Category Archives: Caribbean

From contactless paymentsto self-driving carsto the race to space, technology is advancing at a rapid pace. Businesses and economies around the world are moving swiftly along with it, and several Caribbean companies have joined the dash.

Kyle Maloneyco-founder of regional tech ecosystem, Tech Beach Retreatanticipates that new industries will be birthed that can significantly change the economic trajectory of the region.

He foresees large corporations playing a key role in such advancements as a lot of resources sit in the hands of our region's executives capital, networks, and access. Having these players invest in closing the digital divide will only seek to yield tremendous benefits for all involved.

With these entities stepping up to the plate, Tech Beach believes it is important to highlight the work being done across the region. As a part of its continued efforts to facilitate constructive conversations around the topic of innovation, Tech Beach engaged executives from some of the Caribbeans largest enterprises to share their perspectives on how technology will impact the regions future. Heres what they had to say.

Stephen Price vice president and general manager, Flow Jamaica

A leader in the telecommunications industry, Stephen Prices vantage point over technologys impact on the Caribbeans future is wide.

Digital innovations are reshaping our society, economy and industries, and disrupting the way businesses operate, Price says. To stay relevant in this era of techno-economic change, Price advises all businesses to consider industry innovative practices and trends.

Among the innovations the region will see in the future, he says, are digital payments, artificial intelligence, robotics and automation, blockchain and cybersecurity, as well as digital currency and mobile wallets. He acknowledges that some Caribbean countries are already using these technologies, but theyre likely to be more widely adopted throughout the region in the near future.

To facilitate widespread adoption of digital solutions, the Flow Foundation has several digital education initiatives that provide support to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Price encourages every business, regardless of size, to implement digital solutions to better facilitate the needs of its customers and increase its economic viability. And he emphasises that all companies should engage e-commerce platforms, which can expand their customer base with the ease of access to online platforms for potential customers.

Karrian Hepburn Malcolm vice president, sales and service, Unit Trust Corporation

As a leader in Unit Trust Corporations (UTC) Sales and Customer Service departments, Karrian Hepburn Malcolm envisions a highly digital future for financial transactions in the Caribbean. I expect to see tech- based changes and innovations emerging in the Caribbean in the near future concerning payments such asmobile wallets, digital currencies. Financial planning and advice will utilise artificial intelligence, robo-advising and e-trading platforms. Similarly insurance will use artificial intelligence to guide risk pricing and contracts. Malcolm also anticipates that businesses and individuals will rely heavily on non-traditional channels such as crowdfunding and an evolved credit scoring system to raise funds.

Emphasising the need to focus on tech education and foster a healthy ecosystem where innovation and adoption of new technologies can thrive, Malcolm advises that every Caribbean business should adopt the use of a website and e-payments system.

Malcolm notes that UTC has made significant upgrades to its digital strategy, including the introduction of a Digital Strategy Unit, to ensure our customers receive a real-time, accessible and user-friendly digital experience.

UTC is also contributing to driving innovation in Trinidad and Tobago by investing in local tech-based start-ups through initiatives such as URPRENEUR, Scale Up Trinidad and Tobago, and Enterprise Suite, along with partnerships with TechBeach, Wipay, The University of the West Indies, the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Commerce and the American Chamber of Commerce of Trinidad and Tobago.

Julie Avey Senior Vice President, People and Innovation, Massy Group

In her role heading the Massy Groups People and Innovation department, Julie Avey empowers Massys team from nurturing and supporting the companys leaders, to overseeing the wider teams health, wellness and financial benefits through the Human Resource department. As the co-founder of Nudge, a social enterprise developed in partnership with Anya Ayoung Chee and powered by Massy, she supports entrepreneurs across the region.

At the most basic level, Aveys work is in the empowerment of people and, as such, her vision for the Caribbeans future in a technology-driven world is one where we embrace our people and our culture.

She foresees the development of innovations that are more human-centric and embrace our creativity and joy, adding that though we are adopting such practices from other countries, the Caribbean should do more that suits our culture and humanity. Referencing Bob Marleys hit One Love and the elation that radiates from Trinidad and Tobagos Carnival, she believes that, marrying tech and our humanity is an opportunity.

