Category Archives: Caribbean

~Created with the Sandals Foundation to Celebrate Sandals' 40th Anniversary, Selected Projects Uplift Communities, Offer Voluntourism Opportunities for Guests~

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica, March 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- In partnership with its philanthropic arm, the not-for-profit Sandals Foundation, Sandals Resorts International (SRI) announces the full list of projects under its 40 for 40 Initiative. Launched as part of Sandals Resorts' 40th anniversary celebrations, 40 projects were identified across eight Caribbean destinations where SRI operates that best showcase the incredible link between tourism and its power to transform communities and improve local lives.

Sandals Resorts and the Sandals Foundations "40 for 40 Initiative" leverages the power of tourism to uplift local Caribbean communities.

The 40 for 40 Initiative projects were selected across six areas: preserving natural resources through Conservation Efforts and Tours; Investing in Food Security by supporting and working with local farmers; Hospitality Training and Certification aimed at ensuring ongoing excellence; maintenance of cultural heritage through Support of Local Artisans and Music Education & Entertainment; and bolstering local economies through Small Business and Community Market Support.

Across the Caribbean, SRI team members from Sandals Resorts, Beaches Resorts and the Sandals Foundation will be rolling up their sleeves to help bring these projects to life. Visiting guests can also support and participate in many of the activities taking place throughout the region.

"Tourism has the power to transform, not only the lives of the guests who immerse themselves in the charm and culture of the Caribbean while on vacation, but for our team members and neighbors who build their families' roots in the region," said Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman, Sandals Resorts International and President and Founder of the Sandals Foundation. "This is the important work we build on and celebrate today, as part of our relentless efforts to strengthen the transformative link between tourism and the empowerment of our local Caribbean communities."

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Conservation Efforts and Tours

Through the Sandals Foundation, SRI has made the environment a priority, investing millions in education and advocacy programs, establishing marine sanctuaries, out-planting more than 12,000 corals, and engaging over 55,000 people in conservation efforts. Now, the team will advance its efforts to protect the region's natural resources by expanding opportunities for marine conservation.

In honor of its late Founder, Chairman and philanthropic stalwart, Gordon "Butch" Stewart, the team has partnered with the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) to implement its 'Sea the Legacy of Love' Scholarship Program. The program will provide 40 Caribbean nationals across six islands with dive certifications from open water to master level. This, together with opportunities for guests to take part in activities such as coral out-planting in Jamaica and St. Lucia, will have a lasting impact on life below the surface.

Additional projects include supporting the Andromeda Gardens, a 6.5-acre botanical garden in Barbados created in the 1950s, and providing funding to assist in the recovery of sand dunes in Lucayan National Park in The Bahamas that were heavily impacted by invasive plants and storm surges.

Investing in Food Security

Together with the Sandals Foundation, SRI, which already sources over 90% of its food supply locally, is ramping up its investment in agriculture and the institutions training the next generation of producers. Various contributions will include equipment donation at the Agriculture Training College in Barbados, construction of hydroponics at Antigua's Gilbert Agricultural and Rural Development Centre, and establishing community composting practices on-resort. The Foundation will also support the Grenada Network of Rural Women Producers (GRENROP), a group of 65 local women and at-risk youth charting their financial independence through agriculture.

Small Business and Community Market Support

The Sandals Foundation is continuing to invest in local businesses like the Oistins Fish Fry in Barbados, where locals and visitors alike can meet with vendors and enjoy freshly prepared seafood. Guests at Sandals have the opportunity to embark on paid tours that directly support these vendors and their livelihoods.

With establishments such as these accounting for on average 30 percent of its island's global development product (GDP), the Sandals Foundation is committed to improving the welfare of operators as well as their earning potential by upgrading additional locales such as Cultural Market Place in Turks & Caicos and Pineapple Craft Market in Jamaica. The Sandals Foundation's community projects are highlighted on resort, inviting guests to support through donations.

Supporting Local Artisans

For years, guests of Sandals and Beaches Resorts have had access to locally made items at its retail shops, proceeds of which are reinvested into local community groups. The Sandals Foundation will expand its hugely successful Caribbean Artisan Program by training more crafts people across more islands including Curaao, St. Lucia, Bahamas and Turks & Caicos, providing more travelers the opportunity to take home a piece of the region. Sandals and Beaches Resorts guests can also look forward to meeting these craft men and women through pop-up shops on resort and seeing the magic unfold.

Music Education and Entertainment

From ska and calypso to Jamaica's iconic reggae and dancehall, the unmistakable soundtrack of the Caribbean keeps visitors coming back and locals moving forward. Together with international partners, high school and college music educators will be trained on key techniques to further develop the region's iconic sounds. Additionally, the 40 for 40 Initiative will culminate with a musical showcase that brings the magic of Caribbean music to Miami in order to help raise funds for continued growth of the region.

