Daily Archives: March 18, 2022

By NAN Business Editor

News Americas, CASTRIES, St. Lucia, Fri. Mar. 18, 2022: A Caribbean country that offers citizenship at a price is keeping its Citizenship by Investment Programme open to all, including some Russians and Belarusians.

While some Caribbean countries with the CIP programs have moved to not offer it to Russians and Belarusians in light of the war Russia is waging on Ukraine from Belarus and the sanctions slapped on Russia by the US, St. Lucia is keeping its program open to nationals of the two country who have lived outside Russia for many years and themselves have been persecuted or needed to flee the actions of the regime.

The Phillip J. Pierre administration said while St. Lucia will continue to support all international efforts to sanction the regimes in Russia and Belarusa and will take all necessary action when called upon to do so, it does not support the discrimination of any person based on their nationality.

But it said it will suspend processing of applications from Russia and Belarusia now.

It was felt that these people should not be abandoned and disregarded once they pass due diligence, the government said in a statement, adding that the authorities here now have a very rigid and robust due diligence process that is done in consultation with our international partners and friendly governments.

The government also said it has continued to dialogue and discuss with all its international friends to ensure that it is part of the international effort to restrict the Russian regime and to ensure transparency and openness in the operations of its CBI.

And the statement added that the current administration will continue to make representation for persons who are special cases suffering from persecution and discrimination from the Russian regime and are in need of support in these difficult circumstances.

But it will revoke the citizenship of anyone (from those two countries) who were granted citizenship and is now sanctioned.

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Here's Where This Caribbean Country Stands On Citizenship By Investment For Russians, Belarusians - Caribbean and Latin America Daily News - News...

Rising gas prices could affect your next road trip

Some experts are saying gas prices could remain high through the end of 2022, affecting ground and air travel for Americans.

Just the FAQs, USA TODAY

Two years after the onset of the pandemic, theCaribbean island of Aruba is doing away with its remaining COVID-related travel restrictions.

Starting Saturday, Aruba will no longer require a negative coronavirus test or proof of vaccination for entry.Previously, tourists were only allowed to enter with a negative coronavirus test, proof of full vaccination or proof of recovery.

Visitors' insurance is still required, and all travelers will still need to complete an embarkation/disembarkation card before arrival.

A statement from the Aruba Tourism Authority said the Aruban government, health care systems and tourism industry will "monitor the current environment and changing conditions to determine how to further adapt, if necessary."

The island is just one of many destinations that are beginning to roll backCOVID-19 travel restrictions ahead of the busy summer travel season.

Canadian officials on Thursday announced that the country would drop its pre-departure coronavirus testing requirement for fully vaccinated travelers starting April 1. Similarly, New Zealand announced this week plansto reopen to vaccinated international tourists in May, and South Korea is set to drop its quarantine requirement for vaccinated travelers next month.

CARIBBEAN TRAVEL: Here are the COVID entry restrictions for popular islands

TRAVEL TO CANADA: Canada to drop COVID testing requirement for vaccinated travelers

Aruba's new entry requirements come on the heels ofa COVID-19 surge that spiked in January.The island reported 85 confirmed cases the week of March 14, down from a high of more than 5,500 the week of Jan. 3, according to World Health Organization data.

But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that Aruba still has "very high" COVID-19 levels.

"Avoid travel to Aruba," the CDC's website says. "Even if you areup to datewith your COVID-19 vaccines, you may still be at risk for getting and spreading COVID-19."

Follow USA TODAY reporter Bailey Schulz on Twitter: @bailey_schulz.

