Latin America & The Caribbean Weekly Situation Update (10-16 October 2022) as of 17 October – Colombia – ReliefWeb

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REGIONAL: HURRICANE JULIA

KEY FIGURES

38 PEOPLE KILLED IN CENTRAL AMERICA

1.6M+ PEOPLE AFFECTED ACROSS CENTRAL AMERICA AND COLOMBIA

The death toll from Tropical Storm Julia has risen to at least 38 people in northern Central America. The devasting storm has affected more than 1.6 million people across Central America and Colombia. In affected countries, humanitarian coordination teams have been activated and continue to provide support to government-led response efforts. The humanitarian community remains concerned about the impacts on an already precarious livelihood and food security situation as well as housing and shelter needs and protection for displaced populations.

In Nicaragua, where Julia made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane, more than 800 homes have suffered varying degrees of damage while some 200,000 people were temporarily left without electricity and access to drinking water. Julias impacts have been devasting across large swaths of El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras, compounding the impacts of an already active rainy season. More than 24,600 people in these countries were forced to seek refuge in emergency shelters after Julias passage.

These three countries have multi-year Humanitarian Response Plans (HRP) that cover many of the areas affected by Julia. However, these HRPs remain significantly underfunded, making it difficult for response efforts to keep pace with mounting needs and creating greater risks for the accumulation of unmet needs that will leave affected populations even more exposed to future shocks.

In El Salvador, preliminary estimates from the World Food Programme (WFP) indicate that around 180,000 people already facing acute food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 or above) have been affected by heavy rains. More than 1.3 million people have been affected by Julia in Guatemala, adding to the over 5.7 million affected during the rainy season. In Honduras, more than 148,000 people have been affected by Julia, bringing the total population affected during the rainy season to more than 188,000 people.

Before battering Central America, Julia passed over northern South America, where La Nia-driven rains have wreaked havoc in recent weeks and months. In Colombia, more than 150,000 people were affected by floods and strong winds in the northern region of La Guajira, home to extremely vulnerable indigenous populations that face high levels of food insecurity and malnutrition.

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Latin America & The Caribbean Weekly Situation Update (10-16 October 2022) as of 17 October - Colombia - ReliefWeb

Spotted: Royal Caribbean teases Icon of the Seas reveal later this week – Royal Caribbean Blog

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Could this finally be the week Royal Caribbean finally pulls back the curtain on its next new cruise ship?

Guests on at least one cruise ship got a tease that Royal Caribbean will provide more information about Icon of the Seas.

Betty Lou posted in an unofficial Icon of the Seas Facebook group a photo of the Monday edition of the Cruise Compass from Anthem of the Seas that indicates more information will be available in just a few days.

"Introducing Icon of the Seas in 3 days" is what the graphic says. Since this is the Monday edition of the Cruise Compass, that would indicate Thursday could be the day.

To be clear, the Cruise Compass makes no promises of anything. It simply teases some sort of information coming in three more days.

There is also a QR code, which brings users towww.royalcaribbean.com/icon.

Visiting the website, Royal Caribbean says, "On Thursday, October 20th, were unveiling our newest class of ship and the worlds greatest vacation Icon of the Seas".

From here, guests can sign up for an email update when more information is available.

If you look closely, you can also see what appears to be a rendering of the aft of Icon of the Seas in the background of the image.

It's also worth noting the web page's metadata contains the text, "Presenting the largest cruise ship to ever touch water, Icon of the Seas".

While we don't yet know by which metrics Icon will be the largest, Royal Caribbean has hinted Icon could be larger than the Oasis Class.

Royal Caribbean also posted a new video teaser with new looks at icon of the Seas renderings.

No matter what is announced later this week, it seems Royal Caribbean is going to share more information of some kind.

To say Royal Caribbean has been tight-lipped about Icon of the Seas would be an understatement.

With the ship set to debut likely little more than a year from now (late 2023 is the target date), Royal Caribbean has provided little details about the ship.

There's been no reveal of what the ship even looks like, let alone what features it will have. There's no official word where the ship will sail from, itineraries, or any other pertinent information.

Royal Caribbean has been keeping the entire project as secretive as possible up to now in order to maintain a competitive edge, as well as to likely drum up intrigue among cruise fans eager to know more.

Icon of the Seas is the first of its kind for Royal Caribbean and the first of a new class of ships. Royal Caribbean has not released a new ship class in over a decade; instead, the company has continued to expand its Oasis-class and Quantum-class ships, including Wonder of the Seas in 2022 and Odyssey of the Seas in 2021.

Icon of the Seas is set to debut in late 2023.

There's about 3,000 people working on the ship every day. At its current pace, Icon of the Seas will be 80% complete in December from a construction perspective.

Icon of the Seas will become the cruise lines first LNG powered ship in its fleet.

LNG powered cruise ships feature dual engines that utilize liquified natural gas to propel the ship. This makes the ships more efficient and environmentally friendly.

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Spotted: Royal Caribbean teases Icon of the Seas reveal later this week - Royal Caribbean Blog

Juan Carlos Salazar: Latin America and the Caribbean have particularly favourable conditions for the production of SAF – Aviacionline

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During the Open Meeting of the 2022 edition of the ALTA AGM & Airline Leaders Forum held in Buenos Aires, the Secretary General of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Juan Carlos Salazar, spoke about the challenges facing the industry as it moves out of the pandemic.

The first point made by the executive was related to the tension created between the need for continued growth and long-term sustainability. Specifically, from the point of view of sustainable and environmentally friendly tourism, Salazar pointed out that this requires tourists who can arrive at their destination on zero-emission flights. This poses challenges for those who design and manufacture aircraft and for those in charge of managing company fleets. Fleet management will have a huge impact on the chances of reaching the zero emissions target by 2050, the Secretary added.

FlyZero: Green hydrogen is key to zero-emission aviation future

He also stressed the importance of global cooperation and collaboration to achieve the goal. We need to harmonise the regulatory framework globally. I believe that the way to achieve emission reductions is through our CORSIA programme. The Organisation has a central role to play here, and it must work with all private actors. ICAOs CORSIA programme is the first global measure that represents a cooperative approach, moving away from isolated initiatives that may be taken by national or regional regulators. In other words, it offers a harmonised way to reduce emissions while minimising market distortions and respecting the unique circumstances of ICAO member states.

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In addition, Salazar indicated that the Assembly (ICAOs sovereign and most important body) stressed the importance of using SAFs to achieve carbon neutrality. On this point, he stressed that Latin America and the Caribbean have particularly favourable conditions for the production of SAF. We can become world leaders. This is why I encourage everyone to join our SAF programme.

Another issue he addressed was the resilience of air transport during the pandemic. Salazar said that ICAO decisions were a very important factor in how governments handled the pandemic. For example, the use of digital technologies to minimise contact, the implementation of digital health passports and our master health list -which allows for the validation of vaccination credentials and health passports- provided security at the most critical moments of the pandemic. Given the ever-present possibility of another event similar to 2020, he said the organisation must formulate a new strategy for the future. We must establish a comprehensive framework for crisis management.

On another point, he noted that the Global Aviation Security Plan (GASeP), which aims to improve the effectiveness of global aviation security, is being implemented. The plan aims to bring the international community together to analyse the ever-evolving threats and risks facing the civil aviation community.

Finally, Salazar said that all member states recognise that aviation is a powerful motor of economic activity. They also recognise that air transport services should be liberalised. On the industrys role during the pandemic, he added that it showed us the strategic factor that aviation matters in helping to overcome crises such as COVID-19.

To this end, he also appealed to innovation and the opportunities it creates: During the innovation forum we noted that, not surprisingly, the world at large expects aviation, due to its nature and function, to evolve and adapt better and faster than other industries. Expectations are high and the new normal demands a transformed industry and a more effective ICAO. I will seek to make it a solutions provider, said Salazar, closing his presentation.

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Juan Carlos Salazar: Latin America and the Caribbean have particularly favourable conditions for the production of SAF - Aviacionline

UNGA showcases the benefits of collaboration Caribbean Life – Caribbean Life

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The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) came to a close last month with the unexpected but highly encouraging move by the Danish government to put forward $13 million USD towards loss and damage. With global communities still reeling from the impacts of Hurricane Ian, causing 137 deaths (to date) and estimated over 50 billion USD in damage in the US, after hitting Jamaica, Cayman and Cuba and Hurricane Fiona hitting Bermuda, Dominican Republic, Turks and Caicos, Guadeloupe, Puerto Rico and Canada and deadly floods in Pakistan, a resolution on loss and damage has been at the top of the agenda for at-risk communities. Denmarks contribution is meant to kickstart, or further ignite after Scotlands initiation at COP26, a constructive conversation towards finding an equitable solution. COP27 must advance not just the discussion but further action. Yet this was not the only development at UNGA civil society descended en masse to New York to find opportunities to collaborate on resilience-building projects, and even before Denmarks announcement, there was optimism that the world adjacent to the right track for climate action.

