World News

Celebrations and events were held around the world on Monday, 9 March to mark Commonwealth Day.

This year’s event was centred around the theme ‘Delivering a Common Future’, highlighting how the 54 member countries in the Commonwealth family are ‘innovating, connecting and transforming’ to help achieve some of its biggest goals - such as protecting natural resources and boosting trade.

Events to mark the occasion took place across five continents with the Commonwealth’s 2.4 billion citizens enjoying flag parades, church services, poetry mornings, dance performances and much more.

Queen Elizabeth II, Head of the Commonwealth, released a message to mark the occasion.

She touches on the theme of connectivity, mentioning how “advances in technology and modern media have now enabled many more people to witness and enjoy – with remarkable immediacy – the experience of Commonwealth connection, in areas such as education, medicine and conservation.”

She ended by saying: “On this Commonwealth Day I hope that the people and countries of the Commonwealth will be inspired by all that we share, and move forward with fresh resolve to enhance the Commonwealth’s influence for good in our world.”

The Queen joined Secretary-General Patricia Scotland at Westminster Abbey for a multi-faith service to celebrate the day.

Highlights included performances from West-End star, Alexandra Burke; and multi-platinum, multi-award winning singer-songwriter, Craig David.

World heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua also spoke at the service.

In her message the Secretary-General said: “Our great strength as a family of nations, and of peoples growing together organically, is our ability to evolve and adjust to changing circumstances – whether in the field of human rights, democracy or trade.”

She added: “An impressive example of how our member countries come together to pool knowledge and resources which deliver transformational change through innovation is the Commonwealth Blue Charter.

“It provides a dynamic framework within which our member countries commit to working together on ocean health and to use marine resources in sustainable ways.”

The Commonwealth has welcomed its 54th family member after Maldives' application for re-admission was approved.The Commonwealth has welcomed its 54th family member after Maldives' application for re-admission was approved.

The small island nation officially re-joined the Commonwealth on February 1, marking the end of a process that began in December 2018, when President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih wrote to the Commonwealth Secretary-General expressing the country’s interest in re-joining.

After due diligence, which included country assessment and consultations in accordance with the rules and procedures agreed by the Commonwealth Heads of Government in Kampala in 2007, Maldives has been re-admitted.

Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland, said: “I warmly congratulate Maldives on its successful application. We are delighted to welcome the country and its people back to the Commonwealth.

“The reform process underway in Maldives aligns with the values and principles of the Commonwealth and we encourage the nation to continue on this path.

“Commonwealth members were pleased to note these developments and are happy once again to count Maldives as a member of the family.

“Together we will support Maldives to realise its ambitions.”

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said: “As a young democracy, the Commonwealth’s foundational values of the promotion of democracy, human rights, good governance, multilateralism and world peace remain relevant to us more than ever.

“We gratefully acknowledge the support and help of the Commonwealth to the Maldivian democratic movement, and we look forward to the support of fellow member states to ensure the long term entrenchment of these values in our society.”

The assessment included two site visits to the country followed by positive feedback given by a Commonwealth Observer Group which was present for the Parliamentary Elections in April 2019.

Members subsequently agreed to invite Maldives to submit a formal application, which it did in December last year. The country presented evidence of functioning democratic processes as well as popular support for re-joining. The Secretary-General then consulted with all 53 Commonwealth members and received no objections.

The country will now be part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Kigali, Rwanda on June 22-28.

Its Ambassador to the UK now becomes its High Commissioner, signifying Commonwealth membership.

Maldives originally joined the Commonwealth in 1982, and withdrew its membership in 2016.

The Secretary-General will reassure Caribbean leaders that the Commonwealth will keep fighting for bold climate action on the global stage.

She will attend the inter-sessional conference of heads of government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in Barbados this week as a special guest. Of 15 CARICOM members, 12 are in the Commonwealth.

Secretary-General Patricia Scotland will highlight that despite ambitious pledges, countries are receiving limited funds to improve response to climate change.

