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Category Archives: Caribbean

Latin America and Caribbean Market for Hosted IP Telephony and UCaaS: Increased Remote Working Due to COVID-19 Opens Up Interesting Opportunities for…

Posted: June 17, 2020 at 1:27 am

Dublin, June 15, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Hosted IP Telephony and UCaaS Market in Latin America and the Caribbean, 2020" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The Latin America and Caribbean (CALA) UCaaS market exhibited a strong, double-digit performance in 2019, in terms of both users and revenue. Future growth is expected and forecast in the double-digit range and will be driven by a growing number of offerings in the market, an increasing acceptance of the cloud as a proven modality for technology consumption, and greater knowledge of UCaaS solutions (by both customers and the SPs).

Significant growth is expected in several segments, including medium-sized companies, banks, insurance, and financial services; retail and consumer goods; professional service firms; industry; government; healthcare; education; travel and hospitality; and other smaller industry verticals.

The severe effects of the current COVID-19 crisis in CALA are also leading to the adoption of enterprise communications solutions that facilitate remote working and improve productivity; this opens an interesting path ahead for UCaaS in the region.

While this research includes approximately 100 SPs, this report profiles the 22 more significant players in terms of market reach, user adoption, growth rates, product innovation and customer experience. The analysis is based on a set of 10 criteria, as explained below.

Growth index (GI) is a measure of a company's growth performance and track record, along with its ability to develop and execute a fully aligned growth strategy and vision; a robust growth pipeline system; and effective market, competitor, and end-user-focused sales and marketing strategies.

Innovation index (II) is a measure of a company's ability to develop products/services/solutions that are developed with a clear understanding of disruptive Mega Trends, are globally applicable, are able to evolve and expand to serve multiple markets, and are aligned to customers' changing needs. Key elements of this index include:

The report reveals the market positioning of companies in an industry using their growth and innovation scores as highlighted in the methodology. The document presents competitive profiles on each of the companies in the report based on their strengths, opportunities, and a small discussion on their positioning.

Key Topics Covered:

Growth Environment

Companies to Action

Strategic Insights

Next Steps: Leveraging to Empower Key Stakeholders

Analytics

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/daq7iq

About ResearchAndMarkets.comResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research.

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Latin America and Caribbean Market for Hosted IP Telephony and UCaaS: Increased Remote Working Due to COVID-19 Opens Up Interesting Opportunities for...

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Pirates of the Caribbean 6 release date, cast, plot and trailer – Looper

Posted: at 1:27 am

As previously mentioned, in February 2019, Disney announced thatDeadpoolwritersRhett Reese and Paul Wernickhad exitedPirates 6(via Deadline). Later in the year, Craig Mazin and Ted Elliott replaced them. In a December 2018 interview withThe Hollywood Reporter, Sean Bailey, the now-president of production atWalt Disney Studios, said he wanted to "bring in a new energy and vitality" to the franchise and that Reese and Wernick had been tasked with giving the film series a "kick in the pants." With the arrival of Mazin and Elliott in Reese and Wernick's place, have plans changed? Is Disney looking to go a more traditional route withPirates 6? It's difficult, if not impossible, to say for certain.

Still, as with all things, we can turn to the most recentPirates of the Caribbeanfilm to make some educated guesses about the plot of the next movie.Dead Men Tell No Tales featured a post-credits scene that teased the return of Davy Jones (Bill Nighy) as an antagonist; the Flying Dutchman captain sneaks into Will and Elizabeth's room as they sleep, prepares to attack them, and suddenly vanishes. Will believes he's dreaming, but the barnacles on the floor that he can't see prove Jones was really there.One could easily assume this means the nextPirates film will involve Jones to some degree.However,Pirates movies haven't always stayed on a continuous timeline. The fourth film in the series, On Stranger Tides, is a prequel set years before The Curse of the Black Pearl. The sixth film could go back in time again, or focus on new pirates entirely in between the existing films. We might not hear from Davy Jones again until the seventh or eighthPOTC movie.

