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GAIA new procedures for arrivals

Grantley Adams International Airport - GAIA

GAIA should encounter less congestion due to new procedures being implemented.

Travellers arriving at the Grantley Adams International Airport should encounter less congestion due to new procedures being implemented there, namely the acceptance of a one-day Rapid Antigen test for entry, and the launch of version two of the online Embarkation/Disembarkation (ED) form.

Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Senator Lisa Cummins, outlined the new procedures during a COVID-19 update today at Ilaro Court.  She acknowledged that the previous requirement of a negative PCR test result for entry into the island posed difficulty for persons attempting to access the test in North America.

“Visitors coming from our primary source markets have expressed difficulties with being able to access the appropriate tests to enter Barbados.  Barbadians, … returning home … have expressed difficulty, in particular coming out of the North American markets, in accessing the PCR tests required for Barbados,” she explained.

Senator Cummins noted that the Rapid Antigen Test was generally accepted as the test of choice by many other international markets, among them the United States and the United Kingdom.

She further explained that the difficulty experienced in identifying testing sites overseas for a PCR test led to the second issue, the congestion at Gates 14 – 16 on arrival in Barbados.

“Persons were found to have an unacceptable test and that resulted in retesting at Grantley Adams International Airport – GAIA at Gates 14 -16.

By transitioning under the direction of the EOC (Emergency Operations Centre) and the Ministry of Health to accepting Rapid Antigen as is done in countries all around the world, that immediately eases that challenge, and travellers can avoid now incurring the cost in some instances of accessing first of all, a PCR test and in some instances, having to repeat that test on more than one occasion. We’re very happy to be able to afford visitors that ease of entry to Barbados while maintaining the safety at our borders,” the Tourism Minister reported.

To further ease congestion, Senator Cummins said passengers would return to walking from their aircraft via the foot path from Gate 13 to nine through the Arrivals Hall at GAIA. However, travelers arriving at gates above number 13 would still have to use transportation. With regard to the updated online [Embarkation/Disembarkation] ED form, the Minister reported: “The new version two is being prepared. I believe that over the course of this weekend that draft is going to be presented to Mr. Abrams, Minister of Home Affairs for review.”

Author:
fabian.belgrave@barbados.gov.bb

Digicel commits to reduction in Intra-CARICOM roaming charges

Digicel commits to reduction in Intra-CARICOM roaming charges

Signs CARICOM declaration to facilitate CARICOM Single ICT Space and Single Market and Economy

In a meaningful show of support to the CARICOM Heads of Government’s policy initiative to establish the CARICOM Single ICT Space in support of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy, Digicel Group and Cable & Wireless Communications this week signed a declaration to reduce intra-CARICOM roaming charges for citizens of CARICOM states.

In addition, the declaration signed by Digicel, Cable & Wireless Communications and CARICOM commits to;

  • advancing implementation of the fundamental elements of the Vision and Roadmap for a CARICOM Single ICT Space within the region;
  • moving towards a more harmonised regulatory environments in all CARICOM member states;
  • improving the overall customer experience by promoting greater regional connectivity
  • improving the ease of doing business in the telecommunications and ICT sector and developing policies that encourage investments, lessen the financial burden on operators and encourage reinvestment in the telecoms/ICT sector.
  • sharing professional studies concerning the taxation of OTTs and the potential regulatory framework for CARICOM telecom service providers for consultation on any policy prescriptions

Commenting on the landmark declaration, Digicel Group Government Relations Director, Kieran Mulvey, comments; “Today we create an example of what we can achieve by working together. This is a significant milestone in the roadmap towards achieving a Single ICT Caribbean Space. Digicel remains strongly committed to working with the Governments of the CARICOM to continue to invest in the critical telecom infrastructure to ensure Governments, citizens and businesses have access to the highest levels of modern communication technologies.”

He continues; “This declaration recognises the joint opportunities and challenges we face in advancing the goal and desire of us to collectively remove any impediments towards achieving a liberalised market and ensuring that all who avail of it contribute to the cost, most notably the OTTs like Facebook and WhatsApp.”

