Anguilla Takes Another Step Toward Renewables
April 27, 2012
CaribPR Wire, The Valley, Anguilla, Fri. April 27, 2012: On Tuesday 24th of April, The Government of Anguilla’s Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, Utilities and Housing (MICUH) hosted the Anguilla Renewable Energy Integration Project (AREIP) Stakeholder Workshop at Paradise Cove Resort, Anguilla. Close to 100 local stakeholders gathered to listen and comment on the presentation of the initial report from the Project Consultants, Castalia Strategic Advisors. The AREIP is being funded by the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) – a UK based development funding agency that aims to help decision-makers in developing countries design and deliver climate compatible development.
The specific purpose of the project is to support Anguilla’s efforts to implement key elements of its National Energy Policy and Climate Change Policies by amending current electricity legislation to provide a clear framework for the integration of both customer-sited and utility-scale renewable energy into the national electricity grid.
At the welcoming ceremony the Chief Minister, The Hon Hubert Hughes stressed how important this Project is to the Government and people of Anguilla. The Minister with responsibility for Energy, the Hon Evan Gumbs went on to tell the audience that the Integration of Renewables was his Ministry’s priority – in order that there will be a cheaper and more sustainable Energy Supply for Anguillans. Minister Gumbs thanked the stakeholders for coming and stated positively that “relief is not here yet, but it’s coming.”
The Presentation was led by Mr. Gianmarco Servetti, Castalia Principal and Project Director, with the assistance of two colleagues, Project Manager Ms. Laura Berman and Legal Consultant Ms. Barbara Vargas. The key assessments and recommendations can be briefly summarized as follows:
• Anguilla has economically viable renewable energy resources that can be used now.
• Anguilla’s viable renewable energy resources include solar hot water heating, solar electricity production on both a large, utility scale and a small home and business scale, and utility scale wind energy. There’s also a possibility that Anguilla could produce some limited utility scale waste to energy.
• All new buildings that require hot water should be mandated to use solar hot water heating.
• Anguilla’s Electricity Act should be amended to allow those people generating electricity at their home or business with solar or wind – referred to as Distributed Generators, to sell any excess power they produce back to the national grid under a contract agreement with the electric utility.
• Utility rules should be put in place to govern Distributed Generators’ eligibility for interconnection, technical compliance standards, contract term and payment rates under the agreement.
The three consultants then facilitated lively and informative breakout sessions on: Assessing the Potential and Viability of Renewable Energy Projects; Land Use, the Environment and Development of Renewable Energy Projects and Selling Electricity Generated by Renewable Energy Technologies.
The wrap up session saw many local stakeholders taking the floor and sharing their hopes and concerns – including Mr. Sutcliffe Hodge, who talked about the sustainability of Anguilla’s National Utility, ANGLEC, and its need to be ambitious and embrace renewables; Mr. David Gumbs, the CFO of ANGLEC who gave many examples of ANGLEC’S commitment to do so; and Mr. David Carty, Chairman of the Anguilla National Energy Committee (ANEC) who reminded the audience of the ‘big picture’ and posed that mitigating climate change is key, and the integration of renewables and the sustainable development of Anguilla can serve as a role model for other developing nations, and as such should attract international funding and exposure for Anguilla.
Mr. Servetti said, “It was a successful workshop. There proved to be lots of interest and buy-in for the regulatory changes in the short term and also support for broader reforms long term.” When asked if he thought the audience was engaged he went on to say, “More than normal – it seems everyone feels that they have a primary role. It was a very lively and engaging discussion – and productive too.” When asked when the recommendations could be acted on he added “some can be implemented immediately …some can happen now.”
Mr. Crefton A. Niles, Director of Public Utilities/Telecommunications Officer, Government of Anguilla, who is managing the project, said, “… an excellent workshop – lots of information was exchanged in both directions. Participants questioned the presenters and vice-versa. We all came together for the benefit of the country as a whole. I look forward to the final report from the consultants and thank CDKN & DFID for their overall sponsorship of the project.”
The Project Manager for CDKN, Ms. Patricia Leon, summed it up “It was inspiring to see the interest of different stakeholders in Renewable Energy and I look forward to seeing the recommendations being analyzed by the Government of Anguilla and implemented in projects that benefit the people of Anguilla.”
