Category Archives: Caribbean

As the worlds coral reefs suffer a fourth global bleaching event, heat stress in the Caribbean is accumulating even earlier than it did in 2023, the previous record year for the region, according to data made public on Thursday by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

I hate that I have to keep using that word unprecedented, said Derek Manzello, coordinator of the agencys Coral Reef Watch Program. But, again, we are seeing unprecedented patterns again this year.

Scientists hope that relief will set in as the natural climate pattern known as El Nio, which is associated with warmer ocean temperatures, fades. Officials said conditions were quickly changing to a neutral state, with a cooler La Nia forecast for this summer or fall.

But right now, temperatures in the Caribbean off Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Colombia are hitting levels that previously havent been seen until weeks later, an ominous signal after the heat that ravaged reefs across the region last year. Scientists say they are still determining the scale of the death from last years bleaching. A study of the reefs off Huatulco in Oaxaca, Mexico, found coral mortality ranging from 50 percent to 93 percent, depending on the reef area.

Bleaching occurs when stressors cause coral to lose the symbiotic algae that help to nourish them. While coral can survive bleaching spells, exposure to prolonged or repeated bleaching can kill the tiny animals. Even those that recover initially may succumb to disease in the following year or two.

While all kinds of stressors can cause coral bleaching, including pollution or changes in salinity, the four global bleaching events on record, which started in 1998, have all been caused by warm ocean temperatures. Researchers have estimated that the world has lost half of its coral cover since 1950.

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Heat Stress Is Hitting Caribbean Reefs Earlier Than Ever This Year - The New York Times

Caribbean Week spokesperson Rosa Harris.

Photo courtesy CTO

The Barbados-based Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) said on Friday that the much-awaited Caribbean Week is set to sparkle in New York City from June 16-21.

CTO said this event, a highlight on the calendar for travel industry professionals and enthusiasts alike, will be held at the InterContinental New York Times Square in the bustling heart of midtown Manhattan.

Rosa Harris, chairman of the CTO Board of Directors and the weeks spokesperson, said the intergovernmental organization was pleased to return to The Big Apple in 2024 to connect with the regions culture and heritage and have serious conversations about the business of tourism and the business of the Caribbean.

Theres always business in the New York tri-state area, and we have a burgeoning diaspora that we must connect with, said Harris, the director of tourism for the Cayman Islands. June is a great time for us to come together as a region and celebrate what we do well during Caribbean-American Heritage Month.

Under the banner of CTOs 35th anniversary theme, Connecting the Globe, Celebrating Diversity, Harris said Caribbean Week 2024 will showcase a dynamic lineup of events and business meetings.

She said these sessions will involve the CTO Executive Committee, Board of Directors and Ministerial Council.

Harris said the discussions will focus on the critical issues shaping the evolution and growth of Caribbean tourism, providing an opportunity for robust and strategic dialogue.

CTO said the week begins with a church service and a Business and Tourism Marketing Symposium. The Caribbean Media Awards, honoring journalists and influencers who have notably promoted Caribbean tourism, will return alongside the much-anticipated Media Marketplace.

In line with fostering innovation, CTO said a special session dedicated to artificial intelligence will underscore the organizations forward-thinking approach.

Additionally, it said the spotlight will be on the impactful work of the CTO Foundation and the recently launched Jean Holder Scholarship.

CTO said a wide range of topics will be covered, including service excellence, enhancing connections between New York City and the region, airlift strategies, multicultural marketing, travel trade relations, public relations, crisis communications, and smart destination management.

Further emphasizing inclusivity and leadership, CTO said the week will feature a leadership breakfast and awards ceremony focused on womens empowerment, alongside a Cricket Ceremony and Watch Party.

Supported by headline sponsor the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, gold sponsor the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, and the Caribbean Media Exchange, CTO said Caribbean Week in New York promises an unforgettable experience.

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CTO says Caribbean Week in NYC 'set to sparkle' Caribbean Life - Caribbean Life

A new model developed by researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory could help keep the lights on even when hurricanes darken the skies, according to Tech Xplore.

This breakthrough enables better predictions of how much solar energy output drops during tropical storms, empowering utilities to compensate for those dips.

When storm clouds block the sun, solar panels can lose a significant portion of their electricity generation, as Solar Alliance has detailed. For hurricane-prone regions shifting to renewable energy like the Caribbean islands, that's a big problem. Power disruptions disproportionately impact underserved island residents who can't easily evacuate.