CARICOM Statement on the situation in Ukraine

CARICOM Statement on the situation in Ukraine

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) strongly condemns the military attacks and invasion of Ukraine by The Russian Federation and calls for the immediate and complete withdrawal of the military presence and cessation of any further actions that may intensify the current perilous situation in that country. The recognition by The Russian Federation of the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk represents a violation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine.

The hostilities against Ukraine go counter to the principles of respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, non-interference in the internal affairs of another sovereign state and the prohibition on the threat or use of force, and the peaceful resolution of disputes, which are the bedrock of this Community.

CARICOM maintains that the principles of universal respect and adherence to these norms and principles of international law are fundamental to the maintenance of the international system and global peace and security.

CARICOM calls on all parties involved to urgently embark on intensified diplomatic dialogue to immediately de-escalate hostilities and work towards a sustainable peace.

OECS Statement on the Situation in Ukraine

OECS Statement on the Situation in Ukraine

The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and its Member States strongly condemn the ongoing military operations being conducted against Ukraine by the Russian Federation.

The OECS staunchly upholds and defends the bedrock principles of international law that are enshrined in the United Nations Charter. Paramount among these principles are sovereignty, territorial integrity, non-interference in the internal affairs of States, non-intervention, and the peaceful settlement of all disputes, utilizing the established multilateral and diplomatic mechanisms that undergird international cooperation.

As a collection of small island states with no military presence, and as the theater for past interventionist and military actions, the members of the OECS are acutely aware that our existence as independent, sovereign States is heavily dependent on unanimous global adherence to these immutable principles.

At a time when the world most needs peace and international cooperation to face the twin hydras of climate change and an unending pandemic, war in any region obstructs the imperative of global cooperation.

The impact of this military conflict will extend well beyond the borders of Ukraine and the Russian Federation. The centrality of Ukraine and the Russian Federation to global supply chains, energy production and the supply of commodities like wheat means that the entire developing world, including the OECS, will suffer economically, and experience greater energy and food insecurity for the duration of this conflict.

The legitimate security considerations of the Russian Federation, as articulated by the President of the Russian Federation, do not justify the unilateral military operation upon which it has embarked. The sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine must be respected and the people of Ukraine must be free to determine the future of their country, without any form of foreign interference. The concerns of the Russian Federation over the expansion of the NATO military alliance should therefore be addressed through strictly diplomatic means.

The OECS calls for the immediate cessation of all hostile and provocative actions against Ukraine, and the withdrawal of all military and proxy forces from Ukraine’s existing, defined borders. We call further on all parties involved to urgently revert to dialogue and diplomacy as the only acceptable channels for arriving at a common understanding that will lead to the maintenance of peace.

National Taskforce responding to the current rainy season

National Taskforce on Flooding is Monitoring and Responding to the Current Rainy Season

The National Taskforce on Flooding, led by Honourable Prime Minister Brigadier Mark Phillips, met today to ensure that all steps are in place to proactively manage the current rainy season.

The Hydrometeorological Service, through the Ministry of Agriculture, indicated that we are experiencing the La Nina phase of weather (wet season) but so far all systems are operational to ensure that residents are not significantly affected by the rains and inundation. While high levels of rainfall have been recorded over the past two weeks, the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) is working assiduously to ensure impact to households and farmlands is minimized. Farms in Region 2 have been assessed where it was determined that some crops have been damaged due to flood waters and the Agriculture Ministry is working with those farmers to alleviate the issue.

The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) asserted that they have received reports of affected households along the coast but drainage machinery in those areas are operational and most of the water has receded. Those areas include but are not limited to Annandale/Riverstown of Region 2; Wakenaam, Leguan and Canals Polder of Region 3; Plaisance, La Bonne Intention and Buxton of Region 4; and Moraikobai Village of Region 5. In some of these areas excavators and pumps are working consistently to ensure the water levels decrease. Additionally, Community Infrastructure Improvement Project (CIIP) workers are mobilized and are assisting Regional Authorities in several locations. The Commission is on high alert to work with the Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs) and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) across Guyana if support is needed.

