Invest Caribbean Joins The Caribbean Export Team For CIF 2023

NEWS AMERICAS, NEW YORK, NY, Tues. Aug. 29, 2023: Invest Caribbean, the 11-year-old global private sector investment agency for the Caribbean, has officially joined the team of The Caribbean Export Development Agency, (Caribbean Export), in preparation for the highly anticipated 2023 Caribbean Investment Forum, CIF 2023.

Led by CEO Ms. Felicia J. Persaud, the Invest Caribbean team will collaborate closely with Caribbean Export on the selection and packaging of several bankable projects for presentation to investors at the forthcoming investment conference from October 23 to 25, 2023 at Atlantis in The Bahamas.

Presented by Caribbean Export in partnership with the European Union, the Government of The Bahamas, and the CARICOM Secretariat, CIF 2023 aims “to drive the Caribbean’s economic transformation, foster job creation, and bridge investment gaps.”

The event’s inclusive platform seeks to accelerate regional growth through strategic private investments in four pivotal investment sectors: agriculture technology, renewable energy, digital business (including e-commerce, innovation, and FinTech), as well as logistics and transport.

Anticipating an audience of over 800 participants, the conference, according to its organizers, “aims to attract investments that will expedite the transition to a more sustainable and technologically advanced Caribbean economy, while elevating the region’s visibility as a prime investment hub.”

Deodat Maharaj, Executive Director at Caribbean Export, extended an invitation to strategic investors, pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, insurance companies, and other institutional investors. “From agriculture and agribusiness to energy, ICT, infrastructure, and financial services, CIF 2023 is committed to advancing your investment prospects as we continue on an exciting journey to shape a Bold New Caribbean,” he stated.

Bahamas Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, I. Chester Cooper, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “The Bahamas is honored to host the Caribbean Investment Forum, the region’s premier investment conference. This Forum is a singular opportunity to showcase the myriad of investment opportunities available across our 16-island destination, spanning sectors from tourism and agriculture to renewable energy, wellness, and digital innovation.”

ICN’s CEO, Felicia J. Persaud, said the team looks forward to the synergistic relationship as both agencies’ goals remain telling the global story that the Caribbean is “muy caliente too” for investments.

The Caribbean Export Development Agency is a regional trade and investment promotion agency, that remains dedicated to propelling the economic transformation of the Caribbean.

Invest Caribbean was founded in 2011 by Persaud and has been the consistent conduit between private and institutional funders and governments, and private sector developers in the Caribbean region specifically. Its main focus has been since, on promoting investment in the Caribbean and matching developers and businesses with the best possible funding options available globally. Additionally, ICN offers project packaging, bond market raises, SEC filings and global marketing and brand promotion.

It has been lauded by both regional governments and top global CEOs alike, including Sir Richard Branson, for its effectiveness in being the matchmaker between funders and developers. In 2021, it was Invest Caribbean that joined with Caribbean nationals globally, and the government of Jamaica to celebrate the election of the US’ first Caribbean American Vice President, Kamala Harris. For more log on to investcaribbeannow.com.

Londoners Celebrate Caribbean Culture at Notting Hill Carnival’s 55th Edition – See Photos

News Americas, LONDON, England, Mon. Aug. 28, 2023: The vibrant streets of west London were once again alive with the spirit of Caribbean culture as Londoners celebrated the 55th incarnation of the iconic Notting Hill Carnival today.

Colorful feathered bands paraded through the streets, accompanied by thumping sound systems. This year’s carnival held special significance as it commemorated 75 years since the first Windrush arrivals. Transport for London partnered with the Windrush Generation Association to provide a dedicated float for veterans to celebrate this milestone.

A performer parades in costume on the final day of Notting Hill Carnival on August 28, 2023 in London, England. The annual Caribbean festival, which stretches over two days, has taken place in London since 1966. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images)

A reveller on the final day of Notting Hill Carnival on August 28, 2023 in London, England. The annual Caribbean festival, which stretches over two days, has taken place in London since 1966. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images)

In a poignant tribute, the sound systems fell silent for 72 seconds on both Sunday and Monday, honoring the victims of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, a visible landmark along parts of the carnival route.

