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Exxon Mobil And Partners Report $5.8 Billion Earnings From Guyana Oil In First Public Disclosure

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. May 26, 2023: As Guyana marks its 57th anniversary of independence from Britain today, reports indicate that Exxon Mobil Corp and its partners reported a substantial earnings figure of US $5.8 billion in 2022 from offshore oil production in the South American, CARICOM nation.

The audited results were disclosed as part of an appeal against a court ruling that found the group in breach of insurance obligations related to oil-spill coverage. This marks the first public disclosure of the profits earned by Exxon, Hess Corp, and CNOOC Ltd from their offshore operations in Guyana, where they account for the entire oil output of the country. Production in Guyana began in 2019, and the consortium has steadily increased its production capacity.

In the appeal, Exxon emphasized its technical and financial capabilities to effectively respond to any adverse events, assuring the authorities of its spill-mitigation technology and its ability to cap major oil spills promptly. The group holds $600 million in liability insurance for the Liza One offshore platform.

According to the financial statements, Exxon earned $2.74 billion, Hess earned $1.53 billion, and CNOOC pocketed $1.55 billion from offshore oil production in 2022. By the end of the year, the consortium was producing around 375,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd) from two offshore vessels and has plans to ramp up production to 1.2 million bpd by 2027.

In terms of taxes, Exxon incurred approximately $281 million in expenses in Guyana last year, compared to none in 2020. The financial statement, audited by Guyanese firm TSD Lal & Co, also revealed that the group holds approximately $19 billion in assets in Guyana. At the end of the year, Exxon’s assets in the country were valued at $10.76 billion, while Hess and CNOOC held assets worth $4.28 billion and $3.9 billion, respectively, according to the filing.

Caribbean Travel News And Deals

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Actor Gavin Casalegno is seen on a pre-summer getaway at The Sandals South Coast Resort on May 21, 2023 in White House, Jamaica. (Photo by John Parra/Getty Images for Sandals Resorts)

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. May 26, 2023: Here are the top Caribbean travel news and deals this Memorial Day week in 60 seconds.

Canada and the US may be warning nationals to reconsider travel to Jamaica but that has not stopped celebrities like Skylar Astin of ‘So Help Me Todd’ fame from vacationing there. He was seen in an Overwater Bungalow at Sandals South Coast Resort on May 23, 2023 in White House, Jamaica.

Meanwhile, Gavin Casalegno from “The Summer I Turned Pretty”was also in Jamaica on a pre-summer getaway and was spotted At The Sandals South Coast Resort.

Academy Award winner and “So Help Me Todd” actress Marcia Gay Harden choose Beaches Resort in in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos for her family getaway.

Grammy winning star Shaggy was at Sandals Dunn’s River where he performed at the opening of the new Sandals resort on May 19th in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.

Also performing at the grand opening for Sandals Dunn’s River was Stomp, a percussion group, originating in Brighton, England, that uses the body and ordinary objects to create a physical theatre performance using rhythms, acrobatics and pantomime.

interCaribbean Airways will provide additional service between St. Kitts (SKB) and Barbados (BGI) throughout the week of the St. Kitts Music Festival – on Thursday, 22 June, and Saturday, 24 June, bolstering opportunities for regional travel.

Frontier Airlines will now operate the non-stop flight from Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) to Montego Bay (MBJ) three times weekly. Flight schedules are subject to change without notice, so travelers are encouraged to check FlyFrontier.com for the most updated information.

Fly to Montego Bay from New York JFK and stay from Wed, Jun 28 – Fri, Jun 30 at the Ocean Eden Bay Adults All Inclusive for just $862 per person. Choose flight and book HERE

Why ExxonMobil Shareholders Should Vote For Resolution #10, Worst-Case Spill And Response Plans

By Darshanand Khusial

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. May 26, 2023: ExxonMobil will have its annual shareholder meeting on Wednesday May 31st, 2023. During this meeting shareholders will vote on a number of resolutions raised. These resolutions were outlined in its 2023 Proxy statement, a copy can be found HERE.

Shareholder resolution #10 is concerned with Guyana and seeks additional reporting on worst-case spill and response plans. ExxonMobil recommends shareholders vote against resolution #10. However, ExxonMobil reasoning as to why shareholders should reject resolution #10 contains a number of questionable statements.

