KINGSTON, September 18 (JIS): National Housing Trust (NHT) contributors and mortgagors affected by Hurricane Beryl are being reminded to apply for the organisation’s post-hurricane peril moratorium by September 30.

Assistant General Manager of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, Dwayne Berbick, told JIS News that the newly introduced initiative is designed to offer financial relief to those who experience property damage or economic hardship as a result of natural disasters.

Under this arrangement, eligible individuals can temporarily suspend their monthly mortgage payments, which is crucial support during the recovery process.

The duration of the moratorium is tailored to individual circumstances, with a maximum period of up to six months.

“We understand that life happens, and circumstances of individuals may change from time to time. The NHT has made special resources available for individuals who are making applications for any of our [relief] initiatives. We are looking out for them, and we will expedite the applications to ensure that the process goes as quickly and smoothly as possible,” Mr. Berbick said.

The NHT’s special mortgage moratorium is accessible to all affected parties, including those who have previously benefited from other NHT Loan facilities.

Mr. Berbick underscored that this inclusive approach will ensure that everyone who needs assistance can receive it.

Applicants are required to complete an application form and submit a valid government-issued identification and Tax Registration Number, along with additional documents where applicable. These include photographs of property damage, proof of reduced income, or proof of unemployment.

Mr. Berbick is urging all eligible individuals to act promptly to secure the support they need.

The post-hurricane peril moratorium forms part of the NHT’s wider strategy to provide relief and support to contributors and mortgagors during challenging times. Other initiatives include the Special Home Improvement Loan and Disaster Grant.

For more information on how to apply for this or other relief options, persons can visit the nearest NHT office or the entity’s website at www.nht.gov.jm.

CONTACT: ROCHEDA BARTLEY

PHOTO CAPTION: Assistant General Manager of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs at the National Housing Trust, Dwayne Berbick.

Photo: Adrian Walker

CTO Secretary-General Dona Regis-Prosper sits with the top three contestants (l-r), Khari Gonsalves of St. Kitts, Keyana Warner of Nevis, and Anthurium Lewis of Tobago, while other youth congress participants look on.

GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands  – Keyana Warner, the Junior Minister of Tourism from Nevis, has been crowned the winner of the 20th Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Tropical Shipping Regional Tourism Youth Congress. Warner, a student from Charlestown Secondary School, secured the victory following an outstanding presentation on Thursday at The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa.

The Congress, a highlight of the CTO State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) and held under the theme “Caribbean Tourism: Through the Eyes of Tomorrow”, featured 12 talented young tourism advocates from across the Caribbean. These young minds shared their innovative ideas and passion for the future of the region’s tourism industry, exploring topics such as adventure tourism, solo travel, collaboration across cultures, and the blue economy.

Anthurium Lewis of Bishop’s High School in Tobago claimed second place, while Khari Gonsalves of Basseterre High School in St. Kitts secured third place.

“The Congress, along with the activities leading up to this event, plays a crucial role in introducing the next generation to the significant impact tourism has on our region,” said Master of Ceremonies Sharon Banfield-Bovell, CTO’s Director of Resource Mobilization and Development. “It is not just a competition; it is a gateway to nurturing the next generation of tourism advocates and innovators who will shape the future of the Caribbean tourism industry.”

The week leading up to the Congress saw the junior ministers of tourism engage in several workshops, including a VR/AR masterclass facilitated by Ed and Claudia Limon, and a workshop exploring Cruise Tourism Awareness and Careers in the Cruise Sector facilitated by Beth Hatt of Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence.

udges for the Congress Colin James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority; Aquila’s Beth Hatt; and Vanessa Ledesma, Acting CEO and Director General of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, are all smiles in the Cayman Islands.

The 2024 Regional Tourism Youth Congress received generous support from the Government of the Cayman Islands, title sponsor Tropical Shipping, Carnival Corporation & plc in partnership with Acordis International Corp, Winged Whale Media, and Breeze Travel Solutions. This event provided a valuable platform for young people to connect with industry professionals, gain experience, and develop leadership skills.

The Congress was chaired by last year’s winner, Naomi Onwufuju of the British Virgin Islands.

Judges for the Congress were Aquila’s Beth Hatt; Colin James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority; and Vanessa Ledesma, Acting CEO and Director General of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association.

Participating countries included Bahamas, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Nevis, St. Eustatius, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Tobago, and Turks and Caicos Islands.

Turks and Caicos, September 17, 2024 – An operation involving officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force Marine Branch, the TCI Regiment and the United States Coast Guard (USCG) has resulted in the seizure of marijuana with an estimated street value of $931,600.00.

The illegal find was made yesterday morning (September 16) at a location east of South Caicos.

Police reports indicate that a small vessel was seen acting suspiciously in and around the waters to the west of South Caicos. Via aerial surveillance, the vessel, which was grounded on the banks, was located, and three males were seen running off into bushes.

Given the difficulty of the area, the TCI Regiment was transported via the USCG helicopter and  located five bags containing thirty-eight packages weighing a total of 209 lbs.

The operation and the investigation are ongoing, and further inquiries will be conducted regarding the origin of the drugs and the individuals involved.

The RT&CIPF expresses gratitude to the Regiment and international partners as we continue to dismantle illegal organizations through coordinated and targeted operations.

We are asking anyone with information that may help in this investigation to contact the closest police station, 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 to provide any information anonymously.

Additionally, individuals are encouraged to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app to share information.