iNews Briefs
Cayman Islands government health insurance company sued again
The Cayman Islands National Insurance Company (CINICO) is being sued again, for the third time.
Attorneys for five hospitals in Florida USA have again accused CINICO of not paying bills for overseas treatments.
They allege just one hospital, North Shore Medical Center is owed in excess of $600,000.
Last November, two other suits were filed in the USA against CINICO for unpaid bills.
The Caribbean’s biggest baseball event to Kickoff in Puerto Rico
By Shanelle Weir Pan American World
The Caribbean’s biggest baseball event is coming to Puerto Rico next week.
The Caribbean Series (Serie del Caribe), the championship of the best Caribbean Winter League teams from Puerto Rico to Venezuela, is being hosted at San Juan’s Hiram Bithorn stadium beginning Monday.
This year’s series is in Puerto Rico for the first time in four years, with a major new guest: Cuba.
“It’s gonna be something beautiful for the island, and every year that we do the Caribbean World Series, they always have something special,” former Major League star second baseman Carlos Baerga told Caribbean Journal. “But I think this one’s going to be even more special.
Baerga said it would be particularly special because the team representing Puerto Rico is Cangrejeros de Saturce, a squad which calls Hiram Bithorn stadium home.
He also said that Cuba’s presence in Puerto Rico would make the series particularly compelling.
This year’s series kicks off with a contest between Mexico and Cuba on Monday at 12 PM, followed by a game between Puerto Rico and Venezuela that evening.
Baerga was part of the famous 1995 “Dream Team” from Puerto Rico, a Winter League team that included MLB legends like Roberto Alomar, Bernie Williams and Carlos Delgado and took the Caribbean Series crown.
That team will be honoured with a ceremony at the series this week.
One of the series’ major sponsors is JetBlue, which has played an increasingly strong role in providing airlift for the region, rising to the Caribbean’s leading air carrier from the United States.
JetBlue spokesperson told CJ that the event continues to be a major boon for host countries, with continued airlift demand.
For more: http://www.panamericanworld.com/en/article/caribbeans-biggest-baseball-event-kickoff-puerto-rico
Cayman Police Commish wants Island to follow Jamaica’s ganja decriminalising steps
From Jamaica Gleaner
Published: Saturday January 31, 2015 | 12:36 pm0 Comments
Cayman’s Commissioner of Police, David Baines, says he wants to see his country follow the steps of Jamaica in decriminalising the use and possession of small quantities of ganja.
Commissioner Baines is quoted by the Cayman News Service as saying that enforcement against ganja is clogging up the court system.
Baines, who was reportedly speaking with the media yesterday, said it is time for Cayman to move to a system where the police issue warnings or ticketed fines to people who use or possess small quantities of ganja.
He said this will help to free up the court system and help to stop young people from carrying criminal records for ganja use.
However, the police commissioner emphasised that he does not support the full legalisation of the ganja in Cayman.
For more: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/latest/article.php?id=58081
Researchers may have found the most ingenious way yet to generate solar power
By Brad Reed From BGR
Solar energy is definitely taking off and now researchers may have come up with the absolute best way to generate cheap solar power by installing solar panels in public parking lots.
The Washington Post reports that solar power proponents are increasingly turning their eyes toward America’s parking lots as the perfect locations for mass solar panel installations. The reasons for this are easy to understand: Parking lots taking up huge chunks of our landscape and absorb a ton of heat in hot weather. Why not put them to good use by installing solar panels over them?
The one big issue, the Post says, is that such solar panel installations are very expensive right now, much more expensive than your typical rooftop installation.
“It’s the most expensive type of system to build,” TruSolar’s Chase Weir, who rates financial risk for solar projects for a living, tells the Post. “A lot more engineering, a whole lot more steel, more labor, and therefore, it’s a relatively small percentage [of solar power]… but it is growing, and the cost to install a solar canopy today is less than the cost to install a rooftop just a few years ago.”
Even so, the potential is dazzling. Rutgers University, for instance, has a massive solar carport installation that generates 8 megawatts of power, which the Post points out is enough to power 1,000 homes.
For more: http://bgr.com/2015/01/30/solar-panel-installation-parking-lots/
Spend Valentine’s Day in the Cayman Islands at Marriott’s Beach House
SUMMER LOVE AT OUR BEACH HOUSE
Summer love has captured our hearts and imaginations in countless songs, movies and books and for many of us; it was a major milestone of growing up. So what is it about summer that makes it a perfect time for romance?