She will also focus on how the climate crisis is destabilising economic growth leading to food insecurity, stressed resources and impaired livelihoods across the Commonwealth.

As of February 2019, less than a quarter of the $26 billion deposited for climate action has been disbursed, according to Climate Funds Update.

Patricia Scotland will brief Caribbean leaders on the current Commonwealth initiatives helping the region tackle the effects of climate change and external shocks such as disasters and financial crises. Examples are:

• The Commonwealth has helped five Caribbean countries access more than $27 million in funds to deal with climate change;
• All Caribbean member countries use the Commonwealth debt management software to manage their public and publicly guaranteed debt;
• The Commonwealth supported The Bahamas and Barbados to seek $550,000 each from UN-India fund. The Bahamian project will promote long-term public debt sustainability, which is crucial to achieving development goals. The Barbadian project will help more local suppliers engage with the supply of goods and services
• A forthcoming Commonwealth portal gives small states 24-hour access to information on key financing options such as loans to better manage the impacts of disasters; and
• A proposed Universal Vulnerability Index to build a global consensus on defining and assessing countries’ net vulnerability to economic and environmental shocks.

She said: “The Caribbean is increasingly bearing the brunt of frequent, long-lasting and intense weather patterns. This means that business-as-usual is no longer an option if the region’s beautiful islands and vibrant communities are to flourish and prosper for the benefit and enjoyment of future generations.”

Last October, the Secretary-General visited The Bahamas after a category five storm Hurricane Dorian devastated many of the nation’s islands. The storm claimed 73 lives and caused $3.4 billion in damage.

She added: “In Abaco, I met life-loving people who once had so much to look forward to yet had little left but debris.

“We owe it to these people forced to flee their homes and those who lost their entire life savings in a matter of seconds. We cannot afford to wait any longer to tackle the climate crisis.

“We will use every platform at every occasion to galvanise support for our small island developing states. We must step up urgent global action around the world to keep global warming under 1.5°C. The future of the region relies on this collective action.”

During her visit, Patricia Scotland will listen to Caribbean leaders and strategise with them as to how the Commonwealth can mobilise more tailored and practical assistance to the region.

She said: “The Commonwealth has been engaged with CARICOM from the beginning. Our partnership spans over 46 years working together on socio-economic issues and delivering initiatives to advance development in member countries.”

Secretary-General Scotland will also meet with Caribbean leaders, high commissioners and envoys of the international community.

As we entered a new decade of prominence, starts with the countdown to the next NIMOGSA (Nigeria Model Green States Awards) Environmental Awards in Nigeria which was established in 2010 as an annual campaign and awards. They are facilitating yet another ground-breaking event in 2020. The Awards are aimed at recognising policymakers, leaders and individuals that have shown proactive concerns in upholding the best and acceptable environmental practice methods. Practices that are liable to project Nigeria as a responsive environmental champion in the 21st century.

This experience will foster a convivial atmosphere for peace and unity. Sustainability Icons and Pioneers are periodically recognized and rewarded by a panel of judges during months of selection from nominees. This year's event will be at an Eco-glamorous green carpet location.

THE AIMS OF NIMOGSA GREEN AWARDS

* Encourage the efficient use of natural resources in the country.

* To improve environmental issues; policies and performance.

* To enhance the availability of governance through the competitiveness of organisations, agencies and the private sector

* To support the wider goals of UN environmental policies on sustainable development and cleaner nation.

* To create a safer, cleaner world.

The NIMOGSA Awards is Nigeria's leading environmental and sustainability award ceremony. Some of the previous winners include Lagos State, Edo State, Katsina State, Etisalat, Super Solar, Finetek, Kia Motors and many others.

The next edition will be held in March 2020 in Abuja, Nigeria and will be televised.

The primary aim of the NIMOGSA Awards is to facilitate the development of strong policies towards green issues, better environmental care and showcase the social relevance of keeping and safeguarding our communities.