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Aruba to scrap all COVID travel restrictions, including testing requirements and proof of vaccination - USA TODAY

The unspoiled Caribbean island of Saint Lucia boasts some of the top hotels in the world

Lush, green and tropical, Saint Lucia has something to please all five senses

Updated: 11:34 AM EDT Mar 18, 2022

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TAKES US BACK TO ST. LUCIA. ANTHON LY:USH, GREEN, TROPICAL. ST. LUCIA HAS SOMETHING TO PLEASE ALL FIVE SENSES. LOCATED IN THE LESSER ANTILLES, THIS IS STUNNING AND SQUARED ISLAND IS A TRUE CARIBANBEEM G. ST. LUCIAS I AN ISLAND OF MANY PERSONALITIES, MUCH DIFFERENT IN THE SOUTH THAN IT IS IN THE NOH.RT THE NORTH HAS THE BUSTLIN G CAPITAL CITY, AND HERE IN RONNIE BAKER -- ROEYDN BAY, A WORLD-CLASSARIN MA, RESTAURANTS, AND SHOPPING. TO THE STHOU IS THE TOWN OF SIOUX PRAYER. FROM A RAINBOW TO BOTANICAL GARDENS, RAIN FOREST, AND THE BE MAGNIFICENT PITONS. THEES BREATHTAKING TWIN PEAKS ARE THE ISLAND' TRADEMARK. EYTH SOARED 2000 FEET ABOVE THE CARIBBEAN SEA, AND LEAVE A LASTING IMPRESSION, SAYS THE MINISTER OF TOURISM. >> I THINK THE MOMENT PEOPLE SEE THE PITONS IS THE WAY PEOPLE SEE PYRAMIDS. IT IS OUR UNIQUE FEATURE AND IT IS VERY EASILY RECOGNIZAE.BL ANTHONY: ST. LUCIS' DOUBLE PERSONALITY IS ROOTED IN HISTORY, HE SAYS. THE ISLAND TRADED HANDS BETWEEN THE FRENCH AND ETH BRITISH 14 TIMES, UNTIL THE BRISHTI TOOK FILNA CONTROL IN 1814. >> WHENEVER THE FRENCH WERE IN POWER, SUE FAIR WAS THE CAPITAL, AND WHEN THE BRITISH WERE IN POWER,AS CTRIES WAS THE CAPIT.AL THEY TOOK ON TWO DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES IN TERMS OF ARCHITECTURE AND ADJUTANT PERSONALITY. ANTHONY: EVEN THE CLIMATE IS DIFFERENT. >> THIS IS THE RAIN REFOST AREA, AND UP NORTH IS DRY. EVEN BETWEEN THE TWO, GOING THROUGH THE DIFFERENT VILLAGES GIVES THE PERSON A VERY DIFFERENT EXPERIENCE. ANTHONY: ONE EXPERIENCE WORTH STOPPING FOR, RYMA GO-BAG, A TROPICAL HAVEN FOR THE YACHTING CLUB AND THE SETTING FOR THE 6719 MOVIE "DCDOORCT DOOLITTLE." >> BROTHERS OF WHERE YOU ARE, IT IS FULOFL ROMANCE -- REGARDLESS OF WHERE YOU ARE, IT IS FULL OF ROMANCE. ANTHONY: PERPSHA NOWHERE SAYS ROMANCE MORE THAN THE SECLUDED RESOSRT HIGH ON A HILLSE.ID WITH VOLCANIC BEACHES AND EXQUISITE ARCHITECTURE, THEY ARE CONSIDERED BY TRAVEL AND LEISURE MAGAZINE THE TOP HOTELS IN THE WORLD. NEARBY, LADE,RA NESTLED 1000 FEET UP BETWEEN THE PITONS. THIS RESORT AIS THREE-WALLED MARVEL. THE ROOMS HAVE NO FOTHUR WALL. >> WHEN YOU EAR HERE, YOU ARE A GUEST OF MOTHER NATURE. THERE IS SOMETHING ABOUT THE DESIGN COMMITTEE ARCHITECTE,UR THE LOCATION -- DESIGN, THE ARCHITECTU,RE LOCATION, AND THE PEACE AND TRANQUILITY THAT IMBUES THIS RESORT. ANTHONY CLEMENT THE TRADE WINDS STEADY TEMPERATURE MAKE A FOURTH WALL UNNECESSARY, SAYS SCOTT, WHOSE TTMOO IS A VIEW WITH THE ROOM. >> BECAUSE OF THE LOCATION, THEYRE PERFECTLY SAFE HERE. WE DONT HAVE PROBLEMS WITH PRIVACY BECAUSE WE ARE 1000 FEET UP. WE DONT HAVE A VORACIOUS CRITTERS HEER IN ST. LUCIA. PEOPLE BEGIN TO LEARN THE INCREDIBLE NATALUR RHYTHMS OF LIVING WITH THE S,UN LIVING WITH NATURE. ANTHYON: NO PHONES, NO TELEVISIONS. GUESTS UNPLUG FROM THE OUTSIDE WORLD. PARADISE DOESN'TCOME CHEAP IN THESE LURYXU ROOMS, WHERE EVERYTHING IS MADE LOCALLY BY HAND. >> WE WANT THEM TO EXPERIENCE ST. LUCIAN HOSPITALITY. ANTHYON: THE EXPERIENCE IS TRULY A FEAST FOR THE SENSES. OWNER SCOTT CLAIMS ITS A SPIRITUAL THING. >> THERE ARE PLACES IN THE WORLD THAT ARE DESCRIBEDS A NEXUS POINTS FOR ENERGY, AND THE VALLEY OF THE PITONS IS ONE OF THOSE. WE ARE FORTUNATE BECAUSE AS ENERGY FLOWS UPWARD, IT FLOWS INTO THE HEART OF DELARA. SHAYNA:HE T CARIBBEAN AND SO MANY OTHER TOURIST DTIESNATIONS, OF COURSE, SUFFEREAD DEVASTATING BLOW BECAUSE OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. ST. LUCIA BOUNCED BA,CK WELCOMING 200,000 VISITORSN I 2021, DESPITE DAMAGE FROM HURRICANE ELSA THAT YEAR. HURRICANES ARE RELATIVELY RARE IN ST. LUCIA, UNLIKE MANY OTRHE CARIBBEAN ISLAS.ND ONLY 14 HURRICANES HAVE MADE LANDFALL IN ST. LUCIA SINCE 19.70 COMING UP, YOU MIGHT SEE THESE FELLAS ONCE IN A BLUE

