iNews Briefs & Community Events
Community Events (Cayman Islands)
MAY 1
Rundown Opens
Comedy revue Rundown opens on Friday (1 May) at the Harquail theatre. For ticket information call 939.7513
Department of Commerce and Investment Closure
The Department of Commerce and Investment including its Trade and Business Licensing Counter on the first floor of the Government Administration Building, will close from 2pm on Friday (1 May) for a staff training event.
Immigration Bake Sale
The Immigration Bake Sale is Friday (1 May) from 9 — 12pm in the parking lot of the Immigration Visa Office, opposite the Government Admin Building.
Passport and Corporate Services Office Closure
The Passport and Corporate Services Office will open at 10.30am and close at 4.00 pm on Friday (1 May) due to staff training. It will close again all day on Wednesday 6 May 2015 for the same reason.
Prostate and Colon Cancer Awareness Meeting
The Lions Clubs of Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac in partnership with the Cancer Society are hosting a Prostate and Colon Cancer Awareness Meeting at 7pm on Friday (1 May) at the Veterans and Seaman’s Building at 205 Aston Rutty Road. Free P-S-A testing will be available at the meeting starting at 630pm.
MAY 2
West Bay Road Closure
On Saturday 2 May 2015, the West Bay Road will be closed to the motoring public between 1:00pm and 6:30pm, this closure facilitates the Adult Cayman Carnival Batabano 2015.
The West Bay Road will be closed from the public beach to the National Museum on Harbour Drive and includes all arterial roads at the junction with West Bay Road.
Motorists are advised to use the Esterly Tibbett’s Highway which runs parallel to the West Bay Road. The road will be reopened in a staged process running from north to south giving local access to residences and commercial properties, once the parade crosses each section.
Uniform officers will be on hand to assist the public.
Cayman Carnival Batabano Parade
Cayman Carnival Batabano Parade is Saturday (2 May) with an extended route starting at Seven Mile Public Beach ending at Harbour Drive in George Town. There will be a street dance and food festival downtown. The parade starts 1pm.
Solidarity and memorial walk for the late Marcia Donaldson
A solidarity and memorial walk for the late Marcia Donaldson is Saturday (2 May) at 4:45am by the entrance of South Sound Road near Hurley’s Roundabout. Please wear white and bring a flower of your choice.
MAY 3
Road Diversion – Esterly Tibbett’s Highway
The motoring public is advised on Sunday 3 May 2015, the north bound lane along the Esterly Tibbett’s Highway, between Forum Lane just north of the Caymana Bay round a bout and Solaris Avenue, north of Regal Cinemas will be closed between 4:30am and 12 Midnight. This closure facilities necessary utility work across the left lane in two areas.
North bound traffic, along the Harquail Bypass will be diverted left, through Lawrence Boulevard at the Caymana Bay round a bout, towards the West Bay Road. The South bound lane into George Town along the Esterly Tibbett’s Highway will not be affected.
Motorist are asked to exercise caution in the area and road signs will also be in place to assist in the diversion.
Special Olympics Cayman Islands Church Service
Special Olympics Cayman Islands invites you to the 2015 Annual National Games and Week of Awareness. The first event is a church service at the Church of Christ in West Bay at 11am on May 3rd.
MAY 4
Grand Court Jurors Report Date Changed
The Grand Court jury report date has been changed.
Grand Court Jurors who are in the 1st April – 30th June 2015 session are now to report on Monday, 4th May 2015 at 9:45 a.m.
Please call the Jury Information line at 945-5072 for the most up-to-date information.
Reminder of Cayman FACTA Notification Deadline
From Walkers
The Department for International Tax Cooperation (the “DITC”) in the Cayman Islands announced yesterday that Financial Institutions should make every effort to complete their notification through the Automatic Exchange of Information Portal (the “AEOI Portal”) by Thursday, 30 April 2015. By way of reminder, ‘notification’ is the process whereby Financial Institutions register with the Cayman Islands authorities in preparation for the commencement of reporting under FATCA, as detailed in our client bulletin dated 23 March 2015.
The DITC will continue to work with industry members to assist them in meeting the compliance requirements and due dates for FATCA beyond 30 April 2015 where there are reasonable grounds for doing so, and have confirmed that notifications received on or before Tuesday, 12 May 2015, will not attract any adverse compliance consequences or enforcement measures.