NIMOGSA cordially invites environmentalist and green conservationists to submit their details and nominations for consideration not later than 20th January 2020. Final Nominations will be announced in February 2020.

Speaking about the Award, Ms Mary E Adikwu-Manzo, founder of NIMOGSA, said, “As part of Nigeria's 60th year of independence; this award ceremony will help bring to the forefront the issue of global warming and climate change which requires the attention of all mindful and meaningful people, towards creating a greener, healthier environment. We hope that this award ceremony creates an atmosphere where the people can unite more and exchange ideas, on initiatives that will help reduce our carbon footprint as a Nation".

As in previous events, NIMOGSA 2020 promises to be interesting, green and engrossing, as it celebrates rewarding environmental projects that demonstrate great vision, policies with positive impact, environmental guardianship and national spirit across the country.

The organisers also briefed Nigeria's Minister of Women Affairs on the strategic position and roles played by women in the country as well as the youths in combating damages to their environment and becoming ambassadors.

Updates will be provided via the NIMOGSA social media platforms, as well as through other accredited media partners, organisations and stakeholders. For partnership enquiries, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.mef.org.ng

2020 CATEGORIES ARE:

1. Eco-Friendly Buildings/Infrastructure Project of the year

2. Eco-Friendly Business of the year

3. Carbon Reduction Project of the year

4. Eco-Friendly Media of the year

5. Employee Engagement and Behavioural Change Initiative of the year

6. Energy Efficiency Project of the year

7. Environmental Management Leader of the year

8. Green Investor of the year

9. Green Product Innovation of the year

10. Emerging Sustainability Youth initiative of the year

11. State Sustainability and Community Project of the year

12. Water Management and Efficiency

13. Good Road Network and Transportation

14. Waste and Resource Management Initiative of the year.

15. Conservation of Wildlife Projects of the year

16. Pollution Emission Reduction Project Initiative of the year

17. Lifetime Achievement Award of the year

18. Online Media Blogger on Green Conservation of the Year

19. Best Educational Project of the year

20. Adherence to Environmental protection Policies of the year.

21. Media Reporter/Executive on Environmental Issues of the year

22. Environmental Awareness Campaign of the Year

MEF as an NGO is a founding partner of the NIMOGSA (which recognised outstanding individuals and organisations for their contributions to the protection of the environment and the promotion of sustainable developments), School Green Projects which support innovative, school green educational programmes, small-scale and locally driven entrepreneurs who integrate social and environmental benefits into their activities and entrepreneurial models.

Extinction Rebellion (XR) protesters may sue the Metropolitan Police after the protest ban was ruled illegal by the high court, said Dr Rupert Read, a spokesperson for XR and a lecturer at the University of East Anglia (UEA).

The ruling that was handed down said the section 14 order imposed on XR protesters last month was unlawful.

Dr Read, a reader in philosophy in UEA’s School of Politics, Philosophy, Language and Communication Studies, is also a spokesperson for Extinction Rebellion.

He said: “The ruling emphasises that assembly for peaceful purposes is not a crime.

“We are in an emergency. The right to peacefully assemble is therefore more crucial than ever. This judgement vindicates that right.”

The 2019 Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed who last year made peace with their bitter enemy, Eritrea.

Named as the winner of the 100th Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Dr Abiy was rewarded for his efforts to "achieve peace and international cooperation" in a deal which ended a 20-year military stalemate following their border war between 1998 and 2000.

With a total of 301 candidates being nominated for the prestigious award, including 223 individuals and 78 organisations, there was great speculation over who would win the prize, with climate activist Greta Thunberg widely tipped as the favourite.

Abiy Ahmed became prime minister of the east African country in April 2018, when he almost immediately introduced massive liberalising reforms as he shook up what was a tightly controlled nation.

He freed thousands of opposition activists from jail and allowed exiled dissidents to return home. Most importantly, he signed the peace deal with Eritrea.

