SOMOS, Spanish Opens More Opportunities

• $24 million USD in imports from Spain; increasing trade with Mexico and Latin America 
• Only ~2% of tourists come from Spanish-speaking countries – a sector with growth potential 

Jamaica

• The country in 2024 received approximately 4.3 million visitors which only 36.000 were from Latin America. With this, the government has set a target to attract 250,000 visitors from Latin America by 2030.

Trinidad and Tobago

• The most up to date data on visitors to Trinidad and Tobago mentions that by the first four months of 2024, the country welcomed 113,807 visitors, marking an 8% increase compared to the same period in 2023. The main source market for arrivals was North America (62%), followed by Europe (17%) and CARICOM (15%). Previous data, shows that in 2022, the country welcomed approximately 5,975 visitors from Latin America, with a significant increase to 7,898 visitors in 2023.  

• Trinidad and Tobago and Spain: In 2022, Trinidad and Tobago exported $580 million worth of goods to Spain, primarily crude petroleum, nitrogenous fertilizers, and acyclic alcohols.  

• Spain and Trinidad and Tobago: In 2022, Spain exported $37.3 million worth of goods to Trinidad and Tobago, including glazed ceramics, unglazed ceramics, and iron pipes.  

• Diplomatic Relations: The Caribbean region, including these countries, engages in trade with Spanish-speaking nations, especially in Latin America. Countries like Venezuela, Cuba, and others in Central and South America have strong trade ties with the Caribbean, which increases the need for Spanish-speaking professionals in business, trade, and diplomatic relations. 

• Cultural Exchange: As part of their cultural exchange efforts, these countries may engage with Spanish-speaking communities through events, arts, and educational programs. Spanish speakers are needed to foster these connections. 

Programme Launch and Regional Engagement

• SOMOS was formally launched in March 2025 through the regional workshop "Spanish for Employability" in Montego Bay, Jamaica, hosted at the RIU Palace Hotel.
• The event brought together tourism representatives, language educators, policymakers, diplomats, and business leaders from Jamaica.
• Organised by CAF, with the support of the University of the West Indies-UWI, Western Jamaica Campus-WJC, the event opened a regional dialogue on the role of Spanish in strengthening workforce skills and fostering integration with Latin America.

Strategic Agreements and Alliance

• A Letter of Intent was signed between CAF and the University of the West Indies-UWI, Western Jamaica Campus-WJC, to formalise ongoing cooperation and the implementation of joint Spanish-language initiatives.
• Strategic alliances were explored with ministries of education, tourism, and foreign affairs, along with educational and private sector partners.
• A regional network of stakeholders has been mapped and structured to support future collaboration and resource sharing.

Technical Content and high-level Workshop

• The Jamaica workshop featured keynote presentations, thematic panel discussions, a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis session, and focused networking opportunities.
• Panels addressed Spanish for tourism, trade, and education, with a focus on practical training, certifications, and immersion strategies.
• The Instituto Cervantes, headquartered in Madrid, Spain, participated as a keynote partner, sharing global insights on Spanish education and cultural diplomacy.
• Experts from Jamaica’s Ministry of Education, the UWI, and industry leaders shared technical recommendations for improving Spanish instruction and aligning it with market needs.

Knowledge Generation: Surveys, Interviews and Research

• A pre-event survey distributed among participants helped assess Spanish training needs and challenges across sectors.
• Interviews were conducted and recorded for dissemination with key figures, including CAF leadership, representatives from the University of the West Indies, the Cervantes Institute, government officials, and the national Spanish teachers' association.
•  A review of national and regional publications and initiatives related to Spanish language policy was compiled, with a particular focus on Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago

Communication, Storytelling and Visibility

• CAF produced audio and video recordings of the full workshop and interviews, to be used as part of the SOMOS online platform.
• Social media, press coverage, and documentation have supported broader visibility of SOMOS and its potential impact.
• Testimonials from participants and institutional partners have been integrated into a storytelling strategy for Phase II 2026-2027.

Spanish and Books: Words that Unite Us

• CAF hosted a well-attended webinar to celebrate World Book Day and the Day of the Spanish Language on 23 April 2025.
• The event highlighted the importance of reading in Spanish to connect cultures, promote language learning, and strengthen regional ties between the English-speaking Caribbean and Latin America.
• Speakers from CERLALC-UNESCO and Jamaica shared their experiences, focusing on how books support identity, education, and communication.
• The webinar was part of CAF’s broader efforts to promote Spanish through the SOMOS programme.

Regional Webinar “Spanish for the Caribbean: real Stories, real Impact”

• Scheduled for mid-2025, this one-hour regional event will highlight youth experiences, successful programmes, and sector innovations in Spanish teaching and learning.

• Featuring voices from across the Caribbean, it will showcase how Spanish transforms lives, careers, and regional partnerships.

Country-level Technical Support

• Phase II may include direct support to countries such as Barbados, Dominica, and Antigua and Barbuda.

• Activities such as language policy review, curriculum innovation, and development of national roadmaps for Spanish training are visualized as part of the initiative.

Immersion and Capacity Building

• Pilot 3-day Spanish immersion camps will be held in 2026 in at least one Caribbean country.
• Training for tourism and trade officials will focus on spoken communication and sector-specific vocabulary.

