K-1 Visa Process and State-DHS Review
The Department of State (State) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) collaborate closely on adjudications related to the K-1 visa classification, as they do in many other immigration matters. As directed by the President, and in light of the evolving security environment, State and DHS are undertaking a review of the K-1 visa process.
K-1 Visa Process
What is the K-1 visa? The K-1 visa permits certain foreign national fiancé(e)s of U.S. citizens to travel to the United States and marry their petitioning U.S. citizen sponsors within 90 days of admission to the United States.
What is the process for obtaining a K-1 visa? U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) must first approve a Form I-129F petition. If the petition is approved, it is forwarded to the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate overseas. At that time, State conducts an in-person interview with the foreign national fiancé(e).
What kind of screening do K-1 applicants undergo? K-1 fiancé(e) screening includes input from interagency partners, including the Intelligence Community (IC) and law enforcement and immigration agencies. It incorporates information based on fingerprints and facial recognition. At each step of the process, the foreign national fiancé(e) is screened against a variety of law enforcement and national security databases, including the terrorist watchlist.
What happens when the foreign national fiancé(e) arrives in the United States? The foreign national fiancé(e) has 90 days to marry the U.S. citizen petitioner. After the marriage, the foreign national is eligible to apply for adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident (LPR) status. At the time of adjustment to LPR status, the applicant is again subject to screening against law enforcement and security databases, including the terrorist watchlist.
Review of the K-1 Visa Program
Given the use of the K-1 visa by one of the San Bernardino shooters, the U.S. Government launched a review of the K-1 visa category, led by the Departments of State and Homeland Security. These agencies already have formed a working group to scrutinize each step of the process for potential improvements, including:
Retrospective background checks and future process improvements – Each agency will run retroactive checks of various subsets of K-1 visa applicants to identify possible patterns of abuse of this visa category, and inform further process improvements.
Review K-1 visa adjudication practices worldwide – Both agencies will review adjudication practices of petitions and of visa applications, to ensure that the highest level of consistent standards is being met.
Interviews – Each applicant for a K-1 visa is interviewed by a consular officer overseas, and USCIS conducts interviews on a discretionary basis for individuals who have entered the United States and are seeking to adjust status to permanent residence. The working group will review both interview processes and assess whether risk criteria can be applied to flag particular applicants.
Social Media – The U.S. government already employs social media vetting in certain immigration benefits programs. The working group is committed to expanding use of social media vetting and is examining appropriate opportunities, in conjunction with interagency screening partners, to do so across the range of visa programs, including the K-1 program.
Information Collection – The working group will evaluate whether there is additional information USCIS or State could collect in the application process that vetting/screening partners could utilize.
DIGICEL BUSINESS LAUNCHES CARECLIP SOLUTION
Thursday 17th December 2015 – Kingston, Jamaica: Digicel Business is extending its Internet
of Things (IoT) portfolio with the launch of another innovative solution, Digicel CareClip, which
caters to those who require assisted-living but want to maintain their independence. This launch
was made possible through its partnership with Motech Electronic Devices Limited which offers
a unique line of assisted living and health solutions.
Digicel CareClip is an easy to wear device that gives the wearer peace of mind by way of an
advanced fall detection technology that triggers a two way communication between the wearer
and the care agent. Digicel CareClip also features a panic button that can trigger alerts so that
emergency contacts are notified immediately. The caregivers also benefit as they have the
reassurance that their loved ones will be supported – no matter where they are – as they can
monitor their safety 24 hours a day from any place and any device through the online web portal
or the Android mobile app which can be downloaded from the Google Play Store. While its
primary use is in the healthcare sector, Digicel CareClip is also very well suited in the lone
worker area where the safety of staff while working alone or during evening hours is a concern.
Chief Operating Officer for Digicel Business, Martin Carroll, said; “With Digicel CareClip, those
who require assisted living and those who care for them will have the peace of mind that they
are benefiting from the latest technology that monitors their movements and alerts the
necessary caregivers in case of an emergency. Digicel Careclip is also a great product for
enterprises in the care and health services sector to expand their offering with innovative Digicel
solutions.”
Chief Executive Officer of Motech Electronic Devices Limited, Paul Flavin, said; “We are
delighted to be working with Digicel and its partners in the Caribbean, Asia Pacific and Central
America on the CareClip solution. Digicel has always been known for its innovation and deep
community engagement and we see the mobile care service as a perfect marriage of the two –
a robust mobile service that ensures the safety of the users in the community”.