But his reforms also lifted the lid on Ethiopia's ethnic tensions, and the resulting violence forced some 2.5 million people from their homes.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee said. That Dr Abiy was honoured for his "decisive initiative to resolve the border conflict with neighbouring Eritrea".

Continuing, they said: "The prize is also meant to recognise all the stakeholders working for peace and reconciliation in Ethiopia and in the East and Northeast African regions".

He will receive the award in the Norwegian capital in December.

In a speech during the United Nations General Assembly, United States President Donald Trump announced a “global call to protect religious freedom.”

His speech was the first time that a sitting US President has ever spoken on the issue of religious freedom at the UN.

“Religious freedom is a fundamental right that all countries are called to protect,” said Kelsey Zorzi, ADF International’s Director of Global Religious Freedom and President of the UN’s NGO Committee on Freedom of Religion or Belief.

“The President’s speech was an important and historic moment precisely because religious freedom is too often ignored or downplayed at the UN. At a time when persecution is on the rise and over 80% of the world’s population lives in countries with high restrictions on religious freedom, every country should make securing religious freedom a high priority.”

The goal of President Trump’s speech was to highlight and broaden international support for religious freedom. He spoke of increasing attacks on houses of worship and religious sites.

Over 150 foreign leaders, faith leaders, victims of persecution, and religious freedom activists attended for the President’s speech.

Vice President Mike Pence also gave an opening remark.

Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.”

Religious freedom has become a central pillar of US foreign policy. In July 2019, the State Department hosted over 100 foreign delegations and 1000 civil society members during its second Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom.

President Trump also met with more than 30 victims of persecution in the Oval Office at that time. He was expected to raise the issue with multiple heads of state in bilateral discussions during high-level week at the UN General Assembly.

The United States also hosted side events on the mass detention of Uyghur Muslims in China, and on the links between religious freedom and economic development.

The 74th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 74) opened in New York, on September 17, 2019.

Seventeen social care students from the University of Wolverhampton were on a trip of a lifetime to China to learn about and experience a range of social care settings in China.

The students, on Social Care, Public Health, Social Work and Health and Psychology courses, were hosted by Beijing Union University (BUU) as they found out about Chinese culture from an historical and contemporary context and the legal and policy context of social care there, in comparison with the UK.

Whilst there, they also visited sites including the Great Wall of China, Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.

Senior Lecturer in Social Care, at the University, Dr Martin Partridge, said: “This study tour to Beijing was very successful. Beijing Union University (BUU) was our host University where students experienced mixing with Chinese students while staying in student accommodation.

“Students were able to gain an understanding of the culture while learning about many aspects of social care and health. Both the lectures and the tour visits were enjoyed by all and evening activities such as KTV-karaoke was a chance to relax and have a bit of fun.”

It was reported that filmmaker, Tyler Perry, used his own private jet to transport relief supplies to the Bahamas to help the thousands who were devastated by Hurricane Dorian.

The writer, actor, director and producer, who, himself, owns a 25-acre island in the Bahamas, was also said to have seven people, including children and a pregnant woman, rescued to receive medical attention.

The Category 5 storm, which destroyed homes and properties, was said to have claimed some 50-plus civilians, with anywhere of up to 70,000 people who became homeless.

Noted for films and TV shows including; ‘Why Did I Get Married?’ ‘Diary of a Mad Black Woman’ and ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows’, was so moved by the plight of the people of the Abaco Islands that he posted on his Instagram feed;

“To all the incredible people of the Bahamas who have welcomed me and called me an adoptive son, I want you to know that I am watching closely, and as soon as I can, I will be there to do whatever I can to help you rebuild stronger and better. You’re not only in my heart and my prayers, you’re in my blood. God bless you. Stay Bahamas strong. The sun will shine again [sic]”.

After posting the message, Perry, 50 - who Forbes list as the highest paid man in entertainment - sent his Gulfstream III jet plane made several trips, carrying necessities such as water, juice, diapers, sleeping bags, hygiene products, and much more.

Having initially lost contact the Vikram lander module from the Indian Moon mission was finally located on the lunar surface.

