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HBO GO arrives in the Caribbean

HBO GO

HBO GO arrives in the Caribbean with new multi-language offer.

HBO Latin America announced today the multiple new functions being made available on HBO GO, the brand’s Premium digital platform, which offers Caribbean users an even more dynamic access to HBO original and exclusive content anytime, anywhere.  
“The Caribbean is a region with great growth potential for VOD platforms.  With a Pay TV penetration of 73%, there’s an opportunity to increase accessibility to audiovisual content, so that audiences can view them any time, anywhere.  With this new version of HBO GO, the user will be able to enjoy HBO’s exclusive content in an even more flexible, practical and convenient way”, commented Francisco L. Smith, EVP Distribution and Media Development, HBO Latin America.  
HBO GO is available as a complement, with no additional cost, to subscribers of the HBO/MAX Premium package with participating Pay TV operators in Barbados, Curaçao, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname and Guyana .HBO GO is also arriving for the first time to subscribers in Bahamas.
HBO GO represents an opportunity for Caribbean audiences to have access to all of HBO’s exclusive content, including the best Hollywood blockbuster movies, as well as simultaneous premieres of the new original HBO series Insecure, Divorce (with Sarah Jessica Parker) and Westworld (with Anthony Hopkins and Ed Harris).
The new functionalities of HBO GO offer a new experience with technical features, among them a completely renewed graphic interface, which gives the consumer a faster, simpler access to the content.  It also includes live access to the HBO linear channel, parental control and multi-language control: the option to choose the language of the platform, audio and subtitles (English, Spanish or Portuguese) in certain content.  
HBO GO has over 2,500 titles, with no commercial breaks, of the best exclusive content of any subscription service.  It offers more of the best and most recent Hollywood films before any other service, and every episode of every season all HBO US original series.  Its catalogue also includes all series, documentaries, movies and special programs produced by HBO, as well as the international and independent films and series of the MAX channel.
Subscribers can access HBO GO in the website www.hbogoca.com in any desktop or laptop computer (PC o Apple).  The App can also be downloaded in mobile devices with iOS (iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch) and Android (OS 2.3+) operational systems.

CARICOM has high expectations for COP 22

CARICOM Secretariat’s Assistant Secretary-General, Human and Social Development, Dr. Douglas Slater looks ahead to the major outcomes from COP 22 in Morocco in this report by Tusankine English of the Secretariat’s Communications Unit.

Taste Tea Naturals | Caribbean style teas with a difference

Taste Tea Naturals

Taste Tea Naturals| Caribbean style teas with a difference, launches Kickstarter to raise $8K.

St. John’s, Antigua– Taste Tea Naturals is an Antiguan company that sells specialty fruit and herbal tea infusions with a Caribbean twist. Their inaugural tea, Taste Antigua | Pineapple Ginger Twist has been well received and they have now launched their crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter with the goal of raising $8K to add 3 more flavours. All teas feature exotic flavours from the Caribbean and are packaged in modern, designer tins.
Taste Tea Naturals is excited to make Taste Jamaica | Coconut Rum Pimento Tea, Taste Trinidad | Chai Bitters Tea and Taste St. Vincent | Orange Cocoa Tea available for the first time through Kickstarter. Their campaign name, we’re not your grandma’s tea, reflects their unique positioning in the tea market. Encased in silky pyramid bags are all natural ingredients that make for a caffeine free delight. “Having grown up in Canada to Jamaican and Vincentian parents, tea was always the ultimate cure-all”, says Natalie. Being a lover of Caribbean flavors and tea, she decided to share her Caribbean culture with the rest of the world.
Taste Tea Naturals is also a company that gives back. In collaboration with the Adele School for Special Children in Antigua, they have created a vocational experience and co-op program where students have meaningful and sustainable opportunities to develop life skills and participate in business. This program is sustained through portions of profits from Taste Antigua.

Adele students helping at our ICED pop up
Adele students helping at our ICED pop up

For more information about Taste Tea Naturals, visit https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2068352165/were-not-your-grandmas-tea-taste-tea-naturals or www.tasteteanaturals.com
Contact:
Natalie Mullin
Email: info@tasteteanaturals.com
Phone: (268)779-2559

Temporary Water Interruption to the North

No Water

The Water and Sewerage Company Inc. (WASCO) wishes to advise its customers in the North of a temporary interruption in water supply on Thursday, 17th November, 2016 from 8:30 a.m.

This is to facilitate maintenance works on the water distribution system. As a result the entire North upwards from Marisule will be without a supply of water, this includes: Marisule, Bois D’Orange, Corinth,   Monchy, Trouya, Rodney Bay, Reduit, Rodney Heights, Monchy, Caiye Mange, La Feuille, Gros Islet Town, Cas En Bas, Beausejour, and as far north as Cap Estate.
The supply will be restored upon completion of works about 2:00 p.m., However, residents at the extreme ends of the network and at high elevations will receive their supply during the course of the evening to the following day Friday 18th November, 2016.
The Water and Sewerage Company (WASCO) Inc. apologizes for any inconvenience caused by this and thanks you for your patience.
WASCO Water is life ….Committed to meeting customers’ needs.

