News : International : Caribbean News
CHTA wants better U.S.-Cuba Relations - Jun 23, 2017 - 11:32:42 AM

The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) regrets the recent U.S. reversal of its travel policies on Cuba and the likely effects on the socio-economic development of Cuba and the wider Caribbean region. The Association continues to support the ending of the U.S.-Cuba embargo and its restrictions on trade and travel, and encourages Cuba's active engagement in regional economic development. CHTA concludes that the announced policy changes could stall or altogether reverse the heartening progress made in recent years.

If restrictions are indeed re-imposed, the Association expects adverse effects for U.S. businesses - not only for import-export companies, but also for the U.S.-based travel-related businesses that have made considerable investments in Cuba since normalization began - and lost opportunities for those U.S. companies considering doing business there...

News : International : Caribbean News
ECADE welcomes new IACHR commissioners notes Caribbean States’ reservations on human rights - Jun 23, 2017 - 9:22:58 AM

On the heels of the 47th General Assembly of the Organisation of American Sates (OAS), the Eastern Caribbean Alliance for Diversity and Equality Inc. (ECADE) welcomes several positive decisions coming out of the meeting. ECADE notes however, reservations expressed by eastern Caribbean governments in respect of the Resolution on the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights. The 2017 assembly was hosted in Cancun, Mexico from June 19 - 21, 2017.

Of note is the adoption of the omnibus Resolution on the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights; the election of three new commissioners to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR); and the decision to double the regular funds assigned to the IACHR and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and the Inter-American Commission on women...

News : International : Caribbean News
Bahamas' Robinson-Blair bags CTO Travel Media Award in first NY trip - Jun 16, 2017 - 2:09:35 AM

The sights and sounds of New York were captivating but local writer, Tosheena Robinson-Blair had other things on her mind.

The Dupuch Publications' journalist made the most out of her first trip to the Big Apple where she attended the Caribbean Tourism Industry Awards Luncheon honoring excellence in travel journalism for American and Caribbean writers.

Ms Robinson-Blair won the "No Anansi Story! Award." The category recognizes the best feature article submitted by a Caribbean-based journalist that appeared in a Caribbean-based media...

News : Bahamas Information Services Updates
CARICOM, Korea formalize decade-old friendship - Jun 15, 2017 - 2:15:53 PM

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Republic of Korea earlier today formalized a decade-old friendship with the accreditation of the first non-permanent Plenipotentiary Representative of the East Asian country to CARICOM.

Deputy Secretary-General of CARICOM, Ambassador Manorma Soeknandan accepted the Letter of Credence from H.E. Mr. Ki-Mo Lim in a simple ceremony at the Headquarters of the CARICOM Secretariat on Tuesday 13 June, 2017.
 
She said CARICOM welcomed and celebrated this formal step towards a more institutionalized partnership and enduring relationship with Korea...

News : International : Caribbean News
Caribbean and other mayors to meet at US conference - Jun 14, 2017 - 11:59:53 PM

Miami Beach will welcome the US Conference of Mayors (USCM) June 23-26, a highly anticipated gathering of mayors from around the country. Miami Beach previously hosted USCM in 1962 and is thrilled to have the annual conference return to the city to welcome mayors from the US, Latin America and the Caribbean to “meet us at the beach,” showcasing the destination’s diverse venues and hotels, gourmet dining scene, and an unparalleled lineup of arts and multi-cultural heritage.

The annual summer meeting brings together more than 250 mayors from across the country to discuss a wide range of issues and hear from guest speakers that have included the President and congressional leaders...

News : International : Caribbean News
Landmark St Kits and Nevis youth policy to swing open doors of opportunity - Jun 14, 2017 - 4:35:23 PM

A new federal youth policy in St Kitts and Nevis will give young people greater access to education, employment and entrepreneurship opportunities. That’s according to Pauline Campbell, Head of the Commonwealth Technical Assistance Unit.

Her comments come after the country’s government announced it had finalised the policy and is preparing to take it to Cabinet. Created to improve the prospects of young people in the twin island Caribbean nation, the policy was drafted with support from UNESCO and Commonwealth Secretariat-funded youth expert Dwynette Eversley...

News : International : Caribbean News
UB students finish second in Caribbean Student Colloquium - Jun 13, 2017 - 10:33:18 AM

Bahamian students were among the rising stars at this year’s Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Students Colloquium in New York. A team of four University of The Bahamas (UB) students placed second in the annual competition with their plan to make The Bahamas a “smart” tourism destination.