The unspoiled Caribbean island of Saint Lucia boasts some of the top hotels in the world

Lush, green and tropical, Saint Lucia has something to please all five senses

Updated: 11:34 AM EDT Mar 18, 2022

Dare we say it? Winter is on the way out, and we are hankering for some warm weather trips. Why not spend spring break in tropical paradise? In St. Lucia, Anthony Everett drinks in views of the Pitons while experiencing nature up close at an open-air resort.

Dare we say it? Winter is on the way out, and we are hankering for some warm weather trips. Why not spend spring break in tropical paradise? In St. Lucia, Anthony Everett drinks in views of the Pitons while experiencing nature up close at an open-air resort.

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The unspoiled Caribbean island of Saint Lucia boasts some of the top hotels in the world - WCVB Boston

Following the success of the Caribbean 3030 target, the Hon. Matthew Samuda, Minister with responsibility for Environment, Water and Climate Change, Government of Jamaica; and Hon. Simon Stiell, Ministry of Climate Resiliency, Government of Grenada; have co-authored an op-ed on the importance of the 3030 to the region.

By Government Ministers Simon Stiell (Grenada) and Matthew Samuda (Jamaica)

A global group of scientists and experts known as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) have for several years provided scientific guidance to international governments in an effort to advance action on global warming. Last week, the IPCCs latest scientific report on the climate crisis was released. It was uncharacteristically blunt in its conclusions:

Any further delay in concerted anticipatory global action on adaptation and mitigation will miss a brief and rapidly closing window of opportunity to secure a liveable and sustainable future for all.

Reports issued by the IPCC are meant to assist all governments in creating workable solutions to mitigate the impacts of the climate crisis by providing expert advice. In recognition of the rallying cry by global small islands to cap global temperature rise by 1.5oC, the IPCC also provides customized recommendations for nations like ours.