Digital Toolkit and knowledge Platform

• The Caribbean Spanish Toolkit is a proposed online platform featuring resources, case studies, interview clips, and best practices, which we are planning to develop.
• It is intended to serve as a reference point for schools, ministries, and training institutions.

Events and Milestones

• Spanish Language Day (23 April) is expected to be celebrated annually through regional webinars.

• The development and presentation of proposed national roadmaps for improving Spanish language communication is foreseen for 2026 - 2027.

• Ongoing internal planning and review meetings are held to ensure alignment and continuity.

Spanish and Books: Words that Unite Us

• CAF hosted a well-attended webinar to celebrate World Book Day and the Day of the Spanish Language on 23 April 2025.
• The event highlighted the importance of reading in Spanish to connect cultures, promote language learning, and strengthen regional ties between the English-speaking Caribbean and Latin America.
• Speakers from CERLALC-UNESCO and Jamaica shared their experiences, focusing on how books support identity, education, and communication.
• The webinar was part of CAF’s broader efforts to promote Spanish through the SOMOS programme.

Pillar 1: Tourism & Hospitality – Expanding Markets, Enriching Experiences

Spanish unlocks a high-growth tourism segment across the Caribbean.

With Latin America emerging as a strategic tourism market, Spanish fluency is critical for delivering memorable, welcoming visitor experiences.

Barbados

• 740,340 visitors in 2024; only ~15,000 from Spanish-speaking countries (~2%)
• Potential for expansion through air connectivity and diplomacy.

Jamaica 

• 4.3 million visitors in 2024; 36,000 from Latin America
• Government target: 250,000 Latin American tourists by 2030
• Emphasis on cultural and linguistic readiness.

Trinidad and Tobago

• Latin American visitors increased from 5,975 (2022) to 7,898 (2023)
• Still a small share, growth potential remains high.

Why Spanish Matters:

Tourism staff fluent in Spanish can elevate the visitors’ experience, improve service delivery, and position the Caribbean as a welcoming destination for Latin American travellers. 

Pillar 2: Trade & Commerce – Unlocking Regional Markets through Language

Spanish opens new pathways for trade, investment, and market expansion.

Barbados

• Imported $24 million USD in goods from Spain in 2024.
• Active trade with Mexico: $11M in imports, $7.3M in exports.
• Strong commercial exchanges with other Latin American countries.
• Spanish fluency enables direct engagement with Latin American businesses.

Jamaica

• Imports from Brazil and Colombia increased by 9.3% (Jan–Feb 2025), reaching $855 million USD.
• Spanish helps Jamaican exporters tap into Latin American markets and diversify trade.
• Decline in exports underscores the urgent need to strengthen commercial diplomacy to open doors in Latin American markets.

Trinidad & Tobago

• Exported $580 million USD to Spain in 2022, including energy and fertilizers.
• Imported $37.3 million USD in Spanish goods like ceramics and iron.
• Spanish fluency enhances negotiation outcomes and trade partnerships.

Why Spanish Matters: Language fluency fosters trust, improves negotiation outcomes, and enables businesses to engage directly with Latin American partners without intermediaries. 

Pillar 3: Diplomatic Relations – Strengthening Regional Cooperation

Spanish is a strategic tool in international diplomacy and policy engagement.

Barbados 

• Maintains diplomatic ties with Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, and Panama. 
• Expanding regional leadership through trade missions and multilateral forums. 
• Spanish-speaking professionals support policy alignment and cooperation. 

Jamaica

• Long-standing diplomatic and commercial relations with Latin American nations. 
• Increasing participation in regional summits and technical cooperation agreements. 
• Spanish proficiency is vital for diplomats, negotiators, and policy advisors. 

Trinidad & Tobago

• Robust diplomatic engagement via the Americas Division of its Foreign Ministry. 
• Focus areas include climate, security, energy, and trade. 
• Spanish is essential for regional representation, analysis, and decision-making. 

Why Spanish Matters: Diplomats, civil servants, and policy advisors who effectively communicate in Spanish are better equipped to represent Caribbean interests in Latin American forums and initiatives. 

Pillar 4: Cultural Exchange & Integration – Connecting People through Language

Spanish strengthens regional identity through the arts, education, & heritage.

Barbados 

• Offers Spanish immersion programmes in Spain and Panama. 
• Public servants receive Spanish training for improved regional collaboration. 
• Panama Business Spanish Immersion Programme connects language learning to real-world business scenarios. 

Jamaica 

• Cultural partnerships mainly with Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, and Spain. 
• Hosts Spanish-language film festivals, music events, and exhibitions. 
• Supported by more than 75 Cuban teachers enhancing Spanish instruction at schools. 
• Scholarships in Cuba boost educational exchange in medicine and sports. 

Trinidad & Tobago 

• Cultural agreements with Colombia, Cuba, and Venezuela promote artistic exchange and student mobility. 
• Celebrates Spanish-Caribbean traditions like: 
• Parang Music – Venezuelan Trinidadian Christmas folk music. 
• La Divina Pastora Festival – Religious-cultural celebration in Siparia. 
• Spanish is a living part of local heritage and creative expression. 

Why Spanish Matters: Whether in music, cinema, gastronomy, or in any other identity celebration, Spanish fluency allows for deeper appreciation, participation, and production of regional cultural content.