Category Archives: Caribbean

In 2020, 8.2 million units of blood were collected, benefiting more than one million people in need of a transfusion.

Washington, DC/ CDMX, June 14, 2022 (PAHO) - In the framework of World Blood Donor Day, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) calls for people to donate blood following a 20% drop in blood donations in Latin America and the Caribbean during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, compared to 2017, according to latest data.

The pandemic has shown us that the contribution of blood donors is essential. Without them, the transfusions that help save millions of lives each year are not possible, said PAHO Acting Assistant Director Marcos Espinal, during a global event hosted by Mexico to mark the day.

"The need for blood is universal, but access to it is not," said Dr. Espinal. The situation is particularly serious in low- and middle-income countries.

In Latin America and the Caribbean, 8.2 million units of blood were collected in 2020, benefiting more than one million people in need of a transfusion. But in many countries, demand for blood outstrips supply, and blood services face the challenge of ensuring the availability of safe, quality blood and blood components.

To prevent shortages and ensure safety, PAHO recommends that 100% of blood and blood component donations come from voluntary and regular donors, and that family or friends of patients do not need to be called upon to replenish this life-saving resource.

However, the region is still far from reaching that goal. In 2020, 48% of the blood collected came from voluntary donors, 2% more than in 2017. And while more than 80% of the blood in ten countries came from regular altruistic donors, in nine others, this proportion failed to reach 10%. PAHO works with countries to increase voluntary donations and ensure safety.

World Blood Donor Day, established by WHO in 2005, is celebrated every 14 June to highlight the importance of the availability of safe and sufficient blood and blood products for all, and to thank voluntary, repetitive and unpaid donors for their act of solidarity. This year's theme is "Donating blood is an act of solidarity. Join the effort and save lives."

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PAHO calls for solidarity after 20% drop in blood donations in Latin America and the Caribbean during first year of the pandemic - Pan American Health...

Recent extra regional developments, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic together with the Russia/Ukraine conflict have forced our region to come full face with the issue of developing a regional food strategy.

The recent initiatives and plans for expanded production within our region of staples such as wheat, rice, sugar are very well intentioned and primarily involve Guyana lands. There is an urgent need to have these plans framed within the context of a regional food strategy.

Essentially such a strategy would entail a clear focus on identifying the specifics of domestic/regional production, the existing supply chains and how proposals will impact on regional food production.

There is also an imperative to disaggregate as far as possible the value of specific initiatives to be undertaken by each participating state or entity in the overall regional plan.

Additionally, there must be realistic quantification and dollar estimates for three key elements of the plan:

Required investment on necessary technology to realise the increased production targets.

The proposed food-spend within the regional public sector on regionally produced food or food certified to regionally agreed standards.

A policy framework within which regional producers will be encouraged to produce more food that is compliant with certified and/or the agreed standards within the plan.

It is against this background that immediate consideration be given to the development of policy related to genetic technology.

Science has provided opportunities to engineer and/or develop biological organisms, crops and/or livestock including birds/fish and their products to deal with some of the consequences brought on by pollution, climate change as well as various other dysfunctional human interventions.

Technologies would entail both gene editing in which scientists change plant or animals DNA or in genetic modification where genetic material from any organism may be added or substituted wholly or partially into the DNA.

In both these instances there are huge implications in global trading not the least of which involve cross-border disputes some of which have already begun to impact in other jurisdictions.

The region is already lagging in addressing these issues. I am suggesting that we should do so now or risk further marginalisation of our people.

Samuel B Howard

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Food strategy and a Caribbean perspective | Letters to Editor | trinidadexpress.com - Trinidad & Tobago Express Newspapers

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The Switch has a good number of strategy games, but next year we'll get a real time strategy title - a subgenre a little less represented on Nintendo's system. Frigato: Shadows of the Caribbean is coming in 2023, developed by Mercat Games and published by Ultimate Games S.A., but will make its debut with a demo on 13th June as part of the Steam Next festival.

It's a while away on Switch, of course, and the trailer above (and the upcoming demo) represent early footage. The gameplay and concept looks like it could be fun, blending Desperados-style gameplay with all the pirate-themed tropes you could wish for, including some supernatural elements.

Below is a breakdown of features from the press release.

Certainly one to follow ahead of its arrival in 2023; are you interested on this based on the early look and details?

