February 8, 2025

“The Kenya-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti continues to grow in troop numbers amid assurance of ironclad support from the international community.

This morning, I saw off an additional 144 police officers comprising 120 men and 24 women to bolster the 600 officers deployed earlier who have already made commendable progress in reducing gang violence in the Caribbean nation. Other countries, notably Guatemala and El Salvador, have in recent weeks deployed additional officers. Together with Jamaican and Belizean troops, and supported by Haitian police, we’re making concerted efforts to establish order.

Kenya’s leadership in this noble mission, which is supported by the UN Trust Fund for Haiti established under the UN Security Council Resolution 2699, is in recognition of our long-standing contribution to peacekeeping missions and peace support operations.

We’re constantly in touch with the UN and countries supporting this mission including the USA whose support in equipment and funding has been invaluable and unwavering.

Inspector General National Police Service Mr Douglas Kanja, Internal Security and National Administration PS Dr Raymond Omollo, Foreign and Diaspora Affairs PS Dr Korir Sing’Oei, National Security Advisor to the President Dr Monica Juma and Deputy National Security Advisor Mr Joseph Boinnet, among other senior officials, joined me in seeing off the contingent.”

Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen

Ministry of. Interior and National Administration

Kenya

The Bahamas, February 8, 2025 – Calling the demand for sophisticated short-term vacation rentals ‘unprecedented,’ a Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions executive anticipates strong activity when bidding opens on two unique Caribbean-based properties – one in The Bahamas, another in Jamaica – this month.

A heated pool overlooks pristine white sand beaches, while the beachfront bar and grill create an ideal entertainment setting. Immaculate landscaping enhances the natural beauty of this one-acre sanctuary.

“It is extraordinary that two distinct properties, each designed with spaciousness, attention to architectural style and detail, as well as amenities that cater to a highly sophisticated luxury market, come to market at the same time,” said Danny Prell, Vice President of Business Development at the world’s largest luxury real estate auction house.

He stated that both properties offer a component critical to the demanding high-end vacation rental client – a unique location with unmatched beauty, privacy and serenity.

One of the properties, Coconut Island Estate in Abaco in the northern Bahamas, already has a proven track record of rental success, generating a significant six-figure income. Situated on a stretch of baby powder soft beach in the chain of islands known as the ‘sailing capital of The Bahamas’, the estate consists of four separate houses with a total of 10 bedrooms and nearly 9,000 square feet of space. The residence features a beachside bar and grill, a heated pool, and ample opportunities for guests to enjoy swimming and snorkeling without leaving the property. For those seeking adventure, nearby charter options offer boating, fishing, diving, or excursions to charming neighboring islands and settlements.

Kenyan Sunset Listed for $3.5M; offers a distinct fusion of Caribbean elegance and African inspiration across two majestic acres in prestigious Caribbean Heights. This exceptional estate comprises three thoughtfully designed structures, each embodying unique charm.

The second offering, Kenyan Sunset in Montego Bay, Jamaica is sprawled across two acres with three residences perched high atop a hill overlooking two world-famous golf courses and the historic Rose Hall Great House. Its fusion of Caribbean and African lends colour and features that give it the appeal of an architectural magazine cover. The main house features three bedrooms, a private office, a fully equipped kitchen designed for entertaining, a wine cellar, a media room, and a gym, all centered around a private pool. A second pool is located at one of the two cottages.

“The short-term vacation rental industry as we know it today was unheard of just a generation ago,” said Prell. “Globally, it is generating upwards of $87 billion annually and there is no sign of a slowdown. What is less well-known is the demand for luxury properties where those of a certain economic standing can enjoy all the family, friends and colleagues they want to have around them in a non-commercial environment. These properties, Coconut Island Estate in the Abacos of The Bahamas and Kenyan Sunset in Montego Bay, are quintessential opportunities for the client who wants everything at his or her fingertips in a location that is easy to access and hard to leave.”

The estate’s elevated position between the renowned White Witch and Cinnamon Hill golf courses delivers spectacular views, while sharing grounds with the historic Rose Hall Great House adds to its prestigious providence.

Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions is working in collaboration with local Sotheby’s associates in both locations. Coconut Island Estate is listed by Mitzi Pearce of Bahamas Sotheby’s International Realty for $5.4 million with bidding expected to start between $1 million–$1.75 million. Kenya Sunset is listed by Coleen Samuels and Julian Dixon of Jamaica Sotheby’s International Realty for $3.5 million with bidding expected to open between $750,000 and $1.25 million. Both auctions are scheduled to open on February 21 and close on March 1 as part of an inaugural live sale event during ModaMiami in Coral Gables, Florida. Prell said he would not be surprised if a single bidder opts for both.

“Finding one revenue generating property at this level in excellent condition is rare, finding two in the same region at the same time is extraordinary,” he said. “It should be exciting and one of the most active auctions we have had in recent history because both lend themselves to the opportunity for owners to enjoy when they want and earn revenue when they wish.”

About Concierge Auctions

Concierge Auctions is the world’s largest luxury real estate auction marketplace, with a state-of-the-art digital marketing, property preview, and bidding platform. The firm matches sellers of one-of-a-kind homes with some of the most capable property connoisseurs on the planet. Sellers gain unmatched reach, speed, and certainty. Buyers receive curated opportunities. Agents earn their commission in 30 days. Acquired by Sotheby’s, the world’s premier destination for fine art and luxury goods, and Anywhere Real Estate, Inc (NYSE: HOUS), the largest full-service residential real estate services company in the United States, Concierge Auctions continues to operate independently, partnering with real estate agents affiliated with many of the industry’s leading brokerages to host luxury auctions for clients. For Sotheby’s International Realty listings and companies, Concierge Auctions provides Sotheby’s brand exclusivity as Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions. Since inception in 2008, the firm has generated billions of dollars in sales, broken world records for the highest-priced homes ever sold at auction and sold properties in 46 U.S. states and 35 countries. The firm owns one of the most comprehensive and intelligent databases of high-net-worth real estate buyers and sellers in the industry, and it has committed to build more than 300 homes through its Key For Key® giving program in partnership with Giveback Homes™, which funds new homes for families in need from every property the company sells. For more information, visit ConciergeAuctions.com.

Montego Bay, Jamaica, February 8, 2025 – Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Franklin Witter, is assuring egg farmers that their call for the removal of the General Consumption Tax (GCT) on eggs is being heard by the Ministry.

“I know this issue is close to your hearts, and rightfully so. You have consistently and passionately advocated for the removal of GCT, and I assure you that your voice is being heard,” he said.

Mr. Witter was addressing the 23^rd annual general meeting of the Jamaica Egg Farmers Association, which was held at the Almond Tree Restaurant in Ocho Rios, St. Ann, on Wednesday (February 5).

“I know that it can be a challenge for us as a Ministry. As you know, anything that has to do with tax exemptions really is an issue for the Ministry of Finance,” he said.

He underscored that the GCT removal would be beneficial to the farmers, as it would create a “ripple effect” that touches every household.

“Lower prices at the retail level would encourage higher consumption. The consumers would buy more, and the farmers would produce more, and that’s a win-win for everyone. Minister Green and I are continuing representation to the Ministry of Finance to address that issue,” Mr. Witter said.

He commended the egg farmers for their resilience in recovering from the effects of Hurricane Beryl, which affected the island in July of last year.

“Like other areas of the farming community, our egg farmers faced operational disruption and production challenges. Your determination to recover quickly underscored the importance of this sector to our nation’s food security and economic stability,” Mr. Witter said.

“Eggs are very central to the lives of families across the world. Therefore, despite the challenges posed by natural disasters such as Hurricane Beryl, we must strive to remain self-sufficient in meeting our nation’s demands. It is this resilience and dedication that will help us to produce even more eggs to meet the increased national demand,” he added.

Mr. Witter pointed out that Jamaicans consume an average of about one and a half eggs per week, which is up from one in previous years, adding that the Ministry intends to increase that number.

“The Ministry’s target is to increase this to an average of two eggs a week over the next three years, with a long-term vision of exceeding that to three eggs a week. Therefore, if we are going to realise that goal, we must remain focused in terms of our resilience,” he said.

Contact: Serena Grant

Photo Captions

Header: Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Franklin Witter, addresses the general meeting of the Jamaica Egg Farmers Association, which was held at the Almond Tree Restaurant in Ocho Rios, St. Ann, on Wednesday ( February 5).

Insert: Stakeholders in attendance at the general meeting of the Jamaica Egg Farmers Association, which was held at the Almond Tree Restaurant in Ocho Rios, St. Ann, on Wednesday ( February 5).

SERENA GRANT PHOTOS