ST. GEORGE’S GRENADA- JUNE 19, 2025- The Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management (PISLM), has successfully signed a Head Quarters Agreement with the Government of Grenada. This historic signing cements the Spice Isle, as the hub for the operations of the InterGovernmental Organisation (IGO), which will lead coordinated action and implement projects that will improve sustainable land and soil management within Caribbean Small Island Developing States (CSIDS).

Minister Hon. Lennox Andrews and Hon. Adrian Forde

The agreement was signed at the PISLM’s High Level Ministerial Gala, on Tuesday 17^th, June 2025, at the Radisson Resorts Grenada, by the outgoing Executive Director Mr. Calvin James and Grenada’s Minister responsible for the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and Minister of Economic Development and Planning, Agriculture and Lands, Forestry and Blue Economy- Hon. Lennox J. Andrews.                                                                                                                                                                                                       The signing was witnessed by Hon. Adrian Forde- Minister of Environment and National Beautification, Green and Blue Economy of Barbados (incoming Chair of the PISLM Ministerial Council), Hon Kerryne James- Minister for Minister for Climate Resilience, the Environment and Renewable Energy and Hon. Vaughn P. Miller- Minister for the Environment and Natural Resources of the Bahamas; along with focal points for the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and key stakeholders.

Delivering feature remarks at the Ministerial Gala, Andrews commended the organization for its work in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). He described the signing as, “A demonstration of our commitment to sustainable land management.”

“It puts us in an obvious position where we can be recognized as a country that takes climate change and land degradation seriously,” he added.

Hon .Kerryne James, Hon. Vaughn Miller and Mr. Calvin James

The PISLM which officially became an Inter-Governmental Organization, one year ago, has been strengthening sustainable land and soil management across the Caribbean Small Island Developing States, through several projects including, Phase I of the CSIDS-SOILCARE Project and the Strengthening Resilience of Agricultural Lands and Forests in Dominica in the Aftermath of Hurricane Maria.                                                                                                     Reflecting on the two decades spent developing the organization into the premier Inter Governmental Organization responsible for land and soil, with a mandate to help countries meet their obligations under the UNCCD and land and soil areas of the Barbados Programme of Action, outgoing Executive Director Mr. Calvin James,  expressed gratitude to the Governments of Trinidad and Tobago and the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, that served as host countries.

“Their contributions set the stage for what we call Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique phase and a new chapter for the PISLM. We hope that this phase will take us to where we ought to be in terms of positioning sustainable land and soil management in the environmental spectrum.”

Mr. Calvin James

The establishment of the PISLM Headquarters in Grenada will enhance coordination among Caribbean SIDS, provide a centralized platform for Small Island Developing Stations (SIDS) collaboration, and attract regional and international investment for sustainable land management solutions.                                                                                                                                                                       The office will become the hub for the implementation of several key projects such as the Caribbean LDN Transformative Project, which would be done in collaboration with the Inter American Institute for Cooperation in Agriculture, the Caribbean Sand & Dust storm Initiative, launch of Phase II of the CSIDS SOILCARE Project and the Caribbean Drought Initiative in collaboration with the Global Water Partnership-Caribbean.

PISLM extends its appreciation to the Government of Grenada, for their unwavering support in making this historic achievement a reality.

Members of the BTC team who represented the TCI on its recent cricket tour

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: Beaches Turks and Caicos (BTC) is celebrating a proud moment after Maintenance and Engineering Supervisor, Jerome Daley, emerged as top scorer in the 10th Central American and Caribbean Cricket Championship, recently held in Panama. Daley represented the Turks and Caicos Islands Cricket (TCIC) team in its debut appearance at the regional tournament, which featured teams from Mexico, Costa Rica and Panama.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            The TCIC team, composed of standout players from the recently concluded Turks and Caicos Islands Cricket Association (TCICA) T20 League, brought together a dynamic mix of youth, experience and professionals from both the private and public sectors.

BTC’s Elite Butler and TCIC team Captain, Sidue Hunter, reflected on the experience, “being called on to lead this team was a challenge I felt prepared for. The unity and camaraderie made a big difference. This team sets a solid foundation for the future of TCI cricket.”

While the team did not take home the championship title, Daley’s individual performance stood out. He led the tournament in runs and credited his teammates for their support.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            “Playing in unfamiliar conditions is always tough,” Daley admitted. “The pitches weren’t quite like what we’re used to at home but I trusted my game. With encouragement from my teammates, I was able to adjust and stay consistent.”                                                                                                                                                                                        BTC Managing Director James McAnally praised the team’s contribution to both sports and national development, “we are proud to support our team members who represented not just the resort but the Turks and Caicos Islands on a regional stage. This is what true corporate citizenship looks like—empowering people through teamwork, sports and community spirit.”

TCI Cricket Team captain Sidue Hunter (left) and Jerome Daley

McAnally also acknowledged the impressive BTC representation within the team:

• Jerome Daley – top scorer, maintenance and engineering supervisor
• Sidue Hunter – captain, elite butler
• Maxine Salmon – scorer, kids camp department
• Earl Henry – evening duty manager
• Anthony “Moses” McKnight – elite butler

Vice President of TCICA, Ancell Williams, described the championship as a pivotal learning experience and outlined the organization’s ambitious vision, “we aim to integrate more youth into our national teams over the next two seasons. Long-term, we hope to field U15 and U19 teams in the West Indies youth championships. It’s a bold dream, but youth development is our future.”

