Monthly Archives: June 2021

Now that many Caribbean islands have reopened their borders to US travelers*, there will undoubtedly be a surge of Americans seeking white sand beaches, sparkling turquoise waters and the laid-back tranquility of a luxurious island getaway.

While the pandemic restricted our ability to travel freely, many of us have also missed the simple pleasure of dining out. The massive disruption to the global tourism industry forced restaurants to adapt to new realities. Fortunately, all across the Caribbean, travelers can now dine safely and comfortably.

In recent years, several highly acclaimed chefs from around the world have opened restaurants on popular island destinationsmarrying their signature style and trademark cuisine with all the diverse flavors, locally grown produce, and bounty of fresh seafood that the Caribbean is famous for. The result? Some incredibly unique dining experiences that you wont want to miss on your next trip to paradise.

Here are seven exceptional island eateries helmed by celebrity chefs that are open to American tourists (a few even debuted during the pandemic). The summer of hedonism is callinggo forth and indulge (safely, of course).

(*in some cases, there may be entry requirements based on the destination)

Photo: courtesy Michael Pisarri

In March 2021, a new concept led by superstar chef Daniel Boulud was introduced at Rosewood Baha Mar in Nassau. With sister restaurants in Palm Beach, Toronto and The Berkshires, Caf Boulud offers upscale traditional French cuisine in a sophisticated settingcoupled with the warm, approachable hospitality of a neighborhood caf. Chef Boulud worked closely with area producers, fishermen and suppliers to develop the unique menu, ensuring the offerings accurately reflect the Bahamian destination and match the seasonality of the Caribbean. Guests can expect some of the more popular dishes found at Bouluds other esteemed restaurants, along with locally grown vegetables and supremely fresh seafood such as rock lobster, conch ceviche, salt fish and red snapper.

Photo: courtesy NaCl

The Caribbeans first restaurant from Best of the Best winner Edward Lee is inspired by one of lifes most fundamental building blocks: NaCl (the chemical abbreviation for salt). Located within the lavish Hodges Bay Resort Antigua, this fine dining stunner delivers technique-driven dishes that are exquisite in both taste and presentation. Lee, a former Top Chef-testant and nine-time James Beard Award nominee, serves an inventive dinner menu featuring high-end cuts of prime aged meat and the freshest seafood infused with global flavors, local produce and Caribbean spices. To complement your meal, try a recommendation from the resident rum sommelier or one of the expert mixologists behind the bar.

Photo: courtesy XT for sbe/Disruptive Restaurant Group

Eighth-generation Italian master butcher, Dario Cecchini, opened this sophisticated steakhouselocated next to the SLS Baha Mar resortthat showcases some of the finest cuts of meat in the world. The celebrity meat maestro (also known for his larger-than-life personality) sources steaks directly from farmers in the most prominent localesincluding Catalonia, Spain, and his hometown in Tuscany. Here, meats are dry rubbed with Cecchinis signature sea salt blend, cooked on a charcoal grill to fully express the flavor profiles and served tableside. Specialties include Chianti Wagyu beef tartare (with truffle aioli, watercress, and quail egg yolk), a 32-ounce 21-day dry aged Angus Tuscan porterhouse and a 54-ounce wood grilled and boiled Wagyu Tomahawk. With a focus on top quality and all-natural ingredients, Carna also offers fresh seafood, seasonal vegetables and an extensive international wine list.

Photo: courtesy Liz Clayman

Michelin-starred chef Jos Andrss newest fine dining eatery at The Cove in Atlantis offers a premium selection of responsibly sourced seafood that creatively pays homage to traditional Bahamian cuisine and the ocean surrounding the islands.

