Living conditions in the Caribbean are evolving under the impact of profound urban, demographic and social transformations. In 2025, several key indicators paint a contrasting picture of the region: between notable advances in public health and persistent structural vulnerabilities. At RichèsKarayib, we have selected six recent figures, sourced from international organizations such as the UN, ILO and FAO, to highlight the complex realities of Caribbean populations.
76.3% - Growing urbanization of the region
By 2025, 76,3 % of the Caribbean population lives in urban areas. This rate, slightly below the Latin American average (82.5%), reflects the growing concentration of inhabitants in cities and peri-urban areas. This dynamic is transforming living conditions in the Caribbean, with major issues surrounding access to housing, water, transport and security. Rapid urbanization often remains poorly controlled in many areas, generating growing inequalities between urban centers and rural areas.
6.1% - Overall unemployment rate in 2024
According to the ILO, the projected unemployment rate for Latin America and the Caribbean in 2024 is 6,1 % down on 2023 (6.5%). While this improvement reflects a degree of economic recovery, it remains fragile and masks significant local disparities. In small island economies, the labor market remains tight, highly seasonal and heavily dependent on tourism. This fact directly calls into question living conditions in the Caribbean, where a significant proportion of the working population remains underemployed or confined to precarious jobs.
58.8% - Food insecurity in the Caribbean (2023-2025)
Between 2023 and 2025, 58,8 % of the Caribbean population is moderately or severely food insecure, i.e. nearly 26.3 million people. This alarming figure, based on the latest reports from the FAO and the Global Report on Food Criseshighlights the structural vulnerability of island food systems. In Haiti, almost half the population is in a food crisis or worse. This reality has a profound effect on living conditions in the Caribbean, especially for rural households, single-parent families and children.
32.4 years - Median age; 1.95 children/woman; 44.6 million inhabitants
The Caribbean population has a median age of 32.4 with a fertility rate of 1.95 children per woman. These figures point to demographic stabilization after several decades of rapid growth. With around 44.6 million inhabitants. By 2025, the Caribbean will be experiencing a gradual aging of its population, although youth will remain dominant in certain regions such as Haiti, the Dominican Republic and French Guiana. These demographic trends have a direct impact on public policies and influence living conditions in the Caribbean, particularly in terms of health, education and retirement.
47.2% - Informal employment rate
Nearly 47,2 % of jobs in the region are considered informal, according to the latest ILO figures. Although this rate is slightly lower than the Latin American average (57%), it remains a cause for concern. The informal economy encompasses millions of workers with no contracts, no social security coverage and no income stability. It reflects both the resilience of populations and the fragility of economic structures. On the islands, informality is particularly prevalent in tourism, fishing and street trading. It contributes to accentuating inequalities in living conditions in the Caribbean.
74.1 years - Average life expectancy in 2025
Good news: life expectancy in the Caribbean reaches 74.1 years in 2025, compared with 69.6 years in 1990. This increase of +4.5 years in three decades is due to better health services, lower infant mortality and better access to drinking water. But major disparities remain: women live on average 76.6 years versus 71.7 years for men. This gap is linked, among other things, to the prevalence of cardiovascular disease and differential access to healthcare. This relative progress also demonstrates the extent to which public health is a central pillar of living conditions in the Caribbean.
A plural Caribbean between social emergencies and measured progress
Living conditions in the Caribbean in 2025 reflect a dual reality. On the one hand, notable progress in terms of longevity, education and demographic stabilization; on the other, persistent fragilities linked to food insecurity, economic informality and urban concentration. These figures must inform public policy and regional cooperation projects. Because behind each percentage lie concrete lives, families and human trajectories. And it is on the basis of these precise indicators that a more equitable and resilient Caribbean can be built.
Richès Karayib met Jules Sobion, aka Julius Caesar, founder and CEO of Caesar’s Army Limited, at the 43ᵉ edition of the Caribbean Travel Marketplace. Cultural entrepreneur and informal ambassador of the festival-caribbean-lifestyle, Jules Sobion looks back on the evolution of his company and its strategic positioning around festival-tourism, where celebration becomes a lever for enhancing the value of Caribbean territories.
From Trinidad to the cultural capitals of the world
Founded nearly 20 years ago in Trinidad and Tobago, Caesar’s Army first made a name for itself locally, before the region and beyond : Barbados, Jamaica, Miami, New York, London…
“When we had access to the Trinidad Carnival, we were able to export what we do best: immersion, energy, living culture.”
Today, Caesar’s Army is both an event label and an identity movement. It federates a community of Caribbean culture enthusiasts, always on the lookout for new experiences.
A pivot to experiential tourism
Participation in the Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2025 marks a new stage for Jules Sobion: the structuring of Caesar’s Army as an integrated cultural tourism operator.
“We don’t just want to make events. We want to create immersive weekends with flights, accommodation and cultural discovery of the destination.
This repositioning of Jules Sobion aims to anchor events in local communities by working in partnership with tourist offices and local players, and by offering all-in-one packages. More than just a show, each event becomes a territorial experience.
A 2025 calendar under the sign of the Caribbean and the diaspora
The calendar of events for Caesar’s Army in 2025 reflects a clear strategy: combining celebration, culture, diasporic mobility and territorial roots. Each event is conceived as an immersive experience that links the public to a destination and its Caribbean identity.
🌆 Bacchanal Blocko – Miami, USA
🗓️ Saturday, May 24, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
📍 Historic Virginia Key Beach Park, Miami
🎯 Beach J’Ouvert” block party: paint, powder, water, DJs and daybreak soca, celebrated to mark Memorial Day Weekend.