Many fans includingScreenRant's Lauren Coates have argued thatPirates of the Caribbean 6should focus on Redd,a once-problematic character from the original Pirates of the Caribbean theme park ride. In the original version of the attraction, Redd was a captive being sold in a bride auction. In 2018, the ride was updated and Redd became a female pirateauctioning off the goods she stole from the village. Gillan's alleged involvement with Pirates 6could certainly turn that idea into a more solid theory, since both she and the animatronic figure in the ride have red hair.

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When Can We Return To The Caribbean? – Forbes

Posted: May 19, 2020 at 5:55 pm

BOM Villa, St. Barths.

Tourism is the lifeblood of the Caribbean but the coronavirus pandemic has sealed off the region and it remains off limits to travelers. The good news is that lockdown in the islands has resulted in relatively few cases of COVID-19.

The Caribbean islands reacted early and swiftly to the crisis, they are used to hurricanes and I think that helped, says Thom Dunaway, CEO of WheretoStay.com, which has been renting villas in the Caribbean since 1995. Consequently islands like Turks &Caicos, St John, USVI, and Anguilla have had less than a dozen cases.

Reopening is still very much up in the air and dependent on the government restrictions on each island. Even so, Dunaway offers some predictions for summer travel.

Some people will start arriving on certain islands in June as long as flights carrying leisure travelers are welcome, Dunaway speculates. We anticipate more of a surge in July, and by August we fully intend to be quite busy with arriving guests. Again, this is all dependent on the success of the gradual reopening of the US economy without further spikes in COVID-19 cases resulting in a return to restrictions.

Indeed on May 18, the island of Saint Lucia announced the first phase of its reopening for tourism, starting June 4. On that day, Phase One of the reopening includes welcoming international flights at Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) from the United States only. Visitors will be required to present certified proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours of boarding their flight.Upon arrival in Saint Lucia, all travelers must continue the use of face masks and physical distancing and are subject to screening and temperature checks by port health authorities.

Hawksbill, Turks and Caicos

On Saint Lucia, as on other Caribbean islands, villa rentals are likely to be in great demand once travel is allowed to slowly resume.

We have had requests each day all through April, with many people ready to travel the first day the travel restrictions are lifted, airports reopen and flights are Caribbean bound, Dunaway says. There are many Americans that have the 'I'm coming unless they stop me attitude.

Villas offer space for families, private grounds and typically come with a pool. They offer a controlled environment where its much easier to practice social distancing from neighbors.

The added benefit of private homes being separate from, let's face it, other people, makes it the sensible choice for many who want to travel once its possible, Dunaway says. We anticipate the flood gates will open with many people more than ready and willing to head to the Caribbean.

Nevaeh Villa, Anguilla

He points out that his villa management teams on the islands are predominantly locals who are still residing on the island.

Hotels have had to furlough many international staff who have returned to their home countries, Dunaway notes. This makes ramping up hotels a much slower process as they have to entice staff to return. Our villas on every island are essentially ready and waiting.

Ramping up cleaning and social distancing policies at each property is critical, Dunaway notes. As an example, he cites the new policies of one of their property managers in St Martin, from mask-wearing to cleaning all surfaces with hospital-grade disinfectants. Handles and ramps will be cleaned with disinfecting wipes and automatic hand sanitizing dispensers will be installed in the laundry and the kitchen. The detergents for the washing machines and for the dishwashers will be hospital-grade disinfectants. Housekeepers will be equipped with masks and gloves and A/C filters will be regularly cleaned and disinfected. A total disinfection of the property can be done upon request prior to the guests arrival at an extra cost.

WheretoStay.com has begun rolling out a series of deals and enticements to return, once travelers are given the green light. There are some properties that are discounting their rates up to 30% for the rest of 2020 and some through 2021. Other properties are offering a more flexible payment plans with final payments closer to time of travel. In addition, there are other properties that have come up with flexible cancellation and re-scheduling options.

