SINT MAARTEN/JAMAICA - A second Caribbean charity has received funding from CIBC FirstCaribbean to assist with relief efforts in Haiti, which was severely affected by the passage of Hurricane Matthew last month.  

J$1.6M, has been donated to Haiti relief through the Jamaica-based Food For The Poor (FFTP) which is working to disseminate food and other supplies to Haitians affected by the hurricane which hit the island on October 3, 2016.

Nigel Holness, Managing Director, CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank in Jamaica said that the bank was “very concerned for the well-being of our neighbours in Haiti.”  Speaking at the presentation of the cheque to Food for the Poor Executive Director, David Mair, he said that FFTP has a respected history of relief work in Haiti hence the bank’s decision to work with it to assist the communities devastated by Hurricane Matthew.

Commending FFTP for its efforts, Mr. Holness noted that “clean water, food and shelter are a major priority after a national disaster and we are proud to do our part in ensuring our Haitian brothers and sisters are provided for.”

He said that “while CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank does not operate in Haiti our neighbor was not spared the wrath of Hurricane Matthew and we must help them however we can.”

In his remarks, Mr. Mair said that “CIBC FirstCaribbean must be applauded for their generosity.”  He said the humanitarian response from businesses in Jamaica was outstanding resulting in over seven container shipments to date, of donations of canned food, water and a host of non-perishable items to Haiti. 

Food For The Poor, headquarters in Florida, he said, had shipped multiple amounts of relief items as well and the organization’s representatives in Haiti, were focused on feeding and providing shelter for displaced Haitians and helping them develop sustainable incomes.

Last month, shortly after the hurricane hit Haiti, BDS$25,000 was presented to the United Caribbean Trust (UCT) in Barbados to facilitate the purchase and distribution of water filters for the community tanks in the areas in Haiti hardest hit by the Hurricane. The water filters or purifiers which will be installed in schools, orphanages, prisons and churches will give close to one million Haitians access to safe drinking water.

The bank is also finalizing plans to make a sizeable donation to the relief effort in the Bahamas, where one of its largest businesses is located, and which was also significantly affected by Matthew.

SINT MAARTEN/ANGUILLA - What happens when top deejays from around the world are marooned on a desert island? Three nights, 2 days, 5 amazing venues, Livin in the Sun, the Ultimate World Dance Music Festival!! Livin in the Sun is the first festival of its kind to be hosted by Sandy Island Enterprises in collaboration with the Anguilla Tourism Board to be held November 11th-13th. Anguilla is a warm welcoming island destination known for its breath-taking turquoise seas, stunning white sand velvet beaches & extraordinary lifestyle.

Anguilla is a unique blend of high style and low-key elegance, and offers the best of the good life. The upcoming world dance music festival, Livin in the Sun will set yet another new & exciting tone for the sunny island!

Beginning Friday, November 11th, the Livin in the Sun music festival kicks off at 6pm-9pm with the opening VIP party inspired by the Greek Sun God “ Helios” hosted by Anguilla’s new premiere luxury resort the Reef Hotel. Guest will enjoy deejay sets from Patrice Gero France, Jimmy Sax St Barth, Spirits in Motion NYC & Sugar from Anguilla. From there the deejays, guests & entertainment executives will make their way to the Anguilla Great House for a spectacular launch party & light show “Light up the Night” from 10pm-4am. Featuring sets by Supernova Italy, Kristel Morin Australia, Nathan Barato Canada, Spirits in Motion NYC & Sparta from Anguilla!

On Saturday, November 12th the party continues with the premium, all inclusive, toes in the sand, chic dance party “World Wide Love”! To be held at incredible Sandy Island from 10am-4pm.  While indulging in all you can eat lobster caught fresh from the Caribbean sea & all you can drink spirits, move to the sounds of Supernova Italy, Kristel Morin Australia, Patrice Gero France, Jimmy Sax St Barth, Nathan Barato Canada & Spirits in Motion NYC! After a little rejuvenation off to the famous Dune Preserve for “Moonshine” from 10pm to 4am where you will be entertained by   Nathan Barato Canada, Krave NYC, Kristel Morin Australia,  Brothers Grimm South Africa &  Yooshe Anguilla!

Sunday, November 13th, 10am-4pm the fun continues with “Marooned," Sandy Islands’ 2nd featured all-inclusive beach bash!  Delight in Walshy Fire from Major Lazer Miami, Outkast St Maarten, Krave NYC, Brothers Grimm South Africa & Sugar from Anguilla. Following a little relaxation off to “Sunrise” at the adventurous Nat’s Place from 10pm until the Sun rises!  Dance the night away to Walshy Fire Miami, Spirits in Motion NYC, Outkast St Maarten & Blackboy International Anguilla!

You don’t want to miss this one!  Sandy Island Enterprises, Anguilla promises to bring you the most exciting innovative World Dance Music Festival you have ever experienced. (BeyondL Agency) 

SINT MAARTEN/CARIBBEAN - Don’t miss the opportunity to exhibit at The New York Times Travel Show, the largest and longest-running trade and consumer travel show in North America, taking place at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City, January 27 – 29, 2017.

Resorts, hotels and attractions alike have the opportunity to donate auction items to the CHTA Education Foundation (CHTAEF) silent Caribbean Auction at the New York Times Travel Show.  This donation will place your business in front of more than 28,000 avid travelers and, travel industry media and professionals.

Attendees are drawn to the panels and presentations of some 150 travel industry speakers and experts, and to the booths of exhibitors from around the world. Join the prestigious list of previous participants throughout the Caribbean and stake your claim in front of this coveted travel audience. CLICK HERE to claim your hotel’s spot at this year’s New York Times Travel Show. (CHTA)

GREAT BAY, (DCOMM) – The Fire Department, is advising persons living downwind from the landfill fire, to close windows and doors, especially persons who have a respiratory challenge, and for persons who suffer from asthma, shortness of breath, or any other respiratory challenges.

The Fire Department is monitoring the situation at the landfill on Pond Island.  The company responsible for the management of the landfill is working diligently to get the fire under control.

The smoke from the fire at the moment based on the prevailing wind is heading in the direction of Sentry peak, Cul de Sac and Cole Bay.