The researchers explored linking island electric grids with undersea cables to form "super grids." Sharing solar energy across a broad network could maintain steadier power flow when parts of the grid are shaded by storms.

After running simulations, the team analyzed different grid configurations to determine which approach would maximize power availability. The winning combo? Connecting the U.S. and Caribbean grids. Linking the Caribbean islands alone proved the least effective since hurricane paths often align with the island chain.

Lead researcher Rodney Itiki started investigating these "super grids" after Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico in 2017, causing the longest blackout in U.S. history. Some residents went nearly a year without power, per the information provided by Tech Xplore.

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"I don't think people are planning photovoltaic [solar] plants while taking hurricane shading into account," Itiki said. "Utilities are choosing locations with the maximum sun exposure, but they also need to consider the normal trajectory of hurricanes. If all the plants are concentrated in Florida, and a hurricane hits there, it will create a maximum power valley."

His model offers a vital tool for strategically placing solar farms and transmission lines to minimize storm disruptions.

While studies are still needed on the costs and eco-impacts of undersea power cables, this research illuminates how we can build a more resilient, clean energy future. Being able to predict solar generation dips empowers utilities to prepare backup power sources like batteries.

Every block of preparation builds toward a brighter tomorrow. As the Caribbean aims to ditch expensive, polluting power sources, this innovative model could prove key to keeping the sunshine's power flowing to those who need it most. That's a win-win for people and the planet we share.

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Researchers propose building US-Caribbean 'super grid' to offset solar energy losses during tropical storms: 'Need to ... - The Cool Down

Tuesday, May 21, 2024

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The travel industry is on a roll in 2024,with people spending more and traveling further.A new report by Mastercard Economics Institute says this is great news for many economies,especially those in the Caribbean.

Island Hopping in the Caribbean

The report shows that four Caribbean destinations are top picks for American travelers this summer.These are Oranjestad,Aruba; Punta Cana,Dominican Republic; San Juan,Puerto Rico; and Santiago,Dominican Republic.Oranjestad even cracked the global top ten for trending destinations!

Affordability Makes a Splash

The report says that Caribbean islands with good deals on hotels are doing especially well.Tourists are staying longer and spending more in these places.For example,the average stay in Barbados is now 8.5 days,up from 7.8 days in 2020.This is likely due to affordability and the nice weather.

Global Trends: Longer Trips, Record Numbers

All over the world,people are taking longer vacations an average of 5.5 days in 2024 compared to 4.5 days in 2020.The first half of this year saw record numbers of Americans traveling internationally,with over 15.9 million jetting off between January and March.This shows how well the travel industry has adjusted to new travel habits and what people want.

Experiences over Souvenirs

Travelers today are more interested in making memories than buying stuff.In fact,experiences now account for 12% of all tourism sales,the highest level in at least five years.This means people are looking for unique and valuable experiences,and travel destinations are having to step up their game.

Cruising Makes a Comeback

Cruises are more popular than ever before,even compared to before the pandemic.The Bahamas,for instance,has seen nearly 3 million more cruise passengers this year than in 2019.This shows that cruises are a great way to see the world for an affordable price.

New and Classic Travel Hotspots

Japan is the most popular tourist destination overall,while Munich is the summer travel hotspot.In Europe,Albania is becoming a favorite for budget-minded travelers.This shows that people are looking for all sorts of travel experiences,from familiar favorites to exciting new places.

Mastercard: Helping Tourism Thrive

Mastercard is a big supporter of the global travel industry.They do this by providing market analysis,data insights,and strategies to connect with customers.Their goal is to make travel experiences personal and build brand loyalty,keeping the travel industry strong and responsive to what people want in 2024.

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Caribbean Hot in 2024 Tourism Surge - Travel And Tour World

On International Womens Day, the ECLAC Executive Secretary, Jos Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs, noted that today, on March 8, we recognize that the region is moving in the right direction, but very slowly to achieve the goals of real equality in 2030. Without a doubt, we can do more. With women's leadership, men's commitment, and political will, we can build a better society that prioritizes caring for people and the planet. Today's world requires bold changes and urgent transformations, starting with ending the historical exclusion of women in all areas of Society.

Within this framework, ECLAC carried out various activities. ECLAC presented the document "The content and scope of the right to care, and its interrelation with other rights" at the hearing of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, the second week of March in San Jos, Costa Rica, in the framework of the request for an advisory opinion that Argentina presented on January 20, 2023.

During the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW 68), from 11 to 22 March 2024 at United Nations Headquarters in New York, Governments, United Nations entities and non-governmental organizations from all regions of the world, discussed the priority theme Accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective.