Performers parade in costume on the final day of Notting Hill Carnival on August 28, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images)

Celebrity attendees such as Lily Allen, Idris Elba, and Nick Grimshaw joined the revelry, and it was anticipated that over two million people would participate in the carnival festivities by the end of the bank holiday.

Revellers dance during the final day of Notting Hill Carnival on August 28, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images)

Aboard the Windrush 75 bus, which celebrated the diamond anniversary of the Windrush generation’s arrival in the UK, Deborah Klass, CEO of the Windrush Generation Association, highlighted the diverse representation on the bus, with individuals from every Caribbean island present.

A performer parades in costume on the final day of Notting Hill Carnival on August 28, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images)

The bus, adorned with a bespoke Windrush stamp collection design, was provided by GoAhead. Ms. Klass expressed the importance of celebrating the elders who first arrived 75 years ago, providing them the welcome they should have received when they arrived in Britain.

However, the Met Police said 85 people had been arrested, including 11 for sexual assault and 10 for assault on a police officer.

SEE IMAGES FROM THE EVENT HERE

Caesars Sportsbook Goes Live With Mobile Sports Betting In Puerto Rico

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. Aug. 28, 2023: With its latest rollout, Caesars Sportsbook is breaking new ground in the Caribbean betting sphere. It’s worth the hype, considering Caesars Sportsbook has been a force to reckon with in North America. Better yet, it’s only fitting that the entertainment media bring their Americas counterparts for the ride.

For the first time, Puerto Rican punters can now place bets through the Caesars Sportsbook mobile betting app. The app launch also complements Casino Sportsbook setting up shop in Puerto Rico through the Casino Metro in 2022.

Similar to bettors in Caesars Sportsbook states in the US, Puerto Rican residents can get the app in different ways. Smartphone or tablet users can download the app from the iOS or Play Store. If you prefer using a desktop, visit caesars.com/sportsbook online. Once you’ve downloaded the app, visit Casino Metro to finalize the registration process.

President of Caesars Digital, Eric Hession, hailed the mobile betting app as a game-changer that will complement Casino Metro. He also thanked Caesars’ partners and the Puerto Rico Gaming Commission for ensuring that Caesars Sportsbook is available throughout Puerto Rico.

So, what are the perks bettors will enjoy? Caesars Sportsbook mobile app will provide a smooth betting experience with bonuses, promotions, various deposit methods, intuitive features, and fast payouts. Eligible Puerto Rico players can also access a diverse market featuring cross-sport game parlays and in-play betting options, among other items.

Bonuses are a bookmaker’s necessity, and Caesars Sportsbook rightly includes a welcome bonus for new bettors. When you place a first stake of at least $50, the sportsbook will reward you with a $50 Bonus Bet, whether you win or lose. What about non-residents visiting Puerto Rico who like sports betting? Once a few hitches are sorted out, non-residents will be able to sign up on the app.

Apart from the user-friendliness and promos on the app,  Puerto Rico bettors will for the first time enter the unrivaled Caesars Rewards program. The mobile app will swiftly link your sports betting preferences to the Caesars Sportsbook reward program.

The reward scheme works as a tier-based system. For each bet placed, you’ll earn Tier Credits that further build one’s status and Redeemed Credits. You can redeem the latter to unlock unique Caesars Rewards experiences and holidays at designated destinations.

The Caesars Sportsbook at Casino Metro is called ‘MetroBets with Caesars Sportsbook.’ It’s an exciting setup with three betting windows, more than 25 HD TV sets, 14 self-serving betting kiosks, and an odds board where you can keep track of events. The MetroBets platform also accepts cash deposits and will assist you in withdrawing your winnings from your mobile account.

Responsible betting is one of Caesars Sportsbook’s cornerstones, with the bookmaker having responsible gaming features that bettors can access on the app. Some tools you can use to control your betting include daily time limits, deposit limits, spend limits and cool-off time limits.

Jamaican Tech Startups Secure Major Investment

News Americas, KINGSTON, Jamaica, Fri. Aug. 25, 2023: In a remarkable testament to the power of networking and collaboration in the tech industry, four Jamaican entrepreneurs hailing from three distinct Tech Startups are embarking on a transformative journey at TechStars New Orleans. The exciting endeavor comes after these innovators secured substantial investments of USD$120,000 each, in exchange for 6-9% equity in their businesses.

