Caribbean UPDATE July 2009 1
Commission Executive Secretary Alicia Bárcena,
Caribbean reports Caribbean Net News (May 28, 2009):
FDI flows are expected to fall 35%-45% during
UPDATE 2009, due to the global economic crisis. South
America received 24% more FDI in 2008 (US$ 89.8
billion), thanks to the high price of basic
Including Central commodities and subregional economic growth;
America Results vary by country. Investment in Central
America rose 7%. and rose by 42% to the
Editor/Publisher: Kal Wagenheim, Caribbean, due largely to investments in the
116 Myrtle Ave., Millburn NJ 07041 Dominican Republic and Trinidad & Tobago. The
Tel: 973-376-2314. Cell: 973 885 6897 US and Spain continued to be the main sources of
Email: kalwagenheim@cs.com FDI (24% and 9%). Canada (8%) and Japan (6%)
Website: www.caribbeanupdate.org increased their presence through natural resource
projects.
Vol. 25, No. 6 Copyright 2009 July
2009 ***
DISASTER INSURANCE RENEWED. Sixteen
TABLE OF CONTENTS Caribbean nations and territories renewed insurance
policies that trigger payouts of emergency cash after
1 The Region devastating hurricanes or earthquakes, reports AP
2 Country-by-country reports in alphabetical (June 7, 2009):
order
22 Calendar Amid the global financial crisis, member
23 Data Base governments received a 10% decrease in premium
costs for the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance
Caribbean UPDATE (ISSN 8756-324x) is Facility, established by the World Bank in 2006.
published monthly by Caribbean UPDATE Inc., 116 Last year, the insurance paid out US$6 million to
Myrtle Ave., Millburn NJ 07041. "We strive to the Turks & Caicos Islands after Hurricane Ike. In
provide you with information that you can act upon, 2007, it paid US$1 million to Dominica and St.
by phone, fax, e-mail or packing your bags." Lucia after an earthquake shook the Eastern
Subscriptions: $281 per year (12 issues either via Caribbean. Caribbean leaders sought World Bank
regular mail or Email); $141 special price to assistance in establishing the fund after Hurricane
academics, and for additional subscriptions to the Ivan caused widespread devastation in 2004;
same organization. Bulk quantities also available
(inquire). To order, see back page, or call 973 376- Participating governments are Anguilla,
2314. Cell: 973 885 6897 E- Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize,
mail:kalwagenheim@cs.com. Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada,
Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts & Nevis, St.
Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Trinidad &
THE REGION Tobago and the Turks & Caicos Islands.
MIXED INVESTMENT PICTURE. Foreign ***
Direct Investment (FDI) flows to Latin America and US DEPORTATIONS ASSAILED. The United
the Caribbean in 2008 reached a record US$128.3 States should review its policy on deporting West
billion, up 13% from 2007, according to the Indian criminals back to their home countries,
ECLAC report Foreign Direct Investment in Latin Caribbean nations told US Attorney General Eric
America and the Caribbean 2008 presented by Holder at a meeting in Bridgetown, Barbados,
reports Reuters (May 24, 2009):
Caribbean UPDATE July 2009 2
strengthen ties with the region. Ghenas was part of a
The issue is a major irritant between Caribbean Libyan delegation that recently traveled to St.
states and their larger neighbor. Others include the Vincent and met with leaders, including those from
regulation of tax havens and the use by criminal Dominica, Grenada and St. Lucia. Libya already
networks as a staging post for illicit drugs bound for plans to open an embassy in Guyana and help
the US. Large numbers of people migrate from the finance its agriculture sector.
West Indies to the US each year seeking education
and jobs. But under a 1996 US law, criminals NEW US AMBASSADORS. President Barack
convicted of offenses ranging from murder to Obama announced eight new ambassadorial
shoplifting as well as drug infractions can face appointments, naming three big campaign donors
deportation from the US; and fundraisers to plum posts in Canada, the
Bahamas and South Africa and tapping career
“We are all committed to improving security, to diplomats for jobs in Guinea, Haiti and Lithuania,
strengthening our borders and to combating the reports AP (June 6, 2009). Obama chose California
plague of gangs and drugs and to reducing music executive Nicole Avant to be the next US
recidivism," he said, adding that Washington was ambassador to the Bahamas. She and her family
giving an additional US$30 million for the have been prolific donors to the Democratic Party
Caribbean Basin Security Initiative. The Caribbean and gave money to both Obama and Hillary
Community says the 1996 helped trigger a rise in Clinton. Obama tapped career diplomat Kenneth
violent crime because criminals have been sent back Merten to be ambassador to Haiti.
often with little connection to their home countries.
CLIMATE CHANGE KILLS CORAL.
*** Climate change has contributed to a flattening of the
LIBYA TO SET UP BANK IN REGION. Libya complex, multi-layered architecture of Caribbean
will set up a commercial bank in the Organization coral reefs, compromising their role as a nursery for
of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) region, reports fish stocks and a buffer against tropical storms,
Caribbean Net News (June 8, 2009). The decision according to a study published in the London-based
was taken after discussions St Vincent & the Royal Society journal Biology Letters, reports
Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves had Reuters (June 10, 2009). The analysis of 500
with Libyan leader Muammar Al Gaddafi, in surveys of 200 reefs, conducted between 1969 and
Tripoli, Libya's capital. Dominica Prime Minister 2008, showed the most complex types of reef had
Roosevelt Skerrit also visited Tripoli in May and been virtually wiped out across the Caribbean. The
was reportedly able to secure funding for several biggest impact has occurred in the last decade, said
projects. OECS leaders were in St Vincent recently the report by researchers from Britain's University
and had discussions with a delegation from Libya of East Anglia and Canada's Simon Fraser
headed by Special Envoy Mokhtar Ghanas. The University. "Lack of ... refuges for species…such as
accord between Libya and the OECS leaders is lobsters and large fishes may compromise the long-
known as the "Declaration of Kingstown". It was term sustainability of fisheries and fishing
also agreed that Libya will establish an embassy in communities," the report said. Flatter reefs are also
an OECS member state, with the sub region having less effective in protecting coastal homes and
a joint embassy in Tripoli. A Libya holding villages from storm swells and tidal surges. The
company will also be established in an OECS degradation of Caribbean reefs is not entirely linked
member state, and technical teams would be to climate change, with disease killing about 90% of
established in each OECS country, with a report to Elkhorn and Staghorn Corals in the 1970s, but a
be submitted by July. second period of coral destruction is now under
way.
EC AWAITS LIBYAN EMBASSY. Libyan
envoy Mokhtar Ghenas says his country also plans DEADLY EARTHQUAKE. An earthquake
to open an embassy on an Eastern Caribbean island toppled dozens of homes in Honduras and Belize,
that has not yet been identified, reports AP (June 9, killing at least six people and injuring 40 as terrified
2009). The announcement comes as Libya seeks to residents spilled from their homes across much of
Caribbean UPDATE July 2009 3
Central America, reports AP (May 29, 2009). The America) Ltd., achieved over 1.1 million
magnitude-7.1 quake struck off the Caribbean coast subscribers in less than five months, bringing total
of Honduras, 80 miles northeast of the beach town subscribers across 26 markets in the Caribbean and
of La Ceiba, according to the U.S. Geological Central America to 8.2 million, said Colm Delves,
Survey in Golden, Colorado. The quake was felt Digicel Group CEO. Details: Antonia Graham,
strongly in El Salvador, Guatemala and northern Digicel. T: (876) 564 1708. Email: antonia.graham
Nicaragua, but no major damage was reported in @digicelgroup.com. Web: www.digicelgroup.com
those countries. Don Blakeman, a US Geological
Survey expert, said people in Mexico and on several NEW JETBLUE DESTINATIONS. JetBlue
Caribbean islands also reported feeling the Airways (JBLU) on June 4 announced its three
earthquake. newest Caribbean destinations: Barbados; Kingston,
Jamaica; and St Lucia. Nonstop flights from New
BROADBAND EXPANSION. KVH Industries, York's John F. Kennedy Intl Airport begin in
Inc., (based in Middletown, R.I). on June 4 said it October. Later, JetBlue will continue building its
has taken operational responsibility of the mini- network with service between Ft Lauderdale, Fla.
VSAT Broadband(SM) service network supporting and both Cancun, Mexico, and Santo Domingo,
North America and the Caribbean. These regions Dominican Republic, and also between Boston and
were previously managed under a revenue sharing Santo Domingo. Details: 1-800-538-2583, 1-800-
agreement with SES AMERICOM. This has been 336-5530. Web: www.jetblue.com.
terminated in favor of a leasing agreement with SES
AMERICOM for bandwidth on its AMC-21 and PEPSI BOTTLER PARTNERSHIP.
AMC-6 satellites. KVH also purchased the Miami PepsiAmericas Inc., the second-biggest Pepsi
satellite network hub that supports the Caribbean bottler, said it created a joint venture with the
region from SES AMERICOM, said Brent C. Central America Beverage Corp., reports AP (May
Bruun, KVH's VP of sales & business development. 18, 2009). The move comes as PepsiAmericas,
Details: Web: http://kvh.com/ footprints and along with the bigger Pepsi Bottling Group, is
www.minivsat.com. fighting a proposed takeover by PepsiCo Inc.
Purchase, N.Y.-based PepsiCo is the second-biggest
NAVTEQ EXPANDS MAP COVERAGE. drinks seller in the world after the Coca-Cola Co.
NAVTEQ, a Chicago-based provider of digital map, The joint venture will focus on the Caribbean,
traffic and location data for in-vehicle, portable, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua.
wireless and enterprise solutions, on June 9 PepsiAmericas will own 18% of the joint venture,
announced the availability of its navigable map in with the rest owned by the Central American
the Bahamas, St. Barts and the Cayman Islands. Beverage Corp. The deal is expected to close in the
NAVTEQ now provides digital map coverage to third quarter once it receives regulatory approval.
popular American vacation destinations in the Details: PepsiAmericas, Inc. Sara Zawoyski, 612-
region. Coverage for the Bahamas includes about 661-3830 (Investor). Mary Viola, 847-598-2870
1,230 km of road network. St. Barts and The (Press)
Cayman Islands include about 477 km of roads, said
Cindy Paulauskas, VP Americas map and content FALL, WINTER WINDSTAR SAILINGS.
products. Windstar Cruises, which operates a three-ship fleet
of luxury yachts, June 3 said it will offer 31
DIGICEL REPORTS 11% REVENUE Caribbean sailings and premiere a new 7-day St.
GROWTH. Digicel, the large Caribbean Martin roundtrip itinerary on the 148-guest Wind
telecommunications operator and recent entrant to Spirit due to guest request. Each week from
the Central American market, on June 8 said December through March, Wind Spirit will sail
revenues for its fiscal year ended March 21, 2009 roundtrip from St. Martin. Port of calls include St.
were US$1.73 billion, up 11% on the previous year. Kitts, Tortola, Jost Van Dyke,
Subscribers rose 9% to 7.1 million. Recent launches Virgin Gorda and St. Barts. The 312-guest Wind
in Honduras (Nov. 2008) and Panama (Dec. 2008) Surf offers 7-day roundtrip sailings in fall and
via its sister company, Digicel Holdings (Central winter from Bridgetown, Barbados. The itinerary
Caribbean UPDATE July 2009 4
includes St. Kitts, Nevis, St. Martin, St. Barts,
Guadeloupe, Iles des Saintes and St. Lucia. The COUNTRY COMMERCIAL GUIDES. Paid
southbound itinerary includes Bequia, Dominica, St. subscribers to Caribbean Update newsletter may
Lucia, Mayreau, Grenada and Tobago. Details on receive free of charge via Email detailed Country
these and other itineraries at 1-800-258-7245. Web: Commercial Guides, produced by the US Dept. of
www. windstarcruises. com. Also, from Vanessa Commerce, offering useful information about doing
Bloy. 206.733.2970. Email: business in countries in the region we cover. The
vanessa.bloy@windstarcruises.com following reports are currently available (dates of
completion are in parenthesis): Bahamas (2/25/09);
SHORT-STAY VISA WAIVER ACCORD. Barbados (2/26/07); Belize (3/09/09); Bermuda
Short-stay visa waiver agreements were signed (11/23/07); Costa Rica (2/26/09); Dominican
between the European Union (EU) and four Republic (2/13/09); El Salvador (2/17/09);
Caribbean countries in a Brussels with the Guatemala (4/18/08); Guyana (4/28/08); Haiti
participation of representatives from Antigua & (5/12/09); Honduras (5/5/08); Jamaica (2/23/08);
Barbuda, The Bahamas, Saint Kitts & Nevis, Nicaragua (5/13/08); Panama (3/13/09); Suriname
Mauritius, Barbados and Seychelles, reports (4/29/08); Trinidad (12/13/07). Reports may be
Caribbean Net News (May 29, 2009). The obtained by naming the country desired and
agreements provide for visa-free travel for the sending an Email to: kalwagenheim@cs.com.
citizens of the European Union and citizens of the
six countries – holders of all passports (diplomatic, BAHAMAS
service and ordinary) – between their territories for
stays not exceeding three months. About 800.000 OFFSHORE ENERGY EXPLORATION.
European citizens travel to these countries per year. Australian energy exploration company, BPC Ltd
on May 18 announced an offshore joint venture
GREEN GLOBE PARTNERSHIP. Green with Norway's StatoilHydro launch the first major
Globe Intl, Inc. (based in Murrieta, Calif) said May exploration project here since 1986:
26 it has entered into an agreement with
Responsible Business Alliance, a Corporate Social A report, published last year, stated that there
Responsibility (CSR) advisory partnership. RBA could be multiple 500 MMBOE oil fields in 18
will act as a preferred representative of the Green leads recognized in BPC's southern Bahamas
Globe brand and its associated certification and licensed area (source: Competent Person's Report
indexing systems in markets which include Costa by Moyes & Co., Inc. contained in BPC's AIM
Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, admission document, Aug. 2008). The CPR
Guatemala, Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic, evaluated BPC's licensed area adjacent to and along
said Costas Christ, Senior Advisor to RBA. Details: trend of the 'JV' area. A U.S. Geological Survey
1-310-984-6807. Web: www. greenglobeint.com (2008; Report DDS-69-M) study of the offshore
and www.rbasite.com. northwest Cuba Basin estimates a potential of 7-14
billion barrels equivalent (oil and gas) of
SIGHTLOGIX REP NAMED. SightLogix, undiscovered resources, said exploration VP Erik
maker of outdoor video analytics cameras for wide- Finnstrom, StatoilHydro;
area perimeter security (based in Princeton NJ), on
June 10 said it has named Coaxial Systems The licenses are pending the approval of the
Associates (CSA) to serve as Manufacturer's Government of the Bahamas. The "JV" area is
Representative in Florida and the Caribbean. adjacent to four wholly owned licenses held by BPC
Recently relocated to Jupiter, Fla, CSA provides in The Bahamas, as well as near an existing license
coverage throughout its home state and the held by StatoilHydro in adjacent Cuban waters.
Caribbean, including bilingual representation in The last active exploration in the Bahamas was in
Puerto Rico and other Spanish-speaking areas. 1987 by Tenneco; in offshore Cuba the same
Details: Eric Heller, Director, Marketing. petroleum system is the focus of current exploration
SightLogix, Inc. Phone: 1-609.951.0008. Web: activity.
www.sightlogix.com.
Caribbean UPDATE July 2009 5
CASINO TRANSITION PLAN. Isle of Capri Project Coordination Unit. Ground Fl. Thomas
Casinos, Inc. on May 29 said it entered into an Peirce Bldg. Lower Collymore Rock. St. Michael.
agreement to continue operating the Isle of Capri Barbados. Tel: (246) 436-8994. E-mail:
Casino in Freeport, Grand Bahama, until it intends pcu@commerce.gov.bb. And: Special Tenders
to exit on Aug. 31, 2009. The company said it will Committee. Chairman. Central Purchasing Dept .
continue to assist the Govt. of the Bahamas and the Holborn, Fontabelle. St. Michael, Barbados.
owner of the Our Lucaya Resort, Hutchison Lucaya
Ltd, in their efforts to identify and select a new CUBA-BARBADOS COOPERATION. The
operator. A number of entities have reportedly Sixth Cuba-Barbados Joint Commission, held
expressed interest in assuming management of the during the visit to Havana by Prime Minister David
facility. Details: Dale Black, CFO-314.813.9327. Thompson, wound up with the signing of a
Jill Haynes, Senior Director, Corporate cooperation protocol aimed at strengthening
Communication-314.813.9368. Web: relations between both Caribbean nations, reports
www.islecorp.com ACN (May 18, 2009). Teresa Marshall, permanent
secretary of the Barbados Ministry of Foreign
AIR WING UPGRADE. The Royal Bahamas Affairs & Trade, thanked Cuba for granting
Defense Force tripled the size of its Air Wing after scholarships to Barbadian youths and expressed
the commissioning two new aircraft, reports BIS interest in receiving advice by Cuban specialists in
(May 20, 2009). The Vulcan Air P68C Observer the protection against natural disasters. During the
and Cessna 208B Grand Caravan were purchased working sessions, both countries signed a bilateral
by the government for US$2,888,975. They bring to accord between foreign ministries plus another two
three the number of aircraft operated by the Defense protocols in the sectors of sports and science,
Force. technology and the environment.
