Daily Archives: June 10, 2017

Despite US announcement of withdrawal from Paris Accord

MIAMI A grouping of representatives of the Caribbean American and US private sector, non-government organizations and regional governments has urged that the Caribbean region, while disappointed with Americas withdrawal from the Paris Accord, use this development to generate greater enthusiasm among Caribbean populations to move ahead with enhanced measures for adaptation to climate change.

The meeting identified among the possible enhanced measures greater collaboration among stakeholders to include the business sector, intensified public education programs on environmental issues, the establishment of a US/Caribbean Sea Council and strategic use of social media as a means of fundraising so as to be able to execute relevant programs.

The roundtable was put on by Americas Relief Team (ART), Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS) and the Guyanese American Chamber of Commerce (GCAA) and hosted by Serfaty Law P.A. to commemorate United Nations World Oceans Day which is celebrated each year on June 8.

The discussions focused on preservation of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean which spans much of the geographic space of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), including Guyana and Surinam in South America and Belize in Central America.

In welcoming participants host Charles Serfaty said that the roundtable is being held at a critical juncture and pointed out that world ocean assets are valued at some $24 trillion (US) with an extra US 2.5 trillion annually from the goods and services derived from the oceans.

He pointed out that while the value of the assets and goods and services from the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean might not have been assessed, we are well aware of their critical importance to the economic well being of the nations and people of the Caribbean.

Chairman of the event, Wesley Kirton in his remarks pointed to the possible adverse effects climate change through sea level rise would have on CARICOM member states and the wider Caribbean noting that these would impact women and children the most.

Todays event is intended to remind everyone of the importance of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean to everyday life in the Caribbean and to generate ideas and recommendations for the sustainable management of these bodies of water as well as the need for measures that would help us best adapt to climate change, Kirton said.

President of he Washington-DC based Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS) Dr. Claire Nelson pointed to the importance of the blue economy to the Caribbean region and the need for heightened recognition of the benefits this economy brings to life in the region.

Against this backdrop Dr. Nelson recommended that efforts be made to put in place a US/Caribbean Sea Council that would include all stakeholders. She also pointed to the need for the Caribbean private sector in the region to play a more active role in developing the blue economy.

Dr. Teo Babun, president and chief executive officer of Americas Relief Team (ART) referenced changing weather patterns caused by climate change which is resulting in extreme conditions including flooding, long dry spells and hurricanes in the Caribbean and Central America.

He said these conditions are negatively impacting the lives of millions of people but resources have dwindled due to budget cuts, as well as the allocation of resources to Africa where much larger numbers have been affected.

Dr. Babun stressed the need for new approaches to resource mobilization and endorsed the suggestion of Ms. Demzy Gueits of Serfaty Law that greater use be made of social media to raise funding for programs and projects in support of climate change adaptation.

Ms. Gueits pointed out that through social media millions of individuals, businesses and organizations can be reached to solicit support for these efforts. She noted that the younger generation has concerns about the environment and would be willing to contribute to such efforts.

Robert Hans, managing partner of IOS Partners told the meeting that US President Donald Trumps recent withdrawal announcement from the Paris Accord should not daunt the spirits of activists and stakeholders but should be used as a call to action to intensify efforts to prepare to effectively address the consequences of climate change.

Hans identified the need for closer collaboration and coordination among stakeholders as they seek to identify strategies and implement projects designed to cushion the worse effects of climate change.

Hanssaid the private sector in both the US and the Caribbean should play a bigger role by supporting research to enhance the blue economy as well as public education programs on preservation of the environment that would appeal to various sections of the population, including children.

Speakers and other participants at the roundtable to commemorate United Nations World Oceans Day.

The chairman of Guyanas Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) Larry London told participants that his country has been working to limit greenhouse gas emissions from aircraft serving the Guyana market. He said that new laws and regulations will form part of an aviation master plan which will be developed over the next year.

London said that Guyanas President David Granger has committed to developing a green economy notwithstanding ExxonMobils oil and gas discoveries. He also pointed to Guyanas commitment to working with the regional and wider international communities through its Low Carbon Development Strategy and its Iwokrama Rainforest Project.

Recommendations emanating from Thursdays meeting are expected to form part of the discussions later this month in Washington, DC during Legislative Week which is part of the Caribbean Heritage Month observance.

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Caribbean must press ahead with adaptation to climate change - South Florida Caribbean News

McDONOUGH The 7th McDonough Caribbean Cultural Festival 2017 will bring Caribbean culture to Alexander Park next Saturday.

Hosted by the Caribbean Association of Georgia Inc., the free event will feature Caribbean-themed music and entertainment, food, prizes, a childrens area, vendors, games, a talent showcase, free medical screenings and more.

