The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) has opened registration for the Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF 2024). This premier event is set to take place November 18-20, 2024, at the Kovens Conference Center in North Miami.

Under the theme “Keeping it Real – Amplifying Caribbean Tourism through Authenticity, Integration and Immersion”, CHIEF 2024 promises to deliver cutting-edge insights and networking opportunities for hospitality professionals across the region.

Patricia Affonso-Dass, Chair of the CHIEF 2024 Planning Committee, explained that “CHIEF 2024 is more than just a conference; it’s a call to action for the Caribbean hospitality industry.”

“Under our comprehensive theme, we’re focusing on what truly sets our region apart: our authenticity, our people, and our commitment to sustainable tourism. This forum will equip attendees with the knowledge and connections to not just navigate the future but to shape it,” she stated.

CHIEF 2024 will cover a range of critical topics, including:

• Marketing the Authentic Caribbean Experience: Delegates will discover strategies to showcase the Caribbean’s unique cultural heritage, natural beauty, and local experiences. This includes promoting local cuisine, artisans, eco-tourism and community-based experiences.
• Embracing Technology and Innovation: Attendees will explore the latest technological advancements reshaping the hospitality industry. They will learn how AI can improve their offerings to visitors and optimize operations and marketing.
• Boosting Revenue with Proven Strategies: Participants will gain insights into tactics to increase profitability in the competitive Caribbean tourism market. Sessions will feature case studies and discussions of dynamic pricing models and upselling techniques.
• Prioritizing Staff and Guest Well-Being: Delegates will delve into the growing importance of well-being for employees and guests in the hospitality industry. Strategies will be shared to enhance staff satisfaction and retention, integrate wellness programs and create environments that promote relaxation and rejuvenation.

The forum will also feature the return of the popular CHIEF Speed Networking Session, allowing attendees to forge valuable connections in the industry. The full schedule of events is available at https://chtachief.com/schedule-of-events. Members and non-members are invited to register early to take advantage of the Early Bird rate at https://chtachief.com/registration/.

As the Caribbean’s top networking conference, CHIEF provides an unmatched platform for industry leaders to connect and collaborate. With expert-led sessions, an Exchange Hub for showcasing the latest innovations, and the prestigious CHIEF Awards, the event is essential for staying ahead in the hospitality sector.

For more details about CHIEF 2024, including sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities, visit chtachief.com.

By BETTY VEDRINE
Bahamas Information Services

NASSAU, The Bahamas —  At a press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, September 6, Minister of Foreign Affairs the Hon. Fred Mitchell announced Africa-CARICOM Day which is celebrated September 7, and honours the third anniversary of the Africa-CARICOM Summit that established the foundation for a new and enhanced partnership between Africa and the Caribbean and between the African Union and the Caribbean Community.  Present were ambassadors, senior officials and stakeholders representing a cross-section of agencies.

In  attendance: Jamahl Strachan, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; H.E. Ambassador Philip Smith, High Commissioner of Social & Reparatory Justice; H.E. William Wong, Non-Resident Ambassador to the Kingdom of Morocco; Dr. Niambi Hall-Campbell Dean, Chairman of the Bahamas Reparations Committee; Gaynel Curry, Member of the UN 10-member Permanent Forum on People of African Descent; and Melvin Seymour, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Minister Mitchell said that historically, the relationship between The Bahamas and the countries of Africa, has been a strong one demonstrated by the strong stand  the ‘Father of the Nation,’ Sir Lynden Pindling took in l985 at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Nassau to free the iconic African leader, Nelson Mandela, who was imprisoned for over 27 years.

“The Bahamas was proud and honoured when Mandela visited in 1993,” he said. “In more recent times, The Bahamas has strengthened its relationship with countries of the African continent with a view to strengthening cultural, political and economic ties.  Expanding diplomatic relations and collaborating with Africa in the areas of tourism, finance, education, people-to-people exchanges, culture and exchange programs, strengthens economic activity and provides the opportunity for growth and development as we tap into the opportunities provided by new markets.”

He said that the government has appointed a non-resident Bahamian Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Andrew Wilson and a non-resident Bahamian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Morocco, H.E. William Wong.

“We have made several official and state visits to the continent including one to Ghana and two to Botswana. The last state visit to Botswana was in July 2023 by our Governor General, H.E. Dame Cynthia Pratt.”

The Minister said that  a ‘Sister City Agreement’ between Nassau and Princess Town, Ahanta West Ghana will form direct connections between Africa and the people of its diaspora born in The Bahamas and in so doing, strengthen cultural, social and economic ties between both countries.

He also noted that a delegation from the University of The Bahamas Northern Campus, engaged in discussions with several universities in Ghana, which centered on enhancing relationships, developing MOUs and fostering faculty and student exchanges and joint research initiatives.

In addition, he said that The Bahamas played host to the Afreximbank Conference earlier this year — a first for the region.

“An MOU between The Bahamas Development Bank and the African Export-Import Bank, provides up to $700 million in investment for sustainable development projects throughout the Caribbean.

The Minister said that this year also marked the inaugural flight of Ethiopian Airlines to The Bahamas, which marks an ‘important’ step towards encouraging AfroCaribbean tourism and deepening both nations’ shared cultural legacy.

An exhibit featuring African art and artifacts followed the press conference.

PHOTO CAPTION

Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Fred Mitchell is pictured taking a tour of African art and artifacts following a press conference announcing the observance of Africa-CARICOM Day, September 7.

(BIS Photos/Patrick Hanna).

Wilkie Arthur and Deandrea Hamilton

Turks and Caicos, September 13, 2024 – A barking dog is what drew attention to the baby left abandoned on a couple’s front porch in Kew Town, Providenciales on the morning of Tuesday September 3.

Discovered by a husband and wife, they reported to Eagle Legal News Media that they emerged from their residence to see what was going on, and were stunned to discover a most unexpected cause for the fuss; a baby boy, clad only in diapers, sitting outside on their porch.

“…it left me wondering and baffled as to how or what could have gotten into a mother and/or possibly a father to just abandon their baby on a total stranger’s porch…” said Wilkie Arthur, who picked up on the story and spoke to those involved in the sensitive case.

The Safeguarding and Public Protection Unit of the Royal TCI Police Force was immediately called in to investigate the peculiar matter.  It was described as emotional by an officer who opted to speak off the record, but candidly about the rare situation.

“Speaking to a female officer, whom we can’t name, due to the sensitivity and confidentiality of this case, she stated this was the most painful incident she’s ever heard of in all her years serving as an officer.”

It broke her down to tears informed the news blast which went out early on the morning of Wednesday September 4.

Communication with the TCI Police revealed that: “On Tuesday, 3rd September, the police responded to a report from a resident in the Dock Yard area of Providenciales that a child was found alone on their porch.

Officers responded to the address where a male child, approximately one-year-old, was found in the resident’s custody. Officers transported the child to the police station, and the Safeguarding and Public Protection Unit of the RT&CIPF and the Department of Social Development were informed.

Enquiries commenced, and investigations revealed that the child had been left in the care of an elderly relative who had fallen asleep. The child managed to unlock a door and wandered off.

Given the circumstances, the relative was given a stern warning by officers.”

Residents of Dock Yard in Kew Town were in a state of shock over the situation.  Initially no one had claimed the child.  As stated by police, the child has since been reunited with his family.