Celebrated for his humanitarian efforts as much as his culinary prowess, Andrss menu underscores the resorts dedication to protecting the ocean. Spotlighting sustainability, the restaurants signature dish is fried local lionfisha species that tastes divine, yet has been severely damaging to Bahamian coral reefs. Andrsalso an avid fisherman and deep sea diveris committed to hunting this invasive fish to help the reefs and marine life continue to flourish. Additionally, a portion of the cost from this dish will be donated to the Atlantis Blue Project Foundation, the resorts non-profit organization dedicated to saving marine species and their extraordinary habitats. Fish will officially reopen on June 18th exclusively for dinner with a newly appointed executive chef working in collaboration with Andrs.

Photo: courtesy Jeanne Le Menn

Following a major two-year renovation and rebuilding in the wake of Hurricane Irma, Eden Rock at St. Barths emerged more glamorous than ever. Sand Bar is at the culinary heart of this iconic resort, featuring a laid-back island vibe and refined cuisine masterminded by Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. A range of gourmet dishesincluding exotic salads, homemade whole-wheat pizzas, fresh local seafood and inspired interpretations of classicsare offered for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Representing St Barths unique character, the restaurant overlooks the beautiful Baie de St. Jeana picturesque setting to savor a meal or sip a refreshing beverage while taking in stunning seaside views.

Photo: courtesy Nobu

Global culinary icon Nobu Matsuhisas famed restaurant, Nobu, is one of the finest dining establishments in the Caribbean, located at Atlantis Paradise Island. Nobu devotees can expect the beloved restaurant empires trademark gourmet Japanese fare, but with Bahamian twists and local ingredients that are unique to this locationeverything from roasted Bahamian lobster and wood-fired Wagyu beef to cracked conch and Nobu-style ceviche. Executive chef Felice Rubio (who has worked with Nobu all over the world) even created a Nobu at Atlantis riff on traditional fish and chips made with native lionfish and specialty seasonings to complement the Asian flavors. Pro tip: Take a tour of Nobus hidden jewel (the sake cellar) and try the brand new housemade sakes with a Bahamian spininfused with pineapple or mixed berries and steeped for several days.

Photo: courtesy Marcus at Baha Mar Fish + Chop House

Six-time James Beard Award-winning chef Marcus Samuelsson is upping the ante on Baha Mars already impressive culinary lineup. Debuting on July 12th, Marcus at Baha Mar Fish + Chop House will celebrate Samuelssons deep-rooted passion for exploring flavorsfrom sourcing the freshest local ingredients and Bahamian seafood to sharing his creative takes on comfort food classics. Spirited signature dishes include an extensive selection of locally caught fishraw and curedalong with several preparations of conch, the national dish of The Bahamas. Work from prominent Bahamian artists is displayed throughout the vibrant dining room and a rooftop cocktail bar, Marcus Up Top, will feature live nightly entertainment from local DJs and musicians set against spectacular sunset viewsa truly special day-to-night dining destination.

View original post here:

Heading to the Caribbean? Dont Miss These 7 Celebrity Chef-Driven Restaurants - Robb Report

One of the Disturbances, Invest 95-L near the African coast, has a 30 percent chance of developing into a tropical depression.

The National Hurricane Center is busy Saturday evening tracking two disturbances in the Atlantic, including a disturbance off the coast of Africa that could move into the Caribbean next week.

Neither disturbance has a high chance of strengthening over the next five days, but Invest 95-L (Disturbance 1 near Africa) has a 20 percent chance of forming into a tropical depression in the next two days, and a 30 percent chance of development in the next five days.

If Invest 95-L does develop into a tropical depression, models show it could move into the Caribbean or turn north and continue through the Atlantic. However, forecast models have not yet been consistent.

Invest 95-L will also encounter some dry air, which could make it difficult for the storm to develop.

The disturbances are currently about 400 miles south-southwest of the Cabo Verde Island, moving west at 15-20 mph.

The other area being watched is Disturbance 2, which is located a couple of hundred miles north of Bermuda.

This system is moving westward at 10-15 mph and has just a 10-percent chance of further development.

The NHC says the disturbance is producing a broad area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms, but some slow development could occur while the system moves west.