Avey distinguishes between tech migrants [who] like me are born before 1985 and are in positions of power, and tech natives [who] have the answers with regard to tech. She urges tech migrants to responsibly release control and support the tech natives so that we can evolve as a region.

Nadeen Matthews Blair Chief Digital & Marketing Officer, National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited

Nadeen Matthews Blair

NCBs Chief Digital & Marketing Officer, Nadeen Matthews Blair, has served as a driving force behind the NCB Groups thrust to digitally transform its business.

As the bank strives to enhance its customer experience and competitively position itself amidst the ongoing digital disruption of the financial services industry, Matthews Blair and her team seek to create a platform that will allow NCB to provide financial solutions that empower our customers and help them to unlock their dreams.

Matthews Blair anticipates that the region will experience an intensified focus on tech-based solutions for pain points such as payments and money transfers. In addition, she encourages businesses to interrogate any process that relies on paper, cash or takes more than a few minutes for their customers. There you will find the opportunities to begin digitally transforming your micro and small enterprises which can start with open source and free digital tools.

As it seeks to accelerate the pace of its digital transformation, NCB has created a fully digital start-up TFOB(2021) Limited under the leadership of CEO Vernon James and will launch Lynk, its first digital financial services solution, later this year.NCB will also be the first financial institution in Jamaica to make the Central Bank Digital Currency accessible to its customers. Additionally, the NCB Foundation, of which Matthews Blair is the CEO, intends to focus on initiatives that expand the pool of digital producers, such as software developers, data scientists, and robotics engineers, in the region through scholarships and grantsand supporting boot camps and skills development programmes for primary and secondary school students.

Noting her companys track record of working with younger innovative tech companies, Matthews Blair sees it as critically important to begin nurturing an interest in tech amongst the regions youths and she wants to begin investing in developing these capabilities as early as primary school.

Theres no denying that the future of Caribbean industry lies in digital innovation and these executives and their companies are leading the charge. Moreover, they have identified the need to harness the potential that exists within small and medium enterprises in order to capitalise on existing synergies and build a strong future for the region.

By Serah Acham

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Execs share their vision for the future of tech in the Caribbean | Loop Jamaica - Loop News Jamaica

The Mahatmas practice of non-violence and opposition to indentureship are highly respected in Trinidad and Tobago

One of the suggestions that the Mayor of San Fernando, Junia Regrello, made when I visited him in 2020 was the renovation of the statue of Mahatma Gandhi and its pedestal on the Harris promenade, named after Lord George Francis Robert Harris, one of the progressive Governors from 1846 to 1854. Those were the years of emancipation and the induction of Indian indentured labourers to Trinidad. His son George Robert Canning Harris, the fourth Lord Harris, was a leading English cricketer from 1870 to 1911.

The promenade is house also to the memorial pillar of Eric Williams, the first Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago; busts of Simon Bolivar and Rodney Wilkes, legendary Trinidadian weightlifter; and a statue of Marcus Mosiah Garvey, a pan-African nationalist hero.

Later, I learned from the Gandhi Seva Sangh, the local organisation which has taken up the responsibility of the upkeep of the statue, that in February 1950, the Gandhi Statue Committee was formed in San Fernando to erect the figure. The committee had requested Professor Satya Narayan Shastri, the then Commissioner of India to the British West Indies and British Guyana based in Port of Spain, to approach the Government of India to source one.

According to The Indian Daily Mail report of July 30, 1951, sculptor Nagesh Yawalkara was commissioned to do a life-size bronze of Mahatma Gandhi. The entire cost of the statue and the transport charges had been contributed by the Indian community living in Trinidad and Tobago. The then Bombay Mayor, S.K. Patil, had approved the mould of the statue at Yawalkars studio on July 26, 1951. This was the first statue of the Mahatma in the Caribbean.

In prominence at Kew Place on Phillip Street at the Mahatma Gandhi square in Port of Spain is a second bronze of Mahatma Gandhi, which was installed in October 1988. This statue, sculpted by Balkishan Guru, was gifted by a noted jurist of Indian origin, Ramdeo Sampat Mehta. The sculptors father was born in Trinidad. Every year, on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, the Mayor of Port of Spain joins the High Commissioner of India in garlanding this statue.