DIGICEL ADDS THE DL1000 TO ITS SUITE OF BEST VALUE SMARTPHONES
Kingston, Jamaica – Monday, December 14, 2015:
With Christmas just around the corner,
telecommunications company, Digicel, is adding the sleek, sexy DL1000 handset to its suite of
DL smartphones.
The launch of the DL1000 follows closely behind its predecessor – the DL910, which has been
flying off the shelves since its release in July.
Supported by the popular Android OS (Lollipop), the shiny new DL1000 comes in a variety of
colours and features 1GB RAM processor, 8GB ROM, a 5.5 inch screen and a 10 megapixel
camera with flash – all perfectly packaged in an aesthetically appealing and fresh design.
Fully loaded with a range of well sought-after and useful apps like Sportsmax, My Digicel, Loop,
Digicel Space and Digicel Top Up, the best value handset makes the perfect Christmas gift for
young people on the go who want style, functionality, affordability and superfast 4G speeds.
John Delves, Chief Commercial Officer, Digicel Group comments; “The DL1000 smartphone is
all about ensuring that even more customers have access to the amazing experience of 4G. So
it’s about accessibility, style and affordability. Importantly, with video streaming becoming the
fastest-growing phenomenon in mobile, the 5.5 inch screen delivers a bigger and better
streaming experience for customers – it’s becoming like your own TV in the palm of your
hands.”
Since its introduction to the market in 2013, the Digicel line of smartphones has been dubbed as
sleek, fun and affordable and continues to empower even more people to do more, play more,
listen more and share more.
CARICOM urges WTO to add Trade to new global deals
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on Wednesday urged the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to join a successful year for multilateral diplomacy by delivering trade deals which will drive global economic growth and uplift the poor.
Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator A.J. Nicholson made the call in his address, on behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), to the plenary session of the Tenth World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference in Nairobi, Kenya.
“2015 has been a good year so far for multilateralism”, Senator Nicholson told the conference. “The decisions taken on Financing for Development, the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, and most recently, COP21, give us hope that the world community can collectively find solutions to pressing global issues. CARICOM hopes that this meeting in Nairobi will take meaningful decisions which will signal that the multilateral trading system, embodied in the WTO, can do the same” he added.
Mr. Nicholson said CARICOM hopes the Conference will adopt, among other things;
- Decisions relating to the G90 proposals on Special and Differential treatment provisions including those related to small, vulnerable economies and least developed countries
- Agricultural issues, including the Special Safeguard Mechanism, which was proposed by the G33 in November, 2015,
- Fisheries Subsidies,
- The Work Programme on Small Economies,
- And Special Measures for least developed countries.
The WTO is an international intergovernmental organization dealing with the formulation and implementation of international trade rules. It also deals with the arbitration of trade disputes between members. The WTO’s business is conducted through the Ministerial Conference, held every two years. The current conference ends on Friday 18 December.
See full Statement delivered by Senator Nicholson:
CARICOM STATEMENT
DELIVERED BY THE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND FOREIGN TRADE, SENATOR THE HONOURABLE A.J. NICHOLSON, Q.C., ON BEHALF OF THE CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY AT THE TENTH WORLD TRADE ORGANISATION MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE, NAIROBI, KENYA 16TH DECEMBER, 2015
Madam Chair,
On behalf of the Caribbean Community, I wish to say that it is indeed a pleasure to be here in Nairobi, the first WTO Ministerial Conference to be held in the great continent of Africa. We would like to thank and commend our hosts, the Government and the people of Kenya, for their very warm hospitality and excellent arrangements for this Conference. The fact that the WTO is also celebrating its 20th anniversary gives special meaning to our presence here this week.
CARICOM has been a strong supporter of a rules-based multilateral trading system. We joined the consensus to launch the Doha Work Programme, commonly known as the Doha Development Round. This Round promised that issues of particular concern to developing countries, including small and vulnerable economies and least developed countries, would be at the heart of our work and decisions.
Our countries engaged fully in the Doha negotiations in Geneva and with the close involvement of our capitals. We emphasised the principles of special and differential treatment and less than full reciprocity. At the same time, we recognised that we would be required to undertake new commitments once agreement was reached. In this context, we are pleased that five of our Member States have already ratified the Trade Facilitation Agreement, adopted at the Bali Ministerial Meeting.