This occasion was an opportunity to contribute, from the commitments of the Regional Gender Agenda and other regional agreements and with the care society as a horizon, to global deliberations on the achievement of gender equality and the autonomy of women. The region contributed to the Declaration of the Ministers and High Authorities of the National Mechanisms for the Advancement of Women of Latin America and the Caribbean for CSW68. In it, the Ministers and high authorities of the region recognize that to achieve gender equality and guarantee the human rights of women, adolescents and girls in all their diversity, and the exercise of their autonomy, it is necessary to overcome the four structural knots of gender inequality: socioeconomic inequality and poverty; the sexual division of labor; the concentration of power; and patriarchal cultural patterns.

In this framework, the "High-level Dialogue: Bases for a Bi-regional Pact for Care between Latin America, the Caribbean and the European Union" was carried out, in association with the EU-LAC Foundation, UN Women, the Global Alliance for Care, the National Institute of Women of Mexico (INMUJERES) and the UNDP. The initiative seeks to promote cooperation in public policies and comprehensive care systems between the countries of both regions, through the exchange of advances and promising practices in care policies, systems, programs and benefits; of comparative studies and analysis on topics linked to care, among other topics. In addition, ECLAC accompanied the countries of the region in parallel events.

Finally, ECLAC together with UN Women presented the publication The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Regional Gender Agenda in Latin America and the Caribbean: Gender Indicators to 2023, a document that presents a descriptive analysis of gender indicators. for monitoring the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda and the set of prioritized indicators for monitoring the SDGs in the region, in synchronization with the Regional Gender Agenda of Latin America and the Caribbean.

Among the findings, the document highlights the achievements in equality before the law in the region, marked by advances in the construction of institutions and legal frameworks for equality. However, we confirm the structural persistence of gender inequality. The data calls for action:

The publication becomes a reference instrument for decision-makers in the region, and constitutes a basis for deliberations during CSW 68, as highlighted in the Briefing on the 68th Session of the CSW 68 of February 28. The launch of the publication was carried out within the framework of the Forum of the Countries of Latin America and the Caribbean on Sustainable Development 2024, in the parallel event The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Regional Gender Agenda in Latin America and the Caribbean: Gender Indicators to 2023.

ECLAC calls to eradicate the income and time poverty that women face, invest to improve their living conditions and promote their full participation in the economy, politics, society and in science and innovation. But any progress will be incomplete without guaranteeing the right of women and girls to a life free of violence, discrimination, and child marriage (see the ECLAC reports on femicide and child marriage for more information.

Therefore, we reiterate our call to continue designing and implementing bold solutions that allow us to close gender gaps. We have the capacity, and the objectives are set. Investing in gender equality is investing in a better world.

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Investing in gender equality in Latin America and the Caribbean for a better world - Comisin Econmica para Amrica Latina y el Caribe

Turns out that the Margot Robbie led Pirates of the Caribbean movie is still happening, but it's a separate one from the upcoming reboot.

It's been a good seven years since the last Pirates of the Caribbean film, which in one part makes me feel a bit old, but in another makes me think "hang on, they were making those films right through to 2017?" Back in March, franchise producer Jerry Bruckheimer spoke of his intention to reboot the series because that's "easier to put together because you don't have to wait for certain actors." This reboot wasn't thought to include Robbie in it, as back in 2022 in an interview with Vanity Fair she said that she guessed Disney didn't want to do it anymore despite development taking place for it. However, in a new interview with Entertainment Weekly, Bruckheimer clarified what the intention is with the franchise: "It's two different movies."

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One of them is still the reboot he previously mentioned, which should have 2019's The Lion King writer Jeff Nathanson attached to it. And the other is the film that Robbie was meant to star in, with Birds of Prey's Christina Hodson penning it. "We hope to get 'em both made, and I think Disney agrees they really want to make the Margot one, too." Obviously there's questions as to whether Robbie is even aware of this intention, but considering just how well Barbie performed last year, it isn't exactly surprising that Disney wants a cut of that Robbie star power.

If that Robbie film does end up happening, she'll have quite the busy few years ahead of her. For one, she's heading into the world of games, both video and board, as she's currently set to produce a film based on The Sims, and her production company LuckyChap is also apparently going to produce a live-action film based on Monopoly. Yes, that Monopoly. On top of that, she's also recently been in talks to star in a film based on the '90s comic Avengelyne, from Cathy Christian and Deadpool co-creator Rob Liefeld. Good luck to her, I say.