The deadline for filing any reports due pursuant to the first round of reporting obligations remains at Sunday, 31 May 2015 and the DITC has indicated will not be extended.
The DITC has further confirmed that it will take a soft approach to enforcement in the first year of FATCA compliance, as Financial Institutions familiarise themselves with the AEOI Portal.
SOURCE: http://www.walkersglobal.com/Pages/News.aspx?News=619&Lang=1033
Protester who disrupted gay marriage arguments charged in Federal Court
By Zoe Tillman, From Legal Times
Protestor Rives Grogan, seen here in 2012 on Capitol Hill, was arrested Tuesday for an outburst that interrupted the gay marriage arguments at the U.S. Supreme Court.
Protestor Rives Grogan, seen here in 2012 on Capitol Hill, was arrested Tuesday for an outburst that interrupted the gay marriage arguments at the U.S. Supreme Court.
Photo: Susan Walsh/AP
Rives Grogan has been arrested twice for shouting during arguments in the U.S. Supreme Court—first in 2006, and then during Tuesday’s arguments on same-sex marriage. Each time, he faced a different set of charges in a different court.
Grogan is accused of standing up during Tuesday’s arguments and shouting at the justices that same-sex marriage is a sin.
Appearing in federal district court in Washington on Wednesday afternoon, Grogan, through his lawyer from the federal public defender’s office, pleaded not guilty to two charges: demonstrating with the intent to obstruct the administration of justice or to influence the court, and a lesser charge of making a “harangue or oration” or using loud or threatening language in the Supreme Court.
Grogan’s case offers more evidence that prosecutors are ramping up their response to demonstrations inside the high court chambers. When Grogan was arrested in 2006 for disrupting Supreme Court arguments, he was charged in D.C. Superior Court with the same “harangue or oration” charge he faces now, but not the obstruction charge, which carries a longer maximum sentence. Grogan pleaded guilty in 2007 to the harangue charge and one count of simple assault.
Earlier this month, prosecutors filed charges in federal court against a group of protesters who disrupted Supreme Court arguments on April 1. Those individuals face the same charges as Grogan.
The charging decisions in Grogan’s case and the case against the April 1 protesters represent a departure from the previous handling of high court disruptions by the U.S. attorney’s office.
Protesters arrested last year and in January for interrupting Supreme Court arguments were charged in Superior Court, not federal court. They faced charges that carried less severe penalties than the obstruction charge, which has a maximum penalty of one year in jail. A defendant convicted of the harangue charge could spend up to 60 days in jail.
The U.S. attorney’s office has declined to comment on specific charging decisions.
Grogan, who lives in Texas, according to the government, will remain free until his next court appearance on May 15. He said little during Wednesday’s hearing. As a condition of his release, Grogan is barred from entering the Supreme Court building.
In 2013, Grogan was arrested for disrupting Congress. He was also arrested that year for shouting from a tree during President Barack Obama’s inauguration, according to news reports.
Girls ‘N Cocktails premiered on the 29th of April!
Girls ‘N Cocktails, a talkshow for the ambitious Caribbean woman, premiered on Tempo networks on the 29th of April!
You can now watch the full episodes online here: https://www.facebook.com/joinGnC
The show
The show is hosted by three women, and is recorded in a high-end cocktail bar. Along with the audience the ladies discuss relevant actualities such as, Beauty and Double standards when it comes to Black and White women in media/entertainment, or debate on why Black people are Christians, when history clearly shows that this religion was forced upon us during slavery.
A positive representation of Caribbean women in international media
The show is about Caribbean women speaking their mind and debating with each other in a respectful and smart manner. As the executive producer of the show, I really feel that we are underrepresented in international television and media platforms when it comes to our intelligence, ambitions and well-formed opinions. With Girls ‘N Cocktails, I aim to fill that gap.
A European production
The recordings of Girls ‘N Cocktails take place in the Netherlands and the majority of the audience in the show exists of Afro-Europeans hailing from the Caribbean and Africa, but our target is the Caribbean woman globally.
Where to watch?
Our broadcaster is Tempo Networks and watch it online here: https://www.facebook.com/joinGnC
New York, here comes the Caribbean!