A third interesting abode of Gandhiji is in Gandhi village near the southern town of Debe. The village carries a unique indenture history. It was called Cooliewood in colonial Trinidad since most residents were indentured labourers from India. Most families were Hindus, and a few were Muslims. However, in 1958, Eric Williams, during a visit, renamed the village Gandhi village. Williams subsequently became the first Prime Minister of independent Trinidad and Tobago. In 2003, the villagers installed a bust of Gandhiji, donated by the Government of India.

Gandhiji is also present in the National Council for Indian Culture (NCIC) in the Diwali Nagar complex and the office compound of the Mayor of Chaguanas. Established in 1986, the NCIC is the principal organisation for developing and promoting Indian culture in Trinidad and Tobago. Chaguanas is the largest and fastest-growing municipality in the country. In addition, two streets that bear Gandhijis name are the Gandhi Streets of Victoria county in San Fernando and Tunapuna in Caroni county.

The Indian culture centre in Trinidad and Tobago is named after Gandhiji. On October 2, 2020, on the culmination of his 150th birth centenary celebration, the Government of India unveiled a bust of Gandhiji at the newly constructed Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Cultural Cooperation in Mount Hope. The foundation stone of the complex, built on five acres of land, was laid by then Prime Minister of India Atal Bihari Vajpayee and then Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Basudeo Pandey in 1999. Earlier, the Indian culture centre was operating out of a rented premise.

Trinbagonians love Gandhiji. They have a deep appreciation of Indias freedom struggle and democratic values and the Gandhian ideals of truth, non-violence and peace. Gandhijis non-violent method of work and his opposition to indentureship are highly respected. In December 1915, at the 30th Indian National Congress session held in Bombay, he decried the system and urged for its abolition. Eventually, the practice ended in 1917. Though Gandhiji never visited Trinidad personally, he had sent his emissary C. F. Andrews in 1930, to study the Caribbean situation and listen to the indentured labourers plight.

(The author is the Indian

High Commissioner

to Trinidad and Tobago)

arun.sahu68@gmail.com

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Gandhiji in the Caribbean - The Hindu

Latin America and the Caribbean is the deadliest region for environmental defenders, a violent record that has global repercussions.

Why it matters: The region has several of the most biodiverse areas of the planet, but they are constantly threatened by logging, mining or aquifer overexploitation.

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Razing those areas has worldwide consequences, such as accelerating global warming when it is already alarmingly high.

In many cases, civilian activists are the only ones standing against harmful projects in their communities.

Latin America has been a flashpoint for several years, but attacks increased to their worst number on record in 2020.

By the numbers: Of the 227 killings tallied globally by Global Witness, 165 occurred in Latin American countries. That is 72%, or almost 3 out of 4.

Colombia had the highest toll, with 65 lethal attacks, followed by Mexico with 30 killings and Brazil with 20.

Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua had the fifth, seventh and eighth highest environmental activist death tolls in the world.

Global Witness also stresses that many attacks these activists face, like death threats or sexual violence, go unreported.

State of play: Most of the cases also go unpunished, begetting further violence, as corruption in criminal justice systems too often shields governments and businesses responsible for these murders, UN Special Rapporteur Mary Lawlor tells AP.

A notable exception is the 2016 murder of Honduran Berta Cceres, a member of the Lenca Indigenous community, who was shot dead because of her protests against a hydroelectric dam.

Her family pushed tirelessly for justice in the country with the highest levels of impunity in the Americas.

Cceres' killers were sentenced in 2019 to 50 years in prison, while the U.S. trained intelligence officer who hired them was convicted this past summer.

What theyre saying: The people killed each year defending their local places are also defending our shared planet in particular our climate, American environmentalist Bill McKibben writes in the Global Witness report. The work of those activists safeguard[s] all of us from incessant temperature increases.

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Latin America and the Caribbean is the deadliest region for environmental defenders - Yahoo News

Anguilla is an island thats all about the experience.

Its an island for getting out to the beaches; about exploring; about savoring the gastronomic wonders.

And that means when youre looking for a resort, particularly for a family, you want one that emphasizes that sense of discovery while also understanding the luxuries that matter most.

