Caribbean News
JAMAICA: Stakeholders Grateful for Ministry of Education’s Robotics Workshop
#MontegoBay, December 31, 2021 – Stakeholders and participants in the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Information’s robotics workshop are hoping the new year will bring another staging of the programme, as they have deemed it a fulfilling and worthwhile project which teaches a valuable skills.
The robotics initiative formed part of the Ministry’s Enrichment Programme which was designed to provide students who perform differently from their peers (whether significantly above or below), with instructional experiences that both extend and build.
There are students whose social needs are also not met in the classroom and others that are also possible gifted under-achievers. In noting certain behaviours, the practitioners who taught in the programme looked for opportunities to provide these pupils with specialised services to assist with their growth for the primary years.
For the summer school, children were placed in performance tiers, a number being in tier three which suggested that they were weak. The ministry took the decision that regardless of the tier they were diagnosed to be in, they could benefit from these extension activities that stretch the thinking and excite the hands.
Due to the number of children who needed to be assisted, three schools were chosen – Central Branch Primary in Kingston, Golden Spring Primary in St. Andrew, and Corinaldi Avenue Primary in St. James.
Some 32 students were engaged in the initiative with sessions held in groups of eight.
In an interview with JIS News, Principal (Acting) of Corinaldi Avenue Primary Deon Stern-Anglin, stated that the students thoroughly enjoyed the programme.
“They enjoyed themselves; this programme was used to reach all learners…it was a good programme. We would have wanted it for a longer period, but it was an interesting programme. I just want to thank the Ministry of Education region four… This is a school that builds whole persons because we believe in the holistic child, so we take on to these programmes as they come, we are ready to be part of it,” Mrs. Stern-Anglin said.
Principal of Central Branch Primary, Michael Sutherland told JIS News that the children were fully engaged throughout their session.
“Even though it was a long day, they [the students] never seemed to be tired of what they were doing, they loved it, and this is something that I wish that we could have throughout the year in the school, because this is the practical area that most children have interest in, especially our boys. They love this sort of hands-on experience and I just wish that other schools can get to experience the joys they experienced in this workshop,” Mr. Sutherland expressed.
He added that the children who participated were “very focused and [even though it was a long [session], they never seemed bored or even tired, they were really excited…. I would love to have an ongoing summer programme like this, it would be nice to have something like this as a club in the school.”
Children from grades three to six participated in the initiative at the school.
The principal noted that his biggest takeaway from the programme was “no matter how challenged students are, there is always something to grab their interest, and this was one of them.”
Twelve-year-old student of Central Branch, Annabelle Dias, told JIS News that she loved the workshop during the summer period, as the COVID-19 pandemic has been very difficult for some of the students who participated.
Fellow student Vernon Llewelyn stated that he enjoyed looking out for the younger participants during the initiative, however, his favourite part of the programme was putting robotic cars together.
Young Vernon, who was awarded the most outstanding student of the programme, told JIS News that he was proud to receive the honour, and noted that he is seeking to hold on to the title should the programme be held next year.
Enrichment Programme Specialist at the Ministry of Education Shauner Murray, who spearheaded the initiative, noted that the children who participated shone and excelled despite any academic weaknesses.
“That’s the value of enrichment, because in a regular classroom, they would not have been selected for an activity like that because nobody would think they could be exposed to programming although they didn’t do it in detail, nobody would think they could assimilate all of this,” she said.
Ms. Murray also noted that the ministry conducted the programme in partnership with the National Science Programme and Carlong Publishers. Students from the University of Technology (UTech) volunteered as instructors for the initiative.
She noted that Carlong Publishers, who was one of the major sponsors, donated some US$1,000 to purchase all the model cars and robotics supplies. Other supplies were donated by the National Science Programme.
Ms. Murray also told JIS News that enrichment clubs will be placed in the three participating schools, “with enough resources for the children to actually do model cars, robotics and get more involved in auto mechanics.”
“That was not initially our plan but seeing how interested the students are we are now looking at [it]. We want to get mentors for these clubs, people who will be with them online once per month and work with them,” she stated.
Ms. Murray noted that she was not sure if the robotics summer programme will become an annual event.
Contact: Serena Grant
Release: JIS
Caribbean News
Royal Caribbean Group and Sandals Resorts Announce Landmark Partnership to Accelerate Their Leading Vacation Experiences
Royal Caribbean Group Investment to Advance Sandals and Beaches’ Growth and Broaden the Group’s Vacation Portfolio
Montego Bay, Jamaica and Miami, September 24, 2026 – Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) and Sandals Resorts today announced the signing of an agreement to form a partnership in the all-inclusive resort space with a 50% investment from Royal Caribbean Group. Building on Sandals and Beaches Resorts’ more than four decades of leadership in Caribbean hospitality, the joint venture will create new opportunities for continued resort growth while broadening the experiences across Royal Caribbean Group’s vacation platform.
The partnership brings together two of the travel industry’s most celebrated vacation companies, pairing Sandals and Beaches’ all-inclusive
resort expertise with Royal Caribbean Group’s vacation platform, including industry-leading brands – Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea – a portfolio of private destinations, new river cruising offering, and an industry-first loyalty program. United in a shared history in the Caribbean and connected by a love for their communities, the companies will offer travelers an unparalleled collection of cruise, private destination and resort experiences, serving guests across more vacation occasions and establishing their undisputed leadership in Caribbean vacations.
The joint venture expands Royal Caribbean Group into an adjacent vacation category, growing its participation in the approximately $2 trillion global vacation market, and meets the growing global demand for Sandals and Beaches Resorts by accelerating their expansion. The partnership will include Sandals and Beaches’ collection of premier all-inclusive properties across the Caribbean, and the companies will explore opportunities to broaden distribution, deepen guest engagement, and make it easier for travelers to discover vacation experiences offered across both portfolios.