From eTN Global travel Industry NewsNEW YORK, NY – New York City will come alive with the colours, flavours and rhythms of the Caribbean as the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) returns with Caribbean Week New York from 1-5 June 2015.
With the theme “Where Business and Culture Inspire Travel,” Caribbean Week will convene several tourism officials and industry executives who are expected to break many news stories and reveal many new initiatives to further position the Caribbean as the leading warm-weather destination in the world.
CTO USA Inc., Director, Sylma Brown, confirmed that plans were on track to facilitate dozens of media practitioners, representatives of the Caribbean Diaspora, travel agents, consumers and students and government representatives who are expected to attend.
“Caribbean Week continues to be regarded as the premier international Caribbean tourism gathering and our team is constantly searching for ways to add value to those who attend. Simultaneously, we are challenged to deliver the legacy elements of our programme with increasing quality to ensure new and repeat attendees leave feeling refreshed, empowered and enlightened about our important tourism sector.”
A packed itinerary awaits the participants including business meetings; a trade show, educational seminar and dinner for travel agents; the Caribbean Marketing Conference and Allied Awards luncheon; the Caribbean Media Awards luncheon to recognize journalists and photographers who, year after year, educate their audiences about the Caribbean and influence their vacation choices; the students’ colloquium; the Diaspora forum; a chef’s programme and the week’s social highlight, Rum and Rhythm at the stylish Tribeca 360.
For more: http://www.eturbonews.com/58326/new-york-here-comes-caribbean
PIMCO Capital Securities Fund (Cayman) Ltd Just Filed Form D Announcing $1.04 million Financing
04/29/2015 BY OCTA STAFF
Pooled Investment Fund PIMCO Capital Securities Fund Cayman Ltd – Michelle M. Wilson-Clarke
PIMCO Capital Securities Fund (Cayman) Ltd Financing
PIMCO Capital Securities Fund (Cayman) Ltd, Other just filed form D regarding $1.04 million financing. PIMCO Capital Securities Fund (Cayman) Ltd was able to sell $1.04 million. That is 100.00% of the offering. The total offering amount was $1.04 million. The private financing document was filled on 2015-04-29. The reason for the financing was: unspecified.
PIMCO Capital Securities Fund (Cayman) Ltd is based in California. The filer’s business is Pooled Investment Fund. The form was signed by Michelle M. Wilson-Clarke Director of the Issuer. The company was incorporated in 2015.
Analysis of PIMCO Capital Securities Fund (Cayman) Ltd Offering
On average, companies in this industry sell 37.80% of the total offering size. The filler sold 100.00% of the offering. Could this mean that the trust in PIMCO Capital Securities Fund (Cayman) Ltd is high? The average investment floor size for companies in the Pooled Investment Fund industry is $24.76 million. The offering was 95.80% smaller than the average of $24.76 million. The minimum investment for this offering was set at $100000.
What is Form D & Financing Information Used For
Form D disclosures could be used to track and understand better your competitors. The information in Form D is usually highly confidential for ventures and startups and they don’t like revealing it. This is because it reveals amount raised or planned to be raised as well as reasons for the financing. This could help competitors. Entrepreneurs usually want to keep their financing a ‘secret’ so they can stay in stealth mode for longer.
Medicaid recipients were on Caribbean cruise, couldn’t have received in-home care billed to program, attorney general says; 4 arrested
From The Advocate
Four people are facing charges after investigators say the state’s Medicaid program was billed for in-home care of Medicaid recipients who were actually on a Caribbean cruise, Attorney General Buddy Caldwell said Thursday in a news release.
Breonna L. Diggs, 23, of Boutte, and her mother, Yvette M. Diggs, 44, of Luling, were each charged with two counts of Medicaid fraud. Denene R. Thomas, 50, and her brother Fernandez Robertson, Jr., 59, both of Hahnville, were arrested on a single count each of Medicaid fraud. All four were arrested Wednesday and booked in the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison.
Breonna Diggs is accused of submitting false timesheets and service logs indicating that she was providing personal care services to her mother and brother on numerous occasions during Jan. 21-26, 2013, when she was actually attending school in Houston, Texas, and her mother and brother were on a cruise to the Caribbean. Upon returning from the cruise, Yvette Diggs signed off on service logs for herself and her son, the news release said.
