Tag Archives: caribbean

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Coronavirus Latest–Deaths USA-362,139, Brazil-196,591, UK-75,431

What you need to know:

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Mexico Offers Julian Assange Asylum

Mexico said it is ready to offer political asylum to WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, after a British judge blocked his extradition to the United States to face espionage charges.

“I’m going to ask the foreign minister to carry out the relevant procedures to request that the UK government releases Mr. Assange and that Mexico offers him political asylum,” President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador told reporters.

The leftist leader welcomed the British court’s rejection of the US request to extradite the 49-year-old Australian publisher due to the risk of suicide, calling it a “triumph of justice.”

“Assange is a journalist and deserves a chance,” he said.

Lopez Obrador said Mexico would ensure “that whoever receives asylum does not intervene or interfere in the political affairs of any country.”

Mexico has welcomed many political asylum-seekers over the years, from Nicaraguan anti-imperialist hero Cesar Augusto Sandino to Russian revolutionary Leon Trotsky and, more recently, former Bolivian president Evo Morales.

“Mexico has a long history of offering asylum,” Adolfo Laborde, an academic and foreign relations expert, told AFP.

Whether Assange joins the list would depend on political pressures and the stances of the various actors and countries with an interest in his fate, Laborde said.

Assange is wanted on 18 charges in the United States relating to the 2010 release by WikiLeaks of 500,000 secret files detailing aspects of military campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq.

If convicted in the US, he faces up to 175 years in jail.

Arturo Sarukhan, a former Mexican ambassador to the United States, said the asylum offer risked causing tensions with the incoming administration of US President-elect Joe Biden.

He said Lopez Obrador appeared to be ignoring or overlooking WikiLeaks’ publication of 20,000 hacked emails from the US election campaign team of Democrat Hillary Clinton in 2016.

The Mexican president “is turning the issue into another potential area of friction with the next US administration,” Sarukhan said.

Lopez Obrador’s relations with Biden had already got off to a rocky start as he was one of the last high-profile leaders to congratulate him on his victory, saying he wanted to wait until legal disputes were resolved.

Activists held a protest in front of the British embassy in Mexico City after the court decision, demanding Assange be released.

(AFP)

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New Year’s Resolutions for for Healthy Kids

 by Dr. Tamarra Moss Send an email 

There is nothing new about New Year’s resolutions. The new year offers a clean slate – an opportunity for us to do away with old, not so good habits, and develop new ones; an opportunity to set new goals and an opportunity to live happier healthier lives. When it comes to our children, it’s no different. The new year gives them a clean slate, too. Here are some resolutions you can make to have happier, healthier kids in 2021.

Talk with your child more. Having a conversation with your child about their goals for the new year is a good place to start. Find out from them what habits and achievements they were happy about in the previous year, which ones they felt not so good about, and whether they have any resolutions of their own for the upcoming year. You can have these conversations regularly throughout the year to check in with their progress toward their goals, and how they feel about where they are. When talking with your child, you should actually be doing more listening than talking.

Allow them to convey their thoughts without judgement or interruption and make sure that they have your undivided attention. You can make a lunch, dinner, shopping or workout date for this purpose, since having these conversations on neutral territory is a good idea.

Eat at least one family meal a week. Family meals have a number of benefits. They have been shown to decrease the risk of obesity, improve vocabulary, and keep teens out of trouble. Plus, they are a nice way to check in with each other. Work, homework, and activity schedules can make it hard to get everybody in the same place at the same time, but it’s worth the effort. Avoid the stress of preparing the meal by keeping the food simple or ordering in. The point is to be together.

Have everyone eat at least one serving of fruits and vegetables daily. The recommendation is five servings a day, and in my experience as a pediatrician, very few people actually eat anything close to that. Try packing an apple for a snack, slicing a banana in the morning cereal, and always serve a vegetable with dinner. Insist on at least three bites from picky children. Be creative and work with your children. One serving isn’t that much. You can do it.

Get active with your kids at least once a week. The recommendation is that all children be active for an hour a day. Again, my experience as a pediatrician is that not many children are meeting it – partly because their parents aren’t active either. Being active is not synonymous with boot camp-like regimens. Activities could be as simple as playing at the park, playing in the pool or at the beach on Sundays, taking a walk, or dancing while you make dinner. You can do it once a week together or break it up into little bits every day. Again, be creative. One day a week is doable.