This latest IPCC report comes as a stark reminder that the world has already warmed 1.1oC, just a few degrees shy of the 1.5oC temperature goal. With its most pressing recommendations no longer tailored toward vulnerable geopolitical regions like our own, it made strikingly clear that the entire globe was at risk.

The wording throughout the text of this latest report was the strongest yet. It emphasized the need for all nations to rapidly advance concerted and science-based action to mitigate the devastation of climate change and find opportunities to rapidly transition away from unsustainable economic models. This is the reason why our governments, Barbados, Grenada, and Jamaica and a growing coalition of Caribbean nations are part of the 85 + member strong collective championing a global deal for nature and people with the central goal of protecting 30% of the worlds land and sea by 2030.

This 3030 goal launched by the High Ambition Coalition (HAC) for Nature and People, is co- chaired by the governments of Costa Rica, France, and the United Kingdom our allies in advancing the globe toward a more sustainable future. The HACs promotion of the 30X30 target is a proactive country-driven response to the climate and biodiversity emergencies that face our planet, particularly small vulnerable economies such as those of the Caribbean.

But what exactly does protecting 30% of the planets environment look like? The 3030 goal is an international target that aggregates the protected areas of every participating nation and was designed to complement each nations abilities. For example, large ocean states like ours are in a better position to protect large portions of our marine resources, while an almost entirely landlocked country can commit to a much larger land protection goal. Steeped in science, this 3030 target will safeguard almost a third of our planets oceans and lands including the biodiversity and critical ecosystem services they provide. More pressingly, it will provide a third of the climate mitigation needed by 2030 to ensure our planetary survival.

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Op-Ed: The Caribbean 3030 Target Protecting Nature to Protect to Future We Want - EyeWitness News

What happened

Cruise tourism stocks Carnival Corporation ( CCL 1.62% )( CUK 1.30% ), Royal Caribbean ( RCL 1.63% ), and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings ( NCLH 1.07% ) all jumped in early trading Tuesday.

As of 10 a.m. ET, Royal Caribbean stock is up 4% and Carnival Corporation 4.1%, while Norwegian Cruise is leading the sector higher with a 5% gain.

Image source: Getty Images.

Once again, oil is the primary reason.

Cruise line stocks got crushed early last week as oil prices spiked toward $130 a barrel. But as the price of oil has ebbed (West Texas Intermediate crude is down about $30 a barrel -- or 24% -- to $96 since last Tuesday), cruise line stocks have recovered steadily. Today, oil prices took yet another leg lower, with WTI prices falling 7% from Monday's close, and the cost of Brent crude dropping 6.5%.

This makes sense. Oil for fuel -- specifically, ultra-low sulfur marine diesel -- is one of the biggest costs cruise companies incur when running their operations, making up anywhere from 12% to 19.5% of operating expenditures. (Carnival, for example, pays as much as $2 billion per year for the stuff.) So if oil is getting cheaper, that's good news for cruise line stocks.

Additionally, as CNBC reported this morning, several airlines raised their revenue outlooks this morning, "saying air travel is rebounding from the earlier slump induced by the spread of the Covid omicron variant." Because travelers must often fly to their ports before boarding for an ocean cruise, a rebound in airplane ticket demand may presage improved cruise vacation bookings as well.

Don't get too excited about cheaper oil prices, however, because they won't necessarily -- or quickly -- translate into cheaper fuel costs at the company level. CNBC, for example, noted that jet fuel prices are still up 35% in just the first three months of this year. The situation seems similar with the per-gallon cost of marine diesel, which as you can see still costs a pretty penny.

Spot price per gallon for US Gulf Coast Ultra-Low Sulfur No 2 Dieseldata by YCharts.

Long story short, cheaper oil should be good news for cruise line stocks like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise over the long term and if those lower prices stick. And for the time being, oil priced in the neighborhood of $95 a barrel is still about 30% more expensive than average prices over the past year.