Thomas is accused of billing the Medicaid program for 19 hours of caregiver services for her brother during the six-day period when Robertson was also out of town on the same cruise with Yvette Diggs. Robertson signed service logs verifying he received the care, the news release said.
Personal care attendants are hired by Medicaid providers to care for physically handicapped or elderly Medicaid recipients. They provide caregiver services such as cooking, grooming and bathing.
For more: http://theadvocate.com/news/12245626-123/medicaid-recipients-were-on-caribbean
Curaçao to host Caribbean International Tourism Safety & Security Conference 2015
From Curacao Chronicle
WILLEMSTAD – Tourism safety and security are imperative when providing quality in tourism. More than any other economic activity, the success or failure of a favorite destination depends on being able to provide a safe and secure environment for visitors. It is an undeniable fact that safety and security issues in the tourism industry gained a much bigger importance in the last couple of years. Due to this particular reason the Curaçao Tourist Board in cooperation with Tourism and More Inc. will host the Caribbean International Tourism Safety & Security Conference 2015 which will be taking place from 24 – 26 June 2015 at the Curaçao World Trade Center.
The main goal of the Caribbean International Tourism Safety & Security Conference is for every delegate to gain knowledge through the sharing of experiences and to enhance the awareness about tourism safety and security in the Caribbean. It also provides a unique opportunity to meet with hundreds of safety and security professionals from all around the world. On June 24th the Caribbean International Tourism Safety & Security Conference will start with a seminar for local stakeholders. The seminar will be conducted as an interactive discussion on the ‘TOPPs’ (Tourism Oriented Policing & Protection Services). On June 25th and 26th both the public and private sector will come together for insightful information sessions related to safety and security in the Caribbean region. Topics that will be addressed during the conference are among others Vision of the Caribbean, Effective Communication Management in case of Tourism Security Crisis, Cruise Security, Tourism Challenges for the Caribbean, Tourists Health, Festivals Security, Human Trafficking, Crime as a factor in a Tourism-based Economy and Passenger Experience.
The Caribbean International Tourism Safety & Security Conference will provide all delegates with new information and the best practices for a safer Caribbean region. The fact remains that the Caribbean region is considered by many as their dream destination and therefore it is important to ensure a safe feeling. Curaçao would like to invite you to be part of the Caribbean International Tourism Safety & Security Conference. For more information and online registration please visit: http://www.curacao.com/ssc/
Cayman Islands Dart group to hold public meetings
The Dart group of companies in the Cayman Islands are to hold public meetings re their plans to expand Camana Bay.
Dart Realty COO Jackie Doak said on local TV station CITN/Cayman27:
“…..as part of that process we take questions and we do respond to the questions and take input on things that can be enhanced or additive to our development plan. … it is a great opportunity to share with the broader community as to what our vision is for the build out of Camana Bay as we continue to grow in the Cayman Islands.”
To watch the whole interview go to: http://www.cayman27.com.ky/2015/04/29/public-meetings-on-camana-bay-expansion-planned
Caribbean “island laboratories” making a case for renewable, says Mazurier
By From CNN
In early March, Stéphane Tromilin, a sustainable energy attaché in the French government, gave a United Nations webinar on the French government’s work on French islands.
In it, he spent most of the time discussing the unique challenges of islands, specifically those in the Caribbean like Guadeloupe, but also noted an island’s value as “laboratories to develop renewable energy solutions.”
Christophe Mazurier, a European financier and climate defender, has seen these laboratories in action, specifically in the Caribbean, where he has a home in the Bahamas. While many of these nations are at greater risk of climate disasters – in the form of devastating hurricanes and other storms – than most other places on earth, many refuse to become victims of the global intransigence on climate change. Instead, many Caribbean nations are taking it upon themselves to be the change they wish to see in their developed-nation counterparts.
Guadeloupe, the overseas French territory mentioned earlier, is getting nearly 30 percent of its energy from solar, a number on par with climate leaders Germany. Aruba gets 20% of its energy from wind, and is aiming to be totally sustainable by 2020. Ten island nations, including the Bahamas, the British Virgin Islands, Grenada, Dominica and more have joined the Ten Island Challenge, launched by Richard Branson as a means to give these Caribbean island clear renewable goals and support them in meeting those goals.