CARICOM continues to support the Doha Development Round. We regret that after 14 years of negotiations, we have not been able to reach an agreement which would have delivered the development dimension which brought us to the negotiating table. We recognise that it may be necessary to discuss, post Nairobi, appropriate ways in which we can address the issues in the Doha Agenda, in order to achieve successful outcomes. In this effort, it is vital that we preserve and secure the progress achieved over the past years, particularly those contained in our Ministerial decisions and negotiating texts which relate to special and differential treatment, less than full reciprocity, special measures and flexibilities for small and vulnerable economies and least developed countries.
Madam Chair, 2015 has been a good year so far for multilateralism. The decisions taken on Financing for Development, the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and most recently, COP21, give us hope that the world community can collectively find solutions to pressing global issues. CARICOM hopes that this meeting in Nairobi will take meaningful decisions which will signal that the multilateral trading system, embodied in the WTO, can do the same.
We hope, therefore, that we will be able to adopt, inter alia, decisions relating the G90 proposals on Special and Differential treatment provisions including those related to small, vulnerable economies and least developed countries; agricultural issues, including the Special Safeguard Mechanism, which was proposed by the G33 in November, 2015; Fisheries Subsidies; the Work Programme on Small Economies; and special measures for least developed countries.
Finally, CARICOM wishes to congratulate the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the Republic of Liberia on their accession to the WTO. We wish to recall that one of our Member States continues to pursue its accession negotiations. We urge the WTO Members to recognise that as a small, vulnerable economy, it should not be called upon to make concessions beyond its level of development and vulnerablity.
HEALTH MINISTRY URGES PUBLIC TO USE CAUTION TO AVOID MOSQUITO BITES
While Chikungunya and Dengue are still sporadically occurring in our community, Zika virus, also a mosquito-borne disease which was first identified in Chile in February of last year, has since spread to Brazil, Columbia and the Caribbean.
Earlier in November 2015, the Caribbean Public Health Agency confirmed five cases of the Zika virus in a territory of the Caribbean Community. No cases of Zika have been detected in the TCI.
The disease is transmitted by the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito, which bite mostly during the daytime. The same mosquito is also responsible for Dengue and Chikungunya.
The most common symptoms of Zika virus are mild and are: fever, rash, joint pain and red eyes (conjunctivitis).Other symptoms include muscle pain, headache, pain behind the eyes, and vomiting. Severe disease requiring hospitalization is uncommon. There is no vaccine or specific treatment for Zika.
If you suspect you have Zika, please see your health care provider!
To relieve fever and pain associated with the virus, it is recommended that persons drink lots of fluids and take pain relievers such as paracetamol. Aspirin, Advil, Ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be avoided.
In order to protect yourself from mosquito bites use insect repellents on exposed skin, when weather permits, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants and use air conditioning or window/door screens to keep mosquitoes outside. If you are not able to protect yourself from mosquitoes in your home, sleep under a mosquito bed net. It is even more critical for women who are pregnant to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
A link between mothers who had Zika virus in pregnancy and an increased incidence of microcephaly in infants born to them is currently being investigated. Microcephaly is a condition where the size of an infant's head is smaller than normal, because of slowed or incomplete brain development.
The Environmental Health Department has enhanced its vector control activities to reduce mosquito breeding sites in addition to stepping up fogging. Members of the public are urged to eliminate breeding sites for mosquitoes by keeping your surroundings clean. Cover or turn over containers. Tightly cover drums and rain barrels as well as boats and wading pools. Get rid of or cover old tires. Properly dispose of all garbage and refuse. Clean rain gutters and make sure they are flowing properly. Inspect your home and yard weekly.
Call the Environmental Health Department at 649-338-2143 or 649-338-2145 to treat large bodies of stagnant water on or around your property.
The MOHAHS will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates.
TCI GDP FORECASTED TO GROW ON AVERAGE BY MORE THAN 4% OVER THE NEXT THREE YEARS
The Strategic Policy and Planning Department (SPPD) is pleased to release the 2014 National Accounts Statistics report and announces that the economy of the Turks and Caicos Islands is forecasted to experience moderate growth over the next few years.