The impetus behind this significant achievement can be traced to the collective efforts of several entities: Techstars, Entrepreneurs Across Borders, and the Kingston Beta Network Effect. This remarkable feat underscores the pivotal role of connecting the right individuals at the opportune moment.

Khary Sharpe, Founder of HeadOffice; Dylan Brennan, Founder of Cyphr; and the dynamic duo of Jermain Morgan and Rory Richards, Founders of GroceryList, are the beneficiaries of this extraordinary opportunity. Through their passionate dedication, persistence, and patience, they have captured the attention of TechStars, an esteemed investor in the tech arena.

The collaborative spirit of two outstanding super connectors, Ingrid Riley and Melissa Pegus, has significantly propelled this achievement. With Riley’s role as the Founder of Kingston BETA and Pegus’ position as the Managing Director of TechStars Atlanta and New Orleans Powered by JP Morgan, an invaluable partnership was formed. This collaboration materialized through TechStars’ sponsorship of Kingston Beta Meetup Events, thereby initiating a relationship with the startup community.

The collaboration led to the serendipitous encounter between TechStars and highly promising startups, Sharpe and Brennan, who emerged from the Kingston Beta community. Subsequently, through an introduction by another key partner, DBJ (Development Bank of Jamaica), Morgan’s company, GroceryList, was brought into the fold.

The transformative impact of relationships built within the tech community is evident in this achievement. The alignment of shared goals, visionary leadership, and a dedicated network enabled these Jamaican entrepreneurs to seize this remarkable opportunity. As they embark on their journey at TechStars New Orleans, with USD$360,000 collectively invested in their ventures, they are poised to undergo intensive acceleration and gain access to TechStars’ extensive global investor network.

Their ultimate destination is DEMO Day, scheduled for later this year, where they will showcase the results of their accelerated growth. This achievement not only demonstrates the vibrancy of the Caribbean tech ecosystem but also underscores the transformative power of collaboration, connection, and community building.

Caribbean Travel News & Deals

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. August 25, 2023: Here are the top Caribbean travel news and deals this week in 60 seconds.

Tropical Storm Franklin unleashed heavy floods and landslides in the Dominican Republic on Wednesday after making landfall in the country’s southern region, killing at least one person and leaving two others missing. The news comes as Canada is warning nationals to exercise a high degree of caution if travelling to the Dominican Republic due to crime there.

Canada is also warning nationals to avoid all travel to Haiti due to the threat posed by kidnappings, gang violence and the potential for civil unrest throughout the country.

A man who was stranded for three days on an isolated Bahamas island has been rescued after he fired flares from his sailboat, the US Coast Guard said. The Coast Guard received an alert from its aircrew of a “disabled sailboat firing flares near Cay Sal,” a tiny island which no longer has anybody living on it. It is Bahamian territory, but is closer to Cuba and Florida than any of the major Bahamas islands.

American Airlines will be ramping up its service to both Anguilla and St Maarten in January. Between Jan. 8 and April 3, 2024, American will be expanding service to three daily flights to both destinations out of Miami.

Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves has knocked the service offered to St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) by the Turks and Caicos-based InterCaribbean Airways as “absolutely terrible” even as a Guyana minister issued a stern warning to the carrier about potential sanctions following prolonged flight delays and cancellations.

Residents of Grenada, Haiti and Jamaica must now apply for a Turkey e-Visa, also known as the Turkey Visa. People from more than 100 countries can obtain electronic visas through the Turkish government at turkeyonline-visa.com/.

Make plans to be in Barbados this October for the 12th edition of the Barbados Food and Rum Festival. The event will take place from October 19th to 22nd 2023 under the theme “Feed the Future.” Get more details at foodandrum.com.

If you are an educator, get ready to book a $49 cruise. Margaritaville at Sea is offering the affordable way for their teachers to take one last vacation. The cruise line is running a “Back to School, Back to Sea” sale, offering $49 fares for educators and their guests on Bahamas cruises. Educators can sail for free, while the discounted fare applies to one guest in the same stateroom. Other travelers including current and former U.S. military service members; government employees; and police, fire and EMS personnel are also eligible for the deal. Travelers must book by Aug. 28th.

Windies Cricket: Will Everything Be Alright?

