On Saturday March 28, at the Centre Aquatique Pierre Samot in Le Lamentin, the CARIFTA Aquatics Championships 2026 press conference was more than just an information meeting. Over the course of an hour and a half, organizers, athletes and partners presented much more than just the sporting program: from April 3 to 8, Martinique will host the 39th edition of the Caribbean’s leading junior aquatic event, ten years after the first edition was so memorable. Twenty-four nations. Three disciplines. A home territory that knows it.

A bid driven by collective memory

In 2024, at the Caribbean Aquatics Association Congress held in the Bahamas, two bids were put forward to host the 2026 CARIFTA Aquatics Championships: Saint Lucia and Martinique. The vote was clear-cut: some thirty votes for Martinique, ten for Saint Lucia.

Behind this result is a story. The 2016 edition, the first ever to be held on home soil, left its mark on the minds of all those who were there: coaches, delegation leaders, officials. In 2024, when it came time to vote, many still remembered that week.

"It was a beautiful edition, and one that will always be remembered."

CARIFTA Aquatics Championships 2026
CARIFTA Aquatics Championships 2026

The other factor was more concrete: Sainte-Lucie did not yet have its own pool. Martinique, on the other hand, can count on the Centre Aquatique Pierre Samot in Le Lamentin, with its ten-lane Olympic pool, 800-seat grandstand and 25-meter warm-up pool. One of the best facilities in the Caribbean.

The organization also emphasized its capacity to welcome delegations from outside the basin, with several accommodation solutions mobilized in the south of the island, supplemented by other structures if necessary. This logistical aspect, rarely secondary in this type of event, reinforced the credibility of Martinique’s bid.

CARIFTA Aquatics Championships 2026
CARIFTA Aquatics Championships 2026
CARIFTA Aquatics Championships 2026
CARIFTA Aquatics Championships 2026

Three disciplines, 24 nations, a demanding format

The CARIFTA Aquatics Championships 2026 will bring together 24 countries: 21 English-speaking Caribbean nations, plus Martinique, Guadeloupe and Guyana. The swimming races will take place over four days: heats in the morning, finals in the afternoon, from Saturday April 5 to Tuesday April 8. Artistic swimming gets underway on Monday during the lunch break, with solos followed by technical events. The duets and teams round off the program on Wednesday morning. On the same Wednesday, the open water event takes place over five kilometers in the Anses d’Arlets.

Competitors: Benjamins (11-12 years), Minimes (13-14 years), Cadets (15-17 years) do not enter as individuals. They are national selections, with the best swimmers from each territory. To enter the Martinique selection, swimmers must satisfy a time grid established over the previous two seasons, which only selects swimmers capable of reaching the finals.

CARIFTA Aquatics Championships 2026

In the minds of the organizers, selection is based on a simple logic: to score points, you have to enter the final, and to enter the final, you have to be among the top eight times in the morning heats. In other words, the swimmers selected are supposed to have a level that enables them to play a real role in the competition, and not just participate.

The Martinique delegation at the CARIFTA Aquatics Championships 2026 has 61 swimmers: 36 in racing, 12 in open water, five of whom also race, and 18 in artistic swimming. The team is led by five captains: Jean-Naël Zozime and Maxime Auguste-Charlery for boys’ racing (15-17 age group), Cyrielle Manin and Sayanne Guivissa for girls’ racing, and Nohemy Marajo for artistic swimming.

Water as starting point and destination

When asked how he got started, Jean-Naël Zozime, captain of the boys’ selection, answers straightforwardly: “I was introduced to swimming so that I wouldn’t drown. Cyrielle Manin, captain of the girls’ selection, tells much the same story: she almost drowned as a child, and that’s what led her to learn to swim.

CARIFTA Aquatics Championships 2026
Cyrielle Manin

These two testimonies, heard just a few minutes apart, say something important about this territory. Two young Martiniquans, initially frightened by the sea, who are now representing their island against twenty-three Caribbean nations. This is more than just a sporting achievement.

"Swimming is a tough sport. You can't expect it to be easy, but with a lot of perseverance, anyone can do it."

CARIFTA Aquatics Championships 2026
Jean-Nael Zozime

Nohemy Marajo, artistic swimming captain, has been practicing for ten years a discipline that the public still knows little about. She explains it concretely: learning choreographies on dry land, rehearsing them in the water, controlling your breathing under the surface while your legs draw figures above. It’s a sport that’s as technically demanding as it is physically demanding, and has as much to do with ballet as it does with endurance.

