Caribbean Tourism Chief Warns Region Against “Political Stupidity”

By: - December 5th, 2011

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Caribbean Tourism Organization Chief Richard Skerritt has warned the Caribbean against “political stupidity,” what he called the greatest eminent danger to regional tourism.

“Our tourism must be protected from the partisan tribalism that often divides us in these islands,” said Skerritt, who is also the Minister of Tourism in St Kitts and Nevis. “We don’t have to like each other to work together in the national interest.”

The Minister said the common national interest of preserving the crucial tourism sector must trump all other considerations.

“We don’t have to vote for the same party in order to recognise the value of tourism expenditure in our economy,” he said. “We must therefore not allow the vital needs of tourism to be compromised by shortsighted political stupidity. Political stupidity is prevalent across our region.”

News

Chinese Government Could Build Grenada Track and Field Stadium

Above: Sports Minister Patrick Simmons and Ambassador Xu Jianguo The government of China has indicated an interest in building a new track and field stadium in Grenada, something hinted at by Chinese Ambassador Xu Jianguo during the recent signing of a cooperation agreement for Grenada’s cricket stadium. Xu said that a Chinese technical team would […]

News

Barbados Urges Attention to Labour Laws in Holiday Season

By the Caribbean Journal staff Barbadians are being urged to pay attention to labour laws as Christmas approaches, according to Labour Officer Yvette Walcott-Dennis. “The Labour Department has recognised that the holiday season is not only about good cheer but also lots of hard work, longer opening hours and, ultimately, overtime,” she said. “Therefore, we […]

News

Jamaica Must Increase Investment in Technology, Skill Sectors: UWI's Clayton

Above: UWI Professor Anthony Clayton By the Caribbean Journal staff Jamaica must increase investment in technology and highly-skilled areas to ensure the employability of the country’s future generations, according to University of the West Indies Professor Anthony Clayton. “To a very considerable extent, our future depends on our ability to generate the skills that the […]

Ramotar Gives Inauguration Statement

By the Caribbean Journal staff Guyanese President Donald Ramotar gave his inauguration statement, congratulating the country on what he called “the latest renewal of our democracy.” Ramotar also expressed his gratitude to former President Bharrat Jagdeo, who finished his 12-year run in office after the vote. “These results reflect the democratic will of the people, […]

Barbados Has Caribbean's Lowest Corruption: Transparency International

 By the Caribbean Journal staff Barbados has the lowest perceived level of public-sector corruption in CARICOM, according to a report released by Transparency International. Barbados has a corruption perception score of 7.8, which is higher than the United States, and tied for 16th in the world. The Bahamas is second in the Caribbean, according to […]

St Kitts and Nevis' Douglas Moves for More Productive Public Servants

 By the Caribbean Journal staff Guyanese President Donald Ramotar gave his inauguration statement, congratulating the country on what he called “the latest renewal of our democracy.” Ramotar also expressed his gratitude to former President Bharrat Jagdeo, who finished his 12-year run in office after the vote. “These results reflect the democratic will of the people, […]

St Kitts and Nevis Government Working on Debt Restructuring Plan

 Above: Charlestown, Nevis (CJ Photo) The government of St Kitts and Nevis is in advanced discussions with the Caribbean Development Bank on a comprehensive debt restructuring exercise. The two sides are discussing a partial guarantee from the CDB that would be attached to new instruments issued by the government to participating creditors. “The partial guarantee […]