What other people are reading right now:

Breaking news and weather alerts:Get the free 10 Tampa Bay app

The rest is here:

NHC tracking 2 tropical disturbances. One could move into the Caribbean - WTSP.com

Join us for the launchof the Caribbean Public Health Law Forum on Wednesday, 30 June 2021, from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm (Barbados time).

The Caribbean Public Health Law Forum ('the Forum') is being jointly convened by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Caribbean Court of Justice Academy for Law (CAFL), as the Caribbeans first virtual network of Government officials, attorneys-at-law, public health personnel and other distinguished professionals, focused on the use of law to tackle public health challenges, notably noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and their risk factors.

In this official virtual launch of the Forum,members representing various regional and subregional organizations in health and/or law, civil society organizations , academia and Member States will discuss the significance of the Forum and its expected outcomes.

In the Caribbean, NCDs such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer and chronic respiratory diseases, along with their four shared risk factors of tobacco use, harmful use of alcohol, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity, remain leading causes of mortality, morbidity and disability. Law has been identified, both internationally and regionally in several mandates, as having a central role to play in addressing NCDs and their risk factors. The Forum is expected to accelerate implementation of public health measures which require legal and regulatory action, and enhance knowledge-sharing, capacity-building and cooperation across the Caribbean. Ultimately, the Forum envisages the emergence of a regional culture of using law to address public health issues.

For other cities, check the time in the following link

This event has been produced with the help of a grant managed by the International UnionAgainst Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union) and funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies. The content of this event is the sole responsibility of the authors and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of The Union or the Bloomberg Philanthropies.

Link:

Launch of the Caribbean Public Health Law Forum - Pan American Health Organization

In countries such as the UK and the US, Black and Brown people continue to be underserved by education systems and are more likely to leave school early without adequate qualifications for higher education or well-paid employment. This phenomenon is often linked to the White dominated environment in which they live. S. Joel Warrican draws a parallel between the plight of minority groups in these larger countries and in the Caribbean. He suggests that though they are in the majority in the Caribbean, Black and Brown people are still affected by the legacy of the regions White colonial past, where deeply entrenched education structures are maintained, even in the face of evidence of their harmful effects on todays students.

There is a crisis in the education systems in the Caribbean, and like elsewhere, certain groups in society are harder hit than others. In places such as the UK and the US, where Whites are the dominant group, Black and Brown children and youth are most likely to be the ones negatively affected by injustices in education systems. In 2017, a UK study reported that Black Caribbean students were performing below the national average. The report also presented a list of 24 factors that contribute to the low achievement of Black Caribbean students there, including (1) Headteachers poor leadership on equality issues, (2) Institutional racism, (3) Stereotyping, (4) Teachers low expectations, (5) Curriculum relevance and barriers, and (6) Lack of targeted support. The argument is that these students may not be achieving at the low level because of a lack of ability, but rather because of factors linked to inequities in the school system.

The story appears to be somewhat similar in the US. Evidence from a 2015 study suggests that Black students, including those with Caribbean connections, in US schools achieve at a much lower level than their White counterparts, especially in schools with a high density of Black students. This is apparently true even though the perception is that in recent years, achievement among Black students has been rising, but it is still lower than that of White students. One report suggested that in some states, the gap in achievement is not because the White students are performing at a particularly high level (their achievement is generally at the national average), but because Black students achievement is particularly low. A suggested explanation for this is that national achievement tests do not take into account cultural and linguistic backgrounds of Black youth in the US.

In the Caribbean, we are also aware of the possible negative fallout from assessment practices. Here, where the population is predominantly Black and Brown, unlike in the UK and the US, the negative impact is not always easily linked to race, but more to social class. Students from a working-class background are more likely to be disadvantaged and to achieve at a much lower level than those from more privileged backgrounds. Consider the following.

