Canada Warns About Travel To The Bahamas

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News Americas, New York, NY, November 15, 2024: Canada has updated its travel advisory for The Bahamas, urging its citizens to exercise a high degree of caution when visiting the island nation, citing high rates of crime, particularly in Freeport and Nassau. The updated warning, issued on November 14, 2024, highlights several safety concerns for travelers, including violent crime, fraud, and safety risks related to water and road activities.

Crime and Safety Concerns

The advisory warns that violent crimes, often connected to gang activity, occur in Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, and Nassau, and sometimes target travelers. Reported incidents include armed robbery, home invasion, and sexual assault. Tourists have been victims of burglaries, fraud, theft, and even crimes in cruise ship terminals and resort areas, sometimes during daylight hours.

Crime rates tend to rise during the holiday season, and Canadian authorities are advising travelers to:

Stay within tourist areas.

Always remain vigilant.

Avoid walking alone at night.

Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

Women’s Safety

Sexual assaults remain a significant concern, particularly in Nassau and near tourist hubs like Paradise Island. Incidents have been reported at hotels, casinos, beaches, and even cruise ships. Authorities caution women to:

Avoid jet-ski rides with unlicensed operators, as several incidents of sexual assault have been linked to this activity.

Avoid excessive alcohol consumption and drugs.

Never accept rides from strangers or unlicensed taxi drivers.

Exercise caution when accepting food, drinks, or other items from new acquaintances.

Fraud Risks

Credit card and ATM fraud are frequent in Nassau, with authorities advising travelers to:

Use ATMs in well-lit public areas or banks.

Monitor credit card transactions closely.

Cover PIN entry pads and avoid unfamiliar card readers.

Water Sports and Boating Hazards

Tourists are also advised to only rent water sports equipment from reputable and registered operators. Reports of injuries linked to poorly regulated water activities, such as jet skiing, are common. Boaters are warned about potential encounters with vessels operated by illegal drug traders and should use only official docking facilities.

Road and Public Transportation Safety

While roads in major cities are adequate, rural areas often have poorly maintained infrastructure. Drinking and driving is prevalent, and road accidents are frequent. Travelers are urged to:

Keep car doors locked and windows up.

Avoid leaving valuables visible in parked vehicles.

Be cautious when encountering road obstructions, which may be used as a tactic for robbery.

Travelers are also advised to avoid using public buses on routes outside of tourist areas after dusk.

Advice for Cruise Travelers

Several ports in The Bahamas are frequent stops for cruise ships. Visitors should remain vigilant when exploring local areas near ports and consider sticking to organized group activities.

The Canadian government encourages its nationals to stay informed of local conditions and remain cautious while enjoying their travels to The Bahamas.

ExxonMobil, Partners Aim For 1.3 Million Barrels Per Day In Guyana

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News Americas, New York, NY, November 14, 2024: ExxonMobil Guyana and its Stabroek block partners, Hess and CNOOC, have announced plans to expand production capacity to over 1.3 million barrels of oil per day by the end of 2027. This growth projection aligns with the ExxonMobil-led consortium’s goal to fully operationalize six major offshore projects within the Stabroek block, a milestone anticipated to bring substantial economic gains to Guyana.

The ExxonMobil Guyana offices at 86 Duke Street in Georgetown, Guyana. Photographer: Jose A. Alvarado Jr./Bloomberg via Getty Images

This announcement follows the consortium’s achievement of producing 500 million barrels of oil since Guyana joined the ranks of oil-producing nations in 2019. In a statement, ExxonMobil Guyana President Alistair Routledge attributed the rapid development pace to close collaboration with the government of Guyana and strategic partnerships with suppliers, contractors, and co-venturers.

ExxonMobil Guyana Limited operates the Stabroek block with a 45% stake, while Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd. and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited hold 30% and 25% shares, respectively. Together, these companies have committed nearly $55 billion to developing six government-approved projects in the block. Current projects, Liza Phase 1, Liza Phase 2, and Payara, are already producing more than 650,000 barrels daily, positioning Guyana for sustained growth in the global energy market.

Since production began in December 2019, oil revenues and royalties totaling over $5.4 billion have been directed to Guyana’s Natural Resource Fund ExxonMobil Guyana said. Additionally, more than 6,000 Guyanese now support operations at Stabroek, representing nearly 70% of the local oil industry workforce the company added, noting that the steady growth in production and employment is expected to bring further economic benefits to Guyana, alongside billions in projected revenue from continued offshore development.

