SINT EUSTATIUS (ORANJESTAD) - On Tuesday, the 11th of November 2025, at around 9:20 AM, a 20-year-old man with the initials I.S.P. was arrested at the police station on Sint Eustatius.
The arrest took place in the context of an ongoing investigation into threats, assault, trespassing, and destruction of property.
The case is under investigation.
SINT MAARTEN (COMMENTARY - By Cdr. Bud Slabbaert) - Don’t ask me! Instead, I asked AI itself for you by interviewing a ChatGPT. A ChatGPT, or just chatbot, is a computer program that uses large language models to produce human-like text in conversation either through text or voice. It can answer questions, provide information, or perform tasks by interacting with users in natural language
A: “AI feels ‘so freaking smart’ because it combines massive data, advanced algorithms, and lightning-fast processing to mimic certain aspects of human intelligence. AI can analyze millions of examples (images, texts, sounds) and detect patterns humans might miss. It processes information in milliseconds, far faster than human brains. AI doesn’t forget—it can store and recall vast amounts of data instantly. Through machine learning, AI improves over time by adjusting its models based on feedback.”
But Here’s the Catch. AI isn’t ‘smart’ in the human sense. It doesn’t understand meaning, emotions, or context the way people do. It’s only as good as the data and design behind it. If the data is biased or incomplete, AI can make flawed decisions. AI lacks creativity and values, it can generate ideas but doesn’t have purpose or wisdom. One type of AI can be trained for specific tasks so that it performs them with near-expert precision.
Q: How does AI see itself?
A: “AI doesn’t “see itself” in the way humans do. Self-perception requires consciousness, subjective experience, and emotions—things AI does not possess. Instead, AI has functional self-models: systems that track performance, monitor errors, and adjust behavior. So, AI “sees itself” as a set of metrics, probabilities, and feedback loops—not as a being with feelings or identity. AI doesn’t have subjective identity, no “I” in the human sense.”
AI monitors performance by tracking accuracy, efficiency, and error rates to evaluate its own outputs. AI adapts and adjusts models when feedback or new data show. AI can limit recognition and flag when it lacks data or confidence which is a practical form of self-assessment that some humans don’t have.
Q: Is AI a savior?
A: “AI is not the savior, it’s the ally. Human wisdom is irreplaceable: AI lacks values, empathy, and cultural grounding. A community’s true strength lies in its people, culture, and resilience. AI can amplify those strengths if applied with simplicity, ethics, and community-first design. There are risks of misuse as surveillance, bias, or over-commercialization could harm communities. It has infrastructure limits like availability of energy power, internet access, and governance systems. The must be strengthened and secured to support AI safely.”
Q: Could AI function as a savior for the Caribbean?
A: “AI can certainly feel like a potential savior for the Caribbean, but the truth is more nuanced: it’s not a savior on its own—it’s a strategic tool that, if guided by human leadership, culture, and ethics, can help the region leapfrog challenges and build resilience. AI could be transformative in the following areas:
However, without identity protection and safeguards, AI could dilute Caribbean authenticity.”
Q: How can I thank an AI chatGPT for letting me do an interview with this chatbot?
A: “A thoughtful way to thank an AI for an interview is to frame it like you would with a human guest, acknowledging the exchange, highlighting what you gained, and expressing appreciation for the opportunity. Since AI doesn’t have feelings, the gratitude is more symbolic, but it still shows respect for the collaboration.
“Would you like me to help you craft a polished closing statement for your interview transcript or a short thank‑you note you can publish alongside it? Here it is: Many thanks to chatbot for joining me in this interview. The exchange was thought‑provoking and highlighted how AI can contribute meaningfully to human creativity and inquiry.”
By Cdr. Bud Slabbaert
SINT MAARTEN (COMMENTARY - By: Angelique Remy-Chittick) - St. Maarten’s government spending is like that cousin who swears, “Boy, I brokes to thief,” right after buying a new iPhone. The math never adds up, but somehow, the light stays on.
Fifteen years after 10/10/10, the island still runs on loans and short-term fixes. The Prime Minister earns about XCG 22.572 a month, ministers 21.591, and MPs 20.609, all in gross pay before allowances or taxes, based on the government’s 2024 salary scale.
These are executive-level salaries in a country that averaged just 0.4 percent real economic growth per year between 2010 and 2019, according to the Central Bank of Curaçao and St. Maarten.