ExxonMobil claims that by resolution #10 using the word ‘fine’ instead of ‘fee’ for the replacing the gas compressor makes the proposal guilty of mischaracterization. A fee is what one pays for a service or privilege. Example, one pays tuition fees. A fine is paid for breaking the law or regulation. Example, one pays a fine for parking illegally. Thus, are we to believe that EEPGL (Esso Guyana) pays Guyana for the privilege of emitting CO2 and dangerous pollutants into the atmosphere? Here is what the Ministry of Natural Resources stated on September 30th, 2020, “Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) will pay the Government for the cost of gas wasted during flaring and will also be subject to fines under the EPA related to emissions from flaring.”

ExxonMobil’s response to resolution #10 claims that “above design capacity” relates to investment basis and the actual volume that is safe to produce is well above the design capacity. When we checked the Environmental Impact Assessments published for Liza 1, see here, where it states this on page 28, “The FPSO will be designed to receive the full production wellstream from the development wells and will process crude oil at a design rate of 100,000 barrels of oil per day (BOPD), with potential to safely operate at sustained peaks of up to approximately 120,000 BOPD.”

According to the Government of Guyana charts, Liza 1 has been producing oil at 150,000 barrels a day for several months now. The Liza 1 EIA states nothing related to investment basis. Liza 1 EIA states that 100,000 BOPD is what should be the target rate of oil production, not 50% above that limit. We fail to locate where in the Liza 1 EIA document it states producing above design capacity is safe.

Given the above findings, we support the ExxonMobil shareholders to vote in favor of shareholder resolution #10. It is imperative that all stakeholders – namely shareholders, Guyana and its neighbors – are aware of a worst-case spill and response plan that details the economic, human, and environmental impacts of an oil spill given that Liza 1 & Liza 2 oil projects are operating well above the safety limits as per their EIAs.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Darshanand Khusial is an executive OGGN Other executive members include Alfred Bhulai, Andre Brandli, Janette Bulkan and Joe Persaud.

US’ Caribbean American Veep For First Caribbean Trip

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President Biden with Vice President Kamala Harris, l., announces General Charles Q. Brown, Jr. to serve as the next Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, DC on May 25th, 2023. (Photo by Nathan Posner/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. May 26, 2023: The US’ first Black Caribbean American Vice President, Kamala Harris, is set to embark on her first official trip to the Caribbean since taking office in Caribbean American Heritage Month, the Miami Herald is reporting.

She is set to focus on crucial issues such as climate change, energy, food security, and economic prosperity in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic during a visit to The Bahamas, scheduled for June 8th. There the daughter of a Jamaican immigrant father will co-host a gathering of leaders from the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean Community, aka CARICOM, alongside Bahamas Prime Minister Philip Davis, the current chairman if the bloc.

CARICOM Chairman Davis has been actively engaged in strengthening foreign relations between the Caribbean and the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The upcoming meeting in The Bahamas will build upon Harris’s previous interactions with Caribbean leaders, including discussions at last year’s Ninth Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles. President Joe Biden’s promise to “intensify” relations between the United States and the Caribbean during the summit delighted the presidents and prime ministers who had expressed concerns about strained relations in recent years.

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The U.S’ first Black Caribbean American Vice President, Kamala Harris. (Photographer: Ken Cedeno/UPI/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

During the summit, Harris took the lead in introducing the “Caribbean Climate Partnership,” an initiative aimed at addressing climate change and the region’s energy crisis. The partnership aims to assist Caribbean governments in obtaining financing for climate and clean-energy projects while acknowledging the region’s oil and natural gas reserves, particularly in Trinidad, Suriname, and Guyana, which currently contribute to their energy sources.

Following the in-person gathering at the Summit of the Americas, high-level teams from the United States and the Caribbean have been diligently working on strategies to tackle energy and food security crises in the region. Harris convened a meeting at Blair House in Washington, D.C., where Caribbean leaders reviewed progress and determined the next steps. These discussions will be continued and expanded upon during the upcoming meeting in The Bahamas.

