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GOV’T TAKING MEASURED APPROACH TO ACCOMMODATING PERSONS LOOKING TO LEAVE HAITI

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KINGSTON, March 7 (JIS):

 

The Government is looking at how best Jamaica can accommodate citizens of Haiti and other persons seeking to leave that country in light of deteriorating social conditions there, particularly in the capital, Port-au-Prince.  

 

This, without Jamaica being overwhelmed by an influx of refugees, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang. 

 

“At this point, we will agree to take a number of people legitimately, namely the orphans in an orphanage that was isolated and challenged, and the Mustard Seed Community is taking them. We have agreed and the [logistics] of that [are] being worked out. We have [also] been requested by the World Bank to take their staff here… [and] we are working out the process to get that done,” the Minister stated.

 

“So, what we can do through legitimate means we are doing. We still have to maintain control over our borders, because we cannot afford a flood of refugees. We will look at what we do… and review it on literally a daily basis,” Dr. Chang added.

 

He was speaking during Thursday’s (March 7) sitting of the Standing Finance Committee of the House of Representatives, whose members were reviewing the 2024/25 Estimates of Expenditure.

 

Meanwhile, Dr. Chang said the Government is looking to enhance Jamaica’s border security to prevent an influx of Haitian refugees.

 

 

 

“We primarily have to manage our borders; we have to ensure we don’t get that flood coming this way. Still… for whatever reason, we have had a couple of boats coming in. Their interest is going into North America, and they tend to go north through The Bahamas, and they sometimes go east and go all the way down to South America and come back up on the Pacific coast of the United States,” he noted.

 

“But while we are deeply concerned… the Government is taking an active and leading role in trying to get CARICOM… to work with partners internationally and international agencies to bring some stability to Haiti and to move us back to, hopefully, a more sustainable governance,” the Minister added.

 

Dr. Chang emphasised that, security-wise, “We just seek to protect our borders, which means increasing the level of activity on our east coast, south and north, and also increasing our collaboration with both our security forces contacts in Haiti, as well as other international bodies in Haiti involved in security, to monitor the situation.”

 

Regarding Haitians coming to Jamaica, Dr. Chang pointed out that the policy is to return them to their country.

 

“We did not see any major reason [not to], because the area they’re going back to in the far south, Les Cayes and back to Cap Haitien in the north, are areas which are relatively calm. There are no reports of any significant challenges in these areas at the time we’re doing it,” the Minister said.

 

CONTACT: LATONYA LINTON

Caribbean News

Sandals Resorts Rewards Caribbean Medallists with Free Vacations

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~All medalled athletes from islands where Sandals operates, to receive weeklong stays at luxury chain

for their Paris Olympics performances~

 

 

Montego Bay, Jamaica – September 8, 2024 – Sandals Resorts International, in a show of celebration following the extraordinary performance of Caribbean athletes at the 2024 Paris Olympics, extended complimentary vacations to all medalists from the islands where the resort brand operates.

Jamaican top performers, Rojé Stona, Kishane Thompson, Shanieka Ricketts, Rajindra Campbell, Wayne Pinnock and Rasheed Broadbell will receive week-long stays at any Sandals or Beaches resort in the Caribbean. Saint Lucia’s Olympic champion Julien Alfred, alongside Grenada’s star athletes Lindon Victor and Anderson Peters will also receive complimentary one-week vacations at any Sandals or Beaches resort across the region.

“The Olympic Games are always a special time for us here in the Caribbean. Our athletes are incredibly talented and we are thrilled to witness their wins and record-making performances. On behalf of our entire Sandals family, we excitedly celebrate with our Olympic medallists and we look forward to hosting them for a relaxing vacation at Sandals,” shared Executive Chairman for Sandals Resorts International, Adam Stewart.

This latest show of support for Caribbean athletes has become a hallmark of Sandals Resorts as they made a similar offering to athletes at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The resort chain has also been a major sponsor of regional sports such as the West Indies Cricket team and multiple motorsport athletes among many others.

 

Captions:

Rojé Stona: Jamaican track and field athlete Rojé Stona broke the Olympic record to win the gold medal in the men’s discus throw at the 2024 Summer Olympics. Stona is the first Jamaican to win Olympic gold at a throwing event.

Shanieka Ricketts: Jamaican athlete Shanieka Ricketts copped silver in the women’s triple jump at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Julien Alfred: Saint Lucia’s Julien Alfred celebrates her historic performance after copping gold in the women’s 100m at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Alfred also won silver in the women’s 200m competition.

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Caribbean News

Registration Now Open for Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum 2024

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The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) has opened registration for the Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF 2024). This premier event is set to take place November 18-20, 2024, at the Kovens Conference Center in North Miami.

Under the theme “Keeping it Real – Amplifying Caribbean Tourism through Authenticity, Integration and Immersion”, CHIEF 2024 promises to deliver cutting-edge insights and networking opportunities for hospitality professionals across the region.