In recent years, growth has hovered around 2–3 percent, barely keeping up with the cost of living and far behind neighbors who earn less. By comparison, Barbados’s prime minister earns about XCG 16.000 in a country that grew over 4 percent in 2023.
Curaçao’s ministers earn roughly XCG 17.000, Aruba’s 18.000, with both economies expanding 4–6 percent last year. St. Maarten continues to pay premium prices for penny stock performance. Policy analyst Ed Gumbs calculated that between 2010 and 2019, taxpayers spent XCG 50.9 million on salaries for one prime minister, six ministers, and 15 MPs, excluding allowances.
Applying the government’s 2 percent annual indexation brings the 2010–2025 estimate to about XCG 87 million, or XCG 92 million, including allowances. That excludes transition pay after each of the 11 governments since 10-10-10, payouts the Audit Chamber called a continuing strain on public finances.
Even as an estimate, it shows the scale of spending by a government managing just over XCG 530 million annually. According to the Board of Financial Supervision (Cft), the national debt rose from 15.4 percent of GDP in 2010 to nearly 49 percent in 2024.
At that point, the numbers stop living on paper and start showing up in daily life, in healthcare costs, potholes, and the quiet frustration that progress always feels out of reach.
History shows what happens when a country spends more than it earns. Jamaica once owed almost one and a half times its yearly income. It took ten years of wage freezes and painful cuts to recover the economy.
Portugal saw its debt nearly double after 2008, and even Iceland, one of the richest countries, had to raise taxes and slash costs when its bills outgrew its income. These lessons are not distant history.
St. Maarten’s balance sheet may be smaller, but the warning signs remain the same. Every hurricane season, the country holds its breath, hoping it will not end up on the prayer lists or back at the Dutch doorstep asking for liquidity support.
The World Bank Trust Fund helped rebuild after Irma but also exposed how unprepared the country was to recover independently. Years later, there is still no plan to prevent the next disaster or the dependence that follows.
This cycle keeps the country spinning its wheels, not for lack of money, but for lack of planning. Vision does not require wealth, only discipline and political will. For example, Jamaica’s 2021 catastrophe bond provided US $185 million in automatic coverage if a Category 5 hurricane hit.
No pleading, no waiting, just readiness to act. When Hurricane Melissa swept through the region, it was another reminder that luck is not a strategy. Jamaica earned this deal by managing its finances and honoring its debts. This is how planning becomes protection.
St. Maarten has the potential to do the same. The estimated XCG 87 million paid in top-tier salaries since 2010 could have funded an emergency savings account, been invested in renewable energy, or been used to purchase annual insurance through the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Facility.
These are glimpses of what is possible. Instead, the country remains buried under loans and unpaid bills, losing time, money, and confidence in every cycle. The challenge is not ideas or funding; it is follow-through. Reform isn’t foreign to St. Maarten; consistency is.
This inconsistency comes at a cost that ordinary people can feel. Debt reaches every household. It is evident in grocery prices, delayed projects, and paychecks that stretch less each year. This is why school repairs take years and small businesses wait months to be paid.
Debt does not just drain the treasury; it drains the confidence that things will ever change. During the pandemic, Dutch ‘aid’ came with a condition: a 25 percent cut to total political compensation. It was not popular, but it sent the right message: shared sacrifice.
When the condition vanished, the cuts disappeared faster than campaign promises after election day. The message left behind was simple: accountability is negotiable. However, elsewhere in the region, progress tells a different story. Barbados tied ministerial pay to performance and regained the trust of its citizens.
Jamaica restructured its economy, cut debt, and earned investor confidence. Both can now fund their recovery, borrow on better terms, and access global grants without waiting for help to arrive.
St. Maarten has what many people envy: talent, tourism, and a billion-dollar coastline. What is missing is not money but management. Leadership should perform like any sound investment, producing value and not losses. Budgets tell stories, and every year, they echo the same script. The question is, how long can St. Maarten afford to keep repeating the same chapter?
By: Angelique Remy-Chittick Financial Strategist & Consultant @Financial.ish
SINT EUSTATIUS (ORANJESTAD) - Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands will visit Sint Eustatius and Bonaire from Tuesday 18 November to Friday 21 November. The visit will focus on the work of the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) and on social initiatives taking place across the islands. The Princess is the Patroness of DCNA.
In the morning, Princess Beatrix will visit the ReforeStatia nursery, which forms part of the reforestation project of the St Eustatius National Parks Foundation (STENAPA). The greenhouse cultivates young native plants and trees.
