CTO STATE OF THE TOURISM INDUSTRY CONFERENCE EXAMINES KEY INDICATORS IMPACTING REGIONAL TOURISM
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Aug. 11, 2016 - The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has developed a comprehensive program for its annual State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC), the pre-eminent tourism gathering in the region, which will explore a range of subjects including how to transition the product, multicultural and emerging markets, creating a luxury experience and the sharing economy. SOTIC is scheduled Sept. 14 - 16, 2016 at the Hilton Barbados Resort.
Themed Honouring Our Legacy, Defining Our Future, SOTIC brings together tourism decision-makers, including ministers, commissioners and directors of tourism, hotel and airline executives, travel agents, students and media. It is preceded by CTO business gatherings including meetings of the board of directors and the Council of Ministers and Commissioners of Tourism.
General sessions start at 10:15 a.m. on Sept. 15 following the keynote address by Adam Stewart, chief executive officer of Sandals Resorts International, and take place throughout the day and Sept. 16. Panels include:
Delivering the Luxury Experience - As wealth expands globally and middle classes emerge in populous countries, the demand for luxury travel will fuel the growth of this market highlighted by more meaningful, authentic, personalized and exclusive travel experiences. The session examines how Caribbean destinations can re-craft their value propositions in order to deliver a luxury experience that meets the demand and translates into revenue growth for the suppliers.
Capturing the Multi-Cultural and Emerging Markets - Multicultural tourism is one of the fastest growing segments of the travel and tourism industry - estimated to be over a US$90 billion market. Established groups within this segment continue to grow, while new ones are fast emerging. This session is designed to give attendees insight into how to gain a share of these multicultural markets. Panelists will examine travel and spending patterns including "likes," "dislikes" and expectations, and how best to reach and retain these unfamiliar market segments.
Is Tourism Entering a New and Difficult Age? - Various safety and security threats such as crime, natural disasters, health crises and global terrorism all have the ability to stifle the growth potential of Caribbean tourism. This session looks at practical strategies and concrete examples of how tourism stakeholders, working together with other government agencies, the media and independent businesses can plan and respond collaboratively at the national and regional levels to counteract or reduce such threats.
No Place for the Status Quo - The dynamic nature of travel and tourism, coupled with changing demographics and attitudes, force the industry into a perpetual state of transition. In this session, tourism leaders discuss piloting an industry through a state of flux, utilizing alliances, diversifying source markets, and developing techniques to maintain the industry's prominence as a leading revenue earner and employment generator.
The Sharing Economy: Opportunity or Threat? - There are aggressive players in the travel and tourism business and part of what is commonly called The Sharing Economy or the Consumer, Peer-to-Peer Rental Market. Overall business is currently valued at US$26 billion, and these players are already operating in the Caribbean and their numbers are estimated to experience rapid growth. Panelists will examine this hybrid market model and discuss the challenges, risks and opportunities for the Caribbean tourism sector.
Creating Value Through Outstanding Visitor Experiences - The destination experience begins for a potential visitor long before the moment of touchdown. From a dynamic website, desirable accommodations, fascinating attractions, state-of-the-art airports and the services of travel agent specialists, this session will look at ways of enhancing the experiences of travelers to the Caribbean and positively impacting the bottom line.
Caribbean Tourism Youth Congress - National "Junior Ministers of Tourism" comprising students between the ages of 14-17, research various facets of the tourism sector and share their vision for the future direction of regional tourism. Delegates should expect a thought-provoking and spirited exchange of views among our future leaders of the region as these young debaters vie for important prizes and the chance to be a youth ambassador for tourism.
In addition to the general sessions, SOTIC will feature two workshops offered concurrently on Sept. 15 at 3:45 - 5:15 p.m. The workshops are as follows:
Buckle Up: This Could Be Bumpy - Providing adequate intra-regional service has always been a challenge for the region. The issues are many but the answers appear to be few. This workshop will investigate how the Caribbean can "get it right."
Picture It: Will You Be Here In Five Years? - To position a tourism destination, hotel or attraction in a way that is desirable, profitable and sustainable requires specific steps. This workshop will provide practical, straightforward answers to creating and achieving a vision for success.
For complete session descriptions or to register for SOTIC, visit http://sotic.onecaribbean.org/.
This year's conference is organized in collaboration with Barbados' Ministry of Tourism and International Transport and the Barbados Tourism Marketing, Inc.
Canada police 'kill suspect in anti-terror operation'
Police have shot dead a suspect in an anti-terror operation in the Canadian province of Ontario. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) confirmed that a suspect was fatally shot in a police operation. Canadian media said police had raided a property in Strathroy, about 225km (140 miles) south-west of Toronto. They named the suspect as Aaron Driver, 24, who was arrested last year for openly supporting so-called Islamic State on social media.