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Outlook into the Latin America and the Caribbean Furniture Market to 2021 – ResearchAndMarkets.com – Business Wire

Posted: at 5:55 pm

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The "Furniture Outlook for Latin America and the Caribbean" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The total furniture market size in Latin America and the Caribbean currently exceeds USD 16 billion. The largest 5 markets are Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Peru and Colombia.

Aim of this report is to provide a background analysis of the furniture market in Latin America and the Caribbean (28 considered countries) through a rich collection of key figures that include 2019 preliminary estimates of furniture basic data (production, consumption, imports, exports) by country and by geographical area, main trading partners, major urban markets for furniture in the area and furniture market forecasts up to 2021 by country.

For each of the 28 considered countries, the study provides a summary data table including:

Geographical area included:

Key Topics Covered:

PART I - OVERVIEW OF THE FURNITURE SECTOR IN LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN

INTRODUCTION

THE FURNITURE MARKET IN LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN

MAJOR URBAN MARKETS FOR FURNITURE IN LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN

FURNITURE IMPORTS

FURNITURE PRODUCTION

THE OUTLOOK FOR FURNITURE CONSUMPTION

PART II - FURNITURE INDICATORS

FURNITURE TRADE. EXPORTS AND IMPORTS

COUNTRY TABLES

APPENDIX - NOTES, PRESENTATION CONVENTIONS, CLASSIFICATION OF COUNTRIES

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/4zveos

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Latin America & The Caribbean – Weekly Situation Update (11-17 May 2020) As of 18 May 2020 – World – ReliefWeb

Posted: at 5:55 pm

KEY FIGURES

510.2K CONFIRMED COVID-19 CASES IN LATIN AMERICA & THE CARIBBEAN AS OF 18 MAY

REGIONAL: COVID-19

Cases are referenced from PAHO/WHO 18 May COVID-19 Report - https://bit.ly/3fDCwwK

As of 18 May, PAHO/WHO report 510,261 cases and 28,734 deaths across Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as 205,048 recovered cases.

KEY FIGURES

$137.1M REQUIRED FOR EL SALVADOR HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE PLAN

8.3M CENTRAL AMERICAN JOBS PROJECTED TO BE LOST TO THE PANDEMIC

CENTRAL AMERICA & MEXICO: COVID-19

EL SALVADOR

The UN in El Salvador launched their multi-sector COVID-19 Humanitarian Response Plan on 16 May. The plan requires US$137.1 million to reach some 1.7 million people and will focus on:

Direct health response for prevention, containment and health system support.

Humanitarian response to aggravated needs including food assistance and livelihood recovery.

Socio-economic response to lay the groundwork for medium- and longterm recovery.

MEXICO

Health officials reported on 11 May that some 8,500 hospital staff members have tested positive for COVID-19, just under a quarter of the entire national caseload. Officials acknowledge that both the number of infected medical staff and the total caseload are likely higher, estimating that there may be as many as 15,000 infected healthcare staff. The death toll for medical personnel has reached 111.

LIVELIHOODS AT RISK

The Central American Integration System (SICA) estimates that the pandemic has led to a second quarter loss of about 10.5 per cent of working hours across Central America, roughly equivalent to 8.3 million jobs.

SICA reports they are working with ILO and UNDRR to strengthen business recovery actions, noting that small and medium businesses account for about 55 per cent of livelihoods in the region.

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Joint statement by the heads of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, the Caribbean Community, and the Pacific Islands Forum…

Posted: at 5:55 pm

The global spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and its socio-economic impact on the entire world population requires the global community to work together to address the consequences to human health and disruptive effects on an interconnected world economy. The devastating COVID-19 pandemic is reshaping our world and exacerbating inequalities in our societies. Together, we must ensure coordinated and inclusive response and recovery efforts, to build economies and societies that are healthy, equitable, safe, clean, and resilient.

The Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), the Secretariat of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) extend their solidarity to the global community, particularly in the African, Caribbean and Pacific regions, in our collective and resolute fight against the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic the invisible enemy of humanity.