Get Ready To Fly From Holland To Guyana

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News Americas, New York, NY, November 14, 2024: Get ready to fly from Amsterdam to Georgetown, Guyana! KLM has announced the launch of its Amsterdam-Georgetown route, set to begin on June 4, 2025. This new addition is part of KLM’s expanding intercontinental network.

KLM Airlines will begin direct flights to Guyana next June.

Starting June 4, 2025, KLM will operate two weekly flights from Amsterdam to Georgetown, with a brief stopover in Sint Maarten on the way. The route will use an Airbus 330-200 aircraft, offering 18 seats in World Business Class and 246 seats in Economy Class. Flights are scheduled for Wednesdays and Saturdays, departing Amsterdam Schiphol Airport at 10:00 and arriving in Georgetown at 16:35 local time.

KLM’s Georgetown route is aimed at meeting growing demand from the rapidly developing Guyanese market, reflecting the airline’s commitment to serving dynamic and emerging destinations worldwide. With these new flights, KLM opens up more travel options for passengers while fostering closer connections between the Netherlands and South America.

Flight Details for Amsterdam-Georgetown Route:

Outbound Flight (KL789):

Departs Amsterdam Schiphol at 10:00, arriving in Sint Maarten at 13:00.

Departs Sint Maarten at 14:20, arriving at Georgetown’s Cheddi Jagan International Airport at 16:35 local time.

Return Flight (KL789):

Departs Georgetown at 17:55, arriving in Amsterdam Schiphol the next day at 09:15 local time.

This new route not only adds convenience for travelers between Europe and Guyana but also supports the economic growth and global connectivity to the South American CARICOM nation.

West Indies Cricket Legend Launches Inspiring Autobiography

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News Americas, New York, NY, November 14, 2024: West Indies and Guyanese cricket legend, Alvin Kallicharran, has officially unveiled his autobiography.

West Indies and Guyana cricket legend Alvin Kallicharran (second left) during the launch of his autobiography at the Oasis Cafe in Guyana.

The 75-year-old former batting inspiration, has released Colour Blind, a compelling look at his journey in cricket and the role the sport played in bridging racial divides. Launched at the Oasis Cafe in Georgetown, Guyana, the book highlights Kallicharran’s personal experiences as a professional cricketer and serves as a guide for aspiring young players.

Kallicharran, who earned the title of Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1983, achieved over 20,000 runs in his illustrious nine-year career and shared at the event that cricket opened countless doors for him, inspiring his desire to give back to the sport and to his homeland, Guyana. Reflecting on his humble beginnings, Kallicharran spoke of the values of “hard work, perseverance, hunger, and passion” that carried him from Port Mourant, Berbice to international fame. He also credited iconic figures like Basil Butcher, Lance Gibbs, Rohan Kanhai, and Sir Gary Sobers as mentors who guided his path.

“The game has been so good to me, from the village to the international world. Hard work, perseverance, hunger, passion and the desire to play this sport,” he said. ““I believe it’s my time to give back to Guyana and Berbice, because without patience you achieve mediocrity.”

Kallicharran, who averaged 44.43 in 66 Test matches, including 12 hundreds and 21 half-centuries, spoke of how he became involved in cricket.

“The life journey, mixing of races, the journey started with Basil Butcher giving me my first cricket bat. Lance Gibbs was one of my greatest mentors, Rohan Kanhai and Sir Gary Sobers are a big part of my life and we’re all different colors. Going to England playing cricket and making money off the white man, how can I turn back and say it prejudice, so it’s about bringing oneness to us as a people,” said Kallicharan.

The event also featured the book’s co-author, Tony McWatt, and remarks from Dr. Ritesh Tularam on behalf of Minister of Education Priya Manickchand, underscoring Colour Blind as both a memoir and a call for unity through sports.

Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange Lowers Investment Threshold

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News Americas, New York, NY, November 14, 2024: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) Monetary Council has introduced a series of new measures aimed at boosting individual and small-business participation on the Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange (ECSE). The council has notably lowered the minimum financial threshold for investment, reducing the barrier from EC$5,000 to EC$500 to facilitate wider engagement with the regional stock exchange.

ECCB Governor Timothy Antoine

These changes are part of the ECCB’s strategic initiative to democratize access to investment opportunities within the eight member territories, which include Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The ECSE, launched in 2001 as a fully electronic exchange, was established to provide a platform for regional investment, but individual investors have historically been underrepresented. Currently, approximately 98% of investors are institutional entities, leaving individual participation at a marginal 2%.

To address this gap, the ECCB’s Monetary Council, which includes finance ministers from each member territory, not only lowered the entry threshold but also recommended that a portion of future bonds and treasury bills be earmarked exclusively for small investors. This safeguard is intended to prevent institutional investors from monopolizing these financial instruments, providing individual investors with fairer access.