Chris Scott, president of the Caribbean Association, said the festival will allow families to experience Caribbean culture in an open environment, in recognition of June as national Caribbean Heritage Month.

The festival is a part of helping people enjoy and understand Caribbean culture and celebrating their contributions to the community, said Scott.

Scott said the festival serves as a fundraiser for things the group does in the community and around the world, such as feeding veterans and the homeless, providing high school scholarships, mission trips and providing homeowner and immigration workshops.

The city of McDonough has partnered with the festival for five years. District 2 Councilwoman Sandra Vincent said the citys willingness to partner with the Caribbean Association stems from the Associations charitable acts.

So this is one way for the city to help indirectly with humanitarian efforts. We thought it would be a good thing to do, Vincent said.

Vincent added that the festival also supports the citys diverse population.

We have a huge Caribbean population in McDonough. One of our goals as a city is to try to be representative of the diversity of our community, and this is just one of the ways to do that, said Vincent.

The festival will be held from 1 to 8 p.m. June 17 at Alexander Park, 300 Atlanta St. in McDonough.

Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs.

For sponsorship or vendor information, call 404-858-4260 or 678-902-4224.

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McDonough festival to showcase Caribbean culture June 17 - Henry Herald

by Bryan van Gorder 6/9/2017

The Caribbean is a perennial hotspot for vacationers who seek tropical climes, pristine beaches, and relaxed, island culture. However, LGBT travelers seeking sunny skies and a warm welcome might find themselves left out in the cold on some islands.

Of the 28 island nations that inhabit the Caribbean, nine currently criminalize same-sex sexual relations, particularly between men. In Jamaica, homophobia had become so pervasive that a 2006 Time magazine article questioned if it were The Most Homophobic Place on Earth?, a mantle it has not entirely been able to shed despite a follow up piece in 2015 remarking on the countrys improvements.

Of course, there are some havens friendly to LGBT travelers. In most cases, these bright spots are former commonwealths or current territories of the U.S., the U.K., France, or the Netherlands. St. Barthlemy (a.k.a. St. Barts), the U.S. Virgin Islands, and St. Martin/St. Maarten are all welcoming destinations.

That does not always translate to progressive attitudes toward the islands own citizens, however. Catholicism has a strong foothold in the Caribbean with nearly 60% of the regions population identifying with the Church. Same-sex marriage, adoption rights, and protections from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity are rare, only occurring in territories and commonwealths where required by law.

Despite all this, attitudes may be shifting, perhaps evidenced by a handful of Pride events starting to appear on the more populated islands.

For instance, CHIC Punta Cana, a resort located on Uvero Alto beach in the Dominican Republic, has announced its plans to host Caribbean Pride, September 16-23. They have already enlisted Torontos Female Delusionist, Miss Conception (above), and New York DJ, Johnny Dynell have already been confirmed to perform.

We are proud to join in the annual pride celebrations that take place all around the world, said Managing Director of Blue Diamond Resorts, Jordi Pelfort, in a statement. Its the perfect time for us to show the global LGBT community were standing alongside them, and we want to give everyone a welcoming and inclusive experience. Last month, Havana celebrated its fourth annual Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO). The two-week event headlined by Cuban superstar, singer Haila Mompie, included symposiums, lectures, films, art exhibits, and live theatre.

The Cuban governments relatively progressive stance on LGBT issues are due, in large part, to activist Mariela Castro-Espin. A straight ally, Castro-Espin is daughter of President Raul Castro (and niece of Fidel Castro) and has been the director of the Cuban National Center for Sex Education (CENESEX) in Havana, which has led the charge on campaigning for LGBT rights and HIV prevention. HBO recently produced the documentary, Mariela Castros March: Cubas LGBT Revolution (above), about her.

Photo by David Gasser/LatinContent/Getty Images

PRIDE Puerto Rico, will take place in San Juan on June 25, starting at 11:00 a.m. The march originates in Parque del Indio in the Condado area and proceeds to Parque del Tercer Milenio at the entrance of Old San Juan. Vanessa Fox, Sofia Loreins, and Bam Bam Le Blanc, among others, are scheduled to perform. Curaao, an island nation located 30 miles off the coast of Venezuela, held its historic first Pride event last year. Its sophomore outing is scheduled to take place September 28-October 1 with events that include the Navigaytion Sea Parade and a Pride Beach Party.

Bryan van Gorder usually writes about the places he's been or the famous people forced to talk to him.

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New Pride Events In The Caribbean Reflect Acceptance And Visibility - NewNowNext

THEY say everyones famous for 15 minutes but if youve got 43,000 in your account, you can live like the rich and famous for two weeks every year.

The ultra-exclusive Royal Westmoreland estate in Barbados where Wayne and Coleen Rooney, Joe Calzaghe and Andrew Flintoff own sprawling homes is inviting people to live the showbiz life by offering the chance to buy two weeks (or more) in one of their multi-million pound homes at a fraction of the full price.