"You have to know how to endure, how to save every last breath to finish the choreography."

CARIFTA Aquatics Championships 2026
Nohémy Marajo

The conference of the CARIFTA Aquatics Championships 2026 also pointed out that artistic swimming is still a confidential discipline in the Caribbean, due to the infrastructure it requires and the level of preparation required. It requires three-dimensional work and very thorough technical preparation, as well as the support of outside professionals, particularly in dance and gymnastic preparation. For the supervisors, the challenge of CARIFTA is twofold: to support those who are already practising and to encourage new vocations.

What the coaching team observes in these youngsters is a constant: they train, take their exams, compete at weekends, and do it all over again. “Generally, swimmers perform well in their studies too, because they’ve worked on this rigor on a daily basis.” What you learn in the pool also applies elsewhere, and the organizers insist on this daily requirement: it’s not enough to qualify, you have to be able to show up on the day, in a sport where regularity and discipline count as much as talent.

Medals from the hands of the island

The way an event rewards its champions often says a lot about what it stands for. At the CARIFTA Aquatics Championships 2026, the medals were made in Martinique from noble woods: pearwood for gold, mao bleu for silver, mao ghani for bronze. A craftsman from the Nord-Atlantique region produced them, Joseph Galliard signed the engravings, and a local seamstress made the pouches in the three colors of the Martinican flag.

CARIFTA Aquatics Championships 2026

The initiative was spearheaded by the event’s godmother, Coralie Balmy, a former top-level swimmer who had taken part in the CARIFTA four times in her career. An eco-responsible and identity-affirming initiative, hailed as a first on the Caribbean scale.

Every Caribbean athlete who reaches the podium at the CARIFTA Aquatics Championships 2026 will leave with a piece of Martinique, a unique medal made by local craftsmen, unlike any other.

Nohémy Marajo
Coralie Balmy

The conference also specified that trophies would accompany these awards, and that the medals had yet to receive their lanyards before the competition opened. Here too, the aim is clear: to make each award a sporting, local and symbolic object.

CARIFTA Aquatics Championships 2026
CARIFTA Aquatics Championships 2026

A week that mobilizes the whole territory

The CARIFTA Aquatics Championships 2026 won’t just be played out in the pools. Between 1,500 and 1,800 people are arriving in Martinique: swimmers, staff and families spread out over several hotels in the south of the island. Every day, around 150 volunteers ensure the smooth running of the event: former swimmers, parents, locals who sometimes have no direct connection with swimming, but who wanted to get involved.

Among them, the officials play a decisive role: some 26 officials from the Caribbean will reinforce the Martinique officials, bringing the number of people around the pool to around fifty for each morning and afternoon meeting. In addition, there will be first-aid attendants, reception teams, people in charge of awards, delegation escorts and areas open to the public.

CARIFTA Aquatics Championships 2026

Welcoming delegations to the CARIFTA Aquatics Championships 2026 was also thought through in detail. They all had to arrive on April 2, at different times of the day, sometimes very early in the morning, sometimes late at night. In conjunction with the transport company and SAMAC, a precise plan was drawn up at the airport to ensure smooth exits, transfers to buses and settling into accommodation, with particular attention paid to meals depending on the time of arrival.

The opening ceremony of the CARIFTA Aquatics Championships 2026, on Friday April 3 at the Georges Gratiant stadium, is free and open to all: 2,800 seats to fill. The group “Nou Pa Sav” will accompany the parade of delegations. On Saturday, April 4, Les Hommes d’Argile will be on hand as the delegations arrive on site, offering a strong cultural backdrop intended as a symbolic first encounter with Martinican identity. Throughout the week, Martinican cultural groups will be on hand to ensure that visitors leave with a living image of the region, not just competition results.

The CARIFTA Aquatics Championships 2026 ceremony is scheduled to take place from 4 to 6 p.m., and will be broadcast on a giant screen, as well as relayed by media partners and via YouTube for wider distribution in the Caribbean. The ambition is clear: to make Martinique the center of the Caribbean for the duration of the event.

In addition to sport, the organizers of the CARIFTA Aquatics Championships 2026 also have an economic and cultural objective. Bringing in up to 1,800 people means filling accommodation, generating consumption, encouraging car rentals and putting the hotel and restaurant sectors to work. It’s also a way of showcasing Martinique’s culture, notably through the entertainment planned for the opening ceremony and the arrival of the delegations.

