Caribbean News
Preparing for Impact from Ukraine/Russia Conflict
#Jamaica, March 3, 2022 – Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says the Government is monitoring and preparing for the impact that the country’s economy will face because of conflict between the neighbouring countries, Ukraine and Russia.
“We expect that the impact on Jamaica could be through the global energy prices, oil prices, in particular, and possibly through some commodities, maybe wheat [and] flour prices,” he said.
While speaking at a recent ground-breaking ceremony for a new Stony Hill Police Station in St. Andrew West Rural,
he said that the Government is also “monitoring the possible effects [caused by] the imposition of international sanctions, which could impose obligations on Jamaica” to ensure their effectiveness.
Additionally, the Prime Minister said tensions between the neighbouring countries can also lead to the fallout of global production and greater demand for shipping, with increased prices.
“Global inflation impacts local inflation and external shock. Energy prices [might] go up as a result of uncertainties in the energy market,” he further pointed out. He noted, however, that the Jamaican economy continues to show strong recovery even in the face of crises. He, however, urged the energy and agricultural sectors to “be more resilient”.
“We need to do much more in our energy resilience. We have not done enough to cut our reliance on oil, when we have abundant sunshine and wind. We have been, as a country, toying with our energy policy,” he said.
Jamaica should have been at 50 per cent renewable energy generation by now, he said.
“I’m urging the people who are in the energy sector to set that ambition,” he added.
He further disclosed that the announcement for “a major project” that will change Jamaica’s reliance on non-renewable fossil fuels will be made in a few weeks.
“In an uncertain world, where we are price-takers of a commodity that is susceptible to all kinds of global conditions, we must insulate ourselves by utilising our God-given sunlight, wind and water,” he urged.
Meanwhile, he said food security is also vital to sustaining the economy.
“As the prices go up, households are finding it more difficult, because [with] the options to switch from high-cost food to low-cost produce, we don’t have many,” he said.
“We need to spend much more effort on ensuring our food security,” he further noted.
Contact: Chanel Spence
Release: JIS
By: The MPE Caribbean Report Newsletter
May 9, 2024 – The FCCA Foundation, the charitable arm of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), has launched an annual scholarship in honor of former Prime Minister of Barbados, The Right Honorable Professor Owen Seymour Arthur, who played a significant role in advancing the cruise trade association’s vision.
The annual gift of US$25,000 will be awarded to a different Caribbean destination each year to support the work of either an educational institution or a nonprofit organization chosen by the destination.
Barbados will receive the inaugural Owen Arthur scholarship, and next year’s scholarship destination winner will be announced at the ‘Shining Stars FCCA Foundation Dinner’ during Seatrade Cruise Global 2025.
“I am honored that the Foundation can continue the legacy of The Right Honorable Professor Owen Seymour Arthur, who truly inspired my career and empowered so many throughout the Caribbean, as well as making it possible to have the current partnership between the cruise industry and the Caribbean,” said Michele Paige, CEO, FCCA. “Hopefully this scholarship can live up to his memory by providing a platform for future generations in the region.”
By: The MPE Caribbean Report Newsletter
May 9, 2024 – The historic UN Global Conference on the Sustainable Development of Small Island States (SIDS) brought global attention to the significant challenges faced by small islands, underscoring that their concerns were big issues for all.
On April 26, several key figures who contributed to the 1994 Barbados meeting gathered in Bridgetown to commemorate its 30th
anniversary. The outcome of the 1994 meeting was the Barbados Program of Action, which delineated how the world community should address the unique vulnerabilities of islands, particularly in response to climate change.
Despite initial reluctance from powerful UN members to hold more than one SIDS conference, subsequent gatherings in Mauritius and Samoa and a fourth global conference scheduled for Antigua and Barbuda in May 2024 are a testament to some of the successes of the SIDS process.
In Antigua and Barbuda, the international community will convene to review the sustainable development progress of SIDS and propose a new decade of partnerships and solutions to accelerate their journey toward resilient prosperity.
The Barbados meeting last month provided a reflective journey for many, as attendees, including Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, paid tribute to the late Ambassador Miles Stoby of Guyana, the visionary behind the initiative and for whom Barbados was, fittingly, a second
Caption: Ambassador Lyutha al Mughairy (widow of Ambassador Miles Stoby) greets Garth Sandiford, son of late Barbados Prime Minister Erskine Sandiford. Looking on are Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley and former UN Under-Secretary General Peter Hansen.
By: The MPE Caribbean Report Newsletter
May 9, 2024 – The Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Sustainable Tourism Conference (STC), held April 22-24 at Radisson Grenada Beach Resort was a resounding success.
The conference is the Caribbean’s foremost event for high-level networking and dialogue on sustainable tourism, providing a crucial platform for tourism policymakers, private sector stakeholders, thought leaders, and strategic partners to address the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of Caribbean tourism.
The meeting highlighted the essential pillars necessary for creating a transformative and regenerative legacy under the theme “The 5 Ps for a Legacy of Caribbean Tourism Sustainability: People, Planet, Prosperity, Purpose & Partnership”.
Thought-provoking addresses from Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell and Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International, set the stage for discussions about the future of Caribbean tourism.
PM Mitchell stressed the need to include a broader array of stakeholders in the tourism conversation, while Stewart highlighted the importance of partnerships and unity within the sector. The conference was marked by authentic displays of Grenadian culture and dynamic panel sessions.
Caption: Adam Stewart of Sandals Resorts International delivered the keynote address.
The MPE Caribbean Report Newsletter
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