After two years of battling the COVID-19 pandemic, the Caribbean welcomed 2022 on a hopeful note — but as with most years, it came with its ups and downs.
In years gone by, the issue of corruption took top billing across the region, but the stories the Global Voices Caribbean team covered in 2022 definitely saw a stronger leaning towards other key concerns, like the environment and violent crime.
Here’s a recap of some of the stories that captured the attention of the regional blogosphere this year.
Despite the 2022 transatlantic hurricane season being comparatively moderate to previous years that saw widespread devastation from major storms, the region faced its fair share of weather events in the form of tropical storm systems that brought massive flooding, time and time again.
Given that both Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago celebrated 60 years of independence from Britain this year, 2022 was a time to reflect on the region’s collective colonial legacy, which continued to rear its head in a myriad of ways.
From Trinidad and Tobago to Jamaica, women would continue to go missing and later be found dead. There was also a great amount of debate over the overturning of Roe vs. Wade in the United States, prompting discussions over the region’s strict anti-abortion laws.
As expected, regional politics also experienced its triumphs and challenges this year. For every win — mostly achieved by Barbados’ prime minister, Mia Mottley, who was chosen by Time Magazine as one of the world’s most influential people — there were political missteps, tone deafness, and stark falls from grace.