Is it the warm weather, long days, dramatic sunsets and the moonlit walks on the beach? Or is the magic that the season brings – the hope that anything is possible and something beautiful is on the horizon?
Living in the endless summer that is Cayman, we are feeling the love all year round. And for the most romantic day of the year, we are doing something extra special at our Beach House to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
At our beachfront restaurant, Veranda, we are offering a romantic four-course dinner under the stars on Seven Mile Beach. Our Executive Chef Anthony Le Pape will be preparing an irresistible menu including Roasted Tomato Gazpacho, Pan-Seared Crab Cake with Spicy Mango Papaya Salsa, Beef Tenderloin and Pan-Seared Scallops and a Chocolate Trio for dessert.
For our local lovebirds, our resort is offering a special Resident Valentine’s Day package for the evening of February 14th, which will include a bottle of bubbles and strawberries in the room upon arrival and complimentary breakfast at the Den.
To find out more, you can call our Reservations team on (345) 949-0088.
Get swept off your feet at our Beach House – where love is always in the air!
For more: http://marriottgrandcaymanbeachhouse.com/after-dark/summer-love-at-our-beach-house/
Caribbean Airlines board member still missing
From Loop News Service
Anti-Kidnapping Unit are continuing the search for Caribbean Airlines board member Azard Niamath who went missing yesterday.
According to reports around 1:30pm his daughter who lives in the United States received a panic report on her cell phone software which was installed by her father.
Relatives in Trinidad said he left home at 11:45 am yesterday and he never returned.
A missing report was then made to the Chaguanas Police station after calls to his cell phone went unanswered.
Niamath’s vehicle was later recovered close to the Brazil high school in San Raphael but he was not found in the vehicle.
For more: http://looptt.com/2015/01/30/caribbean-airlines-board-member-still-missing/
Cayman Islands Drama Society reminder re AGM
2014 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Tuesday, February 3, 2015 from 6:30PM
The Prospect Playhouse
The Cayman Drama Society cordially invites all members and interested parties to attend the Cayman Drama Society’s Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, February 3, 2015 at 6:30PM. Members will receive the Chairman’s report, Theatre Management report and the Treasurer’s report.
Members may pay their membership dues at the meeting. All interested parties are welcome to join prior to the meeting.
Happy Hour to start at 6:30 with the formal meeting commencing at 7:30PM. All members in good standing are eligible to vote in the election.
Please click here for the formal notice of the meeting and a proxy for completion should you be unable to attend. All proxies should be returned to the Chairman at [email protected]. Alternatively they can be delivered to the Playhouse at least 15 minutes prior to the meeting.
We look forward to seeing you at the AGM.
‘Caribbean trips’ valley woman denies benefit fraud
By Lisa Meakin From South Wales Guardian
A Gwaun cae Gurwen woman has denied two counts falsely claiming benefits while she was living in the Caribbean.
Catrin Lynne Gomez, of 90 Heol cae Gurwen, appeared at Llanelli Magistrates Court accused of dishonestly making a false statement to obtain benefits, and dishonestly failing to notify change of circumstance which would have affect her entitlement to Disability Living Allowance (DLA) between November 10, 2010, and February 2, 2014.
Prosecutors claimed that the 53-year-old was living in the Dominican Republic at the time she was claiming the benefits.
DLA rules state that a claimant can spend no more than a total of 26 weeks outside the UK in a single 12-month period.
District Judge David Parsons adjourned the case until March 20 when Gomez was ordered to attend a preliminary hearing.
Cayman Islands LIME supports pedometer challenge CICSA
LIME was happy to “step” in by providing prizes to support the Pedometer Challenge with the Cayman Islands Civil Servants Association (CICSA). The challenge is about motivating people to get moving and stay fit.
Top left Stanford Lindo, a participant in the challenge, middle of the photo Dwayne Mellaneo, Government Account Manager sporting one of the new lines in mobile wearables which can track your steps. Right Charles Brown 1st Vice President CICSA. Sitting left Marcia Ebanks Willenborg, member of the Pedometer Challenge Committee and Daniel Tathum, Head of Retail Sales at LIME showing how his smart pedometer connects to his smartphone.