Mai Tai Manhattan – New York, USA
🗓️ Sunday, June 22, 2025 : 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
📍 The Ainsworth Midtown, Manhattan
🎯 Urban cocktail party fusion: tropical mixology, soca, dancehall and afrobeats in a rooftop atmosphere for Caribbean diasporas.
Street X Food Festival – Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
🗓️ Early July 2025
📍 Downtown Port of Spain
🎯 Gastronomic street festival: traditional food (doubles, roti, jerk), hip-hop culture, urban performances, artist booths. A tribute to Caribbean street culture.
Blocko – Saint Lucia
🗓️ Saturday, July 19, 2025 from 5 a.m. to 11 a.m.
📍 Beausejour Promenade, Castries
🎯 J’Ouvert de plage: immersive early-morning party, live music, colorful powders and festive seaside communion.
A.M.BUSH – Crop Over, Barbados
🗓️ Saturday, August 2, 2025 from 2 a.m.
📍 Confidential location, Barbados
🎯 Foreday Morning revisited: an event in the heart of nature with DJ sets, painting, mud and breakfast at dawn. A typically Caesar’s Army sensory trance.
IN.DE.PAINT.DANCE – Trinidad and Tobago
🗓️ Sunday, August 31, 2025 from 2 a.m. to 8 a.m.
📍 Port of Spain (location to be confirmed)
🎯 National celebration of independence: painting, patriotic music, dance, urban culture and community brunch. One of the movement’s most emblematic events.
“Every event is a gateway to a place, a community, a culture.” – Jules Sobion
An army to celebrate the Caribbean
With Caesar’s Army, Jules Sobion isn’t just selling admission tickets: he’s selling cultural passages. Each destination becomes a stopover in a larger narrative: that of a plural, mobile and festive Caribbean aware of its strength.
“The Caribbean Travel Marketplace is the ideal platform for connecting culture, tourism and territory. And we’re ready.” – Jules Sobion
Labora Caribbean Art Expedition is an artistic, maritime and heritage initiative that has taken root in Guadeloupe and is now spreading throughout the Caribbean. Supported by artists, sailors, researchers and institutions, this expedition aboard a traditional sailboat aims to link islands, gather knowledge, promote dialogue between generations and enhance the value of popular cultures that are often marginalized. More than just an artistic program, it is a living process of documentation, transmission and exchange between island communities, with the sea as a link.
A mobile artistic platform born in Guadeloupe around the sailboat Labora
The project takes shape around the S/V Labora, a Danish wooden hajkutter built in 1939, now restored and transformed into a living museum and mobile creative platform. The idea was born in Guadeloupe, particularly during his stopover at the ACTe Memorial during the Rhum Race, where musicians from Grenada came aboard and hundreds of Guadeloupean schoolchildren discovered life on board. This experience gave rise to a collective desire to make the Labora a vehicle for living memory on a Caribbean scale.
Three fundamental axes: traditional arts, navigation and transmission
Labora Caribbean Art Expedition is based on three inseparable pillars:
- The traditional Caribbean arts (music, dance, visual arts, oral narratives, craft skills).
- The sailing as a means of transport, but also as a historical link between the islands.
- The intergenerational transmission through workshops, residencies, documentaries and training courses.
At each port of call, the sailboat becomes both itinerant stage, a place of artistic residence and living archive space.
Responding to island isolation with art and the sea
The project is based on a simple but profound observation: in the Caribbean, many island communities remain isolated isolated by a lack of transport infrastructure which hinders cultural exchanges. The sailboat Labora overcomes these obstacles by creating a creation, documentation and sharing network.. It becomes a tool for dialogue, breaks down prejudice, connects artistsand opens up spaces for collaboration between often distant communities.
Educational, social and scientific objectives
The ambition of Labora Caribbean Art Expedition is to preserve endangered knowledge but also to give them a place in today’s society. The project aims to :
- Document vanishing traditions through films, recordings films, recordings, photographs, logbooks.
- Creating digital archives returned to communities and schools.
- Organize transmission workshops in schools, ports, neighborhoods and villages.
- Set up an international internship program (in conjunction with anthropology, musicology, ethnology and audiovisual universities).
- Encourage the emergence of educational initiatives integrating Caribbean cultures into curricula.
A collective project: artists, institutions, researchers, sailors
Three main entities coordinate the project:
- Road Book’ Arts (Guadeloupe), an association specializing in artistic production and cultural residencies.
- Le Temps du Vent, a French collective based in Marie-Galante and owner of the Samsara sailboat, dedicated to promoting traditional sailing.
- The Liberty International Sailing Club (LISC), a transnational structure that pilots the sailboat Labora and brings together sailors, anthropologists, video artists and musicians.
They are accompanied by an extended network of Caribbean and international partners, including :
- Galerie l’Art s’En Mêle, Artocarpe, United Caribbean Artists, Patoray, Waka Films, FaireSens BeeSiw, La Croisée des Chemins, Pointe-à-Pitre Arts Centre.
- Anna Chiara Sabatino, Italian researcher and filmmaker in digital storytelling.
- Tara Douglas, documentary filmmaker from the Adivasi Arts Trust.
- Mark Lindenberg, anthropologist and filmmaker.
- Makeda Martel, artistic facilitator and founder of La Croisée des Chemins.
Guadeloupe's central role in project governance
A local committee supports the development and territorial anchoring of the project:
- Martine Fazer, journalist and director of the International Graffiti and Street Art Festival.
- Arthur Trouabal, former art expert and trainer.