BELIZE
BARBADOS
RURAL FINANCING PROGRAM. The
S&P CUTS RATING. Standard & Poor's cut Central American Bank for Economics Integration
Barbados credit ratings, saying a combination of (CABEI), and the government of Belize, with the
economic contraction and government counter- support of the International Fund for Agricultural
cyclical policies will further pressure the country's Development (IFAD), signed their first loan
debt ratios, reports Reuters (June 11, 2009). S&P agreement to create a rural financing program,
downgraded Barbados long-term foreign-currency reports Caribbean Net News (June 9, 2009). Prime
rating to BBB from BBB-plus. The outlook on the Minister Dean Barrow said the program will target
new rating is stable, as the agency expects the 11,500 rural and low-income households, of which
government to tighten its fiscal accounts as of 2010 4,000 are extremely poor. Total project cost is
when the economy is seen stabilizing. "We expect US$6.4 million to be disbursed over seven years
Barbados' economy to contract by 2.5% in 2009, starting May 2009 (US$3 million from IFAD,
followed by a flat performance in 2010 before US$1.9 million from CBEI, and the remaining
gradually recovering to 2.5% growth in 2011," S&P US$1.14 will be apportioned between credit unions
said. and the government of Belize)
STANDARDS MODERNIZATION. A loan AQUACULTURE DEVELOPMENT.
from the Inter-American Development Bank is for Aquaculture development specialists from Taiwan
Modernization of the Barbados National Standards are visiting Belize to assist in the development of
System (Loan No. 1948/OC-BA, the aquaculture industry, reports Caribbean Net
Project No. BA-L1006). Part of the funds are for News (June 9, 2009). Gabino Canto, CEO in the
Consultants for Planning, Internal Control, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, said the
Financing and Human Resources. Deadline to Ministry has formed a Tilapia Unit in the Fisheries
prequalify: July 15, 2009, Refer to: Bid No. 1. Dept to help farmers who are already in the industry
Details: Modernization of the Barbados National and also to promote and increase inland
Standards System Project. Project Coordinator. consumption of marine products.
Caribbean UPDATE July 2009 6
illegal operations out of servers in Silicon Valley,
CONSULTANTS FOR STRATEGIC PLAN. reports AP (June 8, 2009). The FTC says the case
Belize has secured a Technical Assistance (TA) marks the first time the agency has ordered the
grant from the Caribbean Development Bank shuttering of an Internet provider.
(CDB) for the cost of consultancy services for the
capacity building and institutional strengthening of BERMUDA
key operational areas of the Development Finance
Corp. (DFC). They will be needed to undertake an BERMUDA ADDED TO "WHITE LIST."
assessment of the DFC and develop a strategic plan. After Bermuda’s signed its 12th Tax Information
Deadline to prequalify: July 1, 2009. Specific Exchange Agreement (TIEA) with the Netherlands,
outputs be: A five-year Strategic Plan; Operating the OECD updated its progress report to include
manuals for the operations of DFC which document Bermuda with other jurisdictions that have
and describe the new code of ethics, operating substantially implemented the internationally agreed
policies including risk management policies, tax standard, reports Caribbean Net News (June 9,
systems and procedures; and Recommendations for 2009). Bermuda’s Minister of Finance, Paula Cox,
the improvement of the MIS for greater efficiency said “Bermuda wholeheartedly endorsed the
of DFC. Details: 1. Ministry of Finance. Financial OECD’s objective and is pleased to note that the
Secretary. Sir Edney Cain Bldg. City of Belmopan. April 2 progress report – or ‘gray list’ – has now
Cayo District. Belize, C.A.. Tel: 1 (501) 822-3866. been updated and that Bermuda is now included in
Fax: 1 (501) 822-2866. 2. Caribbean Development the revised ‘white list.’ Bermuda has now signed 12
Bank.Procurement Officer.Project Services TIEA Agreements; with the US, the UK, Australia,
Division. P.O. Box 408. St. Michael. Barbados, New Zealand, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark,
W.I.. Tel.: 1 (246) 461-1600. Fax: 1 (246) 431- the Faroe Islands, Iceland, Greenland, and the
7269. E-mail: procurement@caribank.org Netherlands. It has concluded negotiations with
Canada, Germany and Mexico and is at an
WATER PROJECT. A project to provide a advanced stage of negotiations with Japan.
reliable supply of water to San Antonio Village in
the Cayo District, has been launched, reports INGERSOLL TO IRELAND. Shareholders of
Caribbean Net News (June 10, 2009). Funded by Ingersoll-Rand Co approved the conglomerate's
the government and the Caribbean Development plan to reincorporate from Bermuda to Ireland by a
Bank, it will end a ten-year hiatus during which margin of 97 to 3, and the reorganization will
over 3,000 residents have suffered without an become effective within four weeks, the company
adequate supply of water. The community will said, reports Reuters (June 4, 2009). Ingersoll said
contribute in-kind labor. An irrigation component moving to Ireland would allow it to take advantage
to provide water for crops, will be funded by the of the nation's membership in the European Union;
United Nations Development Program (UNDP). strong, stable legal and regulatory system; and tax
The Govt Information Service said the project treaties with countries where the company has
entails installation of a 31,000 ft transmission line operations. It is one of several large companies
from the proposed intake source at Oak Burn Creek shifting from Bermuda to either Ireland or
in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve to San Switzerland.
Antonio Village; construction of a new pump house,
installation of a chlorinator unit for water treatment, ANOTHER US COMPANY MOVES.
repairs to the existing tank and the installation of Technology outsourcing and consulting firm
water meters. Accenture Ltd said it plans to change its place of
incorporation to Ireland from Bermuda, joining an
FTC SHUTS INTERNET PROVIDER. The US exodus of large US companies as the US plans to
Federal Trade Commission said it ordered the tighten tax rules, reports Reuters (May 27, 2009).
shutdown of a Pricewert LLC, described in a "Ireland offers a sophisticated, well-developed
complaint filed in San Jose, Calif., federal court as corporate, legal and regulatory environment," said
an Oregon-based shell company run by “overseas CEO William Green. Several large companies
criminals'', operating out of Belize and running incorporated in Bermuda and the Cayman Islands
Caribbean UPDATE July 2009 7
are eyeing a shift to Europe, ahead of legislation
aimed at tightening rules that allow firms to defer CAYMAN ISLANDS
tax payments on overseas profits if earnings are
plowed back into foreign subsidiaries. Countries NEW GOVT. SWORN IN. The new
such as Ireland and Switzerland, which have tax Government of the Cayman Islands (the Cabinet
treaties with the US, are seen likely to benefit. and Members of the Legislative Assembly) was
Tyco Intl Ltd and Tyco Electronics Ltd, sworn in by Governor Stuart Jack after elections
Weatherford Intl Ltd, and Foster Wheeler Ltd have held a week earlier, reports GIS (May 27, 2009).
also announced plans to move. Accenture said it has The new Speaker of the House is Mary Lawrence.
a 40-year history in Ireland, with various clients
including the Irish government. ***
BANKERS LOBBY WASHINGTON. A group
*** from the Cayman Islands lobbied Washington to
redefine the image of its banks and other financial
BRITISH VIRGIN I. institutions after President Barack Obama singled
out the British territory as a tax haven, reports
ARRESTS IN HEDGE FUND PROBE. The Reuters (May 23, 2009):
Serious Fraud Office London arrested two men in a
probe into collapsed hedge fund Weavering Capital, Tony Travers, head of the Cayman Islands
which it said used swaps to artificially inflate its Financial Services Assoc. (CIFSA), argues that the
value, reports Reuters (May 20, 2009). The islands are getting a bad rap, and met with
investigation is focused on the swaps, which lawmakers, staff of members of the Senate
"inflated the apparent net asset value of the Macro Financial Committee and policy experts. But tax
fund", and were between the fund and a company experts said that while Cayman is not the world's
registered in the British Virgin Islands, Weavering worst offender as tax havens go, it has a lot to
Capital Fund Ltd, the SFO said. address. A congressional report said that each year
the US loses about US$100 billion to tax havens.
DELUXE CULINARY TOUR. Virgin Limited "The reality of the situation is we have a full
Edition, Sir Richard Branson's privately owned transparency treaty with the US," Travers said,
collection of award-winning luxury retreats, on June adding that his group supports strengthening the
9 said it was collaborating with the British Virgin treaty with more stringent reporting obligations;
Islands (BVI) Tourist Board, and offers guests the
opportunity to experience a taste-infusing culinary The OECD labels countries tax havens if they
tour with some of the world's leading chefs and have no tax or minimal tax, no useful information
winemakers. Necker Island will host the first 2009 exchange system and a lack of transparency, among
Winemakers Dinner on the July 16, one of eight other criteria. The Caymans are on a so-called gray
private dinners that will take place throughout July list of countries that have agreed to certain OECD
and December. The dinner at Necker Island will changes pertaining to taxes but have not
feature a seven course gourmet meal prepared by implemented everything to which they agreed. With
master chefs. Each course is paired with two fine their zero tax rate, the Caymans are home to 80,000
wines selected by the very best winemakers in the registered companies and had US$2 trillion in
world, said Jon Brown, Managing Director of banking assets as of Dec. 2007, according to the
Virgin Limited Edition. The price for a four night island's monetary authority.
stay for two guests starts from US$12,900 and
includes accommodation, meals and drinks, two ***
Winemaker dinners, one on Necker Island and the HEDGE FUND LIQUIDATED. Dynamic
other on a neighboring island. Details: 0800-716- Decisions Capital Management Ltd.’s main hedge
919) or +44(0)208-600-0430. Web: fund is being liquidated by court-appointed
www.virginlimitededition. com, administrators here after investors raised questions
www.neckerisland.virgin.com/ offers, www. about its bond holdings, reports Bloomberg (May
winemakersdinners.com 30, 2009). Hugh Dickson and Stephen Akers,
Caribbean UPDATE July 2009 8
partners at Grant Thornton LLP, were named the US in a surprise consensus vote at an OAS general
official liquidators by the Grand Court of the assembly meeting in San Pedro Sula, Honduras,
Cayman Islands. "A number of allegations have was hailed as an historic development by Latin
been made as to the remaining asset value and the leaders as well as by Washington. It said however
nature of the assets held, and the master fund has Cuba must request readmission to the OAS and that
been unable to pay a number of large redemption its return to the fold would be based on pro-
requests,” Grant Thornton said. The unaudited net democracy "practices, purposes and principles" of
asset value of the master fund “indicated” a value of the OAS, including its Democratic Charter. "Cuba
US$550 million as of Dec. 31, the firm said. will not return to the OAS tomorrow nor the day
after. It will still take a long time," said OAS
COSTA RICA Secretary General Jose Miguel Insulza. But he said
the vote "removed a piece of junk from the OAS."
COFASC, S.A. seeks to purchase nutritional Honduras's Minister of Foreign Relations Patricia
supplements, vitamins, and pharmaceuticals. Rodas said after the vote that Cuba's readmission
Details: Alexander Campos Retana. General Mgr. would take place when Havana made an application
Phone: (506) 2234-1401. Fax: (506) 2224-6917. to the body.
Email: acampos@gnsc.net
***
Cazuelas de Platano SA seeks a smart card OIL IS SECOND TOP EXPORT. Oil exports
system to be used in buses and taxis. Details: Luis are now Cuba's second leading export, overtaking
Elio Espinar Rivas. President. Phone: 506 8881- pharmaceuticals, and produced US$880 million in
7307 Email: edgar.murillo@techdata.com revenues in 2008, according to the Foreign Trade
Ministry, reports Reuters (June 11, 2009). It said
CUBA nickel accounted for 39% of exports, oil for 22%
and pharmaceuticals 9%, followed by sugar and
CUBA DECLINES OAS OFFER. Cuba tobacco products (6% each) and other products
declined to return to the Organization of American (18%). Government said exports, excluding tourism
States (OAS), despite hailing a landmark decision to and other services, were US$4 billion in 2008. The
lift the body's 47-year ban on Havana as a "major analysts said a likely explanation for the jump in oil
victory.", reports AFP (June 5, 2009): would be exports from a joint venture refinery with
Venezuela opened in Dec. 2007, which processed
The OAS vote is "a major victory for Latin 65,000 bpd in 2008 for local consumption and
America and the Caribbean and also for the Cuban export to area countries.
people," said Ricardo Alarcon, president of Cuba's
National Assembly, in the initial reaction to the CUBA IN LIQUIDITY CRUNCH. Cuba has
decision. But the move "does not alter what Cuba rolled over 200 million euros in bond issues due in
thought yesterday, the day before yesterday and May, as the central bank asked for another year to
today," he said. Cuba, the Americas' only one-party repay foreign holders of the debt, financial sources
communist regime, and an OAS critic, has in London and Havana said, reports Reuters (June
previously shown no interest in rejoining the 10, 2009). The move is another sign the nation is
organization, which it derided as a "pestilent suffering a cash crisis, as it struggles with sharp
corpse" in state media. Former Cuban president declines in revenues from tourism and key exports.
Fidel Castro, in an article in the state-run press The two-year euro-denominated bonds of 150
before the vote, denounced the OAS as being million euros and 50 million euros that were rolled
complicit in "crimes" committed by the US against over were issued on the London Stock Exchange on
the island and the rest of Latin America; May 3, 2007, at interest rates of 9% and 8.5%,
respectively. Stuart Culverhouse, chief economist at
The OAS cleared the way on June 4 for Cuba to London-based brokerage firm Exotix, said there
rejoin the hemispheric body, revoking Havana's was apparently a high participation rate in the
nearly half century old suspension imposed for rollover by the bondholders.
joining the Soviet bloc. The move, supported by the
Caribbean UPDATE July 2009 9
CUBA BETS ON OPEN-SOURCE president that we have, and I believe that there is a
SOFTWARE. In an attempt to reach technological new opportunity with sports." Cuba’s sports
independence Cuba has placed its bets on open- commissioner Esteban Brice said the US presence
source software, evidenced at the presentation of the was greeted with "pleasure" and "seriousness" by
Nova Operating System 2.0 during the 2009 Intl Cuban officials.