The Caribbean on the World Stage

New York Climate Week, which coincided with UNGA, saw multiple side-events and discussions held that furthered conversations on public-private partnerships towards climate finance and sustainable development. Stakeholders from around the world were present and keen to find opportunities to collaborate. Knowledge-sharing events turned into pathways to unlock grants and financing for projects in the Caribbean, and allowed for constructive conversations with representatives from the private and public sectors. A key consideration that was often brought up throughout climate week and UNGA, was the need to complement the innovation we are seeing especially in the global South as well as the North with more sources of catalytic funding.

Bahamas Prime Minister, Philip Davis had some very pragmatic recommendations, including Let those who pledge write the cheque as we are heading into COP27 where there are often many announcements the details matter. Michael Bloomberg at his event announced the need for and their plan to implement greater tracking mechanisms so that amidst the announcements we are also seeing the action being realized. What we know is that there is momentum and the capacity to take action. Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley highlighted how international financial structures can and have in the past been altered to respond to crises. The same changes should be made now, she argued, to support vulnerable communities on the frontlines of climate change in future-proofing their infrastructure and institutions. With the power of the pen, we can change the capital that is available to multilateral development banks that will remove the barriers that currently exist for us to fight poverty, she expressed, With those commitments, we can make a difference in todays world.

Unlocking private finance has been a rallying call for us at the CCSA as we continue to match investors with local projects across the Caribbean, and hearing the discussions carried out at the sidelines UNGA have left us with a sense of hope heading into COP27. At UNGA, the Caribbean was firmly on the world stage. From speeches made by the leaders of Barbados, Antigua & Barbuda, Jamaica, Guyana and St. Lucia all advocating for stronger international cooperation at a financial and governance level, to discussions held between civil society and policymakers on advancing loss and damage, the Caribbean communitys interests were well represented.

Building on UNGA

We are now in a critical moment between UNGA and COP27 where there must continue to be discussions, negotiations and progress made on key issues. UNGA has provided multiple avenues for new solutions especially on loss and damage. The opportunities created at UNGA can be further developed through regional meetings such as the 2nd Hydrogen Congress for Latin America & the Caribbean (H2LAC) or the Barbados Chamber of Commerce & Industrys Renewable Energy Expo. Likewise, we need to take the time to build bridges with other communities in similar situations, as Prime Minister Mia Mottley expressed recently, The ability for leaders and experts of island nations to come together on the basis of our shared experiences during this climate crisis, is a moment that is of great importance not just to us who live in island nations, but indeed to the entire world.

This is where the power of UNGA lies in its ability to bring world leaders, civil society, and the private sector together in order to further the conversations that spark action necessary to build a better world. Climate action requires global effort and commitment, as well as local innovation the only way to meld these together is by collaborating, sharing knowledge, and having hard discussions in order to confront the challenges ahead. Building on UNGA means building on loss and damage for communities in the Caribbean and elsewhere with the support of countries like Denmark, or finding new opportunities for resilience-building and climate financing with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The solutions for a better world are available through collaboration, following UNGA and into COP27, these pathways form and develop, eventually leading to the outcomes we seek.

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A Lovely New Caribbean Hotel in the Heart of Rhum Country – Caribbean Journal

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There is sugarcane growing right next door, waving in the French Caribbean breeze.

And there was sugarcane along the highway on the way here.

And theres sugarcane in my glass.

This is rhum country, the the island of Basse-Terre in Guadeloupe, a land of lush rainforests, towering volcanoes and some of the best rum on earth.

Its unique microclimate has produced a terroir in which sugarcane thrives, where Guadeloupes Rhum Agricole, the unique French Caribbean rum that distills fermented sugar cane juice instead of molasses, is liquid gold.

While both Martinique and Guadeloupe produce Rhum Agricole, Martiniques rums have found more success beyond their shores; the outstanding rums of Guadeloupe, at least outside of France, remain largely a cask of mystery.

And here at the Habitation Saint Charles, next to a field of cane, is the islands coolest new hotel.

There are just nine rooms here, along with three villas, a mix of rooms, bungalows and villas, with some of the bungalows and all of the villas boasting their own private plunge pools.

Inside, the rooms are well-appointed and sleek, some with Smeg appliances and others with both indoor and outdoor showers.

Mine, for example, had a beautiful stone-walled plunge pool with a waterfall, a welcome soundtrack in the afternoon, swapping places at night for the rhythmic song of Guadeloupes tree frogs.

Theres a lovely main pool that, instead of a fence or glass wall, is built into the shape of a rock garden; a delightful bar with a nice selection of rums from around the Caribbean; and a three-meals-a-day eatery featuring modern Creole cuisine.

No, its not on the beach, and there isnt a view; the story here is the tranquility and the privacy; youre here in the fields and the meadows of Basse-Terre, in an endlessly serene environ that marries an airy, relaxing setting with a prime location for exploring Basse-Terres collection of rum distilleries.

And hotel, which opened at the beginning of this year, is instantly one of the best hotels in all of Guadeloupe.

And if youre looking for the family heritage of Reimonenq, the rugged artistry of Montebello or the aged wonders of Karukera, every one of them is just a 15 or 20 minute drive.

And thats just the beginning of exploring the rum wonders of Basse-Terrego further and you can explore the legendary Bologne or the innovations of the brand-new Papa Rouyo.

Even better, the superb beaches of Deshaies (yes, thats the town from Death in Paradise) and the northwestern coast are less than an hour away, with equally spectacular stretches of sand on the journey there.

And after a day of exploring, or an afternoon at the beach, you come back to the Habitation, find your hanging chair or descend into your pool, perhaps enjoying the treasures youve acquired in the day.

And you listen to the tree frogs and you raise your glass to the quiet of a country evening.

Rhum country, that is.

For more, visit the Habitation Saint Charles.

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Why Norwegian Cruise Line And Royal Caribbean Group Shares Are Rising During Tuesday’s Session – Norwegia – Benzinga

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Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd NCLH andRoyal Caribbean Cruises Ltd RCLshares are trading higher by 6.68% to $14.06 and 5.52% to $47.60, respectively, during Tuesday's sessionamid strength in cruise stocks. Cruise stocks are also higher in sympathy withCarnival Corp CCLafter the company earlier announced a private offering of $1.25 billion aggregate principal amount of Senior Priority Notes due 2028.

What Happened?

In connection with the offering of the Senior Priority Notes, Carnival and its subsidiaries will contribute 12 unencumbered vessels to the Issuer, with each of these vessels continuing to be operated under one of the company's, Carnival plc's or one of their subsidiaries' brands.

Carnival expects to use the net proceeds of the offering to make principal payments on debt and for general corporate purposes.

Carnival may also use all or a portion of the net proceeds to temporarily repay amounts outstanding under the company's revolver.

See Also:Why Bitcoin- And Ethereum-Related Stock Silvergate Capital Is Getting Hammered

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Why Norwegian Cruise Line And Royal Caribbean Group Shares Are Rising During Tuesday's Session - Norwegia - Benzinga

Impressive Revenue Expectations from Agriculture Production in the Caribbean – South Florida Caribbean News

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TRINIDAD & TOBAGO The Caribbean Investment Forum, to be held November 8-11 at the Hyatt Regency in Trinidad and Tobago, is an opportunity for investors to explore the extraordinary opportunities in the Caribbean region. One speaker at the Forum, Ralph Birkhoff, Senior Partner & Principal, Alquimi Renewables, LLC, knows first hand that this region is ripe for investment in sustainable development, particularly climate-resilient protected agriculture and integrated renewable energy systems based on his experiences.

After having lived in the region for over a decade, and being from Canada, Birkhoff said. I realized that many of these fresh produce categories have to be imported as there is not the agricultural infrastructure here to service the local demand with the types of fresh, healthy, delicious produce were accustomed to in more developed markets.

Birkhoff, living and working then as an investor and consultant in the region, realized that many of the types of imported produce sold across the island supermarkets simply could not be grown by traditional means in the region. This gap in the market prompted Birkhoff and his partners at AlquimiRenewables to focus on developing a climate smart greenhouse prototype; one that was adaptable to the unique context of Caribbean islands and resistant to the deadly Category 5 hurricanes that frequent the region, as well as being energy and water efficient. Alquimis greenhouses are designed for sub-tropical zones using various integrated hydroponic systems that can grow these types of produce locally, reducing the need for imports.

Collaborating with local, regional and international investment interests, Alquimi supports the successful implementation and expansion of Greenhouse Farm Projects under their two brands. Island Growers Caribbean (IGC) and BerryCove Organic Farms, Trinidad & Tobagos first commercially scaled climate-smart hydroponic greenhouse farm.