Harris’s trip follows in the footsteps of President Biden, who, as vice president under Barack Obama, visited Trinidad and Tobago and the Dominican Republic. The issues of energy security and crime, which were part of Biden’s agenda during his visits, will also be addressed by Harris. Brian A. Nichols, the U.S. assistant secretary of state for Western Hemisphere Affairs, praised Harris’s personal leadership and commitment to the Caribbean regional bloc, expressing optimism about positive announcements during her visit.

While the discussions on climate change and energy will be prominent, other pressing concerns will be on the table for Caribbean leaders. These include the region’s economic recovery from the pandemic, which has caused slowed growth and increased debt, the crisis in Haiti, as well as the escalating issue of illegal arms trafficking. The Caribbean region has seen a rise in gun-related homicides, and several countries, including The Bahamas, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago, have supported Mexico’s lawsuit against gun manufacturers in the United States. U.S. lawmakers have also requested an investigation into the consequences of firearms trafficked from the U.S. to the Caribbean.

Additionally, the US remains concerned over China’s growing expansion in the region.

Cannabis News Headlines From Around The World

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A municipal worker hangs a prohibition sign in the Nieuwmarkt publicising the new legislation forbidding the smoking of cannabis in public in the old city centre of Amsterdam on May 23, 2023. (Photo by Ramon van Flymen / ANP / AFP) / Netherlands OUT (Photo by RAMON VAN FLYMEN/ANP/AFP via Getty Images)

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. May 26, 2023: Here are the cannabis headlines making marijuana news globally and in the Caribbean and Latin America this week in less than 60 seconds:

Hulk Hogan is getting into the CBD, THC, and mushroom business, after his own life-changing experience using cannabidiol. The 69-year-old former wrestler is launching his own brand with Carma HoldCo, the company that produces Mike Tyson’s “Tyson Ranch 2.0” and Ric Flair’s “Ric Flair Drip” premium cannabis lines.

The Netherlands new legislation forbidding the smoking of cannabis in public in the old city centre of Amsterdam is now if effect.

Federal regulators claim rapper Patrick Earl Williams, who uses the stage name BigRigBaby, ran a Ponzi-like scheme with his partner Rolf Max Hirschmann for several years. The men raised $60 million for a marijuana business called WeedGenics but allegedly pocketed the money for personal use dating back to at least 2019.

An infectious pathogen inside California’s pot farms is attacking cannabis plants and growing invisibly for months only to spoil a crop just as a farmer is ready to harvest. Scientists believe that it’s in nearly every pot farm in the state and could be causing billions of dollars in damages to the national weed economy.

A key US House committee has blocked amendments to legalize marijuana and carry out a federal study into “the prevalence of fentanyl-tainted” cannabis from receiving floor votes. The proposals were both filed by Republican lawmakers who sought to attach them to a broader bill to ramp up criminalization of the opioid.

Tilray Brands, Inc. has announced that its medical cannabis division, Tilray Medical and FL Group, the Company’s subsidiary in Italy, have received authorization from Italy’s Ministry of Health to distribute three new medical cannabis compounds to pharmacies across Italy further broadening its portfolio of pharmaceutical grade cannabis offerings.

On the grounds of the Bob Marley Museum in Jamaica, the “Marley Natural” store sells cannabis products and accessories.

Stocks this week to consider are
Canopy Growth (CGC), JUSHF, Jushi Holdings Inc., and TRSSF, Terrascend Corp.

https://youtu.be/B40nllRoDbg

Hundreds Bid Adieu To Caribbean Immigrant And WWII RAF Hero

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Pallbearers carry the coffin of Flt Sgt Peter Brown, a Jamaican-born WW2 RAF airman after his funeral service at the Royal Air Force's historic St Clement Danes Church, on 25th May 2023, in London, England. (Photo by Richard Baker / In Pictures via Getty Images)

By NAN Staff Writer

News Americas, LONDON, England, Fri. May 26, 2023: In a heartwarming tribute, an immense crowd gathered at the Royal Air Force’s historic St Clement Danes Church, to bid farewell to Caribbean immigrant Flt Sgt, Peter Brown, a World War Two RAF airman.

This extraordinary turnout was a result of a campaign dedicated to giving him a truly “fitting send-off.”