Don't expect this to translate into better cruise line profits just yet.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the official recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium advisory service. Were motley! Questioning an investing thesis even one of our own helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer.

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Why Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Stocks All Popped Today - The Motley Fool

SAN DIEGO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / March 18, 2022 / TPT Global Tech, Inc. http://www.tptglobaltech.com ("TPTW or the Company") (OTCBB:TPTW) announced today that its subsidiary TPT Global Caribbean LLC and the Government of Grenada acting through the Ministry of Tourism have signed an agreement putting the company and its products and services forward as an entity that can be used in event processing in relation to COVID 19 testing and or vaccination, for public events arranged by the Government and or private events that the Government approves.

The Agreement represents the first governmental related contract of its kind for TPTW and will be in force for an initial two years. TPT MedTech's "QuikLAB" portable laboratories will be available to handle the Covid 19 and Point of Care (POC) testing needs. The company's "QuikPASS" Check and Verify Passport technology platform will be available for documentation and validation purposes.

The first "QuikLAB" unit has already been deployed on the island and is scheduled to open in April. Working with the Minister of Tourism, the Company is working out the logistics and approval to operate its "QuikLAB" and "QuikPASS" mobile laboratory and mobile app platform at the Grenada International airport and the Cruise Ship port of entries.

TPTW intends to set up Covid Vaccination operations and conduct PCR and Antigen testing for the general public. The Company also intends to work with third party labs and hospitals to utilize the QuikPASS Passport verification application with a $1 per transaction cost to be paid by these labs and hospitals arranged separately under independent agreements.

The Company intends to provide consulting and Medical staffing for "QuikLAB" "QuikPASS" infrastructure build out and Services for Testing and vaccination roll out services in relation to COVID 19 in Grenada. The Company plans to set up COVID Vaccination operations in the country and charge a proposed testing cost of maximum $50 USD for PCR test to members of the general public. The most recent non-pandemic tourism statistics report that in 2019 tourism to Grenada totaled 525,634 visitors.

Story continues

"We commend the Government of Grenada through its Ministry of Tourism and see this as a boost for the Company and signal to other islands that such programs are necessary and desirable," said Stephen Thomas, CEO of TPT Global Tech. "This is a comprehensive program and our first opportunity to work with a government related entity in this manner."

About TPT Global Tech

TPT Global Tech Inc. (TPTW) based in San Diego, California, is a technology-based company with divisions providing telecommunications, medical technology and product distribution, media content for domestic and international syndication as well as technology solutions. TPT Global Tech offers Software as a Service (SaaS), Technology Platform as a Service (PAAS), Cloud-based Unified Communication as a Service (UCaaS). It offers carrier-grade performance and support for businesses over its private IP MPLS fiber and wireless network in the United States. TPT's cloud-based UCaaS services allow businesses of any size to enjoy all the latest voice, data, media and collaboration features in today's global technology markets. TPT Global Tech also operates as a Master Distributor for Nationwide Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO) and Independent Sales Organization (ISO) as a Master Distributor for Pre-Paid Cell phone services, Mobile phones Cell phone Accessories, and Global Roaming Cell phones.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of various provisions of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, commonly identified by such terms as "believes," "looking ahead," "anticipates," "estimates" and other terms with similar meaning. Specifically, statements about the Company's plans for accelerated growth, improved profitability, future business partners, M&A activity, new service offerings, and pursuit of new markets are forward-looking statements. Although the company believes that the assumptions upon which its forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, it can give no assurance that these assumptions will prove to be correct. Such forward-looking statements should not be construed as fact. The information contained in such statements is beyond the ability of the Company to control, and in many cases, the Company cannot predict what factors would cause results to differ materially from those indicated in such statements. All forward-looking statements in the press release are expressly qualified by these cautionary statements and by reference to the underlying assumptions.

