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CARPHA Urges The Public To Protect Themselves Against Mosquito Borne Diseases

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#Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago – May 13, 2020 – “Countries around the world have battled the spread of COVID-19 by closing borders, placing national restrictions on population movement and integrating further social distancing measures into everyday life. This was done to ensure that our health care systems are not overwhelmed in the identification and management of COVID-19 cases.  In the midst of this pandemic we must be mindful that other public health threats still exist. Mosquito borne diseases, such as, Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika, have placed an additional burden on our Region’s health care systems, and negatively impact social and economic development. As individuals and communities, we each have a role to play in preventing an upsurge of mosquito borne diseases,” stated CARPHA Executive Director, Dr Joy St. John, in observance of Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week 2020.

“During 2019, the Caribbean Region experienced another outbreak of Dengue, with many CARPHA Member States reporting an increase in the number of severe and hospitalised cases. Dengue outbreaks tend to occur in cycles every few years due to a complex interplay between population, ecological and climatic factors”, said Dr. Laura-Lee Boodram, Head of Vector Borne Diseases at CARPHA.   She further added, “While we haven’t seen a resurgence of Chikungunya or Zika within Member States in the last few years, countries in South and Central America did report outbreaks of Chikungunya in 2019 and early 2020, therefore, the Caribbean must remain vigilant.”

Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week (CMAW) was declared in November 2014 at the 17th Special Meeting of the CARICOM Heads of Government on Public Health Threats. It is an important reminder to the general public to take action to reduce their risk of diseases spread by mosquitoes.

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For CMAW 2020, CARPHA’s slogan states, “In times of COVID – Let’s Unite to Fight the Bite!”, placing emphasis on taking preventative measures and remaining healthy during this time.  As the rainy season starts, it is expected that greater rainfall will lead to a proliferation of mosquito breeding sites, build vector populations and increase the risk of transmission of diseases, such as Dengue.  To counter this increase in mosquitoes and potential disease transmission, greater effort should be placed on mosquito awareness in communities and vector control activities should be intensified.

Mr Rajesh Ragoo, Senior Technical Officer, Vector Borne Diseases, CARPHA recommends, “The best way to “fight the bite” around homes and communities, is to ensure our surroundings are clean and free of materials or containers that can accumulate water. The base of plants pots, vases, buckets and used vehicles tires are typical breeding sites. Water storage drums and tanks must be properly covered and inspected periodically to ensure that there is no breeding. It is also important to minimize individual exposure to mosquito bites.” Vulnerable groups such as infants, young children, older adults and women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant must exercise extra caution. Personal protective measures including the wearing of long sleeved clothing and the use of insect repellents are strongly recommended.

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In late 2019, CARPHA entered into a grant agreement with the European Union, which supports regional prevention and control efforts against mosquito borne diseases. Focus will be placed on strengthening Member States disease surveillance systems and vector control operations, expanding community engagement, public health education and increasing partnerships and collaborations  to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with mosquito borne diseases.

CARPHA has developed Mission Mosquito, an innovative information toolkit, which includes animated videos, posters and answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs).  The toolkit is specially packaged to meet the needs of a diverse audience, which include public health professionals and clinicians, pregnant women, and children. The toolkit is available here  http://missionmosquito.carpha.org/

Magnetic Media is a Telly Award winning multi-media company specializing in creating compelling and socially uplifting TV and Radio broadcast programming as a means for advertising and public relations exposure for its clients.

Caribbean News

As Uncertainty Grows, Aquila Doubles Down on Destination Training

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Aquila Managing Partner Melanie Colpitts with Ed Limon, cofounder of Winged Whale Media, at Seatrade in Miami last month

Miami, Fl, May 12, 2025 – As the cruise tourism industry navigates global economic recalibration and rising geopolitical uncertainty, the Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence is doubling down on its mission: training Caribbean destinations to deliver exceptional guest experiences, no matter the climate.