The real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is projected at approximately $616 million for 2015, representing a forecasted growth of 5.94% when compared to the $582.3 million in 2014. Future projections show that economic growth is expected to be strengthened by 4.4 percent in 2016, 4.3 percent in 2017 and 5.3 percent in 2018.
"This projected growth will be driven mainly by strong performance in the tourism sector and projected private sector investments worth more than $400 million dollars" stated Acting Director of SPPD, Mr. Shirlen Forbes.
The overall growth forecast is underpinned by further growth in stay over tourism and real estate with spillovers into the wholesale and retail sectors. However, these projections for the islands are hinged on the government of the Turks and Caicos Islands continuing its focus on short-run macroeconomic management which will complement its long-run development policy initiatives. This stable macro-economic environment should involve maintaining fiscal surpluses and the government continuing to exercise the fiscal prudence which it has exercised over the last few years. It also involves maintaining low levels of internal and external debt and low rates of inflation which is currently estimated at around 2.3 percent.
The Hotel and Restaurants sector is expected to grow at an average of 5 percent over the next three years and will contribute significantly to the estimated growth in the overall GDP. The construction sector is forecasted to decline slightly by 3.5 percent in 2015 but should experience continuous growth going forward over the next three years. This sector will be propelled by foreign direct investment in large-scale tourism related projects as well as revitalization of stalled projects and other new private and public sector projects.
Acting Director Mr. Shirlen Forbes further reminds the public that these are forecasted growth and “one must always be mindful that there are a number of downside risk such as global health concerns, geopolitical tensions, adverse weather conditions and unavailability of external financing for private sectors projects which can hamper the TCI achieving projected growth targets.”
SPPD wishes to thank the business community, public corporations, government agencies, and everyone, who has contributed, in one way or another, for the cooperation received in the provision of the necessary data. The department wishes to advise the businesses community with outstanding questionnaires to be submitted, to please submit the questionnaires, as they remain integral to the updating of the estimates. The Department also thanks the public for their patience as we try to make the necessary data available.
GDP Report 2014
Elections Department Updates On Voter Registration
THE SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS LISTER DUDLEY LEWIS HAS STATED THAT REGISTRATION OF VOTERS FOR THE 2016/17 ELECTORS REGISTER CONCLUDED ON NOVEMBER 30, 2015.
FOR THIS REISTRATION PROCESS AND TO ASSIST WITH INCREASING THE NUMBER OF PERSONS ON THE 2016/17 ELECTORS REGISTER THE GOVERNMENT EXEMPTED FEES FOR DOCUMENTS THAT SUPPORTED THE ISSUE OF STATUS CARDS. THE FEE EXEMPTION COMMENCED SEPTEMBER 1ST AND ENDED NOVEMBER 30TH.
MR. LEWIS STATED; “THERE HAS BEEN A DRASTIC INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED TO COMPARE WITH PREVIOUS YEARS. HOWEVER, I WAS DISAPPOINTED WITH THE NUMBER OF PERSONS WHO APPLIED TO BE ADDED TO THE REGISTER AND WERE NOT ELIGIBLE BECAUSE THEY WERE NOT IN POSSESSION OF TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDER OR BELONGER STATUS OR SUBMITTED REQUIRED DOCUMENTS TO THE MINISTRY OF BORDER CONTROL TO SUPPORT THER APPLICATIONS.”
“VOTER REGISTRATION IN THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS IS A CONTINUOUS PROCESS AND THE ELECTIONS OFFICE IN GRAND TURK AND PROVIDENCIALES ALSO DISTRICT COMMISSIONER’S OFFICES WILL CONTINUE TO ACCEPT REGISTRATION APPLICATIONS HOWEVER, ALL APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AFTER NOVEMBER 30TH WILL BE RETAINED FOR THE 2017/18 ELECTORS REGISTER.”
PERSONS WILL BE ADDED TO THE 2016/17 REGISTER IF THEY FALL WITHIN THE FOLLOWING ADDITIONAL CATEGORIES PROVIDED FOR QUALIFYING DATE:
- PERSONS WHO AFTER NOVEMBER 30 BUT ON OR BEFORE THE DATE OF ELECTION, ATTAINS THE AGE OF 18, THE QUALIFYING DATE IS THE DATE HE OR SHE ATTAINS THE AGE OF 18.