Thats where the islands newest resort comes in.

Its called Tranquility Beach, a residential resort set on the heart of Meads Bay Beach.

And unlike most of its competitors, its residential meaning you get the best of both worlds: luxury and comfort, with sparkling full kitchens perfect for utilizing the best of the islands sourcing and produce.

Its something more and more travelers are looking for right now amid the age of the pandemic, where you can get out and explore but also stay in and cook if you want to.

And for families, well, thats everything because the most important thing you want when youre traveling with kids is this: space.

And while you get all the space you need, its in an intimate, boutique resort style, with a mix of just 15 units ranging from one to three bedrooms.

We stayed in the latter, which came with an expansive private outdoor balcony with its own outdoor hot tub.

The room layouts were spacious, with room for a family of two adults and three little ones; thats along with an in-unit laundry, perfect for the kind of long-term stays Anguilla is made for.

The service was terrific copmprehensive without being in your face; but it was the privacy that was remarkable.

Even on one of Anguillas most popular beaches, you feel like you have the whole beach to yourself; theres no worry about reserving a beach chair first thing in the morning.

Its eminently family friendly one that doesnt just make it enjoyable for your kids, but makes it easier for you.

We got into a lovely ritual; if we didnt eat in, wed easily make our way to great meals at eateries like Ember, Straw Hat; Blanchards; Veya; Sharkys.

They all welcomed kids, and we didnt find a bad meal between them a decided trend on this culinary-focused island.

And Tranquility Beach was both the perfect jumping off point for an island that begs for discovery and also the perfect place for returning home and doing nothing at all.

Anguilla is just hard enough to get to that its wonderfully off the beaten path.

And for a family with kids, Tranquility Beach is, simply, the perfect place to stay, a luxury resort that understands the most important luxuries of all.

For more, visit Tranquility Beach.

CJ

See the article here:

Why This Is the Best Family Resort in Anguilla Caribbean Journal - Caribbean Journal

It doesnt take much to convince many travelers that island life is where relaxation and paradise await. Arubas location out of the traditional hurricane path along with its Dutch heritage make it an interesting, year-round island to explore.

The Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino is an excellent place to base your island adventure. In fact, this was the first beachfront hotel to open in the area back in 1959, and it is regularly credited for being the birthplace of the islands luxury tourism industry. Today, a recent renovation and the ideal beach location make this a hot spot for vacationers looking for fun in the sun. Here are five of the best reasons to visit the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino.

The beach

Positioned in the heart of Palm Beach, this resort enjoys picture-perfect sunsets and all-day aquamarine waters. Lined with thatch-roofed palapas, the waterfront is an enviable stretch of sand with plenty of places to sit in the sand and relax. Among the newest amenities at the resort are the new beach power palapas that are perfect for those doing remote work in Aruba. They come with power and USB outlets plus laptop cooling pads, which mean you can work all day by the beach without concern. Drinks and food are available at any time. To request service, flip a special marker from red to green, and a server will appear.

Facing the beach is the resorts 24-hour fitness center as well as a meandering sidewalk that stretches all the way the length of this section of coastline for those interested in jogging al fresco. Just in front of the resort is a pier with a popular bar and several shops. Also nearby is where many of the motorized watersport activities start their journey, which means that Hilton guests have an edge when compared to guests at other hotels.

The food

There are so many options for dining at the resort, not to mention in the area including just across the street. For those that want to stay put, there is plenty of variety. Laguna starts off the day with an impressive breakfast spread including shredded beef arepas, Belgian waffles and a steak and eggs platter. What really gets people in the mood is its bottomless flutes of champagne or mimosa breakfast. For dinner, Sunset Grille is the signature steakhouse serving top-shelf cuts of meat with all shareable side dishes like Gouda cheese fritters and marinated mushrooms. Vegetarians and pescatarians will do just fine at Sunset Grille, too.

