Colors: Blue Color

Leaders in the Caribbean tourism industry have been advised to embrace and develop the strengths of their people to keep the industry among the most competitive in the world.

The charge came from the acting secretary general of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Neil Walters speaking at the Grenada Tourism Authority’s inaugural awards ceremony held at the Spice Island Beach Resort in Grenada.

“Yes, we can have the most beautiful properties, the best airports, the best seaports, but it is the people who make the Caribbean tourism product what it is. It is your welcoming and hospitable spirit which encourages visitors to return,” said Walters.

The acting SG said demands from visitors for experiences beyond the traditional ‘sun, sea and sand’, only served to enhance the need for the industry to equip the hospitality workforce to perform at the highest level.

“If we took a snapshot of tourism at this point in time, we will see that one of the strongest reasons for the continued growth in the number of persons visiting our shores is the spirit exuded by the amazing individuals who get up and go out and work on the front line every day.  The individuals who don’t just see it as a job but see the value of the service they are giving. That is the thing success stories in this industry are made of,” said Walters.

He said the trends towards experiential tourism call for the industry to shift away from excessive standardisation and embrace the unique culture of the destinations in the Caribbean.

The acting SG admonished tourism leaders to leverage the natural beauty and infrastructural edge the region has to develop emerging areas such as community-based tourism.

“In all the examples of community-based tourism I have seen, the key selling point for the visitor has been the chance to come and be in that community, to experience that community, to experience the people of that community. These communities create the unified voice necessary to market and sell the product, and, in turn, sustain the community’s project,” said Walters, who emphasised such an approach must build on the existing model of hotels which form the bedrock of the thriving Caribbean tourism industry.

“What we have to strive for is stronger links between this model with its sea and sand and the experiences which lie sometimes unlocked, away from the sea shore. As we change to match the demands of the times and embrace the treasures of experiences which exist inland, we must re-educate ourselves to see the value that we often overlook. Facets of traditional life that we may see as less than noteworthy, visitors may see as fascinating,” said Walters.

Walters said the Caribbean must embrace its identity and take pride in elements of its culture that can also serve to boost the attractiveness of destinations to the modern day visitor.

“I know that in recent times, across the Caribbean we have seen food festivals emerging which promote indigenous cuisine, which are popular with visitors. Well, let’s not hold back on the traditional delicacies which we are sometimes hesitant to unleash on visitors. I am sure many of our visitors would love those experiences. Some of our countries have communities skilled in pottery. We may need to move away from just selling pottery to giving pottery lessons.  These are just a couple examples of the ways the things we do and how we live can become added value as we enhance our tourism industry” said Walters.

The acting CTO SG said the direction of the tourism industry calls for a rethink of how we maximise the value of our natural and intrinsic assets to create better selling points for the destinations and to do this people must be empowered to keep driving the industry forward.

 

Calls are being made for the Nigerian Government to bring the age of consent in the country in line with other civilized countries.

With the country’s current age of consent at 11 years, many are saying that at this rate it “will make Nigeria a playground for paedophiles”.

People are saying that the government there has a responsibility to protect minors from harm with children up to the age of 16 rendered not yet physically or mentally mature enough to consent to sexual relationships.

With young people there under the age of 18 still registered as minors, and as such need to be protected from sexual exploitation and abuse, there are also calls for there to have a limit on the age gap - Presently, it is illegal for someone aged over 21 to have sex with someone under 16.

UNICEF, the world's leading organisation working for children in danger, defines gender equality as “a state of equal ease of access to resources and opportunities regardless of gender, including economic participation and decision making, and the state of valuing different behaviours, aspirations, and needs regardless of gender.”

Many in Nigeria are saying that; “If you are too young to fight for your country then you are too young for the age of consent”.

The age at which you can voluntarily join the military is 18 years, the same as for voting, so, the question is asked; “Why would you have such a large disparity between the ages?”

“How would an 11 year old girl be able to look after a baby or a boy for that matter?”

A petition has been started to highlight that the Nigerian Government be made to see how they will be viewed globally should they continue with the age of consent at 11 years.

The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Section 23 of the 2003 Nigerian Child Right's Act says; “A person under the age of 18 is incapable of contracting a valid marriage. If such a marriage does take place, it should be declared null and void and of no effect." 