The project contributes to the island’s biodiversity, reduces erosion, and limits the flow of sediment into the ocean. The Princess will be given a tour of the greenhouse and a presentation by Junior Rangers on the different plant species, followed by a short walk through the garden.
The nursery grows native trees and shrubs to restore the island’s dry forests and strengthen climate resilience.
Afterwards, the Princess will receive a briefing on the protection of the Antillean iguana, a native species that is critically endangered on the island. This iguana is found only on the Windward Islands.
Through breeding programmes, efforts are being made to safeguard the population on Sint Eustatius. In the presence of the Princess, a member of the STENAPA team will release an Antillean iguana near the nursery, symbolising ongoing efforts to protect the island’s wildlife.
Next, the Princess will visit the Public Library, where she will be updated on the Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI), a UNICEF programme that assists municipalities in developing a safe and nurturing environment for children.
A group of young people will present the programme’s key action points through their own photographs, paintings, and drawings. Topics will include the child rights impact assessment, youth participation, and mental health.
In the afternoon, Princess Beatrix will visit the Government Guest House in the historic centre of Oranjestad, where STENAPA will outline the importance of collaboration in environmental management and the interconnection between culture and nature.
The Princess will also meet with various representatives to discuss these matters. Together with STENAPA and members of the community, the Princess will plant a tree to symbolise the bond between STENAPA and the people of Statia.
The Princess will then open the Kings Well National Park Centre, STENAPA’s new facility. The new centre serves as a modern headquarters for environmental management, research, and education, featuring a marine laboratory to support coral restoration.
Following the formal programme, the Princess will receive a tour and briefing in the laboratory, after which she will meet several Junior Rangers to discuss the importance of nature conservation.
The Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) is a non-profit organisation established to protect the natural environment in the Dutch Caribbean. It is an alliance comprising the Aruba Conservation Foundation (ACF), the Caribbean Research and Management of Biodiversity (Carmabi), the Nature Foundation Sint Maarten (NFSXM), the Saba Conservation Foundation (SCF), the Sint Eustatius National Parks Foundation (STENAPA), and the Bonaire National Parks Foundation (STINAPA Bonaire).
The nature organisations on the six islands of the Dutch Caribbean collaborate to enhance environmental management, ensure sustainable fundraising, promote environmental education, and facilitate the exchange of knowledge.
A Regional Approach: The Key Habitats Programme
The Royal Visit highlights the Dutch Caribbean’s growing cooperation in conservation. DCNA recently launched its Conservation and Restoration of Key Habitats Programme, a long-term initiative that unites all six islands—Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, Statia and St Maarten—under a shared strategy to protect and restore five crucial ecosystems: coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves, tropical dry forests and tropical wet forests.
Funded by the National Postcode Loterij, WWF-NL and Bloomberg Philanthropies, the programme uses internationally recognised conservation standards to guide collaborative action through to 2100.
It aims to strengthen biodiversity, enhance climate resilience and ensure that nature continues to support both people and economies across the Dutch Caribbean.
CURACAO (WILLEMSTAD) - In the afternoon of Wednesday 5 November 2025, the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) in partnership with Caribbean Research and Management of Biodiversity (CARMABI) Foundation will host the “Healthy Waters. Thriving Nature. Vibrant Communities” symposium on Curaçao.
This event brings together scientists, decision-makers, community representatives and conservation practitioners from across the Caribbean to spotlight the vital links between water quality, human health and ecosystem resilience.
The symposium will also mark two significant milestones: ● The launch of DCNA’s Conservation and Restoration of Key Habitats Program, a multi-year initiative to strengthen habitat protection and restoration across the Dutch Caribbean. ● A celebration of 70 years of CARMABI’s contributions to research and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean.
Why this matters
Water is the lifeblood of coastal ecosystems and the communities that depend on them. In the Dutch Caribbean and beyond, changes in nutrient levels, chemical loads, microbial activity, wastewater inputs and other stressors are increasingly affecting coral reefs, mangroves, fisheries and human well-being. This symposium aims to raise awareness, share best practices and influence the science-to-policy pipeline for water quality protection.
Key themes and presentations
Attendees will hear keynote presentations from leading experts such as: ● Mark Vermeij (University of Amsterdam - CARMABI) on the status of coral reefs in the Dutch Caribbean. ● Andreas Haas (NIOZ) on microbial and chemical perspectives of coastal water quality around Curaçao.