Continued here:

I hope you like Pirates of the Caribbean, because both a reboot and that thought-to-be-dead Margot Robbie movie are ... - VG247

Summary

Producing legend Jerry Bruckheimer has now provided further clarity on the future of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, revealing that there are now two separate movies in development. Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, Bruckheimer revealed that a reboot is now in the works with a script written by Young Woman and the Sea scribe Jeff Nathanson, with the second project being the long-rumored Margot Robbie-led movie written by Birds of Preys Christina Hodson.

"It's two different movies. We hope to get 'em both made, and I think Disney agrees they really want to make the Margot one, too."

Bruckheimer went on to praise the vision of writer Jeff Nathanson, saying that he has cracked the reboot...but the script still needs some polishing.

Hes cracked it. Hes got an amazing third act. We just gotta clean up the first and second and then well get there. But he wrote a great, great third act.

This most recent update from Bruckheimer reveals what Disneys plan is for the Pirates of the Caribbean series without Jack Sparrow. Following the legal affairs of star Johnny Depp, the studio has now decided to move away from the hugely popular character and attempt to carve out something new for the franchise.

One such idea for something new is a movie led by Barbie star Margot Robbie, who has previously teased a female-led story on the high seas.

"We had an idea and we were developing it for a while, ages ago, to have more of a female-led not totally female-led, but just a different kind of story which we thought would've been really cool, but I guess they don't want to do it."

However, while the present plan is to leave Johnny Depps Jack Sparrow behind, Bruckheimer has stated that, if he gets his way, the actor and character will return to the series in the future.

If it was up to me, of course. I love having Depp... He's a great actor and good friend... I've certainly spoken to him, but we'll see what happens.

This is not the first time that the producer has praised Depp, with Bruckheimer having previously said that the A-lister would eventually recover from the fallout thats come following the various legal issues stemming from his marriage to actress and Aquaman star Amber Heard.

"Hes just so good at what he does and actors recover from things like this. Hes a good individual and hes a caring individual. Hes somebody that you can rely on and hes just terrific. I think Johnny is an utter friend and an amazing artist and, again, you go through things in life you wish you hadnt, but hes still a talented artist."

The last we saw of Jack Sparrow and the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise was in 2017s Dead Men Tell No Tales. The Pirates of the Caribbean movies are available to stream on Disney+.

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Pirates of the Caribbean Producer Confirms Two New Movies Are Now in Development - MovieWeb

Home HOTEL NEWS Patricia Affonso-Dass: Leading The Way In Caribbean Hospitality

Tuesday, May 21, 2024

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Patricia Affonso-Dass, Group GM of Ocean Hotels Group in Barbados, named Caribbean Hotelier of the Year by CHTA, celebrated for her exceptional leadership and dedication.

Patricia Affonso-Dass, the Group General Manager of Ocean Hotels Group in Barbados, has been honored as the Caribbean Hotelier of the Year by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA). This award highlights her extensive dedication and outstanding leadership in the hospitality sector, emphasizing her substantial impact on both Barbados and the broader Caribbean region.

Born in Dominica, Affonso-Dasss Caribbean heritage is rich and diverse, having lived in Trinidad and Antigua before settling in Guyana, where she was raised. For the past 22 years, she has called Barbados home.

Her academic journey led her to Florida International University, where she earned a degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management. With over three decades in the industry, her career began with CHTA (previously CHA, linked with the Caribbean Hospitality Training Institute), and she played a pioneering role in Guyana, managing an eco-resort and co-founding the Guyana Hotel and Tourism Association, where she also served as an early president. Currently, as the head of Ocean Hotels Group, her commitment to excellence and elevating Caribbean tourism standards remains unwavering.

Affonso-Dass is a firm advocate for the transformative power of local hotel and tourism associations. She has served as President of the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association and has been actively involved in regional industry development, serving on the Board and Executive Committee of CHTA. Her peers later elected her as CHTA President.

During her tenure as CHTA President from 2018 to 2020, she adeptly managed the aftermath of major hurricanes and the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her leadership was crucial in shaping tourism policy and fostering collaboration among industry stakeholders during these trying times.

Vanessa Ledesma, CHTAs Acting CEO and Director General, commented, Patricias exceptional leadership was instrumental in steering the association through this period of uncertainty and recovery. Her deep-rooted support for the development of Caribbean people has been exemplified throughout her career, as shes discovered and developed countless local talent, mentoring and guiding them, with many moving on to positions of senior management and leadership in the industry.

