Category: Island Life

A Major Caribbean Conference in Dubai

 

By Alexander Britell

A major Caribbean conference is coming to the United Arab Emirates.

The first-ever UAE & Caribbean Cooperation Forum will take place in Dubai from Nov. 24 to 26, looking to “explore potential to boost economic cooperation between the UAE and the Caribbean,” according to a statement.

“As the UAE forges forward on its journey to development, it walks in the footsteps of its founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, perpetuating the values of human development, supporting and assisting communities around the world to ensure none are left behind in meeting sustainable development goals,” said HE Reem Bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation.

“The upcoming UAE-Caribbean Forum is a manifestation of the bridges we have built over the years with the countries of the Caribbean, where economic, cultural and developmental cooperation and partnerships come together to nurture mutual and general efforts to build a better world for future generations,” she said.

The conference comes a year after the UAE-Caribbean Renewal Energy Fund launched during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, marking a turning point in bilateral relations.

“There is huge potential for Caribbean countries to boost trade with the GCC, Middle East, Africa and Asia, and the UAE is well-placed as a re-export hub that can provide them with easy access to these markets,” said H.E. Hamad Buamim, President & CEO, Dubai Chamber.

He said the UAE offered a strong environment for Caribbean companies looking to expand their global reach, from logistics expertise to world-class infrastructure.

The conference will additionally look to generate interest in Caribbean markets among UAE companies, from Emirates Airline to Khalifa Port.

It will also include a series of workshops aimed at offering technical assistance to Caribbean companies looking to learn more about the UAE.

The forum is being hosted at the Ritz-Carlton in Dubai.

For more information, visit the UAE Caribbean Cooperation Forum.

The post A Major Caribbean Conference in Dubai appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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The Grand Case Beach Club Is Open Again in St Martin

 

By Alexander Britell

It’s long been one of the most beloved hotels anywhere in the Caribbean.

And now, after an inspiring comeback in the wake of Hurricane Irma, St Martin’s Grand Case Beach Club has finally reopened its doors.

St Martin Grand Case Beach Club

The property officially reopened Nov. 15, with 48 of its 72 rooms, according to longtime general manager Steve Wright.

The property has made a number of improvements, from the addition of 43-inch TVs, improved Wi-Fi and even the inclusion of artwork by legendary local artist Sir Roland Richardson in every room.

Paul Klimenko added his interior design sensibilities to what the property is calling a new “gallery” ambience in the rooms.

St Martin Grand Case Beach Club

The on-site Sunset Cafe has also been rebuilt, now welcoming diners for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The property’s two white-sand beaches, Petite Blage and Grand Case Bay, are both available, as are the hotel’s traditional watersports and activities.

The hotel’s gym, tennis court and two buildings will open at a later date, Wright said.

St Martin Grand Case Beach Club

“The support of our loyal clientele is being continued by the simple act of coming and being with us as we softly find our feet again, in this reopening,” Wright said in a statement. “All that made us so special will be in full evidence, our superb location, our genuinely fantastic staff, our low-keyed comfort…all the reasons that you fell in love with us before and so many improvements still to come.”

st martin grand case beach club

The new Sunset Cafe.

But the return is a testament to an immense amount of hard work by the entire property’s team, Wright told Caribbean Journal.

“Surviving a Category 5+ hurricane was a astonishing challenge, but the 15 months since have been even more so,” Wright said.  “We, along with the destination, are and will be recovering for quite some time ahead, but the support from our amazing guests, staff and owners have made the the journey very positive and uplifting. We are so looking forward to being a hotel again, and getting back to doing what we do best!”

The return of the Grand Case Beach Club is indeed a major boost for the town of Grand Case, a traditional Creole village that has been one of the Caribbean’s leading culinary destinations for some time.

The town has already seen the reopening of many of its celebrated restaurants, with more poised to reopen through the season.

“The Grand Case Beach Club is back and will grown even better than ever,” Wright said.

For more, visit the Grand Case Beach Club.

The post The Grand Case Beach Club Is Open Again in St Martin appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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President Trump: Hurricane Relief Should Not Pay Puerto Rico Debt

… budget surplus that can pay Puerto Rico‘s debt,” … the oversight board of Puerto Rico approved a recent fiscal … and health-care funding for Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico‘s government and … quot;The reality is that Puerto Rico needs more relief aid, but …

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Healthcare crisis in St Lucia gets worse

By Melanius Alphonse Caribbean News Now associate editor melanius@caribbeannewsnow.com CASTRIES, St Lucia — Healthcare professionals and civic organizations, including the Saint Lucia Medical and Dental Association (SLMDA), the Saint Lucia Nurses Association, together with the Civil Service Association (CSA), and the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP), have called on the government of Saint Lucia to […]

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Islamic Bank to open regional office in Suriname amid growing ties

By Ray Chickrie Caribbean News Now contributor PARAMARIBO, Suriname — Following his tour of the Persian Gulf States of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the minister of finance of Suriname, Gillmore Hoefdraad, revealed this week that the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) will open a regional office in Suriname that will serve as […]

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