Convention of Informatics, reports ACN (June 10,
2009). This application, based on the GNU/Linux ***
open-source software, allows users to do their office SENATE BILL TO BOOST US FARM
work, play music and video files as well as web TRADE. Sixteen US senators proposed easing
browsing among other features. improved before its restrictions on farm exports to Cuba, which they
release. The Cuban Technology Producer and said could boost shipments by more than US$450
Exporter Corp. (COPEXTEL) announced that all million a year, reports Reuters (May 23, 2009):
computers that enter the country will use this Cuban
OS. The suspension of IM services by Microsoft to Trade and travel sanctions against Cuba, in
Cuba and other countries, and the ban on Google place since 1962, have not worked, said Sen. Max
Wave for Cubans are some examples of the growing Baucus of Montana, the Finance Committee
need for it to develop its own digital products. chairman who introduced the bill along with 15
other Democratic and Republican senators. "Cuba is
LA-HAVANA FLIGHTS LAUNCHED. Due to one of our closest export markets ... our farmers and
increased demand on the heels of the Obama ranchers in Montana -- and across the United States
Administration lifting travel restrictions on Cuban -- need help selling their high-quality products in
Americans, Cuba Travel Services will launch its Cuba," he said. US sanctions were partially lifted on
first non-stop weekly flight from LAX to Havana sales of food and medical supplies in 2000, but
starting June 30, 2009. Departing on Tuesdays at logistics were complicated in 2005 by new US
11:00 it will utilize aircraft operated by Continental requirements that Cuba pay cash for goods through
Airlines, said Gen. Mgr. Michael Zuccato, reports third-country banks before they leave port;
Caribbean Net News (June 4, 2009). In addition to
servicing the Cuban American community on the Baucus' bill would remove the ban on travel to
West Coast under the Office of Foreign Assets & Cuba for all US citizens and residents, something
Control and US Treasury guidelines, CTS said it other senators have already proposed. It would
will be able to provide a more accessible route and require the US Agriculture Department to promote
cost-effective travel services to journalists, farm trade to Cuba and help US exporters interested
government officials and researchers that qualify in shipments. Exports of US crops, meat and farm
under a general license and sports teams, religious products to Cuba totaled US$707 million in 2008,
organizations, educational facilities and other the US International Trade Commission has said,
organizations or individuals who qualify for travel. but could surge to US$925 million to US$1.19
billion if restrictions were lifted on financing and
US COMPETES IN TRACK MEET. US track tourism.
and field athletes compete in Cuba for the first time
in 17 years, reports Reuters (May 29, 2009). ***
Thirteen Americans formed part of a field of more UNDERSEA CABLE. Venezuela plans to spend
than 240 athletes from 15 countries battling for US$70 million on an undersea fiber optic cable to
medals in a meet on May 29-30 at Havana's Pan- Cuba in order to improve telecommunications,
American Stadium. US tracksters last competed in reports AP (June 2, 2009). President Hugo Chavez's
Cuba in the 1992 World Cup, but returned as US government nationalized Venezuela's largest
President Barack Obama moves to improve long- telephone company two years ago and has been
hostile US-Cuban relations following steps in April planning to lay the undersea cable to its Caribbean
to ease the trade embargo imposed against Havana ally. Venezuelan officials say the cable will run 966
since 1962. Doug Logan, chief executive of USA miles and have a capacity to handle millions of call
Track & Field, which governs the sport in the US, at once, as well as television signals and Internet
said "We're in a different season, with the new connections.
Caribbean UPDATE July 2009 10
*** conglomerate with annual sales above US$1 billion,
CYBERWAR INTENSIFIES. Cuban bloggers has businesses that include shops selling goods in
are fighting a cyberwar with the government to give Cuban convertible pesos, real estate operations and
their own version of reality on the island, from food services, and the processing of remittances.
hotels and using memory sticks and laptops
obtained from abroad, reports AFP (May 23, 2009): MIAMI SEES GAINS, THREATS. Miami's
business will gain if the US lifts its trade embargo
Bloggers with "alternative" agendas say it is on Cuba, but the city could face "unfair"
becoming harder to evade official censorship, competition from state-subsidized Cuban cigar,
although they have managed to multiply in the past citrus and rum exports, Greater Miami Chamber of
three years in a country where Internet access is Commerce said, reports Reuters (June 2, 2009).
limited. Havana accuses them of being on the Chamber Chairman Bruce Jay Colan said the
payroll of Washington and other governments in a business sector of Miami needed to address, and be
bid to denigrate the 50-year-old Cuban revolution. prepared for, this new reality. "It's not all
The government argues that it has the right to block necessarily peaches and cream," added Colan, who
sites which "encourage subversion." Under names is also a partner of law firm Holland & Knight. If
such as "Generacion Y" (Generation Y) -- the increased bilateral trade came with little or no
internationally-renowned blog of Yoani Sanchez -- change in Cuba's centralized state-run system,
or "Retazos" (Snippets) by "El Guajiro Azul" (The potential threats to Miami's business could be posed
Blue Peasant), around 30 blogs touch sensitive by subsidized Cuban products "that compromise
themes such as Cuban travel permits, flaws in the international labor standards, intellectual property
health and education systems, political prisoners or rights, copyright laws and quality and
daily hardships; environmental protocols," the chamber report said.
"Cuba could simply dump products such as cigars,
"Their entries are full of worn-out political citrus and rum, without any regard to production
theories that the US State Department used for costs or price, to generate hard currencies," said the
years in order to include Cuba on all the black lists," report, entitled "The Business Impact of a Post-
according to the official Cuban portal Embargo Cuba". But the report still portrayed
Cubadebate.cu, where communist leader and former Miami, with its "geography and demography",
president Fidel Castro publishes his column. Some being well placed to gain from US-Cuban trade
local journalists have also fought back against what through a lifting of the embargo.
they call "distorted information" about Cuba found
in the blogs. A hotel from the Spanish Melia chain CUBAN RUM STARTS QUEST IN SPAIN. A
that was popular with bloggers has banned Internet Cuban rum, Ron Santiago, well-known in its own
services for Cubans, and only permits foreigners or country, was to start in June a quest to conquer the
overseas residents to use them. Spanish market, reports ACN (May 16, 2009).
*** Fulfilling the agreement between the Cuba Ron SA
CASH CRUNCH SLOWS PAYMENTS. A Corp. and Valencia's the Ikxur Co. SL, the first
cash crunch is causing one of Cuba's largest shipment was to be flown to Spain, followed by two
business corporations, Cimex, to put off payments containers by ship at the end of that month from
for some products, but the bills will be settled, said eastern Santiago de Cuba Eliseo Pausa Marti,
Cimex President Educardo Bencomo, reports president of the Spanish company, said the first
Reuters (May 22, 2009). Cuba had not yet seen an shipment was worth US$464,000, and he expects to
increase in remittances sent by Cuban Americans to send another shipment to China, where they will
their families on the island, after US President introduce the rums to tourism entrepreneurs and
Barack Obama lifted restrictions on them in April, beverage traders. Exports to Spain and China will
he said. Cuba has been struggling through a include Santiago: Silver Dry, Reserve and Special
liquidity crisis that has provoked complaints from Aged (11 years), as well as the extra-aged 20 and 25
foreign businesses that they are not getting paid for years. For the ad campaign, Ixur has hired the
their products. Some foreign diplomats say they fear Alberola S.L. Group.
Cuba is on the brink of insolvency. Cimex, a
Caribbean UPDATE July 2009 11
SUMMER ENERGY ALARM. Cubans are in 2009). Candidates who win in 2010 will stay in
for a hot summer under an energy saving plan that office until 2016, according to a constitutional
could shut off air conditioners at work and require amendment approved by a government committee.
Saturday-morning blackouts at home, according to Officials usually serve four-year terms. The DR
an unpublished government directive, reports AP used to have a single, unified vote for all offices,
(May 26, 2009). The plan, signed by new until fraud allegations tarnished the 1994
Economics Minister Marino Murillo and circulating presidential election. A new vote for the presidency
among government offices and state companies, and vice-presidency was held two years later, and
calls for vacations for government workers. The the election cycle has been off-kilter since. The
measures are necessary, it says, to conserve amendment also moves elections to a Sunday to
petroleum during the sweltering summer months. avoid interrupting business activities, since a work
Residential electrical use can often triple in the holiday is traditionally declared to make it easier for
summer because of fans and air conditioners. Dominicans to get to the polls.
MANGO HARVEST. Mango harvesting in POWER GENERATION LAGS BEHIND.
several provinces started and the fruit will be sent Consulting firm Adam Smith Institute for the State-
to the Ceballos Citrus Co. for processing, reports run Electricity Companies (CDEEE) says the DR
ACN (May 20, 2009). Production manager Jose needs to install 3,135 mw of power by 2016,
Ricardo Conde said the goal this season is to increasing from the current 1,776.4 mw to keep up
process all the fruit harvested in Matanzas, Ciego de with energy needs, reports Clave (May 29, 2009).
Avila, Cienfuegos, Camaguey and Granma The data is part of a March 2009 study "Projections
provinces. Conde said the factory is ready to press for the Demand of Energy and Potential Energy
over 3,000 metric tons of mangoes, turning them Required for the Period 2009-2016." Jose Luis
into aseptic puree, part of which will be used for Moreno San of the UASD state university's Energy
export’ the rest is to be used as raw material to Institute said at least 1,600 mw should have been
produce other types of products, including natural installed since 2004, but nothing has been done. He
juices, nectars and marmalades to be sold at duty warned that the electric supply could be reduced
free shops and for domestic consumption. Compote even further if mining company Barrick Gold is
is produced from the puree, which is given to successful in negotiating the purchase of 276.3 mw
children as part of their diet. from the generators Estrella del Mar, Estrella del
Norte and Monte Rio plants. The private sector has
DOMINICA asked government to change its energy team,
starting with CDEEE president Radhames Segura.
TWITTER LAUNCH. The Discover Dominica The consultants are advising government to contract
Authority on May 18 announced it has established a for immediate installation of at least 1,200 mw.
Twitter account for tourism. Found under the They also recommend new plants that provide a
username “Nature_Island,” the account is a means combined cycle of natural gas and coal, which
of providing media, travel agents, tour operators could be built faster and require less financing.
and travelers with continued news and information
about Dominica. Details: www. POWER CO. BUY. Mining company Barrick
twitter.com/Nature_Island. And Marie Gold has purchased the Monte Rio power company,
Rosa/Candice Kimmel. Adams Unlimited.(212) 956- reports Listin Diario (June 10, 2009). Operation of
5900. Email: Marie@adams-pr.com the company, which was owned by a group headed
by former National Business Council (Conep)
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC president Elena Viyella de Paliza, will continue
through 2010. The plant, which will continue
ELECTION RULES CHANGE. The next crop running as a private entity, was purchased in order
of mayors, legislators and other elected officials to ensure that Barrick Gold's Pueblo Viejo
will get to serve an extra two years in office under a Dominicana Corp. (PVDC) receives an energy
new measure that aims to cut costs by holding all supply. Barrick also bought two floating power
elections on a single day, reports AP (May 20, generators that will be installed by 2011.
Caribbean UPDATE July 2009 12
the total beneficiaries of the Solidarity Card, a sort
NO MORE PRA. President Leonel Fernandez of welfare card, 626,301 are destitute or poor and
closed the Blackout Reduction Program (PRA), 180,529 are lower middle class. Rodriguez said that
which sought to reduce non-paying consumption of with the new method of channeling this subsidy,
power, and has ordered its assets to be transferred to traders and businesses that were taking advantage of
the State-Run Electricity Companies (CDEEE), the fixed rates in poor barrios would no longer
reports DR1 Daily News (June 8, 2009). The move benefit.
comes two months after TV journalist Nuria Piera
exposed the way in which a large part of the funds BRITISH AIR TO PUNTA CANA. British
allocated to the office were being distributed at the Airways is launching twice-weekly services from
director's discretion for the benefit of his friends Gatwick to Punta Cana in its winter schedule, said
and relatives. general manager for global corporate sales Richard
Tams, reports DR1 Daily News (May 22, 2009).
THERMAL SPA PROJECT. The Senate The new flights, the first direct flights from the DR
approved a 99-year concession to the Sociedad to England, will launch Oct. 25, 2009. British Air
Comercial Terma de la Salamandra that proposes now has 45 weekly flights to 13 Caribbean
construction of a thermal waters spa hotel and villas destinations. Details: www.ba.com and Tel: 0844
complex in Canoa, Barahona, reports Hoy (May 22, 493 0787.
2009). Santiago Sen. Francisco Dominguez Brito
opposed the approval on the grounds that the TRAVEL TRAILERS. A World Bank loan is for
company requesting the concession is only worth a Project to Invest in Social Protection (No. 7481-
RD$500,000, and has no capital or guarantees for DO; Project Id: P090010). Part of the funds are to
credits. An addendum to the project establishes that procure 5 Travel Trailers. Deadline: July 15, 2009.
the developers have one year to begin construction Refer to: LPI 01-2009. Details: Proyecto de
and 10 years to complete the project, which Inversión en la Protección social. Atención:
involves construction of 1,000 hotel rooms, villas, Martina Guerrero Castillo, Especialista de
golf courses, tennis courts and other facilities for an Adquisiciones. Pedro Henríquez Ureña No. 139,
estimated US$563.9 million. Torre A, local comercial No.103. Ciudad: Santo
Domingo. República Dominicana. Teléfono: 809-
ITALY-DR DEAL ON GRAPES, INDUSTRY. 563-3320. Facsímile: 809-227-2223. Email:
DR govt. departments signed an agreement with the martinamguerrero@hotmail.com
Board of Intl Cultural, Tourism & Commercial UNDERGROUND PARKING LOTS. National
Services of the Italian region District Mayor Roberto Salcedo says the private
of Le Marche, reports DR1 Daily News (June 9, sector will build 12 underground parking lots in the
2009). Fausto Araujo, Exec. Asst. Dir. of the DR city, reports DR1 Daily News (May 27, 2009). They
agency Proindustria said the accord, signed in Italy, will be located in or near the Centro de los Heroes
would give an unprecedented impulse to the (La Feria), Plaza Espana (Colonial City), Parque
sustainable industrialization of the grape and fishing Eugenio Maria de Hostos (Malecon) and an area
industries. The agreement provides for near the Clinica Abreu (Ciudad Nueva). The
technological transfer and cultural exchanges. Ministry of Public Works will contribute funds and
a tender to choose the builders will be held shortly.
NEW ELECTRICITY SUBSIDIES. Starting in
late June, the government was scheduled to provide 8 MILLION PHONES. Some 80% of
806,830 homes with electricity subsidies via the Dominicans have a phone, whether mobile or a
Solidarity Card, reports DR1 Daily LAN line, reports DR1 Daily News (June 5, 2009).
News (June 9, 2009). The so-called Bono Luz will The Telecommunications Institute (INDOTEL) says
reach 67% of households registered as customers of in 2000 there were 1.6 million phone lines,
electricity distributors EdeNorte, EdeEste and growing to more than 8 million by 2009. The DR's
EdeSur, which have 1,201,314 customers. The telecom sector grew by 21.4% during the first three
director of the Unified Beneficiaries System months of 2009.
(SIUBEN), Miriam Rodriguez de Simo said that of
Caribbean UPDATE July 2009 13
BANK LOANS FOR AQUEDUCT. The Senate www.caribbeangamingcorp.com and
approved two loan contracts with commercial banks www.sosuabaygrandcasino.com. Also: Caribbean
for construction of the Higuey-Bavaro aqueduct, Casino and Gaming. 305-573-0821
reports El Caribe (June 5, 2009).
The loans (US$45 million with the Deutsche Bank REHAB OF DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS. A
and US$30 million with the Sociedad Anonima US$40 million Inter-American Development Bank
Espanola) are guaranteed by an Italian export credit loan is for a Project for Rehabilitation of Power
insurance agency. The Senate also passed an Distribution Networks (No. 2042/OC-DR). There
addendum for US$6 million on the US$115 million will be general procurement of goods and services,
contract signed on Oct. 8, 2005 between the including consultants. No deadline specified as yet.
National Aqueduct Institute (INAPA) and the Bay Details: Corporación Dominicana de Empresas
of Samana Consortium. US$6 million will be used Eléctricas Estatales – CDEEE. Unidad de
in a feasibility study for the construction of the Electrificación Rural y Suburbana – UERS. Atn:
Hermanas Mirabal aqueduct. Lic. Thelma Eusebio. José Aybar Castellanos No.
