In 2023, the Bahamas achieved a momentous milestone because the nation proudly celebrated its fiftieth yr of independence. The golden anniversary marked a half-century of sovereignty, resilience, and progress for this archipelagic jewel within the Caribbean.
Since gaining independence in 1973, the Bahamas has flourished as a beacon of cultural range, financial vitality, and pure magnificence. But aside from its gorgeous pure magnificence and vibrant tradition, the nation has reworked into an financial powerhouse within the Caribbean, boasting one of many highest regional GDP per capita numbers alongside sustained financial progress.
In celebration of this monumental event, the Bahamas held a sequence of commemorative occasions, reflecting on the nation’s wealthy historical past. There was the standard march and parade, along with cultural exhibitions, music occasions, panel discussions, and church companies. Reaching 50 years of steady democratic progress is a outstanding achievement, and we all through the Caribbean are wanting ahead to seeing what the Bahamas will obtain within the subsequent 50 years.
Apart from passing 50 years of independence, the nation of Bahamas additionally made one other landmark achievement this yr, this time relating to its well-known Junkanoo Carnival. Junkanoo has achieved the celebrated honor of becoming a member of UNESCO’s List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Humanity.
UNESCO’s List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, sometimes called the Intangible Cultural Heritage List, goals to acknowledge and safeguard cultural practices, traditions, information, and abilities inherited from technology to technology inside communities. Unlike the tangible cultural heritage listing, extra recognized for outstanding bodily artifacts and areas, the intangible cultural heritage lists embody dwelling expressions and traditions.
The UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee of the ICH inscribed Junkanoo throughout its 18th Session for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Heritage in Botswana in December. This achievement implies that the Bahamas is one in all solely 4 Caribbean international locations to be inscribed on the ICH listing of a complete of 145 international locations. This inscription not solely offers unbelievable publicity for the expression of Junkanoo, nevertheless it seals Junkanoo as The Bahamas’ premiere pageant.
Minister of Education and Technical and Vocational Training Glenys Hanna Martin at a current media convention mentioned: “This was one of the proudest moments of my life! That core represents who and what we are.” The Minister thanked the Junkanoo Committee for its unwavering dedication and the integral position it performed in facilitating the profitable two-yr-lengthy means of inscription. Congratulations to the Bahamas for this outstanding achievement.
#2. St. Kitts And Nevis’ First Female Governor-General Sworn In
For one other monumental event and an indication of progress, we spotlight Her Excellency, Marcella Liburd JP. On the first of February, historical past was made as St. Kitts and Nevis swore in its first feminine Governor-General Her Excellency, Marcella Liburd JP, throughout a quick however important ceremony on the nation’s Government House.
Her Excellency Liburd, who succeeds His Excellency Samuel Weymouth Tapley Seaton, was administered the Oath of Office and Oath of Allegiance, making her the fifth Governor-General of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.
Liburd has an extended historical past of serving the Twin Island Federation as she was the second girl to be appointed because the Speaker of the National Assembly within the Eighties. She was additionally a member of parliament and held a number of ministerial positions together with appearing Prime Minister. Before she was appointed Governor-General, Her Excellency Liburd served because the Federation’s Governor-General’s Deputy since September 2022. As St. Kitts and Nevis continues its progressive ideology, we look ahead to seeing nice issues from the nation’s first feminine head of state.
#3. Rihanna! A Bajan Headline on the Superbowl
One of the area’s greatest musical expertise and cultural icons, had a tremendous 2023, by headlining one of many greatest sporting occasions on the earth. The Superbowl LVIII sport was performed on February 12, 2023, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona and its halftime present was headlined by none aside from the Bajan Sensation herself, and nationwide hero of Barbados, Rihanna!
Rihanna returned to the stage after a 5-yr hiatus from any dwell performances, and consequently, had the stadium and world jiving with pleasure. Dressed in a putting purple swimsuit effortlessly making a daring assertion with no-frills charisma and a shock announcement of her second being pregnant. Rihanna nonetheless slayed, nonetheless, rolling via her spectacular a long time-lengthy catalog of hits.
