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The Cost of the Coronation; Many say it was too high

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By Dana Malcom 

Staff Writer 

 

 

#UnitedKingdom, May 10, 2023 – As the pomp and ceremony of the first coronation in 71 years fades, many residents in the UK and around the world are now questioning whether the cost for the crowning of Britain’s new king was justified.

The dollar amount has not been revealed by Buckingham Palace but the BBC puts it between $63 – $126 million dollars / $49 – $99 million pounds.

The 2023 coronation of King Charles III was more expensive than the ceremony held in 1953 when his mother, Queen Elizabeth II was crowned and that of King George VI, in 1937 who was his grandfather.  Still, millions watched on television, thousands turned out despite drenching rain to see the spectacle in person.

Commentators have said the inflated cost is owing to the need for increased security, but also the massive productions attached to the ceremony which comes as the country languishes in a major cost of living crisis.

More recently, Inflation in the UK was 10.1% in March 2023, the seventh successive month of double-digit inflation and food prices reached 45 year highs. In addition, public sector workers are railing against their working conditions and compensation packages. The largest nurses strike in the UK was carried out in February with hundreds of healthcare and ambulance workers walking off the job as they advocated for inflation adjusted pay.

Railway workers continued the largest instance of industrial action in the country since 1989 in February as well with protracted protests set to spread into May; and in April, passport workers followed suit beginning a weeks long strike, prompted again by disputes over salaries.

A YouGov poll indicated 51 percent of respondents were not pleased with taxpayer money funding the event, only 32 percent agreed with the expense.

The UK is also in the hot seat in the eyes of it’s overseas territories, many of whom are still trying to secure funding for parliament buildings of their own and increased investment in National Security. Those issues will likely be raised at the Joint Ministerial Council to be held in the coming days.

The hope from many residents is that the cost will be justified by the money it brings back into the British economy. Hardcore Royals fans flying in to see the event, and exclusive TV viewing rights are all potential sources of income that could level out the expense. But even if that does happen the optics are still in question for many.

The UK is listed as one of the only countries that still practices this type of lavish coronation ceremony.  Other monarchies either have no coronation process at all or have their royals say their binding oaths before elected representatives to make their royal stature official.

In Denmark, the crown is only displayed at the monarch’s funeral; in Monaco there are no crowns at all.

There are also rows within commonwealth countries about dumping the Royal pomp and pageantry as head of state, migrating to Republic status and former colonies are advocating for reparations given the admissions related to the atrocities of colonization.

Bahamas News

Bahamas Government to meet with SpaceX

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PRESS STATEMENT

Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation

 

The Bahamas, February 6, 2025 – A delegation inclusive of all relevant agencies is meeting with SpaceX officials as The Islands of The Bahamas finalise preparations for the historic landing of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket booster on February 17.

This landmark moment will make The Bahamas the first international destination to host the Falcon 9 rocket booster landings. This historic event, set to take place off the coast of The Exumas, marks a significant leap for The Bahamas into the realm of space tourism.

The collaboration between Bahamian officials and SpaceX positions The Bahamas as a key player in the growing space tourism industry, with 20 scheduled landings to take place in Bahamian waters on autonomous drone ships. The country will be the exclusive location to witness these remarkable events, offering unique economic opportunities and advancements in technology.

The delegation includes senior representatives from the Royal Bahamas Defense Force, the Bahamas Air Navigation Services Authority, the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection, and the Port Department.

The relevant senior officials will remain on hand during the launch sequence and launch and ascent. They are fully engaged to ensure all safety, regulatory, and operational measures are in place for the scheduled landing. Every effort is being made to facilitate this historic event while maintaining the highest standards.

Further details regarding the landing and related activities will be forthcoming.

The Hon. I. Chester Cooper
Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation

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Decomposing Body Found

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***MEDIA RELEASE***

 

Turks and Caicos, February 5, 2025 – The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is investigating the discovery of a decomposing body found in the vicinity of Delco Yard, Snake Hill, Blue Hills.

At approximately 7:45 pm on Tuesday, January 15, 2025, officers received information regarding the presence of a body in a ditch near Delco Yard.  A team of officers and the TCI Regiment were deployed to the scene.

Upon arrival, officers confirmed the presence of a deceased male wearing black jeans and blue Jordan sneakers. The deceased had a black locks hairstyle. The body was in an advanced state of decomposition.

If you have any information that could assist in identifying the deceased or in the ongoing investigation, please call 911 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 (TIPS).

Information can also be shared via the Crime Stoppers P3 app.

Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.

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Caribbean News

S Hotel Kingston Partners with Bob Marley Foundation to Celebrate Kingston as the Cultural Capital

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KINGSTON, JAMAICA, [February 6, 2024] – In celebration of Bob Marley’s 80th birthday, S Hotel Kingston has partnered with the Bob Marley Foundation to launch an immersive “Explore Kingston” initiative, spotlighting the city’s rich cultural heritage. The collaboration features a dynamic new video that showcases Kingston in the world’s music culture.

Widely regarded as the heart of Jamaica’s artistic and musical legacy, Kingston takes center stage in this captivating video, which highlights iconic sites such as the Bob Marley Museum, Trench Town Culture Yard, Tuff Gong International, and Kingston Creative’s Water Lane Art Walk. The video offers an inspiring glimpse into the city’s cultural essence and its deep connection to reggae music.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Bob Marley Foundation to bring this experience to life,” said Christopher Issa, CEO of S Hotels Jamaica. “This initiative is not only a celebration of Bob Marley’s birthday but also a tribute to the creative spirit that makes Kingston the beating heart of Jamaica.”

S Hotel Kingston embraces this cultural legacy throughout the property. Each room is equipped with a Bob Marley record player. The hotel’s Strings Cafe and Bar features a stunning zinc mural with an impression of Bob Marley, serving as a striking backdrop that pays homage to Kingston’s artistic roots, along with an 8-ft guitar. Additionally, a Bob Marley statue stands as a tribute to the legendary artist, further reinforcing the hotel’s deep connection to Jamaica’s music history.

For more information on S Hotel Kingston, please visit http://www.shotelkingston.com. To view the “Explore Kingston” video, follow S Hotel Kingston on social at @shotelkingstonjm.

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