- Raymonde Pater Torin dancer, choreographer and specialist in gwoka.
Their involvement ensures that the project remains connected to local realities without exoticism or folklorization.
Expedition schedule and itinerary
The pilot phase will run from January to May 2025 with stopovers in Guadeloupe, Dominica, Martinique and probably Saint Lucia. It will enable us to test formats, evaluate logistics, refine the documentation method, and solidify partnerships. The aim is then to extend the project into 2026 gradually linking Trinidad to Cuba with two to three sailboats sailing in coordination eventually.
An invitation to Caribbean artists
The Labora team is launching a call for participation Caribbean artists wishing to get involved in this collective creative process. Whether musicians, dancers, craftsmen, storytellers, video artists or teachers, all are invited to come on board to share their vision of living heritage and contribute to a shared Caribbean memory.
Labora Caribbean Art Expedition is more than just a cultural expedition. It’s a project political, social and educational which uses traditional navigation as a lever for cohesion, resilience and inspiration. By linking islands, it also links memories, heritages and generations. It proposes a new way of thinking the Caribbean from the sea by floating the forgotten voices, the threatened gestures, and the music that carries the soul of the island peoples.
A getaway to Saba, the volcanic pearl of the Lesser Antilles: a promise of adventure and authenticity, just a stone’s throw from Saint Martin. Saba, a little-known volcanic island, fascinates visitors with its unspoilt nature, colorful villages and unique atmosphere, far from the hustle and bustle of tourism. Ready to embark on an unforgettable escape to the heart of the Lesser Antilles?
Discovering Saba: an extraordinary volcanic island
Geography and location
Saba lies just 44 kilometers south-southwest of Saint Martin, in the northern part of the Caribbean arc. This tiny Dutch territory, just 13 km² in size, is distinguished by its rugged terrain, steep cliffs and lack of traditional beaches. Here, the sea laps the craggy rocks, offering a striking natural spectacle.
A majestic volcano: Mount Scenery
Dominating the island, Mount Scenery rises to 887 meters, making it the highest point in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This dormant volcano, covered by dense rainforest, is the beating heart of Saba. Its summit, often shrouded in mist, attracts hikers and lovers of spectacular panoramas. Climbing its trails offers a breathtaking view of the whole of the Lesser Antilles, with the immensity of the Caribbean Sea as a backdrop.
Exceptional, preserved biodiversity
Tropical forests and nature reserves
Saba is a veritable ecological sanctuary. The rainforest, nicknamed Elfin Forest Reserveevokes a fairytale world of mosses, ferns and tropical trees. Mahogany trees, once abundant, are now rare, victims of the cyclones of the last century. But the island’s wealth of vegetation remains so impressive that Saba recently applied for inclusion on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Endemic flora and fauna
Saba’s isolation has favored the emergence of unique species. The famous Saba black iguana, the red-bellied couresse snake and the funnel-eared bat are all endemic to the island. The seabed is home to a 4.3 km coral reef, part of the Saba Marine Park, a veritable paradise for divers and marine biologists.
Activities and experiences in Saba
Hiking and exploring
It’s impossible to talk about a Saba getaway without mentioning hiking. The island offers several marked trails, the most famous of which is the ascent of Mount Scenery. This hike, accessible to all with a minimum level of fitness, passes through lush forests and offers unique views of the island and the sea. The Saba Trail Shop, located in Windwardside, offers maps, advice and badges for hikers.
Scuba diving and eco-tourism
Saba is a world reference for scuba diving. Its crystal-clear waters, protected by a marine park, teem with coral, tropical fish, turtles and sometimes even peaceful sharks. .Spots such as “Tent Reef” and “Ladder Labyrinth” are among the most famous in the Caribbean. Eco-tourism enthusiasts will appreciate the preservation of the environment and the absence of mass tourism, which give Saba a rare authenticity. .
Local crafts and gastronomy
After the effort, it’s time to discover the local flavors. Windwardside’s small restaurants offer a blend of seafood, tropical vegetables and Dutch influences. And there’s no shortage of handicrafts: jewelry, blown glass, works of art and embroidery bear witness to the skills of the Sabanese, who are proud of their heritage.
Local life and culture in Saba
Picturesque villages and traditions
Saba is made up of four main villages: The Bottom, Windwardside, Hell’s Gate and St. John’s. Each has its own character, with whitewashed houses, red roofs and narrow streets. Here, life flows peacefully, punctuated by fishing, farming and welcoming curious visitors. The inhabitants, warm-hearted and proud of their island, love to share their history and traditions.
Festivals and events
Saba’s cultural calendar is punctuated by colorful festivities. The Carnival, or Summer Festival, brings the island to life with parades, costumes and lively music at the end of July. In October, the Sea and Learn Festival raises awareness of ocean conservation through conferences and workshops led by scientists from around the world. In December, Saba Days celebrates local culture, with dances, sports competitions and giant barbecues. All opportunities to immerse yourself in Sabanese life and forge links with the locals.
Practical tips for a Saba getaway from Saint Martin
Access, transport and accommodation
To reach Saba, simply board a ferry or small plane from Saint Martin. The boat journey takes between 75 and 90 minutes, arriving in Fort Bay, the island’s only port. On the island, the main road links the villages and makes it easy to get around, although walking remains the best way to discover Saba. The accommodation on offer, though limited, ranges from small family-run inns to charming hotels, always in a friendly, authentic atmosphere.
Best time to visit
Saba’s climate is pleasant all year round, with temperatures hovering around 27°C. The high season extends from December to April, ideal for enjoying dry, sunny weather. Between June and November, the hurricane season may bring a few showers, but also offers a quieter island, ideal for exploring in peace and quiet.
