Caribbean News
Condolences to Queen
His Excellency Nigel Dakin to the House of Assembly
Turks and Caicos Islands Governor
“For my part, I would only say that this relationship between Parliament and Crown, and the seamless transfer of
power between both a past and a present Monarch, and a past and present Prime Minister, in the same week, is built on many of the traditions and courtesies we extend to each other – and more to the point the courtesies that you extend to each other – in this Chamber. It is at moments like this that tradition is not only important in providing comfort, but also delivering certainty.
Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for the courtesy you pay our late Sovereign in convening the House for this sad but special occasion. She was many things but at her very core she was a committed Christian and will, I know, both Rest in Peace and Rise Again in Glory. And so I wish her son, and our new King – Charles III, a long and successful Reign. He had the most exemplary of women – both as his mother and as his Queen – to show him the way.
May God Bless these Turks and Caicos Islands, may God receive his faithful servant – Queen Elizabeth II – as she was faithful to us, and may ‘God Save the King’.
Hon C. Washington Misick on behalf of the Country
Turks and Caicos Islands Premier
“Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was the most striking example of commitment and dedication to duty of any global figure of her generation.
It is with a deep sense of loss and sadness that we pay tribute to her lifetime of devotion, lasting over 70 years. As head of the Commonwealth she was indeed a unifying queen of hearts – to the people of the United Kingdom the Queen represented sovereign leadership and a rallying figure of national pride, a beacon of stability and an inspiring example of public service.
To friend and foe she has left an enduring legacy that will long be unmatched.”
Joseph Biden on behalf of the Country
President of the United States of America
“She was the first British monarch to whom people all around the world could feel a personal and immediate
connection—whether they heard her on the radio as a young princess speaking to the children of the United Kingdom, or gathered around their televisions for her coronation, or watched her final Christmas speech or her Platinum Jubilee on their phones. And she, in turn, dedicated her whole life to their service.
Supported by her beloved Prince Philip for 73 years, Queen Elizabeth II led always with grace, an unwavering commitment to duty, and the incomparable power of her example. She endured the dangers and deprivations of a world war alongside the British people and rallied them during the devastation of a global pandemic to look to better days ahead.
Through her dedication to her patronages and charities, she supported causes that uplifted people and expanded opportunity. By showing friendship and respect to newly independent nations around the world, she elevated the cause of liberty and fostered enduring bonds that helped strengthen the Commonwealth, which she loved so deeply, into a community to promote peace and shared values.
Queen Elizabeth II was a stateswoman of unmatched dignity and constancy who deepened the bedrock Alliance between the United Kingdom and the United States. She helped make our relationship special.”
Wayne Panton on behalf of the country
Cayman Islands Premier
“She left us with a legacy of reaching out to her subjects in the United Kingdom and abroad; being seen as a real person who ensured that the monarchy was able to quietly adapt to changes in society and keep a sharp focus on The Commonwealth.
She was a defender of the faith and a stalwart wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
As our Head of State, our loyalty to the British Crown was strongest and most heartfelt under her reign. We remain loyal to the British Crown, but it has definitely lost one of its most precious jewels.
Through her dedication and unwavering strength, she proved herself to be royalty in every respect.
There will never be another like her.
We had the pleasure of her company when she visited the Cayman Islands not once, but twice before her passing.”
Most Hon Andrew Holness to the country
Jamaica Prime Minister
“The world has lost a global matriarch, who was a steadying and constant force throughout many crises and periods
of difficulty. Over the course of her 70-year reign, Queen Elizabeth II made an immense contribution to the world in public life and was a close friend of Jamaica.
As the longest reigning British sovereign, Queen Elizabeth served with distinction, leading with dignity and grace. Since her coronation in 1953, Her Majesty visited Jamaica every decade until the early 2000s.
Her Royal Tours saw her visiting Jamaica in 1953, 1966, 1975, 1983, 1994 and 2002, where she participated in Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings, and many sittings of the Houses of Parliament on such occasions. Undoubtedly, she formed a special bond with the people of Jamaica during her reign, and her visits were met with warm welcome and an outpouring of affection.”
Hon Ellis Webster on behalf of the Country
Anguilla Premier
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Her Majesty the Queen. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the British
Royal Family on this painful loss.
As the longest serving monarch in the United Kingdom’s history, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s reign has been marked by her overwhelming sense of service, strength of character and personal warmth to everyone who had the honour of meeting her.
Her Majesty’s touch was felt throughout the Commonwealth and Anguilla as an Overseas Territory was honoured by her visit. The world has lost a champion of peace and stability.
Today, we the people of Anguilla join with the citizens of the UK and millions around the world in mourning the loss of an extraordinary monarch, an influential leader, and an inspirational person. Our prayers are with King Charles III and the rest of Her Majesty’s family.”
