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TCI Tourism plan ready in case of Hurricane

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GT Cruise Center Storm adjProvidenciales, 10 Jun 2015 – The tropics are quiet and will remain that way for the next 48 hours according to the National Hurricane Center, but as a tourist destination which functions as such 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year and with thousands of guests on our shores, we asked the Director of the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies what would happen to and with all of our visitors in the event of a storm.

“The Hotel Association is part of one of our subcommittees, also the Tourist Board so they are kept in the loop of information that we are receiving and they can share this with their partner agencies and hotellers. If a storm is threatening the Turks and Caicos Islands, it is not our policy to tell tourists to leave. We would provide them with sufficient information that they themselves – the visitors – can make an informed decision whether they want to ride out the storm in the Turks and Caicos Islands or they prefer to seek refuge at home.”

Dr. Virginia Clerveaux explained there is a network of public and private sector organizations working together and the TCI does not have a policy forcing guests to leave the country; but there are recommendations the DDME can make to give anyone a chance to evacuate.

“If a storm is threatening the Turks and Caicos Islands and we have sufficient time, what we would do is encourage – through TCIAA – more flights, the airlines to provide more flights so persons who wish to leave, whether you are a resident or a visitor, if you would wish to leave then you would be able to do so and that would be the same for the cruise ship industry.”

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Caribbean News

Community Meetings Provide Feedback for Trust Fund’s School and Library Reconstruction Projects 

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Philipsburg, Sint Maarten   – The National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB) has concluded the latest round of community consultations for the Fostering Resilient Learning Project (FRLP). These events, held in early October, were designed to inform and engage residents about the project, which focuses on reconstructing safe educational and cultural spaces as part of Sint Maarten’s ongoing recovery efforts post-Hurricane Irma. This phase of the FRLP includes rebuilding Sister Marie Laurence and Charles Leopold Bell schools, as well as reconstructing the St. Maarten Library.

With the demolition of the three buildings approaching, the consultations provided a platform for neighborhood residents, educators, and community representatives to ask questions, share any concerns and provide input on different aspects of the project. Attendees discussed how the project might affect their communities and offered suggestions for improvements.

At the Sister Marie Laurence premises in Middle Region, the project team reassured neighborhood residents concerned with demolition and noise that these issues would be addressed in the Contractor-Environmental and Social Management Plan (C-ESMP), a plan designed to mitigate and reduce any negative effects on both the community and the environment during construction. This plan will include measures to maintain road access and traffic flow, whilst also minimizing disruptions such as noise and dust pollution.  The project team explained that the C-ESMP would be finalized once the demolition contract is signed, and a start date of the demolition work is confirmed.

At the St. Maarten Library session held at the John Larmonie Center, the consultation was highly interactive, with participants asking questions about future programs and the design of the new library spaces. The design firm, KS&P was present, and the FRLP project team explained that once concept drawings are ready, another meeting would be scheduled for community feedback. Residents also expressed concerns about asbestos in the old building. The project manager clarified that an external company conducted assessments, and no asbestos was found.

During the consultation for Charles Leopold Bell School held at Carl’s Unique Inn, there were concerns about the safety of the school’s sports court, currently located near a busy road. The community suggested that the court be relocated to the rear of the school for improved safety. The project team explained that further discussion with MECYS would be needed, as the current mandate for the sports field focuses on repairs, rather than new construction. Additionally, some attendees were confused about a previous asbestos report. The project team assured everyone that all necessary environmental assessments had been conducted, and confirmed there was no asbestos at the three project sites.

Ursel Biabiany, the Stakeholder Engagement Coordinator of the NRPB explained to the community that the NRPB remains dedicated to addressing concerns raised during these consultations and keeping the public informed. “We take the community’s feedback seriously and work closely with all project stakeholders to ensure that the demolition and rebuilding process prioritizes public safety and community concerns.”

“We have made considerable efforts to engage the public, including distributing flyers door-to-door and answering questions directly. This open dialogue has led to productive feedback from the local community, which will help shape our plans moving forward.”

Demolition of each building is expected to last two months, with work set to begin in early 2025. The design phase for the Library and Charles Leopold Bell School will take about seven months, wrapping up by the second quarter of 2025. Following the design phase, contractors will be selected according to World Bank procurement guidelines, and construction is anticipated to start in the first quarter of 2026, lasting up to a year.