CONTACT:

PR-Shep Donigersdoniger@bdcginc.com561-637-5750orIR-Frank Benedetto619-915-9422

SOURCE: TPT Global Tech, Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/693758/TPT-Global-Tech-OTCQBTPTW-Subsidiary-TPT-Global-Caribbean-LLC-and-the-Government-of-Grenada-Acting-Thru-The-Ministry-of-Tourism-Signs-Agreement-putting-the-company-forward-as-available-to-Provide-COVID-19-Testing-and-Vaccinations

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TPT Global Tech (OTCQB:TPTW) Subsidiary TPT Global Caribbean LLC and the Government of Grenada, Acting Thru The Ministry of Tourism Signs Agreement...

HAITI: HUMANITARIAN NEEDS

KEY FIGURES

4.9M PEOPLE PROJECTED TO BE IN NEED IN HAITI IN 2022, 500,000 MORE THAN IN 2021

Per the Humanitarian Needs Overview 2022 for Haiti, the combination of recurrent socio-economic and political challenges, deteriorating security, the COVID-19 pandemic and the immediate impact and aftermath of the 14 August 7.2 earthquake that affected more than 800,000 people are driving an increase in humanitarian needs, especially in southern Haiti.

These factors are likely to persist in 2022 and possibly leave more than 4.9 million people in need of humanitarian assistance, or about 43 per cent of the population.

Insecurity and violence, which has displaced more than 19,000 people in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area since August 2020, is expected to continue and threaten protection, displacement, food insecurity and access to basic services, as well as humanitarian access to vulnerable population.

Moreover, crop failures owing to tropical storms and the August earthquake have left 4.3 million people acutely food insecure, a number projected to increase to 4.6 million in March 2022.

PANAMA: MIGRANTS & REFUGEES

KEY FIGURES

9.6% DECREASE IN ENTRIES FROM COLOMBIA TO PANAMA BETWEEN JAN-FEB 2022

Per official data, 4,014 people entered Panama through the Darien province on the eastern border with Colombia in February 2022, a 9.6 per cent decrease from January 2022. Venezuelans account for nearly 30 per cent of all entries so far in 2022, more than any nationality and surpassing migrants from Haiti, who account for 12.8 per cent of entries in 2022 after representing more than 60 per cent of 2021s record-high 133,000 migrants.

Despite the overall decrease, the January and February 2022 figures are each considerably higher than their 2021 monthly figures. Moreover, the flow of migrants in 2021 began to increase towards the middle of the year, a trend that could potentially drive a major increase in needs in Darien in 2022 if a seasonal pattern emerges.

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Latin America & The Caribbean Weekly Situation Update (7-13 March 2022) As of 14 March 2022 - World - ReliefWeb

THIS WEEKS TOP NEWS STORIES

NEW BASE FOR JAMAICA DEFENSE FORCE TO BE ESTABLISHED IN ST. ANDREWOne hundred acres of land in St. Andrews Wareika Hill will be used as the site for a new special operations base for the Jamaica Defense Force (JDF), according to an announcement from Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness. The base represents part of strategic plan to control the area, which is known as a thoroughfare for gangs. Holness noted that the JDF is critical for Jamaicas security and that the government has been in the process of expanding its capabilities. The new base is part of an effort to increase security in the land domain of Jamaica in response to a trend in which criminals create camps in remote locations from which they launch attacks on surrounding communities and then return to the remote regions. The JDF will be charged with expanding its patrols, surveillance, and presence in hard-to-access areas across the island. The base at Wareika Hill is the first of many planned installations, Holness added.

JAMAICAN PRIME MINISTER FINES FIVE GOVERNMENT MINISTERS FOR ATTENDING SHENSEEA PARTYJamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness responded to outrage from the general public, which claimed special preference given to the promoter of the Shenseea album-launch party in Kingston, by fining five government ministers who attended the event $100,000 each. Holness announced his action during a budget presentation and following an announcement that as of March 18, 2022, the entertainment sector would officially reopen from its COVID-19-required shutdown. Holness called the five ministers starstruck and appointed Minister Olivia Grange to collect the fines and donate them to a worthy charity. Those fined for attending the party were Minister of Finance Dr. Nigel Clarke, Minister of Health Dr. Christopher Tufton, Minister of National Security Dr. Horace Chang, Minister of Culture Olivia Babsy Grange, Minister without portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) Floyd Green, and State Minister Alando Terrelonge. They were all photographed not wearing masks at the event.