An International Parade officially opens the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers

ARC 2016 Opening Ceremony
Tourism Minister Dominic Fedee with ARC Managing Director Andrew Bishop at flag raising ceremony.

With one week to go before the ARC 2016 fleet leave Las Palmas de Gran Canaria for Rodney Bay in Saint Lucia, crews from the 205 yachts already berthed in the marina took part in the official ARC 2016 Opening Ceremony.

The final 15 yachts are expected to arrive in Las Palmas over the next few days, bringing the fleet total to 220 yachts, for the rally’s 31st edition.
At midday Sunday 13 November hundreds of ARC participants took part in the Official Opening Ceremony for ARC 2016. Flag bearers from 31 different nations representing the countries of the yachts in this year’s rally joined the procession as it made its way around the marina. The grand parade had a real festival atmosphere and many crews took part in the patriotic display by bringing a boat’s mascot or dressing up for the occasion. Following the principal flags of Spain, Gran Canaria and Saint Lucia, the international conga line was led by the Banda Gran Canaria, with Bateria Samba da Ilha beating a salsa rhythm at the back.
A warm welcome to the ARC sailors was made by Saint Lucia Minister of Tourism, Dominic Fedee who promised wonderful hospitality and delicious rum when the crews arrive after their Atlantic crossing, which was met with great applause. He also thanked the people of Las Palmas for over three decades of partnership between Gran Canaria and Saint Lucia during the history of the ARC. Concejal de Ciudad de Mar, Senor Jose Eduardo Ramirez encouraged crews to enjoy their time in the city and Consejera de Turismo del Cabildo de Gran Canaria, Señorita Inés Jiménez then wished them all a safe crossing to Saint Lucia. World Cruising Club’s Managing Director Andrew Bishop then declared the 31st ARC officially ‘Open’ and fireworks echoed around Las Palmas Marina concluding the Opening Ceremony for ARC 2016.
In the first week of ARC activities in Las Palmas, crews have enjoyed daily social events, seminars on cruising topics and the opportunity to plant another 200 trees in the ARC Forest in the mountains above the city. The second week of the pre-start programme is the busiest, as more crew fly in and the yachts start their provisioning and finish off last minute preparations for the Atlantic crossing.
Start day for the ARC fleet is Sunday 20 November and thousands of spectators will line the city shore to watch the boats start. The first start gun will sound at 1230 for the Multihulls, followed by the Racing boats at 1245 and then the cruising boats, making up the majority of the ARC fleet, at 1300.
Mindelo welcomes ARC+ arrivals
ARC sailors have a choice of routes for their transatlantic crossing to Saint Lucia. One week ago, the ARC+ fleet departed Las Palmas for their first leg sailing to Mindelo Marina in Cape Verde. The first boat to arrive after leading the fleet from day one was Cat’leya (FRA), a Lagoon 62 SporTop who covered the 850nm passage in just over 4 days. The fleet experienced light winds surrounding Gran Canaria for their first day at sea, but strengthening north-easterly tradewinds soon established and rolling waves propelled them towards the Cape Verde islands.
With the exception of Lea who departed late from Las Palmas, the ARC+ fleet will be complete in Mindelo by the end of the day and crews who have arrived over the course of the weekend are enjoying exploring Sao Vicente. The 70 boats in the ARC+ fleet will depart for Leg 2 of their transatlantic crossing on Wednesday 16th Novemberbound for Saint Lucia.

OAS Secretary General Congratulates Colombia

Colombia Peace Agreement

OAS Secretary General Congratulates Colombia on a Decisive Step toward an Inclusive Peace Agreement.

The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Luis Almagro, today congratulated Colombia for taking a decisive step toward an inclusive peace agreement, convinced that a broad and participatory dialogue is the way to build a sustainable peace.
Almagro welcomed “the willingness and the efforts of the Government of President Santos, the promoters of the ‘No,’ the FARC-EP and the different sectors of society that, through long days, managed to overcome the complexities, debated the different proposals of the ‘No’ backers, and found points of consensus, strengthening the initial peace agreement.”
Secretary General Almagro invited the parties sitting at the table and the opposition to move forward, through dialogue focused on building the basis for a peace that involves all Colombians.
In this sense, the OAS leader emphasized the valuable participation of civil society, which after the plebiscite turned to the streets to engage with the process and contribute to the national dialogue, in the full exercise of democracy.
Almagro reiterated the commitment of the OAS to continue accompanying Colombia on its path to peace, as it has done since 2004 through the Mission to Support the Peace Process (MAPP/OAS). As part of its mandate, MAPP/OAS is deployed in the territories most affected by the conflict, monitoring peace policies and accompanying communities.