- PERSONS WHO, AFTER NOVEMBER 30 BUT ON OR BEFORE THE RELEVANT DATE IS GRANTED SATUS OF TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDER IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONSTITUTION THE RELEVANT DATE IS THE DATE TE PERSON IS GRANTED TCI STATUS PROVIDED THE GRANTING OF THE STATUS IS NOT LESS THAN 30 DAYS BEFORE THE DATE OF ELECTIONS.
THE FOLLOWING IS REGISTRATION APPLICATION STATISTICAL INFORMATION FROM SEPTEMBER 1ST TO NOVEMBER 30TH 2015.
| NATIONAL STATUS CARD | MALE | % MALE | FEMALE | % FEMALE | TOTAL (MALE + FEMALE) | % (MALE + FEMALE) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Persons with Status | 232 | 23.79 | 216 | 25.44 | 448 | 24.56 |
| Persons without Status Card | 743 | 76.21 | 633 | 74.56 | 1376 | 75.44 |
| GRAND TOTAL | 975 | 849 | 1842 |
Bermuda Emissions Control Wins Applause at Paris Environmental Conference
CaribPR Wire, PARIS, Tues. December 15, 2015: The growing need for vehicle emission control around the world was the subject of an address given at the COP21Climate Change Conference in Paris by Donal Smith,the Founder and CEO of Bermuda Emissions Control, Ltd. (BECL), of Hamilton, Bermuda.
In presenting an overview of his Bermuda-based operation to delegates assembled at the 'Wider Caribbean Pavilion' in Paris, France on Friday, December 4, 2015, Smith saidthe small island of Bermuda had taken the lead in ensuring that vehicle emissions met strict quality control standards as a mandatory government requirement, since his company, BECL, began operating in 2009. "It took 20 years of painstaking research and development to open our first inspection plant but it was worth it," he said.
Smith elaborated on the ways he was fulfilling his company's commitment to help protect residents on Bermuda's densely populated 22-square mile island from dangerous levels of carbon monoxide released into the fragile environment from vehicles licensed to operate on the public roadways.
He reminded the audience that Bermuda had achieved global relevance as an international financial centre which led the world in asset protection for 'blue chip' corporations. "Helping to protect the Island's pristine environment has enhanced Bermuda's appeal as a prominent offshore domicile of choice," said the former Deputy Mayor of the City of Hamilton, Bermuda's business Capital.
"The compulsory testing of vehicles on Bermudas roads contributes greatly towards ensuring a safer and cleaner quality of air and helps diminish the long-term impact of vehicular emissions, which research has identified as a significant cause of respiratory ailments which contribute to a high incidence of health concerns, such as asthma and bronchitis," he added.
In concluding his remarks, Mr. Smith congratulated France on hosting the 'COP21Climate Change Conference,' which resulted in 195 countries approving an historical draft agreement to address the world's climate change challenges by the year 2020.
"I am so very pleased to see islands from the Caribbean region so well represented at the conference and I look forward to meeting them again to discuss the pressing need for Vehicle Emission Control at the COP22conference next year in Moroccoalongwith the many delegates from all parts of the world I have had the privilege of meeting in Paris," he said.
GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF NEW HEAD OF FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMISSION
The Governor, Peter Beckingham, announced on 11 December that he was pleased to accept the recommendation of the Financial Services Commission Board that Mr Niguel Streete is appointed as the next Managing Director of the Financial Services Commission.
Speaking at the FSC’s annual general meeting the Governor said: “I am delighted to announce the appointment of Niguel Streete as the next Managing Director of the Financial Services Commission. I have spoken to Niguel on several occasions, and he brings a wealth of experience to this important and challenging position. He is evidently relishing the prospect of taking up this senior position, and he should bring some interesting and valuable new perspectives to the position. I am also pleased that the Board have specifically charged Mr Streete with fostering talent for the FSC’s senior leadership within the organisation. ”
The Governor also acknowledged that the current Managing Director, Kevin Higgins, and his team had managed to implement some important changes to the FSC’s role, and he noted that they had emerged generally positively from a thorough review by the IMF this year.
“The FSC is an important part of the structure of governance in Turks and Caicos, and it is to their credit that the IMF gave overall a positive account of their findings here. The financial services plays a small, but important, role in the life of TCI, and I am still hopeful that the Government and industry, especially through the formation of the new Invest TCI body, will together find ways of developing the sector.”