The Anguilla Renewable Energy Office (AREO) was instrumental in securing funds for the project from CDKN and continues to play a key role – working alongside the Government of Anguilla to raise awareness of and communicate the milestones and successes of the AREIP by regular communications with stakeholders.
Jamaica’s PM Visits Brooklyn
April 26, 2012
PM Portia Simpson Miller in Brooklyn on April 25, 2012. (Sharon Bennett image)
News Americas, Brooklyn, NY, Thurs,. April 26, 2012: Dozens of Jamaican New Yorkers packed into a Brooklyn town hall forum Wednesday evening to see their prime minister.
It was the first visit to the U.S. for Prime Minister of Jamaica, Portia Simpson Miller, since winning re-election. She left the island earlier this week for a number of engagements in New York and Philadelphia in the United States, including receiving the award for TIME 100 Most Influential Persons.
The PM will journey to Philadelphia to attend the Penn relays where she will be a special guest of the University of Penn and Team Jamaica Bickle. The Prime Minister will return to the island on Sunday.
PM Simpson Miller in Brooklyn. Looking on are Minister Sen. Sandrea Falconer, Tourism Minister Wykeham McNeill and Energy Minister Phillip Paulwell. (Sharon Bennett image)
The PM was welcomed by a large audience. (Sharon Bennett image)
Team Jamaica Bickle founder Irwine Clarie and Rev. Dr. Kirkpatick Cohall in discussions with the PM of Jamaica the Hon Portia Simpson on her visit to Brooklyn. (Sharon Bennett image)
Caribbean News In Brief
April 26, 2012
Mount Vernon Mayor To Help Kick Off Caribbean American Heritage Month & Caribbean Week In NY
April 26, 2012
News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. April 27, 2012: Mayor of the City of Mount Vernon, NY, Ernest D. Davis, will team up with the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), to host a kickoff reception in honor of both Caribbean American Heritage Month and Caribbean Week in New York on Friday, June 1, 2012.
The Mayor’s office is inviting guests and dignitaries to help launch what will be an event-filled month beginning with Caribbean Week in New York commencing June 3, 2012 and culminating on June 9, 2012.
“Mount Vernon is a community made up of representatives from over 95 countries of origin,” said Mayor Davis. “We here in Mount Vernon embrace the rich culture individuals from the Caribbean contribute to our community and find that by celebrating our commonalities, we realize there’s very little we have in difference.”
Considered the largest regional tourism activity in the New York area, Caribbean Week promises to bring artists, performers, celebrity chefs, fashion designers, models, government officials and prestigious media outlets together for an entire week to showcase the color, spirit and vitality of the Caribbean.
“The Caribbean appreciates the attention that a city with such a significant impact opportunity, like Mount Vernon, New York, is placing on Caribbean American Heritage and the events of Caribbean Week in New York,” commented Sylma Brown Bramble, director of the Caribbean Tourism Organization USA, Inc.
Organized by the CTO, Caribbean Week in New York combines business sessions and consumer-oriented events. Beginning with a Gospel Celebration and concluding with the much anticipated Caribbean Fashion, Art and Trade Expo, participants will feel like they are basking in the region’s heritage.
Caribbean culture at its finest will take over the northeast region for one week only, providing guests with opportunities to try Caribbean cuisine and beverages, dance to a wide array of music, meet with Caribbean Diaspora during workshops and conferences, and purchase traditional clothing, arts and instruments.
Combined with meetings and seminars for Ministers of Tourism, Directors of Tourism, National Tourist Office representatives and other key tourism and hospitality officials from around the Caribbean, Caribbean Week activities will also include the Rum & Rhythm benefit which is both a fundraiser for the CTO Foundation and a Caribbean culinary experience which enables consumers to mix, mingle and taste award-winning rums and a variety of food from the region. In addition, Caribbean Week serves as a stage for the annual Media Marketplace drawing travel writers from across North America in addition to the Caribbean Travel and Cultural Fair, Wedding and Vacation Mart which is the setting for the celebration of folklore, culture, religion and tradition including discount vacation packages, elaborate costumes and lots of food and music.
The week-long agenda of activities also include:
• Gospel Celebration – A Tribute to Caribbean Unity – Sunday, June 3, 2012 – 5 – 9 pm
• Workshop for NTOs – Monday, June 4, 2012 – 9 a.m. – 12:00 noon
• Workshop for Travel Agents – Monday, June 4, 2012 – 6 – 9 p.m.
