Daily Archives: August 2, 2021

Director reports that more than 300,000 children have missed routine immunization. PAHO works to help regional countries find new strategies for delivering vital services and care.

WASHINGTON, D.C., July 28, 2021 (PAHO) --The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted essential health services in most countries and territories in Latin America and the Caribbean, threatening immunization of children and care of expectant mothers and people with chronic conditions, Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Director Carissa F. Etienne warned.

We therefore urge countries to ensure their COVID-19 responses do not leave other essential health services, like routine immunizations, behind, Dr. Etienne said at her weekly press briefing. These services are not optional, she said, adding that PAHO is helping countries adjust and rethink how essential care is delivered at the first level.

She said that more than 300,000 children, mostly in Mexico and Brazil, have missed routine immunizations, leaving them vulnerable to deadly yet preventable infections.

Coverage of the first dose of measles vaccines dropped by 10% in eight countries in the Americas, including Venezuela, Panama, and Brazil, and dropped as much as 20% in Suriname, she continued. If we do not reverse these trends, we risk an avalanche of worsening health issues.

She added that in a recent survey of health services in the region, 97% of participating countries and territories reported disrupted health services while 45% reported disruptions in at least half of their health services.

Soon, COVID-19 will not be the only health crisis demanding countries attention, Dr. Etienne said.

PAHO is supporting countries in finding alternatives for delivering health services. Many health systems, including in Chile and Peru, have embraced telemedicine, while others have launched community outreach programs so patients can get medical care while theyre in their homes.

The PAHO Director advised countries to hire and train additional staff so that all health workers have the tools and resources to safely provide care. Asserting that health workers must be fairly compensated for their extraordinary efforts, she said Chile recently approved a pay increase to providers who have been critical to the COVID-19 response.

We know that the economic blowback of this pandemic is forcing countries to make difficult choices on where to prioritize spending, but we cannot afford to cut corners on health, she said.

That is why investing in the first level of care now is a smart choice so we can reverse trends more efficiently and equitably than if we wait for health crises to surface, she said. As the adage goes: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Turning to the pandemics continued devastating toll in our region, she said that Argentina, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, and Paraguay are among countries reporting the world's highest weekly death rates.

The Mexican states of Baja California Sur, Quintana Roo and Yucatan are reporting a rise in new infections. In Central America, cases are reportedly accelerating in Guatemala and remain high in Panama. Cuba is experiencing higher COVID-19 infection and death rates than at any point in the pandemic, and all age groups are affected.

Cases are decreasing among several South American countries, although hotspots have been reported in Argentinian provinces bordering Bolivia and Chile, and in Colombias Amazon region.

In total, over 1.26 million COVID-19 cases and nearly 29,000 deaths were reported in the Americas in the past week, Dr. Etienne said.

While infections mount, our region has yet to access the vaccines it needs to keep our populations safe, she said. So far, just 16.6% of the population of Latin America and the Caribbean has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

She also called attention to World Hepatitis Day, celebrated July 28. The survey reporting broad disruption of essential health services also reported that diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis B and C have been interrupted by the COVID-19 response.

Daniel EpsteinNancy NusserSebastin OlielAshley BaldwinNadia Peimbert-Rappaportmediateam@paho.org

Continued here:

Latin America and Caribbean face an avalanche of worsening health issues if COVID-19 disruption of health services continues, PAHO warns - Pan...

Luxury real estate in the Caribbean is booming and has been for the last year following the onset of the pandemic. According to EdwarddeMalletMorgan, a partner at Knight Frank, a global real estate consultancy based in London, the market is flourishing like never before.

Sales have gone up significantly in the Caribbean in the upscale sector, he says. People have a new flexibility to be away from their primary homes and keep working remotely, so theyre looking to buy in vacation destinations.

Case in point: DeMalletMorgan says that Knight Franks sales of single-family homes in Barbados have gone up more than 50% in the last year, and there have been record-breaking numbers in Mustique.