Hospitality Training and Certification

To ensure the continued training of future tourism industry players, the teams at SRI and the Sandals Foundation are supporting hospitality training and certification programs to strengthen vocational skills in the areas of food & beverage, health, beauty, and wellness. In Antigua, trainees can receive a health and beauty certification to gain skills for the fast growing wellness sector. In Exuma and New Providence, the Foundation will assist with year-long programs that supports commercial food preparation.

"We are very excited about these 40 projects of transformation and our role in helping realize the impact tourism makes in the Caribbean," said Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation. "Tourism touches almost every corner of local communities and we are fully appreciative of its ability to make a real difference. We are extremely grateful to every guest, team member, partner, travel advisor, donor and supporter who have volunteered or supported our work to improve literacy, healthcare, youth engagement and the many areas in which we focus. Together with our SRI teammates, we will continue to use the power of tourism to bring lasting change," said Clarke.

Celebrating its 13th anniversary on March 18th, since its inception in 2009, the Sandals Foundation has implemented projects and programs valued at nearly US $79 million, touching the lives of more than 1.1 million people.

For a complete list of 40 for 40 Initiative projects, visit: https://news.sandals.com/article/1629/.

For more information about the Sandals Foundation and to donate, visit: https://sandalsfoundation.org.

About Sandals Resorts International

Founded in 1981 by the late Jamaican entrepreneur Gordon "Butch" Stewart, Sandals Resorts International (SRI) is the parent company of some of travel's most recognizable vacation brands. The company operates 24 properties throughout the Caribbean under four separate brands including: Sandals Resorts, the Luxury Included brand for adult couples with locations in Jamaica, Antigua, the Bahamas, Grenada, Barbados, St. Lucia and a resort opening in Curaao; Beaches Resorts, the Luxury Included concept designed for everyone but especially families, with properties in Turks & Caicos and Jamaica, and another opening in St. Vincent and the Grenadines; private island Fowl Cay Resort; and the private homes of Your Jamaican Villas. The company's importance in the Caribbean basin, where tourism is the number one earner of foreign capital, cannot be underestimated. Family-owned and operated, Sandals Resorts International is the largest private employer in the region.

Sandals Foundation:

The Sandals Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was created to continue and to expand upon the philanthropic work that Sandals Resorts International has undertaken. It is the culmination of close to four decades of dedication to playing a meaningful role in the lives of the communities where we operate across the Caribbean. The Sandals Foundation funds projects in three core areas: education, community and the environment. One hundred percent of the monies contributed by the general public to the Sandals Foundation go directly to programs benefiting the Caribbean community. To learn more about the Sandals Foundation, visit online at http://www.sandalsfoundation.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Contact:The Decker/Royal Agencysandals@deckerroyal.com

Cision

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WHERE THE POWER OF TOURISM MEETS LOCAL CARIBBEAN COMMUNITIES: SANDALS RESORTS ANNOUNCES '40 FOR 40 INITIATIVE' PROJECTS - Yahoo Finance

Jamaica, 17 March 2022 - The low rate of vaccination against COVID-19 in the Caribbean must be addressed through building confidence among the population as well as responding to the inequity of vaccine access, says the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

Building this confidence is a key factor in promoting universal vaccination and therefore fostering socio-economic recovery in the Caribbean, where only 40 per cent of the population counts with a complete scheme of vaccination, in comparison with 68 per cent in South America and 60 per cent in Central America. In the Americas region more than 1.7 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered.

Diana Medina, IFRC Engagement and Accountability regional manager said:

Countries in the Caribbean are not just facing difficulties in their capacity to ensure that the vaccine makes it from the airport tarmac into the arms of the most vulnerable. People are avoiding getting vaccinated due to lack of confidence in the vaccine, difficulties accessing information and mistrust in certain sources. To ensure that everyone gets vaccinated it is key to strengthen community-centred dialogue, identify trust issues and address peoples doubts, concerns, and fears.

A combination of different factors affects the progress of the vaccination efforts: the geographic spread of the islands and poor condition of roads make it difficult to access hard-to-reach communities, leaving them unprotected and uninformed. The burden on health institutions is significant, with the undertaking of large-scale risk and awareness campaigns a challenge. In some communities there is also a lack of trust in information providers and vaccine efficiency.

A new report by the IFRC on perceptions around COVID-19, carried out in nine countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, reveals that some vulnerable populations such as migrants, indigenous communities, and host communities face constraints in accessing vaccination services, lack trust in their local authorities or decision makers, and are reluctant to get inoculated due to fear of side effects and concerns over safety.