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Frigato: Shadows Of The Caribbean Will Bring Stealthy Pirates To Switch - Nintendo Life

Flags of U.S. and Cuba hang outside a hotel in Havana, Cuba, April 6, 2022. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo

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MIAMI, May 25 (Reuters) - Most Caribbean Community member nations plan to attend the Summit of the Americas, according to two sources familiar with the situation, as some leaders call for a boycott if Washington excludes its ideological adversaries in the region.

Latin American leaders including Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador have threatened to skip the summit, which starts on June 6 in Los Angeles, if the United States does not invite Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua.

Thirteen of the 14 member nations of the group known as Caricom are planning to join the event, according to a senior Caribbean nation official and a Washington-based Caribbean advisor who have been involved in talks about the issue.

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Caribbean countries that had been considering skipping the summit were encouraged by recent Biden administration measures toward Cuba and Venezuela, the official said. read more

"We take the view that it is far better to attend the summit ... recognizing that Biden has moved from the very hard-line position that he was following," said the official, who asked not to be identified.

Both sources said the lone Caricom hold-out nation is Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

The country's prime minister, Ralph Gonsalves, in a May 11 letter seen by Reuters called on Caricom leaders to boycott the summit over the exclusion of Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua.

A senior State Department official said in April that the three countries were unlikely to be invited, but Biden administration officials last week said a representative of Cuba could receive an invitation. read more

Caricom has a total of 15 members including Montserrat, which is an overseas territory of Great Britain.

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Reporting by Brian Ellsworth, Editing by Louise Heavens

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

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Most Caribbean nations planning to attend Americas Summit: sources - Reuters

As Johnny Depp and Amber Heads legal battle comes to a close, rumours regarding Dwayne Johnson replacing Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow have started doing rounds on the internet.

Pirates of the Caribbean producer Jerry Bruckheimer officially confirmed recently that a script is being developed with Margot Robbie as the lead character. When asked if Johnny Depps character Captain Jack Sparrow would return, he said that currently there were no plans in the works.

It doesnt seem that Johnson would play the role of Captain Jack Sparrow, but rather would be a different character introduced in the franchise, similar to what will be seen with Margot Robbies spinoff film.

Now, a report fromGiant Freakin Robotindicates that Depp may never return in the role and, instead, Dwayne Johnson may be eyed for the next leading role in aPirates of the Caribbeanspinoff.

The report reads:

It has already been announced by Jerry Bruckheimer that two spinoffs are in the works. One will see Margot Robbie take the lead of the franchise. The other is currently a mystery for now. However, based on ourtrusted and proven source, we can report that a third spinoff is in the works. This third Pirates spinoff will star Dwayne Johnson.

The Rockco-starred withEmily BluntinJungle Cruise, a film released in 2021. The positive link was enough reason to advance Johnson as the new protagonist.

The rest is here:

Dwayne Johnson to Replace Johnny Depp in Pirates of the Caribbean Film, Report Says - Disney Dorks

FARGO Tropical storm and hurricane activity has been on the rise in the Atlantic Basin in recent years, and this summer and fall are likely to be a continuation of that trend. The Climate Prediction Center, a division of the National Weather Service, says the June 1 through Nov. 30 Atlantic Hurricane Season has a 65% chance of an above average number of storms, a 25% chance of near average and only a 10% chance of a below average season.

The forecast calls for 14 to 21 tropical storms, six to 10 of which will become hurricanes, with three to six major (Category 3 or higher) hurricanes. Warmer than average sea-surface temperatures and weak trade winds will create an active environment, and an active African monsoon is expected to generate stronger Easterly Waves which are capable of producing more of the very strong Cape Verde hurricanes, especially during the fall months. What cannot be predicted is where these storms will hit.

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WeatherTalk: Expect an active hurricane season in the Atlantic and Caribbean - INFORUM

Tom Cruise led Top Gun: Maverick played exceptionally well having a box office debut on its opening weekend. The Top Gun sequel returning after 36 long years performed better than what was being expected, giving Tom Cruise a major achievement in his career.

You May Also Like: Director Reveals Tom Cruise Didnt Want Top Gun 2

Joseph Kosinski directed Top Gun: Maverick starring Cruise is set after 36 years when Maverick returns to the Top Gun, where events will make Maverick confront his past as he trains a group of younger fighter pilots, including the son of his late best friend Goose, for a dangerous new mission unlike any other.

