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SAN JUAN WELCOMES RITZ-CARLTON ILMA AND SUN PRINCESS FOR INAUGURAL CALLS TO PUERTO RICO

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(San Juan, Puerto Rico, November 22, 2024) – This week, Puerto Rico celebrates the arrival of two prestigious vessels that highlight its standing as a premier destination in the Caribbean. The Ritz-Carlton Ilma, a luxury mega-yacht, and the Sun Princess, a world-class cruise ship from Princess Cruises, are both set to deliver significant economic benefits and expand the destination’s offerings for luxury travel and tourism.

Ritz-Carlton Ilma, which made its inaugural visit to Puerto Rico last week after completing its Mediterranean season, has chosen San Juan as its homeport for the 2024-2025 Caribbean season. With eleven planned departures from November 2024 to March 2025, its activities are expected to generate an economic impact of $1.7 million. Offering unparalleled luxury, the yacht features five restaurants, six bars, a wine cellar, classical and jazz concerts, and personalized services for up to 448 passengers.

Similarly, Sun Princess began its season in San Juan with the first of five scheduled visits, each offering extended 12-hour stops to enable passengers to explore Puerto Rico’s attractions and vibrant nightlife. This modern vessel, with a capacity of 5,189 passengers and 1,550 crew, is the newest ship in the Princess Cruises’ fleet. Princess Cruises calls in Puerto Rico during the 2025 fiscal year are projected to bring 122,000 passengers over 34 visits, with plans to resume homeport operations in 2026. Calls by Princess Cruises ships are also expected to generate over $1.7 million in economic impact this fiscal year.

Following the Sun Princess early morning arrival on November 19th, a group of government representatives, San Juan Cruise Port executives, and other partners in the tourism industry gathered to officially welcome the captains and crew with the traditional commemorative plaques marking its inaugural visit. They also reaffirmed their commitment to fostering the growth of the cruise sector across the island. A similar ceremony was held on November 20th when Ritz-Carlton Ilma arrived to begin  its second homeport journey from San Juan.

Carlos Mercado Santiago, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, emphasized the significance of these visits in bolstering Puerto Rico’s position as a vibrant travel destination. “The inclusion of San Juan in the itineraries of these iconic vessels strengthens our tourism sector and contributes to the Island’s economic growth by diversifying and expanding our luxury travel offerings.”

“The arrival of vessels like the Ritz-Carlton Ilma and Sun Princess underscores San Juan’s standing as a premier homeport and transit destination in the Caribbean, said Clarivette Díaz, General Manager, San Juan Cruise Port. “At San Juan Cruise Port, we are committed to providing world-class facilities and services that elevate the passenger experience while driving significant economic growth for Puerto Rico. These partnerships reflect our dedication to fostering sustainable tourism and solidifying our position as a hub for luxury travel.”

Passengers of both vessels can expect to enjoy Puerto Rico’s rich culture, world-class accommodations, and local excursions, further showcasing the island’s appeal as a top-tier destination for cruise and yacht travelers.

Caribbean News

Widow’s Testimony Recounts Night Haiti President Was Killed

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MIAMI, Florida — Emotional testimony from Martine Moïse, the widow of assassinated Haitian President Jovenel Moïse, has given jurors in a U.S. federal courtroom a chilling account of the night gunmen stormed the presidential residence and killed the country’s leader.

Martine Moïse took the stand this week in Miami as part of the ongoing trial of several men accused of helping plan and finance the July 7, 2021 assassination, a crime that plunged Haiti into political crisis and remains only partially solved.

She told the court that armed men forced their way into the president’s private home in the hills above Port-au-Prince during the early morning hours, firing multiple shots at her husband while she lay beside him. She testified that she was also wounded in the attack and survived by pretending to be dead until the gunmen left the room.

According to prosecutors, the plot involved a group of foreign mercenaries, including former Colombian soldiers, along with Haitian and Haitian-American suspects. Investigators say some of the men believed the mission was to detain the president, but the operation turned into an assassination.

The Miami trial is focusing on the alleged role of South Florida businessmen and others accused of organizing or financing the plan, part of a wider international investigation that has stretched across several countries.