Saba, a treasure to explore
A getaway to Saba is a timeless interlude between raw nature, living traditions and sincere encounters. Far from the tourist clichés, Saba seduces by its authenticity, its abundant biodiversity and the warmth of its inhabitants. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, an avid diver or simply curious, the island promises an unforgettable experience that lives up to its reputation as the hidden gem of the Caribbean. A word of advice: plan to stay longer than a day, as Saba is best savored slowly, like a well-kept secret.
Caribbean society : this keyword opens up a prism that is often overlooked in regional analysis. Behind the images of turquoise waters and the tourist economy, the societal reality of the Caribbean is undergoing profound change. Digital connectivity, urbanization, aging, public health and cultural diversity – recent figures paint a much more nuanced picture. Between structural mutations and daily pressures, it’s time to take a closer look at what shapes the lives of 44.8 million inhabitants.
Aruba and the Caribbean digital revolution
The most connected island in the region
With an Internet penetration rate of 97,2 %, Aruba is the most digitized territory in the Caribbean. This impressive figure – derived from statista.com – illustrates the technological turnaround of a small island state that has become a veritable digital laboratory. Caribbean society cannot be thought of today without the massive impact of permanent connection, which is redefining uses, professions, education and social relations.
The island’s digital divide: a major social challenge
But the excellence of the Aruba region should not mask the disparities. The regional average hovers around 65 %, some of the more isolated islands and rural districts still suffer from a glaring lack of equipment. Caribbean society is thus traversed by a digital divide that sometimes exacerbates long-standing inequalities. Today, more than ever, access to administration, healthcare, employment and information depends on the quality of the connection.
Accelerated urbanization: an increasingly urban Caribbean
72% urban dwellers today, 80% in 2050?
According to data from sdg.iisd.org, 72 % of Caribbeans already live in cities. This proportion exceeds the world average and is expected to reach 80% by 2050. Caribbean society of each region has to rethink its urban model: density, transport, pressure on public services, housing, security….
Town versus country: new tensions, new solutions
Urban attractiveness leads to the abandonment of the countryside, where services are declining, schools are closing and jobs are becoming scarce. Yet these rural areas are crucial to food security and ecological balance. Caribbean Society is now faced with a challenge of territorial equity, where reclaiming the countryside could become a strategic priority.
Declining life expectancy: the profound impact of the pandemic
-2.9 years on average: a historic decline
According to CEPAL, the Covid-19 pandemic has caused a sharp drop in life expectancy in Latin America and the Caribbean: from 75.1 years in 2019 to 72.1 years in 2021 i.e. -2.9 years, the biggest decline in the world. This statistic weighs heavily in the analysis of the Caribbean society revealing a structural health vulnerability.
Health response and territorial resilience
Faced with this shock, several territories invested in modernizing their healthcare systems and in local training. Despite limited resources, the best-prepared islands have demonstrated astonishing resilience. However, the return to normalcy remains fragile, particularly in secondary island areas. This reality calls for an in-depth rethink of the health management of the Caribbean society.
44.8 million Caribbeans: a diversity that shapes the regional space
A fragmented but interconnected population
In 2024, the total population of the Caribbean is 44.8 million inhabitants, according to wikipedia.org. This human mosaic, spread over dozens of territories, is one of the key factors in understanding the Caribbean society. This is both a priceless asset and a challenge in terms of cohesion, mobility and regional integration.
Cultural identities and everyday challenges
Haitian Creole speakers, Jamaican Afro-descendants, Indo-Trinidadians, Cuban mestizos… the region’s multiple identities have given rise to a Caribbean Society both abundant and fragmented. This diversity is reflected in cultural practices, educational systems, political preferences and even economic models.
Towards a better understanding of Caribbean social realities
Indicators for action
The figures presented here are not simply abstract data. They are the foundations needed to understand Caribbean society in its real transformations, far from the images of Epinal. They highlight health emergencies, digital priorities, urban tensions and demographic hopes.
What public policies for tomorrow?
Investing in universal connectivity, planning controlled urbanization, strengthening healthcare services and promoting cultural plurality: these are just a few of the ways to make the Caribbean Society a regional model adapted to the challenges of the 21st century. But this requires courageous choices and strengthened regional cooperation.
Between silent pressures and visible mutations
Caribbean society doesn’t mean standing still. Behind the statistics lie fundamental transformations: the rise of digital technology, territorial imbalances, demographic pressures and health resilience. Despite their differences, the Caribbean states share similar trajectories, with social data shaping the challenges of tomorrow. To build a more equitable and stable region, we need to look beyond the numbers – without ever losing sight of them.
Caribbean economy is not just about tourism revenues or the clichés of dependent islands. It reveals a structural complexity and resilience to external shocks, marked by contrasting dynamics. From Guyana’s record growth to the region’s financial vulnerability, from digital innovations to the crucial role of the diaspora, here’s a quantified and sourced overview of the region’s development.
Guyana: +62.3% growth in 2022, a world record
With real GDP growth of 62.3% in 2022, Guyana has recorded the strongest growth in the Caribbean economy and the world that year (IMF). This spectacular leap is explained by the start-up of vast offshore oil fields. A member of CARICOM, this small state of 800,000 inhabitants has seen its trajectory radically transformed by the oil windfall.
But this growth does not guarantee sustainable development. The IMF warns of the risks associated with dependence on hydrocarbons, fiscal management and the absorption of social inequalities. Guyana could multiply its GDP tenfold by 2030 – provided it manages the economic and environmental fallout from this extractive boom, and makes it a structuring driver of the country’s economy.