Flt Sgt Brown, a Jamaican-born hero, was among the last group of Afro-Caribbean volunteers known as the “pilots of the Caribbean.” At the age of 96, he peacefully passed away in his Maida Vale home in north London in December.

St Clement Danes Church, the esteemed Central RAF Church, became the poignant setting for Flt Sgt Brown’s final farewell. Adorned with an RAF hat, a spray of flowers, and his cherished war medals, his coffin was respectfully draped with the Union Flag.

Banners are lowered for Flt Sgt Peter Brown, a Jamaican-born WW2 RAF airman after his funeral service at the Royal Air Force’s historic St Clement Danes Church, on 25th May 2023, in London, England. Hundreds of members of the armed forces, the Caribbean community, friends and neighbours attended the service because Flt Sgt Brown was one the last ‘pilots of the Caribbean’, a group of Afro-Caribbean volunteer RAF personnel but when he died at the age of 96 no family members were traced and so a campaign followed to recognise his wartime service and for a military send-off in London’s central RAF church. (Photo by Richard Baker / In Pictures via Getty Images)

The service saw an impressive turnout, with Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston, alongside hundreds of members of the public, armed forces personnel, representatives from the Caribbean Diaspora UK community, and friends and neighbors in attendance. Notably, several celebrities, including actors Colin McFarlane, Michael Ward, and Trevor Michael Georges, also paid their respects.

Flt Sgt, Peter Brown at 20.

The funeral had initially been planned at Mortlake Crematorium in southwest London for March. However, overwhelmed by the overwhelming number of requests from the public to attend and the campaign by neighbors for a grand send-off, organizers decided to move the service to St Clement Danes Church.

Flt Sgt, Peter Brown at 93.

Flt Sgt Brown’s service to the country, described as committing “a huge amount of his life to serving this country,” was rightfully celebrated at the spiritual home of the Royal Air Force. Reverend (Group Captain) Ruth Hake, who conducted the funeral, emphasized the significance of this choice.

With no known relatives, Westminster City Council, Flt Sgt Brown’s local authority, took on the responsibility of organizing his funeral. After a call for anyone related to the airman to come forward, the response was overwhelming. A team of genealogists from Anglia Research passionately delved into his past, uncovering a heartwarming story and connecting with half a dozen living family members who attended the service.

Flt Sgt Peter Brown’s remarkable story began in Jamaica on August 22, 1926. He was among the 450 young black volunteers who courageously joined the RAF during World War Two, piloting iconic aircraft like the Lancaster and Spitfire. Enlisting in the RAF Volunteer Reserve in September 1943, Flt Sgt Brown trained as a wireless operator and air gunner at RAF Scampton, Lincolnshire. His bravery shone through as he flew five missions in Lancaster bombers before the age of 20.

While Flt Sgt Brown’s military service remained relatively unknown until his passing, he was deeply cherished by those who knew him. Fondly remembered by friends, neighbors, local shop owners, and most importantly, his family, he left a lasting impression. Beyond his military achievements, he held a passion for cricket and was an esteemed member of the Marylebone Cricket Club for three decades.

Though Flt Sgt Brown lived alone, his community embraced him with warmth and support, ensuring he never felt lonely. His legacy as an extraordinary individual and an exemplar of the selfless contribution of Commonwealth personnel will be remembered for generations to come.

Remembering The Basics: Easy Wins For A Sustainable Energy Future In Guyana – Part II

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By Dr. Ulric Trotz

News Americas, BELMOPAN, Belize, Thurs. May 25, 2023: In our previous consideration of the utilisation of wastes for energy generation in Guyana, we discussed, so far, the potential of employing domestic and agricultural wastes, inclusive of wastes from livestock for this purpose. For the first time in its history, Guyana now has the means and the opportunity – courtesy of oil revenues – to explore bold and innovative approaches for sustainability across all industries.

Let us turn our attention to wastes from the sawmilling and rice industries which generate a considerable quantity of wastes in their operations locally and as a result, pose serious environmental challenges countrywide. One of the outcomes of the recent Guyana mission to India is an agreement to access technology from India to generate energy from sawmilling wastes.