• Celebrity Chef Program – Monday, June 4 to Friday, June 8, 2012
• Student Colloquium – Tuesday, June 5, 2012 – 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.
• Caribbean Diaspora Forum – Tuesday, June 5, 2012 – 6 – 8 p.m.
• Investment Power Forum – Wednesday, June 6, 2012 – 7:30 – 10 a.m.
• Caribbean Travel & Cultural Fair, Wedding and Vacation Mart at Grand Central Terminal – Wednesday, June 6, 2012 – 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• Caribbean Media Marketplace – Thursday, June 7, 2012 4 – 6 pm
• Allied Marketing Conference and Awards Luncheon – Friday, June 8, 2012 – 8 a.m. – 2:30 .p.m.
• Rum and Rhythm Benefit – Friday, June 8, 2012 – 6:30 – 10:30 p.m.
• Caribbean Fashion, Art and Trade Expo – Saturday, June 9, 2012 – 11 am – 10 p.m.
For more information on attending any of the Caribbean Week events contact the Caribbean Tourism Organization at 212-635-9530 or visit www.CaribbeanWeekNY.com.
Team Jamaica Bickle In Its 18th Running At The Penn Relays
April 26, 2012
Team Jamaica Bickle founder Irwine Clare and Rev. Dr. Kirkpatick Cohall in discussions with the PM of Jamaica the Hon Portia Simpson on her visit to Brooklyn on April 25, 2012. (Sharon Bennett image)
News Americas, PHILADELPHIA, PA, Fri. April 27, 2012: The New York-based non-profit group founded in 1994 to cater to the meals, accommodation and transportation to Jamaican and other Caribbean athletes at the annual Penn Relays, began its 18th running this week.
Irwine Clare, Sr., and dozens of volunteers and sponsors are busy hosting the runners participating at the 117th running of the relays.
More than fifty athletes, representing the cream of Jamaica’s junior athletics program along with their coaches and school administrators were feted by Team Jamaica Bickle at a luncheon at The Dream Restaurant in Queens, NY, on Tuesday afternoon, April 24th.
Clare, Sr. was on hand to welcome the athletes representing five of the competing schools at this year’s 118th staging of the Penn Relays Carnival at the Ben Franklin Field Stadium, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, from Thursday, April 26th through Saturday, April 28th.
First time participant, Fayon Gonzales of St.Jago High School, said that she was looking forward to the competition and to extend the recent dominance of the Jamaican schools in the field events, when she competes in the Discus event.
Formed in 1994 under the leadership of Irwine G. Clare Sr., to provide much needed support for Jamaican athletes who compete at the annual Penn Relays Carnival, the group recently held its annual pre-Penn reception and honored two of Jamaica’s most prolific Olympians – Grace Jackson and Bertland Cameron. Both were also presented with proclamations from the office of Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke in honor of their outstanding contributions to sports both on and off the track.
In 1999, Team Jamaica Bickle became the first Jamaican organization to be a participating sponsor at the Penn Relays, thus allowing us to partner with our corporate friends. As a result, the Jamaican flag became the first foreign nation’s flag to be flown at the Penn Relays, a distinction unmatched. Over the years, TJB has received several proclamations and awards from numerous local and national entities.
Sponsors include Link Up Media, BioLife Energy Systems, Western Union, Tower Isle, Grace, Lime, UJAA and Caribbean Food Delights.
Haiti Is First Nation to Become Member of the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) Consultative Group (CG) for a Second Term
April 26, 2012
WASHINGTON, April 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — The Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) Consultative Group (CG) has invited Haiti to become a Developing Country member delegate of this prestigious organization, making Haiti the first nation in the history of GFDRR to be invited into membership for a second term.
Thierry Mayard-Paul, Haiti’s Chief of Staff and Minister of the Interior, Territorial Collectivities and National Defense, who led the Haitian delegation and served as its chief representative at this year’s GFDRR meeting, said, “this honor underscores the importance of the Martelly administration’s work in Disaster Reduction and Recovery Management (DRRM) throughout the country, in partnership with international organizations like the World Bank, the UNDP, USAID, SOUTHCOM and others.”
Mayard-Paul presented his government’s approach to Disaster Risk Management and shared Haiti’s proprietary, community development decentralization initiative, Katye Pam Poze (KPP), to a cadre of top-level experts from 38 nations.