Residents can expect continuous rain throughout the new week and are encouraged to remain vigilant and report impacts to local authorities or the National Emergency Monitoring System (NEMS) on 600-7500 or 226-1114 at any time.

CARICOM heads to tackle wide range of issues at meeting in Belize

Caricom heads to tackle wide range of issues at meeting in Belize
Prime Minister Mr. John Antonio Briceño of Belize

CARICOM will deliberate on several major issues, including the Region’s post-pandemic economic recovery.

Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government will deliberate on several major issues, including the Region’s post-pandemic economic recovery, when they gather on San Pedro in Belize for their Thirty-Third Inter-Sessional Meeting on 1-2 March 2022.

The Meeting, under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister Mr. John Antonio Briceño of Belize, is also expected to address advancing the implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), regarded as the Region’s most practical option for responding to current economic challenges, and building a more resilient Caribbean Community.

The situation in Member State Haiti, including the current political impasse and security and socio-economic challenges, will also be examined. Heads will also discuss the regional security situation including any new challenges from the period of the pandemic.

The Meeting is expected to advance the CARICOM Agri-Food systems agenda with recommendations for regional food and nutrition security.  The Heads are also expected to engage representatives of the Private Sector, Labour and Civil Society.

Climate Change, an existential threat to Caribbean small island and low-lying States is also before the Meeting, which will assess the outcomes of COP26 – the last global Climate Change conference in Glasgow, and begin to outline the Region’s plan of work for COP27.

The Meeting begins on Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. Belize Time with an Opening Session which will be addressed by Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett; Out-Going Chairman Prime Minister Mr. Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda; and the Chairman, Prime Minister Briceño.  There will be a Closing Press Conference on Tuesday at 5:00 p.m. Belize Time.

This will be the first in-person CARICOM Heads of Government Inter-Sessional Meeting for the Secretary-General and new Deputy-Secretary General Dr Armstrong Alexis who took up their positions last August and November respectively.  Two new Assistant Secretaries-General – Ambassador Donna Forde who heads the Foreign and Community Relations Directorate and Ambassador Wayne McCook who heads the Single Market and External Trade Directorate, are also attending their first Heads of Government Meeting.

Following the Inter-Sessional Meeting, CARICOM Heads of Government will join their Central American counterparts for the Fourth CARICOM-SICA summit on 3March, also on San Pedro, Belize., where the two Regions will seek to build on common interests and challenges, including the current pandemic and climate change.  United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is expected to address the gathering.

St. Thomas to Celebrate 70 years of Carnival in The Virgin Islands

St. Thomas - Virgin Islands 2022 Carnival

70th anniversary celebrations to be held in St. Thomas April 27 – May 1, 2022

The Government of the Virgin Islands has announced that the 70th edition of Carnival Virgin Islands on St. Thomas will be held from April 27 to May 1, 2022.

The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism’s Division of Festivals reports that the official version of St. Thomas carnival will be held under the theme “A New Cultural Roogadoo for Carnival 2022”.

The scaled-down spectacular, due to the constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlights 70 years of carnival, and will shine a spotlight on the Territory’s dynamic culture, cuisine, history, music and people.

Ian Turnbull, Director of the Division of Festivals, announced that the celebration will follow the successful “Fête.Vibe.Soca” music event held for vaccinated patrons over President’s Day weekend.

“The vibe continues in Rock City this spring,” said Turnbull, who explained that the Division of Festivals, a unit within the Department of Tourism, had been established through Act 8153 by the Virgin Islands Legislature to organize and execute festivals on behalf of the Territory’s government.

“We are finalizing plans to promote and advance the Territory’s culture through the return of carnival and festivals in 2022,” said Turnbull, who announced that Carnival Virgin Islands will feature four village nights in honor of the late Ron de Lugo, the first and longest-serving Delegate from the United States Virgin Islands to the United States House of Representatives. Representative de Lugo gained Territory-wide fame for his radio persona, the wisecracking comedian Mango Jones, as well as for appearances in local plays and benefit concerts. In 1952 he used his radio show to revive St. Thomas Carnival.