CARIFTA Aquatics Championships 2026
CARIFTA Aquatics Championships 2026

The open water event at Anses d’Arlets also serves as a reminder that the sea is a living, fragile environment that deserves protection. The association’s representative at the conference sums up its mission simply: “learn to swim to discover the seas and protect them.”

This educational dimension goes beyond drowning prevention. It also touches on the appropriation of water by the people of Martinique, the discovery of the discipline by the youngest and the broader desire to reinforce the region’s aquatic culture in the long term.

An assertive island

A phrase uttered at the end of the conference sums up the general mood: “We’re ready, and we’ll make the CARIFTA Aquatics Championships 2026 a collective success and a great source of pride for our region.”

What the delegations take away with them on the evening of April 8 is more than just a ranking. It’s an image of Martinique, a territory that knows how to welcome, organize and assert its identity. For six days, the whole Caribbean will be there. It’s up to Martinique to show what it can do.

CARIFTA Aquatics Championships 2026
CARIFTA Aquatics Championships 2026

But the organizers of the CARIFTA Aquatics Championships 2026 also want to leave their mark after the event. The Ligue de Natation de Martinique ended the 2024-2025 season with some 2,540 members, around ten affiliated clubs and, generally speaking, 7 to 8 clubs involved in competition. With this in mind, the CARIFTAs are not intended as a parenthesis, but rather as a possible catalyst to encourage vocations, boost membership and establish swimming as a permanent fixture on the Martinique sports scene.

The organizers of the CARIFTA Aquatics Championships 2026 have also chosen not to reproduce the large village of 2016. In 2026, the activities surrounding the competition are to be more focused, with one day in particular being highlighted, in order to concentrate energy and attendance rather than scattering the highlights.

The CARIFTA Aquatics Championships 2026 is the 39th edition of the Caribbean’s leading junior aquatic event, held in Martinique from April 3 to 8. Twenty-four nations are taking part in racing, artistic and open water swimming, in categories ranging from 11 to 17 years of age.

The swimming race and artistic swimming events take place at the Centre Aquatique Pierre Samot in Le Lamentin. The 5-kilometer open water event takes place in Anses d’Arlets on Wednesday April 8.

Tickets are available on cariftamartinique2026.com and on the Ligue de Natation de Martinique social networks. Prices: €10 in the morning, €20 in the afternoon for adults, 4-day pass at €125. The opening ceremony at the Georges Gratiant stadium is free of charge.

Twenty-four countries are taking part: 21 English-speaking Caribbean nations, plus Martinique, Guadeloupe and Guyana.

The Martinique squad is led by five captains: Jean-Naël Zozime and Maxime Auguste-Charlery for boys’ racing, Cyrielle Manin and Sayanne Guivissa for girls’ racing, and Nohemy Marajo for artistic swimming.

From July 6 to July 08, 2025, Montego Bay will vibrate to the rhythm of the 49th CARICOM Summit, where the Heads of State and Government of member countries will meet to discuss the major challenges facing the region. Chaired by Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica, the atmosphere at this year’s summit is both solemn and charged with urgency, as each delegation has come with high expectations in terms of food security, economic resilience, the Haitian crisis and, above all, the overhaul of regional logistics.

The corridors of the Montego Bay Convention Centre are buzzing with strategic conversations, while plenary sessions alternate with thematic workshops, giving each territory the chance to make its voice heard.

A demanding regional context

Right from the opening of the 49th CARICOM Summit, the tone was set: the Caribbean is going through a pivotal period. Successive speeches by representatives from Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, Saint Lucia and Dominica highlighted the reality of logistical disruption, dependence on costly air transport and the fragility of supply chains. The debates were lively, with each head of delegation insisting on the need for concrete and immediate solutions. Behind-the-scenes exchanges testify to a shared determination to make this summit a decisive moment for the region.

49th CARICOM Summit
©CARICOM

The priorities of the Jamaican presidency

In his inaugural address, Andrew Holness reiterated the importance of strengthening cooperation and diversifying trade, while stressing the need for rapid responses to security and climate issues. His call for collective mobilization did not go unheeded: the 49th CARICOM Summit featured a series of round-table discussions on regional peace, the pooling of resources and the role of young people in building shared prosperity.