Mazurier says that in many ways, the Caribbean’s move to solar was preordained. Not because they are at the forefront of climate change susceptibility, but because of their incredibly high energy costs. Most Caribbean island nations pay around 33 cents per kWh of energy, while for comparison the United States pays 10 cents per kWh. Even with the price of fuel bottoming out, and energy costs in places like Jamaica being cut in half, Jamaica and others were already well on their way to a renewable future.
In 2013, Jamaica signed a deal that would bring 36 MW of wind power for $63 million, which would help it divest from diesel oil in the long-term. By investing heavily in renewables now, the islands can avoid paying for diesel in the future… No matter how the price fluctuates. Mazurier says that this is the key for these Caribbean island nations, who don’t have multimillion dollar climate budgets. These nations cannot just throw money at the problem in hopes that they can play a role in the ultimate cooling of the climate. Their emissions are negligible in the grand scheme of things. The only aspect that can get these nations to buy in if they know they will ultimately pay less for energy than they do now. The positives for the overall climate and the state of the planet are simply a secondary byproduct of these finance-driven deals.
Whichever way it breaks out, says Mazurier, the Caribbean turn toward renewable energy is a refreshing and encouraging sign. The question now becomes: Can the larger nations take note of their island peers?
For more: http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1237955?ref=feeds%2Flatest
Former Welsh rugby team captain to speak at Cayman Islands awards dinner
Colin Charvis, former Welsh National Team Captain and veteran professional player, is coming to the Cayman Islands.
Charvis is scheduled to be guest speaker at the 2015 Cayman Rugby Football Union Annual Awards Dinner on July 3rd.
Charvis also played for the British and Irish Lions.
Charvis became the world record try scorer for a forward in test match rugby on 24 November 2007 v South Africa at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff with his 22nd international try.
EU project to help small-scale coconut farmers
From Jamaica Observer
According to the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute, the demand for coconuts and coconut by-products has skyrocketed on both the regional and world markets within recent years.
CASTRIES, St Lucia (CMC) — The European Union is financing a project aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of small-scale coconut farmers by identifying market opportunities, creating synergies between national and regional programmes and improving access to advisory services for improved production.
The Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) in partnership with the Geneva-based International Trade Centre (ITC) and the EU are implementing the Euro3.5 million (One Euro=US$1.29 cents) project.
The project will be undertaken in nine Caribbean Forum (CARIFORUM) countries.
CARDI said that, within recent years, the demand for coconuts and coconut by-products has skyrocketed on both the regional and world markets.
“Many Caribbean countries have been unable to satisfy this growing demand due to setbacks experienced by industries in the early 1980’s. Principal among these have been the loss of international markets for traditional products, loss of consumer confidence, ageing populations and growing pest and disease problems.”
CARDI said it welcomed the support to revitalize the coconut industry in the Caribbean because of its “significant potential to contribute to economic development and poverty reduction in the benefiting countries”.
Phase one of the project will engage national stakeholders in formulating road maps for market-led development of the coconut and coconut products sector, as well as to agree on implementation plans.
CARDI and ITC will be hosting ‘Value Chain Development Road Mapping’ workshops to address critical areas such as market options, production and productivity, support services and the policy environment among others.
St Lucia is hosting a two-day workshop that has attracted delegates from Dominica, St Vincent and the Grenadines.
For more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/EU-project-to-help-small-scale-coconut-farmers_18844001
Parvovirus outbreak is now an epidemic says Cayman Islands Humane Society
Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious viral disease that can produce a life-threatening illness. The virus attacks rapidly dividing cells in a dog’s body, most severely affecting the intestinal tract. Parvovirus also attacks the white blood cells, and when young animals are infected, the virus can damage the heart muscle and cause lifelong cardiac problem. And it here in the Cayman Islands.
The Cayman Islands Humane Society has warned that there are so many increasing cases of parvo in sick dogs it is now an epidemic. The shelter has had to stop accepting dogs.
The society blames unvaccinated dogs and backyard breeders for the epidemic.
They warn all dog owners to get their dogs vaccinated as parvo has spread all over Grand Cayman.