Speaking on the announcement of his appointment Niguel Street said: “I am delighted and honoured to be invited by the Board to take up this important role in Turks and Caicos Islands. I am confident that, with my experience in the Eastern Caribbean, I can bring new ideas and methodologies to the FSC, as well as contribute to nurturing home grown talent within the organisation.”
Mr Streete takes up his appointment, which is initially for an eighteen month period, during February 2016. His current appointment is Deputy Executive Director of the Grenada Authority for the Regulation of Financial Institutions (GARFIN). He is also Chairman of the National Steering Committee on Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes, and Chairman of the Regional Steering Committee for the establishment of a Single Currency Market in the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union.
Mr Streete has over 20 years experience in financial sector development, supervision and regulation. He has worked as the head of the Anguilla FSC, and held several senior positions in the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank. He holds an MSc with distinction in international economics, banking and finance from the Cardiff Business School, University of Wales, and a BSc Accounting from the University of the West Indies.
Airlift Into Antigua And Barbuda Increases With Addition Of Seaborne Airlines
ST. JOHN'S, Antigua, Dec. 14, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- Plans made by Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Officials to welcome more flights from more airlines and tour operators around the world, upon completion of one of the largest and most modern airports in the Eastern Caribbean have rapidly taken off.
The Antigua and Barbuda Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Asot Michael, and Tourism Officials, welcomed a fourth airline into the destination, just three months after the opening of the new terminal at the V.C. Bird International Airport.
Seaborne Airlines launched its non-stop service between their hub in San Juan's Luis Munoz Marin International Airport and Antigua today with a 34 seat Saab 340 aircraft. The inaugural flight departed San Juan at 12:45 pm, and arrived into Antigua at 2:20 pm.
Seaborne Airline Officials, Mr. Hector Montanez - Director of Business Development & Marketing, Mr. Fernando Vazquez - Director of Airports, and Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Officials, Mrs. Paula Frederick-Hunte - Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Investment, Economic Development & Energy, and Ms. Shirlene Nibbs - Tourism Consultant for the Tourism Ministry were onboard the flight.
In welcoming the new carrier, Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Asot Michael called Seaborne Airlines, "the largest regional operator in the Caribbean."
"The entrance of Seaborne, provides passengers with one additional option for travelling to Antigua and Barbuda, quicker and more conveniently.
"As a regional hub, the more modern V.C. Bird International Airport, was extremely appealing and advantageous to Seaborne as they seek to expand their services throughout the wider Caribbean."
Commenting on the inaugurals held to date, the Minister said, "Our mandate is to grow airlift and to enhance our existing strategic positioning."
"JetBlue's launch into Antigua and Barbuda earlier in December, and today's arrival of Seaborne, is especially significant, due to the codeshare agreement signed between the two airlines in October. What this codeshare means to the everyday traveler is that they will be able to travel from JetBlue serviced territories in the United States, to Antigua seamlessly, with one ticket, one check-in and reliable baggage transfer."
Seaborne's partnership with JetBlue Airways, as well as Air Europa, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and United Airlines, means that, the airline can provide connections for passengers from thirty-three other destinations in the Americas as well as in Europe, into Antigua and Barbuda.
"We are excited to introduce Antigua as the 17th airport served by Seaborne Airlines; the fastest growing airline in the Caribbean," said Seaborne CEO and President Gary Foss.
"I am confident that our customers throughout the region will benefit from Seaborne's unmatched customer service commitment, low fares and connectivity to our airline partners."
Flights from Antigua to San Juan depart at 3:05 pm and arrive at 4:40 pm.
V.C. Bird International Airport's growing portfolio of passenger airlines maintains Antigua and Barbuda's position as a major hub in the Eastern Caribbean.
About Seaborne Airlines
Seaborne Airlines has been operating in the Caribbean for over 23 years, carrying approximately 3 million customers safely. With over 1,500 monthly departures to 17 airports, Seaborne serves San Juan's Luis Munoz Marin International Airport, St. Thomas airport and Seaplane base, St. Croix airport and Seaplane base, Anguilla, Antigua, Tortola, Dominica, Martinique, Guadeloupe, Saint Martin, St. Kitts, Nevis, La Romana, Punta Cana, and Santo Domingo. All flights operate with two pilots and two engines under Federal Air Regulation Part 121, the strictest code of the US Federal Air Regulation governing air travel.