The Vikram lander of Chandrayaan-2 (Sanskrit for ‘Moon Vehicle) was due to land in the lunar South Pole region, but the space agency lost touch with it on Saturday as it made its final approach to deploy a rover to search for signs of water.

After a lengthy in-depth search, ISRO (Indian Space and Research Organisation) chair, K. Sivan, was quoted as saying that cameras from the Moon mission's orbiter had located the lander. He added that: “It must have been a hard landing.”

The lunar rover was supposed to help scientists better understand the origin and evolution of the Moon through studying the area's topography and minerals.

This was India's second mission – the first lunar mission in 2008 (Chandrayaan-1) did not land on the Moon, but it did detect ice in the frigid shadows of craters at the lunar poles.

A successful landing would have made India just the fourth country to land a vessel on the lunar surface, and only the third to operate a robotic rover there.

The space agency said the lander’s descent was normal until 2 kilometres (1.2 miles) from the lunar surface.

The roughly $140m Chandrayaan-2 mission was intended to study permanently shadowed moon craters that are thought to contain water deposits that were confirmed by the Chandrayaan-1 mission in 2008.

As our hearts goes out to the people of Bahamas, Hurricane Dorian have been catastrophic on the Island of Bahamas killing at least seven people, destroying as many homes during its path of dark destruction through the Bahamas this past weekend.

Despite been downgraded to a category 2 Hurricane, it came to a grinding halt on Tuesday morning as the Bahamas came to a virtual standstill after days of howling winds of up to 175mp with fierce rain where it battered the Island with a Category 5 status the strongest in history of a Atlantic hurricane. The hurricane battered the islands of Abaco, Grand Bahama and left The Grand Bahama airport under 6 feet of water. Fear gripped residents as the wind tore roofs off and had houses or what remained of houses under siege. Dorian has been unleashing torrents of rain, as the entire area continues to endure devastating and flooding in its wake.

The scale of the catastrophe and intensity of damages in the Bahamas is just beginning to unfold as a large mass of area is still under complete water.

Now that there is the calm after the storm, the water has risen so high that many are forced to wait out the storm by taking refuge at shelters and or in their roof spaces.

Literally, everything is under water, fire trucks, police vehicles therefore posing a situation where not much help can be done thus staying put and no one can leave where they are presently to go anywhere to help. With the streets impassible due to rising waters, stranded vehicles on top of each with pounding rain still falling islanders are devising actions to be taken once it is safe to do so.

Dozens of individuals were attempting to rescue those nearby that are trapped along with animals however this is proving quite exhausting after spending the last few days under water clinging to their lives.

The Prime Minister of Bahamas, Mr Hubert Minnis, spoke yesterday in the aftermath of the hurricane said “We are in the midst of an historic tragedy.” As he added: “The devastation is unprecedented and extensive.”

It is estimated that over 70,000 people in both Abaco and Grand Bahama will need food and supplies following the destruction on the island as swiftly as possible especially with babies, toddlers and the elderly that requires the help.

Mr Hubert Minnis tweeted that "There are many difficult days, weeks and months ahead of us as a people and as a country." "Relief and rapid assessment teams are standing by and will be deployed to Abaco and Grand Bahama as soon as possible."

As Hurricane Dorian will remain a powerful hurricane during the next couple of days the exact toll of the devastation is not known at this stage and rescue crews cannot as yet execute their plan of actions on the ground. Dorian battered the Bahamas since landfall over the weekend and it is expected to be one of severe damages.

Dorian is now moving north however there is evidence of miles of debris from houses that were pulled apart and have left the island in disrepair as life will start all over again for those who have survived.

During this very difficult time for those in Bahamas our thoughts and prayers are completely with them and profound condolences to the families to whom have lost their loved ones.

By Dee Burrowes, Life Coach/Author.

Zimbabwe's first post-independence leader and Prime Minister, Robert Mugabe ruled the southern African country - first as Prime Minister, from 1980 to 1987 and then as President from 1987 to 2017- as a revolutionary and politician.