“For nearly 60 years, we’ve reimagined what a vacation can be, constantly expanding the ways we inspire our guests to explore, connect and create lifelong memories,” said Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “We have been building a vacation platform that brings joy to millions of people around the world and creates meaningful relationships that last with our guests. Our partnership with
Sandals and Beaches Resorts is an important next step on that journey – bringing together two iconic leading vacation companies to further strengthen and grow one of the most admired resort portfolios in the world. The Stewart family has created powerful and beloved brands, and we are honored to build on that legacy. Together, we see tremendous opportunity to expand the reach of Sandals and Beaches Resorts and continue turning the vacation of a lifetime into a lifetime of vacations.”
“My father, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, founded Sandals Resorts with the belief that a company built in the Caribbean could stand on the world stage alongside the most respected names in hospitality. Today is proof of how far that vision can go,” said Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts. “This partnership is the natural next step in building on that conviction. It gives us the ability to grow faster with a partner that shares our values of exceptional hospitality, long-term investment, and the power of enduring brands. Together, we will introduce more guests to Sandals and Beaches Resorts while creating even more extraordinary experiences for those who have made our resorts part of their lives for decades.” Stewart added, “As we continue to grow, we will remain true to what has always defined us: delivering authentic vacations that exceed expectations while creating opportunities for our team members, travel advisor partners and the communities we call home. The future has never been brighter, and I know this moment would make my father incredibly proud.”
The joint venture will be governed by a board under the shared leadership of Stewart and Liberty. Stewart will maintain a leadership role in
guiding the company’s long-term strategic growth as Executive Chairman of Sandals and Beaches Resorts. Existing reservations, loyalty programs, resort operations and cruise operations will continue as usual, with the partnership bringing additional resources to support future opportunities.
Under the terms of the agreement, Royal Caribbean Group will acquire a 50% equity interest in Sandals and Beaches Resorts for approximately $3 billion, representing a forward EBITDA multiple of approximately 10x. Royal Caribbean Group has secured committed debt financing from Morgan Stanley to fund the investment. The transaction is expected to close in early 2027, subject to customary approvals and closing conditions, and is expected to be accretive to earnings next year.
BofA Securities and PJT Partners acted as financial advisors, and Latham & Watkins and Jones Day acted as legal advisors to the Sandals Group. Perella Weinberg Partners and Morgan Stanley acted as financial advisors and Kirkland & Ellis LLP acted as legal advisor to Royal Caribbean Group.
PHOTO CAPTION: Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, and Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts, mark the signing of an agreement to form a landmark partnership that expands Royal Caribbean Group into the all-inclusive resort space and supports the future growth of Sandals and Beaches Resorts. The signing took place at Royal Caribbean Group’s new headquarters in Miami, with the city’s skyline in the background.
The Caribbean tourism deal first reported as a possibility on Tuesday is now a signed agreement. Royal Caribbean Group plans to pay
approximately US$3 billion for a 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches Resorts, putting the value of the business at about US$6 billion. The purchase is expected to close in early 2027, subject to approvals.
Founded in Jamaica by the late Gordon “Butch” Stewart in 1981, the resort business has a presence across nine Caribbean destinations, including Jamaica, The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos. Sandals has described its workforce as nearly 20,000 people, most of them Caribbean nationals.
“My father, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, founded Sandals Resorts with the belief that a company built in the Caribbean could stand on the world stage alongside the most respected names in hospitality,” said Adam Stewart in the announcement carried by PR Newswire. He will remain executive chairman, while the Stewart family retains a stake. The companies say existing reservations and resort operations will continue as usual.
Caribbean News
Pres Ali declares three days of national mourning following MV Barima tragedy July 21, 2026
His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has declared three days of national mourning following the tragic loss of lives in the M.V. Barima incident, as the nation continues to grieve alongside the families and communities affected.
The period of national mourning will be observed from Wednesday, July 22, through Friday, July 24, 2026, in honour of the victims of the
tragedy. During this time, the National Flag will be flown at half-mast on all Government buildings and other appropriate locations across the country.
As part of the observances, Wednesday, July 22, has been designated a National Day of Prayer. A National Day of Prayer and Remembrance will be held at the Kingston Seawall in Georgetown, bringing together citizens in solidarity to honour the lives lost and offer support to grieving families.
The programme of remembrance will continue with a Night of Reflection and Prayer in Port Kaituma on Thursday, July 23, followed by another observance in Mabaruma on Friday, July 24.
The government is also encouraging religious organisations, civic groups and citizens throughout Guyana to organise candlelight vigils and moments of prayer during the three days as the nation collectively reflects on the tragedy and pays tribute to the victims. The declaration of national mourning underscores the government’s commitment to standing with the bereaved families and affected communities as Guyana mourns one of the country’s most heartbreaking maritime tragedies.
-
Bahamas News1 day agoThe Bahamas Reaffirms Support for Ukraine at International Conference in Toronto
-
News1 week agoIndian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands Empowers Local Students Through Back-to-School Backpack & Supplies Drive
-
Caribbean News1 week agoRoyal Caribbean Group and Sandals Resorts Announce Landmark Partnership to Accelerate Their Leading Vacation Experiences
-
Bahamas News1 week agoCIBC Caribbean Celebrates 2026 Unsung Heroes Finalists
-
Health1 week agoTCI Hospital Celebrates World Pharmacy Day 2026
-
Caribbean News1 week agoRoyal Caribbean Signs US$3-Billion Deal for Half of Sandals and Beaches
-
News3 days agoInvest Turks and Caicos Islands Highlights Investment Growth and Workforce Opportunity at 5th Annual General Meeting
-
News1 week agoDDME Conducts Hurricane Preparedness Presentation to Digicel Staff