In the Commonwealth Caribbean (former British colonies), students in primary/elementary schools usually cap off this stage of education with an exit examination (known by names such as common entrance, 11-plus, and primary exit assessment). The results of these assessments are used for entry to secondary school, with the students with the highest scores being assigned to the most prestigious schools (those with British grammar-school-like histories). Year after year, these assessments come under scrutiny and criticism. Unsatisfactory results in student achievement often lead to calls to abandon this form of assessment, as it is recognised that generally, it is students from working-class homes who perform poorly on these examinations. In addition, these students are also, based on their results, assigned to the less prestigious, under-resourced secondary schools, continuing their trajectory of failure.

The outlook is even more grim among students exiting secondary level education. In the region, these students write Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations administered by the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC). The CARICOM Human Resource Development 2030 Strategy observes that the CSEC examination which serves the regions top academic students well, does not address the needs of the majority of students in the system. The report went on to state that:

only about 30 percent of the eligible age cohort is permitted to write CSEC examinations annually, and of that group, only 25 percent achieve five passes or more including Mathematics and English Language, while 25 percent obtain no passes in subjects. Passes in Mathematics and English Language are compulsory for entry into most tertiary education programmes. However, only very small percentages of students pursue many of the CSEC technical subjects such as Information Technology and the sciences that could lead to better employment opportunities upon graduation(p. 29).

It will come as no surprise to learn that the majority of the students who are not allowed to write these examinations or who perform poorly, are from working-class backgrounds. While many reasons are given for this poor showing (for example, poor cognitive ability, lack of interest in education, laziness, absence of parental guidance and interest), I believe that there is something else that is being overlooked or minimised. To me, what is not being given sufficient attention is the unjust, marginalising and debilitating systems of education that oppress and depress students whose language, culture, and values do not reflect those of the dominant White, male, middle-class ideals of modern education.

You may be wondering at this point why, in the Caribbean where we have already acknowledged the prevalence of Black and Brown populations, I am making reference to an education system that is White dominated. The answer is in a well-known Commonwealth Caribbean fact: the legacy of colonialism. The systems of education which prevails in the English-speaking Caribbean are firmly grounded in foundations established by the colonisers who set them up to serve their own interests, even in their absence. Linked to these systems is an approach to assessment that maintains a strong bias in favour of students from middle- and upper-class backgrounds; those whose value systems are more closely matched to those of the colonisers. It is noteworthy that this approach to assessment emerged from the work of the renowned (and later, disgraced) British psychologist, Cyril Burt, whose work was used by some to attempt to prove that Black and Brown people are intellectually inferior to Whites.

Despite the growing evidence of the harmful effects of assessment practices that do not take into account the background and needs of the students, education authorities across the region seem extremely reluctant to let them go, and a strong examination culture persists across the Commonwealth Caribbean. The argument that these high-stakes examinations are the fairest way of objectively assessing students continues to be put forward, and the injustice of a system that dehumanises and disempowers large proportions of the regions youth seems to be overlooked. Indeed, the actions of regional education authorities are similar to those displayed in countries with a dominant White culture, where moral licensing is evident. Moral licensing is a phenomenon where, having done a good deed, persons believe that this can counteract other less noble deeds. This seems apt in the Caribbean context.

Rather than seeking to dismantle education systems that disadvantage so many students in the region, education authorities introduce superficial good deeds that they indicate are designed to improve the educational lot of the many marginalised students. They provide enough places in secondary schools; they fiddle with the curriculum to introduce new content; they provide tablets for those who do not have them; they sponsor teachers to access professional development. All good deeds. But they do nothing about the underlying system that forces teachers to teach to the examinations, nor do anything to implement alternative approaches to assessment that do not depend on high stakes one-shot examinations. They seem to surmise that, with all the provisions that they are making, if students do not succeed, it must be because they and their parents are not making good use of the resources. Injustice? What injustice?

So, when we think of injustice for Black students in white-dominated countries such as UK and the US, we may think that Black and Brown students in the Caribbean would fare better in a context in which they are the majority. Unfortunately, there is no haven here for them.

Please read our comments policy before commenting.

Note: This article gives the views of the author, and not the position of USAPP American Politics and Policy, nor the London School of Economics.