By BASIL SPRINGER

News Americas, BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Weds. Aug. 23, 2023: Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley recently inspired hope and excitement across the region for the revival of West Indies (WI) cricket during the 22nd Annual Frank Worrell Memorial Lecture.

She challenged Cricket West Indies (CWI) to engage in disruptive innovation to build on the core pillars of brand, history, culture, unity, talent and may I add, the spirit of the legendary “Fire in Babylon” film.

In any successful WI cricketing resurgence the following are paramount: (1) robust governance (note that under the existing CWI structure many WI cricket fans are disenfranchised, i.e., they are deprived of the right to vote for the CWI leadership); (2) well-being and sustainability of players and staff; (3) enhancing the overall experience for supporters; (4) access to adequate infrastructure and modern technology; and (5) public and private sponsorship.

A significant driving force behind the revival is a thriving marketing strategy to develop sustainable revenue streams in response to the demand for live cricket, global TV audiences, strategic advertising opportunities for countries (tourism linkages) and businesses (products and services), and attractive membership packages for supporters so as to foster deeper engagement of stakeholders with the iconic WI cricket brand.

The revival extends beyond the men’s cricket team to encompass all aspects of cricket in the Caribbean. Efforts should be made to promote and develop women’s cricket and nurture talent across various age groups. With a plethora of formats available, from the traditional Test matches to the shorter white ball games, the WI cricket revival will cater to diverse cricketing preferences, ensuring a vibrant cricketing ecosystem.

To revive the WI cricketing legacy, a strong emphasis needs to be placed on training across various dimensions. Mental conditioning helps players overcome challenges and perform consistently at the highest level. Physical training enhances fitness, agility, and endurance, enabling players to endure the grueling cricketing calendar. And honing cricketing skills embraces excellence and ensures the team’s competitiveness against the world’s best.

Test cricket began in England in 1877. My grandparents were born around that time. The WI men’s team’s first international test series was in 1928. WI first beat the mother country in Tests (3-1; with no matches drawn) in 1950.

Starting in 1980, the WI team produced a staggering 15-year period of unrivaled Test success, where they went unbeaten in 29 series – winning 20 and drawing nine. Between 1982 and 1986, they were good enough to reel off seven straight series victories. The WI cricket brand was stellar.

Since then, there has been a steady decline culminating with the devastating reality that the WI team, two-time champions in 1975 and 1979 and finalists in 1983, did not qualify for the 2023 ODI World Cup for the first time in the history of the tournament and is struggling in all formats of the game.

PM Mottley stated that she could not snap her fingers and say like Bob Marley, “everything’s going to be alright. Wishing and wanting will not be enough, what is needed is a change by CWI in the governance model.”

I support PM Mottley’s call.

There are six territorial organizations which constitute CWI, associated with Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, the Leeward Islands, Trinidad & Tobago and the Windward Islands. The Barbados Cricket Association is an entity set up by an Act of Parliament in 1933 to administer cricket in Barbados. These six organizations need to be replaced by an “International CWI Club”, say, to administer cricket in the Caribbean.

The logical next step is for CWI to meet with the CARICOM Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee on Cricket to prepare a scope of work and hire an appropriate team of West Indian organizational change consultants (from home and abroad) to design and implement a WI cricket revival strategy.

It’s time to change our strategy in order for everything to be alright.

Implementing Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy – Part 1

By Dr. Ulric Trotz

News Americas, WASHINGTON, D.C., Sun. Aug. 20, 2023: Countries that are parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change are obliged to provide scheduled reports to the Convention, that provide information on their progress in addressing climate change adaptation and mitigation.

With the coming into force of the Paris agreement in 2015, countries were asked to submit their Nationally Determined Contributions, (NDCs), which would describe country plans to achieve the net zero target of the agreement (mitigation) and to build climate resilience to climate risks (adaptation) that they are exposed to. So far, CARICOM countries have submitted their NDCs to the UNFCCC as required by the Convention.

It is noteworthy that in 2009, six years before the Paris agreement came into effect, Guyana had embarked on a national process that led to the development of a Low Carbon Development Strategy, (LCDS).

The LCDS, which describes national plans to place the country on a low carbon and climate resilient development trajectory, is precisely the information that is now requested from countries in their NDCs. Guyana also embarked on the preparation of an implementation Plan, the Climate Resilience Strategy and Action Plan (CRSAP) for the adaptation programme developed under the LCDS.