St. Thomas to Celebrate 70 years of Carnival in The Virgin Islands 1

The festival will stage a specially-tailored J’ouvert celebration; the re-crowning of the Territory’s first carnival queen, the gracious and talented Carmen Sibilly; a food fair;
boat race; and calypso showcase. There will also be a Children’s Village in operation between April 27 and 30, and a virtual costume competition for children will be staged in conjunction with the Department of Education.
The successfully implemented Bryan/Roach administration COVID-19 protocols, which include mask wearing, social distancing and hand sanitization, will be enforced. Patrons attending the festivities must either show proof of vaccination or a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within 24 hours of each event.
Commissioner of Tourism Joseph Boschulte said highlighting cultural traditions, heritage and festivals is part and parcel of the Territory’s major push this year to attract visitors to the Territory. “And as we emerge from the challenges presented by the pandemic, it is inspiring to witness the passion of our community as we restart and re-energize the spirit of Carnival in the Virgin Islands.”
The tourism leader reported that the Department will dig deep into its marketing arsenal to creatively and effectively promote the value of a U.S. Virgin Islands vacation through music and culture. “After enjoying strong tourism success throughout the pandemic, there is no room for complacency, and promoting our cultural artistes will take center stage in the next phase of our marketing efforts. It’s who we are and who we represent as a people.”
Persons interested in volunteering with the Division of Festivals can email festivalvolunteer@usvitourism.vi or usvifestivals@usvitourism.vi.

 

Agriculture in SVG Has Recovered Following the Volcanic Eruptions

Agriculture

Agriculture in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Has Recovered Following the Volcanic Eruptions and the Year Has Begun With Exports on the Rise

Media Release Courtesy of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA)

Food exports from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines increased during the first month of 2022, signaling an evident recovery in the agriculture sector of this Caribbean country, following the severe impact of the La Soufriére volcano eruptions in 2021.

A total of 516,753 kilos of agricultural and fisheries products, valuing 1,301,317 dollars, were sold by the island nation to thirteen countries in January, according to data disseminated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry, and Labor. The Ministry is headed by Saboto Caesar.

An interannual comparison to January 2021 reveals that there has been a 5% increase in the quantity of exported products and a 38% increase in the value.

It began with the first large eruption of La Soufriére on 9 April 2021, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has experienced 32 other eruptions thereafter.

The natural disaster forced the evacuation of some 30,000 people from their homes, most of them farmers, given that the majority of the land adjoining the volcano is used for agricultural production.

Many farmers lost crops due to the ashfall on their land, compelling the government to declare a food security emergency. The State gave economic assistance to small farmers and hired tractors to plow the land to enable crops to be sown again.

The country received the support and solidarity of organizations and governments from the Americas and other parts of the world. Among them, Minister Caesar recognized the importance of the support of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) to rapidly revive production and guarantee food security.

Agriculture in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is largely in the hands of small, family farmers. Caesar indicated that the country has approximately 8,000 and 1,500 registered farmers and fisherfolk, respectively.

The United States was the main destination for the country’s exports in 2022, which represented a value of more than 300,000 dollars. Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados followed in second and third place. The other ten export destinations were Anguilla, Bouvet Island, the British Virgin Islands, Canada, France, Great Britain, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia and Saint Martin.

In total, there were 42 types of exported agricultural and fisheries products, including tubers, vegetables, fruit, spices and lobster.