4.7% average growth for small Caribbean economies in 2022
Excluding the exceptional case of Guyana, the small island economies of the Caribbean economy recorded average growth of 4,7 % in 2022 (IMF). This dynamic recovery, fueled by the return of post-Covid-19 tourism and favorable commodity prices, is outstripping the performance of South and Central America.
However, this rebound masks a highly heterogeneous picture. While some destinations (such as Aruba and Saint Lucia) are recovering their pre-pandemic visitor numbers, others are struggling to revive productive investment. The structural fragility of the Caribbean economy remains a recurring challenge, particularly in the face of climate and geopolitical issues.
70.3% of GDP: a high and binding level of public debt
The average public debt of Caribbean economy reached 70.3% of GDP in 2023, according to the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (CEPAL). This ratio is well above the Latin American average and illustrates the region’s high financial exposure.
Servicing this debt weighs heavily on public budgets, limiting investment in infrastructure, education and the energy transition. Strengthening fiscal sustainability has become a sine qua non for stabilizing the economy. Caribbean economy and attract international financing.
Digital currency: the Bahamas pioneers the world with the Sand Dollar
In October 2020, the Bahamas launched the Sand Dollar, the first central bank digital currency (CBDC) fully operational worldwide (sanddollar.bs). The aim is to modernize payments, strengthen financial inclusion and guarantee monetary continuity in the event of natural disasters.
This innovation put the archipelago ahead of the major economic powers, and inspired other regional initiatives such as the DCash in the Eastern Caribbean. The digitization of currency is thus becoming a strategic lever for modernizing the Caribbean economy particularly in territories with a high degree of geographical dispersion.
Diaspora and remittances: a vital engine for Haiti and the region
At Haiti, remittances from the diaspora reached around 3.8 billion USD in 2022, i.e. four times more than the country’s export earnings (Haiti Times). This extreme dependence reflects an economic model centered on remittances from abroad.
On a regional scale migratory remittances represent on average 7% of GDP with peaks of over 20% in Jamaica. They are considered a veritable economic lifeline (The Dialogue). These flows play a crucial role in the balance of the Caribbean economy by supporting consumption, education and private investment within households.
A changing Caribbean economy, between opportunities and vulnerabilities
Caribbean economy evolves between the promise of transformation (oil, digital, tourism) and structural constraints (debt, external dependence, climatic vulnerability). The figures underline both the ingenuity of regional responses and the persistence of deep-seated fragilities.
Supporting sustainable trajectories, strengthening public institutions, and better integrating diasporas and innovations are decisive levers for building a Caribbean economy more inclusive, resilient and sovereign.
Caribbean culture and heritage is not limited to the all-too-familiar clichés of sunshine and beaches, or frozen folkloric images. It is embodied inUNESCO-listed sites, a powerful diaspora, world-renowned artistic expressions and leading intellectual figures. Here’s an overview, based on official sources, to help you better understand the richness and scope of this regional heritage.
9 UNESCO sites: Cuba, regional world heritage champion
With nineUNESCO World Heritage sitesCuba is the Caribbean country with the highest number of them. This exceptional concentration illustrates the diversity of the island’s cultural and natural heritage.
Seven sites have been classified as cultural heritage: Old Havana and its fortifications (1982), Trinidad and the Los Ingenios Valley (1988), the Castle of San Pedro de la Roca in Santiago de Cuba (1997), the Viñales Valley (1999), the archaeological landscape of the first coffee plantations in the southeast (2000), the historic center of Cienfuegos (2005), and the historic center of Camagüey (2008).
In addition, there are two natural sites: the Desembarco del Granma National Park (1999) and the Alejandro de Humboldt National Park (2001), both recognized for their exceptional biodiversity. (Source: UNESCO World Heritage Centre).
In 2018, Jamaican reggae becomes part of the world's intangible heritage
Since 2018, reggae has been onUNESCO‘s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This listing recognizes not only the artistic significance of this musical genre, but above all its social, political and historical importance.
Born in the 1960s in the slums of Kingston, Jamaica, reggae quickly spread beyond the island’s borders to become a universal language of resistance, identity affirmation and spirituality. Led by artists such as Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Burning Spear, reggae has accompanied struggles against injustice, exclusion and racism.
UNESCO emphasizes that reggae remains a powerful means of social dialogue and collective expression for younger generations. Its international recognition reinforces the global reach of reggae culture. and Caribbean heritageby showing how an expression born in a local context has been able to shape consciousness on a global scale. (Source: UNESCO – Intangible Heritage)
27,000: number of foreign visitors who attended the Trinidad & Tobago Carnival in 2023
The Trinidad and Tobago Carnival is one of the most significant events in Caribbean culture and heritage. and heritageIt’s a unique place, thanks to its age, its social function and its roots in colonial history. In 2023, it attracted over 27,000 international visitors, an increase of 215% on the previous year, according to Trinidad and Tobago Newsday and WIC News.
This renewed interest testifies to the marked return of cultural tourism to the region after years of pandemic-related restrictions. But beyond the numbers, Carnival remains a space for popular artistic and political expression, where African, European and Creole heritages intersect. Costumes, soca music, steelpan, street dances and satirical performances form a codified whole that enables local communities to reclaim their history.
Carnival doesn’t just attract: it affirms a collective Caribbean memory. It is a fundamental marker of Caribbean culture. and living Caribbean heritage.
