Caribbean RoundUp

Barbados

Health authorities in Barbados are reporting an increase in gastrointestinal cases and are urging the public to take proper hygiene measures, including washing their hands regularly.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness said that the increase in cases in people older than five years moved from 27 before April 27, to 34 at the end of that week.

In children under five years old, the number of cases has moved from two to eight, for the week ending April 27.

“The public is therefore urged to practice good hand hygiene which is the most effective way of reducing the transmission of many bacterial and viral illnesses.

“This includes washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and drying them with disposable tissue. If soap and water are not available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is recommended.”

The ministry said that people purchasing items to eat should ensure that sellers conduct appropriate food handling practices, such as protecting food from flies and other vectors; using suitable utensils to touch food; and maintaining hot or cold items at the correct temperatures.

“A moderate increase in respiratory illnesses has also been noted in persons over five years old, during the week ending April 27,” the ministry added.

CARICOM

The United States has reiterated its support for Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries in their fight against the high rates of crime and violence that are being fueled by illicit firearms trafficking.

The CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (CARICOM IMPACS) said that the issues were among topics discussed during a hybrid meeting which was attended by US partners and CARICOM Commissioners of Police recently.

It said that the meeting explored ways in which it has been and could further improve the collaboration with the CARICOM Crime Gun Intelligence Unit (CGIU) to not only stem the wave of firearms-related crimes which are pervading the Caribbean region’s national and regional borders, but to successfully prosecute all those who are involved in the illicit firearms trade.

Trinidad and Tobago’s National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds said, “Given our shared concerns, and our common goal for a safer, and more secure hemisphere, I look forward to the updates on the good work that has begun, and relevant perspectives on what can be done to strengthen and enhance the CGIU.”

United States Assistant Secretary, US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) Ambassador Todd D. Robinson said the US is prioritizing investigations and prosecutions of firearms traffickers, who actively endanger communities in both the US and the Caribbean, adding that “the INL intends to continue to support the CGIU, which has had a great impact on real time information sharing.”

The US Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, Candace Bond added, “The US recognises and supports the efforts of the CGIU, which is a practical tool in our shared battle against gun-related crimes and is also a model of regional cooperation.”

The Associate Deputy Attorney General of the US Department of Justice (DoJ) and US Coordinator for Caribbean Firearms Prosecutions, Michael P. Ben’Ary said, “Partnerships and putting firearms tracing results to full use, in my estimation, are the key to detecting, disrupting and dismantling the firearms traffickers responsible for so much violence and criminal behaviour affecting our nation of the US and also our partner nations here in the Caribbean region.”

The CARICOM IMPACS Executive Director, Lt. Col. Michael Jones said, “In less than one year since its establishment, we are already seeing the benefits of the Unit which is stationed at CARICOM IMPACS’ headquarters. To date, the CGIU has received information and intelligence on firearms seizures and recoveries from 15 CARICOM Member States and has launched at least 34 investigations.”

During the meeting, the representatives of the CGIU delivered a presentation on its achievements to date, its efforts in Operation Hammerhead as well as other regional investigations and prosecutions.

Grenada

The Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) has recorded a considerable increase in visitor arrivals to the island as a preferred Caribbean destination.

In the first quarter of 2024, travelers from the United States played a significant role in this growth, with a 27.1 percent increase in stopover visitors. In a continued show of growth, the United Kingdom similarly contributed a 15.4 percent increase in visitors for the first quarter of 2024.

Randall Dolland, GTA chairman said, “Incredible natural beauty, rich cultural experiences, and warm hospitality have always been hallmarks of Grenada’s allure. Our sustained growth in visitor arrivals reflects the growing recognition of Grenada as a premier travel destination that stays true to the cultural offerings of our tri-island paradise.”

For the month of March 2024, Grenada welcomed a total of 22,185 visitors, marking a staggering 35.5 percent increase compared to the 16,369 stopovers received in March 2023. Additionally, the country also witnessed 53,873 cruise visitors and 2,254 arrivals by yacht, further highlighting Grenada’s bumper travel demand across various segments of the travel market.

Petra Roach, GTA CEO added, “The increase in arrivals underscores Grenada’s growing appeal as a dynamic, must-visit destination. Our strategic focus on enhancing flight connectivity and celebrating community tourism have played a pivotal role in attracting visitors from key source markets.”