Trump insists 'Obama is founder of IS'
Republican Donald Trump has described US President Barack Obama as the "founder" of the Islamic State group. "They honour President Obama," he told a rally in Florida on yesterday. "He is the founder of Isis [Islamic State]. Mr Trump also attacked his Democratic rival for the White House, Hillary Clinton, calling her a "co-founder". She responded by accusing him of "trash-talking" the US and echoing the talking points of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Mr Trump stood by his remarks today, using a sports phrase to say Mr Obama and Mrs Clinton were the Islamic State's "most valuable players". The Republican presidential nominee has endured 10 days of negative headlines after a string of controversial comments.
MARINE FORECAST FOR THE BAHAMAS
MARINE FORECAST FOR THE BAHAMAS FOR 24 HOURS FROM 1PM THURSDAY 11TH AUGUST , 2016 ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY AT 1630 UTC
GENERAL SITUATION: THE COMBINATION OF AN UPPER LEVEL TROUGH AND SURFACE LOW PRESSURE CONTINUES TO CREATE UNSETTLED WEATHER OVER THE BAHAMAS
FOR ALL AREAS
WEATHER: SCATTERED SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS
ADVISORY: SMALL C RAFT CAUTION REMAINS IN EFFEC FOR THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS
WINDS: EAST TO SOUTHEAST AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS IN THE NORTHWEST AND CENTRAL BAHAMAS AND EAST TO SOUTH-SOUTHEAST AT 15 TO 20 KNOTS IN THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS
SEAS: 2 TO 4 FEET IN THE NORTHWEST AND CENTRAL BAHAMAS AND 4 TO 6 FEET IN THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS
SUNSET AT 7.47 PM AND SUNRISE AT 6.43 AM FRIDAY
MOONSET AT 1.34 AM FRIDAY AND MOONRISE AT 2.14 PM FRIDAY
LOW TIDE AT 9.28 PM AND HIGH TIDE AT 3.04 AM FRIDAY
WEATHER OUTLOOK: PARTLY SUNNY TOMORROW WITH FEWER SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS, INCREASING WINDS AS HIGH PRESSURE BUILDS OVER THE AREA
TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK: TROPICAL CYCLONE FOMATION NOT EXPECTED THROUGH THE WEEKEND
FORECASTER : N.ARMSTRONG /C.G
PUBLIC FORECAST
THIS IS THE FORECAST FOR THE BAHAMAS FOR THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT, THURSDAY 11TH AUGUST 2016
GENERAL SITUATION: THE COMBINATION OF AN UPPER LEVEL TROUGH AND SURFACE LOW PRESSURE CONTINUES TO CREATE UNSETTLED WEATHER OVER THE BAHAMAS
FOR ALL AREAS
WEATHER: PARTLY CLOUDY TO CLOUDY WITH SCATTERED SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS, MILD TONIGHT WITH ISOLATED SHOWERS
ADVISORY: SMALL C RAFT CAUTION REMAINS IN EFFEC FOR THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS
WINDS: EAST TO SOUTHEAST AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS IN THE NORTHWEST AND CENTRAL BAHAMAS AND EAST TO SOUTH-SOUTHEAST AT 15 TO 20 KNOTS IN THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS
SEAS RUNNING: 2 TO 4 FEET IN THE NORTHWEST AND CENTRAL BAHAMAS AND 4 TO 6 FEET IN THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE IN NASSAU 91F 33C
OVERNITE LOW TEMPERATURE IN NASSAU 77F 25C
SUNSET AT 7.47 PM AND SUNRISE AT 6.43 AM FRIDAY
MOONSET AT 1.34 AM FRIDAY AND MOONRISE AT 2.14 PM FRIDAY
LOW TIDE AT 9.28 PM AND HIGH TIDE AT 3.04 AM FRIDAY
WEATHER OUTLOOK: PARTLY SUNNY TOMORROW WITH FEWER SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS, INCREASING WINDS AS HIGH PRESSURE BUILDS OVER THE AREA
TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK: TROPICAL CYCLONE FOMATION NOT EXPECTED THROUGH THE WEEKEND
THE END
N.A/M.M=SD
Mrs Lormeka Williams, the Director of the TCI Red Cross, has been awarded a Chevening Scholarship
The Governor’s Office is pleased to announce that Mrs Lormeka Williams, the Director of the TCI Red Cross, has been awarded a prestigious Chevening Scholarship for the 2016/17 academic year to study a Masters degree in Conservation Biology at the University of Kent in the UK starting in September. The award was presented to Mrs Williams by His Excellency the Governor, Peter Beckingham, at Waterloo on 10 August.