Abdul Nasir Khan, IFRC Operations Coordinator for the Dutch and English-speaking Caribbean, added:

Thanks to the Red Cross historical relationship with communities in the field, we have identified that people rely mostly on information from health care providers, humanitarian workers, and local leaders, however, they remain sceptical of information from official sources. It requires an imperative joint effort from all parties to deliver trusted and adapted information to communities through accessible and comprehensive risk communication, in parallel with active vaccination activities.

Since the onset of COVID-19 vaccination campaigns, the Red Cross has supported almost 4,000 people in getting vaccinated against COVID-19 and provided communications addressing vaccine hesitancy to more than 650,000 people in the Caribbean. The personnel are assisting health authorities vaccinating people and implementing sensitization activities of risk communications adapted to communities' perceptions and contexts, through local awareness on house-to-house visits, walkabouts, public transportation and by setting information booths in public spaces. The Red Cross has also communicated key information to large cross-sections of the population through electronic billboards, television, radio, and digital videos.

In 2022, local Red Cross teams will continue to work as auxiliaries to the authorities, promoting equitable access to vaccines and socio-economic recovery to the most vulnerable, implementing activities to build vaccine confidence and placing communities at the centre of its actions through locally led humanitarian support.

Office for the Caribbean Region: Trevesa DaSilva, +1 876 818 8575, [emailprotected]

Americas regional Office in Panama:David Quijano, +57 310 559 2559, [emailprotected] / Susana Arroyo, [emailprotected]

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IFRC urges countries in the Caribbean to build vaccine confidence in communities - International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

News

Thursday, March 17th 2022, 2:32 PM CDT

Thursday, March 17th 2022, 2:32 PM CDT

Yamil Lage/AFP/Getty Images

If you're planning to travel to the islands of the Caribbean, here are some resources to help you plan your trip during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Each of them has its own rules, subject to frequent change. Some may allow only fully vaccinated visitors to enter. Others might ask for a pre-travel Covid test.

Here's a roundup of 10 popular Caribbean destinations with links that provide the latest information on Covid-19 measures and entry requirements:

What's on offer: Days are usually dry and sunny. Arikok National Park features caves, desert landscapes and giant lizards. Wide beaches bordering clear jade water are the big draw.

US CDC travel advisory: Level 4 (very high). Avoid travel to Aruba.

What's on offer: The chain has 700 islands -- from the hustle and funky beats of the capital city, Nassau, on New Providence, to the peaceful beaches on many less-visited islands. You can swim with pigs or dive with sharks.

US CDC travel advisory: Level 3 (high). Be up to date with vaccines before going to the Bahamas.

What's on offer: Golf, history and architecture get visitors beyond the beach on the most easterly island in the Caribbean. Rum distilleries offer tours and the local cuisine -- a blend of African, Indian, Irish, British and Creole flavors -- will soak up the spirit.

US CDC travel advisory: Level 4 (very high). Avoid travel to Barbados.

US CDC travel advisory: Level 4: Very high. Avoid travel to Curaao.

US CDC travel advisory: Level 3 (high). Be up to date with vaccines before going to the Dominican Republic.

What's on offer: Gorgeous, white-sand beaches in this French island chain are just the start. The National Park of Guadeloupe offers more than 74,100 acres of rainforest to explore. Music ensembles practice for Carnival by playing a variety of traditional music styles year-round in villages. French Crole specialties such as red snapper delight diners.

US CDC travel advisory: Level 4 (very high). Avoid travel to Guadeloupe.

US CDC travel advisory: Level 3 (high). Be up to date with vaccines before going to Jamaica.

US CDC travel advisory: The CDC does not include the United States in its list of advisories, but it was color-coded at Level 4 on March 17 on the agency's map of travel risk levels.

What's on offer: This British overseas territory -- northeast of Cuba and southeast of the Bahamas -- is known for its coral reefs, ripsaw music and a low-key vibe. Whale watching, snorkeling and a range of other outdoor activities pair well with the islands' natural aquatic beauty.

US CDC travel advisory: Level 3 (high). Be up to date on vaccines before visiting Turks and Caicos.

What's on offer: Fine dining, scuba diving and golfing draw visitors to St. Croix. The pristine beaches of undeveloped St. John make it a favorite place to relax. Boating and duty-free shopping are big draws in lively St. Thomas.

US CDC travel advisory: The CDC does not include the United States in its list of advisories, but it was color-coded at Level 4 on March 17 on the agency's map of travel risk levels.

The-CNN-Wire & 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.

CNN's Forrest Brown and Marnie Hunter contributed to this report.

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Travel to the Caribbean during Covid-19: Resources for your trip - KAKE

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.

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"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