Disaster risk reduction and management are intrinsically “embedded” within KPP, the cornerstone program for the Haitian government’s National Decentralization Agenda. In this way, capacity is built at the community level across the country, under an innovative “bottom up” or grassroots approach, but in complete alignment with the national strategy.
Haiti’s innovative approach to community-based decentralization, as well as its commitment to institute Disaster Risk and Recovery Management across all government entities, was well-received by GFDRR members and meeting participants. Zoubida Allaoua, GFDRR’s Chair and the World Bank’s Director of Finance, Economics & Urban Department, encouraged the development of innovative initiatives such as Haiti’s KPP, stating, “We should not use yesterday’s solutions to confront today’s problems. The GFDRR will work in partnership with the government of Haiti in its Disaster Risk Management efforts, so that they become a showcase project for other nations.”
As incoming GFDRR member, Haiti will have more direct access to the GFDRR and the World Bank, key partners in the development of a comprehensive DRRM program for Haiti. Recently, the World Bank committed US$ 60 million to fund a four-year Reconstruction and Disaster & Risk Management Program that will support decision-making and capacity building, the construction of an emergency telecommunications system, as well as road infrastructure and safety.
The minister stressed that the Government of Haiti seeks to make risk reduction an essential part of its reconstruction and recovery efforts, while developing strategies and a policy framework for long term disaster risk reduction and management into the new national development plan.
Other counties welcomed as new GFDRR members during the spring sessions were Solomon Islands and Togo. Each country will occupy a chair for two years. The three current developing country members, with one year remaining to serve, are Malawi, Bangladesh and Yemen.
“The GFDRR meetings were extremely helpful as they allowed us the opportunity to share –and learn– from other countries’ experience in this crucial area of disaster and risk reduction and management,” added Mayard-Paul. “With our designation as Developing Country members, we are looking forward to even greater exposure to best practices, as well as opportunities for support and collaboration from the GFDRR’s membership.”
HBO Series Profugos and Mulher de Fases Nominated for Best Drama TV Series and Best Comedy TV Series at the Monte Carlo Television Festival
April 26, 2012
MONACO, April 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Profugos and Mulher de Fases, the successful productions of HBO Latin America, were nominated fo the Golden Nymph at the Monte Carlo Television Festival in the Best Drama TV Series and Best Comedy TV Series categories.
“It is an honor for HBO Latin America to once again have two original productions like Profugos and Mulher de Fases be nominated for this award,” stated Luis Peraza, HBO LA’s executive vice president of Original Production. He also added, “This honor is a true recognition of HBO’s commitment to create the highest quality content in the region.”
Profugos is a dramatic series filmed entirely in Chile, which revolves around a failed drug trafficking operation that triggers a frantic pursuit by the mafia and by law enforcement for those responsible, causing them to desperately flee across the Chilean countryside. The series, which combines drama and action, has allowed HBO to have solid impact on its audience with the content of impeccable quality that is produced regionally.
Mulher de Fases was the first comedy by HBO Latin America Originals, and it was the channel’s first incursion into the genre. Mulher de Fases follows the adventures of Gracia (Elisa Volpatto) a real estate agent, who after her divorce, is searching for the ideal man to start her life over with. The fun begins when the protagonist transforms herself and changes her personality depending on the current suitor.
Mulher de Fases was also nominated for Outstanding International Producer and Outstanding Actress in a Comedy TV Series, while Profugos was nominated for Outstanding Actor in a Drama TV Series and also for Outstanding International Producer.
For more information about Mulher de Fases and Profugos as well as other HBO Original Series, subscribe to HBOLAPRESS, HBO Latin America’s press room.
About HBO Latin America
HBO Latin America is the leader in paid, Premium television network broadcasting in the region, who as well as being recognized for the quality and diversity of its original programming, movies, and documentaries, delivers services of the highest technology in SD and HD formats in over 23 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean through its channels HBO®, HBO2®, HBO® Signature, HBO® Plus, HBO® Family, HBO Caribbean®, Cinemax®, MAX®, MAX HD®, Max Prime (SM) and HBO OD.
MEI Healthcare Inc. Partners with Caribbean Countries To Build Multi-million-dollar Regional Oncology Facility
April 24, 2012
CORAL SPRINGS, Fla., April 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — MEI Healthcare Inc., a leading provider of healthcare strategies and equipment solutions for medical facilities around the world, is partnering with the government of Antigua and Barbuda, the governments of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and Global Health Partners, Ltd., to begin construction of The Cancer Centre Eastern Caribbean at Mount St. John Medical Centre in St. John, Antigua. Groundbreaking for the new $13.5 million (EC dollars) facility will take place Thursday, April 26.