3 Nobel Prize winners from the Caribbean
The Caribbean culture and heritage is also evident in the intellectual sphere, as demonstrated by the award of the Nobel Prize to three personalities from the region.
In 1979, Sir Arthur Lewis, a native of Saint Lucia, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics for his pioneering work on the economic development of poor countries. In 1992, the poet and playwright Derek Walcott, also from Saint Lucia, was awarded the prize for his literary work combining Caribbean myths, Creole languages and classical traditions. Finally, in 2001, Trinidad and Tobago-born writer V.S. Naipaul was honored for his body of work, including novels about colonial heritage, exile and identity.
These awards, relayed by Caricom and The GuardianThey confirm the intellectual influence of the Caribbean in disciplines where it is too often under-represented. They show that critical thinking and literary production are an integral part of Caribbean culture. and Caribbean heritage, and contribute to the global debate.
9.84 million Caribbeans people lived abroad: a powerful diaspora
According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), some 9.84 million people from the Caribbean were living abroad in 2020almost a quarter of the region’s total population (lac.iom.int). This figure gives an idea of the scale of the Caribbean diaspora and its role in maintaining and disseminating cultural identities beyond the island’s borders.
Present in North America, Europe and Latin America, this diaspora acts as an economic, cultural and political relay, maintaining strong transnational links with its home territories. It also plays a key role in keeping and Caribbean heritage on a global scale, through music, literature, culinary traditions and activist networks. It is a living, evolving, cross-border extension of this.
Has the pandemic slowed or strengthened this trend?
A living heritage, a regional and global challenge
Caribbean culture and heritage is embodied in places, practices, people and ideas. It is alive, moving, and deeply connected to the social and historical realities of the region. Whether through the recognition of listed sites, the musical legacy of reggae, the intellectual influence of Nobel Prize winners, or the strength of its diaspora, the Caribbean asserts a strong cultural presence on the world stage.
These key figures are a reminder that this heritage must not only be preserved: it must also be supported, passed on and respected for its true worth. Promoting culture and Caribbean heritage also means supporting the people who bring it to life.
Caribbean Week in New York 2025 marks an essential milestone for the Caribbean tourism sector, taking place from June 1 to 6, 2025 at The Westin New York at Times Square. Organized by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), the event is a focal point for tourism professionals, decision-makers and enthusiasts from across the region, the diaspora and around the world. This year’s motto: “Caribbean resilience, shaping tomorrow’s tourism”. .
A strategic event for Caribbean tourism
The international scope of the event
Caribbean Week in New York 2025 offers an unrivalled platform for engaging with key players, raising the profile of Caribbean destinations and affirming brands’ commitment to the region. The event takes place within the framework of Caribbean-American Heritage Month, giving it increased exposure to the media, investors and the general public.
Choice of theme: “Caribbean resilience, shaping tomorrow’s tourism”.
There’s nothing insignificant about this theme. It reflects the determination of countries such as Jamaica, Barbados, Saint Lucia and Trinidad & Tobago to work together to build sustainable, innovative strategies capable of meeting today’s tourism challenges. Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary General of the CTO, insists on the need to “create sustainable pathways for the future of our industry” and to “highlight the strength and diversity of the region”.
Detailed program for Caribbean Week in New York 2025
Highlights and professional meetings
Caribbean Week in New York 2025 is a six-day program of professional meetings, high-level forums and themed workshops. Highlights include:
- ★ Caribbean Media Marketplace and Media Awards: forums for exchange between media, tourism boards and private players to showcase the region’s initiatives and success stories.
- ★ Leadership forums and artificial intelligence panels: forward-looking discussions on the future of tourism, innovation and the digitalization of the sector.
- ★ CTO business meetings: strategic sessions bringing together tourism ministers, office directors and institutional representatives.
Focus on innovation and youth
Caribbean Week in New York 2025 places particular emphasis on youth and innovation, with two flagship initiatives:
- ★ Jean Holder Scholarship: a scholarship supported by the CTO Foundation to support the future leaders of Caribbean tourism.
- ★ Caribbean Next-Gen Showcase: a showcase for young talent and entrepreneurs, who can present their projects and talk to industry experts.
Women in the spotlight and the orange economy
The event also gives pride of place to women entrepreneurs and the creative economy:
- ★ Caribbean Women’s Leadership Dinner and Awards: an evening celebrating the journey and success of women leaders in tourism.
- ★ Session on the orange economy: a workshop dedicated to cultural and creative industries, an engine of growth and innovation for the Caribbean.
Partnership and visibility opportunities for brands
The benefits of partnerships
Caribbean Week in New York 2025 offers companies tailor-made partnership packages, providing exceptional visibility:
- ★Presence oflogo on official materials, signage and event website.
- ★ S peaking at conferences and panels before influential audiences.
- ★ Privileged access to networking sessions with decision-makers and industry leaders.
- ★ Participation in key events such as the Media Marketplace, business lunches and strategic forums.
- ★ Promotional opportunities via CTO press releases, digital marketing and social networks.
How companies can participate
Companies wishing to associate themselves with Caribbean Week in New York 2025 can choose from several levels of partnership, tailored to their objectives and budget. Sponsors benefit from targeted exposure to an international audience, while affirming their commitment to sustainable development and innovation in the Caribbean region.
The impact of Caribbean Week in New York 2025 on the diaspora and industry players
Strengthening ties between the diaspora and the Caribbean
The event plays a key role in bringing the Caribbean diaspora living in the United States closer to their home territories. The exchanges, encounters and initiatives presented at Caribbean Week in New York 2025 promote talent, support community projects and strengthen the sense of belonging to the region.