Additional talks will cover DCNA Key Habitats Program (Arno Verhoeven) and reflections on 70 years of CARMABI research (Manfred van Veghel).
Who should attend
This symposium is relevant for marine scientists, environmental managers, government policy makers, NGO staff, private sector actors with coastal interests, community groups, and anyone working in or caring about coastal water quality, ecosystem health and community resilience in the Caribbean and beyond.
Format & registration
The event will take place on 5 November 2025 in Curaçao, and will also be available online via Zoom. Online Registration is free and open to all.
About DCNA
The Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) is the leading conservation network in the Dutch Caribbean.
It is a non-profit organization that unites the park and conservation organizations of Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, St. Eustatius, and St. Maarten.
About CARMABI
CARMABI Foundation (Caribbean Research and Management of Biodiversity Institute) is a Curaçao-based research institute with a long history (70 years) of studying and managing coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves and other ecosystems in the Dutch Caribbean.
SINT EUSTATIUS (ORANJESTAD) - The Statia Government continues to demonstrate forward-looking leadership by championing the Xploration Coastline Concept (XCC), a regional initiative that strengthens resilience, innovation and sustainable development across the Caribbean.
In October 2025, the first of several XCC assets arrived on Statia, marking the beginning of the XCC Xplore Statia phase. This milestone reflects the Government’s commitment to harnessing innovation for the benefit of its people and the wider region.
While on standby for regional crisis-relief operations, the XCC asset also supports the revamped ‘Made in Statia’ initiative, an agricultural development programme aimed at revitalising local food production, reducing import dependence and improving food security. The initiative provides a scalable framework that promotes health, wellbeing and sustainable economic growth.
Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica, the Government, through its partnership in the Xploration Coastline Concept, worked with OceansX and regional agencies, including the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA), and the Caribbean Water and Sewerage Association (CAWASA) to mobilise an XCC asset in support of Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and National Water Centres.
The Royal Netherlands Navy vessel HNLMS Pelikaan collected the XCC asset from Statia Harbour in an operation efficiently coordinated by the Statia Port Authority, and is now transporting it to Jamaica. Following a period of usage, the asset will return to Statia.
As part of the socially governed Xploration Coastline Concept, all potential funding and reimbursements associated with this mission will flow into the overarching XCC Fund. This mechanism ensures that resources are reinvested to maintain the future readiness of the asset, supporting both a flourishing Statia and a resilient Caribbean region.
The Statia Government extends appreciation to its partners, including OceansX, Hatenboer Water B.V., Neptune Marine, the Farmer Foundation, and the Royal Netherlands Navy, for their continued collaboration in advancing the Xploration Coastline Concept and contributing to regional resilience.
CURACAO (WILLEMSTAD) - The Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) is undertaking a new round of data collection from companies in Curaçao’s manufacturing sector to assess domestic developments.
Building on the successful first survey conducted in 2024, this second edition aims to provide a follow-up on current manufacturing activities, including production, employment, exports, investments, and key business challenges.
This survey serves as part of CBCS’ ongoing efforts to strengthen data collection and gain deeper insights into the performance and challenges of the manufacturing industry in Curaçao.
In this regard, the opinion of businesses about their current performance, the economic situation in general, and their expectations for the near future can provide valuable insights for economic analysis and forecasting.
On November 3, 2025, the CBCS will send a link to an online survey, available in Papiamentu, Dutch, and English, to businesses in the manufacturing sector. The estimated time to complete the survey is 10 minutes.
Responses will remain anonymous, and all data will be treated with strict confidentiality. For robust economic analysis, reliable data and information from key sectors are essential.
In August of this year, CBCS expanded its industry-specific survey program by including the construction sector. The information collected through these surveys serves as valuable input for the CBCS Economic Bulletin, which is published four times a year and provides a comprehensive analysis of the performance and outlook of the economies of both Curaçao and Sint Maarten.
The CBCS conducts such analyses to support monetary, fiscal, and broader economic policymaking, and to assess the effectiveness of these policies. In addition, the insights derived from this work can assist businesses in financial planning and investment decision-making.
CBCS kindly requests the cooperation of companies in the manufacturing sector in Curaçao in completing the survey before November 17, 2025. Businesses operating in the manufacturing sector that have not received the survey but would like to participate, may request the link to the online survey via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Your insights and experiences will help gain a better understanding of the development and performance of the economy of Curaçao.