To address the concerns of the community, the project team will closely monitor vibrations from demolition activities. Before the work starts, assessments of nearby homes and businesses will be conducted to document their current condition. This will allow the project team to identify potential damage that could be caused during demolition, reassuring residents that their properties are protected.

Claret Connor, NRPB Director, assures the community that the organization is committed to reconstructing educational and cultural facilities that meet modern standards. “These consultations have been invaluable in allowing us to engage with residents directly and take their feedback into account as we work towards delivering safer, stronger, and more sustainable public facilities that will stand the test of time.”

Further consultations are planned, including private meetings for residents with specific concerns. NRPB invites continued feedback from the community via email frlp@nrpbsxm.org and encourages residents to stay informed through regular project updates on www.nrpbsxm.org/frlp.

Any complaints or grievances can be sent to https://nrpbsxm.org/complaints-procedure/

The Fostering Resilient Learning Project is implemented by the National Recovery Program Bureau on behalf of The Government of Sint Maarten under the Trust Fund, which is financed by the Government of the Netherlands and managed by the World Bank.

 

Photo Caption: Presentation of St. Maarten Library at John Larmonie Center, Philipsburg – Top Right: Community members and stakeholders at NRPB consultation, John Larmonie Centre, Philipsburg – Bottom right: Stakeholders, including Member of Parliament Melissa Gumbs and MECYS Minister Lyndon Lewis, at NRPB consultation, John Larmonie Center, Philipsburg

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New UN report warns of conflict-induced famine and catastrophic hunger in 5 major hotspots alongside the looming La Niña climate threat in others

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Acute food insecurity is set to increase in magnitude and severity in 22 countries and territories

 

Joint FAO-WFP News Release 

 

Rome – Acute food insecurity is set to increase in both magnitude and severity across 22 countries and territories, according to a new United Nations report. The report warns that the spread of conflict, particularly in the Middle East – coupled with climate and economic stressors – is pushing millions of people to the brink. The report spotlights the regional fallout from the crisis in Gaza which has seen Lebanon engulfed in conflict and warns that the La Niña weather pattern could impact climates through March 2025, threatening fragile food systems in already vulnerable regions.

The report draws attention to famine in the Zamzam camp in North Darfur and famine risk in other areas of Sudan, the enduring risk of famine in Palestine (Gaza Strip) and the catastrophic levels of acute food insecurity in Haiti, Mali and South Sudan. It warns that without immediate humanitarian action and concerted efforts to overcome severe access constraints and resolve ongoing conflicts, further starvation and death are likely.

The report – ‘Hunger Hotspots – FAO-WFP early warnings on acute food insecurity’ – issued today by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) calls for urgent humanitarian action to save lives and livelihoods and prevent starvation and death in hotspots where acute hunger is at high risk of worsening between November 2024 and May 2025.

In total, 22 countries/territories are classified as “hunger hotspots”, where high levels of acute food insecurity are expected to further deteriorate due to the combination of conflict, economic instability, and climate shocks during the outlook period. Without immediate intervention, including increased funding for food and livelihoods assistance, hundreds of thousands more people are expected to face starvation in the coming months.

“The situation in the five hunger hotspots of highest concern is catastrophic. People are experiencing an extreme lack of food and face unprecedented enduring starvation fuelled by escalating conflicts, climate crises and economic shocks. If we are to save lives and prevent acute hunger and malnutrition, we urgently need a humanitarian ceasefire, and to restore access to and availability of highly nutritious food, including reactivating local food production. But this alone is not enough; we need longer-term stability and food security. Peace is a pre-requisite for food security. Without peace and stability, farmers cannot grow food, harvest or sustain their livelihoods. Access to nutritious food is not just a basic need – it is a fundamental human right,” said QU Dongyu, FAO Director-General.

“Worldwide, conflicts are escalating, economic instability is rising, and climate disasters are becoming the new norm. With more effective political and financial support, humanitarians can and will continue to implement proven and scalable solutions to address hunger and reduce needs over the long term,” said Cindy McCain, WFP Executive Director.

“It’s time for world leaders to step up and work with us to reach the millions of people at risk of starvation – delivering diplomatic solutions to conflicts, using their influence to enable humanitarians to work safely, and mobilizing the resources and partnerships needed to halt global hunger in its tracks,” Director McCain added.