This is an encouraging development, and the government should extend the scope of this initiative to the utilisation of other waste streams that are at the moment of mere nuisance value to Guyanese communities that are exposed to them. In all cases, interventions for wastes to energy conversion redounds to the benefit of the potential investor and in most cases, that is the private sector. This is definitely the case with the rice and timber industries and the mega livestock facility that is now taking shape locally. This opens the door for private sector led growth, incentivised by an enabling policy environment for energy generation and use by private individuals (e.g., Feed-In Tariffs, Power Purchase Agreements).

Consideration can also be given to the establishment of a revolving fund by the government, that provides access to concessionary loans by entities that are interested in taking advantage of this opportunity. Fortunately, there are mature, affordable, off-shelf technologies for using rice and sawmilling wastes for energy generation. Indeed, under the auspices of the Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST), as far back as the decade of the eighties, these technologies were successfully introduced and utilized in Guyana.

For the wood waste, the Institute worked with the Willems Timber Company at their facility in Kaow Island on the Essequibo River. At that time, Kaow Island was a vibrant sawmilling enterprise, and all of the island’s power was produced through costly diesel generators. The Institute’s engineers worked with Willems’ personnel to convert their fossil fuel-fed generating equipment to a state-of-the-art facility that utilized the enormous amount of wood waste produced by the sawmilling enterprise as fuel. This resulted in significant savings by the sawmill and aesthetically more pleasant surroundings due to the absence of piles of wood waste adorning the surrounding landscape. The residents on Kaow Island also had the benefit of free electricity for their living quarters.

Unfortunately, the installed capacity of the plant far exceeded the needs of the Kaow Island facility. With support from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), we explored the feasibility of a power cable link between Kaow Island and Bartica, a small township nearby, so that the excess power could be utilized there to meet the needs of that community. Unfortunately, there was no follow-up on this. Still, the project fully demonstrated the feasibility of wood waste to energy technology, which could be applied across the length and breadth of Guyana. It would be helpful to assess the amount of waste generated by the industry at this time and to use this as a basis for supporting the use of this resource for energy generation across the entire sawmilling sector.

Rice husks constitute a significant waste generated by the rice industry. They can be seen piled up, often smouldering, and creating environmental challenges outside the rice milling facilities in the country’s rural areas. This waste has tremendous value on the global market, and nationally, we need to treat it as a resource, not a bothersome waste. Again, in the eighties, the IAST arranged with the Kayman Sankar Company to implement a project illustrating the feasibility of utilizing the rice husk for energy generation at its milling facilities on the Essequibo coast and at Blairmont in Berbice.

The partnership adjusted the company’s energy system to use rice husk as feedstock instead of diesel at both locations. Energy costs, compared to those arising from the use of diesel generators or taking power from the grid, plummeted as a result of this transformation. Indeed, private sector interest in the sawmilling and the rice industries was attracted because we could make a business case for the investment, showing that the savings that accrued would pay back for the investment quickly.

The story about the rice husk continues. After combustion in the waste-to-energy facility, the residue left is ash, referred to as Rice Husk Ash (RHA). It is a highly abrasive ash, and at that time, the Institute promoted it as a good base for use in locally manufactured scouring powder. The Institute also conducted further laboratory research on possible uses for the ash. Our preliminary work indicated that it could be used as an extender for Portland cement, thus lowering the price of cement blocks (less use of expensive Portland cement per block). Indeed, mixing at a certain level did not compromise the strength of the cement blocks. Subsequent research in the Faculty of Technology at the University of Guyana led to a publication in 1990 by A.A. Boateng and D. Skeete in the Journal of Cement and Concrete Research, on the “Incineration of rice hull for use as a cementitious material: the Guyana experience.The study concluded that using the RHA could support a rural building industry by blending the ash with Portland cement, thus significantly reducing building costs.

The global market for RHA has been showing steady growth, owing to its increasing use in various applications, such as building & construction, steel industry, ceramics & refractory and pure silica for the manufacture of photovoltaic cells for the solar energy industry.

With the continued expansion of the local rice industry and the implementation of Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), the industry will find itself in a win-win situation by utilizing the husks for energy generation and utilizing the ash as a cement extender in the building industry, or preferably, using it as the raw material to produce pure silicon for the solar energy industry.