Keep your child’s annual well-check visit appointment with their pediatrician. This is perhaps the most obvious way to ensure your child is healthy. These visits are an opportunity to have your child’s growth and development assessed. They also provide an opportunity to screen for problems with vision, hearing, and nutrition that can interfere with other areas of your child’s life, like school performance and sleep hygiene. Well-check visits allow for early identification of illnesses like diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, and depression. Overall, visits to the pediatrician set the foundation for a happy, healthy year.

When it comes to New Year’s resolutions, don’t be put off by the fact that you may not have stuck to them in years past. Don’t be too ambitious. Set goals you can manage, talk and plan as a family, and figure it out together. Even small steps can be steps in the right direction. Cheers to a happy and healthy 2021!


• Dr. Tamarra Moss is a pediatrician committed to helping you raise happy and healthy kids. You can find her at Dr. Carlos Thomas & Pediatric Associates in Nassau, Lucayan Medical Center in Grand Bahama, or on Instagram @mykidsdoc242.

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Sandals Founder Stewart Dies

Caribbean hospitality giant Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart has died. The Jamaican-born hotelier, founder of Sandals Resorts International, passed away in the United States earlier after a short illness. He was 79 years-of-age.

Stewart was born in 1941 in Kingston, Jamaica.

He grew up along the north coast of the country, where he adopted his nickname, given to him by an American sailor.

Stewart was the founder of Sandals Resorts, the leading hotel chain in the Caribbean, Beaches Resorts, and their parent company Sandals Resorts International.

He also led the ATL Group and the Jamaica Observer.

He was known as one of the most successful Jamaican businessmen ever, with a fortune running to hundreds of millions of dollars.

His son, Adam Stewart, said on the death of his father: “It is with great sadness that I share with you today the passing of my father, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart.

“This news seems almost unbelievable since he was as involved and forward-thinking as ever.

“He chose to keep a very recent health diagnosis private and we respected that wish.”

Sandals Resorts famously offered two people in love the most romantic, Luxury-Included holiday experience in the Caribbean.

With 16 stunning beachfront settings in Jamaica, Antigua, Saint Lucia, the Bahamas, Barbados and Grenada, Sandals Resorts offers more quality inclusions than any other resort company on the planet.

Sandals Resorts is part of family-owned Sandals Resorts International, which includes Beaches Resorts and is the Caribbean’s leading all-inclusive resort company.

The company recently announced plans to expand into Curaçao.

The brand has been recognised on numerous occasions as the World’s Leading All-Inclusive Company by voters at the World Travel Awards.


Butch Stewart was honoured with a trophy for Outstanding Leadership in Social Responsibility by the World Travel Awards

In a letter, Adam Stewart added: “The Hon Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart OJ, a distinction he was so proud of, was a gifted entrepreneur.

“He was a marketing genius and talented showman, but those who knew him best recognised that he was a dreamer who could dream bigger and better than anyone.

“It was often said, “the best thing for people around him to do is be dream catchers”.

“That’s why he always credited his success to the incredible team around him, why he listened intently when it came to creating innovative things that would excite and delight our guests, and why it is so important that I remind you today of all days, that we will all continue to be his dream catchers.

“Together, we have all been part of something bigger than ourselves, led by a man who believed in us and who gave us opportunities to learn, grow and the tools to make dreams real.

“For him, and because of him, we will continue to dream big and deliver on his certainty that true luxury is always best enjoyed by the sea.

“My dad lived a big life – husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather entrepreneur, statesman, dreamer.

“A singular personality and an unstoppable force who revelled in defying the odds, exceeding expectations and whose passion for his family was matched only by the people and possibility of the Caribbean, for whom he was a fierce champion.

“There will never be another quite like him and we will miss him forever.”

Butch Stewart is survived by his wife, Cheryl, children Brian, Bobby, Adam, Jaime, Sabrina, Gordon, and Kelly; grandchildren Aston, Sloane, Camden, Penelope-Sky, Isla, Finley, Max, Ben, Zak, Sophie, Annie and Emma; and great grandchildren Jackson, Riley, Emmy and Willow.

Karl Thompson, managing director of Unique Vacations, an affiliate of the exclusive worldwide sales and marketing representative for Sandals and Beaches Resorts, added: “On behalf of myself and my team in the UK and Europe, some of whom have worked for him for more than 25 years, we are deeply saddened by the death of our chairman and founder, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart.

“Not only was Stewart a true visionary for the travel industry but he was also like family to many of us.