Bermuda lawyers protest over DPP’s reappointment
HAMILTON, Bermuda, Jan 24, CMC – At least 15 lawyers staged a walkout at a special sitting of the Supreme Court marking the ceremonial opening of the new legislative year in protest at the reappointment of Rory Field as Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Friday’s ceremony was opened by Chief Justice Ian Kawaley with Governor George Fergusson in attendance.
The walkout included some of the island’s best-known defence lawyers, including Craig Attridge, Auralee Cassady, Elizabeth Christopher, Marc Daniels, Larry Mussenden and Charles Richardson.
The group waited outside the courtroom during Field’s address.
“Many of us, as fellow Bermudian professionals, were disappointed by the non-appointment of one of our numbers who we know to be perfectly qualified to the position of DPP,” Christopher told reporters.
Asked if they faced possible censure for walking out on a court session presided over by the chief justice, Christopher replied: “We’re concerned by repercussions, but we have to do what’s right.”
Field, an English barrister, was officially reappointed as DPP this month by the Governor, sparking criticism from both political parties.
Premier Michael Dunkley said he had “strongly expressed” concerns about the reappointment of a non-Bermudian, promising to take the matter to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London, while Shadow Attorney-General Michael Scott described the appointment as a “slap in the face”.
But Government House quickly came to the defence of Field with its own late-afternoon statement.
“I firmly support the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Rory Field, as he begins two further years in the role,” Fergusson said in a statement.
“He and his able team in the department have achieved and continue to achieve impressive results.
“As he set out at today’s special sitting of the court, the department’s record is excellent at home, respected internationally and, not least, Bermudians throughout the department have steadily achieved increasing seniority under his leadership. I wish him and his team well.”
It was expected that Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Cindy Clarke would take over the job in 2013 — but Field’s contract was extended for another year, sparking controversy among the legal profession.
Government House says the latest reappointment was made on the advice of the island’s Judicial and Legal Services Committee.
For more on this story go to: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/latest/article.php?id=57936
Freedom of Information request reveals Ritz top of permit holder list in Cayman Islands
CNS has revealed, following a freedom of information request made by a local job-seeker, the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman has taken the top spot in work permit grants with 488 grants.
Second place is Foster’s Food Fair with 331 work permit holders.
Third place is the Health Services Authority (HSA), with 224 overseas workers. The Fourth is Marriott Grand Cayman Beach and fifth is the Department of Education Services with 174 permits.
The Tuscany on Grace Bay is honored and excited to have been recognized by TripAdvisor as one of the Top 25 Hotels in the Caribbean in 2015, and as one of the Top 25 Hotels for Families in the Caribbean.
“Words cannot describe how wonderful this place really is!” Happy TripAdvisor Traveler Comment
Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands, BWI (PRWEB) January 29, 2015
The annual TripAdvisor awards were recently announced, and The Tuscany Resort in the Turks & Caicos Islands, has again been highly regarded as one of the Top Resorts in the Caribbean.
The popular travel site named The Tuscany #5 out of the Top 25 Hotels in the Caribbean, the highest such honor given to a Turks and Caicos Resort. The two TripAdvisor awards in 2015 follow a variety similar awards from TripAdvisor every year. These awards are determined by feedback and reviews by guests, and are a testimony to how hard staff work to make The Tuscany a truly special place to vacation.
“Words cannot describe how wonderful this place really is,” described a recent, very satisfied TripAdvisor traveller.
Terria Misick, general manager, of The Tuscany, is honored that TripAdvisor has again chosen The Tuscany Resort as one of the top resorts in the Caribbean. “When we hear our guests talk about how they knew once they arrived, that they selected the perfect property for their family, it makes all of the staff feel good that we are doing it right.”
At just thirty oceanfront rooms, The Tuscany’s intimate size enables staff to place a greater emphasis on luxury and hospitality and give more time and attention to each guest.
The property’s convenient location on Providenciales keeps travelers close to all kinds of pampering and fun – from fine dining to world-class scuba diving. For those people who love the sun and surf, The Tuscany has its own immaculate stretch of Grace Bay Beach.
7th Night Complimentary
There’s never been a better time to plan a Turks and Caicos vacation. The Tuscany on Grace Bay is offering every 7th night complimentary now through April 15th. Starting April 15th, The Tuscany will offer every fourth and seventh night complimentary. To take advantage of these specials, which is subject to availability, call The Tuscany on Grace Bay directly at 1-866-249-6466.