“Our partnership will provide accessible, high-quality cancer care for a population that is underserved,” said Gordon Baltzer, CEO of MEI Healthcare Inc. Baltzer will be speaking at the groundbreaking. “Currently, patients need to be treated abroad, which is costly and incredibly difficult for patients and their families. As a result, many patients have gone without treatment.”
The Cancer Centre Eastern Caribbean will provide high-quality medical, radiation and surgical oncology services. The facility will include state-of-the-art technology capable of administering intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). The centre will be used as the hub for consultation services being offered to the participating member countries.
“Nearly 1,000 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed each year in the OECS and, of those, approximately 400 will need radiotherapy at some time in their disease course,” said Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister, The Hon. Baldwin Spencer in a prepared statement. “I recognize that currently there are no facilities in the Eastern Caribbean that are truly comprehensive and offer both surgery and radiation…(and) it’s important for us to develop the facilities necessary to provide support to patients who have cancer.”
The Hon. Arthur T. Porter, M.D., Chair of the Board of MEI and a key driver of this project, stated, “MEI insures that the Eastern Caribbean will have the technology platform to deliver modern day cancer therapy at a level commensurate with that of the USA, Canada or Europe.”
During a regional healthcare symposium in 2009, government officials expressed interest in developing a partnership with the private sector to equip a cancer center in Antigua with the latest oncology services and technical expertise. The “partnered care” model being used to create the facility is a cost-effective solution to bringing the latest technology to the region.
MEI provides business development, capital equipment funding strategies and growth consulting services to physicians, hospitals and healthcare systems worldwide.
About MEI Healthcare Inc.
Headquartered in Coral Springs, Fla., MEI is a comprehensive healthcare strategy firm that works with physician groups and medical centers to provide turnkey healthcare solutions. MEI and its subsidiaries, MEI Development Group, MEI Healthcare Capital, MEI Informatics, MEI Healthcare International and MEI Healthcare Foundation, offer its clients more than 40 years of healthcare business experience and the value-added benefits of its strategic alliances. For more information, visit http://www.mei.com.
Count Down Begins To Team Jamaica Bickle At The Penn Relays
April 23, 2012
News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. April 23, 2012: The countdown has begun to Team Jamaica Bickle’s participation at this year’s annual Penn Relays, set for April 26-28 at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.
Volunteers of the not-for-profit organization, based in New York, are busy fundraising to help cover the meals, accommodation and transportation of the many Caribbean athletes who will participate at this year’s running of the relays.
Formed in 1994 under the leadership of Irwine G. Clare Sr., to provide much needed support for Jamaican athletes who compete at the annual Penn Relays Carnival, the group recently held its annual pre-Penn reception and honored two of Jamaica’s most prolific Olympians – Grace Jackson and Bertland Cameron. Both were also presented with proclamations from the office of Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke in honor of their outstanding contributions to sports both on and off the track.
The Team Jamaica Bickle annual Reception and Awards Ceremony was held on Thursday, April 12, in New York and was hosted by fellow Olympian and Master of Ceremonies for the evening, Devon Harris, who captained Jamaica’s 1998 Winter Olympic Bob Sled Team.
Other Olympians on hand to cheer them on were Alfred Daley, 400m specialist, who shared the stage with Lennox Miller, Donald Quarrie and later, a younger Bertland Cameron, Andria Lloyd, who represented Jamaica in the 1996 Olympics 4x100m relays and Danny McFarlane, silver medalist in the 4x400m, Olympic games.
Jamaica’s Minister of Sports without portfolio, Natalie Neita-Headley delivered a special recorded message to the honorees on behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica, in which she spoke of her, “delight in joining Team Jamaica Bickle and the Diaspora in celebrating Jamaica’s best assets; her people…against the backdrop of Jamaica’s 50th Anniversary of Independence.”
Jamaica’s, Deputy Consul General to New York, Ms. Sharon Burrell Green and Christopher Castriota, newly appointed community relations officer, as well as a contingent from the Jamaica Tourist Board New York tri-state region: Kenton Senior, Ruth West, Marcia Sinclair and Anthony King, were out in full force.