136, La Esperilla. Santo Domingo, República
GRUPO PUNTA CANA RECOGNIZED. The Dominicana. Tel: (809) 227-76666. Fax: (809) 563-
World Travel & Tourism Council on May 18 said 8317.E-mail: adquisiciones@uers.gov.do. Website:
that Grupo PuntaCana, the parent company of the www.uers.gov.do
PuntaCana Resort & Club, has been selected as the
winner of the 2009 Tourism for Tomorrow Award CEMENT FACTORY IMPASSE. The Ministry
in the Destination Stewardship category, of Environment is confronting its first credibility
recognizing the protection of natural and cultural crisis after Environment Minister Jaime David
heritage, social and economic benefits to local Fernandez Mirabal gave the go-ahead for the
people, and environmentally-friendly business construction of a cement factory 3 kms outside the
practices. It is the first Caribbean organization to be Los Haitises National Park. He defended the
recognized in this category, said Frank Rainieri, decision on the grounds that it will be the DR’s first
Founder and CEO of Grupo PuntaCana. Details: green certified cement factory, bringing jobs to an
Michael Fraser, (809) 959-2262. Email: impoverished area. While legal because it is not
mfraser@ puntacana.com actually within the protected area, environmentalists
say that studies by Ministry experts found that the
CANADIAN EMBASSY. Canadian Ambassador factory would have a negative effect on water
Patricia Portier was in Punta Cana for the official sources within the protected area. The Ministry of
opening of the new Canadian Embassy office that Environment concession is for around 7,000 tareas
will offer consular services to Canadian residents on (one tarea = 629m2) of limestone rock that will be
the east coast, reports DR1 Daily News (May 20, used to produce Portland-type cement. The plant
2009). Tourism Minister Francisco Javier Garcia was authorized to the Santiago based Grupo Estrella
spoke in appreciation of the hundreds of thousands and its Consorcio Minero Dominicano. Web:
of Canadian tourists who continue to visit the DR. www.accionverde.com
Canada is the leading single-country source of
tourists to the DR. In 2008, 700,000 Canadian DR / BRAZIL STRENGTHEN TIES.
tourists visited the DR, about 450,000 of whom Government and Brazil’s Getulio Vargas
entered through Punta Cana. The Canadian Foundation signed an agreement backing education,
Embassy website is www.dominicanrepublic.gc.ca scientific, and environmental studies, reports DR1
Daily News (May 18, 2009). This is the latest in a
NEW CASINO. Caribbean Casino & Gaming series of agreements between both countries. The
Corp. on May 18 announced that its wholly owned DR recently purchased eight Super Tucano planes
subsidiary, the new Sosua Bay Grand Casino will from Brazil, new Mercedes OMSA buses and has
open Aug. 1. The Sosua Bay Hotel & Casino awarded Norberto Odebrecht, Brazil's larger
includes a gym and spa, convention center, contractor, major construction contracts. Plans are
discotheque and 250 rooms, said. President/CEO under way for Brazilian budget airline Gol to launch
Steven Swnk. Details: direct flights to Santo Domingo. Recently, Brazil
Caribbean UPDATE July 2009 14
was the guest of honor at this year's Santo Domingo urged Dominicans to adopt a more active lifestyle,
Book Fair and a Brazilian cultural center was also and to improve their diet.
recently inaugurated in the city.
US suppliers of machinery to peel-off, chop and
NEW AREA CODE. The DR has a new area process onions, carrots, and other vegetables are
code: 849, reports DR1 Daily News (May 26, sought by RUJOMA Agroindustrial. . The company
2009). The number was assigned by the North hoped to partner with a foreign company that
American Numbering Plan Admin. and is due for desires to set up a business in the DR. Capacity for
implementation this year. This is the third area code 100 Kilos or more. Details: Ruben Dario Burgos,
assigned to the DR, the first being the long- Mgr. Phone: 809/226-3560. Email:
established 809 followed by 829, introduced in rubendario_burgos@hotmail.com
2005.
Tables with LED lights and Other Furniture
ONLINE "LIVE" WAGERING. Caribbean for Event Planning are sought by company in the
Casino & Gaming Corp. on June 9 said that live travel/tourism & event planning industry. Also
betting cameras and software would be installed seeks other lighting equipment to decorate
over table games in the next two weeks. A new weddings and events; and water and light screens
contract includes patent rights for 51 countries, and for projections. Details: Edecanes Tours, Viviana
2,151 casinos. This will give CGAQ a multimillion Santamaria. President. Tel: 809/549-3555. Fax:
dollar revenue stream that can generate income 809/549-3510. Email: edecanes@codetel.net.do
within the next 90 days. CC&GC is a gaming and
entertainment company that owns full gaming EL SALVADOR
licenses in the DR, including Texas Hold 'Em. It
will operate the Grand Casino at Sosua Bay Resort HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION. Through an
in Puerto Plata. Details: Nicky Coachman at 305- agreement signed on Nov. 29, 2006, El Salvador
573-0821. Web: www.caribbeangamingcorp.com. (GOES) received a US$460.9 million grant from the
Millennium Challenge Corp. (MCC), a US Govt
SHORTAGE OF DOCTORS. The DR needs corporation created to help to facilitate reduction of
10,000 Family Practice specialists and the Francisco poverty through sustainable economic growth.
Moscoso Puello Hospital is offering a residency in FOMILENIO (Fondo del Milenio). Part of the funds
this field, reports Hoy (May 14, 2009). This comes are for Construction of Section 2B2 of the Northern
at a time when the new Social Security model Transnational Highway; segment between El
requires better primary care, yet specialists in this Matazano and Nueva Concepcion. Bid deadline:
field have not reached 10% of demand. The July 20, 2009. Refer to: No. FOM-CO-CB-52/2009.
Dominican Medical Assoc. (CMD) is planning a Details: FOMILENIO. Blvd del Hipódromo No.
congress to discuss this very issue and others that 442, Col. San Benito. San Salvador, El Salvador.
are at the heart of the Social Security process. CMD Tel: (503) 2524-6150.Fax: (503) 2524-6102. E-
representatives Sense Caba and Mauro Canario say mail: obras@fomilenio.gob.sv. Web:
that while there has been progress in training family www.fomilenio.gob.sv
doctors, there is still a huge unsatisfied demand for
these specialists. BANCOSAL US BRANCHES. Nexxo
Financial Corp. (based in San Bruno, Calif.), a
45% OVERWEIGHT. Endocrinologist Felix leader in self-serve remittances for the US Hispanic
Escano estimates that 45% of the DR population is market, on June 8 announced the acquisition and
overweight, and that 17% of those are obese, reports transformation of BancoSal Inc. BancoSal, a non-
Listin Diario (May 14, 2009). This compares to affiliated entity of Banco Salvadoreno/HSBC El
65% overweight population in the US, of which half Salvador, is an El Salvadoran money transfer
he said is obese. Escano attributed this level of company with presence in Los Angeles, San
obesity to overeating and a diet rich in fats and Francisco and Houston. The six newly acquired
sugars. He said the increased high cholesterol and branches are now operated by Nexxo Financial and
fat levels in blood are causing health problems. He have been retrofitted with Nexxo Cajeros, ATM-
Caribbean UPDATE July 2009 15
like machines that offer consumers a convenient Airlines nonstop flights from Miami to St George's,
way to send money to Mexico, Central and South the Board of Tourism is coughing up US$250,000
America, said Nexxo Financial CEO David to support Air Jamaica's overnight nonstop flights
Alvarez. Nexxo Financial has a network of more from New York, in a marketing agreement which
than 21,000 bank branches and pick-up centers in starts during the current 10th year of service to the
Mexico, Central and South America. Details: 1- island, reports Caribbean Net News (June 5, 2009).
888-368-4647. Web: www.minexxo.com and That's why Grenadian tourism authorities recently
www.nexxofinancial.com. retained former Air Jamaica sales executive
Christina Mucha and media operative Karin Clarke
Inversiones Montecarlo seeks PET blowing to augment sales promotion in the northeastern
machine with accessories for complete production seaboard of the US, a primary target market for
line. The company is interested in having Caribbean destinations.
availability of parts upon request, training on the
use of the machine, and contacts for purchasing GUATEMALA
molds. Will need interested manufacturers to
provide literature, products, and on post sale MURDER SPREE. An average of 16 murder
services/support. Client prefers communication is in victims turn up in Guatemala daily, and only about
Spanish. Details: Hector Navarro, Production Mgr. 3% of the cases are ever solved. In the rare
Phone: 503.2241.0400. Fax: 503.2265.8689. Email: instances when a killer is arrested, the suspect
Hector.navarro @liza.com.sv frequently turns out to be a hit man hired by some
shadowy figure who is never identified and gets
Coimpex seeks U.S. suppliers of Bi-oriented away to plot again, reports The NY Times (May 22,
Polypropylene film. EndUser: Manufacturers of 2009).:
packaging for cookies, pasta, candy, snacks, and
other consumer products. Agents and Distributors Of the more than 2,500 killings this year, one
acceptable. Coimpex is interested in becoming the unsolved case has jolted this country like no other.
agent of a U.S. supplier company in order to openly The recent shooting death of Rodrigo Rosenberg, a
sell their products in Central America and the prominent lawyer, has incited Guatemalans to pour
Caribbean. Details: Rodolfo Avenda. Owner. into the streets by the hundreds of thousands and
Phone: (503) 2278-0807. Email: focused all eyes on a United Nations commission
rod_ave@hotmail.com created to prop up the ailing judiciary;
FRENCH WEST INDIES The killing of Mr. Rosenberg on Mother’s Day,
would have been just one more in a long list of
GAS STATION STRIKE. Owners shuttered mysterious murders — that is, if Mr. Rosenberg had
nearly all gas stations on Martinique to pressure the not foreseen his killing and identified those he
government to raise prices, reports AP (May 21, believed were out to get him in a chilling video he
2009). Owners say they are not making a profit and prepared days before he died. “My name is Rodrigo
cannot afford to pay workers. The protest involved Rosenberg Marzano, and unfortunately, if you are
about 80 of the island's 90 stations. The French watching the message, it is because I was
government twice lowered gas prices earlier this assassinated by President Álvaro Colom,” he said,
year following protests in Guadeloupe and French going on to also blame the president’s wife, Sandra
Guiana last December. Officials are reviewing a Torres; the president’s personal secretary, Gustavo
report on pricing. Gas here sells for US$1.50 per Alejos; and various bankers and businessmen;
liter (US$3.96 per gallon) and diesel for US$1.16
(US$3.06 per gallon). In the video and a written statement, Mr.
Rosenberg said the president and those around him
GRENADA were involved in a corruption scandal tied to
Guatemala’s Rural Development Bank and had
HOLDING ON TO AIR JAMAICA already killed one of his clients, the businessman
FLIGHTS. After securing three weekly American Khalil Musa, as well as Mr. Musa’s daughter,
Caribbean UPDATE July 2009 16
Marjorie Musa, with whom Mr. Rosenberg was headed by Rodrigo Sawaya (President) and Carlos
having a relationship. He called the bank “a den of Bukantz Garza (VP). Details: Daniel McCosh 52 55
robbers, drug traffickers and murderers.” Mr. 1720 0059. Email: dmccosh @gruposalinas.com.
Rosenberg offered no proof to back up his Web: www.fundacionazteca.com and
allegations, but the fact that he foretold his murder www.gruposalinas.com
— he was shot by one assailant as he rode his
bicycle near his home and then finished off with a GEOTHERMAL POWER PLANT. Ormat
bullet to the head by a second gunman — has led to Technologies, Inc. (based in Reno, Nev) said that
calls for the resignation of Mr. Colom, a leftist on May 18, 2009, its wholly-owned subsidiary,
leader elected in 2007 on a platform of, among Ortitlan Limitada, signed a Note Purchase
other things, reducing crime. Agreement with TCW Global Project Fund II, Ltd.,
an energy and infrastructure investment vehicle
*** managed by TCW Energy and Infrastructure Group
HEALTH, NUTRITION PROJECT. A World (part of TCW Asset Management Co.), to refinance
Bank loan is for a Health & Maternal, Infant Ormat's investment in the 20 MW Amatitlan
Nutrition Project (Préstamo 7357-GU; ID: geothermal power plant located in Amatitlan,
P077756). Part of the funds are for Procurement of Guatemala. The Note is scheduled to mature on
Medical Equipment, Instruments and Furniture. June 15, 2016. Ormat initially financed the
Deadline: July 9, 2009. Refer to: LPI No. 003/09. development and construction of the project, as well
Details: Ministerio Salud Pública y Asistencia as the drilling of wells, from internal funding
Social. “Proyecto Salud y Nutrición Materno sources.The plant generates 17MW and is
Infantil”. en el salón de recepción de plicas, del. scheduled to reach its design capacity towards the
Depto Adquisiciones y Mantenimiento. ubicado en. end of the second quarter of 2009, upon the
6ª. Avda 3-45 zona 11, Edif Anexo. 2do Nivel. connection of an additional well that was recently
Sección Compras Oficina No. 330. Ciudad de drilled. Details: Dita Bronicki, CEO. 775-356-9029.
Guatemala, Guatemala 01011. E-mail: Email: dbronicki@ormat.com. Todd Fromer /
saludynutricionbirf7357@mspas.gob.gt Marybeth Csaby.KCSA Strategic Communications.
212-896-1215 / 212-896-1236. Email:
BIO-COMBUSTIBLE ACTION PLAN. tfromer@kcsa.com / mcsaby@kcsa.com
US$408,000 in financing from the Inter-American
Development Bank is for a Bio-Combustible Action PRINTING LEARNING GUIDES. A World
Plan (No. Gu-T1095). Funds will be Bank loan is for Education Quality & Expansion of
used to procure goods and services. Deadline not Secondary Education (No. 7430-GU; IDPO89898).
specified. Details: Ministerio de Energía y Part of the funds are for printing Learning Guides
Minas.Atn: Lic. Federico Franco Cordon, for Tele-Secondary and Accelerated Primary
Viceministro de Energía y Minas, Área Desarrollo Students. Deadline: July 2, 2009.Refer to: LPI BIRF
Sostenible. Diagonal 17, 29-78, Zona11, Las 7430-GU-003-2008. Details: Dirección de
Charcas. Guatemala 01011. Tel: (502) 2477- Adquisiciones y Contrataciones del Ministerio de
0903.Fax: (502) 2476-31-75. E-mail: Educación. 6ª. Calle 1-87 zona 10. Recepción
viceministro2@mem.gob.gt, ofertas: Sala No. 10. Guatemala 01010, Guatemala.
desarrollosostenible@mem.gob.gt Teléfonos y Fax (502) 2411-9595 extensión 3049.
Email: fexterno@mineduc.gob.gt
FUNDACION AZTECA GUATEMALA.
Grupo Salinas, founded by Mexican entrepreneur ENERGY EFFICIENCY PLAN. US$600,000
Ricardo B. Salinas Pliego, through Guatemala- from the Inter-America Development Bank is for an
based subsidiaries of Grupo Elektra, Banco Azteca Integral Energy Efficiency Plan (CT No. ATN/OC-
and Television Azteca said June 10 it formalized its 11261-GU; Proyecto No. GU-T1093). There will be
commitment to aid those most in need with the general procurement. No deadline specified yet.
launch of Fundacion Azteca Guatemala, to support Details: Comisión Nacional de Energía
the most vulnerable groups of society and improve Eléctrica/muestra de interés PIEE. Atn: Ing. Sergio
living conditions and ecology in the country. It is Oswaldo
Caribbean UPDATE July 2009 17
Velásquez Moreno, Gerente General. 4ª avda 15-70 the mid-1990s, and provides a means of defining
Zona 10 Edif Paladium Nivel 12.Guatemala, the most prospective parts of U3O8 Corp's wider
Guatemala. Tel: (502) 2321-8000. Fax: (502) 2321- target areas, he said. U3O8 Corp. was granted
8002 access to 10,000 meters of this core from 41 bore
holes that were archived by the Guyana Geology
TRAVEL & TOURISM REPORT. "Travel & and Mines Commission.
Tourism: Guatemala," 7-page report includes
statistics and trends, issued by the U.S. Commerce CHINESE MINER ORDERS LAYOFFS. A
Dept. in May 2009. To obtain a PDF of the report, Chinese mining company says it is laying off
subscribers to Caribbean Update may send an dozens of workers at its Guyana mines as the global
email request to: kalwagenheim@cs.com. economic crisis slows demand for bauxite, reports
AP (June 3, 2009). Chongqing-based Bosai
*** Minerals Group says it will dismiss 32 miners in the
GUYANA southeast region. Bosai in April laid off 120
workers, 20% of its local staff. Prime Minister Sam
INDIAN FIRM TO RENOVATE SUGAR Hinds says Bosai is also delaying plans to build a
MILL. Surendra Engineering of Maharashtra, India US$1 billion aluminum plant in southwest Guyana.
won a US$12 million contract to modernize a sugar osai produces calcined bauxite, an aluminum
factory as the country seeks to boost sugar component used in industrial manufacturing.
production, reports AP (June 6, 2009). The state-
owned sugar company says the European Union GENERATOR PURCHASE WITH
will help fund the project. Agriculture Minister VENEZUELA HELP. Guyana is tapping
Robert Persaud said it will produce crystal sugar Venezuela's Petrocaribe fund to buy US$30 million
slated for US and European markets. Guyana is the in generators and help end rolling blackouts, reports
Caribbean's largest sugar-producer but production AP (June 4, 2009). Guyana Power & Light CEO
has slipped; it churned out 205,000 metric tons of Bharrat Dindyal says the generators will run on
sugar last year vs. a projected 290,000 metric tons. heavy fuel oils instead of gasoline or diesel to
reduce costs. Guyana blames old equipment and
USAID MISSION DIRECTOR SWORN IN. contaminated fuel for frequent power outages. The
The US Agency for Intl Development (USAID) on state-owned power company uses 3,000 barrels of
May 29 announced the swearing in of Carol J. oil a day and has struggled to pay suppliers. Guyana
Horning as its new Director for Guyana. She will recently requested a US$40 million loan from China
oversee programs focused on promoting activities in to update its electrical system.
the economic growth, democracy and governance,
and health sectors. Ms. Horning has served as LABORATORY EQUIPMENT. An Inter-
deputy mission director of USAID's Mission in American Development Bank loan is for an
Nicaragua. She also worked in Bangladesh, Eritrea, Agricultural Export Diversification Program (No.
