Cruise Lines Helping in Haiti
One big debate after the earthquake in Haiti has been whether or not the cruise lines that visit Haiti regularly should continue to do so. Former Chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, Senator Allen Chastanet, said that many people in Haiti earn money from the cruise lines. Furthermore, thousands of people benefit from the cruise company cash that comes through the area.
Royal Caribbean Cruises has decided to resume their route through Haiti. In response, Mr. Chastanet said, “Importantly for the devastated people of Haiti, the resumption of the cruises is a huge morale booster because it signals to the world that ‘we are back in business’”.
Many political leaders and advisors, such as Hartley Henry, Lelei LeLaulu and others, understand the economic impact that these cruises have on the area. In addition, the cruise lines have given money to the Haiti relief efforts. Carnival Cruise Lines has given $5 million and the Royal Caribbean has donated
Jamaica Helps in Haiti
Certainly, everyone in the Caribbean wants to lend a hand to help in Haiti. All of the political leaders and advisors in the Caribbean, including Hartley Henry, are trying to figure out how best to use their skills and resources. Jamaica, for instance, has a 26 member health team on the ground in Haiti at the moment. They plan to work on a 7-10 day rotational schedule for as long as necessary.
The team saw about 150 patients within the first three days of their arrival. The Minister of Health, Rudyard Spencer, publically thanked the Jamaican team for their work to help Haitians.
Dominica Stay Extended for Haitians
Just this week, Dominican leaders have announced that they will extend the stay for Haitian nationals by six months. Any Haitians who are on the island and who find that their stay has already expired, or that it will soon expire, will have their stay extended by six months. So, too, for Haitians who have come by irregular means or who do not have the proper documentation.
Political leaders and advisors in the area, such as Hartley Henry, hope that this gesture will help Haitians in need during this difficult time.
Looking to the Future for Haiti
Sometimes, out of tragedy, unusual ideas emerge. The Caribbean Media Exchange on Sustainable Tourism (CMEx) believes that the recent earthquake in Haiti might be a chance for Caribbean countries to develop innovative ways to help the survivors.
As the CMEx director Lelei LeLaulu said, “”The strength of the Caribbean is centered on tourism so the region should look for ways of using tourism to feed resources not only to the devastated areas, but also to communities in other parts of Haiti.”
As he explains, Haiti was already in economic trouble before the earthquake. This is an opportunity to help Haiti become an equal partner in the Caribbean community of nations. Many people, including Dr. Basic Springer, a CMEx founder and director, Hartley Henry, an advisor to Caribbean nations, and others support efforts to help Haiti to build and prosper after this tragedy.
Caribbean Nations Helping Haiti
Certainly, the Caribbean islands care about each other. As anyone who has visited the Caribbean islands can attest, the people are kind-hearted and warm. It comes as no surprise, therefore, that several Caribbean nations are getting ready for the influx of Haitians that may soon arrive from their earthquake-hit region.
Director of Immigration in the Bahamas, Jack Thompson has confirmed that his country is not planning to repatriate Haitians who have entered the country illegally at this moment. In addition, the Immigration Department is going to be sending tents, bedding, food and more to Inagua, one of the locations that expects to experience the first influx. Many leading people, including Hartley Henry, are doing everything that they can to help those in Haiti.
Amazing Sites in Dominica
Dominica offers fantastic vacation spots, with a chance to enjoy both the Atlantic and the Caribbean waters. With the recent victory in the elections of Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, with the help of his many advisors including Hartley Henry, Dominica looks forward to greeting its many winter tourists.
Both Pointe Baptiste and Calibishie are great areas to find nice beaches. Picard Beach is one of the more well known beaching spots on the island, and offers beautiful scenery, great waves and more.
The rainforest ecosystem is an amazing location for tourists to enjoy. Boiling Lake is a world famous destination that allows for a great hike up a volcanic mountain. Enjoy Trafalgar Falls, where you can swim in both hot and cool pools under twin waterfalls. Travel to at least one of the national parks as well, most of which offer ample hiking options and guided tours. Make sure to explore the Valley of Desolation, an area that has boiling mud, mini-geysers and more.
Watching the Clock in Dominica
If you’re considering coming to the beautiful island of Dominica this winter, you should know a few things before you arrive. Certainly, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and his advisors, including Hartley Henry and others, appreciate all of the tourists that add to the rich landscape.
Dominica is on Atlantic Standard Time, which is four hours earlier than Greenwich Mean Time. Dominica does not observe daylight-saving time. So, when the clocks move ahead in other destinations, the time in Dominica stays the same. This means that, from November to March, Dominica is one hour ahead of Easter Standard Time on the East Coast of the U.S and four hours ahead of that on the West Coast.
When the daylight savings time is being observed, from March to November, the Atlantic Standard Time in Dominica matches Eastern Standard Time. This should help tourists to plan their phone calls and business interactions, and to enjoy their stay in Dominica to its fullest!
Hartley Henry & Dominica
On December 18th, Dominica saw its old Prime Minister become their new Prime Minister. For the third time in six years, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit was sworn-in after sweeping the Dominica victory 18-3. He was surrounded by many trusted members of the Dominica Labour Party including Hartley Henry as he was sworn-in.
In 2004, Prime Minister Skerrit took the oath of office for the first time when the sitting Prime Minister, Pierre Charles, died. He was sworn in again in 2005, when he and the DLP, including Hartley Henry and many others, were victorious at the polls.
At the swearing in ceremony, Skerrit tried to help Dominicans to relax, explaining that he won’t change the Constitution at will, even though their overwhelming victory allows them to do so easily.
Travel to Dominica Voted Ideal
The Weather Channel.com has voted the island of Dominica as one of the top 10 travel destinations this fall. The island has emphasized their ecotourism since 1997, when they participated in Green Globe and were the first country in the Caribbean to do so. They have recently been given the title, “Whale Watching Capital of the Caribbean” as well. Visitors are promised a 90% chance of spotting a whale up close on the island.
Lead by Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and advised by political strategist Hartley Henry, Dominica is one of the few parliamentary democracies in the region. Their president is the head of state, while the prime minister heads the cabinet which holds executive power. Their economy is dependent, primarily, on tourism and agriculture.
Other attractions in Dominica include superb hiking trails, gorgeous waterfalls, the second largest boiling lake in the world, and many other amazing attractions.
Dominica Positive Growth in 2009
This year has seen positive economic growth in Dominica, an unusual and impressive feat. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit, which is the most highly respected guide for international economists, Dominica is the only Caribbean state to show a positive growth in 2009. With Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and political advisor Hartley Henry, amongst others, the government in Dominica has worked tirelessly to make this economic situation a reality.
Dominica is an island nation in the Caribbean Sea. It is 754 square kilometers in size and has an estimated population of 72,500. Dominica is proud to be nicknames the “Nature Isle of the Caribbean” for its incredibly unspoiled natural beauty. It has the second largest boiling lake in the world and it is the youngest island in the Lesser Antilles. Christopher Columbus actually named the island himself, and did so after the day of the week when he first saw it. Since it was a Sunday (dominica in Latin), the island was named as such.
Today, the Dominica’s economy is dependent on both tourism and agriculture. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit comes from the Dominica Labour Party, which won 12 seats in the 2005 General Elections.