“He had a fabulous sense of humour, was constantly there for support and always encouraged us to strive for excellence.”

He added: “Those who knew him well will know him for his larger-than-life personality and his pioneering ideas.

“Nothing was ever impossible.

“His determination knew no bounds and he was always striving for bigger and better things.

“Echoing the sentiments of his son, Adam Stewart, he was an inspiration to all of us and I can say with certainty that there will never be anyone else like him.”

More Information

A private funeral service will be held.

Those wishing to share memories, condolences or personal stories may do so here.

For more on the life of Butch Stewart take a look at the Breaking Travel News obituary here.

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OAS Predicts Venezuela Refugee Increase

The Organization of American States (OAS) says a new report prepared by its General Secretariat has warned that the number of Venezuelan refugees and migrants could rise to 7 million in 2021 if regional countries reopen their borders and the government in Venezuela remains in place.

The OAS said “The Situation Report” – the second since its first in November 2020, prepared for this crisis, headed by David Smolansky – presents “a balance of the year 2020” for Venezuelan refugees and migrants.

The report highlights that the COVID-19 pandemic worsened the Venezuelan migration crisis in 2020.

“Although the outflow slowed down due to border closures and mandatory confinement, these measures increased the difficulties faced by Venezuelan migrants and refugees and, therefore, the challenges of care, protection and integration,” the report says.

“The conditions of vulnerability in which Venezuelan migrants arrive in host countries are increasingly critical after the deepening crisis in Venezuela,” it adds.

The report says that the remains of 33 Venezuelan migrants who fled their country by sea, including minors, have been found on the maritime border between Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago.

“If borders reopen in the first quarter of 2021 and the illegitimate regime in Venezuela continues in power, the number of migrants and refugees could rise to 7 million,” the report warns.

After the publication of the document, Smolansky emphasized that “the only solution to stop this unprecedented human landslide in the region is for Venezuela to have a transition towards democracy and for Venezuelans to progressively regain their freedoms.

“This is the only way forced migration will stop and incentives for return will emerge,” he said.

The report notes that, before the arrival of the pandemic, about 5,000 Venezuelans fled their country daily.

As of March 2020, the report says that the outflow through regular routes ceased, income through irregular routes increased; and, between March and September, more than 140,000 Venezuelans were forced to return to their country through Colombia (134,000) and Brazil (8,000) “by losing livelihoods in their host countries.”

“Many other Venezuelans had their right to return to their country of origin violated by being stranded for months in different countries of the world without being able to access repatriation flights after the discretionary closure of airspace by the illegitimate regime,” it stated.

The report underscores that 2020 concluded with a total of 5.4 million Venezuelans exiled.

The report identifies challenges that must be addressed in the new year, including the increase in the number of entries through irregular routes, as well as the growing number of Venezuelans who disappear or die trying to reach an island in the Caribbean.

Likewise, the document warns that the conditions of vulnerability with which Venezuelans arrive in host countries are “increasingly critical.”

It urges “joint efforts throughout the region to reinforce regular routes to cross borders in 2021 and facilitate mechanisms protection for a population fleeing for humanitarian reasons.”

CMC

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UK In Toughest Lockdown as Virus Cases Soar

The UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has set out further measures as part of a third lockdown in England in a bid to halt the spread of coronavirus.

Johnson made the announcement during a televised address to the nation on Monday evening.

The lockdown comes into force immediately and is expected to go on until the middle of February. It is being enshrined in law and police can take action if people leave home without a reasonable excuse.

The police can issue a Fixed Penalty Notice of £200 for the first offence, doubling for further offences up to a maximum of £6,400.

Below we have listed what a third lockdown for England means:

Stay at home

Your Local Guardian:

Residents can leave their homes for shopping for necessities such as food and medicine, but only as ‘infrequently as possible’. They can also do this if they are caring for somebody, are a volunteer, or to provide essentials for people who are self-isolating.

Exercise should be taken locally- preferably limited to once a day – with members of your household or support bubble or one other person from another household, such as if going for a walk or run.

People will be able to go to work if it is impossible to work from home, such as those in the construction sector or critical workers. Cleaners and other trades people will still be able to work in people’s homes. All others must work from home.

Those who are clinically extremely vulnerable and who were previously told to shield should stay at home and only leave for medical appointments and exercise.

All schools will move to remote learning

Your Local Guardian: Students will learn at homeStudents will learn at home

All primary and secondary schools and colleges will move to remote learning, except for the children of keyworkers or vulnerable children.