Also Read: Why Tom Cruise Ditched 21 Pilots To Get Lady Gaga For Top Gun 2 Song, Revealed

The sequel to the biggest movie of 1986 grossed $156 million in its 4-day opening weekend. The sales are higher than Johnny Depps Pirates of the Caribbean: At Worlds End, which grossed $153 million in its long weekend, making it the biggest Memorial Day Debut in history.

Though Paramount and Skydance had originally expected it to $151 million in its opening weekend, the film had a great turnout on Sunday with $126 million. Not only that but The movie was also played in 4,732 North American cinemas making it the widest release of all time.

Related: Top Gun: Maverick Soars High With $124M Opening, Sets New Record For Tom Cruise

This is a promising movie especially for Tom Cruise as he got the biggest debut in his 40-years of a long career. That being said, this is Cruises first movie to surpass $100 million in a single weekend. Before the Top Gun sequel, 2005s War of the Worlds stood as Cruises biggest opening weekend with $64 million followed by 2018s Mission: Impossible Fallout with $61 million.

Top Gun: Maverick has earned the first A+ rating on CinemaScore and has a 97% on Rotten Tomatoes which makes it one of Cruises best-reviewed films. At the international box office, the Top Gun 2 grossed $124 million, making the global estimate of around $248 million.

Joseph Kosinski directed Top Gun: Maverick a sequel to 1986s Top Gun starring Tom Cruise, Miles Teller, Jennifer Connelly, Jon Hamm, Glen Powell, Lewis Pullman, Ed Harris, and Val Kilmer.

Top Gun: Maverick is now available in theatres.

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Top Gun: Maverick Beats Pirates Of The Caribbean For Biggest Memorial Day Weekend Opening - FandomWire

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Labour Minister Steadroy Benjamin has pledged the governments commitment to addressing violence and harassment in the workplace.

Benjamin said in a press statement that government is poised to legislate against such, and that a national policy will be drafted with help from the Gender Affairs Department.

He was speaking as Antigua and Barbuda became the first nation in the Caribbean and just the fourth in the Americas to ratify the International Labour Organizations (ILO) convention against workplace violence and harassment.

The ministry said all other ratifications in the wider region are in South America.

Just 15 of the ILOs total 187 member states have ratified the convention to date.

The ratification of this important convention signals the governments commitment to guaranteeing workplaces free of all forms of violence and harassment, including bullying, a statement from the Ministry of Legal Affairs said.

The mental and physical wellbeing of the workforce is of utmost importance to this government and all workplaces are expected to adhere closely to the conventions tenets, it added.

The convention covers both private and public sector spaces. It applies to workers irrespective of their contract status, and establishes the right of every worker to freedom from violence and harassment in the workplace, recognising it as a human rights violation.

It encompasses physical, psychological, sexual, and economic harm, along with gender-based violence and harassment.

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A&B becomes first country in Caribbean to ratify convention on harassment at work - Antigua Observer

Basseterre:Travellers Worldwide has named St Kitts and Nevis among the seventeen safest Caribbean islands to visit in 2022. The country is constantly becoming safer and more secure for tourists as the country moves ahead with adopting modern security technologies, including the installation of CCTV cameras across the twin-island nation.

TheTravellers Worldwideranked St Kitts and Nevis as the twelfth safest Caribbean island. The website is renowned for providing reviews of countries, flights, and other things associated with travelling and is run by two travel enthusiasts named Tom and Tori, based in California, United States.

St Kitts and Nevis is known for its mesmerizing beauty. It is also the smallest country in the Western Hemisphere, but it is big enough to explore for a lifetime. Thousands of tourists are attracted by its stunning white sand beaches and sheer blue water. It is also highly popular among cruise ship visitors, with the country reaching more than 1 million passengers mark in 2018.

Crime in St Kitts and Nevis decreased to a great extent in recent years and it has been declared a minimally threatening country by the US Department of State. The island of St Kitts is known to be party-friendly, whereas Nevis island is all about nature and peace. One may expect fascinating activities such as bobbing yachts, swaying palm trees, and jaw-dropping sunset sights. Tourists may explore the islands rich history or kick back at one of the many incredible resorts.

