Small Cards, New Horizons: Barbados-Guyana Mutual Recognition of IDs
Vanessa Mason$*Once again, there is local concern in Barbados about a small step in fostering closer regional ties. Effective July 1, 2026, citizens of Barbados and Guyana will have two options to travel between their nations: by passport or by national identification (ID) card. Similar to the Enhanced Cooperation in Free Movement regime among four CARICOM states (Barbados, Belize, Dominica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines) that came into effect on October 1, 2025, the announcement has already stirred security, administrative and legal concerns. The concern is understandable and stems largely from a lack of information; that failure lies squarely with those responsible for communicating these changes.
After MC14: The Caribbean in a Shifting Global Trading Order
2026-06-05T13:00:00-0400@*1$*On Friday, June 5th, 2026, the Shridath Ramphal Centre will host a Lunchtime Chat via Zoom under the theme “After MC14: The Caribbean in a Shifting Global Trading Order”. The session will explore the outcomes of the World Trade Organization’s 14th Ministerial Conference, held in Yaoundé, Cameroon in March 2026. Panelists will examine what was actually achieved, what was left on the table, and what it all means for small states navigating an increasingly complex global trading system.
One Hand Can’t Clap: EU-Caribbean Relations, the Samoa Agreement and the Global Gateway
2026-05-22T12:00:00-0400@*2$*The Shridath Ramphal Centre will host a featured hybrid presentation by Professor Maurizio Carbone, Professor of International Relations & Development and Jean Monnet Professor of EU External Policies at the University of Glasgow, on Friday, May 22, 2026.
Panel 4 | The Caribbean Crucible: Geopolitics, Security, and External Powers in a Contested Basin | Old Empires, New Security Roles: Is the Caribbean Entering a New Era of Great-Power Competition?
2026-05-15T13:00:00-0400@*2$*The SRC invites you to join us for Panel 4 of the four-part series, The Caribbean Crucible: Geopolitics, Security, and External Powers in a Contested Basin.
Panel 3 | The Caribbean Crucible: Geopolitics, Security, and External Powers in a Contested Basin | EEZs, Maritime Boundaries and Security Claims: From Partnership to Policing? Rethinking US–Caribbean Relations
2026-05-11T18:00:00-0400@*2$*On Monday, May 11, 2026, the SRC hosted Panel 3 of the four-part series, The Caribbean Crucible. This panel explored whether US–Caribbean security engagement has come at the cost of Caribbean sovereignty, examining security within Caribbean maritime jurisdictions and whether the relationship has shifted from partnership to policing. The discussion was incisive, urgent, and deeply engaging.
Once Upon a Time: Diplomacy in the Image of Our Times
Vanessa Mason$* In watching recent regional and international events, I pondered whether political discourse, and diplomacy more specifically, is in decline or being remade in the image of the times. This is a question that I am certain concerns not only seasoned career diplomats but average citizens. To avoid any misunderstanding, I use ‘diplomacy’ here to mean specifically the conduct of international interactions and communications between states.
Dare to Dream with Unicomer Barbados Limited (COURTS) Scholarships
Dare to Dream with Unicomer Barbados Limited (COURTS) Scholarships Author: Dare to Dream with Unicomer Barbados Limited (COURTS) Scholarships Author: In celebration of 60 years in Barbados, Unicomer Barbados Limited (COURTS) has partnered with The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus to offer two postgraduate scholarships for the Master’s in International Trade Policy (MITP), each valued at BBD $9,000. About the Programme The MITP is a 12-month, online full-time programme designed to build expertise in trade policy through specialist instruction, hands-on simulations, a study tour to Geneva, Switzerland, and valuable internship opportunities. Scholarship Value Each scholarship is worth BBD $9,000 and covers tuition and university fees, with any Scholarships April 30, 2026 In celebration of 60 years in Barbados, Unicomer Barbados Limited (COURTS) has partnered with The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus to offer two postgraduate scholarships for the Master’s in International Trade Policy (MITP), each valued at BBD $9,000. About the Programme The MITP is a 12-month, online full-time programme designed to build expertise in trade policy through specialist instruction, hands-on simulations, a study tour to Geneva, Switzerland, and valuable internship opportunities. Scholarship Value Each scholarship is worth BBD $9,000 and covers tuition and university fees, with any remaining balance available for books, living expenses, and incidentals. Awards are valid for up to 12 months or until graduation. Who Can Apply? To be eligible, applicants must: How to Apply Scan the QR code on the flyer to submit your application!
Mighty Sector, Marginal Exports: Reflections on the SBA MSME Report 2026
Alicia Nicholls$*Despite accounting for 98% of businesses in Barbados, fewer than one in ten Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) export. This striking finding was reported in the Small Business Association (SBA)’s newly released ‘National Survey of the Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise Sector 2026’. It underscores a persistent challenge within our import-dependent economy: how can we get more of our firms exporting. In this SRC Trading Thoughts, I reflect on some of the report’s findings from a trade policy perspective.
Deal or No Deal: The Case for a CARICOM-MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement
Chryssanti Braithwaite$*Amidst a resilient global economy characterized by shifting trade patterns and the introduction of new Preferential Trade Agreements (namely EU-MERCOSUR), the strategic importance of the Southern Common Market, which is also known as MERCOSUR (Mercado Común del Sur in Spanish) presents a captivating case for deepening the relationship with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Established in 1991,
Navigating the U.S. Ban on Grenada’s Fish Exports: Opportunities, Challenges and Strategic Pathways for Trade Resilience
Kamisha L. Redhead$*The recent restriction on fish and fish product exports from Grenada to the United States represents a significant development for the island’s fisheries sector and for Caribbean trade policy more broadly. While the ban presents immediate economic challenges for fisherfolk, exporters, and processors, it also highlights deeper structural issues surrounding regulatory compliance, market diversification, and long-term trade resilience.