Shortened URL for this post:https://bit.ly/3A7YiD8

S. Joel Warrican The University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus, BarbadosS. Joel Warrican is a Professor of Education (Language, Literacy and Cross-Linguistic Studies). His research focus is on comparative education, multiculturalism and multilingualism, colonialism and education change. His research has appeared in journals such as Journal of Education for Teaching: International Research and Pedagogy, Teachers College Record, Teaching and Teacher Education, Reading Psychology, Journal of Curriculum Studies, and The High School Journal. He has authored several books including The Complete Caribbean Teacher: Literacy.

Read this article:

Students of color in the Caribbean share the same plight as counterparts in white dominated countries. - USAPP American Politics and Policy (blog)

Cruising is back sort of. As cruise lines around the world take their first unsteady steps toward a return to post-pandemic normalcy, the relaunch of a newly refurbished Windstar ship seems to exemplify the complexities of cruising in this moment.

Windstar's Star Breeze, a 300-passenger ship that's just emerged from a dramatic makeover that involved splitting it in half and adding a new section,returned to service for the first time post-pandemic on Saturday. She is outfitted with 50 additional cabins and sleek new restaurants elements that would be big news in the cruise world, and cause for celebration without the backdrop of a global pandemic.

The Caribbean, however, wasn't exactly ready to welcome the ship back. The problem? While all passengers were vaccinated a cruise line requirement some of its crew, which have been with the ship since its dry dock makeover in Sicily, were not.

This led three of the four Caribbean destinations on the ship's four-country inaugural itinerary St-Barthlemy, Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands to deny entry to the Star Breeze. SintMaarten, the fourth, allowed the ship to sail from its port in Philipsburg on June 19, and return there after the cruise is complete on June 26.

The islands' stances are understandable. Some of the first ships to set sail since the beginning of the pandemic immediately found COVID-19 cases onboard including a high-profile incident on the Celebrity Millennium, one of the first megaships to re-enter service on June 6. In that case, two passengers tested positive, even though all guests over 16 were required to have the COVID-19 vaccine. Given that vaccines don't provide 100% protection against COVID-19, some cases like this were inevitable on cruise ships and everywhere else.

But in a region where just a few COVID-19 cases can quickly overwhelm hospitals, and where vaccines have been less readily available than in the United States, some Caribbean islands weren't taking any chances. To use one cruise destination as an example, 26% of people in the British Virgin Islands are currently fully vaccinated against COVID-19, compared with 45% of Americans, according to the New York Times. The archipelago's 30,000 residents are served by a single hospital, which is equipped with eight ventilators.

Here, and in many other Caribbean destinations, there are risks that go along with allowing even vaccinated cruise ship passengers to visit. These seem especially significant when you consider that some Caribbean island ports, pre-pandemic, would see up to a dozen cruise ships each day, some carrying up to 5,400 guests.

Onboard the Windstar Star Breeze, about 80 guests including more than 20 journalists covering the relaunch set sail from Philipsburg, SintMaarten without knowing where they were, or if, they would be able to go ashore.

They knew in advance that the trip would face at least some disruption: the line called all guests prior to the sailing and informed them that the planned itinerary would likely not be possible. As a result, Windstar offered the sailing to guests for free, and allowed them to use the dollars they'd spent on the Star Breeze's inaugural voyage on a future cruise.

Most guests, with no money to lose, and when presented with the opportunity to see a mostly-new ship on its first voyage, decided to attend anyway.

"The majority of the guests said, 'OK, we're coming,' said Windstar president Christopher Prelog, who was onboard the ship for the Star Breeze inaugural sailing. "And it was a pretty good success. And that was the objective," he said.

Two days into the Star Breeze's seven-day Caribbean itinerary, which was supposed to have included trips to the blue waters of the Baths on Virgin Gorda, and high-end shopping Gustavia, St-Barthlemy, the itinerary still appeared to be in flux. The captain's announcements indicated that the line's staff was still trying to find a place for the ship to go into port, but wasn't having much luck.