Georgia, Haiti, and Panama. She speaks six 1929/BL-GY). Part of the funds are for a Supply of
languages including Portuguese, French, and Laboratory Equipment for Pesticides and Toxic
Arabic. Details: Tel: 202-712-4810. Web: Chemical Control Board. Bid deadline: July 7,
www.usaid.gov. 2009. Details: Ministry of Agriculture. The
Director, Agriculture Sector Development Unit.
URANIUM FIND. U308 Corp. (based in Toronto, Regent St and Vlissengen Rd. Georgetown.Guyana.
Canada), a uranium exploration company, said it Tel.: 592-227-3752. Fax: 592-225-9362.E-mail:
found a significant deposit of uranium in the asdumoa@yahoo.com . And: Ministry of Finance.
Roraima basin, reports Caribbean Net News (June Chairman.National Procurement & Tender Admin.
6, 2009). U308 President/CEO of U3O8 Dr Richard Board. Main and Urquhart Sts.Georgetown.
Spencer said it identified alteration zoning Guyana
characteristic of unconformity-style uranium
deposits in Canada's Athabasca Basin. The archived CELLULAR RIVALS SIGN ACCORD. Two
core was drilled by a company exploring for gold in rival cell phone carriers reached an agreement that
Caribbean UPDATE July 2009 18
allows clients to exchange text messages, ending a the impoverished nation achieve some measure of
yearlong dispute, reports Caribbean Net News (May stability after devastating floods and other crises,
18, 2009). Digicel and the Guyana Telephone & reports AP (May 20, 2009). Clinton, who will be
Telegraph Co. said clients could start text- paid US$1 a year and travel to Haiti several times
messaging each other by June. The pact was annually, said he was honored to accept the post.
reached the same day regulators were scheduled to "Last year's natural disasters took a great toll, but
begin hearings on the issue. The issue has been Haiti's government and people have the
contentious and one which Digicel had been determination and ability to 'build back better,' not
plugging for a long time. GT&T had indicated its just to repair the damage done but to lay the
willingness to facilitate the move but reportedly had foundations for the long term sustainable
some concerns it wanted to iron out. In February, development that has eluded them for so long,'' the
Digicel CEO Gregory Dean said his company found former president said. Clinton is popular in Haiti,
the process of negotiating an agreement with GT&T but the U.N.'s peacekeepers have been widely
“frustrating” and accused GT&T of creating criticized despite providing the nation with its only
needless hurdles for providing what he called a real security for years. The peacekeepers have
“basic service”. The agreement came one week patrolled since 2004 and are training an under-
after Jamaica-based Digicel filed a law suit equipped national police force to retake control, but
challenging GT&T’s 18-year monopoly on some consider the blue helmets to be an unwanted
international calls. GT&T Co. is owned by Atlantic occupation force.
Tele-Network (based in Salem, Mass.).
ROAD REHAB. A loan from the World Bank's
HAITI Intl Development Assoc. is for a Project of
Transportation and Territorial Development (Project
WORLD BANK APPROVES US$121 Id: P095523). Part of the funds are for 64 km of
MILLION LENDING. The World Bank approved Road Rehabilitation (Travaux D-Entretien et de
a new four-year, US$121 million lending strategy Rehabilitation de la Route). Deadline: July 14,
that focuses on economic growth, jobs and reducing 2009. Refer to: Bid No2009–
the impact from natural disasters, reports Reuters BM/UCE/PTDT/AOI/002/09 /MTPTC/UCE/ DP
(June 4, 2009). "We are supporting Haiti's own N° 002/09/SC/IDA. Deadline: 14 July 2009.
efforts to put the difficult events of last year firmly Details: Unité Centrale d'Exécution (UCE). 23 et
behind it, and return to a path toward longer term 10, Angle 1ère et 2ème Ruelle Wilson. PACOT,
growth and development," said Yvonne Tsikata, the PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti. M. Garry Jean.Ing.,
World Bank's Country Director for the Caribbean. Coordonnateur de l'UCE. Tel. +509 2245
The United Nations has some 9,000 peacekeepers in 5377/35100316, +509 3446 3165. Cellulaire:+509
Haiti, which has long been afflicted by political 3753 3366. E-mail: ucemtptc@gmail.com et
instability and violence and was heavily damaged garijan@gmail.com
by hurricanes last year. It is beset by high poverty, ***
poor basic services and unemployment levels, while HIV TESTING CAMPAIGN. The opening
deforestation has left the country almost treeless. ceremony of the International AIDS Candlelight
The International Finance Corp, the World Bank's Memorial was held on May 16 in Haiti, kicking off
private-sector lender, said agriculture and textile over 1,000 Candlelight events in more than 100
manufacturing were potential growth areas. "We are countries as part of the world's oldest and largest
working with the government and investors to HIV/AIDS grassroots mobilization event:
identify key feasible actions and priorities that will
have the greatest growth impact," said Atul Mehta, Haiti was selected as the host country for the
IFC director of the Latin America and Caribbean opening ceremony because of recent signs of
department. progress it has shown in the response to AIDS.
President Rene Garcia Preval and Prime Minister
UN CHIEF NAMES CLINTON AS HAITI Michele Duvivier Pierre-Louis encouraged the
ENVOY. Former President Bill Clinton became the Haitian people to learn their HIV status and
U.N.'s special envoy to Haiti, with a mission to help renewed the government's commitment to fight
Caribbean UPDATE July 2009 19
HIV/AIDS with a new six-month initiative to mines, the San Andres Mine in Honduras and the
increase testing across the country. The Abbott Sao Francisco and Sao Vicente Mines each located
Fund, the philanthropic foundation of the global in Brazil, for an aggregate initial purchase price of
health care company Abbott, is supporting this US$200 million, including US$90 million in cash,
program by donating 500,000 rapid HIV testing US$70 million in deferred cash payments and
kits. The initiative is a cooperative partnership US$40 million in Aura common shares.
between the Haitian government, the U.S.
government, the Abbott Fund and local health JAMAICA
implementing organizations, said Dr. Myrna
Eustache, Interim Director of POZ, the co-host GOVT. GUARANTEES AIR JAMAICA
organization to launch the campaign here; LOANS. The House of Representatives approved a
guarantee for loans valued at US$101.8 million to
Some 120,000 Haitians are living with Air Jamaica Ltd, in support of the funding
HIV/AIDS today, and the adult prevalence rate is requirements for its approved business plan for the
2.2%, according to UNAIDS. Signs indicate some financial year 2009/10, reports Caribbean Net News
relief from the AIDS pandemic, but poverty and (June 11, 2009). Minister of Finance & Public
recent natural disasters have slowed progress in Service Audley Shaw said Air Jamaica is now
preventing and and treating the disease. Details: operating under a new business plan, which
Laura Barnitz, Communications Consultant. 301- proposes to make it more attractive for divestment.
502-8563. Email: lbarnitz@gmail.com. Prateek
Patnaik, Cooney Waters Group. 212-886-2243. INFRASTRUCTURE REPAIR LOAN. The
Email: ppatnaik@ cooneywaters.com. Web: www. European Commission (EC) approved just over
candlelightmemorial.org and J$217 million (Euros1.9 million) for disbursement
www.globalhealth.org to help Jamaica's government with the budgetary
impact and infrastructure repairs resulting from
*** Tropical Storm Gustav in 2008, reports JIS (June 9,
2009). Another JS$230m (Euros2 million) is to be
HONDURAS allocated to projects designed to alleviate the
suffering caused by the storm and its aftermath.
COMPUTER EQUIPMENT. A World Bank Gustav caused 15 deaths and left US$210 million
loan is for a Project to Facilitate Commerce and (J$19 billion) in damage when it hit Jamaica on
Increase Productivity (Crédito 3826-HO; Proyecto Aug. 28, 2008. The J$217 million is being allocated
P070038). Part of the funds are to procure a variety through the EC's budget support program, direct to
of computer equipment, including a System of the Jamaican treasury. It aims to reduce poverty and
Visualization For Protection at Puerto Cortes. minimize the risks to Jamaica's economic reform
Deadline: July 7, 2009. Refer to No. PFCIP-FIDE- process due to disaster related expenditures.
LPI-B-1232/09. Part of the funds are for Equipment
to Protect Firemen Against Explosive and DIGICEL SUIT DISMISSED. Contempt
Radioactive Materials, and Inflammable Liquid proceedings brought by Digicel against its telecom
Chemicals. Bid deadline: Aug. 4, 2009. Refer to: competitor LIME and two of its top executives were
Llamado a Licitación, Proceso No. PFCIP-FIDE- dismissed by Justice Glen Brown in Jamaica’s
LPN-B-1274/09. Details: Gerencia de Supreme Court, reports Caribbean Net News (June
Adquisiciones. Teléfono: PBX (504)221-6320. 9, 2009). Digicel’s roceedings came in response to
Email: licitaciones@ fidehonduras.com. Web: legal action taken by LIME earlier this year when it
www.hondurascompite.com accused Digicel of blocking LIME’s international
call circuits. LIME subsequently brought a suit
YAMANA GOLD SELLS CERTAIN ASSETS. against Digicel for damages and breaches of the
Yamana Gold (based in Toronto, Canada) on June 9 Interconnection Agreement between the two
announced that it has signed an agreement with companies and the Fair Competition Act.
Aura Minerals Inc. under which Aura would
purchase three of Yamana's non-core operating ***
Caribbean UPDATE July 2009 20
LOTTERY SCAM. Americans sent more than Kennedy International Airport, with onward
US30 million last year to claim winnings in a connecting service to cities across the US. Also on
Jamaican lottery, but there was no such contest, May 21 JetBlue began daily nonstop service
reports AP (May 26, 2009): between New York (JFK) and Montego Bay on the
north coast. Later this year, JetBlue expects to once
Scam artists are making Jamaica a new center again expand in the West Indies with the addition of
for lottery schemes, aiding a network of violent flights to Barbados and St Lucia, said Dave Clark,
gangs that authorities say are putting the money into director of route planning. Details: 1-800-538-2583.
drug and gun trafficking. The U.S. and Jamaica are Web: www.jetblue.com.
teaming up for a task force to break up the cross-
border schemes, said Vance Callender, an MONTSERRAT
Immigrations & Customs Enforcement attache at
the U.S. Embassy in Kingston. ``We've got cases NEW CHARTER AIR SERVICE. Montserrat
from Honolulu to Maine.'' The scams were made Airways Ltd (MA Ltd.), a new airline charter
famous by criminals in Nigeria: A caller says you service, began flights on May 30, reports Caribbean
have won millions in an overseas lottery, but he Net News (June 2, 2009). With grant funds from the
needs you to wire a few hundred dollars to cover the Tourism Challenge Fund, the carrier, operating
taxes. As victims try to recover losses, scammers under the name Fly Montserrat, is providing visitors
even pose as police and say they need cash to aid and residents with additional flight options to and
the investigation; from the island, said tourism director Ernestine
Cassell. The airline will offer: Air Ambulance
The rackets are contributing to a dramatic rise evacuations 24/7; Urgent freight movements;
in violence in Montego Bay, a resort city where Additional capacity at peak periods; On-demand
many of the scams are based. The millions of charter direct to Antigua and other islands; Day
untraceable dollars also appear to have a corrupting trips, to and from the island. Details:
influence on police. In April, authorities suspended www.flymontserrat.com. And: Janelle Thadhani /
19 officers in St. James who allegedly recruited a Jennifer Johnson. Cheryl Andrews Marketing
civilian to pose as a police officer in the service of a Communications. Phone: 305.444.4033 / Fax:
lottery scam. Other officers are reportedly under 305.447.0415. Email: Janelle@cam-pr.com/
investigation for involvement in the schemes. Jennifer@cam-pr.com
*** NETHERLANDS ANTILLES
NEW SPANISH COURT HOTEL. The Crissa
Group on June 2 announced the June 14 launch of CURACAO GOLF RESORT. Hyatt Regency
the Spanish Court Hotel in New Kingston, the first Curacao Golf Resort, Spa & Marina on June 4 said
new hotel in Kingston in nearly 40 years, designed it will open in Jan. 2010. The 350-room resort is
by Alison Antrobus. Heading up The Crissa Group reportedly the only one on the island to offer 18
and the Spanish Court Hotel development is lawyer holes of golf, is located at Santa Barbara Plantation,
and "village architect" Christopher Issa, who a 1,500-acre resort community taking shape along
acquired the former Spanish Court Shopping Spanish Water harbor, 25 minutes from Curacao's
Center, invested US$12 million, and along with capital city of Willemstad. It will offer residences, a
architect Oscar Garcia, transformed the structure beach club and the 120-slip Seru Boca Marina.
into a 107-room boutique hotel. Details: Santa Barbara Plantation is being developed by
876.926.0000. Web: www.spanishcourthotel.com. VIDA Group N.V. Details: www.
santabarbaraplantation.com. 1-800-233-1234.
JET BLUE TO KINGSTON. JetBlue Airways ww.hyatt.com.
(JBLU ) on May 21 announced plans to begin REFINERY ORDERED TO CUT
service to Kingston -- its 14th international POLLUTION. A court ordered the Isla Refinery
destination -- this fall. The airline expects to serve run by Venezuela's state-owned oil company to cut
Norman Manley International Airport with daily pollution or face heavy fines, a victory for activists
nonstop service to/from New York's John F. who complained for years about the thick haze of
Caribbean UPDATE July 2009 21
smoke that often blankets the capital of Curacao, Surfacante, DABCO 33 LV Amine Catalyzt.
reports AP (May 29, 2009). The verdict in a lawsuit Details: Gen. Mgr. (505) 8462-9716. Email:
brought by community groups requires Isla to yduarte@colchonesluxor.com
reduce its overall sulfur dioxide output by Jan. 1 or
face a fine of US$3 million. Isla would face Equipment to produce EPS Plates, Cups are
additional fines of US$300,000 per day if it exceeds sought by GIE (General Industrial Equipment). End
emission limits more than 18 times per year. In the user: Restaurants. Details: Eddy Madrigal, Gen.
past, Petroleos de Venezuela SA had proposed an Mgr., Phone: (505) 8854-4277. Email:
overhaul of the pollution control systems, but said it ermadrigalv@hotmail.com.
would not make the investment unless Curacao's
government agreed to sell its stake in the refinery. Used buses (about 300), including spare parts,
Royal Dutch Shell built the refinery on the island in chasis, engines, etc. are sought, to be converted into
1918 but transferred ownership to the government new buses. Embassy contact: Marixell Garcia,
in 1985 after deciding it was no longer profitable. Details: Gen. Mgr., Reacondicionadora de Equipo
The Venezuelan company leases the refinery. Isla de Transporte, S.A. (RETRANSA). Phone: (505)
refines about 200,000 barrels per day, mostly for 2277-658. Fax: (505) 2277-0658, Email:
export to other Caribbean islands and Central and ljimenez@yahoo.com
South America
Electrical appliances and household items
VELCRO SHARES PURCHASE. Velcro including: portable stereo system, televisions, DVD,
Industries N.V. (based in Curacao), holding fans, irons, blenders, hair irons are sought by a
company of the Velcro companies and an industry company here. Also interested in thermos, coolers,
leader in hook and loop fasteners, on June 10 dining sets, plates, cups, etc. Embassy contact:
announced it was advised that Cohere Ltd paid for Marixell Garcia. Details: Gen. Mgr., Importaciones
501,536 shares of VINV common stock tendered by Latinoamericana Mercado & Cia. Ltda. Phone:
other shareholders between May 4-June 1, 2009 (505) 2278-1678. Email:
under the procedure established by Cohere in importacionesmercado@yahoo.com
connection with the default judgment rendered on
April 6, 2009 by the Netherlands Antilles court PANAMA
sitting in Curacao. After giving effect to the transfer
of these 501,536 shares to Cohere, 183,214 shares, BUSINESS SECTOR ENCOURAGED.
representing less than three quarters of 1% of President-elect Ricardo Martinelli assumes power
VINV's outstanding common stock, are held by July 1 with years of explosive economic growth at
shareholders other than Cohere.VINV has been his back, hefty campaign promises on his shoulders
advised that Cohere expects to deposit sufficient and a daunting deceleration of the country's
funds with the Central Bank of the Netherlands economy before him, reports The Tico Times (May
Antilles to pay for all 183,214 remaining VINV 20, 2009):
shares and that delivery of the Deposit to the
Central Bank of the Netherlands Antilles ill Fueled by booming construction, particularly of
automatically result in the transfer of the remaining high-rise apartment towers, a flush banking sector
shares to Cohere. Details: Web: and commerce through the Panama Canal, gross
www.velcroindustriesnv.com. domestic product (GDP) has grown by an average
of more than 8% annually since 2004, with growth
NICARAGUA spiking to 11.5% in 2007 and 9.2% in 2008.