About The Tuscany on Grace Bay
Located just 15 minutes from Providenciales International Airport, the Tuscany on Grace Bay in Turks and Caicos offers the ultimate in luxury and privacy. Each of the thirty oceanfront suites has a distinct ambiance and decor. The Tuscany is secluded, yet close to everything. For more information, call 1-866-359-6466, email [email protected], or visit http://www.thetuscanyresort.com.
Editor: Top 25 Small Hotels in the Caribbean – Caribbean Club Grand Cayman #10 / Cotton Tree Grand Cayman #15
Cayman Islands Fall Intersession Programme
George Town, Cayman Islands (Truman Bodden Law School)
December 26, 2015 – January 06, 2016
Sponsoring Institution(s): Stetson University College of Law
Application Deadline: October 01, 2015
Tuition: $2,662.00
Example classes:
Summary: The Cayman Islands Fall Intersession Program allows participants to study at the Cayman Islands Law School located in George Town, the capital city of the Cayman Islands.
Contact: Kristen Cohen
Contact Email: [email protected]
Program Website: www.stetson.edu/law/studyabroad/cayman/index.php
British Jewish people fear future in Europe
From Business Insider
London (AFP) – Almost half of British Jewish people fear they have no long-term future in Britain or Europe, according to a survey published on Wednesday.
The poll of 2,230 British Jewish people by the Campaign Against Anti-Semitism (CAA) found that 45 percent feared Jews may have no future in Britain, and 58 percent were concerned they have no long-term future in Europe.
The online survey was conducted from December 23 to January 11 — a period that spanned the attacks in Paris that targeted the Charlie Hebdo magazine and a kosher supermarket — leading France to increase security at Jewish schools and synagogues.
“The results of our survey are a shocking wake-up call straight after the atrocities in Paris,” said CAA chairman Gideon Falter.
“Britain is at a tipping point. Unless anti-Semitism is met with zero tolerance, it will grow and British Jews will increasingly question their place in their own country.”
A quarter of those surveyed by the CAA said they had considered leaving Britain in the past two years.
The CAA said 2014 saw the most anti-Semitic incidents recorded by police since records began 30 years ago.
Official figures from London’s metropolitan police showed anti-Semitic crimes more than doubled in the capital over the 12 months to November 2014, compared to the same period a year earlier.
Anti-Semitic views are not uncommon among British people, according to a separate study conducted by pollster YouGov for the CAA.
A quarter of 3,411 adults surveyed by YouGov believed Jewish people chase money more than other British people.
Meanwhile, 17 percent thought Jews had too much power in the media, and 13 percent said Jews talked about the Holocaust to get sympathy. Overall, 45 percent of those surveyed believed at least one anti-Semitic statement.
For more on this story go to: http://www.businessinsider.com/afp-british-jewish-people-fear-future-in-europe-2015-1#ixzz3PfpsHn5j
Order paves way for Aereo asset sale
By Scott Flaherty, From The Litigation Daily
Thanks to an agreement defunct television streaming company Aereo Inc. will be able to begin auctioning off its assets. But the TV broadcasters whose copyright claims drove Aereo into bankruptcy will be paying close attention as bidders pick over the company’s carcass.
On Dec. 24, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Sean Lane in Manhattan approved a proposed asset sale after Aereo reached an agreement with ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and other broadcasters that had tried to block the sale process.
Aereo, a startup that allowed users to stream and store broadcast television using tiny remote antennas, filed for Chapter 11 in November, after the U.S. Supreme Court found that the company’s business model amounted to wholesale copyright infringement. Aereo shut down its streaming service shortly after the high court ruled in June.
Lawyers for Fox at Jenner & Block and counsel for ABC and CBS at Debevoise & Plimpton had joined the other broadcasters in seeking to block any asset sale until their copyright lawsuit against Aereo wraps up, warning that Aereo’s technology might still be used for infringing activities. Brown Rudnick’s William Baldiga, who serves as Aereo’s debtor’s counsel, has rejected that argument, saying there isn’t any real threat of continuing infringement.
The two sides have since reached a partial détente, according to the bankruptcy judge’s Dec. 24 order. Under its agreement with the broadcasters, Aereo will provide weekly status updates on the asset sale process, including which assets have been offered for sale and how many bidders have signed nondisclosure pacts. The broadcasters and their lawyers will also be allowed to attend the auctions.
