CARIF 2026 Market News - Page 2 of 4

USVI virtual power plant dispatches 2.5 MWh during grid tests
September 27, 2026
The Virgin Islands Energy Office dispatched a combined 2.5 MWh from residential batteries during virtual power plant tests on the St. Croix and St. Thomas-St. John grids. The VIBES 2.0 program has paid or is processing approximately US$244,000 in incentives as it works to expand participation across the territory. Source: St. Thomas Source
Belize plans US$400 million-plus redevelopment of Belize City port
September 27, 2026
Belize is preparing a major redevelopment of the Port of Belize valued at more than US$400 million, including deeper and wider marine access, new cargo facilities and a modern cruise tourism gateway. Prime Minister John Briceño said construction is expected to begin in 2027. Source: Breaking Belize News
Jamaica signs CDB loan for US$36 million rural water program
September 27, 2026
Jamaica has signed a loan agreement with the Caribbean Development Bank to support a US$36 million rural water program expected to benefit more than 40,000 residents. The project will develop six water-supply schemes across five parishes, including upgrades to treatment facilities, transmission and distribution networks, storage tanks and lift stations. Source: JIS.gov
IDB approves US$23.75 million for Belize rural electrification
September 27, 2026
The IDB has approved a US$23.75 million financing package to expand rural electrification in Belize, marking its first energy-sector operation in the country. The program will fund solar mini-grids with battery storage and smart meters, distribution-network expansion and first-time electricity access for approximately 3,000 rural households. Source: IADB
Jamaica begins US$51 million NMIA apron reconstruction
September 27, 2026
Reconstruction has begun on the 109,270-square-metre aircraft apron at Norman Manley International Airport under an eight-phase program designed to keep the airport fully operational during construction. The approximately US$51 million project will replace existing concrete pavement, while a separate US$70–80 million runway extension is also planned. Source: JIS.gov
Guyana invests US$3.3 million in waste management in first half of 2026
September 27, 2026
Guyana spent approximately US$3.3 million on sanitation and solid waste management in the first half of 2026, including landfill and access-road upgrades, construction of a hazardous-waste cell and the distribution of 75 garbage-compactor trucks. The Government also began preparing a National Solid Waste Management Strategic Plan to guide future investment and policy. Source: Guyana Chronicle
Jamaica advances Queen Heights water system toward 2027 procurement
September 27, 2026
Jamaica’s National Water Commission is advancing plans for a new water system in Queen Heights, St. Ann, with more than $500 million expected to be invested in the project. The Government plans to move the project to procurement in 2027 following the required preparatory work. Source: JIS.gov
Barbados advances US$175 million Health Services Resilience Programme
August 27, 2026
Barbados is advancing a US$175 million Health Services Resilience Programme to develop and expand four major healthcare facilities by 2029. The programme will also expand digital health services through a new health information system designed to connect healthcare facilities and improve access to medical records. Source: Barbados Today
IDB executes first catastrophe swap, giving Belize up to US$20 million in hurricane coverage
August 27, 2026
The IDB has transferred a layer of Belize’s hurricane risk to international reinsurance markets through Swiss Re in its first catastrophe swap. The parametric protection runs through May 2028 and provides up to US$20 million in coverage, with rapid payouts triggered by pre-agreed hurricane conditions and capped at US$10 million per policy year. Source: IADB