Alquimi and their investor partners are adding to food security in Trinidad & Tobago, Antigua & Barbuda, and Barbados, with plans to expand in 2023 to Guyana,Saint Lucia, Jamaica, and the Bahamas, and many other islands across the region in the coming years.

Because of the constant risk of annual tropical storms that would destroy a standard greenhouse, Birkhoff said. We needed to develop an innovative system that would meet the specific threats of the region. In addition, provide investors with risk mitigation to ensure that our investments wouldnt be affected once operational. Because of the many inherent climate risks in our region, current farms and greenhouse systems dont qualify for insurance to protect their assets. We changed that dynamic and were the first greenhouse farms to be commercially insured in the region.

Alquimi, like many entrepreneurial companies building solutions for the Caribbean shared that indeed the toughest part of the development process of this new greenhouse technology, was getting investors to understand that this is uncharted territory in this region, and that every step and approval we require is a unique one. For instance we were the first applicant ever to receive permission to import live berry plant stock from Europe into Trinidad.

Being transparent with investors is important, he said. Everything were doing is quite new to the region. Were introducing new technologies and engineering solutions at every turn because of the regions unique weather and climate conditions. While these same technologies can be expanded to areas that are less prone to threatening tropical storms, they still need to be engineered for the most extreme local environments. We never know when a Category 5 storm is going to take aim at our facilities only that some day they will.

Alquimi has also recently established Advanced Hydroponic Systems in Trinidad, which designs, engineers and fabricates customized commercial hydroponic systems for sale and export. We see a tremendous opportunity for growth in this unique manufacturing sector to support the expanding regional and international CEA sector.

Ralph Birkhoff will join dozens of other speakers and hundreds of attendees at the Caribbean Investment Forum. The forum is scheduled for November 8-11 at the Hyatt Regency in Trinidad and Tobago. The forum will provide potential investors with information and direct access to leaders throughout the region. Especially those who are creating the innovative solutions the region needs. Plus for those that savvy investors can benefit from financially.

The revenue expectations from expanded agricultural production for this region are impressive, Birkhoff said. Providing this region with additional food security and helping to develop renewable energy solutions the region needs for the next century, are not only key to the regions development, but are outstanding opportunities for investors to realize a solid return while making a lasting difference for the people.

Entrepreneurs and investors interested in attending the Caribbean Investment Forum can learn more and register at http://www.caribbeaninvestmentforum.com.

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Impressive Revenue Expectations from Agriculture Production in the Caribbean - South Florida Caribbean News

New Online Form Streamlines Entry Into This Popular Caribbean Island – TravelAwaits

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Have you ever forgotten to complete an immigration form before flying to a new country? If you have, especially during the pandemic, you know how it feels to be barred from boarding your flight until the paperwork is done. When your fellow travelers are in the same boat, flights are delayed and connections are missed. Worry no more, however, when you are heading to Jamaica!

Jamaica, a major Caribbean tourist destination, will soon adopt a Digital Travel Declaration (DTD) solution allowing travelers to submit all entry documentation through one easy online platform. The DTD, developed by SITA, will support Jamaicas Passport, Immigration, and Citizenship Agency (PICA) in clearing passengers for travel pre-departure. The key phrase here is pre-departure. That means a smooth entry procedure with no surprises because the DTD form is filled out online prior to departure youll know youve qualified for entry!

Additional improvements include the implementation of SITAs automated security kiosks in both Montego Bay and Kingston airports. Its all part of Jamaicas push to refine its border processes with the help of new technologies.

Currently, Americans can visit Jamaica with no requirement other than a valid passport. The DTD system is not yet in operation; its part of the countrys new technology plan. At this point, its unknown whether the DTD constitutes a Travel Authorization Form modeling the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), or the U.S.s own Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

Visitor numbers plunged by more than half in 2021 due to COVID. However, tourism in Jamaica is well on its way to a full recovery, as passenger volumes surge across the globe.

With COVID gone, so are the health forms. As a result of the international trend to cut down on paperwork, many countries that required health forms prior to 2020 abandoned the form for good. Other destinations like Jamaica, where forms were not routinely required, are bringing some forms in to improve border security.

The country currently has no health-related entry requirements in place. Earlier this year, Jamaica reversed a pandemic-era decision, ceasing its demand for vaccination or pre-departure tests of incoming tourists. But, should it be necessary to reinstate this requirement, the DTD will easily accommodate the change.

Its worth noting that Jamaica does require Americans to have sufficient means of subsistence while vacationing, as well as a return or outbound ticket. Proof of these is required for entry into the country.

The Jamaican government has not said that the DTD form is an entry fee or e-Visa; it is only a validation process to check identities and confirm travel purposes. PICA will be able to easily adapt and reconfigure the DTD if/when entry requirements shift. It doesnt seem that the country will tighten rules anytime soon, but tourists should check Jamaicas tourism site for any developments.

For more information on traveling to Jamaica, check out these articles:

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‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ Star Reveals He Was Almost Paralyzed By Near-Fatal Fall – Disney Dining

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Disney has created a number of memorable live-action films Mary Poppins, The Parent Trap, Hocus Pocus, Cruella,and more. However, one of the most successful live-action franchises was actually based on one of Disneys most popular attractions, Pirates of the Caribbean.

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearlwas released in 2003 and starred Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow, Kiera Knightly as Elizabeth Swann, and actor Orlando Bloom as Will Turner. Subsequently, four more Pirates of the Caribbean movies were released Dead Mans Chest, At Worlds End, On Stranger Tides,andDead Men Tell No Tales.

While Johnny Depp was in all 5 of the films, Orlando Bloom was in the first three, then returned forDead Men Tell No Tales.Before starring as Will Turner, Bloom had not done a ton of feature work, but was well-known for playing the role of Legolas in The Lord of the Rings.

Now, in a new project with UNICEF United Nations International Childrens Emergency Fund Bloom is revealing that his acting career almost never happened. The actor revealed that, when he was 19, he was climbing up to a roof terrace when the drainpipe he was climbing broke, and he ended up falling three stories, breaking his back.

According to Bloom, doctors believed that, while his spine was intact, they believed he may never walk again.

I was very fortunate to survive the fall because my spinal cord was still just intact.

When I was in the hospital, I was told for the first four days that I may never walk again. That was really the beginning of what was a long and painful journey for me into recognizing and understanding some of the patterns that had been in my life that had led me to having numerous accidents. And the culmination was breaking my back, which was a near-death experience.

You can hear Bloom tell his story below in a story shared on Instagram by UNICEF.

Thankfully, Bloom defied doctors expectations and walked out of the hospital albeit on crutches just 12 days later. However, he then struggled with mental health issues as he worked to get better from his near-death experience, as well as learn how to make better choices in life.

In recognition of World Mental Health Day, Bloom and UNICEF are teaming up to help bring mental health struggles more into the conversation and make it something families are more comfortable talking about, as well as seeking help when necessary.

You can read more about Blooms partnership with UNICEF, as well as donate to UNICEF by clicking here.

You can watch Bloom in all fivePirates of the Caribbeanfilms on Disney+.

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The Ongoing Fight Against Femicides and Violence Against Women in the Caribbean – Rolling Stone

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When Bad Bunny dropped his critically acclaimed album Un Verano Sin Ti, fans flocked to the dream-pop track Andrea, which features the Puerto Rican indie duo Buscabulla. Immediately, many listeners thought of Andrea Ruiz Costas, a Puerto Rican woman who was murdered by her partner in 2021. Though Bad Bunny later said that the song isnt directly about Ruiz, Andrea has become an anthem that speaks to the rampant gender violence and growing femicide rates plaguing his home.

It is perhaps the most poignant moment on the album, one that brings up the deep-rooted history of violence against Puerto Rican women, which includes a forced sterilization program the U.S. ran in the 1950s and coincides with the recent overturning of Roe v. Wade, likely to impact access to safe and legal abortion in the U.S. territory. In 2021, Puerto Ricos governor declared a state-of-emergency on the island after growing violence against women, something many grassroots organizations and on-the-groud groups are working to address.

Puerto Rican women, and women in Latin America overall, will continue to suffer behind white patriarchal ideology, says domestic violence lawyer and professor at Universidad de Puerto Rico Recinto de Ro Piedras, Mariana Iriarte. She suggests a history of toxic masculinity behind media and culture is a major reason why there continues to be violent behavior toward women in the Caribbean and Latin America.

Although better data on gender-based violence is needed now more than ever, we know the COVID pandemic heightened femicides and attempted femicides, especially in Latin America, where many countries have been grappling with a deep-seated history of unequal gender dynamics. According to emerging evidence from the World Bank Group, Latin America saw increases in gender-based violence that can be linked to stricter social distancing measures: In Colombia, there was a boost in domestic violence calls by 91 percent, while in Brazil, the probability of femicides more than doubled during intense periods of isolation. Databases like the Gender Equality Observatory for Latin America and the Caribbean aim to annually consolidate and update statistics on womens violent and gender-based deaths, based on the reported incidents provided by governments, which leaves room for egregious and incomplete documentation.