Building bridges for the future of tourism
By bringing together decision-makers, experts, young entrepreneurs and institutional partners, Caribbean Week in New York 2025 fosters the emergence of new synergies and the implementation of innovative projects. The event acts as a veritable laboratory of ideas for rethinking Caribbean tourism, integrating issues of resilience, sustainability and inclusion.
Caribbean Week in New York 2025, a springboard for the future of Caribbean tourism
Caribbean Week in New York 2025 is a strategic meeting place for both seasoned professionals and novices wishing to better understand the challenges facing Caribbean tourism. Thanks to its rich program, networking opportunities and openness to innovation, the event is helping to shape the future of the sector, while strengthening cohesion between the countries of the region and their diaspora.
Whether you’re a tourism player, investor, student or simply curious, Caribbean Week in New York 2025 offers a unique opportunity to get informed, get inspired and take part in building a more resilient and inclusive Caribbean tourism.
Climate resilience: an island challenge
The climate resilience of the Caribbean is a concept that goes far beyond simple environmental discussions. For this region of the world, often perceived as a tourist paradise, the reality is far more complex. Despite making a marginal contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions, Caribbean countries are facing devastating climate impacts.
While the Caribbean accounts for only a tiny fraction of global CO₂ emissions, it is on the front line when it comes to the consequences of global warming. These geographical and economic realities make the fight for sustainability in this region both urgent and decisive.
Less than 1% of global emissions, but a disproportionate impact
Less than 1% – that’s the share of global CO₂ emissions attributable to the entire Caribbean, according to estimates by the IMF (0.3%), the OECD (0.23%) and BNP Paribas (economic-research.bnpparibas.com). Other sources, such as CEPAL, indicate that Latin America and the Caribbean as a whole accounts for less than 10%, and according to Richmond Vale Academy, the Caribbean produces even less than 0.1% of the world total. An island paradox: the region is not a major polluter, yet it bears the full brunt of climate change.
The Caribbean islands are particularly vulnerable to extreme climatic phenomena: increasingly powerful hurricanes, heat waves, prolonged droughts and rising sea levels affecting many islands. These environmental shocks test the limits of climate resilience of island nations.
According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), small developing islands such as those in the Caribbean risk losing up to 10% of their annual GDP due to climate-related natural disasters.
An economic crisis exacerbated by climate change
6 times – the economic impact of climate change on Caribbean economies is estimated to be up to six times greater than the global average (BNP Paribas, IMF, World Bank). Every dollar lost or spent due to climate change weighs six times more than elsewhere – a colossal burden for countries that are often indebted and dependent on agriculture or tourism. It’s an ongoing test of their climate resilience.
A striking example: Hurricane Maria in 2017 caused damage equivalent to 226% of GDP of Dominica, according to the World Bank, PDNA and the ACP-EU NDRR Program (esg.wharton.upenn.edu). In just a few hours, more than two years’ worth of national wealth was wiped out. This shocking figure illustrates the extent to which a single cyclone can topple the economy of a small island state, wiping out years of efforts to strengthen the economy. climate resilience.
Energy transition: efforts, but challenges to overcome
In the face of environmental and economic threats climate resilience also requires an ambitious energy transition. Belize leads the way: 48 % of its electricity already comes from renewable sources, according to the Atlantic Council. This is a regional record. However, the majority of Caribbean countries are struggling to keep pace.
The Alliance of Caribbean States has set a collective target of 48% of electricity generated from renewable energies by 2027. Although endowed with strong solar and wind energy potential, the region is making slow and uneven progress. Accelerating this transition is essential to strengthen the region’s competitiveness. climate resilience in the face of energy dependency and volatile fossil fuel markets.
A decisive step against single-use plastics
When it comes to waste management, more than 14 countries of the Caribbean (more than a third of the region) have banned single-use plastic bags and polystyrene containers since 2019, according to a study published on ResearchGate. Among them: Saint Kitts and Nevis, Barbados and Antigua and Barbuda.
These regulatory actions, which are crucial for the marine ecosystems on which tourism, fishing and coastal protection depend, also help to strengthen climate resilience. climate resilience. However, the region is still faced with growing volumes of plastic waste, much of which comes from outside the region.
The role of young people and local initiatives
The climate resilience in the Caribbean is also rooted in civic action. Younger generations are leading local initiatives for responsible consumption, biodiversity preservation and reforestation. In several islands, ecological start-ups are emerging to support the green transition.
These community movements show that climate resilience depends not only on governments and international donors, but also on local creativity and determination.
Faced with colossal challenges climate resilience of the Caribbean is reflected in a willingness to act, even when resources seem limited. While the region bears only a small share of responsibility for global CO₂ emissions, it bears disproportionate economic and human costs.
Local initiatives, energy transition efforts and the fight against pollution are all encouraging signs. However, the road to a climate resilience is still a long way off. It is crucial that the international community supports the Caribbean’s efforts, recognizing the uniqueness of the challenges it faces.
Fondation de la mer embodies action, innovation and mobilization in defense of the Ocean. From the outset, it is essential to understand that the Fondation de la mer takes concrete action to preserve marine biodiversity, combat pollution, support research and raise public awareness, particularly in sensitive areas such as the Caribbean Sea. Today, the Fondation de la mer is a major player in the protection of marine ecosystems, uniting NGOs, scientists, local authorities and citizens around a universal cause.