At Seatrade Cruise Global 2025, Aquila Managing Partner Melanie Colpitts emphasized the growing importance of workforce development as a strategic advantage. “When travelers are more selective with their spending, it’s the destinations that consistently deliver excellence that will stand out,” said Colpitts.

With the energy on the show floor buzzing, Aquila led strategic conversations focused on future-proofing the Caribbean’s tourism product through long-term training investments. From cruise line executives to destination decision-makers, the message was clear: quality training pays off.

Aquila, a leading training partner for the cruise industry for more than 15 years, unveiled new initiatives at the conference, including immersive VR-based programs developed in collaboration with Winged Whale Media. The team activated a dynamic takeover of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) booth, hosting live demonstrations, mini-training sessions, and interactive activities that illustrated how technology can enhance both the visitor experience and community capacity.

Product development and sustainability were front and center in this year’s training dialogue. “Destinations want to build experiences that are not only memorable but meaningful and sustainable,” said Colpitts. “It’s about enriching the guest journey while protecting and celebrating the culture and communities that make the Caribbean so special.”

With global economic uncertainty on the rise, Aquila is urging destinations not to retreat but to double down on service delivery. “Even if arrivals dip, we must exceed expectations for guests. That kind of experience drives powerful word of mouth – and training is the foundation,” added Colpitts.

As the official training partner of the FCCA, Aquila remains committed to raising performance standards across the Caribbean and Latin America, equipping destinations with the skills and tools to compete – and win – on the global stage.

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Caribbean News

Haiti in Crisis: Children and Families Caught in the Crossfire of Gang Violence

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Deandrea Hamilton

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Haiti, May 15, 2025 – Haiti is facing an escalating humanitarian catastrophe as gang violence continues to spread across the country, forcing tens of thousands to flee and placing children at immense risk. According to the United Nations, a recent spike in armed conflict in the Lower Artibonite and Centre Departments has displaced over 66,000 people in less than two weeks — including at least 15,000 children. The displaced now seek shelter in overcrowded rural zones or makeshift sites, where access to clean water, food, and basic healthcare is dangerously limited.

Between April 28 and May 3 alone, over 16,000 people fled their homes in Lower Artibonite, with families living in precarious conditions and reliant on emergency aid. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is leading coordination efforts to support national authorities in addressing priority needs. In response, UNICEF has deployed mobile clinics, delivering essential pediatric care and immunization services to nearly 2,000 people. Hygiene kits and nutritional support are also being distributed to prevent further deterioration of health conditions in displacement sites.

The situation for children is especially dire. Many are being exposed to or directly affected by violence, including forced recruitment into armed groups, sexual violence, and family separation. UNICEF and its partners are responding by establishing child-friendly spaces and delivering psychosocial support to more than 1,400 children. Specialized case management is underway, with at least 150 high-risk cases referred to protection services.

Despite these efforts, humanitarian needs far exceed current funding. The 2025 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan identifies over $44 million needed for child protection alone. Yet, to date, only about $68 million of the total $908 million required for the entire country has been secured—just 7 percent of the target. As Haiti braces for the approaching hurricane season, the urgent call for international support has never been more critical.

Haiti’s complex crisis—driven by gang control, political instability, and chronic underdevelopment—demands sustained global attention. Without swift, coordinated action, an entire generation risks being lost to violence, displacement, and neglect

PHOTO CAPTION:  © UNICEF/Herold Josep

Dozens of people displaced from the Haitian communes of Mirebalais and Saut-d’Eau attend hygiene awareness sessions in Boucan Carré.

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Caribbean Tourism Maintains Strong Growth in 2024, Surpassing Pre-Pandemic Levels

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Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-General & CEO, Caribbean Tourism Organization

BARBADOS – The Caribbean tourism sector continued its robust recovery and expansion in 2024, with international tourist arrivals reaching an estimated 34.2 million, according to a new report from the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO). This represents a 6.1% increase compared to 2023, and a 6.9% rise above pre-pandemic levels, marking the second consecutive year that the region has outperformed the 2019 benchmark.