More than four years after the killing, the question of who ultimately ordered the assassination remains unanswered, with suspects still in custody in both Haiti and the United States as the case continues to unfold.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

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Jamaica Joins Afreximbank Agreement, Strengthening Africa–Caribbean Partnership

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CARIBBEAN — Jamaica has become the 13th CARICOM member state to accede to the African Export-Import Bank Establishment Agreement, further strengthening economic ties between Africa and the Caribbean.

The development was confirmed during the 50th CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting, where an Afreximbank delegation led by George Elombi and Kanayo Awani met with Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness to advance cooperation.

Prime Minister Holness thanked the bank for its support following Jamaica’s recent hurricane, noting that Afreximbank financing helped restore critical infrastructure including water, electricity, sewage systems and roads, while also assisting reconstruction efforts aimed at building stronger resilience to future disasters.

The meeting also focused on broader development opportunities tied to Jamaica’s membership in the agreement. Discussions included rebuilding and modernising infrastructure such as railways, hospitals and other public facilities, while strengthening regional transportation and trade networks to improve the movement of people and goods across the Caribbean.

Afreximbank has been expanding its presence in the Caribbean as part of its strategy to connect Africa with the region often referred to as “Global Africa.” The bank has already committed billions of dollars in financing and trade support to Caribbean economies in recent years, including funding for infrastructure, trade facilitation and private sector investment.

By joining the agreement, Jamaica gains expanded access to Afreximbank’s financial instruments, technical support and trade networks designed to promote commerce between Africa and CARICOM states.

Regional leaders say the growing partnership could unlock new opportunities in areas such as trade, logistics, tourism, manufacturing and cultural exchange, strengthening economic cooperation between the two regions with deep historical and diaspora ties.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

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Liberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion  

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Port of Spain, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (February 24, 2026) — Liberty Caribbean, the operators of Flow, Liberty Business and BTC, recently served as Gold-Level Partner of the two-day Trinidad and Tobago Internet Governance Forum (TTIGF), themed “The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience”.

The Digital Divide is of particular interest to Liberty Caribbean and is being addressed through its Charitable Foundation across the region. Low broadband penetration in the Caribbean contributes to diminished opportunities for individuals, communities, and local economies, but with the support of funding partners, this gap can be addressed through a comprehensive programme – JUMP – that focuses on providing access, devices, and digital skills.

“Liberty Caribbean was proud to serve as Gold-Level Partner of the TTIGF because the conversations taking place here shape key digital policies for multiple stakeholders,” said Simone Martin-Sulgan, Vice President and General Manager, Flow Trinidad.

“As technology accelerates at an unprecedented pace, we must ensure that innovation strengthens our societies rather than fragments them. The theme, ‘The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience,’ speaks directly to the work we do every day: building networks that are not only fast and reliable, but secure, inclusive and future-ready.”

Across the Caribbean, the digital divide remains one of the most pressing barriers to equitable growth. Low broadband penetration limits access to education, entrepreneurship and essential services, and that is why we are deeply committed to closing this gap.

Through the Liberty Caribbean Charitable Foundation and initiatives like the JUMP Programme, the company is expanding access to technology, affordable connectivity and digital skills training so that individuals and communities are empowered to participate fully in the digital economy.

Martin-Sulgan further stated “at Liberty Caribbean, we believe progress and responsibility must move in lock step. By investing in resilient networks, inclusive programmes and trusted partnerships, we are helping to build a Caribbean that is innovative, secure and prepared for the opportunities ahead.”

Topics covered during the Forum, with over 140 participants, included “Securing Critical Infrastructure”, Integrating AI into Digital Transformation”, “The Digital Divide”, The Human Cost of Innovation – Mental Health and Well-being in the Digital Age’, and AI, Cyber Resilience and Regional Innovation”.

Focused on the underlying mandate of the Conference theme thought leaders, innovators, policymakers, technologists, researchers, and community stakeholders were invited to explore how countries can evolve boldly without compromising values or long-term stability.

Photo Caption: 

TTIGF – l-r Darren Campo, Regulatory & Compliance Officer; Yolande Agard-Simmons, Senior Manager Communications; and Kevon Swift, Senior Manager Government and Regulatory Affairs of Flow Trinidad in attendance at the Post Event Mixer at Caribbean Telecommunications Union’s Head Office in St Clair, Port of Spain

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