High-end amenity-laden developments throughout the Caribbean are also attracting interest, including the nine were highlighting that are among the toniest in the region.

From New Providence in the Bahamas to a tropical rainforest setting in the Dominican Republic, here is our list:

One of the chic new developments in Albany.

Albany, New Providence, Bahamas

Starting price of residences: $5 million

With investors like actor and musician Justin Timberlake and golf legends Ernie Els and Tiger Woods, Albany has been a coveted residential development ever since it opened in 2010. The 600-acre community includes nine marina-front condominium buildings, each with a distinct architectural style. One, for example, resembles a cube and was designed by the renowned architect Bjarke Ingels. There are also custom home lots and villas that range from 3,400 to 6,400 square feet.

Ernie Els is behind the golf course, and Albany also features tennis and equestrian centers, several swimming pools, a 15,000-square-foot fitness center with yoga and Pilates studios, multiple dining options, a movie theater, water sports center, and childrens clubhouse. And we cant leave out the music studio and stores that include an outpost of Rolex.

One of the private residences at Bakers Bay Golf & Ocean Club.

Link:

9 Striking New Developments Across the Caribbean - Architectural Digest

Pirates of the Caribbean is considered to be a classic attraction at the Disney Parks, including at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort. But did you know that the reason this Disney ride includes a drop (or two, depending on the Park!) is due to interference with another popular Disney Parks attraction?

Disney Imagineers actually had to add a drop on Pirates of the Caribbean due to the previously installed train tracks from the Walt Disney World Railroad and Disneyland Railroad!

Since both the Walt Disney World Railroad and the Disneyland Railroad were opening day attractions at the theme parks, the train tracks were already in place when construction began on Pirates of the Caribbean. The boat ride attraction officially opened in 1967 at Disneyland and 1973 at Magic Kingdom.

At one point, Imagineers realized that the tracks would go over where they were building the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. In order to accommodate for both the Railroad and the boat ride, Imagineers decided to implement a drop in the attraction that brings Guests under the Railroad. In fact, the main part of the ride takes place in a larger show building, which is located behind the train tracks (The Disney World version can be seen in the image below)!

So even though the drop coincides with the storyline of Pirates of the Caribbean, the real reason that this was included is because of interference with the Walt Disney World Railroad and Disneyland Railroad.

Fun fact: Pirates of the Caribbean at Disney World has one drop, but the ride at Disneyland has two!

In case you have never had the chance to ride it, theofficial Disney World websitedescribes this classic attraction as:

Board a weathered barge for a treacherous voyage to the 17th century, when rowdy rogues and ruthless rapscallions ransacked Caribbean seaport towns. Sing along as pirates serenade you with their anthem, Yo Ho, Yo Ho (A Pirates Life for Me).

Sail past haunted Dead Mans Cove. Navigate cannon fire between a Caribbean fort and a striking 12-gun galleon. Behold boisterous buccaneers drunk on the spoils of plunderin as flames engulf a seaside town.

Be sure to keep a spry eye out for Captain Jack Sparrow, fromThe Pirates of the Caribbeanmovies. Ye beware, mateys: Dead men tell no tales!

And the Disneyland version of Pirates of the Caribbean is described as:

Strike yer colors! Your adventure begins in a shadowy bayou, where youll board a weathered barge. Plunge down a waterfall in the dark and float through the spectral world of Pirates Grotto. Dead men tell no talesbut they guard their treasure for all eternity.

Navigate cannon fire between a fort and a 12-gun galleon. Glide into port and behold brazen buccaneers drunk on pillaged plunder. Skulk past the well-armed lass who commands a colorful auction of villagers goods.

Sing along as sea roving scalawags serenade you with their classic shanty, Yo Ho (A Pirates Life for Me). Witness flames engulf the town and pass prisoners trapped in their jail cell, doggedly trying to escape.

Keep a spry eye out for sly Captain Jack Sparrow from the Pirates of the Caribbean film series, as he schemes to get his hands on the spoils.

If ye be seekin adventure, ayyouve come to the proper place!

