, praised the investment:
“To maintain the global competitiveness of our tourism sector and meet security challenges, efficient border management systems are essential. They must deny entry to at-risk passengers while offering smooth passage to legitimate travelers.”
These declarations reflect a shared vision: to make the OECS area a model of harmonized regional management, where technological innovation is integrated with the imperatives of sovereignty and mobility.
A regional program already underway
The handover of ten kiosks in Saint Lucia comes just a few months after a similar initiative in Grenada, where six kiosks were delivered in March 2025. Eventually, the OECS Commission aims to equip all member states: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Montserrat, as well as associated territories such as Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands.
Beyond infrastructure, the aim is to establish a framework for cooperation and data sharing to harmonize entry procedures, strengthen traceability and ensure better coordination between immigration services.
The initiative is thus aligned with the OECS’ regional priorities, which aim to accelerate digital transformation, boost sustainable tourism and improve regional connectivity. Technology becomes a strategic tool to accompany the mobility of Caribbean citizens while supporting economic competitiveness.
Saint Lucia, showcase of a new Caribbean era
For Saint Lucia, this partnership with the OECS and the European Union symbolizes a major step forward. The island is reinforcing its image as a modern, welcoming destination, with infrastructures that meet international standards. The automation of entry points is set to reduce waiting times, improve visitor satisfaction and optimize the management of tourist flows – a crucial issue for a country where tourism accounts for over 60% of GDP.
But beyond the immediate gain, this initiative reflects the political will to place Saint Lucia on a regional trajectory of digital integration. By relying on the structure and coordination of the OECS, the island benefits from a common framework of expertise, financing and training, while contributing to the construction of an interconnected Eastern Caribbean.
Towards intelligent regional connectivity
OECS is demonstrating its ability to combine vision, financing and execution in projects with a tangible impact. The installation of these terminals is more than just a technological gesture: it symbolizes the growing power of a region that is modernizing its infrastructure, reinforcing safety and making mobility more fluid.
At a time when competition between tourist destinations is intensifying, this modernization positions the Eastern Caribbean in a strategic niche: that of an integrated, safe and technologically advanced area.
By uniting its members around tangible initiatives, the OECS is once again asserting its role as a regional driving force, in the service of a more efficient, more connected and resolutely forward-looking Caribbean.