Section 29 (4b) of the Act states that; “Any woman who is married shall be deemed to be of full age.” 

Gender equality is something Nigerians say needs to be worked towards – especially where there are institutionalized systems which many feel, aims to keep women subservient to men.

A 62-year-old fined for dressing up as a black and white minstrel at a works party "didn't know it was racist", a court has heard.

Brian Davies was ordered to pay a total of £450 earlier this year for racially harassing a Black colleague after blacking up his face and performing a "racist" song and dance routine at their Christmas do.

The maintenance engineer appeared in court to appeal against his conviction of causing racially aggravated harassment, alarm or distress to head chef Loretta Doyley, denying he knew the television show from which his routine derived from was today seen as "derogatory and demeaning to Black people".

Cardiff Crown Court was shown mobile footage from the incident in December 2017 at the city's Cooper's Carvery, with Davies wearing black face paint, white paint around his eyes and mouth, a straw boater hat, and swinging around a cane while dancing and singing the song Mammy in the direction of Mrs Doyley.

Prosecutor Suzanne Payne said to Davies: "You could see as you were dancing and singing around her she was upset by you.

"You knew by dancing around singing that you were being abusive to her.

"And you should've been aware it would be. Because it's insulting and humiliating what you did.

"And that was your intention."

Davies said he had a prior conversation with colleagues including Mrs Doyley about The Black And White Minstrel Show, which appeared on British television in the 1960s and 1970s, which gave him the idea for his stunt.

He told the court: "It didn't even cross my mind. I didn't even think of anything racist.

"Just thought I was dressing up as something that used to be on telly on a Sunday night."

Ms Payne told Davies the show had not appeared on British television for years as it was deemed "derogatory and demeaning to Black people".

Davies said: "I didn't know it was racist."

Mrs Doyley, who worked with Davies at Ty Catrin, a facility run by mental healthcare provider The Priory Group in Cardiff, said Davies had repeatedly asked her to go the Christmas do after she had initially declined.

She told the court: "I felt humiliated and wanted the floor to open up and swallow me.

"I felt because everyone was laughing I went into shock and I felt myself laughing as well, not because it was funny, I just didn't know how else to act."

Tom Roberts, for Davies, told the court it needed to be sure his client's behaviour was "intentionally" abusive towards Mrs Doyley.

He said: "It was clearly ill judged. He accepts he was "stupid and naive".

"But that does not equate to him using abusive behaviour towards Mrs Doyley. It is of course not politically correct behaviour.

He added: "At most this was an ill judged and disreputable incident. Did he display hostility? I would say he didn't."

Judge David Wynn Morgan and Justices Robin Coombes and Sharon Winter adjourned the appeal before making their decision on its outcome.

The region's leading culinary professionals are gearing up for the much-anticipated Taste of the Caribbean event hosted by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association's (CHTA) at Hyatt Regency Miami, June 21-25, 2019.

Held in conjunction with the association's annual industry conference, the Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF) from June 21-23, and the Caribbean305 culinary and cultural consumer celebration (June 22), Taste of the Caribbean features culinary teams from 14 Caribbean destinations in a friendly but intense battle for cooking supremacy.

Participating destinations include Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Curaçao, Grenada, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and Turks and Caicos.

Trinidad and Tobago are defending team champions, and this year marks Grenada's return to the competition following an 11-year absence.

Taste of the Caribbean is the region's premier culinary competition, food and beverage educational exchange, and Caribbean cultural showcase. Since 1993, the Caribbean's best chefs and culinary teams have gathered at Taste to compete, demonstrate their skills, learn from each other, and offer diners a scrumptious exhibition of the most delectable culinary treats of the islands.

Taste of the Caribbean is also a rich forum for food and beverage professionals to exchange practical information, develop skills, sample and purchase, strengthen and establish supplier relationships, and meet new vendors. Innovative and exciting professional development sessions enhance individual skills and increase the value of culinary enterprises.

Competitions focus on culinary themes, including chocolate, "mocktails," rum- and vodka-based cocktails, and beef-based dishes. Other competitions include "mystery baskets," in the style of popular Food Network show, Chopped.