Regarding the latter, Guyana’s silica sand is the raw material for making the silica used to manufacture photovoltaic cells for the solar energy industry. The process of transformation, however, is highly energy intensive and intricate. Guyana’s vast deposits of silica leached over time is the ideal raw material for producing the pure silica required by the solar energy industry. This, coupled with the cheaper production from available RHA, can form the basis of a thriving sector in Guyana. The rehabilitation of the Tumatumari hydro facility could be tied in with an industrial complex exploiting our sand and other clay resources.

All these activities taken together are implementable and can make a significant contribution to our quest of weaning Guyana off of a fossil fuel-based energy sector while at the same time contributing to the profitability in the rice and timber industries, providing new opportunities for industrial production from the RHA in the rice industry and assisting with the management of the environmental challenges posed by waste to our health and well-being.

These actions can and should be financed using local capital rather than the usual high-cost and time-consuming international financing mechanisms. Consideration can be given by the government to the establishment of a rotating Fund for the implementation of waste-to-energy projects and institution of fiscal incentives to encourage the private sector to take advantage of this opportunity which, in the final analysis, will yield tremendous benefits to the investor and the wider Guyanese populace.  In our haste to address the energy issue locally, let us not forget these low-hanging fruit that can, with the right policy environment and a progressive private sector, redound to the benefit of all Guyanese and to the achievement of a climate resilient and low-carbon development pathway for Guyana and a cleaner and more pristine local environment.

EDITOR’s NOTE: Dr. Ulric Trotz, formerly the Science Adviser at the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre in Belize, is a highly accomplished and knowledgeable scientist who has significantly contributed to his field. He has held various leadership positions, including Director of the Science & Technology Division at the Commonwealth Secretariat, Secretary of the Commonwealth Science Council, and Science Adviser to the Commonwealth Secretary General. He has also served as Secretary-General of the National Science Research Council in Guyana and as Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences at the University of Guyana. From 1980 to 1991, Dr. Trotz was Guyana’s Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology Director.

Latest AI Trends to Skyrocket Your Marketing Team’s Efforts in 2023: A Guide for Caribbean and Latin America Business Owners

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Thurs. May 25, 2023: In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, staying ahead of the competition requires leveraging cutting-edge technologies. Artificial Intelligence (AI), has emerged as a game-changer, empowering businesses to enhance their marketing strategies and achieve unprecedented success. In this story, we explore the latest AI trends specifically catered to Caribbean and Latin America business owners, enabling them to skyrocket their marketing team’s efforts in 2023.

Personalization for Enhanced Customer Experiences
AI-powered personalization is revolutionizing the way businesses engage with their customers. By leveraging data-driven insights and machine learning algorithms, Caribbean and Latin America business owners can deliver tailored experiences that resonate with their target audience. From personalized recommendations to customized messaging, AI enables businesses to forge deeper connections and drive customer loyalty.

Chatbots and Virtual Assistants for Seamless Communication
Efficient communication is vital for businesses to meet customer needs promptly. AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants offer round-the-clock support, instantly addressing customer queries and providing valuable information. By integrating chatbot technology, Caribbean and Latin America business owners can enhance customer service, improve response times, and free up their team’s resources for higher-value tasks.

Predictive Analytics for Data-Driven Insights
Predictive analytics powered by AI empowers Caribbean and Latin America business owners to make informed decisions based on data-driven insights. By analyzing historical data and market trends, AI algorithms can provide valuable predictions, helping businesses optimize marketing campaigns, identify emerging opportunities, and stay ahead of industry shifts.

Voice Search Optimization for Improved Discoverability
Voice search is rapidly gaining popularity, presenting a significant opportunity for businesses in the Caribbean and Latin America. By optimizing their online content for voice search, such as through voice-friendly keywords and structured data, business owners can enhance their discoverability and capture a larger audience, tapping into the growing market of voice-enabled devices.

AI-Enhanced Content Creation
Creating high-quality content is crucial for engaging audiences. AI-powered tools can assist Caribbean and Latin America business owners in generating compelling content at scale. From automated content generation to intelligent content curation, AI can streamline the content creation process, freeing up time and resources for other strategic marketing initiatives.