– The start of the February school half-term is scheduled for the middle of the month.

– Early years settings such as nurseries and childminders can remain open, and existing childcare bubbles will be allowed to stay in place.

– In-person university teaching will only take place for a small number of critical courses, including medicine, dentistry, teacher training, veterinary science and social work.

Non-essential shops will close in all areas

Your Local Guardian:

All non-essential shops, hairdressers and personal care salons must close.

– Supermarkets, pharmacies, off-licences, builders’ merchants and garden centres can stay open, as can launderettes, car repair shops, car washes, banks, market stalls selling essentials and bike shops.

– Restaurants and other hospitality venues can continue with delivery or takeaway only, but people will not be able to add alcohol to any orders they collect.

– Entertainment venues such as cinemas, skating rinks and bowling alleys must remain closed.

Places of worship remain open

Your Local Guardian:

Places of worship can remain open for individual prayers and communal worship, but people should only visit with their household or support bubble.

-Weddings and civil partnership ceremonies are allowed only in exceptional circumstances (such as where one partner is seriously ill) and with strict limits on attendance (up to six people).

– A maximum of 30 people can attend a funeral while wakes and other ceremonial events can continue in a group of up to six people.

Close contact care home visits are banned

The Government guidance says visits to care homes can take place only with “substantial screens, visiting pods, or behind windows”.

Close-contact indoor visits are not allowed and no visits will be permitted in the event of a Covid outbreak at a home.

Travel

Your Local Guardian:

– People must not stay away overnight without a reasonable excuse. Visits to second homes are banned.

– Holidays in the UK and abroad are not allowed, including staying in a second home or caravan.

-People must also not stay overnight with anyone they do not live with unless they are in a support bubble.

-Some exceptions do apply such as if people are unable to return to their main residence, need accommodation while moving house or for work, or need accommodation to attend a funeral.

-Guest accommodation providers such as hotels, B&Bs and caravan parks may remain open for the specific reasons set out in law, including where guests need accommodation while moving house.

– Only essential journeys are permitted for International travel

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Bahamas: Hurricane Hole Superyacht Marina Construction Underway

NEW PROVIDENCE, THE BAHAMAS – Transformation has begun of the iconic Hurricane Hole Marina on Paradise Island into what will be the leading superyacht destination in The Bahamas.  Renamed Hurricane Hole Superyacht Marina at Paradise Landing, the renowned destination has been fully reimagined to include luxury residences, retail services, amazing dining, and amenities designed for owners, guests and crew.

Construction is underway with the completion of the marina scheduled for Q4 2021.

“This will be a new dimension in yachting in The Bahamas, and luxury living on Paradise Island,” said David Kosoy, Executive Chairman & Founder, Sterling Global Financial, the project’s developer, manager, and owner. “With great respect for Hurricane Hole’s place in the rich history of Paradise Island, and The Bahamas, we are committed to restoring this famous marina into a premier yachting destination, and a place for the community to enjoy.”

Envisioned by an international team of development experts, architects and designers, the restored marina property will feature a combination of floating and fixed concrete docks, luxury dockside residences, amazing dining, waterfront bars, a gourmet grocery store, executive office space, and an exceptional array of much needed services on Paradise Island. Separate pool, lounge, and gym facilities will be dedicated for yacht captains and crew add to the property’s unique appeal.

“We’re extremely proud that this project is making a significant contribution to job creation and economic opportunities for many Bahamians businesses. We appreciate the support from the Bahamas government to make it happen,” said Khaalis Rolle, President of Sterling Advisory Services and former Bahamas Minister of State for Investments. “This project is extremely good for Bahamas Tourism and will employ a tremendous number of workers while creating long term value for the Bahamian tourism brand.

Luxury Amenities for Yacht Owners and Convenient Services for Captains and Crew
Once complete, the newly redeveloped superyacht marina will feature 6,100 linear feet of deep-water concrete docks with slips up to 420 feet. The marina sea walls are designed to reduce wake and wave action in all conditions. The five-star marina will provide 24-hour security, on-site Customs & Immigration services 400-amp, 480-volt power, fuel and pump-out service, laundry, shower, and dressing room facilities.

Owners of residences will benefit from special membership opportunities at the Ocean Club Golf Course, an 18-hole par 72 championship course designed by PGA champion Tom Weiskopf, as well as membership in Paradise Island’s Beach Club on Cabbage Beach.