Rihanna’s Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show has since develop into essentially the most-watched halftime present efficiency of all time, in line with an adjusted Nielsen. The dwell efficiency, which was her first in additional than 5 years, attracted 121.017 million viewers through the broadcast. With a leap of practically 3 million greater than the earlier file holder, Rihanna’s present surpassed Katy Perry’s 2015 efficiency, which beforehand held the file with 121 million viewers.
#4. Dominica Recognized as World’s Greatest Places and a spot the place Sperm Whales Find Protected Sanctuary
In 2023, the gorgeous Caribbean Island nation Dominica was acknowledged as one of many “World’s Greatest Places” by TIME journal. This distinction highlighted Dominica’s pure magnificence, its dedication to preserving the surroundings, and its distinctive cultural heritage. The island’s concentrate on sustainable tourism and sustaining its pristine panorama amidst rising tourism recognition was notably inspiring. This world recognition served as a testomony to Dominica’s efforts in environmental conservation and selling a sustainable future, drawing worldwide acclaim and satisfaction amongst its residents and admirers worldwide.
Dominica has develop into residence to the world’s inaugural protected sanctuary particularly devoted to the preservation of endangered sperm whales. Announced by the federal government of Dominica again in November, the marine protected space spans practically 300 sq. miles of the island nation’s western waters. This new sanctuary is acknowledged as being an important nursing and feeding floor for these majestic creatures.
Dominica, sometimes called the Caribbean’s Nature Isle, has been a pacesetter within the Caribbean relating to sustainable improvement and the safety of the pure surroundings. Positioning itself because the world’s first local weather-resilient nation, Dominica is actively engaged in sustainable infrastructure improvement via partnerships, together with the safety of its dense rainforests.
Dominica Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit emphasised the significance of safeguarding these extremely smart animals for the properly-being of each the marine surroundings and the local weather. “We want to ensure these majestic and highly intelligent animals are safe from harm and continue keeping our waters and our climate healthy,” the prime minister of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit, mentioned in a press release.
#5. Haiti Descends Into Turmoil
We pivot to a narrative that has been highlighted by numerous information media this yr, and that’s the present struggles of Haiti. Back in 2021, the nation noticed the assassination of its chief Jovenel Moïse and since then the nation has solely slipped into deeper turmoil.
Haiti now grapples with a pervasive and deeply troubling situation, the prevalence of gang violence, which has had a big influence on the nation’s stability and safety. Gangs, typically wielding appreciable affect in varied city areas, have contributed to a local weather of insecurity, hindering each improvement, notably help help.
The stage of armed violence in Haiti has develop into so excessive that the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has to interact with tons of of gangs to have the ability to ship humanitarian help, its Director-General Robert Mardini has said. About 300 gangs are lively throughout Haiti and 80% of the capital, Port-au-Prince, is underneath gang management.
The proliferation of armed teams, engaged in actions starting from drug trafficking to extortion, has not solely strained the supply of vitally wanted help for these dwelling among the many violence but in addition halted a lot hope for the nation to regain democratic and steady order.
The worldwide group has come to acknowledge this urgency and has engaged in collaborative efforts to not solely curb gang violence but in addition to foster the situations vital for lengthy-time period stability and prosperity in Haiti. The newest improvement comes from the US President Joe Biden, who has urged the UN Security Council to authorize a world mission to Haiti to regain order. More than 2,400 folks have been killed in Haiti for the reason that begin of the yr exhibiting the pressing want for a peacekeeping and safety pressure to be deployed within the nation.
While we’re specializing in Haiti, In 2023, probably the most inspiring tales from Haiti was the achievement of Claudine Gay, a Haitian American who turned the President of Harvard University. Her appointment because the chief of one of many world’s most prestigious educational establishments drew important consideration and was a supply of immense satisfaction for each Haitians and the worldwide group. This milestone was notably inspiring because it highlighted the potential and success of Haitian people on a world stage, providing a optimistic narrative amidst the challenges confronted by Haiti.