Vincent HoSang and daughter Sabrina HoSang, TJB’s partner and life-time sponsor, of Caribbean Food Delights, spoke of their steadfast support for the program. Sponsors Western Union, LIME, UJAA and Tower Isle Patties all brought messages of support.
David Squeeze Annakie, with his power brands, Linkup Media, 93.5 FM WVIP) and BioLife Energy Systems, made an unexpected but much welcomed boost to Team Jamaica Bickle at the organization’s annual reception and awards, presenting them with a $11,000 check to help in its drive to fund its Penn Relays 2012 operations. TJB’s big push for 2012 is to raise upwards of $60,000 to help defray accommodation costs for the athletes, reducing the per night rate per student to $50 from the prevailing $110 per night…a more than 50 percent cut.
“We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and we thank the community whole heartedly. It was indeed a special evening as we celebrate the nation’s 50th Anniversary of Independence,” said Irwine Clare.
Team Jamaica Bickle, Inc. has supported dozens of athletes and athletic programs for the past 17 years. Currently, TJB services extend to a delegation of approximately 750 Athletes, coaches and volunteers from Jamaica; other Caribbean countries (which includes Trinidad and Tobago and St. Vincent & The Grenadines), as well as from the USA.
In 1999, Team Jamaica Bickle became the first Jamaican organization to be a participating sponsor at the Penn Relays, thus allowing us to partner with our corporate friends. As a result, the Jamaican flag became the first foreign nation’s flag to be flown at the Penn Relays, a distinction unmatched. Over the years, TJB has received several proclamations and awards from numerous local and national entities.
Guyana Wins Big At CTO/Travelmole Sustainable Tourism Awards
April 23, 2012
Acting Guyana Tourism Minister, Irfaan Ali, at STC 13, held April 15-18, 2012 in Guyana.
News Americas, GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Mon. April 23, 2012: The Caribbean nation of Guyana, host of the 13th annual Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Sustainable Tourism Conference was also the big winner at the CTO/TravelMole Sustainable Tourism Awards.
Guyana walked away with three of the five awards at the Awards ceremony, which brought down the curtains on the 13th Annual Caribbean Conference on Sustainable Tourism Development (STC-13) at the Guyana International Conference Centre.
The Caribbean Excellence in Sustainable Tourism Award was presented to Guyana’s Rupununi Learners Inc., a wholly unique and worthwhile project which strives to improve the quality of life of the Rupununi inhabitants by enhancing literacy and numeracy, providing access to information and preserving indigenous and local knowledge. Jamaica’s Hotel Mockingbird Hill was also commended in this category.
The Community Benefit Award was awarded to Guyana’s Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development for its long term commitment to conservation and community development, making it the perfect model for other areas. The Bahamas National Coastal Awareness Committee and the Mero Enhancement Committee in Dominica were also highly commended.
The Biodiversity Award went to Guyana’s exceptional Mangrove Reserve Women Producers Project for its fantastic work at positively impacting an economically depressed area of Guyana whilst aiding community development. The Caribbean Research & Management of Biodiversity Foundation (CARMABI) received a special mention in the category.
The 2012 awards comprised five categories covered all aspects of sustainability, from overall excellence, to accommodation, community, heritage and biodiversity. The awards were judged by a panel of three tourism and environmental specialists; Jacqueline Kuehnel, Principal at JK Consulting Enterprises in Canada, Andrew Rhikkie Alexander, Eco-agro Community Participation Tourism Specialist for Guyana and St. Lucia, and the CTO’s Sustainable Tourism Product Specialist, Gail Henry.
Winner of the Sustainable Accommodation Award went to the Accra Beach Hotel and Spa in Barbados for positively impacting the local supply chain and community whilst minimizing negative environmental impact, and contributing to conservation of local culture. Special mentions were also given to Hotel Mockingbird Hill and The Tyrall Club in Jamaica.
Kalinago Barana Aute in Dominica took home the “Heritage Protection Award”, for its excellent work in preserving and educating visitors about the last remaining Kalinago people in the Caribbean, whilst harnessing effective community development. The Colours Entertainment & Junkanoo Organization in the Bahamas was also recognized in this category.
The CTO and TravelMole awards are aimed at identifying, recognizing and showcasing sustainable tourism best practices in the Caribbean, which embrace sustainable tourism concepts and core values, and which helps to enhance the tourism product offerings.