History of the Fondation de la mer
Created in 2015, the Fondation de la mer was born from the initiative of maritime enthusiasts, civil society and scientists. Their ambition: to respond to the ecological emergency with a global approach, combining ecology, research, innovation and citizen involvement. Thanks to solid partnerships with institutions such as the French Ministry of Ecological Transition, the CNRS and the National Museum of Natural History, the Fondation de la mer has rapidly gained in credibility and effectiveness.
Mission and values of the Fondation de la mer
The five pillars of action
The Fondation de la mer’ s missions are structured around five major themes:
- Knowledge: supporting research and knowledge of the oceans.
- Protect: preserve biodiversity and marine ecosystems.
- Involve: mobilize citizens, businesses and local authorities.
- Transform: encouraging innovation and sustainable business models.
- Raising awareness: informing and training all audiences, especially young people.
Key partners
Its network of partners includes public institutions, associations, research centers and companies, enabling it to pool skills and reinforce the impact of its actions.
Fondation de la mer's major programs
Protecting marine biodiversity
The Fondation de la mer pilots and supports over 40 programs, including several in the Caribbean, to restore coral reefs, mangroves and seagrass beds. It also takes action against overfishing, pollution and the degradation of marine habitats.
Combating pollution and supporting research
Since 2020, the NGO has collected over 1,500 tonnes of waste from coastal areas, thanks to the mobilization of 97,000 volunteers. It also funds research projects to better understand and combat threats to the oceans.
Public awareness and involvement
More than 350,000 young people have been made aware of marine issues through workshops, educational resources and local events. The Fondation de la mer relies on everyone’s involvement to build a collective dynamic.
Concrete actions in the Caribbean Sea and areas concerned
The Fondation de la mer is deploying several flagship projects in the Caribbean Sea, in Martinique, Guadeloupe, French Guiana and other overseas territories.
These initiatives strengthen the presence and mission of the Fondation de la mer in this particularly fragile region.
A helping hand for the Mangrove Martiniquaise (Martinique)
Supported by the Roots of the Sea association, this winning project of the SOS Corail 2024 program aims to restore two degraded mangrove areas, one on the Atlantic coast, the other on the Caribbean coast. These areas are threatened by global warming, sargassum beachings, urbanization and pollution. The aim is to replant and regenerate the mangroves, while involving the local population, managers and other local associations.
The project includes :
- An impact study and an inventory of flora and fauna.
- Analysis of environmental conditions prior to any intervention.
- The creation of in situ and ex situ nurseries to grow mangrove seedlings.
- Planting and growth monitoring of 5,000 m² of mangroves.
- An awareness-raising and training program for local residents and schoolchildren.
Restoration of the mangroves of Diamant and Robert (Martinique)
This project, also supported by the Fondation de la mer, targets the restoration of two mangrove areas, in Diamant (Caribbean coast) and Robert (Atlantic coast). The aim is to respond to the rapid degradation of these ecosystems due to urbanization, pollution and climatic pressures. The initiative involves close collaboration with communities, the local population and experts to ensure a sustainable and inclusive approach.
The project includes :
- Preliminary studies to identify pressures and needs.
- Replanting mangroves with local species.
- Ongoing environmental monitoring and involvement of local stakeholders.
Eco-anchors to protect the seabed (Guadeloupe)
In Guadeloupe, the Fondation de la mer is supporting an innovative project to install 200 mooring eco-reefs, led by the Kazarecycle association. These eco-anchors are designed to protect seagrass beds and coral reefs, which are severely affected by boat anchors. Submerged, they provide a refuge for marine fauna and support coral growth. On the surface, they enable environmentally-friendly mooring, avoiding the destruction of sensitive habitats.
The project includes :
- The immersion of 200 eco-reefs in areas to be protected.
- 12 actions to clean up the seabed.
- A social integration and circular economy component via Kazarecycle’s Atelier Chantier d’Insertion.
- Scientific monitoring to ensure no negative impact on the environment.
Call for projects to protect and rehabilitate mangroves and reefs (Caribbean and French Guiana)
The Fondation de la mer, in partnership with IFRECOR, regularly launches calls for projects to support the protection and restoration of mangroves, coral reefs and seagrass beds in French overseas territories, including Martinique, Guadeloupe and French Guiana.
These calls for projects enable :
- Finance concrete ecological restoration actions (planting, clean-up, scientific monitoring).
- Involve local associations, communities and citizens.
- Raise public awareness of the importance of these ecosystems.
- Encourage innovation and research into nature-based solutions.
Raising awareness and involving young people and local communities
In addition to restoration projects, the Fondation de la mer also runs awareness-raising campaigns in schools and among the general public, to raise awareness of the essential role played by mangroves, reefs and seagrass beds in the Caribbean. These actions include workshops, conferences, field trips and the creation of appropriate teaching aids.
Key figures and outlook
Results
- More than 40 active programs, including several in the Caribbean.
- 1,500 tonnes of waste collected since 2020.
- 350,000 young people reached.
- 97,000 committed volunteers.
- In Guadeloupe, densification of seagrass beds and creation of new coral habitats thanks to eco-anchors.
The challenges ahead
The Sea Foundation must continue its efforts in the face of accelerating climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss. Innovation, citizen involvement and the strengthening of local partnerships will be key to guaranteeing the sustainability of its actions in the Caribbean Sea and beyond.
Fondation de la mer proves every day that ocean preservation, particularly in the Caribbean Sea, is possible thanks to concrete, innovative and inclusive actions. Whether by restoring mangroves, installing eco-anchors or raising public awareness, the NGO is establishing itself as a benchmark player. The results are there, but we must continue to mobilize to ensure that the sea remains a source of life and balance for future generations.