#6. Guyana Venezuela Esequibo Conflict
Moving onto a narrative that has been rising in notoriety in current months and has raised issues amongst many, we spotlight the ever-evolving dispute between two southern Caribbean neighbors, Guyana and Venezuela. For years, there was a territorial dispute between the 2 international locations, which stems again to an 1899 Arbitration settlement between Venezuela and what was then British Guyana, underneath British Rule.
In current developments, nonetheless, Venezuela has elevated rhetoric and army actions to safe territory that’s internationally acknowledged as belonging to Guyana. The space often called Esequibo has been a quick-growing supply of Guyanese offshore oil, and accounts for about two-thirds of the nation’s landmass.
In the video linked above, Jirie Caribbean reported that the area has seen elevated motion alongside the Venezuela-Guyana border by Venezuelan troops, however this was simply the beginning, because the United Kingdom lately deployed one in all its navy ships to Guyana as a present of energy. In addition to this, the United States has begun flyover missions throughout the Essequibo area, once more in help of Guyana. As may be anticipated, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro slammed the warship’s deployment and mentioned it breached the “spirit” of a non-army intervention settlement reached between Venezuelan and Guyanese authorities.
What will occur between the 2 international locations is anybody’s guess, nevertheless it seems this story will proceed into 2024 and probably past. But ensure, we at Jirie Caribbean will replace you each time there are new and fascinating developments.
#7. CARICOM and the African Union Join Together for Reparations Appeal
Talks about reparations for the atrocities of slavery have been ongoing for many years. Ever for the reason that incremental abolishment of slavery, discussions have emerged about whether or not these nations who benefited from the exploitation of largely African slaves and their descendants must be compensated for the centuries of free labor which have constructed many growing international locations, and a system that continues to implement western superiority.
However, in recent times, extra and extra growing international locations and leaders have begun to name on these international locations who had a hand in slavery to compensate growing international locations for his or her exploitation. The most up-to-date improvement of this got here this yr again in November, when the African Union and the Caribbean Community, or CARICOM, joined collectively to type a worldwide motion, aspiring to type a united entrance to steer European nations to deal with this historic injustice.
The partnership goals to accentuate stress on former slave-proudly owning nations. Delegates from each the Caribbean and Africa have established a worldwide fund based mostly in Africa to help the marketing campaign. While the draft proclamation didn’t specify the shape reparations ought to take, it talked about exploring litigation choices and working with the UN to evaluate whether or not historic enslavement constituted human rights violations.
Caricom had beforehand launched a 10-point plan for reparatory justice which features a formal apology, debt cancellation, and investments in well being and training. Ghana’s president in addressing this latest partnership known as for a proper apology to Africa from European nations, however what would be the sensible consequence of this partnership stays to be seen
#8. Hurricane Tammy
The 2023 Atlantic hurricane season was the fourth-most lively Atlantic hurricane season on file with 20 named storms forming. Among them, 7 turned hurricanes, with 3 reaching main hurricane energy, with essentially the most ferocious of them being Hurricane Tammy.
While Hurricane Tammy was nowhere close to as unhealthy as hurricanes skilled previously, the lengthy-lived Atlantic hurricane brought on minor impacts throughout the Leeward Islands, notably in Guadeloupe and Bermuda. The twentieth and closing hurricane of the season brought on gentle to reasonable harm in Guadeloupe, notably La Désirade the place important flooding occurred, mixed with structural harm to these most weak houses and infrastructure.
La Désirade skilled winds of 90 miles per hour, which brought on reasonable harm with quite a few uprooted timber, some roof harm, and visitors indicators washed away. At one level, as much as 80% of the island was in a blackout through the peak of the hurricane. Thankfully, no fatalities have been recorded and although the harm was current, Guadeloupe survived properly, exhibiting how resilient the area has develop into to pure disasters.
#9. The Coronation of King Charles
This yr noticed the coronation of King Charles III, a historic second not just for the UK but in addition for the Caribbean. This area, with its complicated ties to the British monarchy, has witnessed rising anticipation and hypothesis about its relationship with the monarchy.