During the day, guests can tipple at the lobby lounge bar (dont miss the signature cocktail or daily happy hour special). Live music often entertains. There is also a poolside grille and bar with the option to dine in your lounge chair or in the seafood restaurant facing the beach. Try the shrimp ceviche (theres also a tofu option) or the grain bowls that come with any type of protein you desire and fresh avocado. There are sandwiches, burgers and salads on offer as well. Families will love the lobby grab-and-go market selling a variety of breakfast and lunch salads, freshly made quinoa bowls and salads, ice cream, wine, beer, coffee and other sundries.

The most romantic of dining experiences, however, is reserved for only a handful of prized tables set up before sunset. Couples can clink glasses while watching the sun dip into the ocean before dining on a multi-course meal on linen-lined tables. With your toes in the sand, this is one of the most bespoke dining experiences on the whole beach.

The balconies

When famed hotel designer Morris Lapidus created the hotel in the late 1950s, the design was extremely special and permitted all of the rooms to enjoy at least a partial view of the ocean. The furnished balconies are positioned in such a way that people can see the bright blue ocean easily. As additional buildings were added to the resort, they followed the same design although these days, lower floors are more likely to have garden views. Definitely opt for a high floor for the best exposures although even the garden views survey swaying palm trees and can overhear either the crashing waves or lobby-level waterfalls.

Perhaps the best part of the balconies is that the complimentary wireless internet works well there, which means remote workers have no problem catching up on emails in the fresh air.

The pools

With two beautiful pools, there is plenty of place to relax. One has splashing fountains while the other hosts many of the daily wellness activities like pool aerobics, yoga or even movie nights in the pool. Poolside cabanas are another option to the beach palapas, and with Arubas traditional trade wind breeze, no one will ever get too hot while relaxing by the pool.

Dont miss the resorts resident birds that live just by the pool waterfalls. Guests can interact with them and their handlers, take photos or even follow their social media accounts to enjoy once they are home.

The history

This Hilton has an important reputation for locals since this was the first beachfront hotel to open in 1959 and is regularly credited for being the birthplace of the islands luxury tourism industry. Throughout the hotel, vintage photos detail the history of the property including the royalty and celebrities that have stayed here. Of particular note are photos of the hotel when its the only thing on the entire beach.

Originally opened as the Aruba Caribbean Hotel (it only became a Hilton by 2015), recent renovations here have refreshed the tropical look including colorful Aruban photographs in guest rooms and new furnishings around the property.

The resort is also the birthplace of the (extremely potent) Aruba Ariba cocktail, which you can sample in any of the bars. No matter what you do, taste or sip during a visit to this well-known hotel, expect friendly service and one of the most beautiful and practical beachfronts on the whole island.

Also read: The Best Things To Do In Aruba

Ramsey Qubein is a freelance travel journalist covering hotels, cruises, airlines, and loyalty programs from around the globe.

Link:

5 Reasons to Visit the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino - Pursuitist

Continued vaccination and recovery in Latin America and the Caribbean should be among top global priorities. Despite recent reduction in COVID-19 cases and deaths, the region remains a global hotspot with potential health and economic implications for the Western Hemisphere and beyond.

Why is health and prosperity in Latin America and the Caribbean strategically important for the international community? How can regional stakeholders boost vaccination and recovery progress through greater international cooperation? What should we expect in the coming months and years ahead?

Join the Atlantic Councils Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center onWednesday, September 22, from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. (ET), for our annual, high-level conference on the sideline of the United Nations General Assembly. This years event focuses on the role of the international community in supporting regional vaccination and recovery. This public discussion is also part of a larger campaign on the strategic importance of increasing vaccine access with Latin American and Caribbean countries and of the need to accelerate policy planning on advancing prosperity in light of the continued threat of COVID-19.

H.E. Epsy Campbell-BarrVice PresidentRepublic of Costa Rica

H.E. Carla VizzottiMinister of HealthRepublic of Argentina

H.E. Jos Manuel AlbaresMinister of Foreign AffairsSpain

Anabel GonzalezDeputy Director-GeneralWorld Trade Organization (WTO)

Carlos Felipe JaramilloVice President, Latin America and the CaribbeanWorld Bank

Russell ContrerasReporter; Co-author of Axios Latino NewsletterAxios

Jason MarczakDirector, Adrienne Arsht Latin America CenterAtlantic Council

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Latin America and the Caribbean's recovery: A global priority - Atlantic Council

KEY FIGURES

77K APPLICATIONS FOR PROTECTION IN MEXICO SO FAR IN 2021

REGIONAL: MIGRANTS & REFUGEES

CENTRAL AMERICA & MEXICO

Mexican authorities dispersed a caravan of about 800 migrants, comprised mainly of people from Central America, Haiti, Venezuela and Cuba, that set out from the city of Tapachula in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas on the Guatemalan border, the fourth such caravan dispersed in just over a week.