Chevening Scholarships to study in the UK are awarded globally each year to outstanding individuals with leadership potential who are committed to contribute to the future development of their home countries, in Mrs Williams case the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Mrs Williams previously worked closely with international organisations such as Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Darwin Project and the United Kingdom Overseas Territories Conservation Forum on various conservation projects and initiatives. During her tenure as Director of the TCI Red Cross she assisted in the implementation of the Disaster Risk Reduction Programme which reaches out to vulnerable communities helping them to prepare and become more resilient and able to respond to disasters.
Commenting on the award, Mrs Williams said:
“I am so happy to have been awarded the Chevening Scholarship and to have been given the opportunity to not only further my studies but to represent my country on an international level. I am looking forward to meeting and learning from other Chevening Scholars and sharing my knowledge and experience with them.”
The Governor, Peter Beckingham, said, “It is to Lormeka’s great credit that she receives this prestigious scholarship. I’m sure that she will use her experience for the benefit of the Turks and Caicos Islands when she returns to the islands, and I hope that everyone in TCI will be proud of her achievement.”
The deadline for submitting applications for Chevening Scholarhips for 2017/18 is 8 November 2016. All eligible people are encouraged to apply. For more Information, Contact the Chevening Officer- Mr Neville Misick.
Email: Neville.misick@fco.gov.uk
Telephone: +1649 -916-2308/9
TCI and Cayman Launch New Civil Service Partnership
As a part of the Office of the Deputy Governor's vision to improve service delivery across government, Deputy Governor Anya Williams accompanied by the Director of her office Mr. Tito Lightbourne and Human Resources Director Mr. Mark Greenway visited the Cayman Islands during the week commencing August 8th, 2016 to launch a new partnership for training, professional development and performance management with the sister UK overseas territory.
During the course of the visit the Deputy Governor and her team had the opportunity to engage with Deputy Governor Franz Manderson and his team including Chief Operating Officer Gloria McField-Nixon on possible areas of mutual interest and how both territories could work to improve the services that their agencies provide to the general public.
Commenting on the visit Deputy Governor Manderson said; "It was a privilege and pleasure to welcome the Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands to the Cayman Islands. We are working together to improve the performance of our respective civil services so that we can deliver high quality services to our customers and look forward to great successes."
Deputy Governor Williams was pleased to visit Cayman and to formally launch such a partnership. She stated; "DG Manderson and I were appointed during the same period as both our territories have been undergoing a series of reform programs throughout the years, we both have continuously led over the years in delivering presentations in the UK and elsewhere on the successes of our reform programs.
“Following on from the voluntary severance program in the Turks and Caicos we have spent a considerable amount of time during the past few years in focusing on rebuilding the civil service by ensuring that departments were properly staffed and equipped with the resources needed to carry out their jobs, including improvements in pay and infrastructure and whilst there is still some work to be done in this area, our new vision will focus on rebranding the civil service and on improving our customer service delivery.
"This will be done by continuing to focus on staff training and professional development and by ensuring that proper performance management systems are put in place. The Cayman Islands has been of great assistance to us in the past in providing training for our social services and other staff and we look forward to a further enhanced partnership."
Evanson Walkin Plead Guilty
20 year-old Evanson Walkin plead guilty in the Supreme Court
After a two-day trial, Evanson Walkin, who was arrested and charged with two (2) counts of Carrying Imitation Firearm to cause fear and Aggravated Burglary changed his not guilty plea to guilty on all counts.
It was around 12 AM on Saturday 26th September 2015, a nine (9) year-old male child and his 25-year-old sister was walking home from a store in Five Cays Providenciales when Mr. Evanson Walkin began following them. Upon reaching home, Mr. Walkin who appeared to be under the influence of alcohol started behaving aggressively by making used of indecent language, forced himself into the home of the complainant. While inside, the complainant sister asked him to leave, but he refused to do so. Instead, he grabbed her by the arm, dragged her to the floor and place a curtain over her head.
When the 9-year-old tried to assist his sister by asking Evanson to stop, he (Evanson) took what appeared to be an orange flare gun from his waist and placed it on the right eye of the child and threaten to push him outside and kill him.
The child got frightened and started screaming as he ran outside crying and shaking with fear. Mr. Walkin followed him and began beating him. While doing so, a neighbor saw what was happening asked him to leave the little boy alone. He then pointed the flare gun at the neighbor and told her he would kill her as well.