These announcements come on the heels of Grenada hosting the Caribbean Tourism Organisation Sustainable Tourism Conference in April 2024, the largest conference in the organization’s history.

Guyana

Education officials and representatives from the Guyana Teachers’ Union will meet for conciliation talks.

The Ministry of Education wrote to the Minister of Labor, Joseph Hamilton inviting his ministry to intervene in the matter with the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU), indicating that there is a breakdown in negotiations with the GTU regarding the question of which years the new multi-year agreement should address.

The Ministry of Education said, however, that its request is made under the provisions of the 1990 Memorandum of Agreement “the avoidance and settlement of disputes” between the Government of Guyana and the Guyana Teachers’ Union and the Labour Act, Cap. 98:01, which allows the impasse in respect of the time frame to be referred to the Minister of Labor for Conciliation.

“The latest decision was taken after the Ministry of Education wrote to the Union indicating its readiness and desire to meet immediately or at any time convenient to the union to negotiate a multi-year agreement from 2024 onwards, but the union responded to say they were prepared only to meet to discuss years 2019 to 2023,” the Ministry of Education  added.

In a statement, the GTU said it is very cognizant of attending the conciliation meeting since it addresses the 1990 agreement signed by both parties.

Adding, “This meeting will not derail us from our planned engagements.”

An initial five-week strike began on Feb. 5, with teachers demanding higher salary increases and duty-free concessions, among other benefits.

Haiti

A transitional council tasked with choosing new leaders for Haiti is changing the way it operates in a move that surprised many as gang violence consumes the country.

According to two members, instead of having a single council president, four veteran politicians will take turns leading the council every five months. This information had not yet been publicly announced.

The members said that the nine-member council also will now consider five members a majority, instead of four. Only seven of those members have voting powers.

“That’s a real switch,” Robert Fatton, a Haitian politics expert at the University of Virginia, said of the changes. “I think it’s a good thing that they’re really going to share power now. … It is something that is very rare in Haitian politics.”

The four members who will share power are original council president Edgard Leblanc Fils, ex-senator Louis Gérald Gilles, former presidential candidate Leslie Voltaire and ex-ambassador for the Dominican Republic Smith Augustin.

The changes follow inner turmoil that threatened to derail the council after it was sworn in on April 25. The disagreement began a few days later, when four council members announced not only a council president but also a prime minister.

However, it remains to be seen if former sports minister Fritz Bélizaire will remain as the chosen prime minister. An announcement is expected to be made soon and after a prime minister is announced, the council expects to choose a new Cabinet.

Jamaica

Jamaica has recorded an impressive 1.7 million visitors within the first five months of the year which included stopover arrivals and cruise passengers, earning roughly US$1.8 billion in revenue.

According to an official statement issued by the Jamaica Tourist Board, this represents a 4.6 percent increase for stopover arrivals and 23 percent increase for cruise passengers from 2023.

“We are grateful to see continued growth in our arrivals and earnings which speaks to the confidence our tourism partners and visitors have in the destination. To have hit the one point seven million arrivals mark is an outstanding feat and speaks to the commitment and hard work of our tourism team led by the heart of our industry — our workers,” said Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett.

“Jamaica remains the premier destination that is highly sought after for its authentic experiences. Whether it’s our food, music or entertainment, there is a vibe that only comes alive in Jamaica,” said Donovan White, director of Tourism.

Minister Bartlett also indicated that the island is on track to welcoming 5 million visitors and earning US$5 billion by 2025.

“Despite the disruptions caused by the pandemic, Jamaica is on its way to achieving these unprecedented milestones. With one million stopover arrivals and over 7000,000 cruise passengers in the first week of May, we are in a good position to make it happen. We will continue to aggressively market the destination and work assiduously with our partners to get there,” added Minister Bartlett.

The Jamaica minister of tourism is leading a mission at Arabian Travel Market being held in Dubai, where he will be in discussions with several tourism partners and stakeholders as part of his strategic vision of attracting more visitors from this region.

He will also meet with the Senior Leadership of Emirates at their headquarters in Dubai to further negotiate air connectivity between the United Arab Emirates and Jamaica.

— Compiled by Devika Ragoonanan