During this challenging time, it is vital to promote increased coordination among all countries and regions with respect to the prevention and treatment of, and eventual cure for COVID-19. We echo the United Nations (UN) Secretary-Generals call for an immediate global ceasefire to reinforce diplomatic action, enable the delivery of lifesaving humanitarian assistance, and protect the persons who are most vulnerable to the pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative effect on all economies in the world, particularly in terms of commodity prices, fiscal revenues, foreign exchange receipts, foreign financial flows, food supply chains, travel restrictions, the travel, hotel and tourism industries, and labour markets. We recognize that these economic and social challenges are likely to be more disastrous in developing countries. We are gravely concerned about the potentially dire consequences to the economies and livelihoods of our Member States.

While welcoming the recent decision of international creditors such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank to provide debt relief to low income countries, we call for this relief to include the most vulnerable economies in the world, including our Member States.

The COVID-19 crisis is stretching the already challenged health systems in many of our countries, which also lack the required medical equipment, test kits, and protective gear that are in high demand worldwide and difficult to source. It is expected that COVID-19 cases will overwhelm health facilities. This will adversely affect patients with high-burden communicable and non-communicable diseases, who will lack access to adequate care. This could result in increased morbidity and mortality. We note with concern that social protection issues are emerging as a result of COVID-19, particularly for the most vulnerable in our communities. We call for global COVID-19 recovery efforts that build health infrastructure and systems, as well as social protection measures, to ensure equitable and inclusive access for all.

We acknowledge the potentially dire consequences to the economies and livelihoods of our Member States, and the exacerbation of inequalities in our societies. Determined to protect the lives and livelihoods of our people, we also call on our development partners and relevant multilateral organisations the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the United Nations (UN), the World Bank Group (WBG), the World Food Programme (WFP), and the World Health Organization (WHO) to put in place the needed short, medium, and long-term emergency response programmes, in coordination with our regional institutions, to assist developing countries to address the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.

We urge our development partners to collaborate expeditiously by reviewing any unnecessary bureaucracy to facilitate movement of health professionals, essential cargo, and emergency medical supplies to the affected communities in our regions.

We recognise that while COVID-19 is the most urgent threat facing humanity today, climate change remains the greatest threat in the longer term. We also call on all countries to ensure that the economic recovery measures to tackle COVID-19 align with the goals of the Paris Agreement. The transboundary nature of this pandemic reinforces the importance of multilateralism to address our common challenges.

In light of this ongoing crisis and the disproportionate socio-economic effects on countries in Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific, we resolve, on behalf of the organisations listed below, to coordinate our efforts and pool available resources, in order to aid our respective Member States to address the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

H.E. Georges Rebelo Pinto Chikoti, Secretary-General of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS)

H.E. Irwin LaRocque, Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Caribbean Forum of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (CARIFORUM).

H.E. Dame Meg Taylor, Secretary-General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS)

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Esri and IDB Offer Solution to Combat COVID-19 in Latin America and the Caribbean – Geospatial World

Posted: at 5:55 pm

Esri, the global leader in location intelligence, announced that it has partnered with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to provide free access to geospatial technology in response to the COVID-19 emergency in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Governments in the region will be able to use a COVID-19 solution to track critical equipment and asset availability, manage supply chains, and maintain business continuity.

Leveraging Esris Disaster Response Program, and based on the specific needs of IDB member countries, this collaboration provides access to technology resources that can enhance the regions response to the immediate public health emergency posed by COVID-19. Concretely, governments in the region will be able to leverage Esris analytical models and implement dashboards and control centers to monitor the spread of the virus and identify where intervention is needed.

With Esri, we have developed a collaborative relationship focused on working with IDB clients to solve complex problems and combat COVID-19 in Latin America and the Caribbean, said Nuria Simo, the IDBs Chief Information Officer and General Manager of Department of Information Technology. We believe Esris leadership in disaster response programs, technical knowledge and assistance in the use of geographic information systems, usage of georeferenced data, and access to analytical tools can greatly benefit the region in its fight against the virus, while helping us meet other important needs in the countries we serve.