Earlier, Prime Minister Dr Timothy Harris also declared that the people of St Kitts, and Nevis are living in a safe environment after the homicide cases witnessed a reduction. He crowned the success to the governments substantial investment in the security infrastructure, which includes building new and renovating police stations, strengthening of defence force and coast guard facilities.

Furthermore, he added that the government of St Kitts and Nevis had been massively investing in the installation of CCTV cameras, which will bolster the monitoring system in the Federation.

He also promised the residents of the country to provide a new and safe environment. Prime Minister outlined, We have been bold, united and courageous in tackling crime creating the stronger, safer future we all deserve.

The twin-island government has been installing street lights and CCTV cameras and establishing police stations in various regions to safeguard the residents. It is worth noting that major advancement in St Kitts and Nevis is being done through the funds generated via the citizenship by investment (CBI) programme, under the Sustainable Growth Fund.

A large proportion of socio-economic activities taking place in St Kitts and Nevis have been managed via the CBI Programme. To support the development island-wide, the government established the Sustainable Growth Fund (SGF) in the year 2018. The investments that arrive through SGF are utilized to build infrastructure in the country.

The SGF, which is popularly known as the Fund Option, also helps in providing income support to people and more. This option allows the investors to make a contribution to the social prosperity as well as the economy of the twin-island Federation.

The country gained praise at the world level for its multi-layered due diligence checks on all applicants seeking alternative citizenship. Any applicant or their dependent over sixteen years of age undergoes vigorous government and independent third party background checks, which ensures that people of a higher standard of character are granted citizenship. This shows the countrys commitment to national and international security.

To apply for the alternative citizenship of St Kitts and Nevis, the applicant has to donate to the Sustainable Growth Fund. The applicant has to invest a minimum of USD 150,000 to become a part of the CBI programme under SGF.

An applicant can also add his family members in the same application, including the spouse, children (under the age of 30) and parents as well as grandparents (over the age of 55).

The dual citizenship of the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis can be attained if the investor qualifies some of the eligibility criteria, which are:

St Kitts and Nevis is the pioneer of citizenship by investment programme industry. Launched in 1984, it has been regarded as the Platinum Standard of CBI and also bagged the top rank in CBI Index by the Financial Times Professional Wealth Management (PWM) magazine. It has been regarded as the worlds fastest, safest, most secure and transparent Programme.

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St Kitts and Nevis ranked among 17 safest Caribbean islands to visit in 2022 by Travellers Worldwide - WIC News

Marriotts growing Caribbean all-inclusive portfolio will add another new resort later this year, Caribbean Journal has learned.

The company has announced the signing of the Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun to its all-inclusive portfolio, with plans to open at the end of this year.

The property is owned and managed by Blue Diamond Resorts; it will join the fast-expanding All-Inclusive by Marriott Bonvoy portfolio, which now includes almost 30 properties in the Caribbean and Latin America.

Its yet another addition to Marriotts major push in to what is easily the hottest concept in the travel industry, particularly in the Caribbean: all-inclusive.

We are thrilled to continue working with Blue Diamond Resorts to add another exciting all-inclusive resort to the All-Inclusive by Marriott Bonvoy portfolio, said Laurent de Kousemaeker, Chief Development Officer, Caribbean and Latin America, Marriott International. The Autograph Collection Hotels brand champions individuality with each hotel being a product of passion, making this brand an exceptional fit for this significant project and the other 20 Blue Diamond Resorts that have joined the collection.

The 1,049-room hotel, which also includes a waterpark, will have amenities like a theater, a bowling alley, 12 different dining concepts and nine bars.

Its the latest step in the two companies growing alliance; last year, Marriott announced a long-term agreement with Blue Diamond that added 20 hotels in the region to the Marriott all-inclusive portfolio.

Marriotts current all-inclusive resorts are located in Antigua, Barbados, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Grenada, Jamaica, Mexico, and Saint Lucia.

We are excited for Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun to join Marriotts Autograph Collection brand, said Jordi Pelfort, President of Hotels and Resorts at Sunwing Travel Group, Blue Diamonds parent company. Todays announcement reinforces Blue Diamonds position as one of the fastest growing hotel chains in the Caribbean.

For more, visit All-Inclusive by Marriott.

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Marriott Is Opening a New All-Inclusive in Cancun - Caribbean Journal