The Caribbean continues to have some of the highest rates of violence as well. The Dominican Republic had the second-highest rate of femicides reported in 2020, according to the United Nations. Just one motoconcho ride away from the Dominican Republic, the Haitian feminist organization Ngs Mawon hosted a campaign against femicides earlier this year, utilizing street art by local artists like V!cky Onlien. They simultaneously raised awareness about Haitis environmental issues, which they see as a direct correlation with how society treats Haitian women. The organization Alas Tensas Gender Observatory (OGAT) in Cuba, as well as the #YoSiTeCreo platform in Cuba, verified 18 femicides on the island this year alone, leading groups such as Red Femenina de Cuba to urge the Cuban government declare a state of emergency for gender violence.

Despite todays widened visibility and social criticism, femicide continues to rise throughout the Caribbean, with women from Black and poorer regions being disportionately affected, Iriarte explains. She helps victims of domestic violence in Puerto Rico obtain protection orders and works intimately with groups such as Taller Salud, a community-based feminist organization dedicated to improving acess to health care, to reducing violence, and encourage economic growth through education and activism for women. An essential part of the work needed is to examine issues of gender-based violence in an intersectional way that addresses the specific challenges and oppression Black and trans women face.

We have to look at this from an intersectional lens; a white cishetero woman is not in the same position as a Black lesbian woman, she says. These intersectionalities are fundamental; we cannot talk about femicide without talking about the femicide rates involving trans women, let alone Black trans women.

One constant obstacle is a lacking support infrastructure and a police system that often works against the interests of Black women in particular. Weve customarily made the association of safety with law enforcement, and the reality is when you look at the stats, the police do not serve us, Iriarte says. They do not serve our most vulnerable. For Black and trans women in particular, police are quite frankly not an option. She continues, If you are a Black or trans woman in Puerto Rico and you seek help from the cops, you yourself risk going to jail, being physically assaulted, or worse, assassinated under their watch.

She urges the redistribution of wealth in the abolition of police. Weve adopted political strategies from the Black feminist political movements of the United States. Police abolition isnt just a matter of deconstructing police, but of redistributing the funds and resources robbed of the communities theyve sworn to protect and serve Thats money taken away from the communities that need it most.

What is happening is alarming and more so in a scenario of economic and political crisis. We ask for help and support from all projects, organizations, and conscious and sensitive citizens, in seeking solutions to this problem, reads an excerpt from a statement of emergency that Cubas Alas Tensas earlier this year, expressing a similar distrust of police from their neighboring activists in Puerto Rico. The PNR [Polica Nacional Revolucionaria] does not do its job, use social networks and make it viral. If you have information about events of this type, write to us, and we will carefully investigate the sources. We need a citizen alliance for the end of feminicides.

In the Dominican Republic, feminist organizations have also been tackling similar issues. The lack of protections women and girls face in the country has also played out in music and popular culture: On April 22, ahead of Bad Bunnys summer soundtrack, dembow rapper Rochy RD was arrested in Santo Domingo for allegedly sexually assaulting a minor and participating in child sex trafficking. According to a lawsuit filed against him and the artist La Demente 1212, the couple recruited and paid low-income girls between the ages of 16 and younger to engage in sexual activities with the rapper. While the recording artist awaited trial inside La Victoria prison, followers and colleagues across social media protested his innocence while blaming victims under the guise of respectability politics.

Aquelarre RD is one such collective that has been raising awareness of what women and girls are up against since 2019. They formed in response to not just the lack of state protection around Black and queer women in the Dominican Republic, but a lack of solidarity and recognition among other so-called feminist movements on the island.

We realized that the Dominican feminist movement, apart from the fact that it is largely concentrated in the capital of Santo Domingo, is not interested in connecting with all bases of feminism, which is to say that this is a movement made up of women who are privileged and from middle-to-upper class society, says Aquelarre RD founder, Esther Giron. They are not interested in connecting with the many different issues that uniquely impact Black women living in barrios, in populous provinces, in campos, where many are fighting over basic needs, like healthcare, access to healthy food, employment, and education.

Currently, Aquelarre RD consists of 13 members from throughout the Monseor Nouel province in the central city of Bonao. They have dedicated their efforts to creating spaces focused on safety and education for Black and LGBTQ women from neglected environments while championing womens rights and legal protection through popular education (or education in the language of the people), community workshops, and political activism and protest.

In the case of Rochy RD, the violation of various articles of the Dominican Penal Code, including the Code for the Protection of Children and Adolescents were cited, yet local activists understood why justice would likely not be served. There is no social framework for those laws to ever actually be put into action, Dominican cultural critic and educator Zahira Kelly said in a recent interview. The police do not care; theyre the first ones to blame the victim. The laws in this case become useless, because not only does the state not care to enforce those laws, the social norms here say that they should not be enforced either.

In September of last year, many young feminist leaders from various national groups met in Loma de Blanco, Bonao, Dominican Republic to reflect, share, and reimagine the challenges of the womens and feminist movement of the Dominican Republic, hoping to update the nations sex, gender and racial discourse while outlining the deeply fragmented and obscured history of violence against Black and brown bodies.

As a result of that gathering, the National Pre-Encounter of Young Women (PNMJ) issued a political declaration to the state, with a thorough account of demands that include the construction of an anti-racist, plural and popular feminist movement that connects with the demands of Black women of the popular sectors and peripheries, and criticzes the feminism that prevails in the Dominican Republic, which has lost its social base and responds to Eurocentric currents of thought and universalizes the category of women, ignoring the oppressions that go beyond the essentialism of the sex-gender category; such as class and race.

While the fight for womens right frequently focuses on access to abortion, Giron notes that countries in the Carribbean need muli-prong solutions that capture the nuances of the struggles for gender equality. It seems like the Dominican feminist movement stops at abortion, which is super important, but that is simply one struggle, Giron says. We cannot speak about the right to bodily autonomy if we are not considering what that looks like for our most vulnerable women and girls.

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The Ongoing Fight Against Femicides and Violence Against Women in the Caribbean - Rolling Stone

St Vincent will host the 11th Caribbean Beekeeping Congress – St Vincent Times

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The 11th Caribbean Beekeeping Congress will be held in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) from Sunday, 30 October to Wednesday, 2 November 2022, according to an announcement made earlier this year. This years subject is Building the Resilience of the Beekeeping Industry Following a Natural Disaster.

Not only will this event provide Beekeepers with the opportunity to gain exposure, but it will also assist in sensitizing the wider communities on the importance of bees to our food security. This congress will also promote opportunities for new alternative livelihoods, particularly for young persons.

Monday, October 17th 2022, saw the official launch of the 11th Caribbean Beekeeping Congress at SPAZIO Headquarters Conference Room in Frenches. Present at the launch were Cornelius Richards, Coordinator for the Caribbean Beekeeping Congress, Allan Williams, Beekeeping Extension Officer and Shafika Andrews, Head of the Secretariat for the Caribbean Beekeeping Congress.

Coordinator for the 11th Caribbean Beekeeping Congress, Cornelius Richards indicated that the focus of this years congress will be on the natural factors that are contributing to the decline of the bee population. The 2021 La Soufriere Volcano eruption severely impacted the beekeeping industry in SVG, however, since then the bee population is recovering smoothly which is largely impart due to the hard work of the Apiculturist of SVG, he informed. Mr Richards concluded by inviting regional and international partners to SVG to share information on resiliency development in the beekeeping industry following a natural disaster.

Beekeeping Extension Officer, Allan Williams disclosed that the event would be a dynamic experience with several activities centered on the dissemination of information about the industry. He also stated that there would be a mass tree planting activity as part of the endeavour to replenish the tree population following the volcanic eruption as it plays a major role in bee development. Mr Williams extended an invitation to all current and aspiring beekeepers to register as it can assist in building their capacity in bee development.

Head of the Secretariat for the 11th Caribbean Beekeeping Congress, Shafika Andrews encouraged persons to make the investment as the knowledge acquired would be worth it in the end. Do not hesitate to learn about bees and the importance of honey. She stressed. Persons can register online at https://cbc.acboonline.com/ or at the main office, located at SPAZIOs Headquarters in Frenches. They can be contacted via telephone number, (784) 434 4031 or via email, [emailprotected]

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St Vincent will host the 11th Caribbean Beekeeping Congress - St Vincent Times

Online Sports Betting: Odds, Sites, Apps & News | SportsBettingDime.com

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Sports betting is the best way to get closer to the action with all your favorite sports. Sports Betting Dime has been helping fans and bettors navigate challenges and find success for years, with all the critical information they need to bet confidently on any matchup.