We are very proud to assist IDB in providing support to Latin America and the Caribbean, said Jack Dangermond, Esri founder and president. The ability to understand emergency management capacity is crucial to handling a crisis like this, and it is our mission to offer enhanced technological capabilities that empower governments around the globe to respond faster, and with the best data resources at their disposal.

In addition to supporting the public health response, the partnership will also support the three other priority areas identified by the IDB as it works to address COVID-19 in LAC, including the creation of safety nets for vulnerable populations, economic productivity and employment, and the development of fiscal policies to relieve economic impacts.

To learn more about Esris resources for responding to COVID-19, visit go.esri.com/coronavirus.

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4 Incredible Experiences to Have in the Caribbean – Femina

Posted: at 5:55 pm

Discover the best beaches, cultural experiences and incredible nature experiences these fabled islands have to offer...

Discover Havana

Begin your Caribbean adventure in the atmospheric capital of Cuba. Cruise the citys colonial streets in a vintage American convertible. Then, venture deep into the Cuban countryside, experience daily life in the lush tobacco fields of Vinales, draw back the curtains on Santiago de Cubas ballet workshops, and wander across the French-infused waterfront of Cienfuegos.

Swim with the Humpbacks in the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is full of wild adventures, mostly of the natural kind, activities like snorkelling with humpback whales. Spend a week at Silver Bank, the scene of the largest gathering of North Atlantic humpback whales on the planet. Not only will you get to view their antics from your comfortable liveaboard vessel, youll also be able to dive into the warm tropical watersand encounter humpbacks eye-to-eye in their natural environment, on their terms.Now, thats wild!

Soak in the Tropical Vibes at Jamaica

If you wish to experience the true-blue vibe of the Caribbean, head to Jamaica and venture beyond all clichs. In this land of white, sandy beaches and delicious native cuisine, take an all-encompassing trip to get under the skin of the country.Youll see and hear Rastafari culture on a tour of an indigenous Rastafari village, relax in the refreshing waters of Dunns River Falls, and swim the azure blue waters off Seven Mile Beach.

Go on a Bird-watching Trail in Trinidad

After enjoying the wonderful accent of the locals in the Caribbean, if you have time to explore one tiny country thats full of natural beauty, head to Trinidad. This country is the perfectisland for encounteringboth South American and Caribbean bird-life and thus attracts lots of visitors annually. Choose a seven-day trip at the Asa Wright Nature Centre, home to 400 species of birds. Expect to spot tanagers, hummingbirds, euphonias and more. Also, watch leatherback turtles laying their eggs, see extraordinary oil birds at Dunston Caves, and the marvellous spectacle of scarlet ibis coming in to roost at Caroni Swamp

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IDB, Esri offer solutions to combat COVID-19 in the Caribbean – Jamaica Observer

Posted: at 5:55 pm

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WASHINGTON, United States (CMC) The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has joined forces with Esri, the global leader in location intelligence, to provide free access to geospatial technology in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) emergency in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).

The IDB said that governments in the region will be able to use a custom COVID-19 solution to track critical equipment and assets availability, manage supply chains and maintain business continuity.

Leveraging Esri's Disaster Response Programme, and based on the specific needs of IDB member countries, this collaboration provides access to technology resources that can enhance the region's response to the immediate public health emergency posed by COVID-19, the IDB said in a statement.

Concretely, governments in the region will be able to leverage Esri's analytical models and implement dashboards and control centres to monitor the spread of the virus and identify where intervention is needed, it added.

The IDB's Chief Information Officer and General Manager of Department of Information Technology, Nuria Simo, said with ESRI, "we have developed a collaborative relationship focused on working with IDB clients to solve complex problems and combat COVID-19 in Latin America and the Caribbean.

