CARIBBEAN NEWS: January 24th – 30th, 2015

BAT EXTINCTION IN CARIBBEAN LINKED TO HUMAN ACTIVITY—01/24/15
The first humans in the Caribbean may have caused the extinction of some bat species by sharing caves with them, say researchers who reject previous theories that linked climate change with the loss of bat populations. According to ornithologist David Steadman of the University of Florida
s Museum of Natural History, understanding how Caribbean bats become extinct could lead to better knowledge of modern-day biodiversity and save current wildlife from suffering the same fate.

PRINCE WILLIAM, DUCHESS KATE, PRINCE GEORGE VACATION IN CARIBBEAN—01/25/15
The British royals, Prince William, Duchess Kate, and their son Prince George, are vacationing in Mustique on a family holiday. The family is joined by Kate’s parents. The trip is the second international holiday for Prince George, who is 18 months old. The Prince and his family will celebrate Carole Middleton’s birthday with Kate’s brother and sister at Villa Aurora, a place they have rented in the past.

FRENCH CARIBBEAN TERRITORIES START PROCESS FOR CARICOM MEMBERSHIP—01/26/15
Discussions between the French territories in the Caribbean and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) have begun. The territories have started the process of becoming associate members of CARICOM, which has 15 regional members. Irwin LaRoque, secretary general of CARICOM, met with representatives of French Guyana and Martinique. Similar discussions will occur with Guadeloupe representatives in February 2015.

UNITED STATES PROMISES TO HELP CARIBBEAN TRANSFORM ENERGY SYSTEMS—01/27/15
The government of the United States has promised to help with the transformation of energy systems in the Caribbean and to reduce dependence on oil imported from Venezuela. According to Joe Biden, U.S. Vice President, it is time to implement alternative energy sources, including solar power, and to lessen the reliance on oil. Biden noted that the issue of corruption must be addressed first and that projects should be chosen because they are “most competitive” and not any other reason.

CANADA’S MILITARY HUNTS FOR DRUG SMUGGLERS IN CARIBBEAN—01/28/15
Canadian soldiers will now patrol the Caribbean and eastern Pacific regions in search of cocaine smugglers. The Canadian Armed Forces has recommenced its Operation CARIBBE, an official mission designed to battle transnational criminal organizations that use the America’s seas to traffick cocaine and other narcotic drugs.

MEETING BETWEEN CARIBBEAN, LATIN AMERICAN NATIONS AIMS TO FIGHT HUNGER—01/29/15
A new plan designed to fight hunger has been introduced by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is under consideration at a summit meeting of regional leaders held in Costa Rica. The new regional Plan for Food Security, Nutrition and Hunger Eradication by 2025 was presented to the participants by the FAO director general, Jose Graziano da Silva.