Keri Cartwright, Kendall Sands, Ianta Stubbs and Khadija Young received high marks from the judges for their 12-minute energetic presentation on an innovative smart tourism initiative that will enhance the visitor experience and positively benefit the economy. The team creatively presented a business plan for a mobile app that would allow visitors to get connected to Bahamian culture while exploring The Bahamas...

News : International : Caribbean News
CARICOM Consumers can now transmit complaints live on-line - Jun 12, 2017 - 7:10:43 PM

Caribbean Community (CARICOM) consumers now have access to the CARREX Online Electronic Platform and the live public portal for providing alerts on dangerous non-foods consumer goods on the markets in all fifteen CARICOM Member States. The platform which went live recently can be accessed via www.carrex.caricom.org

Registered National Contact Points (NCPs) and their alternates, national authorities and economic operators, will be able to transmit notifications on this IT platform. It was developed with assistance under the 10th European Development Fund (EDF) CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) Economic Integration Programme...

News : International : Caribbean News
Caribbean Regulatory System recommends its first generic drugs for sale in the region - Jun 12, 2017 - 1:52:01 PM

Four essential generic medicines for HIV treatment were assessed and recommended for sale in May by the Caribbean Regulatory System in one of its first actions advising  governments on medicines regulation in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

The Caribbean Public Health Agency/Caribbean Regulatory System (CARPHA/CRS) recommended manufacturer versions of four products, including Emtricitibine/Tenofovir and Tenofovir tablets, used in the treatment of HIV.

News : International : Caribbean News
Caribbean Tourism Organization signs MOU with Travel Foundation - Jun 12, 2017 - 1:31:53 PM

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Travel Foundation (TF) to formally establish a framework of cooperation and facilitate collaboration between the organizations in areas of common interest to contribute to sustainable tourism development in the Caribbean Region. The MOU was signed on Thursday, June 8, during a CTO press conference held during Caribbean Week New York.
 
TF, the international charity that works with destinations and leading organizations to improve the impacts of tourism on people and the environment, and CTO will facilitate the joint implementation of projects and publications, the organization of workshops, seminars, meetings, conferences, and other initiatives on matters of common interest...

News : International : Caribbean News
Min. Dionisio D'Aguilar announced as New Chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization - Jun 10, 2017 - 3:13:04 AM

Tourism and Aviation Minister Dionisio D'Aguilar was yesterday announced as the new chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) during a press conference at CTO Caribbean week in New York City.

The CTO is the Caribbean’s tourism development agency comprising membership of over 30 countries and territories including Dutch, English, French and Spanish, as well as a myriad of private sector allied members. D'Aguilar will lead the charge for the next year. Tourism Director General Joy Jibriluserves as the Chair of theCTO Board of Directors. She was appointed in September 2016...

News : International : Caribbean News
Tosheena Robinson-Blair wins Media Awards during Caribbean Week New York - Jun 9, 2017 - 2:14:04 PM

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) crowned the winners in its annual Caribbean Media Awards competition and recognized journalists at the Caribbean Tourism Industry Awards Luncheon on Thursday, June 8, 2017, at the Wyndham New Yorker.
 
During the awards luncheon, sponsored by Jamaica, CTO's secretary general Hugh Riley presented the awards to a packed audience of Tourism Ministers and other dignitaries from the Caribbean, industry executives and other well regarded journalists. Local NBC news personality Dave Price hosted the Luncheon...

News : International : Caribbean News
Caribbean Arrival Numbers Up After First Quarter - Jun 9, 2017 - 1:37:03 PM

This has been thus far a fantastic Caribbean Week, with renewed energy and purpose among our ministers, directors, tourism officials and everyone involved.

For the first time ever we presented Caribbean culture and heritage in a very practical manner at our Diaspora Forum, which itself returned to Brooklyn after many years.

Truly dynamic performances by La Troupe Zetwal of Haiti and Danza Fiesta of Puerto Rico were a demonstration of our truly rich and diverse culture...

News : International : Caribbean News
BizBash Selects Miami Carnival As One of Miami/South/South Florida’s Top 100 Events - Jun 9, 2017 - 10:17:03 AM

From galas and benefits, to entertainment, sporting events, and more, BizBash has announced its 2017 list of Top 100 Events in Miami/South Florida and has named Miami Carnival to this exclusive list. To select and rank these events, BizBash considers the event’s influence within the industry, in addition to innovation, reach, economic impact, and more.