Did you know that the Railroad is the reason why you drop while riding Pirates of the Caribbean? Let us know in the comments below.

Go here to read the rest:

The REAL Reason Why Pirates of the Caribbean Has a Drop (or Two!) Inside the Magic - Inside the Magic

About the Event

As the United States Near Abroad, the Caribbean has always held a central, but unheralded place in American Foreign Policy. Now, with Cuba experiencing its largest protests in decades and with a new government forming in Haiti following the assassination of President Jovenel Mose, FPRI has brought together a panel of experts to discuss these situations in the context of American foreign policy. FPRIs Barbara Fick will be joined in conversation by Dr. Alyssa Goldstein Sepinwall of California State University San Marcos and Dr. Michael Bustamante of Florida International University to discuss the history of U.S. involvement in the Caribbean, whats really going on in Cuba and Haiti beneath the headlines, and more.

Michael J. Bustamante - Michael J. Bustamante, Ph.D.,is Assistant Professor of Latin American History at Florida International University.

Dr. Alyssa Goldstein Sepinwall - Prof. Alyssa Goldstein Sepinwall is a professor of history at California State University San Marcos and the author ofSlave Revolt on Screen: The Haitian Revolution in Film and Video Games,which was publishedin June 2021 by the University Press of Mississippi.

Barbara Fick - Dr. Barbara Fick is a Senior Fellow in the Foreign Policy Research Institute's Eurasia Program and a U.S. Army Colonel, serving as Director of the Americas Program and Faculty Instructor at the Department of National Security at the U.S. Army War College.

Read the original:

Haiti, Cuba, and the History of US Involvement in the Caribbean - FPRI Events - Foreign Policy Research Institute

PARMA, Ohio -- Its been roughly a year since Chef Jose Melendez opened Ohio Citys Twisted Taino, which offers a modern take on traditional flavors from the Caribbean and Latin America.

Now, the Parma resident cant wait to do the same in his hometown. Parmas Twisted Taino, located at 5629 Pearl Road, is set to open Sunday (Aug. 1).

Twisted Taino is located at 5629 Pearl Road in Parma. (John Benson/cleveland.com)

It took a lot longer to open than expected, said Melendez, who has been working on the Twisted Taino concept for the better part of a decade. Unfortunately, we came across a lot of unexpected things with the building -- a new roof and (air conditioning).

Something else unexpected was his decision to close the Ohio City location.

It was very tough, because I actually wanted to have both locations -- Ohio City and Parma -- open at the same time; however, due to the staffing shortage, that wont be happening, Melendez said.

Over the last year, we learned what works, what doesnt in regards to the kitchen and staffing. So moving into this new location, definitely we feel were experienced.

Formerly Hobart Health Foods and Gaelic Imports, the 5,300-square-foot Twisted Taino will be divided between its kitchen providing carryout and curbside service and a sit-down restaurant offering all-you-can-eat lunch buffets and dinner dishes within a casual, upscale environment.

Twisted Taino is located at 5629 Pearl Road in Parma. (John Benson/cleveland.com)

Melendez is hopeful the latter will be open by the end of the year.

The side were opening now is set up to be carryout only; however, theres a little outside seating available for those who want to stick around, said Melendez, who co-owns Twisted Taino with his brother, Omar.

Eventually, well be building out the other side. Once thats completed, well be able to fit about 80 to 100 guests.

The chef described Twisted Taino as a Caribbean restaurant with a Latin-infused concept. While his roots are Puerto Rican, Melendez said the Twisted cuisine includes dishes from Colombia, Jamaica and Cuba.

Twisted Tainos menu includes bandeja criolla (chicken and pork chicharron, plantain chips and yuca fries), arroz mamposteao (Puerto Rican fried rice) and Twisted Doritos (similar to walking tacos). Also available will be hand-crafted artisan frappes in a variety of candy bar and fruit flavors.

Other new menu additions include a skirt steak and shrimp hoagie sandwich, as well as a pepper cheese sauce.