He embraced Marxism and joined African nationalist protests calling for an independent state led by representatives of the Black majority. After making anti-government comments, he was convicted of sedition and imprisoned between 1964 and 1974. On release, he fled to Mozambique, established his leadership of ZANU, and oversaw ZANU's role in the Rhodesian Bush War, fighting Ian Smith's predominantly white government.

As independent Zimbabwe's first leader, he promised democracy and reconciliation, following years of British rule of what was called, by many, the ‘bread basket’ of Africa.

Dominating Zimbabwe's – and the continent’s - politics for nearly four decades, Mugabe was a controversial figure who was praised as a revolutionary hero of the African liberation struggle who helped free Zimbabwe from British colonialism, imperialism, and white minority rule.

Mugabe reluctantly took part in the peace negotiations brokered by the United Kingdom that resulted in the Lancaster House Agreement. The agreement ended the war and resulted in the 1980 general election, at which Mugabe led ZANU-PF to victory. As Prime Minister of the newly renamed Zimbabwe, his administration expanded healthcare and education and—despite his professed Marxist desire for a socialist society—adhered largely to mainstream, conservative economic policies.

The hopes, however, that followed independence in 1980 dissolved into violence, corruption and economic disaster with President Mugabe becoming an outspoken critic of the West, most notably the United Kingdom, the former colonial power, which he denounced as an "enemy country" – at the same time brutally treating his political opponents and economically mismanaging a once prosperous country.

Whilst reportedly doing so, he continued to attract the support of other African leaders who saw him as a hero of the fight against colonial rule. Critics, on the other hand, would accuse Mugabe of being a dictator responsible for widespread corruption, anti-white racism, human rights abuses, and crimes against humanity.

In 2000, he lost a referendum, after which pro-Mugabe militias invade white-owned farms and attack opposition supporters. His calls for racial reconciliation failed to stem growing white emigration, while relations with Joshua Nkomo's Zimbabwe African People's Union (ZAPU) also declined.

In 2008 he came second in the first round of elections to former trade union leader, Morgan Tsvangirai, who pulled out of a run-off amid nationwide attacks on his supporters but, amid economic collapse, in 2009 Mugabe swears in Tsvangirai as prime minister, who serves in uneasy government of national unity for four years. In 2017, he sacked his long-time ally Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa, paving the way for his wife Grace to succeed him.

Defiant to the end Mugabe refused to resign. But, on 21 November, as a motion to impeach him was being debated in the Zimbabwean parliament, the speaker of the House of Assembly announced that Robert Mugabe had finally resigned.

Born to a poor Shona family in Kutama, Southern Rhodesia, he was 95.

On the heels of a phenomenal 24.9% growth in arrivals for the 2018 Carnival Season, Grenada records a 7.7% increase in arrivals for the 2019 festival of 13,327 compared to 12,379. This figure is a measure of the visitors and diaspora arriving in the destination, prior to Carnival Monday. Of the 13,327 stayover visitors, 10,505 were tourists and 2,822 were Grenadians residing abroad. Part of this growth is attributed to additional airlift including 3 extra flights from LIAT, increased marketing and the global recognition of Grenada’s artistes, culture and music.

The best performing markets for Spicemas 2019 were:

• United States, 21%, a total of 6,818 visitors
• Trinidad & Tobago, 7%, with a total of 1,973 visitors

Grenada’s soca, groovy and calypso music coupled with its authentic and distinctly unique offerings of Jab Jab and Monday Night Mas, served to wow visitors and highlight what sets Spicemas apart from other Carnivals. 2019 also saw a marked increase in participation with twelve (12) bands parading for the Monday Night Mas street party. The masqueraders reveled to the rhythms of carnival and lit up the night sky with a plethora of colourfully branded t-shirts, lighted hats and wands. Fancy Mas on Carnival Monday and Tuesday also saw increased participation from bands (11) and masqueraders with bejeweled costumes, pageantry and storytelling.

Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Hon. Dr. Clarice Modeste-Curwen thanked all the contributors to Spicemas 2019 including the artists, bandleaders and service providers. She said, “The numbers speak to the growing interest in Spicemas as one of the best Carnivals to visit in the Caribbean. Our people make the experience memorable and enjoyable with their warm hospitality and visible pride in their music and culture. Grenada for Spicemas 2020 promises to be a spectacular event, I encourage you to book early.”

Grenada’s Spicemas Carnival 2020 is carded for August 10 and 11.

The Islands Of The Bahamas have once again proved to be a favorite destination for all types of travelers. The Bahamas was included in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards, featured in Bloomberg as the most visited destination by private jet and named the Top Meeting Destination in the Caribbean by CVENT. With exciting events in the pipeline, it’s no surprise The Bahamas continues to see visitor growth month-over-month.

NEWS

The Bahamas’ Impressive Start to 2019 – The July ForwardKeys survey showed international arrivals to The Bahamas increased 13.9% in June with arrivals up 9.4% in the first half of 2019. The forward booking situation for July to September remains positive, with bookings 9.8% ahead for international arrivals.

Bahamian Islands Recognized in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards – The Exumas, Harbour Island and The Abacos were named some of the top islands in the Caribbean, Bermuda and The Bahamas in Travel + Leisure’s 2019 World’s Best Awards. The World’s Best Awards are among the most prestigious in the travel industry and are selected by the publication’s readers.

The Bahamas Is The Leading Destination For High Flyers – In a study published by Bloomberg, The Bahamas was the top destination for travelers arriving by private jets. More than two-thirds private jet arrivals to The Bahamas originated in the U.S. or Canada.

Nassau, Bahamas Takes Top Spot in CVENT’s Top Caribbean Meeting Destinations – Nassau, Bahamas was named the top meeting destination in the Caribbean and Latin America by CVENT. The list was compiled by analyzing meeting and event booking activity through CVENT.

Atlantis, Paradise Island Welcomes The P1 AquaX Bahamas World Championship – November 8 – 10, 2019, Atlantis, Paradise Island will play host to the top 40 professional watercraft competitors, representing 12 countries for the P1 AquaX Bahamas World Championship. Additional festivities include a nearby Race Village with live music, local bands, food and activities for all ages.

PROMOTIONS AND OFFERS

For a complete, up-to-date listing of deals and packages for The Bahamas, visit www.bahamas.com/deals-packages.

Bahamasair, Orlando to Freeport For $295.72 – Take advantage of Bahamasair’s Orlando to Freeport deal, visiting The Bahamas second largest city, for under $300 roundtrip.

The Exumas Day Tour – Explore the beauty of the Exuma Cays on the 5-star rated Day Trip. The excursion takes guests to Staniel Cay, Compass, Cay, Thunderball Grotto and more. Save up to 25% with the code BAHAMAS2019 at checkout.

Exuma Marathon 2019 at Grand Isle Resort – Stay at Grand Isle Resort for the Exuma Marathon on November 9, 2019 and save up to 35% on your reservation.

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

Stay up-to-date with the latest events and happenings in The Bahamas: www.bahamas.com/events

Goombay Summer Festival (August 11 – August 31) – Experience live Bahamian music, great local cuisine, authentically Bahamian Arts and Crafts, Junkanoo and lots more at the annual Goombay Summer Festival. Celebrate on Exuma on August 11 – 17, Central Andros on August 16, Long Island on August 24 and Eleuthera on August 31.

Junkanoo Summer Festival at Smith’s Point (August 3 – August 17) – For three consecutive Saturdays in August, Freeport will vibrate with the rhythms of the goatskin drums, cowbells, brass horns and whistles as six Junkanoo groups compete against each other. The Junkanoo Summer Festival will feature Bahamian music, performances, demonstrations, Arts and Crafts and a kids’ corner of entertainment.