The problem? A patchwork of local and regional guidelines that are interpreted and implemented differently by each country.

"There are islands that are closed," said Prelog, describing the situation that has impacted the Star Breeze's inaugural sailing. "Whether you're vaccinated or not, Anguilla is closed. There are other islands that are about to open up, but are still closed. St. Barths is one of them. "

With St. Barth's giving mixed signals, the Star Breeze circled at sea for a few days before returning to Sint Maarten, where guests were allowed to go ashore for excursions but only if they followed distancing and mask-wearing guidelines.

All guests on the Star Breeze and on all of Windstar's ships are required to show proof of vaccination to board. Additionally, a nasal swab rapid COVID-19 test is administered by the cruise line to each guest on the pier immediately before boarding. Once guests board the ship, they are unable to leave unless they're part of a cruise-line-sanctioned shore excursion that maintains this tenuous vaccination 'bubble.'That means that people who like to explore independently in port on Windstar and on other lines won't have the option to do so for the time being. It's unclear how long these kinds of protocols will be in place on Windstar and across the industry, and will depend on a the same patchwork of varying local requirements that have impacted the itinerary itself.

The mood onboard, however, remained positive.

"The ship has been wonderful," said Star Breeze passenger Cindy Waldrop of Savannah, Georgia. "The itinerary change has not been that big of a deal. I just enjoy the chance to get away and cruise again."

Cindy and her husband Lou who typically sail on Holland America decided to book the Star Breeze inaugural at least partly because it was one of the first ships back at sea after an unprecedented industry pause caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. When Windstar called two days ahead of sailing to inform them of the itinerary disruption, they didn't consider canceling, and have been pleased with their experience despite the change.

"They've gone out of their way to make me feel content and happy," said Cindy Waldrop.

Windstar has already made plans to remedy the issue that ultimately hobbled the Star Breeze inaugural its partially unvaccinated crew members.

Prelog said that, following the inaugural voyage, the ship will be sailing to Puerto Rico on June 28, where the line has secured enough vaccines to cover the remaining unvaccinated members of its crew. They'll be given the Johnson & Johnson shot a more convenient option than the two-dose vaccineswhen your home is a cruise ship that's in a different place every day. "I understand that the islands need to get their populations vaccinated first. So we had to wait," said Prelog.

The line has canceled two itineraries, on June 26 and July 3, to accommodate the vaccination effort. Sailings will resume on July 10. Guests who booked the canceled itineraries will be given vouchers worth 125% of their original booking or a full refund.

Still, even with a vaccinated crew, that doesn't guarantee that future sailings will go fully uninterrupted. With COVID-19 still impacting the globe, cruising like all travel is still a long way from normal.

Laura Motta traveled on Windstar's Star Breeze by invitation.

See more here:

As cruising restarts in the Caribbean, the pandemic ensures it's not all smooth sailing - Lonely Planet Travel News

The View from EuropeDavid Jessop

Can the Caribbean avoid being caught up in the accelerating east-west struggle for global influence? Is the region likely to find itself in a bidding war, dancing to the rhythm of dollar diplomacy, as Jamaicas former Prime Minister, Bruce Golding, has suggested?

Reading the communiqu from the recently held G7 summit, it is hard to avoid the conclusion that the consensus arrived at by wealthy western nations on relations with China and Russia, the promotion of shared values, and investment in post pandemic economic recovery, will not be used to attempt to seduce the region.

Although the meeting held in Englands far Southwest touched on multiple issues, it is the future approach agreed towards China and its Belt and Road Initiative, and on corporate taxation which will likely become the most complex future issues that Caribbean governments must now respond to.

Despite differences between the US and EU about the detail, there was, according to US officials, a common recognition of the threat China posed.

In the final communiqu and at subsequent press conferences, it was made clear by President Biden and others that the G7 intend trying to counter Chinas growing global influence. Their objective is to offset its economic rise by offering developing nations an alternative infrastructure plan. This is intended to rival Beijings 2013 Belt and Road infrastructure and trade Initiative in which Jamaica, Trinidad, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and many other nations are already participating.