ECCB Governor Timothy Antoine emphasized the importance of public participation in the securities market, likening the opportunity to wealth-building practices common in larger markets, such as the U.S., where Caribbean diasporic families routinely invest. Antoine explained that the ECCB itself maintains substantial holdings in U.S. markets, as the U.S. dollar is essential to member economies given its status as the currency for the majority of their external debt and import transactions.

In tandem with the ECCB’s efforts, Finance Minister Dennis Cornwall highlighted the need to foster a culture of financial literacy and access to capital within the region. He outlined three key focus areas for regional credit unions: promoting financial education from a young age, expanding access to capital—particularly in underserved communities—and encouraging collaboration across sectors. These initiatives aim to equip citizens with the skills and resources to build sustainable wealth and support regional economic growth.

The announcement came at a recent conference, held under the theme “Financial Empowerment through Wealth Creation: Investment Opportunities in the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU).”

Rihanna Brings Fenty Beauty “Home”

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News Americas, New York, NY, Tues. Nov. 12, 2024: Rihanna’s iconic beauty brand, Fenty Beauty, is now available in the Caribbean, marking a meaningful homecoming for the Barbadian superstar. The Caribbean launch includes nine islands, including Barbados, where Rihanna was born, grew up and first found inspiration for her music and brand.

Rihanna poses in front of own ad campaign at bus stop in Barbados bearing mother’s name after Fenty Beauty is launched in Caribbean hometown. (IG image)

This expansion not only introduces Fenty Beauty’s inclusive products to Caribbean consumers but also strengthens Rihanna’s connection to her roots, celebrating her heritage and commitment to diversity.

Since its inception, Fenty Beauty has set new industry standards for inclusivity, launching with 40 foundation shades and expanding to 50 to meet the needs of diverse skin tones. Now, with its Caribbean launch, the brand provides beauty options for consumers who have long awaited a line that reflects their unique skin tones and styles. The expansion brings Fenty Beauty’s popular products like the Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Foundation, Gloss Bomb, and Stunna Lip Paint to islands where representation in global beauty has often been limited.

For Rihanna, the Caribbean launch is deeply personal. In a heartfelt speech at the launch event in Barbados, she shared: “Coming back home, where I first met and appreciated beauty, means everything to me. Fenty Beauty and Fenty Skin were inspired by my people, my family, and my friends here in Barbados.” Her brand’s ethos resonates strongly in the Caribbean, where Rihanna’s focus on inclusivity and empowerment strikes a powerful chord.

The Fenty Caribbean launch featured events with product demos, makeup tutorials, and exclusive consultations, allowing local fans and influencers to experience the brand firsthand. This expansion provides opportunities for local beauty experts and entrepreneurs to engage with a world-renowned brand, establishing Fenty Beauty as a new staple in the Caribbean market.

Fenty Skin and Fenty Fragrance and Fenty Hair will be available to buy in nine islands including the singer’s home country of Barbados. The other countries are Antigua, Aruba, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Trinidad and & Tobago, Grenada and Sint Maarten.

With this latest milestone, Rihanna continues to impact the Caribbean beauty landscape, creating opportunities and celebrating cultural pride. By bringing her brand to the islands, Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty underscores her dedication to representation, inclusivity, and honoring her Caribbean heritage.

Shoppers can expect to find the products at these selected retailers: Lipstick Antigua, Maggy’s Aruba, John Bull Ltd Bahamas, Bridgetown Duty Free, 59 Front, Bermuda, Kirk Freeport from Cayman Islands and Vendome in Trinidad and Tobago.

Caribbean Firms Face Structural Barriers To Growth Research Finds

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News Americas, New York, NY, Tues. Nov. 12, 2024: Caribbean businesses encounter significant operational and financial challenges, with informal payments, power outages, and limited access to capital markets among the top hurdles, according to a new report by the Inter-American Development Bank, (IDB) and Compete Caribbean titled “Are We There Yet? The Path toward Sustainable Private Sector Development in the Caribbean.”

The report, which covers 13 Caribbean nations, finds that regulatory bottlenecks often lead firms to rely on informal payments to expedite approvals, such as import licenses or construction permits. Meanwhile, two-thirds of firms face frequent power or Internet disruptions, emphasizing the need for stronger public service infrastructure to support business continuity.

A critical challenge highlighted is the lack of access to finance, which severely limits firm productivity. The study notes that Caribbean capital markets are underdeveloped and often illiquid, forcing companies to rely on limited and high-cost credit markets. Further complicating this issue is the lack of robust credit history data, which stifles lending options.