Natalio Wheatley on behalf of the Country
British Virgin Islands Premier
“At 96 and having just celebrated her platinum jubilee, Her Majesty was the longest serving Head of State; her reign
spanning generations. She was an iconic figure and an inspiration to millions, especially women, as her tenure, noble service and achievements defied and shattered the glass ceiling that was so prominent only a few decades ago.
Her Majesty was elevated to the role of heir presumptive in 1936 at the age of 10 following unanticipated circumstances that changed the line of succession. She ascended to the throne at the age of 25 upon the passing of her father, King George VI, in 1952. Many doubted whether her youth, her limited experience and even her gender were suitable or appropriate for the tremendous responsibility of Monarch at that time. But with courage, Her Majesty stepped into her role and owned it with confidence for every moment of the last 70 years since – ruling through international social, political and technological revolutions and many periods of challenge and triumph.
Virgin Islanders and residents who are old enough, will remember Her Majesty’s two visits to the Virgin Islands. First in 1966, Her Majesty was accompanied by her husband, His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Then again in 1977 when my grandfather, Chief Minister Dr the Honourable Willard Wheatley, had the honour of hosting her here in the Territory.”
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~SANDALS® RESORTS OPENS ITS 18TH RESORT IN SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES~
April 17, 2024, Montego Bay, Jamaica – In an intimate ribbon cutting ceremony commemorating Sandals Resorts’ entry into the largely undiscovered destination of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the only Caribbean born superbrand welcomed its first guests to a nature-forward experience brimming with island inspiration and stirring ‘Sandals Firsts’.
Witnessed by government officials, Sandals executives, guests and resort team members, an emerald green ribbon, representative of the island’s flag and lush surroundings, was cut signaling the official opening of Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International Adam Stewart, spoke on what the opening of the hotel chain’s 18th resort meant for the brand, the island and the Caribbean at large. “This is a multi-generational act in the making that began with my extraordinary
father Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart and Prime Minister Gonsalves many years ago. They flirted heavily about flying the Vincy flag not only here but in all the other islands across the Caribbean that Sandals has its operations. Little did we know that 43 years later the Sandals brand would grow from one 99-room hotel in Montego Bay to a top 500 brand known on the world stage as a super brand. The only Caribbean born commercial super brand known across the United States, Europe and Canada with over 84% brand penetration and recognition,” he shared.
He expounded further on what he dubbed the Sandals Effect, a confluence of things that happen when Sandals comes to town. “First and foremost, we market the destination, both St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The landscape that makes up this incredible archipelago will benefit. Directly and indirectly for linkages, tour operators, taxi operators, restaurateurs, musicians, farmers, fishers, entrepreneurs, hardware store operators, the entire ecosystem and connectivity we plan to make sure that the entire world knows.”
With Sandals’ expansion to the island, airlift has increased exponentially with more availability on the horizon. According to Adam Stewart, numerous airlines have adjusted their schedules in anticipation for the demand. “American Airlines used to fly twice per week to and from the Argyle Airport, since April the airline has increase to four times per week and is expected to have daily flights by the end of 2024. Air Canada and Virgin have increased their airlift with JetBlue and United Airlines now flying to the island for the first time. Nationals and visitors will have the opportunity to fly more conveniently and we will continue to grow. ,” expressed Stewart.
The resort, in May 2024, is expected to host some 300 top travel advisors from around the world, the largest contingent of international travel professionals to ever visit Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Dr. The Honourable, Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, in his main address added further credence to the impact Sandals has on his country and the CARICOM community. “During COVID, unemployment went up, there was a decline in economic activity in the region. At the time we also had volcanic eruptions, Sandals came to us with a proposal to recruit Vincentians and send them to their resorts across the Caribbean to be trained. We had to evacuate 20,000 persons with some in shelters for four to six months. Along came a friend in Sandals who said they could ease some of the pressure providing opportunities for 500 people and these little things talk to me about partnership. This might have been small for Sandals but it was a huge thing for
us in the condition in which we found ourselves and I want to thank Sandals and Adam.”
“It is an understatement really to call Sandals a brand. It has become an existential part of our Caribbean civilization. This civilization is tailor-made for tourism and Butch Stewart has helped to shape this aspect of the material to help sustain us. I think that when the history of the 20th into the 21st century is written, there would be a towering place for this legend,” The Hon. Gonsalves continued.
In honour of the late Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, Prime Gonsalves in opining that the relationship he enjoyed with the late founder made him “one of us” shared a remarkable plan to celebrate his memory and contributions to tourism and economic development in the region. “The government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines had indicated to Sandals that we will build the road coming to the entrance of the hotel. Having built it, we will call it the Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart Boulevard,” the Prime Minister announced proudly to stirring applause from the audience.
Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines offers 301 rooms and suites across 50 lush-laden acres, authentically embracing its Saint Vincent location with an experience that is as thoughtful as it is meticulously local.
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