Once youve found a sportsbook or betting app, Sports Betting Dime offers a huge range of resources to help you make the best possible wager.

As sports betting becomes legal in more and more areas, we are there and keeping tabs on the latest developments. NJ sports betting and Pennsylvania were two of the first states to launch with Michigan sports betting and online betting in Virginia going live in the beginning of 2021, and betting in Arizona launching just ahead of NFL kickoff. Canada sports betting also became legal in August, but DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars Sportsbook are still working their way up north. Bettors were also just treated to New York sports betting apps launching on January 8, with major brands like DraftKings NY, FanDuel NY, and Caesars Sportsbooks New York all going live. BetMGM NY and PointsBet New York will also be launching in the state shortly. Bettors now have access to legal Louisiana sports betting apps. As well as Kansas online sports betting set to go live for this NFL season.

To get ready for a great year, weve got offers from the top sportsbooks ready. We have a Barstool Sportsbook promo code, Caesars Sportsbook promo code, FanDuel promo code, and DraftKings promo code, among others, along with offers from all top betting apps. These offers are waiting for when you are ready to join.

Our editorial team publishes the latest news, tips, and pre-game betting analysis. Dig deep into major league sports with odds and matchup reports for NFL, NBA, MLB, along with NHL and NCAA football and basketball. If you want to bet on other sports, our MMA betting, golf betting, and soccer betting pages have sport-specific betting information for you.

We also provide odds on original entertainment props you wont find anywhere else. Anytime a major event is going on in sports, we have odds on it or can point you to someone who does and let you know how your money is best spent.

Youll also find betting advice and strategies for any experience level in our sports betting guides. From how to read odds to specific game plans for individual sports, you can work your way up from rookie to sharp

Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to connect and engage with us. Were here to help every step of the way!

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Online Sports Betting: Odds, Sites, Apps & News | SportsBettingDime.com

Mise-o-jeu – Sports betting | Loto-Qubec

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Soccer|Belarus Premier League|Matches

2022-10-19

Soccer|Japan J. League 2|Matches

Soccer|Turkey Trkiye Kupasi|Matches

Soccer|Ukraine Premier League|Matches

Tennis|Women|Matches

Rouen, France|Kamilla Rakhimova vs Anna Blinkova

Match winner

Tennis|Men|Matches

Antwerp, Belgium|Constant Lestienne vs Daniel Evans

Match winner

Antwerp, Belgium|Geoffrey Blancaneaux vs Manuel Guinard

Match winner

Naples, Italy|Zhizhen Zhang vs Marton Fucsovics

Match winner

Soccer|Armenia Premier League|Matches

Soccer|Hungary Magyar Kupa|Matches

Soccer|Turkey Trkiye Kupasi|Matches

Soccer|Vietnam V.League 1|Matches

Tennis|Men|Matches

Stockholm, Sweden|Cameron Norrie vs Aslan Karatsev

Match winner

Soccer|Hungary Magyar Kupa|Matches

Tennis|Men|Matches

Antwerp, Belgium|Richard Gasquet vs Dominic Stephan Stricker

Match winner

Antwerp, Belgium|Sebastian Korda vs Marcos Giron

Match winner

Soccer|Belarus Premier League|Matches

Soccer|Greece Greek Cup|Matches

Soccer|Poland Puchar Polski|Matches

Soccer|Turkey Trkiye Kupasi|Matches

Soccer|Ukraine Premier League|Matches

Tennis|Men|Matches

Naples, Italy|Fabio Fognini vs Hugo Grenier

Match winner

Tennis|Women|Matches

Rouen, France|Misaki Doi vs Caty McNally

Match winner

Soccer|Vietnam V.League 1|Matches

Tennis|Men|Matches

Stockholm, Sweden|Alex Molcan vs Jeffrey John Wolf

Match winner

Stockholm, Sweden|Denis Shapovalov vs Antoine Bellier

Match winner

Soccer|Denmark Danish Cup|Matches

Soccer|Italy Coppa Italia|Matches

Soccer|Czech Republic Cup|Matches

Tennis|Men|Matches

Antwerp, Belgium|Yoshihito Nishioka vs Jaume Munar

Match winner

Soccer|Denmark Danish Cup|Matches

Tennis|Women|Matches

Rouen, France|Kristina Mladenovic vs Jaqueline Cristian

Match winner

Soccer|Uzbekistan PFL|Matches

Tennis|Men|Matches

Stockholm, Sweden|Christian Garin vs Holger Rune

Match winner

Soccer|Czech Republic Cup|Matches

Soccer|Turkey Trkiye Kupasi|Matches

Soccer|Ukraine Premier League|Matches

Hockey|Belarus Extraliga|Matches

Soccer|Portugal LigaPro|Matches

Soccer|South Afr. Premier League|Matches

Soccer|Belarus Premier League|Matches

Soccer|Denmark Danish Cup|Matches

Soccer|Egypt Premier League|Matches

Soccer|Greece Greek Cup|Matches

Soccer|Hungary Magyar Kupa|Matches

Soccer|Lithaunia A Lyga|Matches

Soccer|Czech Republic Cup|Matches

Tennis|Men|Matches

Naples, Italy|Borna Gojo vs Laslo Djere

Match winner

Hockey|Finland Liiga|Matchs

Soccer|Hungary Magyar Kupa|Matches

Soccer|Poland Puchar Polski|Matches

Soccer|Czech Republic Cup|Matches

Soccer|Bulgaria Division A|Matches

Soccer|Denmark Danish Cup|Matches

Hockey|Belarus Extraliga|Matches

Soccer|Germany DFB Pokal|Matches

Soccer|Austria OFB-Cup|Matches

Soccer|Italy Coppa Italia|Matches

Soccer|Norway Eliteserien|Matches

Soccer|Poland Puchar Polski|Matches

Soccer|Czech Republic Cup|Matches

Soccer|Turkey Trkiye Kupasi|Matches

Tennis|Men|Matches

Stockholm, Sweden|Elias Ymer vs Oscar Otte

Match winner

Tennis|Women|Matches

Guadalajara, Mexico|Aryna Sabalenka vs Liudmila Samsonova

Match winner

Guadalajara, Mexico|Jelena Ostapenko vs Eugenie Bouchard

Match winner

Guadalajara, Mexico|Magdalena Frech vs Danielle Collins

Match winner

Tennis|Men|Matches

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Mise-o-jeu - Sports betting | Loto-Qubec

Fanatics sports betting launching in January – National Football Post

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Fanatics will launch sports betting sometime in January according to CEO Michael Rubin.

Rubin appeared at the 2022 CAA World Congress of Sports last week and announced that Fanatics will launch its sportsbook in multiple states starting January with plans to be active in 15 to 20 states by the start of the 2023 NFL season.

Rubin singled out New York as one state that Fanatics sportsbooks will not launch in right away due to operation costs in the state, where according to Rubin, you cant make money.

Rubin boasted that Fanatics will have an interconnected system where one account will give customers access to all Fanatics businesses. This would mean anyone connecting to Fanatics sports memorabilia and apparel arm would also be able to easily connect to the sportsbook.

According to Rubin, Fanatics currently owns a database of 94 million customers which is a tremendous advantage to the brand when it comes to sports betting customer acquisition. If it is able to spend less on customer acquisition than its competitors it could help it make a mark in the sports betting industry very quickly.

Its been a slow crawl toward sports betting for Fanatics which a year ago brought on board former FanDuel Sportsbook CEO as their CEO, raised $1.5 billion in March, and trademarked BetFanatics in May. According to Rubin taking time and going so slowly has actually saved Fanatics money.

People that think licensing is a problem, to be clear, its 30 to 40% cheaper today than it was a year ago, Rubin said at World Congress, So our patience saved us money. Id rather let everyone spend their brains out and then have to make money. Then I come in with a big check book and then Im spending when nobody else can.

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Fanatics sports betting launching in January - National Football Post

Sports betting in Texas: When it will be legalized, how to bet online, where to find picks, bonus promos – CBS Sports

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Legal Texas sports betting isn't the hottest topic right now, but it could be brought back up in the very near future. Efforts in 2021 to legalize Texas mobile sports betting were not successful, but with so many states launching online sportsbooks in 2022, there could be another effort to make legal sports betting in Texas a reality. There is even one current candidate for governor in Texas who has mentioned that he will back an initiative to legalize Texas sports betting if he is elected.

If Texas online sports betting gets legalized, then the latest Texas sportsbook bonus offer and Texas sportsbook promo code could bound to be very popular with new bettors in Texas. Before Texas online sports books get the go-ahead, new bettors should be familiar with common sports betting terminology. Here is a guide to sports betting terms from our friends at SportsLine that will help you get ready in case Texas online sportsbooks become a reality.

There are several ways you can make sports wagers both online and in retail sportsbooks and plenty of bet types you'll want to familiarize yourself with.