Both the LCDS and the CRSAP were available before 2015 when the Paris agreement came into force and were put together during the administration of the PPP government. With the return to office of the PPP in 2020 the LCDS was revived and revised, again through a national consultative process and the revised LCDS-2030 endorsed by cabinet as the official roadmap for Guyana’s response to mitigating and adapting to climate change.

With the changed economic landscape from the emergent oil and gas industry, Guyana was now in a position to move ahead with the implementation of the LCDS 2030 and is no longer constrained from implementation, like their other CARICOM neighbours, where access to the financial resources still poses a serious challenge to implementation.

With the change in Guyana’s economic situation, the government has embarked on the implementation of the mitigation aspect of the LCDS, i.e., the energy sector transformation. The overarching goal of the energy sector transformation is to comply with the requirements for Guyana to achieve zero carbon status by 2050.

Apart from significantly reducing the carbon footprint of the sector, this transformation will significantly reduce the energy intensity of Guyana’s economy, thus opening the door for greater competitiveness of their productive sector (manufacturing, service industries). It is projected that the facility will provide Guyana with the fiscal space to cut the cost of power by fifty percent and to reduce emissions by a significant amount. Guyana has successfully negotiated a loan from the EXIM bank of the USA to support the construction of a 300MW natural gas to energy complex, which will replace the current Heavy Fuel Oil dependent facilities that provide power locally.

It is testimony to the changed economic circumstances that the country was able to acquire a loan from the EXIM bank at all. Completion of the Natural Gas facility is projected to provide Guyana with a more affordable and reliable supply of energy. This will be supplemented through the exploitation of the country’s hydroelectric potential which is expected to boost energy production by 370 MW of capacity by 2035 and a further 150 MW of capacity by 2040.

The energy sector transformation also includes actions for the upgrading of the national grid to accommodate inputs from future sources of renewable energy (hydro, wind, solar). Initiatives to provide energy to hinterland communities through the provision of stand-alone renewable energy systems are already being pursued, through the installation of solar farms, to be supplemented where appropriate, with the development of hydroelectric sources.

Under the energy umbrella there are opportunities not mentioned in the LCDS that should be explored. Investment in waste to energy conversion technologies utilising rice husks, sawmill and municipal wastes, animal & other agricultural wastes offer opportunities to deal with the ever-present environmental problem of waste disposal while at the same time contributing to the country’s overall energy security.

Recently, following a Guyana government mission to India, two Guyanese companies, Dual Wood Products Inc. (DWP) and Energy Management Consultants, (EMC), signed an agreement with The Energy Resources Institute, (TERI) of India for a wood waste to energy facility. This is a step in the right direction and should be extended to utilise the wide range of wastes that are being generated locally. The anticipated development of the agriculture sector is expected to generate a considerable amount of agricultural waste, which can provide feedstock for appropriate waste to energy generating systems.

The LCDS strategy calls for electrification of the road transportation system and this should include river transportation, which is an important mode of transportation for many communities domiciled along riverbanks in Guyana. In both instances, there are opportunities for public-private partnerships. The government has signalled its intention to support the transition to electrical vehicles, by providing a tax-free holiday for the importation of Electrical Vehicles.

A public/private sector partnership, that would see the electrification of government fleets and those in the private sector can pave the way. This is also an opportunity for participation by the major oil companies, given their own need for local transportation.

Heavy emphasis is placed on developing the country’s hydroelectricity potential but in designing these systems, attention should be paid to the hydrological cycle of the particular site, to ensure that this will not be disrupted by climate change. Note should be taken of the problems experienced by the hydroelectric systems in place in neighbouring Suriname and Venezuela, where reduced flow caused by changed rainfall patterns has led to serious disruptions in the energy supplied by their installed hydroelectric generating facilities.

The provision of an affordable and reliable source of energy in Guyana opens the door for investment in the development of local industries. For a start, in support of the region’s food security thrust, significant opportunities for the food processing industry will become available. In terms of maximising the benefit to be derived from the country’s natural resources, focus should be on graduating from a raw material provider to an exporter of value-added products.