The plan, President Biden said, is to create a values-driven, high-standard, transparent financing mechanism that will provide and support projects in four key areas: climate, health, digital technology, and gender equity.

Reflecting this, the communiqu makes clear that the G7 will continue to consult with its international partners on what it describes as competition in the global economy and collective approaches to challenging non-market policies and practices. The document links such new initiatives to spelt out concerns about respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

The approach is a belated recognition that Chinas rise to global economic preeminence is likely, and a fear that its values, system of government, and growing military strength may eclipse the global reach and influence of the US and its G7 partners: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan, plus the European Union.

Although the details of the G7s proposed Build Back Better World Partnership initiative have yet to be spelt out, it would appear to involve in the first instance the creation of a high level G7 committee to consider according to President Biden, how to meet the more than US$40 trillion needed for infrastructure in the developing world.

The emphasis will be on infrastructure investment in low- and middle-income countries and in Africa. It will also involve other nations in seeking to orient development finance tools to address climate change; health systems and security; digital solutions; and advance gender equality and education. It will involve, the communiqu suggests, strategic partnerships that are market led, involve private sector capital, and support from national and development financing institutions.

After the summit, President Biden chose to place the initiative in the context of a contest not with China per se, but with autocrats, autocratic governments around the world, as to whether or not democracies can compete with them in the rapidly changing 21st century.

The inference is that by placing support in the context of values and competition for influence, the G7s leaders and those attending a subsequent NATO meeting have begun to frame the parameters of a new sort of cold war.

Chinas response has been rapid and unequivocal. As a group composed of developed countries, the G7 should contribute more to helping developing countries accelerate their development rather than drive conflicts and divergences to disrupt the process of global economic recovery, Chinas Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Wang Wenbin, told a press briefing in Beijing. Any attempt to meddle in Chinas internal affairs, undermine Chinas sovereignty, or tarnish Chinas image in disregard of basic norms of international relations is doomed to fail he added.

Writing recently in the Jamaica Observer about a coming cold war, former Prime Minister Golding, recognized the problem the G7s new thinking poses for the Caribbean. He noted that Washington is almost certain to insist on loan, grant and investment conditions designed to discourage recipient countries from engagement with Chinas Belt and Road. Observing the significantly greater leverage the US has in the region, he suggested that the Caribbean needs to start thinking now about how it responds to this new struggle between two economic superpowers with both of which we have comfortably enjoyed such good relations.

At their meeting, the G7 also agreed to continue trying to reach consensus on a global minimum tax of at least 15% on a country-by-country basis through the G20 and OECD, with the objective of reaching agreement this July when G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meet.

The measure is aimed, the US says, at reversing a 40-year race to the bottom in relation to where tax liability is due. However, the initiative potentially threatens to undercut Caribbean fiscal sovereignty, every economy in a region where countries attract investment through low corporate taxation and tax holidays, and end legitimate business structured through the regions offshore financial centers. In doing so, it raises serious questions about future Caribbean growth, sustainability, job creation and the ability to fund education, health care and social provision, at just the moment the region is struggling to address worsening pandemic related indebtedness.

How quickly any of what the G7 has proposed will materialize, remains to be seen. This is because of the sheer complexity of implementation, its financing, and maintaining unanimity, when a possible return to Trumpist, America first unilateralism in 2025 has begun to be factored into medium term thinking in Europe about China, global trade, and US reliability.

By virtue of its location, smallness and need for development, the Caribbean will continue to struggle to be the mistress of its own destiny unless it can achieve unity of purpose, new thinking, a clear vision, and real-time execution. The coming chill in relations between the West and China will make finding solutions to the problems the region faces more challenging.

These are the themes that this column will now explore as after 26 years of continuous publication it moves from being weekly to monthly.