Under the strategic guidance of Patricia Affonso-Dass, Ocean Hotels Group has emerged as a beacon of hospitality excellence in Barbados. Her hands-on approach and visionary leadership have been instrumental in the successful management of properties such as O2 Beach Club & Spa, Sea Breeze Beach House, and The Rockley. Each of these establishments provides guests with a unique experience deeply rooted in Bajan authenticity, ensuring that their stay is both memorable and enriching.

Rene Coppin, Chairman of the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA), remarked, Patricias commitment to service and excellence is unmatched. Her leadership has not only elevated Ocean Hotels Group but has also positively impacted the wider Caribbean tourism landscape.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Patricia Affonso-Dass has been a relentless advocate for the hospitality industry, serving in numerous capacities within the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA). As President, she played a crucial role in shaping tourism policy and promoting collaboration among industry stakeholders.

The Caribbean Hotelier of the Year Award, one of the most prestigious accolades granted by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), acknowledges exceptional performance in Caribbean hotel operations. This award celebrates outstanding achievements in resort operations, food and beverage management, marketing and sales, resort maintenance, staff training and motivation, innovative management practices, environmental sustainability, community involvement, and active participation in national and regional lodging industry associations.

Tags: Antigua travel news, Barbados Tourism News, Barbados travel news, Caribbean Hotel and Tourism news, Caribbean hotel news, Dominica travel news, Guyana travel news, hospitality news, Hotel News, Ocean Hotels news, Patricia Affonso-Dass news, Tourism news, Trinidad Travel news

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Patricia Affonso-Dass: Leading The Way In Caribbean Hospitality - Travel And Tour World

American Airlines is giving its passengers more opportunities to jet off to sunny destinations in the Caribbean and Central America this winter, announcing eight new routes and expanding service on 16 others.

On November 5, American Airlines is set to commence daily flights from New York (JFK) to Bridgetown (BGI) in Barbados. Following this, a Saturday-only service from Philadelphia (PHL) to Bridgetown will begin on November 9.

On December 5, American Airlines will introduce a daily service from Miami (MIA) to La Romana (LRM) in the Dominican Republic. This marks American as the only U.S. carrier offering flights to this Caribbean destination.

In addition, on December 7, American Airlines will start five Saturday-only services. These include flights from both JFK and Charlotte (CLT) to Argyle International Airport (SVD) in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. American will be the only major U.S. airline serving this small Caribbean nation.

Other services set to launch on December 7 are from JFK to St. Lucia (UVF) and St. Maarten (SXM) and from Philadelphia to Liberia (LIR) in Costa Rica.

In addition to these new routes, American Airlines will enhance its winter service on 16 existing routes from various U.S. airports. For instance, starting November 5, Americans services from Phoenix (PHX) to Cancun (CUN) and Puerto Vallarta (PVR) in Mexico will double and triple in frequency, respectively, to better accommodate passenger needs.

Other expanded services from DFW will begin on December 5, with flights to Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (GCM), Huatulco, Mexico (HUX), Nassau, Bahamas (NAS), and Zihuatanejo, Mexico (ZIH) increasing to once per day, and flights to Comayagua, Honduras (XPL) expanding to twice per week.

From Miami, flights to Bonaire (BON) and Ocho Rios, Jamaica (OCJ) will increase to a daily service on December 5, while flights to Tortola, British Virgin Islands (EIS) will increase to five peak-day flights from December 7. Then, on December 19, Americans Miami to Cancun service will temporarily increase to six daily flights until January 6, 2025.

During the same period, flights from both Los Angeles (LAX) and Chicago OHare (ORD) to Los Cabos, Mexico (SJD) will increase to twice-daily services. Meanwhile, flights from Chicago to Nassau and Charlotte to Antigua (ANU) will increase to daily services from December 5.

Customers will have more reasons to choose American than everbeforefor nonstop fun in the sun this year, said Brian Znotins, Senior Vice President of Network and Schedule Planning at American Airlines. We are excited to continue growing our network to the region with more flights this winter to the Caribbean and Latin America than any other U.S. carrier ever.

According to American Airlines, this winters schedule will include 11 percent more departures and 10 percent more capacity than the 2023 winter schedule, which itself was record-breaking.

In total, the airline will offer over 2,350 peak weekly flights to more than 95 destinations across Latin America and the Caribbean this upcoming winter season.