Trinidad & Tobago the “Happiest Nation” in the Caribbean
From eTN Global Industry News
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – The numbers are in and Trinidad & Tobago has been named the “happiest” Caribbean nation yet again. With its vibrant lifestyle, dynamic culture, booming business center, strong government and, of course, largest Carnival celebration in the Caribbean, it is no surprise that the dual-island nation leads the way in happiness. According to the World Happiness Report from the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) released on April 23, 2015, the destination ranked highest in happiness in the Caribbean and 41st in the world.
Trinidad & Tobago’s flourishing culinary scene and year round festivals, combined with local steel pan and soca music and picturesque beaches, bring out the happiness in both locals and visitors alike. Whether sampling world-renowned street food on “The Avenue” [Ariapita Avenue], “wining” to the music at cultural and food festivals, getting a taste of adventure in the mountains of Trinidad or unwinding on Pigeon Point beach in Tobago, Trinbagonians have plenty of reasons to smile. Additionally, with 15 public holidays last year, Trinidad & Tobago is among the top ten countries in the world for the number of public holidays.
The World Happiness Report aims to help country leaders recognize the importance of happiness and well-being for the success of the world and sustainable development. Researchers examine 11 areas essential to happiness and well-being, including health, education, local government, personal security, income and overall satisfaction with life. Trinidad & Tobago was also the top-ranked Caribbean nation in the previous Happiness Report, which was published in 2013.
For more: http://www.eturbonews.com/58327/trinidad-tobago-happiest-nation-caribbean
Agreement clears way for oil exploration off Barbados
By Shawn Cumberbatch from Nation News
Government has signed two licences with BHP Billiton, clearing the way for the Australian oil giant to explore for oil and gas offshore Barbados.
Prime Minister Freundel Stuart and BHP Billiton Petroleum vice president, exploration, Dr Niall McCormack signed the agreements this morning during a ceremony at Government Headquarters, Bay Street.
Stuart said this latest step would “send a clear message to the industry that Barbados is opening for business and is serious about the development of its offshore petroleum sector”.
He added that Barbadians “stand to reap early benefits on executive of the licences through the negotiated provisions for annual training, scholarships, local content, coastal and marine environment research and the acquisition of critical equipment and software”.
BHP Billiton’s licences are for the Carlise Bay and Bimshire blocks, which are located approximately 40 kilometres south east of Barbados. They cover 5 000 square kilometres and are located in waters ranging from 1 200 to 2 000 meters deep.
McCormack said based on what his organisation knew about the geological trend in the area “we are optimistic about our chances of discovering hydrocarbons within these blocks”.
Now that it has been licensed, BHP Billiton has to get Government’s approval of an environmental impact assessment and environmental plan to start the first phase of its work, which is a 2D seismic survey on the two exploration blocks. (SC)
Bermuda Sovereign Downgrade does not affect Bermudian (Re)Insurers: S&P
April 30, 2015
From Insurance Journal
Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services Made clear that despite its April 28 rating action on Bermuda, “its counterparty credit and financial strength ratings on all Bermuda-based (re)insurance companies are unchanged.”
S&P noted that it currently rates many (re)insurers in Bermuda in the ‘AA’ category, as detailed below, and that “in limited circumstances” it “rates (re)insurers higher than the local-currency sovereign credit rating according to our criteria. These circumstances include certain (re)insurers that are domiciled in financial centers. We view Bermuda as a financial center.”
For more: http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/international/2015/04/30/366309.htm
ECLAC Deputy Executive Secretary to participate in Forum on the Future of the Caribbean May 5 – 7, 2015
The Deputy Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), Antonio Prado, will participate in the Forum on the Future of the Caribbean from 5 – 7 May 2015 in Trinidad and Tobago.
The Forum is co-hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Trinidad and Tobago, the University of the West Indies (UWI) and the United Nations system in Trinidad and Tobago. Sessions will be held at the UWI St Augustine campus and the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Port of Spain.
During his first visit to the Caribbean and Trinidad and Tobago, Mr. Prado will deliver opening remarks on the first day of the Forum on the topic “Disruptive thinking for development: the role of the academy and development organizations”, at the UWI St. Augustine campus.
He will also serve as Chairperson and Moderator for a plenary session organized by the ECLAC subregional headquarters for the Caribbean on the final day of the Forum, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. This session will focus on identifying and advocating innovative financing solutions for the Caribbean amid the challenges of high debt, reduced aid and stricter loan concessionalities.