The report also identifies limitations in the region’s support for innovation and entrepreneurship. Although many Caribbean countries see significant potential in fostering entrepreneurship, systematic support for startups is scarce, and existing programs are often small in scale or temporary. This inhibits the development of scalable enterprises and limits the growth of a robust private sector.

Workforce Mismatch and Brain Drain

The Caribbean also faces a notable mismatch in labor market needs, with an oversupply of unskilled workers and a shortage of skilled professionals, particularly in technology sectors. Emigration of highly skilled workers to opportunities abroad exacerbates this imbalance, leaving critical skill gaps in key industries, the study said.

Need for Policy Reforms and Modernized Services

To address these issues, the report suggests reforms to improve business processes and public services. Key recommendations include streamlining licensing procedures, automating services through digital platforms, and implementing transparency campaigns to reduce corruption.

For workforce development, the study advises creating closer collaboration between employers and educational institutions to align training programs with in-demand skills, especially in information and communication technology (ICT). It also recommends government-supported job placement services and vocational training programs to enhance employment opportunities.

Support for Innovation and Financial Inclusion

On the financial front, the IDB study calls for policies that foster competition in credit markets and expand financial inclusion. These include establishing credit registries and bureaus for sharing credit histories, strengthening property rights and insolvency processes, and advancing financial technologies with adequate safeguards to improve credit risk assessment.

The report further encourages governments to design innovation support programs that span the business lifecycle, including public and private incubators and accelerators. Greater collaboration between industry and academic institutions is also recommended to support technology transfer and development.

A Roadmap for Growth

“The launch of this publication comes at a pivotal moment for our region. It underscores the crucial role of the private sector in driving national growth and development. By identifying key challenges and offering regional solutions and policy recommendations, it aligns with IDB Strategy+ and the pillars of our One Caribbean regional program,” said Anton Edmunds, IDB General Manager for the Caribbean Country Department. “This is not just a book; it’s a roadmap filled with regional messages and country-specific insights to promote more sustainable economic development within the Caribbean.”

The report uses data from the Innovation, Firm Performance, and Gender Issues in the Caribbean (IFPG) Firm-Level Survey, sponsored by Compete Caribbean in 2020, offering a comprehensive look into the hurdles Caribbean firms face and potential policy-driven solutions.

As the region seeks to reinvigorate economic growth post-COVID-19, the IDB report underscores the need for a stronger private sector and improved business environment. Between 1960 and 2019, the Caribbean region experienced an annual growth rate of just 1.47%, lagging behind the 1.94% rate in Latin America and well below the global average for middle-income countries.

The report’s recommendations offer a roadmap for fostering a more dynamic and resilient private sector, which is vital for accelerating the Caribbean’s long-term economic growth and development.

Haiti’s Airport Temporarily Closed Amid Gang Violence

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News Americas, New York, NY, Mon. Nov. 11, 2024: Haiti’s Toussaint L’Ouverture International Airport was temporarily closed on Monday as gangs attempted to seize control of the area, following threats by criminal leaders to resume violent activities and cautioning the public to remain off the streets.

Gang leader Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherizier speaks into his walkie talkie before a mission, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, March 5, 2024. (Photo by CLARENS SIFFROY/AFP via Getty Images)

Spirit Airlines, a U.S.-based carrier, reported that a flight bound for Haiti was diverted to the Dominican Republic after gunfire struck the aircraft, injuring a crew member. Spirit Airlines Flight 951 from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, landed safely in Santiago, Dominican Republic, where inspection confirmed damage consistent with gunfire. Spirit has since suspended its service to Haiti.

The U.S. Embassy issued a statement on Monday acknowledging gang efforts to block travel to and from Port-au-Prince, warning of potential armed violence and disruptions. “The U.S. Embassy is aware of a temporary pause in operations at the Toussaint L’Ouverture airport as of November 11, 2024,” it said, urging travelers to consider their security risks and avoid travel unless necessary.

The attack followed a video statement by Jimmy Cherizier, known as “Barbecue” and leader of the “Vivre Ensemble” gang, who announced that the group was resuming its offensive. “The time has come to take the destiny of this country into our own hands,” he declared. Another gang leader, affiliated with the “Jeff Gwo Lwa” group, advised the public in several regions to avoid travel to Port-au-Prince due to expected clashes.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Human Rights Office voiced concerns over the escalating crisis in Haiti, where nearly 4,900 people have been killed in violence this year, and displacement has reached 700,000 people, including 12,000 in the last month alone. Food insecurity is at an unprecedented level, affecting 5.4 million Haitians, and some regions are facing famine-like conditions.