NORWEGIAN CRUISE SHIP RUNS AGROUND OFF DOMINICAN REPUBLICThe cruise ship Norwegian Escape ran aground off the northern coast of the Dominica Republic after leaving the port of Puerto Plata with about 3,000 tourists and 1,600 crew members on board. According to Vice Admiral Ramon Gustavo Betances Hernandez, the ship ran aground because of strong winds clocked at some 30 knots. The ship, which will be able to exit its position during high tide, was on the way to the US and British Virgin Islands and then to the Bahamas. Representatives of various government agencies have been working with the crew at the site to facilitate the ships journey. There were no reports of damage to the ship from the incident.

JAMAICANS IN DIASPORA DONATED OVER J$500 MILLION TO ISLANDS COVID-19 RESPONSEAccording to Jamaicas State Minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Leslie Campbell, the Jamaican Diaspora has donated over J$500 million in supplies to support the response of the nations government to the COVID-19 pandemic. Campbell added that the government will continue its efforts to partner with the Jamaican Diaspora as the Diaspora also continues its support of Jamaica for charities, fundraising initiatives, and the sharing of skills and transfers of knowledge. He also noted that the government has recognized the significant impact COVID has had on the Diaspora community and praised the way the community came together to provide emotional support and resources in the pandemics early stages.

MARKET FOR JAMAICAN ACKEE EXPECTED TO GROW BETWEEN 2022 AND 2032Business intelligence experts believe that the market for Jamaican ackee fruit will grow substantially between 2022 and 2032. According to a market study, there is a marked increase in demand for exports of non-traditional Jamaican crops worldwide, and demand for ackee is expected to grow along with the trend of buy local products via traditional trade methods. The flavor of ackee continues to increase in popularity and has made the fruit one of the most popular products at both mainstream and gourmet stores globally. Manufacturers are making canned ackee with less sugar more available to meet consumer demands. The value of total exports of canned ackee from Jamaica rose from US$13 million in 2014 to US$20 million in 2016 and was expected to surpass US$29 million in 2020.

SHENSEEA HOLDS ALBUM RELEASE PARTY IN JAMAICAJamaican recording star Shenseea, 25, made an appearance at the release party for her album Alpha in Kingston, Jamaica, accompanied by London On Da Track, who is rumored to be her boyfriend although she has denied it. The singer turned heads at Romeich Entertainments headquarters for the Jamaica portion of an album-release party series, which included parties held in New York and Miami. The events have attracted celebrities such as Busta Rhymes, Diddy, Romeich Major, Mary J. Blige, and Trina. With the appearance in her native city of Kingston, Shenseea seeks to dominate the dancehall genre. The Kingston party attract numerous local celebrities, including politicians such as Olive Grange, the islands Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport.

JAMAICAN BASKETBALL PLAYER KOFI COCKBURN NAMED TO ALL-AMERICAN FIRST TEAMKofi Cockburn, a Jamaican basketball forward from Kingston who plays for the Fighting Illini of the University of Illinois in the United States has been named an Associated Press (AP) First-Team All-American. This is the one of the most prestigious honors to be awarded to college basketball players in the US. Cockburn, how is seven-feet-tall, has averaged 21 points and 10.6 rebounds per game during his junior season. He is likely to be a draft lottery pick in the 2022 NBA draft. Cockburn will be featured at the NCAA tournament as the Illini, who are seeded fourth, confront the Team from Chattanooga, Tennessee, on March 18, 2022. In 2021, Cockburn was named to the AP All-American second team.

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Top 7 Jamaican & Caribbean News Stories You Missed The Week Ending March 18th, 2022 - Jamaicans.com