49th CARICOM Summit
Andrew Holness, chairman of CARICOM. ©CARICOM
49th CARICOM Summit
©Andrew Holness, chairman of CARICOM. ©CARICOM

Mia Mottley: a plea for logistics transformation

One of the highlights of the 49th CARICOM Summit was the address by Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados. With eloquence applauded by all participants, she painted a lucid picture of the logistical shortcomings holding back Caribbean development. Her voice, firm and poised, resonated in the auditorium as she spoke of the need for a “regional freight revolution”, stressing the urgent need to democratize transport and restore the sea to its historic role as a link between islands.

49th CARICOM Summit
Mia Mottley. ©CARICOM

Concrete proposals for regional freight

Mia Mottley was not one to rest on her laurels. She announced that two CARICOM member states are in advanced negotiations to acquire cargo aircraft, an initiative she believes will help to fluidify trade and guarantee the supply of essential goods. She also mentioned the expected presentation of a private-sector-led regional ferry project, which could revolutionize connectivity between the islands. These announcements, made at the heart of the 49th CARICOM Summit, were greeted with thunderous applause, a sign that the logistics issue is at the heart of our collective concerns.

49th CARICOM Summit
Mia Mottley. ©CARICOM

Political will at the heart of change

Mia Mottley took advantage of her platform to point out that the success of these projects depends above all on the political will of leaders. She fondly evoked memories of the Federal Maple and Federal Palm, symbols of a time when the sea united the peoples of the Caribbean. Her plea, echoed in several sessions of the 49th CARICOM Summit, found particular resonance with the delegations, who recognized the need to overcome institutional inertia to build a modern, resilient regional logistics system.

49th CARICOM Summit
Mia Mottley. ©CARICOM
49th CARICOM Summit
Mia Mottley. ©CARICOM

The concrete contributions of the 49th CARICOM Summit for member territories

Food security and trade fluidity

Food security was one of the key topics discussed at the 49th CARICOM Summit. Participants emphasized that the establishment of new sea and air links, such as those mentioned by Mia Mottley, will ensure a steady supply of agricultural produce and essential goods. The exchange of best practices between the Ministers of Agriculture and the Economy testifies to a shared desire to optimize logistics circuits and strengthen the food sovereignty of each territory.

Strengthening economic integration and resilience

Discussions on economic integration have highlighted the importance of pooling resources and diversifying trading partners. The 49th CARICOM Summit’s announcements of public and private investment in regional freight pave the way for enhanced cooperation, enabling member territories to better withstand external shocks, whether economic, health-related or climatic. The participants agree that this edition represents a crucial milestone on the road to shared prosperity.

Outlook for youth and innovation

Throughout the workshops, Caribbean youth and technological innovation took center stage. The initiatives presented, whether in training programs, student mobility or support for entrepreneurship, illustrate the determination of leaders to prepare the next generation and give young people the means to become part of the regional dynamic. These perspectives, discussed in depth at the 49th CARICOM Summit, point to new, concrete opportunities for young people.

49th CARICOM Summit

The 49th CARICOM Summit, catalyst for a new regional era

In Montego Bay, the 49th CARICOM Summit continues in a studious and determined atmosphere. Led by the likes of Mia Mottley and Andrew Holness, the region is taking a decisive step towards modernizing its infrastructure and deepening its integration. The discussions, rich and sometimes passionate, bear witness to a collective determination to transform challenges into opportunities and build a sustainable future for all the people of the Caribbean.

📸 Photo gallery: relive the highlights of the opening ceremony ©CARICOM

49e Sommet de la Caricom
49e Sommet de la Caricom
49e Sommet de la Caricom
49e Sommet de la Caricom
49e Sommet de la Caricom
49e Sommet de la Caricom
49e Sommet de la Caricom
49e Sommet de la Caricom
49e Sommet de la Caricom
49e Sommet de la Caricom
49e Sommet de la Caricom

The Caribbean beaches confirm their place among the world’s most admired natural treasures, according to the 2025 edition of the World’s 50 Best Beaches. This international recognition once again highlights the richness, diversity and quality of the region’s seaside resorts. Thanks to a rigorous methodology, this ranking highlights places that are preserved, accessible and unforgettable.

A demanding and recognized ranking

The ranking World’s 50 Best Beaches is based on the opinions of over 1,000 travel specialists: journalists, influencers and editors. Caribbean beaches are featured prominently, demonstrating their global appeal. Each site is evaluated according to five specific criteria: natural beauty, water and sand quality, respect for the environment, accessibility and overall visitor experience.