Patricia Affonso-Dass, Chair of the CHIEF 2024 Planning Committee, explained that “CHIEF 2024 is more than just a conference; it’s a call to action for the Caribbean hospitality industry.”

“Under our comprehensive theme, we’re focusing on what truly sets our region apart: our authenticity, our people, and our commitment to sustainable tourism. This forum will equip attendees with the knowledge and connections to not just navigate the future but to shape it,” she stated.

CHIEF 2024 will cover a range of critical topics, including:

  • Marketing the Authentic Caribbean Experience: Delegates will discover strategies to showcase the Caribbean’s unique cultural heritage, natural beauty, and local experiences. This includes promoting local cuisine, artisans, eco-tourism and community-based experiences.
  • Embracing Technology and Innovation: Attendees will explore the latest technological advancements reshaping the hospitality industry. They will learn how AI can improve their offerings to visitors and optimize operations and marketing.
  • Boosting Revenue with Proven Strategies: Participants will gain insights into tactics to increase profitability in the competitive Caribbean tourism market. Sessions will feature case studies and discussions of dynamic pricing models and upselling techniques.
  • Prioritizing Staff and Guest Well-Being: Delegates will delve into the growing importance of well-being for employees and guests in the hospitality industry. Strategies will be shared to enhance staff satisfaction and retention, integrate wellness programs and create environments that promote relaxation and rejuvenation.

The forum will also feature the return of the popular CHIEF Speed Networking Session, allowing attendees to forge valuable connections in the industry. The full schedule of events is available at https://chtachief.com/schedule-of-events. Members and non-members are invited to register early to take advantage of the Early Bird rate at https://chtachief.com/registration/.

As the Caribbean’s top networking conference, CHIEF provides an unmatched platform for industry leaders to connect and collaborate. With expert-led sessions, an Exchange Hub for showcasing the latest innovations, and the prestigious CHIEF Awards, the event is essential for staying ahead in the hospitality sector.

For more details about CHIEF 2024, including sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities, visit chtachief.com.

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Bahamas News

CIBC Caribbean Donates Computers Across the Country

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CIBC Caribbean’s Branch Support Services Manager, Sammy Gardiner (R), presents computers to National Library and Information Services representative and librarian, Winifred Murphy (L)

Nassau, Bahamas, September 12, 2024 Digital resources have become an integral part of day-to-day business activities and the education experience. As another school year begins and library traffic heightens, students and patrons across the country will have more devices at their fingertips.

CIBC Caribbean recently donated a substantial number of computers to public libraries and Yellow Elder Primary School. The computers donated to the National Library and Information Services will be distributed to libraries in New Providence, Abaco, and Grand Bahama.

Jacqui Bend, CIBC Caribbean’s Managing Director said, “At CIBC Caribbean, we are deeply committed to advancing technology both within our organization and in the communities we serve. By donating these computers to libraries and schools across The Bahamas, we’re helping to ensure that everyone has the digital tools they need to thrive in today’s world, just as we continually innovate to better serve our clients.”

Dorcas Bowler, Director of Libraries, emphasized the importance of CIBC Caribbean’s donation.

She said, “In today’s technological world, a library does not only house books but is also an information hub and a treasure trove to access information at the click of a mouse on computer terminals, tablets, and other electronic devices via the Internet and WIFI. Patrons, including adults and children, need up-to-date information for success in school and everyday living.

“This donation from CIBC Caribbean aligns perfectly with our mission to provide ready access to quality resources and services for all persons throughout the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. It supports our vision of an accessible library system equipped to meet the demands of the 21st century.”

Bowler further highlighted the critical role libraries play in fostering lifelong learning and providing equitable access to information. “Libraries build strong communities and change lives,” she said.

“This generous donation from CIBC will significantly enhance our ability to offer modern technological resources to all, particularly in remote and underserved communities.”

Yellow Elder Primary School will utilize the computers to enhance its educational offerings. The school’s acting principal, Tamica Adderley, expressed profound gratitude, stating, “Computers play a pivotal role in modern education, revolutionizing the learning experience for both educators and students.”

Adderley said, “At Yellow Elder Primary School, these computers will enable our students to engage with adaptive learning platforms such as Renaissance Star 360, which tailors educational content to individual learning needs. This not only fosters a dynamic and participatory learning environment but also ensures that our students are equipped with the vital digital literacy skills necessary for future success.”

She added, “On behalf of Yellow Elder Primary School Family, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to CIBC Caribbean for its generous donation. CIBC Caribbean’s commitment to education and technology will have a lasting impact on the learning experiences of our students. With CIBC’s support, we can create a technologically enriched environment that empowers our students to thrive in an ever-evolving world. Thank you for being a valuable partner in shaping the future of our community.”

 

Photo Caption:

Libraries across the country and Yellow Elder Primary School received computers from CIBC Caribbean to support the evolving needs of day-to-day business activities and the education experience

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