XLVI meeting of Energy Ministers of OLADE

OLADE'S XLVI MEETING OF MINISTERS

The most important annual event of the Latin American Energy Organization, OLADE will be held next November 25, 2016, in Quito, Ecuador. OLADE’S XLVI MEETING OF MINISTERS.

The High Officials of the 27 member countries of OLADE, as well as other personalities will participate in this meeting. The main subject to be discussed at the meeting will be the “Strategic Partnership for Sustainable Energy Development for Latin America and the Caribbean” for which, there will be a Ministerial Panel to discuss the major energy challenges facing the region to achieve sustainable energy development by 2030.
The agenda includes the presentation of the annual report of the Executive Secretary, Dr. Fernando César Ferreira (2014-2016); Ministerial Decisions proposals relating to support Ecuador in solidarity by the earthquake of April 16, 2016, discussion and approval of the creation of the Latin American Energy Fund – FOLADE for the realization of energy projects; Strategic recommendations on the Climate Change Guidelines for Policy Makers in the Energy Sector in Latin America and the Caribbean; and the election of the Executive Secretary of the Organization for the period 2017-2020.
As part of this important meeting it will also be held the XLVII Council of Experts on November 22 and 23,  the Regional Policy Dialogue Energy IDB SE4ALL on November 24, the V Meeting of Energy Ministers of CELAC, and finally on November 26 it was scheduled a technical visit to the Esmeraldas refinery.
The relevance of the issues discussed during the Meeting of Ministers of OLADE, as well as the dynamics of the energy sector in recent years has summoned the Presidents of the host countries to participate as Keynote speakers. Thus, in 2014 the meeting was attended by His Excellency Mr. Salvador Sanchez Ceren, President of the Republic of El Salvador and in 2015 by His Excellency Mr. Evo Morales Ayma President of the Plurinational State of Bolivia. On this occasion the meeting will be enhanced by the participation of His Excellency Mr. Jorge Glas Espinel, Vice President of the Republic of Ecuador as keynote speaker at the Opening Ceremony of the Meeting.
mm-promo-reunion-de-ministros

Dining Redefined at Sandals Royal Bahamian

Sandals Executive Sous Chef - Clayton Rolle
Executive Sous Chef Clayton Rolle is second in command in everything culinary at Sandals Royal Bahamian and if the tides continue to rise in his favor, he will soon be the man at the very top.

Dining Redefined at Sandals Royal Bahamian with 135 Local Chefs on Frontline.

ne hundred and thirty-five young and energized Bahamian chefs line the gourmet kitchens at Sandals Royal Bahamian, digesting the culinary spectacles of Japanese Teppanyaki, French, Mediterranean and Italian cuisines.
The chefs explore the arts of ten restaurants across the resort, each boasting its own character and style, but all complete with that Bahamian pinch of salt.
According to Executive Chef for Sandals Royal Bahamian Karl Blunden, most of the new chefs and sous chefs at the resort have come with a wealth of knowledge and experience in Bahamian gastronomy and are buzzing with enthusiasm for the knowledge and skills of cuisines the world over, available for their taking.

Sous Chef Ricardra Turner is the face and talent behind the increasingly popular Bacarat French Restaurant at Sandals Royal Bahamian
Sous Chef – Ricardra Turner