Despite these challenges, UN agencies and partners continue delivering humanitarian aid. In early 2024, approximately 1.9 million people received support, including food and water distributions. However, the $684 million Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan remains only 43 percent funded.

Amid the turmoil, Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council (TPC) appointed Alix Didier Fils-Aimé as prime minister by decree. This decision, published in the official journal Le Moniteur, is contested by current Prime Minister Garry Conille, who argues it lacks constitutional grounds. In an open letter, Conille criticized the TPC’s move as outside “any legal and constitutional framework,” emphasizing that only Parliament can dismiss a sitting prime minister under Article 158 of Haiti’s Constitution.

The ongoing instability and political conflicts continue to deepen Haiti’s humanitarian crisis, underscoring the need for urgent international support and effective governance solutions.

Suspect In Murder Of Ascot Michael For Court Appearance Today

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News Americas, New York, NY, Mon. Nov. 11, 2024: The suspect in the murder of former Antigua and Barbuda parliamentarian Asot Michael is set to make his first court appearance today.

Ascot Michael murder suspect, Alexta Francis

Michael, 54, a prominent public figure, was found dead in his home last Tuesday, reportedly from stab wounds. Media reports suggest that Alexta Francis, 27, a landscaper, confessed and provided police with evidence supporting his confession. Prime Minister Browne expressed confidence in the thoroughness of the investigation and noted the importance of delivering justice swiftly in such high-profile cases, given the potential impact on the nation’s reputation.

A police statement confirmed Francis’ arrest and thanked the public for its cooperation. The Commissioner of Police also praised his team’s professionalism and commitment to solving the case. No motive has so far been released for the murder.

Browne commended local police for their swift action in apprehending Francis, who was arrested late Friday and charged with Michael’s murder.

On his weekly Pointe FM radio show, Browne praised law enforcement’s quick response, saying, “Law enforcement must be commended for this quick apprehension, and we appreciate the public’s help in providing intelligence that led to this arrest.”

The Antigua cabinet said Michael will be given an official funeral.

Haiti PM Fired Six Months After Appointment

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News Americas, New York, NY, Sun. Nov. 10, 2024: Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council, (TPC), today announcedthe dismissal of Prime Minister Garry Conille, a decision anticipated to heighten the ongoing political and socio-economic tensions in the CARICOM nation.

Prime Minister of Haiti Garry Conille, seen here with President of Kenya William Ruto (unseen) at the State House in Nairobi on October 11, 2024, was sacked on Nov. 10, 2024. (Photo by LUIS TATO/AFP via Getty Images)

The decree, signed by TPC leader Leslie Voltaire, marks Conille’s removal just 6 months after he was appointed in May and sworn in in June following the resignation of former Prime Minister Dr. Ariel Henry.

The decree, which international media reports indicate will be published Monday, appoints businessman Alix Didier Fils-Aime as Conille’s successor. However, political analysts note that only the Haitian Parliament has constitutional authority to dismiss a prime minister, creating controversy around the TPC’s decision in the absence of a functioning Parliament. Former Justice Minister Bernard Gousse described the move as “illegal,” alleging that the council overstepped its powers amid lingering allegations of corruption.

Just a day prior, Conille addressed a TPC-organized forum focused on advancing Haiti’s electoral process, where he stressed the need for collaboration among political figures to enable a peaceful transition of power by February 7, 2026. “The Haitian people expect us to fight and succeed on their behalf,” Conille said, affirming that close to half of the funding for the referendum and electoral process is secured, with the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) and the National Conference on Constitutional Reform poised to oversee these initiatives.

Conille emphasized Haiti’s need for “new governance” by 2026 and discussed substantial progress on the transitional projects, including establishing the CEP and securing funds for critical phases of the national conference, slated to launch officially on November 12, 2024. “Despite the crisis, we are committed to the election process,” he stated, urging political leaders to support constitutional reforms and voter mobilization.

This development follows recent CARICOM-led discussions aimed at reducing tensions between the TPC and the interim government. The regional organization previously expressed concerns about the rift between Voltaire and Conille, warning that the discord threatened the spirit of the transitional agreement signed earlier this year.

In a recent broadcast, Voltaire reviewed Haiti’s progress during the transition period, discussing key issues like security, judicial reform, public finance management, and constitutional reform preparations. Tensions reportedly escalated following Conille’s resistance to a requested cabinet reshuffle that sought to replace several ministers.

The TPC’s latest decision underscores ongoing challenges in Haiti’s transitional process, as CARICOM, through its Eminent Persons Group chaired by former St. Lucia Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony, continues its engagement to support Haitian-led governance and preparations for free elections.