The broadcasters have separately asked the bankruptcy court for relief from a litigation hold set off by Aereo’s Chapter 11 filing, and they’re seeking to move their fight with Aereo back to district court. Before the bankruptcy kicked off, U.S. District Judge Alison Nathan was still weighing key issues in the copyright suit in the wake of the Supreme Court’s ruling, including the amount Aereo may owe in damages. The bankruptcy judge’s ruling doesn’t appear to resolve the broadcasters’ attempts to lift the automatic bankruptcy stay and restart the district court case.
Representatives for the broadcasters didn’t immediately get back to us on Monday. Brown Rudnick’s Baldiga wasn’t immediately available.
For more on this story go to: http://www.litigationdaily.com/id=1202713581241/Order-Paves-Way-for-Aereo-Asset-Sale#ixzz3NNn4jTnI
See iNews Cayman related story published December 182014 “Broadcasters pursue Aereo in bankruptcy tug-of-war” with links to other Aereo stories go to: http://www.ieyenews.com/wordpress/broadcasters-pursue-aereo-in-bankruptcy-tug-of-war/
Barbados Government committed to CLICO restructuring plan
from Ministry of Finance/BGIS
The Directors of the company held their first meeting with Minister of Finance, Christopher Sinckler, and senior officials of his Ministry last Thursday, December 11. (FP)The Directors of the company held their first meeting with Minister of Finance, Christopher Sinckler, and senior officials of his Ministry last Thursday, December 11. (FP)
The Government of Barbados has today (18) reiterated its full and complete commitment to the Court-approved restructuring plan for CLICO International Life (CIL) and its associated companies.
In keeping with this commitment, consistent with the recommendations of the said plan and following the accepted legal requirements governing how such matters are to be dealt with, Government, through the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, has established a new company to initiate and manage Government’s participation in the implementation of the Court-approved restructuring plan.
The Directors of the company are: Mr. Clenell Goodman – Chairman (Financial Analyst); Mr. Wismar Greaves – Deputy Chairman (former Supervisor of Insurance); Ms. Desiree Cherubin – Former Central Banker and Financial Consultant; Mr. George Hutson – Former Minister of International Business and Accountant; Mr. Stephen Alleyne – Attorney -at-Law; Mr. Kennedy Sawratsingh – Business and Financial Analyst; and The Director of Finance or his representative.
The Directors of the company held their first meeting with the Minister of Finance, Christopher Sinckler, and senior officials of his Ministry, last Thursday, December 11, at which they were appropriately briefed as to their mandate and responsibilities in effecting the proposed restructuring of CIL.
The Company’s Directors are expected to meet with the Judicial Managers to be fully apprised as to the current administrative and financial status of CLICO. Once this part of the process is complete, the initial short-term capitalisation of CLICO through the new company will commence.
Meetings will also be held with all other critical stakeholders, including the Barbados Association of Policy Holders and Investors (BIPA), as well as national and regional regulators.
The Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs wishes to advise that contrary to any impressions which may have been drawn from recent media reports, the Government of Barbados cannot under law transfer any financial resources directly to CLICO or the Judicial Managers from the Consolidated Fund.
Such resources can and will be transferred to the new company for the management of its affairs and the execution of the proposed restructuring of CLICO once all of the necessary arrangements are in place.
The Judicial Managers are fully apprised of this. Any attempts to place CLICO International Life or its associated companies into liquidation will therefore be premature, unwarranted and unnecessary.
Damianos Sotheby’s International Real Estate signs exclusive brokerage deal with French Leave Eleuthera
From bahama islands info
NASSAU, Bahamas — Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty announces an exclusive brokerage deal with Shaner Bahamas, the developer of the 270-acre French Leave Eleuthera and an off-shoot of the Shaner Hotel Group – the same company that owns and/or manages the Marriott, Holiday Inn, Crown Plaza and Renaissance hotel brands.
Commanding the site of the former Club Med, the elevated sea-to-sea property serves as the first development in the Caribbean by the Shaner Hotel Group. The property, which was purchased in 2004, will be completed in two phases. The first phase, which overlooks the historic Governor’s Harbour, celebrated its grand opening on November 30. In speaking with Mark Hussey, the agent who brokered the deal he said,
“The developers of French Leave chose Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty due to our ongoing pursuit of their development and Sothebys’ international brand recognition and worldwide affiliation. We have been a great supporter of French Leave from the start and now that it’s a reality we’re even more convinced of its success given the quality of the development.