Over/Under: If a sportsbook sets the Over/Under for a game between Dallas and Memphis is set at 200, you wager whether you think the final score will be over or under 200.

Against the spread: If Dallas is listed as the 7.5-point favorite against Detroit, that side must win by 8 points or more to cover the spread. Detroit can cover that spread as the 7.5-point underdog by winning outright or losing by 7 or fewer.

Live-betting: Sportsbooks will adjust certain outcomes within a game so you can wager as it progresses. This would be a great way to wager on Houston during the baseball postseason, because you would be able to place your bets in between innings.

If you're looking for the best values on the board in Texas or elsewhere, be sure to check out SportsLine, which specializes in Vegas picks, DFS advice and season-long fantasy sports projections.

An industry leader, SportsLine.com provides advanced computer modeling, expert picks, news and analysis of all the biggest events in sports. It can help you identify in which games you'll have the biggest statistical advantage. Plus, you'll get access to a team of over 40 experts.

SportsLine provides betting advice across the four major professional sports, college sports, golf, tennis, soccer, combat sports, horse racing, auto racing and more. It's a proven resource to sports bettors around the world. You can sign up here to enjoy all of the sports betting and fantasy sports advice that SportsLine has to offer. Then, use your knowledge to crush Texas online sports betting when it's a reality.

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Sports betting in Texas: When it will be legalized, how to bet online, where to find picks, bonus promos - CBS Sports

The Worldwide Sports Betting Systems Industry is Expected to Reach $648.7 Billion in 2027 – GlobeNewswire

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Dublin, Oct. 18, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Sports Betting Systems Market Size, Trends And Growth Opportunity, By Platform ,By Sports Type ,By Region and Forecast to 2027." report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The Global Sports Betting Market was valued at US$260.5 billion in 2021 and it is expected to reach at US$648.7 billion in 2027 at a CAGR of 11.26% during forecast period 2022-2027.

A form of gambling known as sports betting involves making predictions about sporting events and placing bets on the results. Sports betting is involved in non-athletic events such reality show contests, political elections, and contests involving animals like horses, dogs, and illegal cockfighting. Football, American football, baseball, hockey, basketball, and auto racing are some of the sports that are most often bet on, both by amateur and professional bettors. Bookmakers are often used to place bets. These are businesses that are both online and physically located, like casinos or betting shops.

Market Drivers

The expansion of wireless connection and digital infrastructure are anticipated to fuel the market's rate of expansion. The increasing prevalence of smartphones has influenced consumer behaviour, particularly in terms of sports betting. The way that consumers behave when it comes to sports betting has significantly changed. The market for sports betting will expand during the forecast period due to the growing popularity of social gaming and gambling apps.

Market Restraints

Stringent government regulations imposed on sports are the major market restraints that would slow the growth rate of the sports betting market, along with concern about illegal activities in the industry, which are anticipated to provide obstacles to the market throughout the projected period.

Market Segmentation

The global sports betting market segmented into platform and sport type. On the basis of platform it segmented into online and offline. On the basis of sport type it segmented into football, baseball, basketball, hockey, cricket, tennis, golf, boxing, horse riding, auto racing, and others.

Regional Analysis

The global sports betting market segmented into five regions North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa. In terms of revenue throughout the projected period, Europe will dominate the sports betting market. This is a result of the region's growing interest in sports betting. Due to the growing number of individuals who wager on sports events like football, cricket, hockey, and basketball in this region, Asia-Pacific is also expected to have the fastest rate of economic growth.

Key Players

Various key players are listed in this report such as 888 Holdings Plc., Bet 365 Group Ltd., GVC Holding plc., The Stars Group, Paddy Power Betfair plc., William Hill plc., Fortuna Entertainment Group, Betfred Ltd., mybet Holding, Hong Kong Jockey Club.

Key Question Addressed by the Report

Key Topics Covered:

1 Introduction

2 Research Methodology

3 Executive Summary

4 Global Sports Betting Market Outlook4.1 Overview4.2 Market Dynamics4.2.1 Drivers4.2.2 Restraints4.2.3 Opportunities4.3 Porters Five Force Model4.4 Value Chain Analysis

5 Global Sports Betting Market, By Platform5.1 Y-o-Y Growth Comparison, By Platform5.2 Global Sports Betting Market Share Analysis, By Platform5.3 Global Sports Betting Market Size and Forecast, By Platform5.3.1 Online5.3.2 Offline

6 Global Sports Betting Market, By Sport Type6.1 Y-o-Y Growth Comparison, By Sport Type6.2 Global Sports Betting Market Share Analysis, By Sport Type6.3 Global Sports Betting Market Share Analysis, By Sport Type6.3.1 Football6.3.2 Baseball6.3.3 Basketball6.3.4 Hockey6.3.5 Cricket6.3.6 Tennis6.3.7 Golf6.3.8 Boxing6.3.9 Horse Riding6.3.10 Auto Racing

7 Global Sports Betting Market, By Region7.1 Global Sports Betting Market Share Analysis, By Region7.2 Global Sports Betting Market Share Analysis, By Region

8 North America Sports Betting Market Analysis and Forecast (2022-2027)8.1 Introduction8.2 North America Sports Betting Market Share Analysis, By Platform8.3 North America Sports Betting Market Size and Forecast, By Sport Type8.4 North America Sports Betting Market Size and Forecast, By Country8.4.1 U.S8.4.2 Canada8.4.3 Mexico

9 Europe Sports Betting Market Analysis and Forecast (2022-2027)9.1 Introduction9.2 Europe Sports Betting Market Share Analysis, By Platform9.3 Europe Sports Betting Market Size and Forecast, By Sport Type9.4 Europe Sports Betting Market Size and Forecast, By Country9.4.1 Germany9.4.2 France9.4.3 UK9.4.4 Rest of Europe

10 Asia Pacific Sports Betting Market Analysis and Forecast (2022-2027)10.1 Introduction10.2 Asia Pacific Sports Betting Market Size and Forecast, By Platform10.3 Asia Pacific Sports Betting Market Size and Forecast, By Sport Type10.4 Asia Pacific Sports Betting Market Size and Forecast, By Country10.4.1 China10.4.2 Japan10.4.3 India10.4.4. Rest of Asia Pacific

11 Latin America Sports Betting Market Analysis and Forecast (2022-2027)11.1 Introduction11.2 Latin America Sports Betting Market Size and Forecast, By Platform11.3 Latin America Sports Betting Market Size and Forecast, By Sport Type11.4 Latin America Sports Betting Market Size and Forecast, By Country11.4.1 Brazil11.4.2. Rest of Latin America

12 Middle East Sports Betting Market Analysis and Forecast (2022-2027)12.1 Introduction12.2 Middle East Sports Betting Share Analysis, By Platform12.3 Middle East Sports Betting Size and Forecast, By Sport Type12.4 Middle East Sports Betting Market Size and Forecast, By Country12.4.1. Saudi Arabia12.4.2. UAE12.4.3. Egypt12.4.4. Kuwait12.4.5. South Africa

13 Competitive Analysis13.1 Competition Dashboard13.2 Market share Analysis of Top Vendors13.3 Key Development Strategies

14 Company Profiles14.1 888 Holdings Plc.14.1.1 Overview14.1.2 Offerings14.1.3 Key Financials14.1.4 Business Segment & Geographic Overview14.1.5 Key Market Development14.1.6 Key Strategies14.2 Bet 365 Group Ltd.14.2.1 Overview14.2.2 Offerings14.2.3 Key Financials14.2.4 Business Segment & Geographic Overview14.2.5 Key Market Developments14.2.6 Key Strategies14.3 GVC Holding plc.14.3.1 Overview14.3.2 Offerings14.3.3 Key Financials14.3.4 Business Segment & Geographic Overview14.3.5 Key Market Developments14.3.6 Key Strategies14.4 The Stars Group14.4.1 Overview14.4.2 Offerings14.4.3 Key Financials14.4.4 Business Segment & Geographic Overview14.4.5 Key Market Developments14.4.6 Key Strategies14.5 Paddy Power Betfair Plc.14.5.1 Overview14.5.2 Offerings14.5.3 Key Financials14.5.4 Business Segment & Geographic Overview14.5.5 Key Market Developments14.5.6 Key Strategies14.6 William Hill plc.14.1 Overview14.6.2 Offerings14.6.3 Key Financials14.6.4 Business Segment & Geographic Overview14.6.5 Key Market Developments14.6.6 Key Strategies14.7 Fortuna Entertainment Group14.7.1 Overview14.7.2 Offerings14.7.3 Key Financials14.7.4 Business Segment & Geographic Overview14.7.5 Key Market Developments14.7.6 Key Strategies14.8 Betfred Ltd.14.8.1 Overview14.8.2 Offerings14.8.3 Key Financials14.8.4 Business Segment & Geographic Overview14.8.5 Key Market Developments14.8.6 Key Strategies14.9 mybet Holding14.9.1 Overview14.9.2 Offerings14.9.3 Key Financials14.9.4 Business Segment & Geographic Overview14.9.5 Key Market Developments14.9.6 Key Strategies14.10 Hong Kong Jockey Club14.10.1 Overview14.10.2 Offerings14.10.3 Key Financials14.10.4 Business Segment & Geographic Overview14.10.5 Key Market Developments14.10.6 Key Strategies

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/n50vx6

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The Worldwide Sports Betting Systems Industry is Expected to Reach $648.7 Billion in 2027 - GlobeNewswire

Prophet vs. Sporttrade: Which NJ Betting Exchange Should You Use? – The Action Network

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Two brand-new sportsbooks launched in New Jersey at the start of the NFL season. Theyre interesting for a few reasons:

Betting exchanges, Prophet Exchange and Sporttrade, have been trying to launch in New Jersey for more than a year. They finally got live ahead of the 2022 NFL season.

