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12 Countries make UK’s safe list, TCI not included

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#TurksandCaicos, May 9, 2021 – An impressive 45 percent vaccination rate and a dramatic dip to a four  per cent Covid-19 positivity rate has not helped Turks and Caicos make the Green List of the United Kingdom’s safe destinations.

The announcement ends the stringent measure which made international travel for UK residents illegal.  Now, anyone travelling from Green List countries will enjoy fine-free entry and exemption from mandatory quarantine. 

Covid-19 tests will still be required; before and after travel.

The Green List, announced on Friday includes: Portugal, Israel, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Brunei, Iceland, Gibraltar, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands, South Georgia and the Sandwich Islands and St Helena, Tristan de Cunha and Ascension Island.

UK Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps made the reveal from 10 Downing Street which has been described by him as “a slow but very deliberate roll-out”  and by the travel community as an ‘opening in name only.’ 

Turks and Caicos may face an additional challenge, as British Airways flights will return to connection through Nassau, Bahamas which may mean both countries will have to meet the low-risk threshold in order to clear the connection.

Bookings are still not available for flights via British Airways to Turks and Caicos throughout May 2021.

The opening to international travel takes effect May 17.

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Caribbean News

CAAP Works on Major Boycott Movement to Help Palestine

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Rashaed Esson

Staff Writer

 

#Israel#Palestine#CAAP – The Caribbean Against  Apartheid in Palestine  (CAAP) is working on a Boycott Divestment Sanctions or BDS movement in Barbados for Israeli companies, to help suffocate financial backing  to the Israeli army that’s attacking Palestine. Member of CAAP Dr Saudah Muhammad, speaking at a CAAP Press Conference on Friday March 17, goes into detail, mentioning an Israeli company called Sabra Hummus as the first target to boycott, using the buying power of consumers to decrease their financial gains. She points out that Sabra Hummus was chosen because of its connection to the Israeli army.

“Sabra Hummus is co-owned by PepsiCo and Strauss group, which is an Israeli food company and they provide financial support to the Israeli army, so using our purchasing power to cut their funding, then directly supports a cut in funding to the genocide and to arms,” she said.

 

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Caribbean News

Haiti Chaos Update

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Rashaed Esson

Staff Writer

 

#Haiti, March 18th. 2024 – The situation in Haiti is worsening at an alarmingly fast rate, the suffering of Haitians especially women and children, now increased. On Saturday, March 16,  reports say a UNICEF container, one of 17, with maternal, neonatal and child survival essentials was robbed in the capital Port au Prince,  depriving vulnerable women and children of vital health supplies. Hospitals across Haiti are forced to close, leaving only 4 out of 10 hospitals functional and two surgical operating facilities. Also, the main Airport in Port-au-Prince, reports say, remains closed after a recent gang attack. Now, despite the recent developments by CARICOM officials towards political stability, there is push back from gangs as leader Jimmy Cherizier is reported saying they will not recognize decisions made by CARICOM.

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Bahamas News

RBDF Operation Strengthens Maritime Security Amidst Regional Turmoil

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Defence Headquarters, 17 MAR. ’24: A joint operation between the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) and the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) led to the apprehension of 50 Haitian migrants approximately 5 nautical miles west of Bell Island on Saturday, March 16th.

The operation was initiated following the initial sighting of a sailing vessel, believed to be of Haitian origin, 8 miles southwest of Staniel Cay in the Exumas. RBDF swiftly deployed air and surface assets stationed at Matthew Town Inagua, supported by Police officials in Staniel Cay who verified the sighting. The migrants were intercepted by RBDF personnel stationed at the Land and Sea Park, Wardrick Wells Exuma, and subsequently handed over to the safe boat crew. They are currently under apprehension pending further investigation, with the imminent arrival of HMBS Rolly Gray.

In response to the ongoing instability in Haiti, Commodore Raymond King has announced the implementation of a strategic blockade in the southern Bahamas. This initiative includes the deployment of six surface vessels, one aircraft, and 120 highly skilled RBDF personnel. Patrol operations will be concentrated in critical areas such as the northern coast of Haiti, the Old Bahama Channel, and the Windward Passage, with the aim of deterring unauthorized entry attempts and preserving maritime security in the region.

The effectiveness of these decisive measures is evident, with recent apprehensions totaling 247 individuals by the RBDF. Commodore Raymond E. King emphasizes the commitment to bolstering maritime security through collaborative efforts with regional partners and local law enforcement agencies.

The Royal Bahamas Defence Force remains committed to safeguarding the nation’s borders and territorial integrity, working collaboratively with regional partners.

(For further information please contact the RBDF Public Relations Department or visit our website: www.rbdf.gov.bs, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and view our Youtube channel)

-rbdf-

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