There are opportunities for the industrial utilisation of our copious deposits of silica for manufacture of glass containers, crystal quality glass, pure silica for the manufacture of photovoltaic cells for the solar energy industry – combined with our clays, kaolin and feldspar for ceramics manufacture.

The outcomes of the LCDS are for the benefit of all Guyanese in the provision of an affordable and reliable supply of energy and an environment made secure from the ravages of a changing climate. The LCDS has the potential of providing a platform for a united approach to its implementation.

To achieve this, efforts should be made to inculcate a national sense of ownership of the LCDS through an aggressive Public Outreach and Education programme and engaging all interest groups in a meaningful dialogue.

The Strategy already calls for inclusivity, national consultation with relevant communities, transparency, access to information and adherence to the requirement for Free Prior and Informed Consent in transactions involving Guyana’s indigenous community. Adherence to these guiding principles during the implementation of the LCDS would go a long way to getting the necessary buy in and national support for activities under its umbrella.

The energy sector transformation provides an opportunity for Guyana to diversify its economy and is so doing insulate itself from the dangers of the “Resource Curse.” Equally important, the country should urgently address its exposure and vulnerability to existential and projected climate risks and the efforts to do so under the climate resilient umbrella of the LCDS will be the subject of the second part of this discussion.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Dr. Ulric Trotz, formerly the Science Adviser at the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre in Belize, is a highly accomplished and knowledgeable scientist who has significantly contributed to his field. He has held various leadership positions, including Director of the Science & Technology Division at the Commonwealth Secretariat, Secretary of the Commonwealth Science Council, and Science Adviser to the Commonwealth Secretary General. He has also served as Secretary-General of the National Science Research Council in Guyana and as Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences at the University of Guyana. From 1980 to 1991, Dr. Trotz was Guyana’s Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology Director.

Caribbean Travel News & Deals

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. August 18, 2023: Here are the top Caribbean travel news and deals this week in 60 seconds.

haos reigned this week at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, St James, as issues with the newly extended runway impacted scores of flights for hours. More than 50 incoming international flights had to be either cancelled or diverted to the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston and other airports in the US.

Meanwhile, Canada is again warning nationals to “exercise a high degree of caution” if travelling to or in Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago due to the high level of violent crimes there.

Actress Jodie Sweetin, known for her role as Stephanie Tanner in the ABC comedy series Full House and its Netflix sequel series Fuller House, was among the many tourists in Jamaica recently. She and her daughters Zoie Herpin and Beatrix Sweetin Coyle soaked up the last of summer with one final getaway before the school year starts at Beaches Resort in Negril, Jamaica.

InterCaribbean Airways, headquartered in the Turks and Caicos, has received a stern warning from Guyana about potential sanctions following prolonged flight delays and cancellations. the airline pledged to improve operations in Barbados and to deploy extra aircraft to mitigate delays.

Get “Timeless: A Virgin Islands Love Story,” This September 6th on Amazon Prime. The film, by writer,producer, and director, Edward La Borde, Jr. follows the tale of Ajuwa, a young Ghanaian warrior who loses her soul mate to the slave trade. Their souls reunite in the present as Malinda Benjamin, a Senator in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Alphonse Walcott, a gifted writer returning home from New York.

Start planning your trip to next year’s annual Anguilla Culinary Experience, (ACE). The event will take place from Thursday, May 23rd through Sunday, May 26th, 2024. Tickets for ACE 2024 will go on sale this November at anguillaculinaryexperience.com.

Fond Doux Eco Resort, St. Lucia offers an impressive 40% discount for travel from now until December 21, 2023. Secure this deal by September 30, with a minimum two-night stay requirement. Log on to fonddouxresort.com.

And get up to $500 airline credit and $150 Spa Credit when you book a vacation at Sandals Resort during its Rhythm And Blues Sale. Check out all offers at sandals.com/specials/rhythm-and-blues-sale

West Indies Coach Envisions Change on the Horizon

News Americas, FORT LAUDERDALE, Fl, Weds. Aug. 16, 2023: In the wake of a significant Twenty20 series victory by the West Indies cricket team over powerhouse India, White-ball head coach Darren Sammy says he and the team are committed to driving change within West Indies cricket.

After seven years without a series win over their Asian rivals, the West Indies team secured an impressive eight-wicket victory in the decisive T20 International at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, FL on Sunday, August 13th, securing a 3-2 overall verdict.