Mexicos migration and asylum systems are dealing with increased immigration through their southern border and the United States sending thousands detained at the US-Mexico border back to Mexico. The Mexican Comission for Refugee Assistance (COMAR) has fielded more than 77,000 applications for protection so far in 2021, with 55,000 coming in Tapachula, where shelters are full and protests over delayed processing times are growing.

PANAMA

The rising number of migrants entering from Colombia through the dangerous Darien jungle area in eastern Panama is leading to a corresponding rise in violence and sexual assault. Officials say they have received as many as 170 reports of rape from migrants in the last two months, adding that the real number of incidents is likely higher. Mdecins Sans Frontires (MSF) and the Ministry of Health are on the ground in the province of Darien, providing medical attention and psychosocial support. Panamas Attorney Generals Office indicate they are setting up a special prosecutor's office in Darien to respond to the high number of reports of violence against the migrants.

So far in 2021, Panama has recorded more than 42,000 migrants entering through Darien, just over a quarter of all the migrants recorded since 2009. Per authorities in Colombia, there are about 14,000 migrants in the northern border community of Necocl in the department of Antioquia who are awaiting entry into Panama, who are only allowing the entry of 500 migrants a day.

KEY FIGURES

1M HECTARES OF LAND IN SANTA CRUZ, BOLIVIA, BURNED BY WILDFIRES

REGIONAL: NATURAL HAZARDS

MEXICO: EARTHQUAKE

Per Mexicos seismological service, a 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck the city of Acapulco in the southern state of Guerrero on 7 September. The quake, with a shallow depth of 12 km, was felt across Guerrero, as well as the states of Oaxaca, Mexico State, Morelos and the capital of Mexico City.

Preliminary damage reports indicate minor damage and interruptions to power and communications networks, mostly in Guerrero and Mexico City. Guerrero authorities report 1 death.

BOLIVIA: WILDFIRES

Per Bolivias Forest Fire Early Warning System (SATIF), fires have consumed more than 1 million hectares in the eastern department of Santa Cruz, up from the 600,000 hectares reported the week of 20-26 August. There are currently 15 active fires in the department.

Authorities say there are about 400 people responding to the various fires. The Government has dispatched about 12.6 tons of relief supplies for distribution among 4,700 affected families in eight affected municipalities.

Excerpt from:

Latin America & The Caribbean Weekly Situation Update (6-12 September 2021) As of 13 September 2021 - Mexico - ReliefWeb

Royal Caribbean is giving guests an additional three months of cruises to choose from when using their future cruise credit.

The Cruise with Confidence program allows anyone booked on a Royal Caribbean cruise to cancel their sailing up to 48 hours before their sail date, and that credit can now be used for sailings departing by December 31, 2022. It was previously held to September 30, 2022.

Essentially, anyone with a future cruise credit can apply it to more sailings than before.

When a guest cancels their cruise past the final payment date, they can get a future cruise credit worth 100% of the cruise fare paid as long as they cancel at least 48 hours before the sail date.

The credit is valid to book by April 30th, 2022 and sail by December 31, 2022, or one year from the original sailing date, whichever is later.

As of now, theCruise with Confidence program is valid on any cruise booked before October 31, 2021.

Royal Caribbean has steadily extended the Cruise with Confidence program by pushing back the date at which sailings must be booked by.

It was originally introduced right before cruises began shutting down due to Covid-19 as a mechanism to give guests piece of mind they could change their plans after the final payment date.

Without theCruise with Confidence program, there would be a penalty if you cancelled a cruise after the final payment date.

The additional three months of cruises to choose from follows up on guest feedback that many RoyalCaribbeanBlog readers shared last month when Royal Caribbean extended the program without also extending when you could sail.