We believe ESRI's leadership in disaster response programs, technical knowledge and assistance in the use of geographic information systems, usage of georeferenced data, and access to analytical tools can greatly benefit the region in its fight against the virus, while helping us meet other important needs in the countries we serve, she added.

Esri founder and president, Jack Dangermond, said his company was very proud to assist IDB in providing support to Latin America and the Caribbean.

The ability to understand emergency management capacity is crucial to handling a crisis like this, and it is our mission to offer enhanced technological capabilities that empower governments around the globe to respond faster, and with the best data resources at their disposal, he added.

In addition to supporting the public health response, the IDB said the partnership will also support the three other priority areas it has identified, as it works to address COVID-19 in LAC, including the creation of safety nets for vulnerable populations, economic productivity and employment, and the development of fiscal policies to relieve economic impacts.

Now you can read the Jamaica Observer ePaper anytime, anywhere. The Jamaica Observer ePaper is available to you at home or at work, and is the same edition as the printed copy available at http://bit.ly/epaperlive

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UK Armed Forces step up support to the Caribbean Overseas Territories during coronavirus pandemic – GOV.UK

Posted: at 5:55 pm

On 08 May an RAF flight delivered Foreign Office-sourced supplies to the Turks and Caicos Islands including 6 ventilators, blood and medication to support the Islands health care systems during the coronavirus pandemic. This flight is part of the wider support being offered by the UK Government to its Overseas Territories in order to maintain access to essential goods including food, fuel and medical supplies.

Alongside this, the Royal Navys disaster relief specialists on RFA Argus are preparing for hurricane season by testing their skills across six of the Overseas Territories. Operating in and around Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, Montserrat, the Cayman Islands, and Turks and Caicos, the crew have been familiarising themselves with the terrain of each island and identifying potential landing sites should aid need to be delivered.

RFA Argus and troops on board have conducted exercises on Montserrat and Turks and Caicos. The exercises use simulated scenarios to test the crews ability to quickly land personnel, equipment and stores ashore in the aftermath of a disaster and deliver life-saving aid to local populations.

The commitment of our Armed Forces to support the Overseas Territories in times of pandemic or national disaster is unwavering.

We will continue to support our partners in the Caribbean, engaging with both the local communities and authorities as they prepare for the hurricane season and adapt to the challenges of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Weve seen how hurricanes can devastate communities in the Caribbean and when combined with the coronavirus, that devastation could lead to even more lives being lost.

By providing life-saving aid alongside the world-class expertise of the British military, the UK is making sure British nationals and others living in the Overseas Territories, are prepared and supported ahead of the hurricane season.

The early deployment of a Royal Navy ship ahead of the hurricane season is vital for the personnel on board to be able to gather local knowledge of the islands and establish working practices with local authorities. Crew on board RFA Argus have been practising how to deliver aid and support local residents if a hurricane hits during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ship carries hurricane-related aid from the Department for International Development such as water, ration packs, medical equipment and materials to repair damage and clear blocked roads. It is staffed by an experienced team of sailors, aviators and marines equipped to deploy in the wake of a humanitarian disaster.

Other recent support provided by the Armed Forces to the Overseas Territories includes:

Small security assistance teams have been deployed to both the Cayman Islands and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Each team will reinforce the capacity of local police and support local authorities

A new military co-ordination cell has been formed with our French and Dutch allies, optimising our support for Overseas Territories in the Caribbean as they co-ordinate their response to COVID-19.

A small medical team alongside 2 Intensive Treatment Units have been deployed to the Falkland Islands and the RAF has also flown in supplies of oxygen and medicine

310kg of essential supplies have been delivered to Ascension Island and St Helena

175 personnel have been deployed to Gibraltar, to support the delivery of food and medicine to residents

The deployment of military capabilities and UK personnel is just one way the UK Government is supporting the people of the Overseas Territories. Specialist health professionals from Public Health England are providing crucial guidance and training on infectious disease management and we are providing advice on sourcing medical personnel and equipment.

There are around 270,000 people living in the Overseas Territories, most of whom are British nationals.

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