Bahamas Hoopfest (November 27 – November 30) – Save the date: The NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Thanksgiving Classic will be hosted in Nassau this year. This will be the first women’s basketball event of its kind to be hosted in The Bahamas. View fan packages here.

Jamaica 0121 is on us today as the free outdoor festival will bring a fusion of Jamaican and British culture featuring live bands, performing artists, DJs, workshops, the finest cuisine and a variety of exciting stalls and demonstrations to ‘wet’ everybody’s appetite.

It’s a weekend-long celebration marking the country’s 57th year of Independence of the sunshine island with the free outdoor family festival providing the perfect visual demonstration of the strong links that have been established between Birmingham and Jamaica.

The ‘Jamaica 0121 Festival - One Love, One Vibe, One City’, in Victoria Square, in Birmingham, promises to be another exhilarating dazzling display of Jamaica’s influence on today's culture engaging everyone that attends and encapsulating the diverse spirit of Birmingham with a variety of stalls providing the very and original jerk chicken, rum punch, music, crafts, miscellanies goods and a wide choice of business opportunities and a wide array of entertainment for the whole family.

The party in the Square finish on Sunday, August 4.

Leaders in the Caribbean tourism industry have been advised to embrace and develop the strengths of their people to keep the industry among the most competitive in the world.

The charge came from the acting secretary general of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Neil Walters speaking at the Grenada Tourism Authority’s inaugural awards ceremony held at the Spice Island Beach Resort in Grenada.

“Yes, we can have the most beautiful properties, the best airports, the best seaports, but it is the people who make the Caribbean tourism product what it is. It is your welcoming and hospitable spirit which encourages visitors to return,” said Walters.

The acting SG said demands from visitors for experiences beyond the traditional ‘sun, sea and sand’, only served to enhance the need for the industry to equip the hospitality workforce to perform at the highest level.

“If we took a snapshot of tourism at this point in time, we will see that one of the strongest reasons for the continued growth in the number of persons visiting our shores is the spirit exuded by the amazing individuals who get up and go out and work on the front line every day.  The individuals who don’t just see it as a job but see the value of the service they are giving. That is the thing success stories in this industry are made of,” said Walters.

He said the trends towards experiential tourism call for the industry to shift away from excessive standardisation and embrace the unique culture of the destinations in the Caribbean.

The acting SG admonished tourism leaders to leverage the natural beauty and infrastructural edge the region has to develop emerging areas such as community-based tourism.

“In all the examples of community-based tourism I have seen, the key selling point for the visitor has been the chance to come and be in that community, to experience that community, to experience the people of that community. These communities create the unified voice necessary to market and sell the product, and, in turn, sustain the community’s project,” said Walters, who emphasised such an approach must build on the existing model of hotels which form the bedrock of the thriving Caribbean tourism industry.

“What we have to strive for is stronger links between this model with its sea and sand and the experiences which lie sometimes unlocked, away from the sea shore. As we change to match the demands of the times and embrace the treasures of experiences which exist inland, we must re-educate ourselves to see the value that we often overlook. Facets of traditional life that we may see as less than noteworthy, visitors may see as fascinating,” said Walters.

Walters said the Caribbean must embrace its identity and take pride in elements of its culture that can also serve to boost the attractiveness of destinations to the modern day visitor.

“I know that in recent times, across the Caribbean we have seen food festivals emerging which promote indigenous cuisine, which are popular with visitors. Well, let’s not hold back on the traditional delicacies which we are sometimes hesitant to unleash on visitors. I am sure many of our visitors would love those experiences. Some of our countries have communities skilled in pottery. We may need to move away from just selling pottery to giving pottery lessons.  These are just a couple examples of the ways the things we do and how we live can become added value as we enhance our tourism industry” said Walters.

The acting CTO SG said the direction of the tourism industry calls for a rethink of how we maximise the value of our natural and intrinsic assets to create better selling points for the destinations and to do this people must be empowered to keep driving the industry forward.