SINT EUSTATIUS (ORANJESTAD) - The Executive Council of Statia has decided to maintain the implementation of the Sustainable Livestock Management for Food Security Programme, which was formally adopted in April 2025.
This decision follows a motion of the Island Council, which requested that the contract with the Swedish Hunting Association be terminated. After assessing the legal, financial, and administrative implications, the Executive Council concluded that termination would expose the Statia Government to significant liabilities and risk the island’s compliance with national funding conditions linked to major development projects, including the cliff stabilisation works.
The livestock programme, often mischaracterised as a goat eradication initiative, was developed by highly qualified civil servants. It was designed as a comprehensive approach to sustainable livestock management, incorporating live capture, support to livestock farmers, and the controlled removal of feral animals in the Boven National Park.
Based on the 2024 State of Nature Report of the Caribbean Netherlands, free-roaming livestock has caused extensive soil erosion, loss of vegetation, and damage to coral reefs and agricultural land.
These environmental impacts directly undermine local food security. The programme addresses these challenges through improved animal husbandry practices, provision of fencing materials, training for farmers, and better management of grazing lands.
The Executive Council noted that the plan was presented in full transparency, first to the Island Council, which responded positively to the project, and later to the general public during several consultation sessions held between May and September 2025.
It was also endorsed by the NEPP Steering Committee, which includes representatives from the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK), the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (I&W), and the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV).
By maintaining the existing contract and continuing implementation of the approved programme, the Executive Council reaffirmed its commitment to good governance, fiscal responsibility, and the long-term sustainability of food production on Statia.
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Honorable Prime Minister of Sint Maarten, Dr. Luc Mercelina, extends sincere congratulations to the people of the Netherlands for their active participation in the recent national elections and for upholding the enduring democratic values that unite the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
“With nearly all votes counted, the Dutch people have once again demonstrated their deep commitment to democracy and civic engagement,” said Prime Minister Mercelina. “The close results reflect a vibrant political landscape and the strength of public discourse within the Kingdom.”
As of Thursday, with 99.7% of the votes counted, the Democrats 66 (D66) under Rob Jetten and the Party for Freedom (PVV) led by Geert Wilders are tied at 26 seats each, separated by only a few thousand votes. Remaining ballots, particularly those cast by Dutch citizens abroad, are expected to determine which leader will be invited to begin coalition consultations next week.
Prime Minister Mercelina commended both leading parties and all others that participated for contributing to a healthy democratic process. “I extend congratulations to all parties and leaders for their participation in this important exercise, and I particularly recognize Mr. Jetten and Mr. Wilders for the trust their supporters have placed in them. Regardless of who ultimately leads the coalition process, the people have clearly expressed their desire for strong, effective governance.”
PM Dr. Mercelina also took the opportunity to acknowledge the outgoing Dutch government for its cooperation and engagement throughout its tenure. “We are grateful for the collaboration and dialogue we have maintained with the outgoing administration across key areas such as disaster recovery, climate resilience, and financial management. Their efforts have contributed to progress within the Kingdom and have built a foundation for the new coalition to continue strengthening our collective future.”
Looking ahead, Prime Minister Mercelina reaffirmed Sint Maarten’s commitment to maintaining constructive engagement with the incoming government in The Hague. “Sint Maarten stands ready to work with the next Dutch administration whichever coalition is formed to deepen our partnership based on mutual respect, equality, and shared responsibility. Together, we must continue advancing sustainable development, energy resilience, and economic diversification for the benefit of all citizens within the Kingdom.”
He concluded, “The strength of our Kingdom lies not only in our shared democratic values, but in our respect for the diversity that defines us. As I have often said, the Kingdom of the Netherlands must be recognized and celebrated not because of our similarities, but because of the differences that enrich and strengthen us. As the Netherlands prepares to form its next government, Sint Maarten remains steadfast in its commitment to cooperation, transparency, and partnership, grounded in the belief that our differences make our Kingdom stronger, more resilient, and more united.”
SINT MAARTEN (COMMENTARY - by Cdr. Bud Slabbaert) - University researchers in four continents have proven that fuel can be generated from seawater through a process called electrolysis. This emerging innovation is a revolutionizing game-changing clean energy source. It enables scalable, efficient hydrogen production using abundant seawater and renewable power. Benefiting the most will be coastal and island regions such as the Caribbean, Canary Islands, Indonesia, Philippines, and Polynesia. Hydrogen fuel is a viable solution for decarbonizing long-distance transport in the shipping and aviation sectors.
