VP Kamala Harris’ Record On Central America and the Caribbean

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News Americas, New York, NY, August 22, 2024: Over the past three years as U.S. Vice President, Kamala Harris, a Black, Caribbean, and South Asian American, has played a crucial role in addressing key challenges in Central America and the Caribbean. Her initiatives, particularly in tackling the root causes of migration and strengthening U.S. relations with regional partners, have been significant, according to Jason Marczak, Vice President and Senior Director of the Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center. Here’s a look at her efforts:

US Vice President, Caribbean and South Asian American Kamala Harris speaks at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, US, on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024. (Photographer: Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Leading the Root Causes Strategy for Central American Migration:

Appointed in April 2021 to spearhead efforts addressing migration from Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador.

Convened a group of experts to craft strategies focused on transparency, economic development, security, and governance.

Launched a five-pillar strategy in June 2021 to work with in-country stakeholders on reducing migration drivers.

Helped secure over $5.2 billion in commitments from companies and organizations to invest in the region.

Oversaw a significant reduction in migration from Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador to the U.S. border.

Strengthening U.S.-Caribbean Relations:

Became the highest-ranking U.S. official to visit The Bahamas in June 2023, co-hosting the U.S.-Caribbean Leaders Meeting.

Prioritized collaboration on climate change, food security, and security issues, including arms trafficking.

Secured a $100 million U.S. assistance package to address regional challenges, including Haiti’s humanitarian crisis.

Promoting Long-Term Economic Security in Central America and the Caribbean:

Advocated for providing local organizations with technical and financial resources to foster job creation and human capital development.

Focused on combating corruption and enhancing governance to support sustainable development.

Applying a “Listen, Act, Follow Up” Approach:

Met with regional leaders to understand their priorities before crafting strategies.

Implemented long-term solutions, adjusting tactics based on evolving conditions in the region.

Harris’ work in Central America and the Caribbean underscores her commitment to tackling complex issues that require thoughtful, adaptive solutions. As she continues to define her potential foreign policy as a presidential candidate, these experiences offer insight into how she might navigate the global stage and these regions.

This Luxury Retreat Will Be Coming To The Bahamas

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News Americas, New York, NY, Thursday, August 22, 2024: Exuma, the pristine Bahamian archipelago of 365 islands, is set to welcome a new level of luxury as Rosewood Hotels & Resorts® partners with Yntegra Group to launch the Rosewood Exuma retreat. This exclusive island getaway, developed on East Sampson Cay, is designed to merge high-end luxury with the natural beauty of the Exumas, providing an unforgettable experience for elite travelers and ocean enthusiasts.

Rosewood Exuma retreat. is coming to the Bahamas.

The Rosewood Exuma resort, nestled within 124 acres of untouched paradise, will feature 33 elegantly designed suites with breathtaking views of the island’s famous pink and white sands and crystal-clear waters. Many suites will be located right on the shoreline, offering guests an immersive experience of the Exumas’ serene environment. Through Rosewood’s A Sense of Place® philosophy, the resort will reflect the local culture and ambiance, ensuring an authentic Bahamian experience for visitors.

Guests will enjoy six distinctive dining options at Rosewood Exuma, with a focus on local flavors and produce from the resort’s own organic garden. The resort will also feature Rosewood’s signature wellness concept, Asaya®, within a 20,000-square-foot sanctuary offering a range of treatments inspired by traditional Bahamian practices. The wellness center will include six treatment rooms, a hydrotherapy facility, an outdoor pool, and a fully equipped fitness center.

For those seeking adventure, the resort will offer an outdoor sports center with tennis, padel, and pickleball courts, as well as watersports equipment. Families can enjoy two pools, including a family-friendly option, and children will be engaged through the Rosewood Explorers club, which fosters curiosity and creativity with activities promoting environmental awareness.

A luxurious beach club will serve as a central hub for relaxation, featuring a grill restaurant, beach and pool bars, and a private dining room. The development will also include two marinas capable of docking yachts up to 150 feet, catering to sailing enthusiasts exploring the surrounding archipelago.

Sustainability is a key focus of the Rosewood Exuma project, with only 25% of the island undergoing development to minimize environmental impact. The resort will incorporate eco-friendly construction practices, including the use of solar energy, to preserve the natural beauty of the Exumas and create a sustainable legacy for future generations.