Data Security and Privacy
As AI adoption grows, ensuring data security and privacy becomes paramount. Caribbean and Latin America business owners must prioritize robust data protection measures, adhere to regulatory requirements, and adopt ethical AI practices. By instilling trust and transparency, businesses can strengthen customer relationships and safeguard sensitive information.

Final Thoughts

AI has become a driving force in revolutionizing marketing strategies for Caribbean and Latin America business owners. By leveraging AI-powered personalization, chatbots, predictive analytics, voice search optimization, and content creation tools from one platform under one roof, businesses can amplify their marketing team’s efforts and achieve remarkable success. However, it is crucial to balance AI adoption with data security and privacy considerations. Embrace these latest AI trends to unlock the full potential of your marketing efforts and position your business for growth in 2023.

Political Crisis In Ecuador Continues

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President of Ecuador Guillermo Lasso gestures the 2023 Report to the Nation on May 24, 2023 in Quito, Ecuador. (Photo by Felipe Stanly/Agencia Press South/Getty Images)

News Americas, QUITO, Ecuador, Weds. May 24, 2023: On Wednesday, May 17, Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso decreed the dissolution of the National Assembly, the country’s unicameral parliament, using the “cross-death” constitutional mechanism. Lasso argued that there was a “serious political crisis and internal commotion” in the country and that the dissolution of the opposition majority parliament was a “constitutional solution” and a “democratic action.” Lasso’s decision came a day after the parliament began an impeachment hearing against him. He is accused of corruption and embezzlement of public funds.

Following Lasso’s announcement, the left-wing opposition Citizen Revolution Movement (RC) rejected the dissolution of parliament, calling it a “desperate and unconstitutional action.” The RC said that it was Lasso’s “strategy” to avoid the impeachment trial that could have removed him from office.

“The decree issued by President Guillermo Lasso is evidence of the triumph of the impeachment. This desperate and unconstitutional action is a strategy of a hopeless government that seeks to avoid the vote to remove it, without caring about the people. He is clinging to his post, instead of allowing the country to revive. The Citizen Revolution -as it has always said and maintained- places its positions at the disposal of the Ecuadorian people. This is the moment for the country to change. Lasso will not be able to stop the judgment of history. Soon the patient but present people will wake up, with our people we will triumph,” stated the RC.

The conservative Social Christian Party (PSC), Lasso’s former electoral partner, also questioned the legitimacy of Lasso’s move and rejected claims of a serious political and internal crisis.

Legislative and presidential elections in Ecuador will take place on August 20, after President Lasso ordered the “cross death,” a political tool that dissolves Parliament and calls for early elections.

SOURCE: Peoples Dispatch / Globetrotter News Service

New York Hospital To Help With DNA Identification Of 13 Guyana Fire Victims

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Burnt books and notebooks are seen at the school dormitory that caught fire and left at least 19 people dead in Mahdia, Guyana on May 22, 2023. At least 19 people, most of them youths, were killed and several injured Sunday in a school dormitory fire in Guyana, the government said in a statement, with the nation's president calling it a "major disaster". (Photo by Keno GEORGE / AFP) (Photo by KENO GEORGE/AFP via Getty Images)

By NAN Staff Writer

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. May 24, 2023: A New York hospital laboratory will have to help identify 13 of the 19 young victims of the horrific Guyana fire that swept through a school dormitory on Monday morning.

Mount Sinai Hospital, according to the country’s President, will play an instrumental role in the identification of those victims who were unfortunately burned beyond recognition in the fire that was allegedly set by a fellow student.

Meanwhile, The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) will receive specialized supplies from the Division of Trauma, Burns, Critical and Acute Care within the Weill Cornell Hospital, through the support of New York’s Mount Sinai Health System, to ensure the best care is given to the surviving victims of the fire, who are now hospitalized.

Last July, the Guyana government announced a national healthcare initiative in collaboration with the Mount Sinai Health System and Hess Corporation to improve the quality of and access to healthcare for the people of Guyana.

The Mount Sinai team is charged with advising and helping develop high quality primary care, specialized services in cardiology and oncology, and significant improvements at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. The initiative is funded jointly by Hess Corporation and the Government of Guyana.

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