The CTO’s “Caribbean Tourism Performance Review 2024” highlights the region’s resilience and enduring appeal, driven by factors such as strong demand from the United States, a rebounding Canadian market, and enhanced air connectivity.

Key Highlights from the Report:

  • Overall Growth: The Caribbean saw approximately 34.2 million international tourist arrivals (overnight visitors) in 2024, an increase of 6.1% over 2023 and 6.9% over 2019.
  • Top Arrivals: The Dominican Republic remained the Caribbean’s most visited destination in 2024, welcoming 8.5 million tourists. Jamaica followed with 2.9 million arrivals, while Cuba (2.2 million), The Bahamas (1.9 million), Aruba (1.4 million), and Puerto Rico (1.0 million) reported top numbers. Collectively, these six destinations accounted for approximately 56 percent of all visitor arrivals to the region.
  • YOY Growth: The highest year-over-year growth in tourist arrivals was recorded in Montserrat, which saw a 29.4 percent increase, followed by St. Vincent & the Grenadines (27.2 percent), Belize (22.8 percent), and Curaçao (20.3 percent). These destinations posted the strongest relative gains in visitor numbers across the Caribbean in 2024.
  • Pre-pandemic Growth: Compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019, Curaçao emerged as the best-performing destination with a 51.1 percent increase, followed by St. Maarten with 48 percent growth, and 41.8 percent in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
  • Source Markets:
  • The United States remained the top source market, with approximately 16.8 million arrivals, a 3.5% increase from 2023 and 7.9% above pre-pandemic levels.
  • Canadian arrivals reached 3.3 million, a 4.0% increase compared to 2023, though still slightly below 2019 levels.
  • European arrivals showed slower growth, with a 1.4% increase to 5.3 million, representing 89.4% of 2019 levels.
  • Driven by ongoing efforts to enhance air connectivity and services across the region, intra-Caribbean travel experienced growth in 2024. Residents of the Caribbean took an estimated 1.6 million tourist trips within the region – an increase of 5.1% over 2023, though still only 79.2% of pre-pandemic levels recorded in 2019.
  • The South American market saw the highest growth in 2024, with arrivals reaching 2.0 million by the end of the year, marking a 17.8% increase. This sustained growth led to a 19.7% rise compared to 2019’s arrivals. Improved political and economic stability, along with strong travel demand in key markets like Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia, contributed to these results.
  • Cruise Sector: The Caribbean cruise industry experienced a significant rebound, with 33.7 million cruise visits in 2024, a 10.3% increase over 2023, and a 10.9% increase over pre-pandemic levels.
  • Hotel Sector: The Caribbean hotel sector also performed strongly, with occupancy rates reaching 66.6%, a 0.8% increase from the previous year, and the Average Daily Rate (ADR) increasing by 4.2% to US$437.02.

Challenges and Outlook:

“Tourism in the Caribbean is expected to continue growing in 2025. However, due to prevailing economic uncertainties and slowdowns in major source markets during the first quarter of the year, the pace of growth is projected to be more moderate than earlier forecasts suggested,” said Aliyyah Shakeer, CTO’s Director of Research. CTO now anticipates that overnight visitor arrivals will increase by 2% to 5%, reaching approximately 35 million. The outlook for the cruise sector remains positive, with cruise arrivals expected to grow by 5% to 7%, approaching 36 million visitors.

“The Caribbean’s continued growth is a testament to the strength of our regional collaboration and the enduring appeal of our destinations,” said Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-General of the Caribbean Tourism Organization.

“Despite geopolitical uncertainty and global economic challenges, our sector has shown remarkable resilience. To maintain this momentum, we must double down on strategic investments, innovative partnerships, and sustainable practices that protect our people, our culture and our environment. The future of Caribbean tourism is not only bright – it is ours to shape,” she added.

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