However, as credit and commerce contract
Supplier of petrochemicals and additives are worldwide, the country has not been immune, and
sought by Espumas y Colchones del Caribe de the slump will be one of the biggest challenges
Nicaragua, S.A. TDI, Polyol, Silicone, Amina, Martinelli faces as he begins his presidency. Growth
Chloride, T-9, Desmodur T-80 (TDI), Arcol F3040- plummeted back to earth at the beginning of the
Pollol, Arcol HS100-Pollol Polymeric, DBCO T-9 year, and analysts predict a GDP growth in 2009 of
Tin Catalyst, DABCO DC-5933 Silicone only 3%. This is a rate that neighboring Costa Rica
Caribbean UPDATE July 2009 22
might envy, considering its predicted rate of 0.5% PIPELINE UPGRADE. Tulsa-based Flow-Quip,
for this year; Inc. said May 26 it was selected by Petroterminal de
Panama, S.A. to supply two 24-inch, ANSI 600
“In the short term, maintaining positive GDP ball-type flow control valves on the reverse flow
growth during the global recession will be key,” and upgrade of the 81-mile pipeline from the
reads a post-election report from the international Caribbean to the Pacific. Crude oil flows up to a
credit rating agency Standard & Poor's. “Even daily peak of 860,000 barrels a day. Details: Peggy
though, as noted, Panama's is among the handful of Striegel. 800 663 1136. Email:
economies that we expect to expand in 2009, peggy@striegela.com. 918 740 5584. Web:
growth will decelerate sharply,” the report www.flowquip.com.
continues. “This could make political alliances hard
to maintain. Here is where we believe that Mr. POWER PROJECT. Panama's Electrical Energy
Martinelli's proven ability as a successful business Distribution Enterprise (EDEMET) invited bids by
manager will come into play”; Sept. 22, 2009 for two power projects involving
95MW and 60 MW. An informative meeting will
The owner of one of the largest supermarket be held Aug. 18, 2009 prior to the bid opening.
chains in Panama and founder of the Democratic Refer to: LPI No. EDEMET 04-09. Details: Ing.
Change Party, Martinelli was elected May 3 with Miriam de Guerra. Dirección de Regulación de
60% of the vote, the highest margin ever achieved EDEMET. Edificio 812/807 (Salón de Reuniones).
in Panama's 20-year-old democracy. Martinelli also Albrook, Panamá. Tel: (507) 315-7695. Fax: (507)
has worked in government, serving as chairman of 315-7729. E-mail: mdeguerra@ufpanama.com.
the board of directors of the Panama Canal Website: www.ufpanama.com
Authority, as Panama Canal minister and director of
Panama's Social Security Administration. “The PUERTO RICO
business sector is going to love Martinelli,” said
Heather Berkman, a Latin America analyst for the WALMART INVESTS IN RENEWABLE-
consulting firm Eurasia Group. “He's planning on ENERGY. The local Walmart operation is
cutting corporate taxes to implement the flat tax, collaborating with stateside power company Sun
and he came out last week saying he would resist Edison to develop the largest renewable-energy
any legislation requiring more tax transparency and project on the island as a corporate consumer,
information sharing – which the US Congress has reports Caribbean Business (June 4, 2009):
been demanding as a precursor to movement on the
Panama free-trade agreement”; The project, the first of its kind in the local retail
industry, will require an initial US$20 million
U.S. citizens have flocked to Panama in recent investment with plans to expand to as many as 22
years, both for business and retirement, in part local stores in the next five years, said Douglas
driving the real estate boom that has pushed dozens McMillon, president & CEO of Walmart
of high rise condo and apartment towers skyward. International. The Sun Edison pilot project will help
That too, however, is feeling the crunch. “Local lower stores’ energy bills, currently the most
banks, though they maintain a high level of health, expensive item burning the retailer’s operational
have restricted local credit because of the foreign efficiencies. Walmart’s renewable-energy pilot
banks' lack of liquidity,” said Fernando Duque, program comes on the heels of confirmation of
president of the real estate development company plans to continue expanding its island network with
Buenaventural. “Panama has been betting on the opening of three new stores over the next year
tourism as one of its fastest growing industries, and or so to the tune of US$100 million;
in this moment there are projects totaling about
1,500 rooms, principally in Panama City,” he said. “During the initial phase, Walmart will install a
“However, for tourism to develop in other areas, 3.5 megawatt solar panel system at each of its five
state infrastructure is necessary.” local stores. Also, Sun Edison will provide the
engineering support and the equipment,” McMillon
*** said. Other Walmart achievements include
Caribbean UPDATE July 2009 23
replacement of 33% of its fleet of vehicles with Guaynabo Recycling, said the Carolina expansion is
units that are at least 30% more energy efficient, scheduled to finish in August. Carolina Recycling is
development of a farmers’ program with more than investing US$1.5 million in Carolina’s MRF
100 local farmers and 83% of the products sold in expansion to double its capacity from its current
local Walmart stores come from more than 300 600 tons to 1,200 tons a month. Zayas added the
local suppliers and distributors. company submitted a US$2 million proposal to
expand Guaynabo’s MRF capacity and is waiting
*** for a response.
DR, PR COOPERATION SOUGHT. Puerto
Rico Gov. Luis Fortuño and Dominican Republic CASINO CLOSED. Diamond Palace Hotel &
President Leonel Fernández signed a proposal here, Casino in the Condado sector of San Juan recently
in the western town of Aguadilla, intended to shut down its casino until further notice, reports
broaden economic relations, including a plan to Caribbean Business (June 4, 2009). Pulsar de
potentially slash tariffs on Dominican ethanol, Puerto Rico Inc., Diamond Palace’s parent
reports AP (June 5, 2009). Fortuño says Puerto Rico company, currently under Chapter 11
could act as a ``distribution center'' for exporting reorganization, shut down the casino to avoid delays
Dominican ethanol to the US mainland. The two in meeting the operation’s ongoing financial
leaders also discussed pursuing joint film projects to obligations, said Attorney Nelson Díaz Robles,
increase revenues, among other topics. Fernandez representing Pulsar, which also proposed to the
said illegal migration here by Dominicans will ebb Tourism Co. a revised operations schedule, from
as his nation becomes more economically diverse. 6:30 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.; keeping slot machines
operational during the daytime; and a three-month
NEW AA FLIGHTS. Negotiations among Gov. waiver on payments to the Tourism Co. from casino
Luis Fortuño, Puerto Rico Tourism Co. (PRTC) revenue. The Tourism Co. approved the proposed
Exec. Dir. Jaime López Díaz and American Airlines schedule of operations, but rejected the other
(AA) resulted in the decision to reinstate the recommendations on the basis that it violated the
popular Washington Dulles route and increase flight island’s gaming laws.
frequency to and from Chicago, Boston and Los
Angeles, reports Caribbean Business (June 4, BANK SHEDS SOME US BRANCHES.
2009). New flights will go into effect Nov. 19. Popular Inc, the parent of Banco Popular, said it
Airline spokeswoman Minnette Vélez said the plans to shed more than 20% of its US branch
accord will increase American Airlines’ daily network, in an effort to focus on more profitable
flights to 23, effective Nov. 19, up from its current operations, including New York, reports Reuters
20 flights. This is the second time AA has increased (May 22, 2009). The San Juan, Puerto Rico-based
flight frequency or reinstated routes since last company said it will close its California in-store
September’s decision to drastically reduce its local branch network, which includes 22 of its 46
airlift. At that time, AA reduced its number of daily branches in that state. Popular will also sell six New
flights from 38 to 18. On the other hand, American Jersey branches with about US$250 million of
Eagle has since revisited its regional flight deposits to Investors Bancorp Inc, a Short Hills, NJ
schedules, resulting in adding 109 weekly flights or lender with roughly US$7.4 billion of assets and 53
48 to 50 flights a day out of Luis Muñoz Marín Intl branches. After these actions, Popular will operate
Airport. 104 US branches, including 41 in New York and
New Jersey, 24 in southern California, 23 in Florida
SOLID WASTE INVESTMENT. Landfill and 16 in Illinois. All of these areas have large
Technologies Corp., parent company of Carolina Spanish-speaking populations, said Chief Executive
Recycling, Guaynabo Recycling and Consolidated Richard Carrion. Popular also operates 177
Waste Services, among others, is ready to invest branches in Puerto Rico, where it has the largest
US$3.5 million in the expansion of Carolina and share of deposits. It has lost money in the last two
Guaynabo’s materials recovery facilities (MRF), calendar quarters
reports Caribbean Business (June 4, 2009). José
Carlos Zayas, VP of Carolina Recycling and
Caribbean UPDATE July 2009 24
CHURCH HELPS POOR CHILDREN. (May 28, 2009). El Blok, a 22-room boutique hotel,
Children International, a U.S.-based humanitarian will be Puerto Rico’s latest LEED-certified hotel
organization, on June 9 congratulated the Methodist featuring a design by the architectural firm Fuster &
Church of Puerto Rico for reaching their goal to Partners. LEED is the acronym for Leadership in
support 500 poor children. Over the past year, Energy & Environmental Design, a Green Building
churches across Puerto Rico agreed to seek Rating System developed by the US Green Building
supporters to help poor children throughout Latin Council. Baeyertz and Kucina will invest an initial
America. Church leaders, with over 12,000 US$5 million, with financing support from R-G, to
members and 100 congregations, have reached out develop the property that will also generate 20 jobs
to provide desperately poor children in the once fully operational. “This is a dream come true
Dominican Republic, Colombia and Honduras with for us,” said Baeyertz, a retired entrepreneur who
basic necessities to improve their lives. Supporters has traveled around the world but decided Vieques
are providing access to nutritional assistance, was the perfect spot to build his dream.
medical and dental care, and educational support to
500 children, and are pledging to support another ***
500 in the coming year, said Bishop Juan A. Vera, MONKEY BUSINESS. Animal protection
International Methodist Church of Puerto Rico. organizations worldwide have launched a campaign
Details: Dolores Quinn Kitchin, Public Relations, calling on the government of Puerto Rico to stop
Children International. Direct: (816) 943-3730. construction of a monkey breeding farm following
http://twitter.com/ChildrenInt reports that the monkeys will be supplied to the
research industry; in particular the USA, according
NORDSTROM & SAKS COMING. Taubman to Caribbean Net News (June 1, 2009):
Centers, Inc. on May 18 announced it has received
signed letters of intent from Nordstrom and Saks The farm in Guayama City will reportedly use
Fifth Avenue to anchor the planned Plaza macaques (Macaca fascicularis) from the island of
Internacional shopping center in San Juan. This will Mauritius. The groups, including the BUAV
be both fashion retailers' first entry on the island. (British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection) the
Taubman and New Century Development, Inc. of IPPL (Intl Primate Protection League), and PCRM
San Juan are partnering on the retail portion of the (Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine),
project, which is anticipated to include a hotel, believe that such a proposal is a step backwards at a
casino and about 650,000 sq ft of mall shops and time when the ethical and scientific use of
restaurants, including the two department storesm nonhuman primates in research is being challenged
said Steve Kieras, Taubman Senior VP by scientists and others. The USA is reportedly the
Development. Details: Karen Mac Donald, world's largest user of primates in research;
Director, Communications, +1-248-258-7469. imports of long-tailed macaques grew from 17,000
Email: kmacdonald@taubman.com, or Barbara in 2004 to over 26,000 in 2008;
Baker, VP, Investor Relations, +1-248-258-7367,
Email: bbaker@taubman.com, or Frank Trogolo, The common fate of many primates is to be
VP of New Century Development, Inc., +1-787-294- used in toxicity testing which involves the forced
2055, Email: ftrogolo@gmail.com; or Brooke ingestion, inhalation or injection of potentially
White, Corporate Communications, +1-206-373- lethal and poisonous chemicals. After sometimes
3030, Email: Brooke.white@ nordstrom.com; or years of this type of abuse, the animals are then
Julia Bentley, Senior VP, Investor Relations- killed. There are also concerns that these monkeys
Communications, +1-865-981-6243, Email: Julia may be destined for federal programs on chemical
_Bentley @saksinc.com. Web: and biological warfare. In the past, the government
http://www.taubman.com/ of India banned the export of rhesus macaques after
learning of the radiation experiments that they were
NEW 22-ROOM HOTEL. New Zealand being subjected to in the USA.
entrepreneurs Simon Baeyertz and Marina Kucina
are preparing to break ground on their new hotel in BIOTECH INVESTMENT. San Juan-based
Esperanza, Vieques, reports Caribbean Business Advent-Morro Equity Partners recently announced
Caribbean UPDATE July 2009 25
its first biotechnology investment in Elixir RECEIVER TARGETS JET. Court-appointed
Pharmaceuticals Inc., based in Cambridge, Mass. receiver Richard Roper III wants to sell off a wine
specializing in development of therapies to combat collection, a private jet and two Cadillacs, among
metabolic diseases such as diabetes and obesity, other property, to pay off victims
reports Caribbean Business (May 28, 2009). of an alleged Ponzi scheme involving a St. Vincent
Advent-Morro will pitch in US$250,000 of a offshore bank, reports AP (June 4, 2009):
US$12.5 million financing of Elixir as part of a
syndicate of other venture-capital funds specializing Roper asked a federal judge in Texas to
in life sciences including Physics Ventures, Oxford authorize the sale to help compensate hundreds of
Biosciences, Arch Ventures and MPM Capital. Americans who had invested at least US$68 million
Novartis Pharmaceuticals is also investing. Elixir since 2004 in the alleged scheme. The assets belong
has raised US$130 million prior to this equity to several people, including businessman William
round. Elixir will use the $12.5 million to develop Wise of Raleigh, N.C., whose Millennium Bank on
an obesity treatment that involves a hormone called St. Vincent is accused of selling fictitious
ghrelin, which is produced in the stomach and certificates of deposit at much-higher-than-average
works to stimulate the appetite, in addition to interest rates. The request targets US$250,000 in
playing a role in sugar metabolism. Results of wine Wise allegedly has stored here, and several
preclinical trials performed on animals showed low U.S. states, as well as a US$5.7 million Challenger
ghrelin levels result in reduced cholesterol and 601-1A jet and several vehicles, including two 2009
sugar levels, regardless of high-fat diets. Cadillac Escalades;
PLAZA LAS AMERICAS DOINGS. Lorraine The U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission
Vissepo, spokeswoman for Plaza Las Américas (the says the Millennium deposits were sent to an
island’s largest shopping center with 2.1 million sq account in California that the defendants used for
ft of retail space) said 17 stores are confirmed to personal expenses and relatively small Ponzi
either open this year or early in 2010, nine which payments to investors. The SEC complaint said the
will open within the next few months, reports defendants orchestrated the scheme through
Caribbean Business (May 28, 2009). But seven Millennium Bank and its Geneva, Switzerland-
other stores couldn’t weather the economic based parent United Trust of Switzerland SA, as
recession and soaring costs of doing business and well as U.S.-based affiliates of both organizations.
have decided to shut operations. SURINAME
ST. KITTS-NEVIS ROAD REHAB PROJECT. An Inter-American
Bank loan is for the Meerzorg-Albina Corridor
DELTA ADDS 2D WEKLY FLIGHT. The St. Rehabilitation Project ( Contract No.: 2062/BL-SU /
Kitts Tourism Authority on June 11 said that Delta No. 2063/OC-SU, Project no. SU-L1006). Part of
will increase service to St. Kitts for the peak winter the funds are for Rehabilitation of a Part of the
travel season this year, adding a second weekly Existing Main Road Running Eastwards From the
non-stop flight from Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Existing Junction With the Road to Wanhati.