“They are all now part of our growing restaurant portfolio and we are excited to have them on board. We are constantly adding new dining concepts to our 5 Star Global Gourmet Dining Programme as we move forward in anticipating the refined pallets of our guests. With this new team, we will continue to further redefine the concept of the all-inclusive experience,” Blunden said.
He cited his Bahamian Executive Sous Chef Clayton Rolle for his remarkable professionalism and knowhow, in managing the needs of the Resort’s dining outlets in his absence.
Already, the Bahamian team conquers the aptly named Spices Restaurant built around Caribbean Cuisine, and have favoured well in the variation that exists at Bella Napoli Pizzeria, the Royal Grill Beachside Cafe and the Cricketers’ Pub.
But their skills are equally sharpening in the Resort’s Seafood Restaurant – Gordon’s on the Pier, the Japanese Teppanyaki experience that is Kimonos Oriental Cuisine, the French marvel of Baccarat, Crystal Room Mediterranean and Casanova – the Italian restaurant. Together the Resort’s restaurants are prepared to accommodate as many as 500 guests, all sifting through menus designed to intrigue and excite them, while challenging the Bahamian chefs’ creativity and knowledge of global cuisine.
Among the Resort’s culinary stars according to the Executive Chef, are Baccarat French Restaurant’s Sous Chef Ricardra Turner, whom he says “has a good career in culinary arts ahead of her.” The same could be said for Sous Chef Carolyn Rolle who runs the Crystal Room Mediterranean Restaurant with distinction.
Three young Bahamians are holding their own in Kimonos, having this week begun preparing and serving Teppanyaki style for Resort guests.
“It is amazing how far they have come and I am confident they will continue to develop in these arts if they keep this attitude and drive,” the Executive Chef said.
He went on to cite Barbara Deveaux, who might be a senior in life, but has the attitude, work ethic and energy of a 25-year-old and that, according to Chef, servers this cancer survivor well as she carries the Resort’s busiest restaurant, Royal Café, with ease.
Sandals Resorts International’s Group Manager, Food and Beverage Standards, Paul Bauer, said the new culinary team at Sandals Royal Bahamian is without question living up to the expectations of Sandals guests in their delivery of quality, distinct, authentic and engaging cuisine.
Banqueting on the Resort remains an outsourced service with an overall team of more than 70 people, 46 of these are available daily throughout the resort to ensure smooth operation. These individuals, like the evening cleaning crew, are not considered a part of the Resort’s official full-time talent count of almost 600.
With the Resort returning to form and occupancy continuing to rise, Sandals Royal Bahamian is well poised for its November 18, 2016 official reopening.

Prime Minister to Participate in UN Climate Change Conference in Morocco

Andrew Holness
Jamaica Prime Minister Andrew Holness

Prime Minister Andrew Holness will participate in the 22nd Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 22) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change currently underway in Marrakech, Morocco from November 7-18.

The Prime Minister and his delegation departed the island this afternoon Sunday, November 13 and will return on Saturday, November 19.
The conference will bring together nations across the world to continue their work on strengthening the global response to the threat of climate change, with the central focus placed on enhancing ambition, promoting implementation, and providing support. They will also carry out work to operationalize the Paris Climate Change Agreement adopted last year, of which Jamaica is a signatory.
The government of Jamaica is moving to enhance its policies to ensure the country can reap the rewards of implementing climate adaptation measures as Jamaica stands to benefit from enhancing its international and national framework agreements.
Accompanying the Prime Minister are Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith and representatives from the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation.
Honourable Dr. Horace Chang, Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister will be in charge of the Government during the Prime Minister’s absence.
 

Warning For Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease

Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease ( HFMD )

The Ministry of Health has advised parents, guardians and teachers that there have been sporadic outbreaks of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in the past few weeks, and they should therefore take all necessary precautions to curtail the spread.

The primary precaution recommended to prevent the spread of the normally benign disease, the Ministry stressed, was for children to wash their hands frequently and
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease is a viral illness and symptoms include fever, malaise, sore mouth and a rash. Mouth lesions appear on the inside surfaces of the cheeks and gums, and on the sides of the tongue.
Raised pink spots that develop into blisters, which may persist for seven to ten days, can also occur as a rash, especially on the palms, fingers, soles and on the buttocks. The disease occurs mainly in children under ten years old but adult cases are not uncommon.
The virus is spread by direct contact with nasal and throat secretions or faeces of the infected person. The virus can also be transmitted by aerosol spread, i.e. coughing and sneezing. Coughing and sneezing are also likely to contaminate hands which, if not washed thoroughly, may transmit infection.
According to Senior Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Leslie Rollock, children should be kept away from school or nursery while they are unwell. However, with HFMD there is no need to keep a child away from school or nursery until the last blister has disappeared if he or she is otherwise well, the medical doctor advised.
Dr. Rollock disclosed that complications may occur from the virus infections that cause HFMD. “They are not common,” she said, “but if they do happen, medical care should be sought for the child.”
The senior medical official said that there was no specific treatment for HFMD, and antibiotics were usually not necessary. “Over the counter pain relievers such as Paracetamol and Ibuprofen can be given for aches and mouth sores. Fever can be treated with fever-reducing medication,” she explained.
Mouth washes or sprays that numb pain can be used to lessen mouth pain. Fluid intake should be enough to prevent dehydration (lack of body fluids).  If moderate to severe dehydration develops, parents must seek immediate medical care.
Additionally, the risk of infection in adults can be lowered by following the same good hygienic practices. These include washing hands frequently and correctly, especially after changing diapers and using the toilet.
Dr. Rollock also recommended cleaning dirty surfaces and soiled items, including toys, first with soap and water and then disinfecting them by cleansing with a solution of chlorine bleach (made by adding one tablespoon of bleach to four cups of water).
She further urged nurseries and schools to assist by employing these practices and working with children to avoid close contact, including kissing, hugging, and sharing eating utensils or cups with others who have HFMD.
The Ministry noted that the causative virus of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease is quite different from that of Foot and Mouth Disease, which is a disease of animals.

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