Link:

American Airlines Boosts Service to Caribbean Destinations for Winter Travel - Business Traveler USA

Miami, Florida, May 14, 2024 (PAHO) -- Ministry of Health representatives from 24 Caribbean countries took part in a Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) workshop aimed at strengthening the use of risk communications and community engagement (RCCE), to manage and mitigate health emergencies and improve vaccine uptake.

RCCE is key for preparedness and response to public health emergencies, as it allows populations to make evidence- and science-based decisions to protect their lives and families when facing a threat, said Dr. Ciro Ugarte, Director of PAHO's Health Emergencies Department. This workshop has allowed Member States in the Caribbean to strengthen their capacity to use RCCE to cope with health emergencies, fortifying the areas of processes, mechanisms, and human resources in particular.

Participants included leads for communications and health promotion, functions that play a key role to prepare, respond and mitigate health emergencies. This workshop was a joint initiative of several PAHO entities: the Health Emergencies Department, the Comprehensive Immunizations Program, and the Caribbean Subregional Program Office. The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), and the World Health Organization (WHO) Risk Communication, Community Engagement and Infodemic Management Team (RCCE IM) also participated and supported this workshop.

During the three days, the participants engaged in several training methodologies, applying RCCE strategies to common health threats in the subregion, including climate-related emergencies such as storms, hurricanes, heatwaves, disease outbreaks, and crises generated by Events Supposedly Attributable to Vaccination or Immunization (ESAVI). Dr. Ljubica Latinovic from WHO HQ Health Emergencies Program, RCCE IM team, conducted an infodemic management exercise on how to use 6 steps to develop an infodemic insights report focused on the introduction of new vaccines, and presented the draft of a dengue RCCE readiness and response toolkit to country representatives; the aim was to test the utility of the proposed tools and generate input that will contribute to the finalization of the toolkit.

Other topics discussed included a review of the RCCE capacity in the context of International Health Regulations (2005), the use of RCCE strategies for mass gathering events; the latter session, which was led by CARPHA, was vital, considering that the Caribbean is preparing to receive fans of the Cricket World Cup in June 2024.

Participants were able to put what they learned about RCCE and crisis communication for immunization into practice through in-depth case studies and group work focusing on topics such as risk perception, pharmacovigilance and AEFI (Adverse event following immunization), collaborating with partners, and building social listening strategy for the introduction of a new vaccine and managing mis- and disinformation.

During his opening remarks, Mr. Dean Chambliss, PAHO Subregional Program Director for the Caribbean, highlighted the rising importance of RCCE for health emergencies in the subregion: The Caribbean faces unique vulnerability, which requires robust RCCE to safeguard both our local communities and our visitors. Climate change and its impact on health and livelihoods are especially concerning. Extreme weather events can cause respiratory illnesses, exacerbate cardiovascular and non-communicable diseases, increase water and vector-borne diseases, and impact mental health. Additionally, the region's dependence on a tourism-driven economy exposes the Caribbean people to heightened risks, including communicable diseases, which can be precipitated by large gatherings and international travel such as the upcoming ICC T20 Cricket World Cup.

Dr Mark Sami, Director, Corporate Services at CARPHA, emphasized that health communicators contribute to life saving work. A work that is by no means easy, because there can be so many challenges to effective health communication. In spite of these challenges, communications specialists offer valuable and sound guidance, so that public health officials can provide the right messages that are accurate and verifiable, at the right time, from the right people. CARPHA acknowledges that under the International Health Regulations, risk communication is one of eight core capacities, and we fully support the Pan American Health Organization, PAHO, in facilitating this capacity building workshop geared at improving the Caribbean regions risk communication and community engagement or RCCE skills, he noted.

The Caribbean workshop is part of a series of training sessions that PAHO has hosted since March 2023 for each of its subregions as an interprogrammatic effort to act on one of the most important lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic: the need to strengthen the RCCE capacity of Ministries of Health using a multi-hazard approach that highlights risk communications as key for health emergency preparedness and response. The workshop was also an opportunity to present the new virtual course on Risk Communications and Community Engagement for Health Emergencies, a self-paced 7-module theoretical course that is available in PAHOs Virtual Campus for Public Health.

This workshop, as well as the previous Risk Communications and Community Engagement subregional workshops for Central America and South America (2023), and the development of the online course on RCCE for health emergencies in English and Spanish, have been possible thanks to the contribution of Global Affairs Canada.

This activity was also possible thanks to the EU/CARIFORUM Climate Change and Health Project, Strengthening Climate Resilient Health Systems in the Caribbean

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Caribbean communicators and health promoters participate in PAHO-led workshop on Risk Communications and ... - Pan American Health Organization