The Residences at Paradise Landing will feature two and three-bedroom layouts with contemporary design, including 10-foot high, floor-to-ceiling windows. Every unit will have expansive water, and marina views.

Paradise Landing amenities will include a gourmet grocery store, provisioning services, wine and liquor boutique with dockside delivery, a luxury day spa and nail salon, full-service gym, a dry cleaner, bank, executive office space, medical clinic and pharmacy. At just 120 steps from the world-renowned Atlantis Resort, owners at Hurricane Hole have immediate access to the resort’s 40 restaurants and bars, luxury shopping, waterpark, and casino.

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Prime Minister praises Explorer’s far-reaching impact on Federation’s youth

Explorer’s Youth Club members pose with Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris, second from left, and Commissioner of Police Hilroy Brandy, left.

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts — Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris says he continues to be amazed by the growth of the Explorers Youth Clubs programme and the kind of positive impact it is having on hundreds of young persons who are now active members of the youth group.


In his address at the opening ceremony of the $2.47 million Explorers Youth Clubs Headquarters at Phillip’s Village on December 31, Prime Minister Harris said it is an amazing feat when more than 1,200 young people are being exposed to structured programmes that are rendered as part of the Explorers programme.

“The Explorers initiative came on board as part of an added value that we could bring to the fight to contain crime in our country and to stymie or eradicate the involvement of juveniles in criminal activities through constructive afterschool engagements, mentorship and outreach,” said Prime Minister Harris.

“The outreach is not just with the students,” he said. “The outreach, importantly, is also with their families, with the mother and father. It is saying to them that we are willing to try but we need you to partner with us to give your child a stronger, safer, and better future.”

With its growing interest and membership across St. Kitts, Dr. Harris described the Explorers Youth Club initiative as a legacy development in the context of law and order.

“This is a legacy initiative that generations after us will speak to as being an important stabilizer of our society and contributing to the advancement of St. Kitts and Nevis,” said Dr. Harris, who is also the Minister of National Security.

He acknowledged the officers who are part of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force’s community policing team for their yeoman service to the young people of the Federation.

He extended words of appreciation to several business community members for their continued support of the Explorers Youth Club programme. Among those recognized were Sun Islands Clothes Ltd., Karron’s Fabrics, and Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine.

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Workers to benefit from Labour Department, Social Security collaboration

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts — The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis is moving to strengthen the relationship between the Department of Labour and St. Christopher and Nevis Social Security Board to streamline programmes to benefit workers.

Prime Minister, Dr the Honourable Timothy Harris, gave some insight in his January 1 New Year’s Address into ways the government will enhance collaborative efforts in the coming weeks and months.

“We expect a report to Cabinet shortly regarding the feasibility of setting up an E-platform for the Labour Department and Social Security,” said Dr. Harris, “to interface with each other on severance payments and related matters, while observing and confirming with data privacy and data protection issues.”

The government is preparing to implement actuarial recommendations on the Severance Fund, Long Service Gratuity and Unemployment Benefits.

This comes after an additional $7 million was pumped into the Severance Fund to facilitate payments in 2021.

Dr. Harris said his administration remains committed to empowering workers across the twin-island Federation.

“This demonstrates our love and concern for workers,” he said. “We will continue to protect our workers and ensure that their future is safe and secure. These are important labour values, which further demonstrate our commitment that our workers are protected at all times.”

Dr Harris added that additional measures to increase worker empowerment will be implemented.

“My government will extend duty-free concessions accorded to first time home builders to the Teachers’ Union, the Labour Union, and any of our Credit Unions and Banks,” said Dr. Harris. “These will undertake to build new offices or to make significant renovation of existing offices, and engage in approved residential developments within the next 12 months.”

This, along with the duty-free concessions to first-time homeowners over the next 12 months, is expected to spur further construction activity in the country.

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Brick Kiln man’s death being investigated

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts — A At about 10 a.m. on Sunday, January 3 the Police responded to a report that a body was found on Herbert’s Beach.

Upon arrival, the motionless body of 61-year-old Myron Jeffers of Brick Kiln was found lying on the ground close to his vehicle. The District Medical Officer visited the scene and pronounced Jeffers dead. An autopsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death. Personnel from the Forensic Services Unit visited and processed the scene. Investigations into the matter are ongoing.

The Police are appealing to anyone has any information in relation to this incident to call the Violent Crimes Unit (Nevis) at 469-5269, 663-5414, the Newcastle Police Station at 469-9326 or their nearest Police Station.

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