SVCB Upskills Customer Service Team with CAB & FranklinCovey

SVCB Upskills Customer Service Team with CAB & FranklinCovey

SVCB took part in a recent training workshop, entitled Leading Customer Loyalty

Over 20 members of staff of the St. Vincent Co-Operative Bank Limited (SVCB) took part in a recent training workshop, entitled Leading Customer Loyalty. The session, in collaboration with the Caribbean Association of Banks (CAB) Inc. was facilitated by Mrs. Thecla Deterville of FranklinCovey Eastern Caribbean. This was the first face-to-face training conducted under the CAB banner in two years.
SVCB Upskills Customer Service Team with CAB & FranklinCovey
The exercise was targetted mainly at frontline staff such as tellers and customer service representatives at SVCB, with goals including learning how to make genuine human connections; listen and communicate with empathy; discover the real “job to be done” for customers and co-workers; follow up to learn how to improve and resolve concerns; give and receive feedback that builds people up; inspire the team to share best thinking and ideas; and run effective team Loyalty Huddles.
Managers and supervisors were also involved, and were taught – inter alia – how to improve their tellers’ and loans officers’ performance with on-purpose and spontaneous coaching; understanding the team and providing effective leadership; looking for innovative ways to encourage cross-selling and knocking it out of the park with sizzling customer service; putting effective coaching to work; and recognizing ideas to boost employee productivity.

FranklinCovey’s Customer Loyalty Practice

The session, which was concluded at the National Insurance Conference Room in Kingstown, was very well received by participants and the executive management of SVCB. Based on 20 years of research and hands-on learning with a wide range of organisations, FranklinCovey’s Customer Loyalty Practice is world-renowned for its scalability and applicability to a number of different organisations. Rather than top-down prescriptions driven by corporate data analysts, FranklinCovey advocates for a bottom-up approach powered by the operators in the business, to help organisations build a winning culture, which is the common denominator among all great companies. This collaboration arises in part from an MOU established between CAB and FranklinCovey Eastern Caribbean in 2019.

Certified Management Consultant

Mrs. Deterville is a skilled and well-rounded Project Management, Leadership Trainer, Human Resource Coach, and Change Management Consultant with significant and diverse experience in concept, planning and execution of a wide range of projects. She is a skilled and knowledgeable facilitator who is able to design customer engagement initiatives in an insightful, practical and inspirational manner thereby ensuring that they are effective and meet their stated objectives. In 2015 she acquired the Certified Management Consultant (CMC) designation under the Caribbean Institute of Certified Management Consultants. She has been a FranklinCovey graduate since 1996.

Dominica Launches New Destination Brand Identity

Dominica - The Nature Island

Dominica Launches New Destination Brand Identity

The Ministry of Tourism, International Transport and Maritime Initiatives and the Discover Dominica Authority have launched a new destination brand to position Dominica as a competitive tourism destination in the global tourism market.

Minister of Tourism in Dominica

Hon. Denise Charles, Minister of Tourism, International  Transport and Maritime Initiatives said:

“As part of the brand evolution, we have been working towards establishing a bolder identity for the Commonwealth of Dominica. Dominica is frequently confused with the Dominican Republic so we needed to create a distinction in the mind of potential visitors. A global study revealed that changing the logo would help Dominica stand out in the global tourism market.”

The previous logo had been used for many years, but it was difficult to discern what it stood for. This new logo is unambiguous and clear and can be clearly identified when used in smaller applications such as digital advertising and social media. Dominica’s tourism product has expanded and evolved in the past few years, so the new logo better reflects Dominica as a unique and desirable Caribbean destination.

This process was guided by key stakeholders including global source market representatives, prospective visitors, hoteliers, business owners, government officials, residents, and Dominicans living abroad.  Adjectives used to describe Dominica include natural, dignified, lively, luxurious, and serene. Dominica offers authentic experiences found nowhere else.

The new Dominica logo

The new Dominica logo is as unique as the island itself. It has the feel of the rising Morne Trios Pitons; and the various shades of green depict the lush, verdant landscape covering the country. The rich purple accent color comes from Dominica’s beloved Sisserou parrot and the vibrant red connotes the island’s  Creole culture and Kalinago heritage. “The Nature Island” tagline was retained as a competitive advantage. It helps reinforce Dominica’s position as a leader in climate resilience and sustainability.

In the coming weeks, new marketing materials will be rolled out including video, print and digital advertising, promotional items, tradeshow assets, and other collateral as needed.

Tourism is essential to Dominica’s economy so the new brand will be leveraged to help increase interest in Dominica’s unique natural, wellness, and adventure attributes, regionally and internationally.

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