The golfing resort, where holidaymakers pay upwards of 25,000 for a week in the Rooneys seven-bedroom villa, boasts one of the poshest addresses in the Caribbean and the views complete with monkeys jumping from palm tree to palm tree are divine.

Sir Cliff Richard, Denise van Outen and Gary Lineker are all regulars in the swish clubhouse or on the tennis courts.

I saw stars from Made In Chelsea sipping cocktails at the laidback Mullins Beach Bar, and Jeremy Clarkson and James May were spotted drinking their famous rum punches a few days later.

Its easy to see what draws the in-crowd to the sun-drenched island.

Barbados is around 300 square miles of breathtaking contrasts, with the Atlantic Ocean sending waves crashing against the rugged cliffs of the less-populated east coast, less than an hours drive away.

While fine dining restaurants and trendy cocktail bars abound, one of the highlights of any week spent in Barbados is a Friday night at Oistins Fish Fry, where locals, celebrities and tourists head for the ultimate street food experience and rub shoulders late into the night.

Delivered from the tiny boats that drop anchor just a few feet away, fish really doesnt come any fresher than from these makeshift market stalls.

And if youve spent the day in the turquoise sea as I did, swimming with turtles and sipping mojitos mixed by the Cool Runnings catamaran captain, a no-frills plate of grilled mahi-mahi and mouthwatering macaroni pie completes what could well be the perfect day.

But while the Fish Fry might be one of Rihannas favourite nights out, the eye-wateringly expensive The Cliff is the number one spot on the celebrity circuit.

We went for drinks at the recently opened Cliff Beach Club an achingly-cool addition where the prices are more reasonable and you can dance the night away under a canopy of cream sails and glitterballs as fish swim up to the decking below.

Foodies should also take in magical Tides restaurant in Holetown the favourite haunt of Royal Westmorelands owner, John Morphet.

He has already started building homes on a 500-acre plot next to his own sprawling estate, which will also accommodate a second world-class golf course.

He said: Barbados is probably the friendliest place on earth and the special thing about Royal Westmoreland is that it doesnt matter if youre a billionaire businessman, pop star or just a regular family here on holiday.

You enjoy exactly the same treatment and that makes it an incredibly relaxed and special place to be.

I want more people to experience that.

Some of the new properties he is building will offer a surprisingly affordable way of owning a luxury home.

Shares in a fabulous four-bedroom Royal Palm Villa, complete with infinity pool and golf buggy for nipping to and from the estates popular rum shack, start from 81,000 for two weeks in low season every year for life.

The only problem I can see is that a fortnight just isnt long enough.

WHILE we dont all have the spending power of Wayne and Coleen Rooney, it is still possible to enjoy a fabulous Barbadian break on a much more down-to-earth budget.

As the endless pictures of the footballer and his offspring show, Barbados fabulous beaches are open to all.

Whether you are splashing out 25,000 a week renting an eight-bedroom villa or enjoying the more humble pleasure of a 3H hotel away from the coast, everyone gets to enjoy the soft white sands.

The western coast beaches are best for classic Caribbean scenery and gentle waves.

Mullins Beach is one of the most popular with a shack behind it selling beer, rum and ice cream.

The rather more upmarket Mullins Beach Bar is a great place to watch the sun set over a more substantial meal.

Also on the west coast, Gibbes Beach is a little bit of a starspotters gem.

Fringed by mega mansions, you may share the 300-yard arc of soft sand with villa owners such as Michael Flatley.

But to truly mix with the locals, head down to Miami Beach, also known as Enterprise Beach, outside the fishing village of Oistins.

Getty Images

Barbadians gather here at weekends and at sunrise and sunset to jog along the sand.

Its not great for swimming as the main beach can attract the rolling surf and bigger waves but enjoying a Bajan fishcake from Mr Delicious Snack Bar is a must.

If you want to splash out on one mega-meal while youre on the island, head to The Cliff on the west coast where you can spot manta rays swimming under the impossibly romantic terrace.

Also popular with the stars but surprisingly welcoming for all is Daphnes right on Paynes Bay Beach offering classic Italian favourites with a Caribbean twist.

Rooney and his family are often seen enjoying the incredible watersports on offer from the islands beaches.

Spyswatersports.com offers flyboard and hoverboard rentals, as well as waterskiing and paddle boards.

For a more relaxed way to enjoy the crystal clear waters, check out Cool Runnings (coolrunningsbarbados.com) which offers a variety of cruises, giving you the chance to either chill with a cocktail as the sun sets, swim with sea turtles or snorkle a shipwreck with colourful tropical fish.

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Visit the Caribbean island that A-list celebrities love and it'll cost less than you'd expect - The Sun