At the recent CARICOM Summit in Barbados, Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell called on European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to issue formal apologies and provide reparations for Europe’s role in the transatlantic slave trade. In response, von der Leyen condemned slavery but did not directly address reparations. In other developments, Martinique is advancing toward Associate Membership in CARICOM, with Chair Mia Mottley signing a Letter of Intent to formalize the application. Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit emphasized the need to restore regional airline LIAT, citing its importance for travel and trade. In entertainment news, dancehall artist Lisa Hyper’s family views her recent arrest as an opportunity for her to receive mental health support. Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago’s Central Bank announced a redesign of the $100 bill, featuring the steelpan as the new symbol. Finally, Vybz Kartel celebrated his MOBO Impact Award win by shopping for luxury jewelry in London, accompanied by his fiancée Sidem Öztürk and son Likkle Vybz.