Intl Airport. The second flight will operate on Deadline: July 17, 2009). Submission Address:
Wednesdays, beginning Dec. 23, 2009, Ministry of Planning and Development Coop. Frank
complementing a Saturday non-stop flight, said Sen. Essed Bldg. Dr. Sophie Redmondstraat 118.
Ricky Skerritt, Minister responsible for Tourism. Paramaribo, Suriname. Delivery Address: IDB
Details: Tourism Authority. From the US at 1-800- tender box SU-L-1006 SUP Secretariat of the
582-6208 or from Canada 1-888-395-4887. E-mail Minister of Planning and Development
info@stkittstourism.kn. Web: www. skittstourism.kn. Cooperation, 2nd Fl.
And: (212) 956-5900. E-mail cathy@adams-pr.com. Attn: Ms. Lilian Krishnadath, Mr. Mark Rommy.
Tel: (597) 471-108 Ext. 237, 242. Fax: (597) 520-
ST. VINCENT & GRENADINES 122. E-mail: jurgensnancy@yahoo.com,
lilian.krishnadath@plos.sr
Caribbean UPDATE July 2009 26
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
COMBATING FIREARMS TRAFFICKING.
BP TRINIDAD SEEKING EFFICIENCY. The US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms &
Squeezed by lower natural gas prices and rising Explosives (ATF) on May 20 said it signed a
costs, BP Trinidad & Tobago is focusing on memorandum of understanding MOU) with the
increasing its efficiency this year, which could Trinidad & Tobago Acting Police Commissioner
involve adjusting suppliers' contracts, reports that will provide eTrace, an electronic system used
Reuters (May 29, 2009). The company, a subsidiary to trace illicit firearms. This is an effort to combat
of BP Plc, accounts for 55% of hydrocarbons firearms trafficking in the region consistent with the
production and contributes 25% of annual national Dec. 2007 joint Caribbean Community
revenue here. BPTT's 2008 production totaled (CARICOM)-U.S. Initiative on Combating the
457,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day; 96% was Illicit Trafficking in Small Arms and Light
natural gas and 4 % was crude oil and condensate. Weapons and Ammunition. Other Caribbean and
BPTT said it faced natural gas prices 56% lower Central American nations have also joined eTrace.
than 2008, while unit operating costs rose by 12%, Details: www.state.gov/ p/wha/rls/120209.htm,
and the cost of developing reserves rose by 42% www. state. gov/p/ wha/ hs/ c29869.htm, and www.
per project, the company said. state. gov/ p/wha/ hs/ c29261.htm).
INTL FINANCIAL CENTER. Prime Minister TURKS & CAICOS I.
Patrick Manning plans to use the US$2.9 billion
saved in the Heritage and Stabilization Fund (HSB) ITALIAN VILLAGE, WATERPARK
to fuel growth and global interest in the OPENING. Hollywood headed to the Caribbean
International Financial Centre (IFC), reports The the weekend of May 18 as Beaches Turks & Caicos
Trinidad Guardian (May 30, 2009). "With the Resort Villages & Spa in Providenciales celebrated
development of strategic industries in aluminium, the official Grand Opening of its new, all-suite
plastics, preservations and iron and steel, we will be resort expansion - the Italian Village & enhanced
building a new and dynamic industrial platform in Pirates Island Waterpark. Beaches Resorts, voted
Trinidad & Tobago. This will produce a tremendous the World's Best Family Resorts 11 years in a row,
variety of products for use in industry, construction, hosted a four day getaway filled with parties,
agricultural and agri-business, transportation, health special events, music, and live performances,
care, household and other sectors,” he said. "With including the presence of several celebrities, said
the plans we have for the economy, the need for Beaches Resorts chairman and founder, Gordon
financial services is getting to grow by leaps and "Butch" Stewart. The Italian Village expansion
bounds in our country. The IFC will be there, very boasts 162 new family suites and an enhanced
well positioned to play its part in fueling national Pirates Island Waterpark that features a lazy river,
and regional development,” Manning added. seven new waterslides, a surf simulator, and water
cannons. Details: 1-800-BEACHES (1-800-232-
BAD AVIATION FUEL. Bad aviation fuel 2437). Web: www.beaches.com.
from state-owned National Petroleum (NP) shut
down domestic air bridge flights from Piarco to U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS
Crown Pointe airport in Tobago and vice versa,
reports The Trinidad Express (May 21, 2009). NP, US$1.2 BILLION RESORT, CASINO
which provides aviation fuel to all airlines, was PROJECT. The St. Croix Coastal Zone Committee
prohibited approved a permit for Connecticut developer Curtis
from supplying fuel following tests at a laboratory Robinson of Robin Bay Associates' US$1.2 billion
that showed it was producing aviation fuel casino and resort project on the south shore, reports
containing sulphur above the permissible level. The Virgin Islands Daily News (May 23, 2009):
Sources said NP now has to clear and blow out its
lines and reprocess the fuel in the uncontaminated The Seven Hills Beach Resort includes four
lines in order to remove the sulphur. NP has hotels with 870 rooms, more than 500 various types
reportedly taken steps to correct the problem. of residences, timeshares, casino, waterpark, 18-
Caribbean UPDATE July 2009 27
hole golf course, restaurants and other amenities. promenade of shops and cafés designed to feel like
The project, to be done in four phases over an a city main street. The ship last visited St Croix in
estimated nine years, stands to give the beleaguered 2007 It was scheduled to return to St Croix on May
St. Croix economy a major boost with about 800 30.
construction and 800 permanent jobs, said
Robinson. He started the process in 1999, but the VENEZUELA
project stalled after the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11,
2001. Travel dropped dramatically and his initial ENSCO ENDS RIG DEAL. Ensco International
financial backing dried up, he said; Inc (based in Dallas, Tex) said it terminated a
jackup drilling rig contract with a unit of
Years later, the project again gained momentum Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA for failing to
and in Jan. 2007, Robin Bay purchased more than pay past dues and taking control of the rig as part of
600 acres in four estates (Cotton Grove, Little President Hugo Chavez's nationalization drive,
Profit, Mount Retreat and Mount Fancy) from St. reports Reuters (June 9, 2009). Ensco said it will
Croix businessman Antonio Gonzalez. The seek legal remedy for damages from Petrosucre, a
developer invested nearly US$3 million on the PDVSA unit, which has not returned the rig to
permitting process, said Robinson, adding "The Ensco and has notified the company that it will
application was over 2,000 pages. It was so big we continue to operate it. In Jan. 2009, offshore drilling
had to bring it over in a pickup truck." Robin Bay contractor Ensco said it suspended its operations
still needs to acquire a casino license from the V.I. after Petrosucre failed to pay past-due invoices. In
Casino Commission. response, Petrosucre seized the rig and restarted
drilling with its own employees. On May 11, Ensco
*** said it filed a termination notice with Petrosucre
150-UNIT SMITH BAY RESORT. A new after negotiations with the company failed. PDVSA
condominium resort on the East End of St. Thomas has also fallen behind in payments worth hundreds
got the green light from the St. Thomas Coastal of millions of dollars with other major oil service
Zone Management Committee to build a 150-unit companies such as Halliburton and the world's
facility in Smith Bay, reports The Virgin Islands largest oil service company, Schlumberger Ltd.
Daily News (May 20, 2009). The planned US$60 MORE NATIONALIZATION. Venezuela
million Indigo Point Landing resort is situated on moved to nationalize the chemicals industry as
8.6 acres between the Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort President Hugo Chavez tightens his grip over South
& Spa and Lindqvist Beach., said Richard Talbert, America’s third-largest economy,
CEO of Down Island View Developers. reports Bloomberg (June 5, 2009). A law requiring
he said. A different proposal for the land was private sector chemicals-makers to become minority
rejected by the CZM committee in Sept. 2007. That partners in joint ventures with the state passed its
group, Smith Bay Developers LLC, had planned to first reading in the national legislature, said
build a 214-unit condo project. CZM staff said the National Assembly Deputy Angel Rodriguez:
project failed to consider traffic impact, building
height and public beach access. Down Island took Chavez, a self-described revolutionary
over the property and overhauled the design. socialist, has already forced all of the country’s
private oil ompanies into minority positions in joint
ROYAL RETURNS TO ST. CROIX. Marking ventures. In the past month, Venezuela ordered the
the first call of the summer season, Royal Caribbean seizure of property from at least 74 oilfield service
Cruise Line on May 16 made a big splash in St companies and also started taking over gas
Croix, with the return of the Adventure of the Seas. compression plants. “It’s part of the strategy of
With a capacity of over 3,100 passengers and 1,000 continuing to increase the state’s presence in what
crew, the Voyager-class Adventure of the Seas is they consider strategic sectors,” said Asdrubal
the largest capacity ship to visit St Croix. The 1020 Oliveros, a director at economic research company
foot ship features an ice-skating rink, rock-climbing Ecoanalitica in Caracas. “This adds to the general
wall and a uncertainty for the private sector”;
Caribbean UPDATE July 2009 28
Pequiven, Venezuela’s state chemicals company, quarter. Ensco International Inc., based in Dallas,
already has joint ventures with companies including idled one drilling rig, which was later seized by
Law Debenture Trust, Mitsui & Co., FMC Corp., Venezuela’s state oil company known as PDVSA,
Quimica Venoco CA, Mitsubishi Gas Chemical and and Helmerich & Payne Inc. took seven rigs out of
Mitsubishi Corp. The new law will affect service. In 2007, Chavez nationalized four heavy
companies that make basic and intermediate crude oil joint ventures in the country’s Orinoco
chemicals from oil, gas and coal, and not companies Belt, forcing companies to take minority stakes. US
that convert chemicals into consumer products, said oil companies Exxon Mobil Corp. and
Rina Quijada, founder of IntelliChem, a Houston- ConocoPhillips rejected the offer and took their
based consultant focusing on Latin American investment disputes to international arbitration.
petrochemicals;
***
Law Debenture Corp., a London-based RUSSIAN OIL VENTURES. Venezuela has
investment trust, has a 51.7% stake in the agreed to work with five Russian oil companies
Clorovinilo del Zulia plant, making it one of the few including OAO Rosneft and OAO Lukoil to create
holders of a majority stake in a chemicals plant. an oil joint venture in areas of the Orinoco Belt,
Mitsui & Co., a Tokyo-based iron, steel and reports Bloomberg (June 4, 2009). Nineteen
chemicals company, has about a 15% stake in the companies, including Consorcio Ruso, paid US$2
Propilven project and a million each for data on three proposed projects,
1.6% stake in the Polinter polyethylene plant. one of which would pump 400,000 barrels a day
Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Co. and Mitsubishi Corp. from the same areas described in the treaty. Other
each have 23.75% stakes in the Metor methanol companies that may bid include Chevron Corp., BP
plant. Sao Paulo-based Braskem SA, Latin Plc and Royal Dutch Shell Plc.
America’s largest petrochemical producer, plans to
build a US$1.1 billion factory in Venezuela in a ***
joint venture with Pequiven. Philadelphia-based US$4 BILLION IN LOANS FROM BRAZIL.
FMC Corp. has a 33.3% stake in the Tripoliven Brazil plans to finance over US$4 billion worth of
plant, a maker of phosphorus-based chemicals. investment projects in Venezuela as President Hugo
Profalca, a Venzuelan propylene maker, is 35% Chavez struggles to cope with low oil prices that
owned by Koch Industries Inc., a privately held have created a cash crunch, reports Reuters (May
nylon producer based in Wichita, Kansas. 27, 2009):
Colombian chemical maker Andersol SA operates
Venezuelan paint-maker Intequim with state-owned Until a few years ago, Chavez was using petro-
Corp. Grupo Quimco.Koch Industries Inc. has a dollars to compete with his Brazilian counterpart,
35% stake in the Fertinitro fertilizer plant and President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, for influence
Snamprogetti SpA, the engineering unit of Italy’s among left-wing South American leaders such as
state energy company, Eni SpA, holds a 20% stake Ecuador's Rafael Correa and Bolivia's Evo Morales.
in Fertinitro; Chavez welcomed Brazil's aid offer. "Brazilian
companies should be certain that in Venezuela they
Rampant takeovers are compounding the bill will have all of our support," said Chavez, who met
for the Venezuelan government, should it Lula in the northeastern Brazilian city of Salvador;
compensate all private companies affected by the
proposals, Ecoanalitica‘s Oliveros said. Venezuela The agreement signed by Brazil's state
has around US$13 billion of debt after taking over development bank BNDES paves the way to
cement, oil, steel and banking companies, he said. finance Venezuelan infrastructure projects carried
Reeling from a 53% plunge in oil prices since July, out by Brazilian companies seeking a foothold in
Venezuela stopped paying some of its service Venezuela. Brazil's Industrial Development Agency
providers in 2008, prompting at least two to idle said it had provided a list of 26 companies that are
drilling rigs. Houston-based Boots & Coots interested in developing industrial projects in
International Well Control Inc. said May 7 it Venezuela. Venezuela has 45 days to choose and
suspended Venezuelan operations in the first detail the projects. Chavez said the loans would
Caribbean UPDATE July 2009 29
finance a range of projects such as new company that bottles Coke products locally, said it
infrastructure, petrochemicals production and aimed to increase its market share for low calorie
electricity generation, which involve Brazilian drinks by 200%.The bottler was plagued with labor
companies; problems last year when former workers repeatedly
blocked its plants demanding back pay.
The funds could ensure Venezuela has enough
cash on hand to pay companies such as Odebrecht, a JAPANESE COS. SELLING SHARES. Showa
construction giant helping expand the subway of the Denko KK, Kobe Steel Ltd, Sumitomo Chemical
Venezuelan capital or petrochemicals giant Co. and three more Japanese companies await talks
Braskem, which is helping build plants in with Venezuela’s government
Venezuela. State oil company PDVSA, which as they seek to sell their share of an aluminum
bankrolls most of Chavez's social programs, has smelter, reports Bloomberg (June 10, 2009). The
built up close to $13 billion in debt to service group of Japanese companies owns 20% of state-
providers and contracts. controlled CVG Industria Venezolana de Aluminio
CA, or Venalum, said Yasushi Munakata, an
*** alternate director of Venalum who represents the
CHAVEZ NATIONALIZES IRON, STEEL. Japanese group. Their departure follows other
President Hugo Chavez said government would foreign investors’ leaving Venezuela because of
nationalize several iron and steel companies to pave conflicts with President Hugo Chavez. Exxon Mobil
way for a large "socialist" state-run enterprise, Corp. and ConocoPhillips left after contract terms
reports AFP (May 23, 2009). Chavez, who has were reduced on their joint oil ventures. Techint
nationalized many of the mineral-rich country's Group, which controls steelmakers Ternium SA and
biggest industries, named Matesi, Consigua, Tenaris SA, has had mills seized by Chavez.
Ceramicas Carabobo and Tavsa, which produces Nikkei, a Japanese news agency, said the value of
seamless steel pipes for the oil industry. Also Japanese shares exceeds 50 billion yen (US$513.4
affected were Orinoco Iron and Venprecar, million). The aluminum companies initially decided
subsidiaries of Venezuelan-owned International to leave Venezuela in 2006 after Chavez made it
Briquettes Holding (IBH), which exports iron illegal for foreign customers to get better prices than
briquettes. "Venezuelan workers are going to give a domestic clients, Munakata said. That ended a 28-
lesson to the world on how the working class has year-old arrangement in which Venezuela paid
been resuscitated to make a revolution!" he told freight costs so the companies could sell aluminum
industry workers in the western state of Bolivar. in Japan.
The workers stood and sang the national anthem.