On social media, our neighbors are ready to have something new in the neighborhood, Melendez said. Were super excited. Also, a lot of our clientele in Ohio City was from Parma and surrounding areas. Theyve expressed how excited they are to not have to travel that far.

Still, Twisted Taino apparently offers quite the draw for some out-of-town folks. Melendez said hes had customers coming from all over Ohio, as well as Michigan and New York, to experience the cuisine.

Its very rewarding to know that people actually see what youre doing and will drive hours just to taste your food, Melendez said.

Read more news from the Parma Sun Post.

Read this article:

Twisted Taino bringing Caribbean and Latin America flavors to Parma - cleveland.com

MIGHT TRY TO SUBPOENA THE FORMER PRESIDENT. SHELN:DO A PROMISING SIGN FOR THE CRUISE INDUSTRY IN CENTRAL OR. THE ALLURE OF THE SEA TSE SAIL YESTERDAY ON A SIMULATED CRUISE. ON BOA,RD VOLUNTEERS ALONG WITH CDC OFFICIALS THEY ARE TRYING OUT SOME OF THE NEW CHANGES MADE TO HANDLE COVID. THE MANAGING EDITOR IS ALSO RIDING ALONG. SHOWING SOME MEASURES IN PLACE INCLUDING AREAS SET ASIDE FOR VACCINATED GUESTS. >> THERE SOME NEW PROTOCOLS ON THE SHIPS, ITS STJU NICE TO SEE EVERYTHING BACK. >> THE BRAND-NEW SHIPIL WL SET SAIL FOR THE FIRST TIME ON SATURDAY. RTPO CANAVERALS CEO SAYING ITS BEEN A LONG AND DIFFICULT 18 MONTHS FOR REPORT. WE WORK HARD WITH CRUISE PARTNERS. WE ARE REA

Royal Caribbean's first test cruise out of Port Canaveral, Allure of the Seas, is now out at sea

Updated: 11:54 AM EDT Jul 28, 2021

It's a promising sign for the cruise industry in Central Florida.Royal Caribbean's first test cruise out of Port Canaveral is now out at sea. The Allure of the Seas set sail on Tuesday on a simulated cruise.Onboard are volunteers, many of them travel agents, along with CDC officials, who are trying out the changes made to deal with COVID-19.Related: Disney Dream will kick off return to cruising in August with cruises from Port CanaveralChris Gray Faust, the managing editor of CruiseCritic.com, is also riding along.She took pictures showing some of the measures in place on the ship, including areas set aside for vaccinated guests.Carnivals Mardi Gras, a brand new ship docked at Port Canaveral, will set out for the first time on Saturday.Port Canaveral's CEO released a statement on Tuesday, saying: "It's been a long and difficult eighteen months for our Port. We've worked very hard with all of our cruise partners, and now it's time to get our cruise business back and running. Port Canaveral is ready to help our partners provide a safe, healthy and fun guest experience."

It's a promising sign for the cruise industry in Central Florida.

Royal Caribbean's first test cruise out of Port Canaveral is now out at sea. The Allure of the Seas set sail on Tuesday on a simulated cruise.

Onboard are volunteers, many of them travel agents, along with CDC officials, who are trying out the changes made to deal with COVID-19.

Related: Disney Dream will kick off return to cruising in August with cruises from Port Canaveral

Chris Gray Faust, the managing editor of CruiseCritic.com, is also riding along.

She took pictures showing some of the measures in place on the ship, including areas set aside for vaccinated guests.

Carnivals Mardi Gras, a brand new ship docked at Port Canaveral, will set out for the first time on Saturday.

Port Canaveral's CEO released a statement on Tuesday, saying:

"It's been a long and difficult eighteen months for our Port. We've worked very hard with all of our cruise partners, and now it's time to get our cruise business back and running. Port Canaveral is ready to help our partners provide a safe, healthy and fun guest experience."

Continued here:

Royal Caribbean's first test cruise out of Port Canaveral, Allure of the Seas, is now out at sea - WESH 2 Orlando