Hydrogen generation from Caribbean seawater is economically beneficial and sound, especially with regional cooperation and long-term planning. This approach could position the Caribbean as a model for island-based hydrogen innovation and result in global leadership. It will pay off if approached strategically. It reduces reliance on imported fossil fuels and diversifies the economy through new sectors like clean tech, green shipping, and hydrogen exports.
Hydrogen fuel is incredibly versatile and highly adaptable. It can be applied across sectors to help decarbonize energy systems. Automobiles, buses, and trucks that are powered by hydrogen fuel cells and produce only water vapor as emissions. Coastal hydrogen hubs have the potential to provide clean fuel for maritime and aviation industries. Hydrogen is gaining recognition as a sustainable marine fuel option for cargo ships and ferries. It is being evaluated as an energy source for aircraft, particularly suited for short-haul and inter-island travel.
Hydrogen enables storing surplus solar or other energy by saving it in fuel cells and releasing it when needed. These fuel cells can provide reliable backup for hospitals, data centers, and telecom towers. Small hydrogen generators can be used in remote coastal communities to provide clean fuel and water where infrastructure is limited. It can power small-scale operations sustainably, like eco-resorts and nature lodges as it aligns with eco-tourism and carbon-neutral branding.
A small generator is ideal for off-grid residences, emergency shelters, and remote emergency power for remote and disaster crisis zones or during hurricanes. In that regard, since the fuel cells are portable, they can be useful for NGOs, coast guards, and mobile clinics.
You’ll be surprised. A large hydrogen fuel plant isn't required for hydrogen generation. The smallest known hydrogen-from-seawater generator to date is a 10x10 cm (4x4”) solar-powered prototype developed by a Cornell University led team. It produces hydrogen directly from seawater and even generates potable water as a byproduct. The output is about 200 milliliters of hydrogen per hour. Which is 0.2 liter/0.8 US cup/6.7 US ounce hour. Not much but what can be expected from the smallest available device? Take it over 24 hours and you’ll have 4.8 liter/1.3 US gallons. This prototype demonstrates that hydrogen production can be miniaturized for decentralized applications. Larger commercial developed devices will bring a larger output.
That is an opportunity for investors. Remember the proverb that the early bird gets the worm. Hydrogen-from-seawater research is accelerating globally, with promising breakthroughs. There is a definite need. Lab-scale prototypes exist. Partnerships with universities and startups may accelerate commercialization. Cornell University’s solar-powered 10x10 cm device could be ideal for small scale commercial development and for education. No commercial or off-the-shelf hydrogen-from-seawater generators are on the market yet. Most systems are in pilot or pre-commercial phases, with scalability and cost still being optimized. Pilot deployments in coastal and island regions like the Caribbean could validate real-world use.
Call it: “Hydrogen Horizons: Empowering Island Innovation with Seawater-to-Fuel grids”, a concept to pitch the deployment of small-scale hydrogen-from-seawater generators in the Caribbean. The project will showcase the region’s leadership in sustainable technology and empower the next generation of clean energy stewards.
Leverage the Caribbean’s strategic location in global shipping lanes. Invest in infrastructure upgrades of ports to act as hydrogen hubs for production, storage, and export.
According to a 2025 Caribbean Maritime University study titled “Hydrogen Hub Potential in the Caribbean: Towards a Sustainable Future”, integrating hydrogen hubs with port infrastructure can boost GDP by promoting renewable energy, reducing fuel imports, and supporting new green industries. The study explored how hydrogen hubs, especially those integrated with port infrastructure, could contribute significantly to the Gross National Income of Caribbean nations by diversifying energy sources, reducing fuel imports, and creating new green industries.
The Caribbean has not yet pursued hydrogen fuel generation from seawater due to still emerging technology, limited local R&D capabilities, low awareness among policy and decision makers, and insufficient funds for clean tech pilots. Governments tend to wait for scalable, proven solutions before investing, while budgets focus on immediate needs like disaster recovery and tourism revival. The absence of a unified regional strategy and shared infrastructure further slows progress. Islands operating independently may be missing an opportunity to unlock the Caribbean’s clean energy future.
It could be a matter of investing now and owning it as a lucrative business develops or buy the product later from other sources and pay the price for it. Don’t ask two years from now: “Why weren’t we informed earlier about this opportunity. The answer then might be “One did lead the horse to water but one couldn’t make him drink.”
by Cdr. Bud Slabbaert