Over the past two years, Chavez has taken over a ***
wide range of companies from the electricity, oil, OIL RIG WITH CHINA. Venezuela is poised to
cement and telecommunications sectors. Two weeks begin building the first joint Venezuelan-Chinese
earlier, the Chavez administration expropriated 39 oil drilling platform in June, according to Energy
oil service providers, some backed by foreign Minister Rafael Ramirez, reports AFP (May 20,
capital, after the government passed a law extending 2009):
the state's control over all activities related to the
industry. "The oil drilling platform is at a very advanced
stage in the (western) Orinoco Belt," Ramirez told
*** the Panorama newspaper, from the northwestern
COKE ZERO BANNED. The government city of Maracaibo. Run through a joint venture
ordered Coca-Cola Co to withdraw its Coke Zero between Venezuelan Petroleum (PDVSA) with a
beverage from Venezeula, citing unspecified 60% stake, and China National Petroleum Co.
dangers to health, report s Reuters (June 11, 2009). (CNPC) with a 40% stake, the oil rig will maintain
Health Minister Jesus Mantilla said the zero-calorie 24 active teams, Ramirez said. There are 276 active
drink should no longer be sold and stocks removed oil rigs here, 51 of which are owned by PDVSA and
from store shelves. Coke Zero was launched here in the rest are run by contractors. Seventeen others are
April and Coca-Cola Femsa, the Mexico-based undergoing maintenance and four are inactive due
Caribbean UPDATE July 2009 30
to cuts agreed with the Organization of the The Brisas project covers several concessions in the
Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). The KM88 mining belt south of the Orinoco river and is
planned oil rig assembly is the second stage of a adjacent to the legendary Las Cristinas project.
2007 deal under which China agreed to build 13 oil- President Hugo Chavez said earlier this year that the
drilling platforms that can drill 8,000 feet (2,400 gold industry should be controlled by the state;
meters) deep;
One possible beneficiary of the decision is
The third stage anticipates manufacturing and Russian-owned Canadian miner Rusoro , which is
maintaining oil wells. China buys 300,000 barrels interested in developing the KM88 area and last
of Venezuelan crude every day, and is eager for year launched a failed takeover bid for Gold
more as part of its global quest for a diverse range Reserve. Brisas' neighbor Las Cristinas has
of energy supplies. The majority of Venezuela's floundered in legal disputes and government
vast oil reserves, which PDVSA estimates at 3.01 inaction for decades. The now defunct Placer Dome
million barrels a day, but the International Energy invested over US$100 million in the project before
Agency places at 2.33 million barrels a day, are abandoning it. Rights to Las Cristinas are currently
destined for markets in the US. Venezuela has held by Canada's Crystallex, which has not been
proven oil reserves of around 99 billion barrels and given the permits needed to produce gold there;
is the Western hemisphere's largest oil exporter.
Gold Reserve, a Canadian company based in
*** Washington state, in April threatened to file a US$5
US$1.05 BILLION BANK PURCHASE. billion arbitration suit against Venezuela for
Caracas will pay Spain's Santander bank US$1.05 blocking development of Las Brisas by revoking a
billion for Banco de Venezuela, which it construction permit last year. According to Gold
nationalized last year, Vice President Ramon Reserve's website, Brisas contains an estimated 10.2
Carrizalez said, AFP (May 23, 2000). Carrizalez million ounces of gold. The company acquired the
said US$630 million would be paid at the signing of concession in 1992 and has invested US$100
the buyout deal on July 3 and will pay the million in the project.
remainder in two equal parts due in Oct. 2009 and
Dec. 2009. Venezuela reached a deal in April with ***
Santander to buy the Bank of Venezuela, nine GM TO SUSPEND OPERATIONS. General
months after the Spanish bank said it wanted to Motors will suspend operations in Venezuela for at
divest itself of its Venezuelan assets. Santander least three months from June as tumbling sales and
purchased Bank of Venezuela in 1996 at a public government import restrictions add to the troubled
auction for US$351.5 million. It currently has US carmaker's global woes, reports Reuters (May
estimated assets of 1.92 billion bolivars (US$891.4 20, 200). The heavily indebted Detroit-based
million). Carrizalez meanwhile insisted that the company represents about half of Venezuela's
move would do nothing to harm the 6,000 jobs held vehicle production but sales fell by 40% last year to
at the bank, or the savings of clients. The purchase 90,000 units on production difficulties, despite
will mean the state now controls an estimated 25% strong demand. Overall, Venezuelan car sales fell
of the banking sector, up from 12%. by 45% in the first four months of the year as the
*** government further tightened exchange restrictions
GOLD CONCESSION ENDED. Venezuela has to protect currency reserves threatened by falling oil
ended a concession held by US-based miner Gold income in the OPEC nation. The local GM unit had
Reserve in one of Latin America's largest gold debt of US$1.2 billion with its overseas suppliers
deposits, part of a strategy to increase state control and said the state currency control board had not
of key economic sectors, reports Reuters (May 26, authorized the U.S. carmaker the dollars it needs to
2009): repatriate dividends since 2007. General Motors,
which has two plants in central Venezuela, aimed to
The official gazette said government had not produce 140,000 vehicles here in 2009 but its
granted an extension to the El Pauji concession of output so far this year has been just 30% of that.
the large Brisas project, citing contractual failures. The company employs 4,000 workers here.
Caribbean UPDATE July 2009 31
Destination Period Arrivals vs.
DATA BASE 2007
Anguilla Jan-Feb 10,447 -
U.S. Trade with the Caribbean Basin 21.4
March 2008, 2009 Antigua & Barbuda Jan-Apr 92,816 -
(millions of US$) 13.6
U.S. exports U.S. imports Aruba Jan-Mar 207,430 -
(F.A.S.) (c.i.f.) 8.0
2008 2009 2008 Bahamas Jan-Jan 93,631 -
2009 15.3
Anguilla 16.5 17.3 0.8 1.5 Barbados Jan-Mar 145,530 -
Antigua & Barbuda 41.9 38.7 1.1 3.9 8.6
Aruba 210.1 139.7 623.4 579.9 Belize Jan-Feb 45,180 -
Bahamas 700.9 505.7 147.6 168.5 7.7
Barbados 116.5 103.4 9.4 7.6 British Virgin I. Jan-Feb 52,084 -
Belize 72.9 58.9 27.4 23.7 25.1
Bermuda 180.2 235.5 2.2 1.8 Cancun (Mexico)** Jan-Mar 652,717
British Virgin I 65.7 81.2 0.9 1.6 +4.7
Cayman Islands 167.8 153.1 3.5 3.0 Cayman Islands Jan-Apr 109,053 -
Costa Rica 1338.5 1002.1 1074.9 816.4 12.5
Cuba 174.4 179.7 - - Cuba Jan-Mar 809,937
Dominica 24.0 18.9 0.9 0.5 +2.0
Dominican Rep. 1615.5 1264.2 955.4 800.0 Dominican Republic* Jan-Apr 1,518,210 -
El Salvador 618.4 517.5 518.3 448.8 4.8
French Guiana 3.8 4.6 - - Grenada Jan-Mar 31,741 -
Grenada 16.9 13.7 1.2 0.8 4.6
Guadeloupe 61.9 21.2 2.9 0.5 Guyana Jan-Apr 41,915 -
Guatemala 1078.5 974.7 918.4 757.3 1.9
Guyana . 58.6 61.1 43.9 31.5 Jamaica Jan-Mar 485,097
Haiti 182.9 200.6 82.0 108.3 +0.2
Honduras 1223.6 804.7 965.6 807.8 Martinique Jan-Mar 132,287 -
Jamaica 647.6 378.6 162.8 108.3 11.1
Martinique 53.4 35.2 3.4 0.1 Montserrat Jan-Mar 1,587 -
Montserrat 0.8 1.9 0.2 0.3 12.6
Netherlands Ant 794.2 507.2 368.8 148.6 Puerto Rico** Jan-Feb 233,434 -
Nicaragua 216.8 160.0 431.2 367.6 8.4
Panama 1181.4 1029.0 120.1 64.7 Saba Jan-Apr 4,605
St. Kitts & Nevis 31.1 23.5 14.6 10.4 +1.4
St. Lucia 108.5 28.7 4.6 4.9 St. Lucia Jan-Apr 100,577 -
St. Vincent & Gren 17.2 20.9 0.2 0.2 8.8
Suriname 91.7 95.2 30.3 38.7 St. Maarten Jan-Mar 129,046 -
Trinidad &Tobago 487.6 553.7 2478.0 1296.2 16.1
Turks & Caicos I 97.5 74.7 2.5 2.4 St. Vincent & Gren. Jan-Mar 12,493 -
Venezuela 2472.4 2618.3 11525.1 5957.8 12.9
Source: U.S. Dept. of Commerce. Details: Nick US Virgin Islands Jan-Feb 122,815 -
Orsini (301-763-6959) or Maria Iseman (301-763- 6.1
2311), Foreign Trade Division.
Tourism Cruise Ship Arrivals, 2008
Tourism Stop-Over Arrivals, 2009
%change
%change
Caribbean UPDATE July 2009 32
Destination Period Arrivals vs. June 8-Aug. 21: Skate Cayman opens the first
2007 destination skateboarding camp in the Caribbean.
Antigua&Barbuda Jan-Mar 296,127 Professional and amateur skaters descend on Black
+16.2 Pearl in the Cayman Islands, the second largest
Aruba Jan-Jan 99,309 skatepark in the world. Details:
+8.7 www.skatecayman.com or on twitter under the
Bahamas Jan-Jan 311,773 name "SkateCayman." Email: skatecayman@
+21.9 caymanislands.ky. And: Missy Farren & Associates,
Belize Jan-Mar 225,554 - Ltd. (212) 528-1691. Agatha Capacchione. Email:
1.9 acapacchione @mfaltd.com.Kelly Cummings.
British Virgin Is. Jan-Jan 98,263 - Email: kcummings@ mfaltd.com
12.1 June 27-July 4: The Green Monkey Dive Shop
Cayman Islands Jan-Apr 604,760 - with the support of the Montserrat Tourist Board
14.5 (MTB) and the Montserrat Tourism Challenge Fund
Dominican Republic Jan-Feb 188,771 (MTCF) hosts the inaugural Montserrat Dive
+9.3 Festival. Held in conjunction with Montserrat’s bi-
Grenada Jan-Mar 173,660 annual Reef Check Program, it includes a free Coral
+14.0 Reef Conservation Specialty course, discounted
Jamaica Jan-Mar 310,720 - Peak Performance Buoyancy course and two tank
25.6 dive trip to the elusive Redonda island.
Martinique Jan-Apr 35,141 - July 1-6: 23rd Annual Aruba Hi-Winds. The
32.0 largest amateur windsurfing event in the Caribbean,
Puerto Rico Jan-Jan 133,158 - at Beaches at Fisherman's Hut - Hadicurari.
25.8 July 4-5: 16th Annual Aruba Reef Care Project.
St. Lucia Jan-Apr 359,394 A clean-up of the island's most popular beaches,
+8.0 dive and snorkel sites helps raise awareness for a
St. Maarten Jan-Mar 541,023 clean marine environment. Includes 800
+4.4 participants, both local residents and visitors from
St. Vincent & Gren. Jan-Feb 61,635 around the world
+57.7 July 10-20: The Dominica Watersports
U.S. Virgin Islands Jan-Apr 705,032 - Association together with sponsors presents the
15.7 16th Annual Dive Festival, a series of activities
*Non-Resident air arrivals. Dom. Rep. data from focused on scuba diving and other water sports.
DR Tourism Dept. Details: Dominica Tourism Authority at 866-522-
**Non-resident Hotel registrations only 4057. Web: www.discoverdominica.com. And Tel:
Source: The Caribbean Tourism Organization,latest 212-956-9000. Email: marie@adams-pr.com.
data supplied by member countries, available as of July 10: Windsurf World Competition in
June 2, 2009 Cabarete, Dominican Republic, lasts 7-9 days
depending on the wind.
CALENDAR July 14-18: The London-based Royal Ballet
makes its first visit to Cuba with performances that
Details and contact information for most events include a homage to ballet legend Alicia Alonso.
listed here may be obtained on the website The visit came about in part because the Royal
www.calendar.caribseek.com. Readers are invited Ballet's principal guest dancer, Carlos Acosta, a
to submit information on relevant activities, at least Cuban, was anxious to perform in his home country.
45 days prior to date of your activity. Mail Alonso, 88, who danced in the US and Europe, has
to: Caribbean UPDATE, 116 Myrtle Ave., Millburn led the Cuban ballet since shortly after Fidel Castro
NJ 07041. U.S.A. Email: kalwagenheim@cs.com. took power in a 1959 revolution.
Some dates are tentative, all are subject to change; July 23: 7th annual Miss Mundo Puerto Rico
readers are urged to reconfirm prior to making 2009 beauty pageant, Tapia Theatre, Old San Juan,
travel plans. Puerto Rico. The Spanish Broadcasting System
Caribbean UPDATE July 2009 33
(SBS) said that Mega TV Puerto Rico, its Network Oct. 30-Nov 1: 13th Annual World Creole Music
and affiliates will be the official medium to Festival. Over the years, the festival has attracted
broadcast the pageant and all related programming. some of the most renowned musical groups and
SBS radio stations in Puerto Rico, WMEG-La Mega soloists from the Creole-speaking world. Details:
106.9 FM, www.wcmfdominica.com.
August: Merengue Festival in Santo Domingo, November: Commonwealth Heads of
along the Malecon. www.DR1.com. Government meeting in Port of Spain, Trinidad.
Aug. 1-8. Teachers Introduction to Cuba Tour, a Queen Elizabeth of England is expected to attend.
comprehensive look at the island's education system Nov. 2-7: International Trade Fair, Havana, Cuba.
and includes many cultural components. Also, Nov. 3: Dominica celebrates its 31st year as an
Green Explorers Cuba Tour, a broad overview of independent nation with an array of cultural events,
the Cuba’s ecological efforts. parties, traditional music performances and dances.
Details: Email: marcel@cubaeducationtours.ca Nov. 6 - 8: The Annual Dominican Republic
Aug. 16-22: Banks International Hockey Festival, Jazz Festival, in Cabarete near Puerto Plata.
in Barbados. Attracting teams from the Caribbean, www.drjazzfestival.com.
Europe, the US, and South America. Nov. 6-13: 19th Annual Aruba Heineken
Aug. 20-24: Aruba 15th Annual International Pro- Catamaran Regatta. .
Am Golf Tournament. Held at Tierra del Sol, December: Barbados Intl Film Festival. Brings
professional and amateur golfers team up. together the best of world cinema and international
Sept. 4-5: Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival, in Aruba. film culture and provides a major showcase for
Celebrating its third year, this outdoor festival independent film.
features international and local musicians at Casa
did Cultura. ***
Sept. 25-Oct. 30: Ultimatebet.com Aruba Poker 2010
Classic & Blackjack Tournament. Players from all January: Jamaica is expected to host the next
over the world compete for millions of dollars. Part meeting of the executive committee of the
of the World Poker Tour program, which airs on the Parliamentary Confederation of the
Travel Channel and CBS. At the Radisson Aruba Americas(COPA), which unites democratic
Resort & Casino. Parliaments in the Americas, said Mr Othneil
October: Sun, Sea & Slams International Bridge Lawrence, Member of Parliament for North West St
Festival., in Barbados. Fans from all over the world Ann, after a meeting of the committee in Santa
come each year to this fun, yet competitive, bridge Cruz, Argentina.
festival. March 26-28: The 37th running of the St.
Oct. 9-10: 8th Annual Aruba Music Festival. Thomas Yacht Club's International Rolex Regatta,
Features international stars and attracts visitors from US Virgin Islands. Details: Bill Canfield . Email:
all over the world every year. styc@vipowernet.net or 340-775-6320. Web:
Oct. 25: Heritage Day in Dominica, a day where www.rolexcupregatta.com. And: US Media
villages are recognized and awarded for their Contact: Barby MacGowan. Media Pro Int'l for
uniqueness Rolex. Phone: +1 401-225-0249. Email:
Oct. 26-30: The annual Florida Caribbean Cruise barby@mediapronewport.com And: Key Partners
Assoc. (FCCA) Cruise Conference & Show in St (KPMS). Susan Maffei Plowden. Phone: +1 401
Lucia. More than 1,000 cruise industry partners 855 0234. Email: suma@regattanews.com, info@
meet with 100 cruise executives from the FCCA egattanews. com. Web: www.regattanews.com,
member lines share ideas and discuss industry www.kpms.com
trends. Executives from the FCCA member lines
will host round table talks on marketing, shore
excursions and operations. The FCCA is a not-for- ***
profit trade organization composed of 11 member
cruise lines operating more than 100 vessels in
Floridian, Caribbean and Latin American waters.