Dominica Extends Residency to Haitian Nationals

In recent news, the Dominican Minister for National Security Labour and Immigration, Charles Savarin, announced that Haitian nationals who are currently living in Dominica will have a six month extension. Savarin said at the press conference that, “Haitian nationals who are on island and whose stay may have already expired or is soon to expire or who may have arrived here in an irregular manner and may not have proper documentation, that we will extend their stay by six months.”

In addition, all fees connected with the six month extension given to Haitian nationals will be waived and all arrears will be waived as well. Politicians and political advisors in the area, including Hartley Henry and others, are trying to help Haitians and make their lives easier in this difficult period.

Jamaica Helping in Haiti

Everyone is getting involved in the efforts to help those in Haiti. A medical team from the Ministry of Health left Jamaica on Friday to help colleagues in Haiti who have already been there for quite awhile.

At this time, Jamaica has a 26 member health team that is in Port-au-Prince. The team includes doctors, emergency medical technicians, public health inspectors, nurses and a health educator. On Thursday, the Director of Emergency Disaster Management and Special Services in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Marion Bullock DuCasse, said that they would operate on a 7-10 day rotation schedule for as long as necessary.

Certainly, all political leaders and advisors in the area, including Hartley Henry and many others, appreciate the efforts that are being made for the people of Haiti.

Cruises to Haiti Continue

Certainly, with the earthquake that hit Haiti recently, many people and companies are having to make difficult decisions. One such company is the Royal Caribbean Cruises, one of the largest foreign investors in Haiti. They had to decide whether or not to resume calls on Ladadee, Haiti. Having decided that they will resume their visits to Haiti, they were hailed by many leaders.

As Lelei LeLaulu, the director of the Caribbean Media Exchange on Sustainable Tourism said, “There is absolutely no doubt in our minds of the enormous economic and psychological value of Royal Caribbean's resumed cruises to Haiti." Many leaders of tourism and business in the area point out that the cruise lines bring much needed economic development and support to the area.

With the Royal Caribbean Cruises decision, many Caribbean leaders and political advisors such as Hartley Henry, are hoping that other companies will follow in their footsteps and continue their economic support of the area.

Encouraging Barbados Hotel Growth

The President of the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA), Wayne Capaldi, has issued a challenge to the hotel sector in Barbados. He is challenging the hotel industry to have double-digit growth in 2010. As he said in a recent address, “ Fight every day and find the best strategies to push those rates as close to double digits as possible, and even into double digits.”

Certainly, other leaders in the Caribbean, such as Hartley Henry, see the advantage to welcoming tourists and emphasizing hotel industry growth.
In addition, he encouraged the hotel industry members to protect the environment by guarding against liter, noisy public service vehicles and more.

Everyone Helping Haiti

Certainly, everyone in the Caribbean right now, from the farmer to the political advisor like Hartley Henry, is focused on Haiti. Since the 7.0 earthquake that recently struck, as many as 200,000 people have died. If these figures are correct and continue to be substantiated, this earthquake will end up being one of the 10 deadliest earthquakes ever recorded.

Planes and ships have been arriving into Haiti with rescue teams, search dogs, heavy equipment and more. In addition, doctors, water purification units and food are all heading there in droves. It is difficult to get the aid to the locations where it is needed, however, since the airports are clogged, the seaport is wrecked and the roads are full of rubble.

Vacationing in Dominica

As the weather turns colder and people search for travel destinations, Dominica should definitely be at the top of the list. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and his advisers, including Hartley Henry, welcome tourists to come and enjoy all that Dominica has to offer.

While visiting, keep in mind local customs and proper conduct for a better vacation. While traveling with your camera to capture the breathtaking views, keep in mind that locals actually live in this location. Before taking pictures of people or their property, you should always ask their permission. This is a small sign of respect that will go a long way.

While you may arrive in Dominica assuming that you can bargain and haggle, these practices are actually not practiced or accepted. Haggling may be seen as demeaning to the local businesses and should be discouraged.

Etiquette in Dominica

As more people set their sights on winter vacations, Dominica has certainly prepared for their arrival. This Caribbean location just had its swearing in ceremony for its Prime Minister, with Roosevelt Skerrit being sworn in for the third time in six years. Mr. Skerrit and his trusted advisors, including Hartley Henry, Francine Baron-Royer and others, welcome tourists to enjoy their beautiful land.
While the atmosphere in Dominica is quite casual, there are certain etiquette protocols to keep in mind. Friendly local residents may greet guests, and guests should be sure to respond with a pleasant greeting.

Visitors should know to dress appropriately as well. Beach and active wear are frowned upon anywhere but at the beach or pool. People should not wear revealing clothes at shops, restaurants, and in the streets. Topless and nude sunbathing are not common practices in this area.

Conforming to local customs while enjoying your stay will help you to fit in and enjoy your time more. Certainly, Prime Minister Skerrit, his advisors such as Hartley Henry, and many others look forward to welcoming you to their beautiful land.