HGP REGIONALS NEWS - AUGUST 1, 2025

By Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News

As Emancipation Day celebrations continue across the Caribbean, regional leaders are making bold moves on matters of foreign policy, public health, and international trade. Here's a look at some of the top regional and global headlines from Friday’s news cycle.

Dominica: PM Skerrit Proposes Palestinian Resettlement Initiative

Dominican Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has signaled his administration's openness to hosting Palestinian refugees, suggesting that public consultations could soon be held on the matter. Addressing Parliament during the 2025 Budget Debate, Skerrit said the government is considering discussions with Qatar and Saudi Arabia about the resettlement of several hundred Palestinians in Dominica.

“These are very talented people—doctors, engineers—who can contribute to our economy and help fill gaps,” the Prime Minister stated.

Skerrit’s comments come amid a global push for Palestinian statehood. Canada, under Prime Minister Mark Carney, recently announced its formal recognition of the State of Palestine, joining a growing list of countries—including France and 14 others—backing the cause at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly.

This diplomatic stance also reflects broader tensions stemming from the Gaza conflict, which reignited on October 7, 2023, following a deadly Hamas-led attack on Israel. The Israeli response has led to continued fighting and global calls for a resolution.

Bahamas: Ex-PM Proposes Fast Food Ban on Family Islands

In the Bahamas, former Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis is pushing for legislation that would ban international fast food franchises from operating on the country’s smaller, more pristine Family Islands.

Dr. Minnis proposed during a House of Assembly debate on healthcare reform, linking poor dietary habits to the country's growing health crisis, particularly among youth. He highlighted frequent consumption of fast food—sometimes two to three times per day—as a driver of obesity, high cholesterol, and hypertension.

“We are an increasingly unwell people,” he warned. “We are addicted to eating foods that make us sick.”

If passed, the legislation would limit access to unhealthy food choices on the Family Islands, preserving their natural lifestyle and potentially improving public health outcomes.

USA: Trump Signs Executive Order on Trade Tariffs

In international news, former U.S. President Donald Trump signed a sweeping executive order on Thursday night, set to impose new tariffs on a wide range of trading partners beginning August 7.

The order—part of Trump’s revived trade agenda—comes amid ongoing talks with various nations and economic blocs. The move is expected to test the resilience of the global economy and long-standing U.S. alliances, many of which were built over decades.

While details remain limited, the decision is seen as a significant development in global trade relations, with analysts predicting both economic and political ripple effects.
#RegionalNews #Dominica #PalestinianResettlement #BahamasHealthCrisis #FastFoodBan #DonaldTrump #TradeTariffs #EmancipationDay #HGPNews #CaribbeanPolitics #GuyanaNews