A field assessment

The members of the jury surveyed dozens of coastlines, taking precise notes and analyzing the atmosphere, tranquility and quality of the water. The result is a selection of the finest seaside resorts in the world, designed to provide guidance for both those who love secluded spots and those who are passionate about the seaside.

Canto de la Playa (Dominican Republic): a discreet gem at the top of the regional rankings

In 2025, Canto de la Playa established itself as the most outstanding in the region and 6ᵉ worldwide. Located on the southern tip of the island of Saona, in Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, accessible only by boat.

Unspoilt nature

At Canto de la Playa, there are no hotels or visible businesses. Just a beach of pristine white sand, turquoise waters and coral reefs teeming with marine life. This unspoilt setting attracts lovers of pure nature and snorkelling.

A haven of peace for visitors

The atmosphere is calm, almost silent, with only the sound of the waves and the wind blowing through the palm trees. From many Caribbean beaches offer moments of tranquility, but Canto de la Playa stands out for its authenticity. It’s particularly pleasant to visit from October to November, when the sea is at its calmest.

Caribbean beaches
Canto de la Playa. ©Tripadvisor
Caribbean beaches
Canto de la Playa. ©Tripadvisor
Caribbean beaches
Canto de la Playa. ©Tripadvisor

Grace Bay (Turks & Caicos): the perfect harmony between nature and comfort

Another striking name among Caribbean beaches, Grace Bay in Turks and Caicos Islands, is ranked 10ᵉ in the world. This beach on the island of Providenciales is renowned for the softness of its sand and the transparency of its waters.

A perfectly landscaped site

Grace Bay stretches for over five kilometers, with a coral reef providing natural protection from the currents. This guarantees ideal conditions for swimming and water sports. The beach attracts a varied public thanks to its comprehensive offer: luxury hotels, water sports and local gastronomy.

A destination to suit all profiles

Among Caribbean beaches, Grace Bay embodies the ideal compromise between natural beauty and quality amenities. It attracts families and honeymooners alike.

Caribbean beaches
Grace Bay. ©Tripadvisor
Caribbean beaches
Grace Bay. ©Tripadvisor
Caribbean beaches
Grace Bay. ©Tripadvisor

Other Caribbean jewels in the 2025 ranking

Caribbean beaches are numerous in this prestigious list. Each offers a distinct ambience and experience:

Each offers a distinct ambience and experience:

  • Shoal Bay East (Anguilla, #14) : very clear sand, crystal-clear water, perfect for swimming.
    Seven Mile Beach (Cayman Islands, #23) : lively place, ideal for families and water sports enthusiasts.
  • The Baths (British Virgin Islands, #29) : famous for its granite rocks and natural pools.
  • Ffryes Beach (Antigua and Barbuda, #31) : calm and serenity, far from urban areas.
Caribbean beaches
Shoal Bay East. ©Tripadvisor
Caribbean beaches
Seven Mile Beach. ©Tripadvisor
Caribbean beaches
The Baths. ©Tripadvisor
Caribbean beaches
Ffryes Beach. ©Tripadvisor
  • Grand Anse (Grenade, #32) : friendly atmosphere and golden sand.
  • Bahia de Las Aguilas (Dominican Republic, #34) : a secluded, unspoilt setting still little known to the general public.
  • Meads Bay (Anguilla, #35) : a relaxing beach with calm waters.
  • Klein Bonaire Beach (Bonaire, #44) : a diver’s paradise with a remarkable seabed.
Caribbean beaches
Grand Anse. ©Tripadvisor
Caribbean beaches
Bahia de Las Aguilas. ©Tripadvisor
Caribbean beaches
Meads Bay. ©Tripadvisor
Caribbean beaches
Klein Bonaire Beach. ©Tripadvisor

Recent entrances and emblematic sites

The 2025 edition welcomes a number of territories for the first time: Antigua and Barbuda, the British Virgin Islands and Bonaire. This diversity is proof of the vitality of the region’s seaside offerings. Among the already famous beaches, Trunk Bay (Saint John, U.S. Virgin Islands) continues to seduce with its underwater trail and sparkling sand.

Why are Caribbean beaches so attractive?

Caribbean beaches are renowned for the variety of their landscapes. Some, like The Baths, are intriguing for their geology. Others, like Grace Bay, are reassuringly comfortable. This diversity means that every traveler will find a place to suit his or her needs.