Radha Arora, President of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, expressed excitement about the project, stating, “We have conceived Rosewood Exuma to offer a next-generation luxury experience – one that honors the quintessential character of this pristine archipelago and invites guests on a journey of discovery and adventure.”

Felipe MacLean, CEO of Yntegra Group, emphasized the shared vision between the two companies, adding, “This partnership represents our commitment to creating exceptional experiences while being responsible community partners in Exuma.”

Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism for the Bahamas, welcomed the development, noting, “The introduction of Rosewood Exuma represents an exciting milestone for our tourism industry, highlighting the unmatched luxury and adventure that Exuma offers while emphasizing our commitment to sustainable and balanced growth.”

The Rosewood Exuma retreat promises to be a transformative addition to the Caribbean luxury landscape, combining elegance with environmental responsibility in one of the world’s most beautiful destinations. No date was given for the completion or opening so far.

West Indies To Face South Africa Today

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News Americas, New York, NY, Fri. Aug. 23, 2024: West Indies head coach Daren Sammy is determined to transform the regional cricket team from a series-winning side into a championship-winning force ahead of the next T20 World Cup in 2026. As the white-ball head coach, Sammy has set his sights on achieving consistency and excellence, the Windies prepare for their upcoming three-match T20 series against South Africa, which begins today, August 23, 2024 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad.

West Indies men face South Africa in Trinidad from today, Aug. 23, 2024.

Despite the West Indies winning four of their last five T20 series, including a dominant 3-0 sweep over South Africa in May, the team was eliminated at the Super 8 stage of the recent T20 World Cup by the Proteas. Sammy, who led the West Indies to T20 World Cup titles in 2012 and 2016, emphasized the need for consistency and growth if the team aims to reclaim their championship status.

“We need to find ways to continuously evolve and improve. I want us to become a championship-winning team,” Sammy said. “Right now, we are a series-winning team. We play one team over a three or five-game period, and we know what to do, but I want this team to be able to play different opposition in a tournament and deliver every single game.”

Sammy stressed that while the long-term goal is to win championships, the immediate focus is on winning the upcoming series against South Africa. “I wouldn’t call it revenge, but it’s a great opportunity for us to regroup and refocus. Winning the series is our main goal, but we also want to fine-tune the areas where we need to improve to win tournaments,” he added.

The three-match T20 series against South Africa will run from August 23 to 27, 2024, in Trinidad. The West Indies squad for the series includes:

Rovman Powell (Captain)

Roston Chase (Vice-Captain)

Alick Athanaze

Johnson Charles

Matthew Forde

Shimron Hetmyer

Fabian Allen

Shai Hope

Akeal Hosein

Shamar Joseph

Obed McCoy

Gudakesh Motie

Nicholas Pooran

Sherfane Rutherford

Romario Shepherd

With Sammy’s vision and leadership, the West Indies will be looking to build momentum, starting with the series against South Africa, as they set their sights on future championships.

Caribbean Projected To Grow By Over 8 Percent In 2024

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News Americas, New York, NY, Fri. August 23, 2024: The Caribbean region is on track to experience economic growth of 8.4 percent in 2024, largely driven by the remarkable expansion of Guyana’s economy. However, without factoring in Guyana, the region’s projected growth rate drops significantly to just 2.6 percent, according to the latest annual report from the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, (ECLAC).

Guyana, with its rapidly expanding oil sector, is expected to lead the Caribbean in growth, with an estimated 29.2 percent increase in 2024. In contrast, the growth forecast for 2025 for the region, including Guyana, is projected to drop to 6.3 percent. Excluding Guyana, the rate will fall even further to just 2.23 percent.

The following is the projected growth by country for 2024 and 2025, according to ECLAC data:

Country2024 Growth Rate (%)2025 Growth Rate (%)Guyana29.217.8Antigua and Barbuda6.34.8Dominican Republic5.24.5Saint Vincent and the Grenadines4.74.6Dominica4.64.3Belize4.13.8Grenada4.13.7Barbados3.72.8Saint Lucia3.42.0Saint Kitts and Nevis3.02.7Suriname2.42.7Trinidad and Tobago2.42.2Bahamas2.31.8Jamaica1.81.7Cuba0.51.0

This growth projection highlights the economic challenges facing the region, particularly when Guyana’s extraordinary growth is excluded. While other Caribbean nations are showing positive growth rates, the disparity underscores the critical role that Guyana’s oil boom is playing in the region’s overall economic performance.