Sean McVeigh wrote, "They need to extend the date for cruise rebooking. There are so many of us at this point that have cancelled 5+ cruises and they take so long to get us the cruise credits we end up with more credits than we can use in a year."

Alan DeHaanwanted the same thing, "I have a small amount of FCC I'd love to put on my next cruise but that's next October. Just extend Rebooking."

With the new change, guests now have more cruises to choose from when applying their credits.

Excerpt from:

Royal Caribbean extends window of time to use future cruise credits through end of 2022 - Royal Caribbean Blog

Another Caribbean cruise port will reopen to cruise ships next week when Celebrity Equinox visits St. Kitts and Nevis.

Photo Credit: kayokayo via Wiki CC 3.0

On September 14, the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis will host 1,400 passengers on Celebrity Equinox at its Port Zante. The visit by Celebrity Equinox, which is part of its parent company Royal Caribbean Group, will mark the first call by the Royal Caribbean Group to the twin-island since the onset of the pandemic.

St. Kitts and Nevis remains in high demand as a renowned port for its exceptional tours complemented by an unmatched experience. The nation achieved the honorary Marquee Port status two cruise seasons in a row before the pandemic for reaching the one million passenger mark.

Sponsored Links

According to officials, St. Kitts and Nevis will create a bubble at Port Zante to resume cruise tourism in the country. These safety protocols involve having 95 percent of all crew onboard the vessel fully vaccinated according to the CDC guidelines and ensuring all guests over 12 years of age are fully vaccinated with a World Health Organisation or the US Food and Drug Administration approved vaccine. All individuals must also submit a negative PCR or Antigen test three days before the embarkation of the vessel at homeport at the beginning of the cruise.

Funded by the countrys Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme, Port Zante sees cruise ship visits from many cruise lines including Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, and P&O Cruises.

Minister Grant told CS Global Partners that revenue from CBIs Sustainable Growth Fund option has played a pivotal role in keeping the economy afloat during the pandemic through the Poverty Alleviation Programme and it has also aided the preparation to reopen the tourism sector safety. All signs point to a positive recovery of the economy in St Kitts and Nevis as global businesses begins to grow, he added.

St. Kitts and Nevis has the longest-standing CBI Programme in the industry, which has helped cultivate and improve the nations infrastructure development and social services. CBI funds generated through foreign investors also continue to finance healthcare, education and sports ventures on the islands.

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Another Caribbean Cruise Port Reopening to Cruise Ships Next Week - Cruise Fever

September 14 Caribbean Football Union (CFU) President Randy Harris has backed FIFAs plans for a biennial World Cup, arguing that it would offer more high-quality playing opportunities for his member associations.

In an interview with Jamaican newspaper The Gleaner, Harris, a heavyweight in the local football arena, said that in our region, we are not playing competitive football at the level of World Cup qualifying and trying to make it to the finals. We in the Caribbean, would support a World Cup every two years. The World Cup would bring an appeal to the players, officials and the general public that nothing else does.

Harris believes that a World Cup every two years would not be too detrimental to the continental tournaments. In FIFAs plans, those tournaments would either continue or also switch to a biennial cycle.

The truth is if we have it biennially there is more activity, especially in a region such as ours, said Harris.

I think people are a bit worried that the World Cup would take away from the confederations tournaments at this time. But I feel that a system can be worked out where we can all live in some harmony to make sure that the global game gets the exposure that it needs.

At FIFA Congress, the proposal for a biennial World Cup was motioned by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation and the membership duly voted for a feasibility to be conducted.

We just need to manage our time, saidJamaica Football Federation president Michael Ricketts at the time. I honestly think that it could work and we need to just from a national standpoint, play more football.

Harriss CFU represents an important voting block in the CONCACAF region as well as on the global stage, uniting 25 FIFA member nations as well as six territories that are not affiliated to the global governing body.

On Monday, Concacaf said in a statement that in its initial analysis it understood the merits of a World Cup every two years.

Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1631651692labto1631651692ofdlr1631651692owedi1631651692sni@i1631651692tnuk.1631651692ardni1631651692mas1631651692

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CFU boss Harris believes biennial WC would help a Caribbean that is failing to compete - Inside World Football