He then fled the scene.
As a result of this, around 12 PM the next day, the accused was seen at his home in Five Cays and was arrested and later Charged.
He is remanded until sentencing on the 11th October 2016 at 9:30 am.
Sharonna Walkin of Blue Hills Pleads Guilty
39-year-old woman pleads guilty to a charge of Wasteful Employment of Police.
Sharonna Walkin of Blue Hills Providenciales who was arrested last week (Wednesday 3rd August 2016) with wasteful employment of police, plead guilty today in the Magistrate's Court.
The charge stem from a report that she made around 8am on Saturday 25th June 2016, stating that a man known to her, beat her about the body, pointed a gun at her and made threats to shoot her. After arresting and charging the man, the woman told officers that the report she made was false. She was then charged and taken before the Magistrate.
After her guilty plea, she gave the Magistrate a lengthy reason why she made such false report on the man.
Her mitigation was taken into consideration before sentencing and was fined $1500 by the 10th September 2016 or 90 days imprisonment if she fails to pay the penalty.
According to sections 6 (2) of the Criminal Law Ordinance Chapter 3.01, “ Where a person causes any wasteful employment of any police officer, knowingly making to any person a false report tending to show that an offence has been committed, or to give rise to the apprehension for the safety of any person or property, or tending to show that he has information material to any police inquiry, he or she shall be liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for six (6) months or to a fine of $2,000 or both imprisonment and fine.
BAHAMAS PUBLIC FORECAST
BAHAMAS PUBLIC FORECAST FOR TONIGHT AND TOMORROW WEDNESDAY 10TH AUGUST 2016
GENERAL SITUATION: THE SURFACE RIDGE WILL BEGIN TO GRADUALLY LIFT NORTHWARDS TONIGHT AS A SURFACE TROUGH EXTENDING ACROSS THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS TO THE SOUTH OF ANDROS CONTINUE TO SUPPORT SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS WHILE THE NORTHERN PART OF A TROPICAL WAVE WILL ENTER THE VICINITY OF THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS BY TOMORROW.
SPECIAL WARNINGS: BEACHGOERS IN THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS SHOULD EXERCISE CAUTION DUE TO THE RISK OF RIP CURRENTS MAINLY ALONG THE NORTHERN AND EASTERN SHORELINES.
NORTHWEST AND CENTRAL BAHAMAS
WEATHER: VARIABLY CLOUDINESS, WARM AND HUMID WITH WIDELY SCATTERED SHOWERS AND ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS THROUGH TOMORROW.
ADVISORY: SMALL CRAFT SHOULD BE ALERT FOR GUSTY WINDS AND HIGH SEAS IN OR NEAR HEAVY SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS.
WINDS: EAST TO SOUTHEAST AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS, FALLING LIGHT AND VARIABLE AT TIMES OVER OPEN WATERS.
SEAS: 2 TO 4 FEET OVER THE OCEAN.
SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS
WEATHER: FAIR AND WARM WITH THE CHANCE OF BRIEF PASSING SHOWERS TONIGHT. PARTLY SUNNY, HOT AND A BIT BREEZY WITH ISOLATED SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS TOMORROW.
ADVISORY: SMALL CRAFT CAUTION REMAINS IN EFFECT.
WINDS: EASTERLY AT 15 TO 20 KNOTS OVER OPEN WATERS.
SEAS: 4 TO 6 FEET OVER THE OCEAN.
OVERNITE LOW TEMPERATURE: 79°F 26°C
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE: 93°F 34°C
SUNSET: 7:48PM
SUNRISE: 6:42AM THUR
MOONSET: 12:53AM THUR
MOONRISE: 2:14PM THUR
LOW TIDE: 8:30PM 8:37AM THUR
HIGH TIDE: 2:20AM THUR 3:04PM THUR
TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK: A BROAD AREA OF LOW PRESSURE LOCATED JUST SOUTHWEST OF MOBILE, ALABAMA, CONTINUES TO PRODUCE A LARGE AREA OF CLOUDINESS AND DISORGANIZED THUNDERSTORMS OVER MUCH OF THE NORTH-CENTRAL AND NORTHEASTERN GULF OF MEXICO AND ADJACENT LAND AREAS. LITTLE OR NO DEVELOPMENT EXPECTED DUE TO UNFAVORABLE UPPER-LEVEL WINDS AND ITS PROXIMITY TO LAND. TROPICAL CYCLONE FORMATION CHANCE THROUGH 48 HOURS IS LOW.
FORECASTER: ORSON NIXON/sc/cwr