The coronation reignited requires the UK and the monarchy to deal with slavery reparations, with Prince William, the King’s son, visiting the Caribbean solely highlighting these issues. Many Caribbean international locations have additionally sought to formally lower ties with the monarchy, following within the path of Barbados by turning into Republics, corresponding to Antigua and Barbuda, Jamaica, and most notably St. Kitts and Nevis,
As the Caribbean nations ponder their relationship with the monarchy, the coronation cemented a brand new part for the Caribbean’s relationship with the Monarchy, leaving the way forward for the monarchy within the Caribbean unsure.
#10. Jamaican Reggae Girlz Special Place In Sports History
Adding to the listing of outstanding achievements within the Caribbean for 2023, the Jamaican Reggae Girlz has carved out a particular place in sports activities historical past. They completed the yr as the very best-ranked staff within the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) in line with the FIFA Rankings. This monumental achievement is a testomony to their ability, dedication, and the rising energy of girls’s soccer within the area.
Their journey via 2023 was nothing wanting inspiring. The Reggae Girlz showcased their prowess within the CONCACAF Women’s Championship, clinching a commendable third-place end. Their resilience and teamwork have been on full show throughout a nail-biting match towards Costa Rica in July, the place they emerged victorious with a 1-0 win. But the crowning glory of their yr was undoubtedly securing a spot within the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Held from July 20 to August 20 in Australia and New Zealand, this event was a stage for the world to witness the expertise and spirit of the Jamaican staff.
The Reggae Girlz went from crowdfunding for the World Cup to attaining notable success, together with sending soccer legend Brazil residence. This achievement not solely impressed followers in Jamaica but in addition gained worldwide recognition, showcasing their outstanding progress and expertise in girls’s soccer.
The Reggae Girlz’s success is greater than only a sequence of victories; it’s a beacon of inspiration, showcasing the potential of Caribbean athletes on the worldwide stage. Their achievements in 2023 haven’t solely introduced satisfaction to Jamaica but in addition to the whole Caribbean area, proving that with dedication and teamwork, the sky is the restrict.
Additionally, Two of Jamaica’s excellent girls’s athletes, Footballer, Khadija “Bunny” Shaw was named the CONCACAF Women’s Player of the Year for 2022, and to not be outdone, Olympic champion sprinter and 5-time world champion, Shelly-Ann Frase-Pryce have been honored with prime athletic titles because the Laureus Sportswoman of the Year 2023.
In 2023, the Caribbean area has certainly journeyed via tales of triumph and resilience. From the historic celebrations within the Bahamas to the pioneering strides of the Jamaican Reggae Girlz, every narrative is a thread within the vibrant cloth of our Caribbean spirit.
The complicated political panorama in Haiti and the continuing territorial dispute between Guyana and Venezuela, exhibit that the Caribbean has navigated a various tapestry of experiences.
The forging of a worldwide motion in search of reparations for slavery, as highlighted within the partnership between the African Union and Caribbean international locations, underscores the area’s dedication to addressing historic injustices and preserving its wealthy cultural heritage.
As the Caribbean seems to be again on 2023, it does so with resilience, unity, and a ahead-going through spirit, poised to embrace the alternatives and confront the complexities that the long run might maintain. The tales of this yr weave collectively to type a story that displays the dynamic nature of the Caribbean, its folks, and their unwavering dedication to form a greater tomorrow.
So, as we carry the curtains down on the “2023 Caribbean Year In Review,” the kaleidoscope of occasions, achievements, and challenges that unfolded all through the area comes into sharp focus as we’re reminded of the intricate mosaic of tales which have coloured our area.
We now look towards the horizon of the long run with anticipation and optimism. The Caribbean, a area outlined not simply by its previous however by the boundless potential of its future, continues to face as a testomony to the ability of unity, the energy of range, and the timeless spirit of its folks.
May the tales of 2023 encourage us to forge forward into 2024 with renewed power and unwavering dedication to our shared future. To you, our viewers, thanks for becoming a member of us on this outstanding journey. Here’s to a yr crammed with extra tales of hope, progress, and resilience. Happy New Year from all of us at Jirie Caribbean, and right here’s to a affluent and impactful 2024!
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