This inaugural appearance at the championship signals a promising future for cricket in the Turks and Caicos Islands, with a growing commitment to nurturing talent from the grassroots to the regional stage.

New York’s Beloved Waterfront Restaurant Makes a Splash in The Bahamas with New Atlantis Paradise Island Location

PARADISE ISLAND BAHAMAS – (JUNE 18, 2025) – One of the most anticipated new openings at Atlantis Paradise Island, Claudio’s Bahamas brings the legendary energy of its sister restaurant in Greenport, New York, to the heart of the Caribbean. Overlooking the Water’s Edge Lagoon at The Coral, the new eatery blends East Coast heritage with Bahamian vibrancy—serving fresh seafood, seasonal favorites, and timeless island cocktails in a soulful, nautical setting.

Guests can enjoy signature dishes from the original location, a cherished East Coast staple for over a century. Famous menu items include Calamari with preserved lemon aioli; Baked Clams topped with peppers, onions, double-smoked bacon, panko, and parmesan; and Claudio’s Lobster Roll, a fan favorite served on brioche challah with brown butter, celery, lemon aioli, and chives.

Selection of Signature Dishes – Claudio’s Bahamas

To complement the familiar favorites, Claudio’s Bahamas offers a selection of dishes unique to the location, showcasing the vibrant flavors of the islands. Signature dishes include decadent Lobster Mac n’ Cheese, featuring a creamy four-cheese blend and crispy bacon panko topping; Fish Goujons & Fries, made with Nassau grouper in a Kalik batter and served with mint tartar sauce; Crispy Wings tossed in guava goat pepper sauce; Shrimp Loaded Fries with garlic shrimp, avocado mousse, sour cream, and pico de gallo; Sticky Ribs with crispy onions and homemade sticky BBQ sauce; Veal Milanese with lemon-caper butter, parmesan, cherry tomatoes, arugula, and panko; Conch Fritters with sweet peppers, onion, and a spicy sauce; and Conch Chowder, served in a rye bread bowl with potatoes, onions, carrots, applewood smoked bacon, topped with double cream and parsley.

Claudio’s Bahamas also offers a stylish, new late-night scene, enhancing the resort’s offering of evening experiences. The beverage program features a global wine list, refreshing beers, and classic Caribbean cocktails. Highlights include a Mudslide with vodka, coffee-flavored liqueurs, sugar reduction, and milk; Sky Juice with dry gin, coconut water, heavy cream, condensed milk, and nutmeg; Captain Claudio’s Bloody Mary-one of the most famous drinks from Claudio’s Greenport, is an eye catching cocktail stacked high with stone crab, shrimp, bacon, olives, jalapenos, vodka, Worcestershire sauce, lime juice, hot sauce, and tomato juice; Frozen Miami Vice, this must-try cocktail, has vodka, strawberry and coconut slush; and Junkanoo Punch, inspired by the festive Bahamian tradition, includes rum, blackberry liquor, lemon juice, grenadine, orange juice, and pineapple juice.

Capturing the spirit of the ocean, the sophisticated nautical design features soothing blue hues, natural wood tones, and expansive, floor-to-ceiling windows. The dining room is centered around an interactive display of colorful fiberglass sailboats suspended from the ceiling. Inspired by an award-winning Bahamian Class E sailboat that competed in regattas throughout the Bahamas, each sailboat is named after classic Caribbean cocktails, like the Painkiller, Yellow Bird, and the Bahama Mama. Claudio’s Bahamas dining room leads to a large patio and shaded gazebo bar, offering stunning lagoon views and the perfect backdrop for sunset vistas. The restaurant is equipped with multiple large-screen TVs, ensuring guests never miss a live sporting or entertainment event. The outdoor terrace, featuring twinkle lights and a lively DJ on weekends, creates an energetic atmosphere for diners and visitors. With two semi-private dining rooms, Claudio’s Bahamas is ideal for groups of all sizes – from social events to birthday parties, family reunions, and bachelor/bachelorette celebrations.

Bar Area – Claudio’s Bahamas

“As the only resort in the region to offer unmatched culinary experiences, Atlantis Paradise Island continues to lead the way in innovation thanks to our incredible food and beverage team,” said Audrey Oswell, President and Managing Director of Atlantis Paradise Island. “We’re thrilled that Claudio’s, an iconic brand with over 150 years of history, chose Atlantis for its first international location, further solidifying our reputation as a world-class destination for dining and hospitality. This partnership brings together two storied brands that share a deep commitment to excellence in service, entertainment, and guest experience—uniting the best of the best under one roof.”

“We’re excited to introduce Claudio’s renowned East Coast legacy to the Bahamas for the very first time,” said Celeste Fierro, Managing Partner of Claudio’s. “Claudio’s Bahamas is a celebration of heritage and hospitality, where timeless nautical charm meets the vibrant soul of the islands. We can’t wait to welcome guests and invite them to experience the next chapter of Claudio’s right here in paradise.”

Claudio’s Bahamas is open all day for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night dining. Dining is available until 2 a.m., and the bar remains open until 3 a.m.

For more information about Atlantis Paradise Island and Claudio’s Bahamas, please visit atlantisparadise.com, @atlantisbahamas and @claudiosbahamas.

CONTACT:

Erika Garcia-Lavyne                                          Lauren Clark

Atlantis Paradise Island                                    Chapman Communications Group

954-224-1972

erika.lavyne@atlantisparadise.com               lauren@chapmancommunicationsgroup.com