Shai Hope, of West Indies takes a shot during the fifth and final T20I match between West Indies and India at the Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill, Florida, on August 13, 2023. (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images)

Amidst West Indies’ failure to qualify for the T20 World Cup last October and the upcoming 50-over World Cup, Sammy disclosed ongoing discussions with Cricket West Indies President Dr. Kishore Shallow and newly appointed Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, to shape the future.

Romario Shepherd, of West Indies bowls during the fifth and final T20I match between West Indies and India at the Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill, Florida, on August 13, 2023. (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images)

“Our aim is to reshape the culture – the work culture, involving everyone,” said Sammy. “In collaboration with our new president, Kishore, and the director of cricket, we’re initiating changes. I ask for patience because transformation won’t happen overnight, but we’re establishing measures to bring about positive change.”

He added: “To our fans, I urge patience. Our efforts are focused on effective change for West Indies.”

Over the last year, West Indies cricket has experienced significant shifts, including the departure of head coach Phil Simmons, director of cricket Jimmy Adams, and captain Nicholas Pooran following the T20 World Cup qualification challenges.

Sammy has already established strong relationships with new captains Shai Hope (ODI) and Rovman Powell (T20), praising Powell’s leadership during the recent T20 series.

“I have great respect for Rovman. He’s strategic, and our conversations have been productive, as he mentioned in the press,” said Sammy.

“We sat down with him last weekend, and as a leader and captain, I simplified things for him. He even said, ‘Coach, I’m proud of you.’ We communicate openly, which creates a valuable partnership. It’s about teamwork and the team’s improvement, setting egos aside,” he added.

Sammy also observed the emergence of a promising new team, singling out all-rounder Romario Shepherd for his strong “work ethic.”

“Young Romario Shepherd has been steadily building his confidence with each game,” Sammy acknowledged. “He’s been consistently focused over the past few months, and we’ve seen his dedication firsthand. The results are a testament to his efforts and dedication.”

ibex Names Nicola James as Vice President of Operations in Jamaica

News Americas, KINGSTON, Jamaica, Aug. 16, 2023: ibex (NASDAQ: IBEX), a leading global provider of business process outsourcing (BPO) and customer engagement technology solutions, today announced that Nicola James has been appointed Vice President, Operations, of ibex in Jamaica.

As a highly accomplished and versatile BPO leader, Nicola brings to ibex Jamaica a proven track record of delivering exceptional results in management and customer service across diverse industries and multiple geographies. With over 18 years in the BPO sector, she has amassed a wealth of experience and expertise in driving operational excellence and exceeding client objectives. She will report directly to Tamara Ricketts-Brown, Senior Vice President, Jamaica Country Manager at ibex.

“We are pleased to have Nicola as part of ibex Jamaica,” said Ricketts-Brown. “Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership, fostering a culture of innovation, and adapting quickly to dynamic business environments. Her ability to motivate and inspire teams, leading them to achieve outstanding outcomes will make her a valuable addition to our organization.”

Prior to joining ibex, James was Director of Operations at Itel, and before that, a Senior Account Manager with Sutherland Global Services. Previously, James was an SBU manager at ACS, a Xerox company. James received her tertiary level qualifications from Montego Bay Community College and the University of Technology.

“I am delighted to be part of the ibex team and drive operations as we grow in Jamaica,” said James. “ibex is known for creating an employee experience that in turn enables many of the world’s leading brands to provide the best experience for their customers. I’m excited to take on this new opportunity and aim to deliver excellence in all that I do at ibex.”

About ibex   
ibex delivers innovative business process outsourcing (BPO), smart digital marketing, online acquisition technology, and end-to-end customer engagement solutions to help companies acquire, engage, and retain valuable customers. Today, ibex operates a global CX delivery center model consisting of 31 operations facilities around the world, while deploying next-generation technology to drive superior customer experiences for many of the world’s leading companies across retail, e-commerce, healthcare, fintech, utilities and logistics.

ibex leverages its diverse global team of over 30,000 employees together with industry-leading technology, including its Wave X platform, to manage nearly 200 million critical customer interactions, adding over $2.2B in lifetime customer revenue each year and driving a truly differentiated customer experience. To learn more, visit our website at ibex.co and connect with us on LinkedIn.