HAMILTON, Bermuda, May 28, CMC – The Bermuda-based Butterfield Bank has announced a landmark US$1.8 billion agreement to acquire CIBC Caribbean, significantly expanding its presence across the region and creating what the institutions describe as the largest independent bank serving island economies. CIBC Caribbean, headquartered in Barbados and operating in 10 Caribbean countries, is the […]
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Bahamas projects US$223 million budget surplus
NASSAU, Bahamas, May 28, CMC – The Bahamas government has unveiled a 2026/2027 Budget projecting a US$223.1 million surplus while introducing targeted tax relief for first-time homeowners and new revenue measures aimed at large businesses, foreign property owners, immigration applicants and commercial users of public services. Michael Halkitis – Finance Minister Presenting the budget in […]
Cayman tourism hits record high in April
GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands, May 28, CMC – The Cayman Islands recorded another strong month for tourism in April, welcoming a record 47,884 stay-over visitors, up 12 percent compared to April 2025 and 3.9 percent above the previous April record set in 2019. The growth was driven largely by increased arrivals from the United States, […]
Caribbean urged to prepare for heat, drought and rising energy bills
NASSAU, Bahamas, May 28, CMC – The Principal of the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH), Dr. David Farrell, on Wednesday warned the regional to prepare for rising energy costs as the region braces for possible extreme heat during the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, which begins in June. Farrell said drought conditions and excessive heat […]
Student commencement boos are a sign of wider AI woes
As companies race to weave AI into nearly every industry, some college students are responding with open hostility
US government pushes to put Donald Trump’s face on new $250 bill
The US government is working on a $250 note to bear the face of Donald Trump, his treasury secretary has announced.
The draft revealed by Secretary Scott Bessent features Trump's face taken from the mugshot from his arrest in Georgia in 2023.
The bill will also include his signature, a departure from previous US currency.
READ MORE: US election quickly turns nasty as White House weighs in
"I don't think there's anything untoward about having the president of the United States on the 250th anniversary bill," Bessent said.
But he did concede that the law would need to change to allow Trump's face on money.
Under a law passed in 1866, living people cannot appear on US currency.
But legislation introduced by Congressman Joe Wilson, a conservative Republican, would change that.
"Grateful to commemorate President Trump's legacy of greatness and the 250 anniversary of America," Wilson said.
"The most valuable President on our most valuable bill."
While the president has frequently minted commemorative coins bearing his face, this note is intended to be legal tender widely used across the country.
The plan was strongly criticised by Democratic Congressman Emanuel Cleaver.
"While Americans are struggling to put food on the table, keep up with rising energy costs, and pay for health care, the administration is focused on illegally putting the president's face on money," Cleaver said.
READ MORE: 'Oh, my God, he's having a stroke': Jill Biden reveals debate fears
"As the president made very clear: 'I don't think about Americans' financial situation'."
Congresswoman Judy Chu noted that inflation was at a three-year high.
"And what are Trump's priorities? Slapping his face on a $250 bill, just to boost his own ego," she said.
"Every day he makes it more clear that he doesn't care about the American people, only himself."
The move to put Trump's face on money comes as the president's approval rating continues to sink.
A poll released fby YouGov this week shows him with just a 34 per cent approval rating, with 59 per cent disapproving.
Trump has previously intervened to stop a 2016 plan from the Obama administration to replace President Andrew Jackson on the $20 note with abolitionist Harriet Tubman.
He decried the plan to replace the now-maligned former president with Tubman as "pure political correctness".
READ MORE: Trump's Justice Department investigating his rape accuser
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From Management Trainee to FCIM: Caribbean Marketing Leader Earns Highest Global Recognition
CASTRIES, SAINT LUCIA – May 27, 2026 – After a career spanning more than 30 years, Accela Marketing Founder and renowned strategist Agnes Francis has been elected as a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (FCIM), the highest level of professional recognition granted by the world’s largest and most respected marketing body. The FCIM designation […]
New Zealand: Budget Backs Licenced Firearm Owners And Improves Public Safety
Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee has welcomed Budget 2026 funding of $44.9 million to implement the new Arms Act and establish Firearms Safety and Education New Zealand, the new independent firearms regulator. “This funding ensures New Zealand can deliver a fair, effective, and modern firearms system without lumping licenced firearm owners with massive fee increases,” […]
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