Its been cool to see a startup arms race between two companies with first-time sports betting founders trying to do something very similar, but going about it in a completely different way.

I bet on both exchanges over the last few weeks and explain my first reactions below. Full disclosure, Action Network has an affiliate relationship with Prophet, but not Sporttrade.

First, lets dive into what a betting exchange is.

So what is a betting exchange? Its essentially peer-to-peer wagering, and the house takes a 2% cut on winnings, and nothing on losses. That will lead to massive savings for bettors.

On Thursday Night Football in Week 4 for example, moneylines on Prophet closed at Dolphins +176 and Bengals -180 both the best in New Jersey. Most other books had around -190/+160.

Because you pay 2%, the lines end up being a little worse if your +176 winner cashes, its really more like +173.5.

You can get point spreads at even money, then you pay a 2% commission.

Heres how a $100 moneyline bet looked for Dolphins-Bengals, with the commission included.

*After the commission is taken out

Sounds too good to be true, right? Is there a catch?

Sort of. The perceived hurdle to exchanges working in the U.S. has always been liquidity.

In order to facilitate a peer-to-peer marketplace, there needs to be a buyer and seller on each side of any bet. The house isnt actually taking any action. And in the U.S., the Wire Act prevents bettors in different states from wagering against each other.

So even if Prophet and Sporttrade operated in 30 states each, Indiana bettors could only wager against Indiana bettors, NJ vs. NJ bettors, etc.

So the question becomes if you want to bet $5,000 on Dolphins moneyline, will there be someone on the other side to bet against you? Well find out.

While these products attempt to offer a similar value prop the best prices in the industry they went about achieving it in completely different ways.

They both take 2% commissions on winning bets, but the similarities mostly end there.

Sporttrade is trying to mimic a stock trading environment, not a sports betting environment. They post everything in probabilities out of 100%, and call them contracts. There really arent American odds on the platform.

There are two ways you can think about how Sporttrade does its pricing.

I prefer the first method, because Im rarely betting such specific amounts on a team. Im usually flat-betting $50. Im not going to change my bet size to $58 just to make it even.

The interesting thing about Sporttrades approach is that it doesnt feel anything like sports betting. It feels like day trading, but the things youre trading just happen to be sports.

That was the vision behind the product Sporttrade wants to be the Robinhood of sports betting.

This was initially a pretty big turnoff for me. I dont come from the financial world. I make a handful of stock trades per year and Ive never used Robinhood.

After watching some of their videos and playing around for a few hours, it started to make some more sense. But I almost had to disconnect my sports betting brain.

Normally, my thought process for betting goes like this:

With Sporttrade, I found it harder to equate the best line with what was available. Should I bet the Chiefs at $43, or +125 at WynnBet? (The answer is Sporttrade in this scenario, even after the commission, because the price is about +129).

Id get used to doing the calculations off the top of my head if I use the product enough, but I think this will be a hurdle for many existing bettors. While professional bettors think in implied probabilities, Id venture to guess 98% of existing American bettors are more comfortable with American odds.

Maybe its a plus for day-traders-turned-sports-bettors, but Im not sure how many of those there are.

Prophets approach is totally different. It feels like sports betting. And its app is very minimalist (at least for now), which is totally fine.

The company wants to offer the best price in the market on spreads, moneylines and totals. Thats it. They dont want to be Robinhood, or mimic trading in any way. Its a sports betting product.

This made it much easier for me to understand from the jump.

I liked Florida State moneyline against Clemson, and Prophet had the best price at +152. Done.

1. The User Experience:Its clear that Sporttrade invested a lot into the quality of its mobile app. To be the Robinhood of sports betting, you need to provide a clean, easy-to-use interface that doesnt lag. The app is sleek, it works well, and has some cool designs.

2. The Portfolio View:To be the Robinhood of sports betting, you need to provide a user experience that makes betting seem like investing. Thats what Sporttrade did with its Portfolio tab.

Instead of a pending bets view, it gives you real-time looks into how the prices of your bets are changing.

I made these $5 bets in GuardiansYankees Game 2:

After New York went up 2-0 in the bottom of the first, my positions had gotten worse, except over 6.5. Because the live total was trading higher, it had gone up in value. The others were now less likely than they were pregame.

Then after the Guardians escaped the second inning after putting a few runners on base, I sold my under 8.5 bet at a small loss. Im now down to three bets.

This is especially nice during a busy window of live games, where things are changing so quickly. You can sell your positions rather easily.

After the Guardians came back and won, my portfolio of course went up in value.

Even though the contracts are a bit confusing to me, the live trading experience is cool.

It makes sense when you see your bets gaining and losing value as you watch the game.

3. More Markets: Sporttrade offers a few additional bet types, like golf outrights and title futures like the Super Bowl winner and the NBA title winner.

The cool thing about markets like this is you can take the no side of a longshot future. They call it the sell side.

For example, if I want to bet that the LA Clippers will not win the NBA title, I can sell a contract for $12. That means $88 wins about $12.

That effectively means Im betting -750 that LA wont win it all. You need to have pretty deep pockets to bet these consistently, but its nice to have the option. Almost every other sportsbook makes these one-way markets, allowing them to price them wherever they want with no repercussions.

1. The lines stay the same: Sporttrade posts its own spreads and totals, and then the market moves the vig around it, in line with movement elsewhere in the betting market.

Prophet on the other hand allows you to post your own spreads and totals, though they most likely wont get filled unless theyre the best price available.

For example: the GiantsRavens total was listed at 44.5 earlier in the week at Sporttrade. Other sportsbooks eventually moved to 45 and 45.5.

So bettors move the vig around the total of 44.5 at Sporttrade, to be more in line with what other sportsbooks have done.

That creates the following market:

*Implied odds with commission included

Lets say I want to bet $100 on the over.

I now need to decide if I should bet over 44.5 at about -115.5, over 45 at -108 at WynnBet or over 45.5 at -104 at FanDuel.

I can use the best odds column on our NFL odds page to see which line is better, but its tricky to figure out on your own or if youre in a time crunch before a game (the over 45 at -108 is the best, by the way).

You do need to re-train your brain if you come from a sports betting background.

2. Pricing in contracts: As I just noted, I dont think the sports betting as investing concept is for me. Sporttrade clearly executed on its vision, and if the users they believe are out there are really out there, they will succeed.

Ive had too hard of a time equating contracts to odds. Maybe its easier for someone who has never bet sports or looked at American odds to understand right away.

I could also see this format being preferred for actual investors or market-makers betting big money at these exchanges. But again, I am not that person.

That said, the pricing is strong. Thats the beauty of the exchange model. Every game is going to have an overround of 0.5% to 1.5%. And as long as theres liquidity, Ill keep money on Sporttrade and continue to bet there.

3. Home Teams Are Listed on Top: On every (American) sports scoreboard, or at any sportsbook, the home team is always listed at the bottom in a matchup view. Sporttrades is the opposite, which drives me crazy.

1. The Best Moneyline Prices:On many games in many sports, Prophet will have the best moneyline prices, even after you factor in the 2% commission.

This is the biggest pro or con of either site. With 30+ sportsbooks in NJ, you need Prophet as a major part of your rotation if you care about price. Its a clear differentiator. Sporttrade also has strong pricing, but its not as apparent when comparing it to the rest of the market i.e. is Chiefs at $43 better than Chiefs +130?

The exchange model allows bettors to create such tight overrounds the implied percentages over 100%, which shows you how strong the overall pricing is. (So if you had two lines at +100, each are 50%, and the overround would be 0% because they add up to exactly 100%).

For example, 90 minutes before Yankees vs. Guardians Game 2, this is what the moneylines looked like:

With the commissions baked in after if you win, the prices would be more like -151 and +141, but those are still just about the best-in-market as of 90 minutes before the game.

2. It Feels Like Sports Betting:With how my brain is wired, Id prefer to see things in American odds. I want to find a bet to make, find the best price, and bet it.