Accessibility and uniqueness

Some beaches require an effort to reach (Canto de la Playa), while others are located in the immediate vicinity of hotels and infrastructure (Grace Bay). This contrast between wilderness and developed areas is what makes all the Caribbean beaches.

The 2025 edition of the World’s 50 Best Beaches illustrates the influence of Caribbean beaches on a global scale. Canto de la Playa in the Dominican Republic, Grace Bay in Turks and Caicos, Shoal Bay East in Anguilla… all these names evoke singular seaside experiences, nurtured by a preserved natural setting, waters of rare clarity and a warm local welcome. The region remains, more than ever, a benchmark for those wishing to experience sea and sand of remarkable quality.

LIAT Airlines recently took a major step forward by launching a new route to the British Virgin Islands. Cette initiative marque un engagement renouvelé envers la connectivité dans la région, un aspect crucial pour le développement économique et culturel des îles caribéennes. En offrant des options de voyage fiables et abordables, LIAT Airlines contributes to strengthening regional integration and stimulating the tourism sector.

Historic maiden flight to the Virgin Islands

The inaugural flight of LIAT Airlines landed at Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport. Lettsome International Airport on Sunday, December 8, illustrating the potential of this new link. At this milestone event, the Premier of the Virgin Islands, the Hon. Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, underlined the importance of this new link for the region’s economic development.

“Today, we celebrate the arrival of LIAT Airlines and strengthen our connections within the Caribbean. This service is vital to fostering economic growth and enhancing cultural exchanges between our islands,” he declared.

The LIAT Airlines Vision

The CEO of  LIAT (2020) Limited Hafsah Abdulsalam, also expressed her enthusiasm for the new service. She stated that the company’s main objective is to reconnect British Virgin Islands with the rest of the Caribbean.

LIAT Airlines
LIAT Airlines Tortola

“We are delighted to reconnect the British Virgin Islands with the rest of the Caribbean region. Our priority is to provide reliable services that meet travellers’ needs while promoting regional tourism,” she added.

Economic importance of the New Road

The new air link has significant implications for the economy of the British Virgin Islands. Le ministre des Communications et des Travaux, l’honorable Kye M. Rymer, a souligné que le retour de LIAT Airlines in the region’s skies is a testament to the resilience and determination of the islands to improve their connectivity.

Benefits for Tourism and Local Businesses

The launch of this inaugural flight benefits not only tourists, but also local businesses. By increasing accessibility, the new route will facilitate trade and encourage economic development.

“This new link will not only meet the travel needs of tourists, but will also significantly benefit our local businesses and communities by increasing accessibility,” said Minister Rymer.

Collaboration between LIAT and Local AuthoritiesA Reflection on Kes's Journey

The success of this initiative is also the result of close collaboration between LIAT Airlines and local authorities. Kurt Menal, Managing Director of the BVI Airports Authority, acknowledged the crucial role played by this partnership in making the project a reality.

“The partnership between LIAT Airlines and our local authorities was instrumental in making this inaugural flight a reality. We are committed to improving our airport’s operations and welcoming more visitors, which in turn will stimulate economic activity in the region. Virgin Islands“he said.

Impact on Culture and Social Exchanges

Beyond the economic benefits, this new air route also plays an essential role in strengthening cultural exchanges between the islands. By facilitating travel, LIAT Airlines enables more people to discover the cultural richness of the Caribbean.

Promoting Cultural Exchanges

Air travel not only facilitates tourism, but also exchanges between the region’s different cultures. This helps create a more united and supportive Caribbean community. Connectivity fosters interpersonal relations, enabling people to share their traditions, gastronomy and arts.

A Sustainable Growth Strategy

LIAT Airlines not only strengthens air connections, but is also committed to sustainable practices in its operations. By integrating green initiatives, LIAT Airlines aims to reduce its carbon footprint while meeting the growing demand for air travel in the region.

Commitment to Sustainability

Sustainable development has become a priority for many airlines, including LIAT Airlines is no exception. By investing in cleaner technologies and optimizing its operations, the company aims to minimize its environmental impact while continuing to serve its customers efficiently.

The launch of the new LIAT Airlines to the British Virgin Islands represents a pivotal moment for the region’s economic and cultural development. By strengthening connectivity between the islands, LIAT Airlines contributes not only to the growth of tourism, but also to the enhancement of economic and cultural relations within the Caribbean.