Miami Carnival lends a cultural authenticity to Miami’s Caribbean vibe that is undeniable. This staple event has become another feather in Miami’s rich cultural diversity cap. With over 15,000 masqueraders who will  parade and are judged on creativity, craftsmanship and presentation, the buzz this year is that the vibrantly colored costumes are even bigger, more colorful and bolder. #MiamiCarnival will take place Sunday, October 8, 2017 at the Miami-Dade Fairgrounds(10901 SW 24th Street, Miami, FL 33165 from 12noon-11pm...

News : International : Caribbean News
Caribbean Tourism Organization Hosts Former U.S. Congressman during Caribbean Week New York - Jun 8, 2017 - 1:02:41 PM

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) hosted former U.S. Congressman, Charles Rangel, at a cocktail reception held at the Wyndham New Yorker June 6, 2017 during Caribbean Week New York.  During the reception, the CARICOM Caucus of Ambassadors presented Mr. Rangel with an award of appreciation for his longstanding work in advancing U.S.-Caribbean relations during his 46 years in Congress.

A lifetime resident of Harlem, Charles Rangel said, "I am proud to have served for humane causes and to have serviced my district." He continued, "There has not been one day where I've had one regret about choosing to work in public service." He was accompanied by his wife, Alma Rangel...

News : International : Caribbean News
The Caribbean advance in the adaptation of the Global Strategy for the Health of Women, Children and Adolescents - Jun 6, 2017 - 1:09:46 PM

Representatives of public health systems, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and civil society from 18 Caribbean countries and territories met together last week with the international agencies that integrate the Regional Coordination Mechanism for the Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescent’s Health, in order to adapt the Strategy to the context of the Caribbean.

“We need to identify interventions that are practical, affordable and impactful, while ensuring that we bear in mind the cultural, ethnic and economic diversities that make the Caribbean such a colorful, varied and interesting region of this world”, said Dr Godfrey Xuereb...

News : International : Caribbean News
Simon Suarez Named Caribbean Hotelier of the Year - Jun 6, 2017 - 11:24:57 AM

Respected Caribbean hotelier Simón Suárez was named the 2017 Caribbean Hotelier of the Year by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA).

Suárez, Vice President of Institutional Relations and Projects of Grupo Puntacana in the Dominican Republic, received the coveted honor at the opening of the third annual Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF), hosted by CHTA, in Miami on Friday night.

Accepting the region's premier hospitality award, Suárez, a former CHTA president, recognized his colleagues, friends and family, while reminding delegates in attendance to "embrace unity, diversity and ingenuity" in the Caribbean...

News : International : Caribbean News
Barbados Hotelier Named President-Elect of Caribbean Hotel And Tourism Association - Jun 6, 2017 - 10:34:43 AM

Leading hotelier Patricia Affonso-Dass is the new President-elect of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA).

The Group General Manager at Ocean Hotels in Barbados, Mrs. Affonso-Dass was elected to the important leadership role on Friday at the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association's AGM, held alongside the Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF) and Taste of the Caribbean at the Hyatt Regency in Miami this past weekend.

Affonso-Dass, a graduate of Florida International University's School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, serves as president-elect for the next year before taking over the presidency of the travel trade association next summer from current incumbent Karolin Troubetzkoy...

News : International : Caribbean News
St. Lucia Minister on World Environment Day 2017 - Jun 5, 2017 - 9:44:58 PM

World Environment Day Statement by Hon. Gale T.C. Rigobert, Minister of Education, Innovation, Gender Relations and Sustainable Development on June 5, 2017:

As Saint Lucia joins the rest of the world in recognizing World Environment Day on June 5th, I reflect on Saint Lucia’s tagline 'Simply Beautiful'. The United Nations has chosen to commemorate this year’s observance under the theme of “Connecting People to Nature”. The simple and natural beauty of Saint Lucia is what has brought many visitors to our shores; it is what has made us proud as a people and it is what connects our culture, our economy and our history...

News : International : Caribbean News
U.S. President Recognizes Caribbean-American Heritage Month - Jun 5, 2017 - 11:05:59 AM

As the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) kicks-off its annual Caribbean Week New York on June 4, 2017, United States President Donald Trump proclaimed the month of June is National Caribbean-American Heritage Month.

According to the White House Office of the Press Secretary, President Trump stated, "We are grateful for the culture Caribbean-Americans have shared with our Nation and the many contributions they have made to our society." He continued, "Throughout our history, Caribbean-Americans have helped create and maintain the strength and independence of our Nation..."