Prophet is keeping it simple, and banking on price being its main value driver. Sporttrade is trying to re-imagine sports betting entirely.

1. The Spread & Total Straddles: Prophet may offer +100 on its spreads and totals, but it never actually has the best spread or total number. Let me explain.

All spreads and totals will be half a point off each other. Lets look at a few NFL games for Week 6:

And Giants-Ravens:

So while youre getting even money on these spreads and totals, youre rarely actually getting the best of the number.

This creates a scenario like Sporttrade, where I need to figure out whether or not I should bet Ravens -5.5 at -108, or Ravens -6 at Prophet (+100, but more like -102 with the commission).

Or if I want to take the Giants, do I take +5.5 at Prophet or +6 at -110 at BetMGM? There are plenty of calculators out there to figure it out and our odds pages can do a lot of the heavy lifting.

But unlike with Prophets moneylines, it takes some work to figure out if youre really getting the best number available.

Its not always the worst price available the Devils-Ducks total on Tuesday is listed at 6 and 6.5. So since its even money with a 2% commission, its better than 6.5 at -110 on both sides, which is where the line sits everywhere else.

2. How Commissions Are Displayed: I dont think the commissions are properly displayed or represented in some spots at Prophet.

For example, I bet $60 on the New York Rangers moneyline against the Wild at +128. They won, so I profited $76.80. Then Prophet takes 2% of my winnings, or $1.54.

In my bet history, it says that I won $76.80. I have to go into my Account Statement details to see how much commission was actually taken out.

Sporttrade is a little more straightforward, as they list the potential profit before you even place the bet with the commission taken out.

Prophet does only take 2% of your total winnings on a market so if you bet $100 on the Giants, then $80 on the Ravens, and won $20 total, the commission only comes out of the $20 in winnings. Not the $100 on the Giants.

Sporttrade has a lot of consumer education to do. I spend all day inside sports betting products for a living, and I had a hard time figuring it out at first.

Prophets path is a little more straightforward get enough sports bettors and money on the platform to create a sustainable exchange.

Perhaps Sporttrade will help reinvent and reshape how the sports betting industry thinks and behaves, but I dont believe the broader U.S. market is ready for that yet.

So Prophet is my preferred exchange for now.

More here:

Prophet vs. Sporttrade: Which NJ Betting Exchange Should You Use? - The Action Network

Sports Betting Firm Adopts Oil-Trading Tech to Fine-Tune Predictions – Sportico

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A complex estimation algorithm used by commodities traders to forecast prices and the Federal Reserve Bank to estimate GDP growth has a new application: predicting how an athletes performance could affect a teams odds of winning a game. The Quant Edge, a four-year-old venture started by long-time oil trader Todd Gross and backed by New York soccer legend Shep Messing, thinks venture capitalists will want to buy into the idea to the tune of $10 million.

The math is intricate, but the idea is simple enough: Kalman filtering, an algorithm used in machine learning (ML), takes many pieces of information, including some that are seemingly useless, and finds statistically significant connections among pairs of groupings of data points.

The Quant Edge is a sports betting service where bettors can tweak what they think a players impact will be on a game and get predictions on how that will affect the over/under and which team likely will win. Were using our quantitative analysis in a lot of different ways to bring something to the bettorwere helping quantify what they think, Gross said on a video call.

Gross, who has written chapters in textbooks on commodities trading, came to sports betting after exploring numerous avenues on how to better apply Kalman filtering to financial markets. The sudden opening of the U.S. sports-betting market made him realize the math could be used to predict team and athlete performancea field not burdened with the regulatory oversight of trading. Kalman filtering isnt perfect, but it tends to be more accurate than traditional estimation methods because it finds connections a person may never noticeor which would take months of painstaking work to uncover. Use of ML like this is expanding, finding a foothold in everything from figuring out if some consumers are better credit risks than their FICO score suggests to helping NASA identify distant planets.

The Quant Edge allows bettors, who pay as much as $50 a month for access, to tweak the performance of a select group of playerswill the quarterback have a poor game, an average game or a great game?and see how it should affect their bet. The company offers player-impact predictions for NBA games, too.

Gross says people who use the system regularly have more winning bets than losing ones;The Quant Edges website touts a 65% success rate when using player impact tools effectively. That means dont bet the house on one game, because ML offers probabilities, not certainties. Were fortunate over the past four years in NFL to have really good results, Gross said.

Recently Gross brought on as investors Shep Messing, best known as goalkeeper for the Pele-led New York Cosmos,and sports marketing expert Rob Striar, whose M Style Marketing has worked extensively with the NHL and who recently bought an indoor soccer team with Ronaldinho. The pair bring a sports expertise that Gross believes his group of hedge fund and commodity trading veterans need. The guy who originally wrote the model didnt even know the quarterback threw the football, Gross said.

The trio now have retained Livingston Securities to raise a $10 million venture capital round that Gross says will go toward developing player impact modelling for global soccer players as well as providing more granular options for NFL and NBA players. That means instead of evaluating the odds if James Harden has a poor, average or great game, bettors could choose numerous values along the spectrum.

The addition of soccer would give The Quant Edge offerings in the three most-bet sports in the U.S. and the most-bet sport worldwide. Regardless of the math wizardry, Gross says his broad patent on the player impact concept gives the business a moat to fend off competitors.

Beyond a more robust subscription service, Gross thinks the expansion and merging of sports betting and content could allow The Quant Edge to create related programming too. As sports books go for 24-hour news channels, theyre going to need pieces of relevant content to fill all that time People can quantify whats going on and bet, and the [bettor] banter back and forth can be a really powerful piece of content that is very timely, the executive said. I think we have something very compelling.

Read more from the original source:

Sports Betting Firm Adopts Oil-Trading Tech to Fine-Tune Predictions - Sportico

DeSantis-backed candidates flip Florida school board from liberal to …

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Conservatives across the state of Florida celebrated on Tuesday night after control of the Sarasota County School Board shifted from liberal to conservative.

Bridget Ziegler, Robyn Marinelli, and Timothy Enos were all endorsed by Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis and were all victorious Tuesday night in their elections for the Sarasota School board.

Various conservatives in the state touted the victories and suggested they represented a shift against Critical Race Theory and other "woke" policies that DeSantis and Republicans in Florida have railed against.

"Sarasota School Board had a 3-2 liberal majority," Christina Pushaw, rapid response director for DeSantis's reelection campaign, tweeted on Tuesday night. "Today @RonDeSantisFL endorsed candidates won and flipped the school board so its now 4-1 anti wokes indoctrination and pro parental rights."

CHARLIE CRIST WINS DEMOCRATIC NOMINATION FOR GOVERNOR OF FLORIDA, WILL TAKE ON DESANTIS IN NOVEMBER

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at a press conference to announce the expansion of a new, piloted substance abuse and recovery network. (Paul Hennessy/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

"All three of our endorsed candidates in Sarasota County, Florida have WON their elections.," the 1776 Project Pac tweeted. "We just flipped the school board from a 3-2 liberal majority to 4-1 conservative."

DESANTIS TOUTS 'RECORD OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS' IN FLORIDA GOV RACE: 'WE HAVE THE WIND AT OUR BACK'

Former Associated Press editor Ted Bridis tweeted Tuesday night that 25 conservative school board candidates supported by DeSantis won elections.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks to the Turning Point USA Student Action Summit on July 22, 2022. (Sarah Freeman/Fox News)

DeSantis also had a big night in Miami Dade County where conservative school board candidates also took control.

"The 1776 Project PAC was successful across the state of Florida," Ryan Girdusky, founder of the 1776 Project PAC, told Fox News Digital. "This shows what happens when conservatives like the 1776 Project PAC, Moms for Liberty, and Gov. DeSantis team up behind great candidates. Florida today, the country."

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Andrew Mark Miller is a writer at Fox News. Find him on Twitter @andymarkmiller and email tips to AndrewMark.Miller@Fox.com.

Link:

DeSantis-backed candidates flip Florida school board from liberal to ...

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Democracy Status

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Status

Trend

2021 was the 16th consecutive year of decline in global freedom.

Not Free

Partly Free

Free

From 2020 to 2021

Less free More free

3+

1-2

0

1-2

3+

Although global internet freedom declined for the 12th straight year in 2021-22, a record 26 countries recorded improvements.

Score: 0-39

Score: 40-69

Score: 70-100

From 2021 to 2022

Less free More free

3+

1-2

0

1-2

3+

In 2020, a record low 10 of 29 countries were classified as democracies.

Consolidated Authoritarian Regime

Semi-Consolidated Authoritarian Regime

Transitional or Hybrid Regime

Semi-Consolidated Democracy

Consolidated Democracy

From 2020 to 2021

Less free More free

2+

1

0

1

2+

Read the rest here:

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