The ECLAC plenary session will also build on the ongoing discussions on financing for development, in light of what is anticipated to be the forging of a new financing for development architecture, that will culminate in the third United Nations conference on Financing for Development in Addis Ababa, in July 2015.
The emphasis will be on new and innovative approaches for development financing for Caribbean small island developing states. The session’s focus on stimulating original and inventive thought will respond to the Forum’s call for “disruptive thinking, bold action and practical outcomes.”
Saint Lucian officials shrug off Cuban tourism concerns
IMAGE; Pigeon Point in the north of Saint Lucia. The island is basking in positive visitor arrivals for the first quarter of 2015
Those directly involved in the industry say that with the easing of US-Cuba relations, it is a time for all Caribbean countries to upgrade their tourism facilities.
Allen Chastanet, a former Tourism Minister in Saint Lucia, says the emergence of Cuba as a destination of choice for US citizens is not something to be feared by other Caribbean islands.
He says tourism experts knew that the day would come when Cuba’s beach and historic sites would be open to US tourists, adding that Cuba’s new era of relations with America could help put the world tourism spotlight firmly on the Caribbean as a whole.
“Is it possible for the rest of us to survive and Cuba grow? Absolutely. If Cuba takes away market share from other places in the world. I think that there are a couple of things that can happen. One, Cuba can bring more attention back to the Caribbean and make the Caribbean the darling of the world again and hopefully, maybe the entire Caribbean region can grow.”
Peter Isaac, the President of the Vendors Association of Saint Lucia, an organisation whose members sell craft, clothing and locally made products to visitors, also says there is room in the market for Cuba. He says the onus is on every island to promote what is unique to it.
“We have a number of things, I think, that are really going for us. We have the only walk in volcano. We have the Pitons. The iconic pitons. It’s a world heritage site. So there are a number of things that are going for us. I think the most important thing for us now is to keep on maintaining and not just maintaining, but upgrading our product all the time,” he said.
Saint Lucia’s Minister of Tourism has said that tourism officials will focus on constantly improving the island’s tourism offerings, shrugging off concerns that smaller islands will not be able to compete with the Cuba.
Saint Lucia is reporting bumper statistics in tourism. The latest cruise statistics, issued on April 29 indicate that during the first quarter of 2015, Port Castries welcomed 197 cruise ship calls carrying 292,218 passengers a 3% and 6% increase respectively on the same period in 2014.
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Caribbean coral reefs get their protection from certain fish species, Over fishing will put the them in grave danger
From Empire State Tribune
Over fishing has been a problem for many Caribbean nations in the present time. However, the main concern now, according to some studies conducted on marine ecology, is not necessarily the dwindling population of the fish species, but that of the corals in the Caribbean reefs. These problems are not at all separate but are all interconnected with one another.
Corals are the fishes’ homes especially the likes of parrot fishes and angelfishes. In return for giving shelter to many fish species, the parrot fish and angelfish also protect their homes from unwanted visitors and invaders. They are natural predators to the natural enemy of corals, which are sponges. As the number of fishes decline and with the increasing incidence of over fishing, the natural protection of the coral reefs are then also removed from the ecosystem. The sponges then infest on the unprotected coral reefs, diminishing them, and even feeding on what was left of their remains.
According to a study in PeerJ journal, many researchers have come into the conclusion that fishermen are also actively increasing the threats to the corals because they’ve found out that the over fishing activities of the fishermen eradicates the natural predators of sponges. Co-author of the said study aforementioned in the journal, Tse-Lynn Loh added that saving the natural predators of sponges saves the coral population as well.
Lead researcher of the study published in PeerJ journal said that the study could be a very huge help for many Caribbean nations to improve their strategies on protecting marine life. The study has shown us that corals’ greatest threat is not really caused by active human fishing, but is greatly affected as a side effect to over fishing of sponge predators. Although, the threat to the coral population is not solely caused by human intervention, but of nature as well, people should find the heart to protect the endangered corals as soon as possible before they become extinct.
For more on this story go to: http://www.sciencetimes.com/articles/5922/20150428/overfishing-leads-to-aggressive-competition-in-caribbean-coral-reefs.htm
CAYMAN CARE QUIZ NIGHT
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