The effects of the La Niña weather pattern, anticipated to impact global climates from November 2024 through March 2025, are expected to further exacerbate some of the food crises. While some areas may benefit from improved agricultural conditions, La Niña is likely to cause devastating floods in countries such as Nigeria and South Sudan, while potentially contributing to dry conditions in Somalia, Kenya, and Ethiopia. These extreme weather events threaten already fragile food systems, putting millions at risk of hunger.

The report stresses that early, targeted action is essential to prevent the further deterioration of the crisis and avert mass hunger-related mortality. FAO and WFP are urging world leaders to prioritize conflict resolution, economic support, and climate adaptation measures to protect the most vulnerable populations from the brink of famine.

Key Findings

According to the report, Palestine, the Sudan, South Sudan, Haiti and Mali remain at the highest alert level and require the most urgent attention. Conflict is the primary driver of hunger in all these areas. All hotspots of the highest concern have communities already facing or at risk of famine or facing catastrophic conditions of acute food insecurity.

Chad, Lebanon, Myanmar, Mozambique, Nigeria, the Syrian Arab Republic and Yemen are hotspots of very high concern, with a large number of people facing critical acute food insecurity, coupled with worsening drivers that are expected to further intensify life-threatening conditions in the coming months.

Since the previous edition of the Hunger Hotspots report (June 2024), Kenya, Lesotho, Namibia and Niger have joined the list of hunger hotspots, alongside Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Malawi, Somalia, Zambia and Zimbabwe, where acute food insecurity is likely to deteriorate further during the outlook period.

 

CAPTION: Photo by Tanya Birkbeck/WFP

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Bahamas News

Jonquel Jones Parades announced for November 16 and 17, Bahamian Pride high for the WNBA Champion

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Rayan Ishan

Staff Writer

 

On Wednesday October 20, 2024 Jonquel “JJ” Jones, a Bahamian-born forward for the New York Liberty, led her team to their first WNBA championship title, marking a significant achievement in her career and a historic moment in New York’s basketball history.

The Liberty secured a 67-62 victory (in overtime) against the Minnesota Lynx, delivering the city its first professional basketball championship since 1973, the Liberty announced during the recent championship parade through Manhattan and Brooklyn.

JJ, who received the Finals MVP award, entered the WNBA in 2016 as the sixth overall draft pick.

At home in The Bahamas, it was announced by Mario Bowleg, the Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture that the Ministry will host a championship motorcade for Jonquel Jones on Grand Bahama and New Providence on November 16 and 18 respectively.

“And it’s expected she’ll be bringing a few friends over for the occasion.”

Before joining the Liberty, she quickly rose to prominence, earning the 2017 WNBA Most Improved Player award after setting a then-record for single-season rebounds.

In 2019, JJ helped lead the Connecticut Sun to the WNBA Finals, and her impressive all-around performance earned her the league MVP title in 2021. She continued to showcase her defensive strength, being named WNBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2022.

These achievements solidified her reputation as a dominant force before transitioning to Liberty. Her journey from the Bahamas to the WNBA is celebrated by both Bahamians and Liberty fans alike, according to a statement from the New York Liberty organization. The team noted that her skill and resilience throughout the season underscored her role as a vital player in the Liberty’s lineup.

Thousands of fans gathered along the parade route to celebrate the Liberty’s victory.

Fans in New York lined the Canyon of Heroes on Broadway to witness the historic occasion, with many describing it as a day to remember.

“We’re here to support and cheer on our champions,” said one fan. Families and young fans, inspired by JJ and the Liberty, filled the streets during the celebration, as reported by ‘GQ Magazine’.

For the Bahamas, JJ’s success is seen as a source of national pride, with many celebrating her accomplishments as an example of Bahamian excellence on an international stage. Her victory reflects the growing influence of Caribbean athletes in professional sports worldwide, a spokesperson for the Bahamian Ministry of Sports noted.

Jonquel Jones and her teammates expressed gratitude for the community’s support throughout the season and during the victory parade.

“This win isn’t just for us, it’s for everyone who believed in the Liberty,” said JJ, summing up her appreciation for fans, the Liberty organization, and her home country of The Bahamas.

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