The efforts of LIAT Airlines with local authorities and business partners demonstrate a shared vision for a prosperous, interconnected future. With a commitment to sustainability and continuous service improvement, LIAT Airlines is well positioned to play a key role in the transformation of the Caribbean aviation landscape.

Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago, October 14, 2024 – Caribbean Airlines continues to enhance regional connectivity with the launch of its inaugural flight BW294 to Tortola, British Virgin Islands. On Monday, October 14th, the flight touched down at the Terrance B. Lettsome Airport, marking a new chapter in the airline’s mission to link the Caribbean more closely together. This significant milestone expands Caribbean Airlines’ growing network, now covering 24 destinations across the region, as well as North and South America.

A Celebration of Connectivity

In a brief ceremony at Piarco International Airport, Trinidad, Caribbean Airlines Chief Executive Officer Garvin Medera remarked: “As a regional airline, we remain committed to enhancing connectivity across the Caribbean, and the addition of Tortola to our schedule marks an important chapter in Caribbean Airlines’ expansion. This is our first-ever connection to the British Virgin Islands, and it means that we now have 24 destinations within our network, connecting the Region, North and South America.”

Medera also highlighted the frequency of the flights, stating: “With four flights a week – on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday – we will bring over 540 seats into and out of Tortola weekly.”

A Warm Welcome in Tortola

Upon arrival in Tortola, the inaugural flight was greeted with a traditional water salute, symbolizing good fortune and celebration. The passengers were warmly welcomed with a cultural showcase organized by The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of Tortola. Key representatives from the British Virgin Islands government were in attendance, including Premier of the Virgin Islands and Minister of Finance, the Honourable Natalio Wheatley, as well as other ministers and stakeholders.

The celebratory atmosphere exemplified the spirit of Caribbean hospitality, as local dancers and musicians gave visitors a glimpse into Tortola’s unique cultural identity. This vibrant welcome illustrated the deep partnership between Caribbean Airlines and the British Virgin Islands, aimed at promoting tourism and facilitating travel across the Caribbean.

Building Bridges: New Routes for Regional Growth

The new route to Tortola not only strengthens Caribbean Airlines’ position as a key player in Caribbean aviation but also plays an important role in supporting the region’s economic development. The airline’s increased connectivity supports tourism growth and boosts opportunities for business travelers. Caribbean Airlines offers a seamless connection twice weekly via Barbados on Thursdays and Saturdays, in addition to its regular routes out of Trinidad on Mondays and Wednesdays with connections to Antigua and Puerto Rico.

This enhanced network aims to foster regional integration, making the Caribbean more accessible and further promoting inter-island collaboration. The strategic addition of Tortola underlines the airline’s role in strengthening the Caribbean’s economic ties and tourism appeal.

Seamless Connections and Travel Information

Caribbean Airlines is dedicated to making inter-island travel as smooth as possible, offering convenient connections to travelers throughout the Caribbean. Flights to Tortola operate on Mondays and Wednesdays from Trinidad, connecting through Antigua and Puerto Rico, and on Thursdays and Saturdays via Barbados, providing increased options for those looking to explore the region.

For travelers looking to experience the breathtaking beauty of Tortola, along with its vibrant culture and scenic views, Caribbean Airlines makes it easier than ever to discover this unique destination. For more information and to book your flight, visit www.caribbean-airlines.com.

Caribbean Airlines is dedicated to making inter-island travel as smooth as possible, offering convenient connections to travelers throughout the Caribbean. Flights to Tortola operate on Mondays and Wednesdays from Trinidad, connecting through Antigua and Puerto Rico, and on Thursdays and Saturdays via Barbados, providing increased options for those looking to explore the region. For travelers looking to experience the breathtaking beauty of Tortola, along with its vibrant culture and scenic views, Caribbean Airlines makes it easier than ever to discover this unique destination. For more information and to book your flight, visit www.caribbean-airlines.com.

Why This Matters for Caribbean Travelers

The new route to Tortola enhances the network of possibilities for travelers across the Caribbean. As Caribbean Airlines continues to expand its reach, it becomes increasingly easy for islanders and tourists alike to experience the region’s diversity—from lush landscapes to cultural festivals. The new service to the British Virgin Islands aligns with a broader vision of boosting tourism, facilitating regional cooperation, and making travel between the Caribbean islands a hassle-free experience.

This inaugural flight is not just about adding another destination to the schedule—it’s about building stronger bridges between the islands, enriching the lives of the people, and contributing to the socio-economic growth of the entire region.