“Thus far, $10 million of an expected $14 million investment has been allocated towards the development of the first phase French Leave Harbour Village: a total of 30 single and detached one-and-two-bedroom villas and bungalows each with access to the following resort amenities: a private beach club on French Leave Beach to the east, a full-service marina to the west, as well as the 1648 bar & grille, a pool, fitness center, a special events lawn, and a wedding Pavilion.” Hussey says of the development,
French Leave offers the discerning buyer the luxury of owning an authentic Bahamian villa that is highly polished, beautifully finished and situated in the idyllic locale of Governors Harbour. As an owner you will have access to a full management service team who will cater to your every need and secure your investment. Owners will have the option of having both the Harbour to enjoy and likewise the #1 beach in the Bahamas at their door-step, the later reachable via a golf-buggy which is sold with each villa. Also as an amenity of the resort, owners will have the opportunity to place the villas into a professionally managed voluntary hotel rental program.
The 5-star, sustainable, boutique concept resort development features cedar shingle roofs and African mahogany doors and shutters. All structures respect the understated elegance of the surrounding historic Governor’s Harbour architecture in both style and scale. Beyond such a promising development, George Damianos, President of Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty says of the Eleuthera real estate market,
The north, central and south Eleuthera market continues to improve. International interest is strong and overall sales are up, all very positive. The French Leave development is unmatched on the island and I am sure it will be a great success.
Photo: Mark Hussey (file).
For more on this story go to: http://www.bahamaislandsinfo.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=19871:damianos-sothebys-international-real-estate-signs-exclusive-brokerage-deal-with-french-leave-eleuthera&catid=46:News%20&%20stories%20from%20our%20family%20of%20islands&Itemid=149
Authorities and experts warn about digital exclusion of rural women and youth
By ECLAC – Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean
Authorities, experts and representatives from Chilean farmer organizations met today [Dec 12] at the headquarters of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) in Santiago, Chile to discuss policies aimed at overcoming inequalities in the use of information and communications technology (ICT) in rural areas of Chile and Latin America and the Caribbean, especially among women and young people.
The seminar ICT in the Rural World: A New Way of Innovating for Women and Young People was organized by ECLAC and Chile’s Foundation for Agricultural Innovation (FIA). Participants in the inauguration included Juan Eduardo Faúndez, Undersecretary of Social Services at Chile’s Social Development Ministry; Héctor Echeverría, FIA’s Executive Director; Mario Castillo, Chief of ECLAC’s Innovation and New Technologies Unit; and Pamela Villalobos, Social Affairs Officer at ECLAC’s Division for Gender Affairs.
In Chile, statistics show that 53% of people under 29 years of age in urban areas connect to the Internet daily (3.5 hours on average), while in the countryside that percentage drops to 19%, said Juan Eduardo Faúndez. “The challenge we Chileans are facing as a society is to reduce gaps in every sphere,” especially in terms of gender equality but also among different age groups and geographical areas, he stressed.
Mario Castillo noted that for more than 10 years ECLAC has promoted the implementation of ICT policies in Latin America and the Caribbean because new technologies “are a core part of countries’ economic and social development strategies.”
The official advocated strengthening cooperation mechanisms in this area, where work is ongoing to formulate a new regional strategy on the information society-the digital agenda eLAC2018, which will replace the eLAC2015 plan-as well as on the mass use of broadband, the implementation of regional Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) and the creation of new submarine cables to connect the region with the world. These initiatives are led by the Regional Broadband Dialogue, which groups 12 countries.
Meanwhile, Pamela Villalobos of ECLAC’s Division for Gender Affairs said that rural women represent the group that works the most hours in Latin American countries (considering paid work plus non-paid work or care jobs), which hinders their access to services and to the use of new technologies. “This forces us to start a dialogue among multiple actors,” both in public and private sectors such as academia, the international system and social organizations, she added.
Another topic analyzed during the meeting was the role of rural women in the promotion of ICTs in the agricultural sector, and the way in which they can contribute to boosting their use among young people, generating more opportunities locally and avoiding rural-urban migration.