David Jessop is a consultant to the Caribbean Council and can be contacted atdavid.jessop@caribbean-council.org

Previous columns can be found at https://www.caribbean-council.org/research-analysis/

Visit link:

Difficult choices for the Caribbean - Dominican Today

Late last night, Disney World Guests riding Pirates of the Caribbean witnessed one of the boats derail off track.

Related: Pirates of Caribbean Animatronic Reportedly Topples Over, Attraction Closed

Sams Disney Diary (@samsdisneydiary) took to Instagram to share a handful of photos showing the boat on Pirates of the Caribbean off the track last night:

Pirates of the Caribbean is pretty amazing.. but Pirates DOWN is a sight to see! Check out these photos WE CAPTURED from a boat off the rails this evening at #magickingdom#piratesofthecaribbean #pirates #magickingdom #ridebreakdown #thisjustin #samsdisneydiary #thedisneynerdspodcast

From the looks of the images shared by Sams Disney Diary, it looks like the boat derailed near the last scene of the ride, where Guests see Jack Sparrow sitting surrounded by gold and treasure.

It appears no one was seriously injured. At this time, we do not know what caused the boat to derail, but Inside the Magic will update you as we get information.

Related: Pirates of the Caribbean to Receive Construction Work Soon

Pirates of the Caribbean is considered to be a classic attraction at the Disney Parks. In case you have never had the chance to ride it, the official Disney World website describes this classic attraction as:

Board a weathered barge for a treacherous voyage to the 17th century, when rowdy rogues and ruthless rapscallions ransacked Caribbean seaport towns. Sing along as pirates serenade you with their anthem, Yo Ho, Yo Ho (A Pirates Life for Me).

Sail past haunted Dead Mans Cove. Navigate cannon fire between a Caribbean fort and a striking 12-gun galleon. Behold boisterous buccaneers drunk on the spoils of plunderin as flames engulf a seaside town.

Be sure to keep a spry eye out for Captain Jack Sparrow, fromThe Pirates of the Caribbeanmovies. Ye beware, mateys: Dead men tell no tales!

Related: Disney Fans Explore Hidden Rooms From the Pirates of the Caribbean Attraction

Is Pirates of the Caribbean a must-do for you and your family? Let us know in the comments below.

Continued here:

Pirates of the Caribbean Boat Derails Off Track - Inside the Magic

The West Indies are set to host Pakistan for a white-ball contest for 3 T20Is and 5 ODIs, starting 30 June.

The five-match ODI series will form part of a vital preparation for the two teams as they will face each other in the ICC Womens Cricket World Cup Qualifiers that are due to take place in Sri Lanka in December for one of the three remaining qualifying spots to secure a seat at the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup in New Zealand, 2022.

The West Indies Womens team will play at home after a gap of nineteen months due to the impact of Covid-19. They last played in the Caribbean in a bilateral series against India in November 2019 where they were handed a clinical 5-0 defeat.

The Cricket West Indies Director, Jimmy Adams laid emphasis on the grander scheme of things as the focus now is on the road to the 2022 Cricket World Cup.

This is a very significant home tour for our women and we are delighted that our counterparts at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have worked with us to arrange these two series despite all the challenges we face with COVID-19. West Indies continues to invest in our international Womens program by hosting extended High-Performance camps between tours, two of which have already been held this year, said Adams.

The series is also an important part of our preparation for the ICC Womens Cricket World Cup Qualifiers in December. Our goal post this Pakistan series, is to have our squad play against more international opposition and take part in our Regional Tournament before heading to the Qualifiers in Sri Lanka at the end of the year, added Adams.

Fixtures

T20I Series:

June 30: Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound

July 02: Coolidge Cricket Ground, Coolidge

July 04: Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound

ODI Series:

July 07: Coolidge Cricket Ground, Coolidge

July 09: Coolidge Cricket Ground, Coolidge

July 12: Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound

July 15: Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound

July 18: Coolidge Cricket Ground, Coolidge

Read the original:

Women's Cricket returns to the Caribbean as Pakistan tour of West Indies announced - International Cricket Council