At the end of the five-day affair, the Caribbean Chef of the Year, Caribbean Junior Chef of the Year, Caribbean Bartender of the Year, Caribbean Pastry Chef of the Year, and Caribbean Culinary Team of the Year are crowned.

"The Trinidad and Tobago National Culinary Team is very excited and moving full speed ahead as we prepare for this year's Taste of the Caribbean," said team captain Jeremy Lovell, who disclosed that the twin island republic will this year field an all-student team.

"The team is determined to put their best efforts forward and we applaud our young, aspiring culinarians, mixologists and pastry chef as they create history and make Trinidad and Tobago proud. The Taste of the Caribbean experience provides enormous opportunities for Trinidad & Tobago Hospitality & Tourism Institute students to gain a better appreciation of the value and reach of careers in the hospitality industry."

This year's host sponsor is Interval International, while House of Angostura® is the Bartender of the Year sponsor. Event sponsors include The Best Dressed Chicken, Certified Angus Beef®, Figment Design, Food Export USA - Northeast, Marketplace Excellence, MasterCard, OBMI, RAK Porcelain, U.S. Meat Export Federation, U.S Pork, and the United States Virgin Islands Department of Tourism. Product sponsors include Angostura® Orange Bitters, Certified Angus Beef®, Food Export USA - Northeast, Halperns' Purveyors of Steak and Seafood, PromiseLand, RAK Porcelain, Superior Farms, U.S. Meat Export Federation, and U.S. Pork.

 

 

ICAEW’s new President for 2019/20, Fiona Wilkinson, will use her role to be an ambassador for inclusion in accountancy and to ensure the profession is fit for the future.

Fiona has spent her career as an advocate for diversity in the profession, spreading the message that accountancy is inclusive and open to all, no matter what their background.

After qualifying as an ICAEW chartered accountant in 1980, Fiona worked for Deloitte in locations such as London, Milan, and Canada, before going on to start her own practice, working as a technical consultant to firms. She became President of the ICAEW South West District Society in 2004 and focused on encouraging younger members, women and student members to become involved. During the last 13 years she has also served as chair of the Professional Standards Board, ICAEW Board Director, chair of the Ethics Advisory Committee and chair of the Diversity Advisory Group.

One of her aims during her year as President is to celebrate the centenary of Mary Harris Smith, who was the first woman ever to become a chartered accountant and a member of ICAEW in 1920.

Fiona said: “Mary Harris Smith applied several times to join the Institute and was turned down before finally being accepted. I want to celebrate her resilience and determination to achieve the qualification she wanted.”

A number of events are planned to mark the centenary, including the commissioning of a portrait of Harris Smith, and events being held to celebrate female members not only in ICAEW District Societies in the UK, but throughout the world.

Fiona also wants to play her part in working with government and regulators to ensure the profession is fit for the future.

Fiona said: “We need to look forward to the future and make audit something that is valued and useful. We need to ask what the users of accounts actually want from us, be positive about change, and ensure a bright future for the profession.”

Fiona will serve as ICAEW President from 5 June 2019 to 3 June 2020, when she will hand over to David Matthews.

 

Gladstone couple, Terry and Kym Purcell, today vetoed the daily housework to “hail” the world's first rideshare submarine experience on the Great Barrier Reef.

Three days after watching the launch of scUber on the Australian news, avid diver Terry Purcell surprised his wife of 32 years with the once-in-a-lifetime experience. His mission was to show her the underwater world that he passionately loves.

“I've been diving on the Great Barrier Reef since I was seven years old and the reef around Heron Island is the most wonderful spot in the world,” said the 54-year-old owner of Purcell's Engineering in Gladstone.

“Today is really about my wife. She does not have a diver's certificate. She snorkels but it's not the same. With this (scUber), she can experience the reef first-hand and see it close up.”

“Besides, who else do you know who can say, 'I hailed a submarine'?”

Terry set his alarm clock early and was on the Uber app by 7:30 am to request the On Demand ride when it opened to the public for the first time.

Within minutes of entering “Great Barrier Reef” into the Uber app, a submarine icon popped up on his screen followed by the arrival of a colourful Great Barrier Reef-branded Tesla. The Tesla transferred the couple to Marine Helicopters at Gladstone Airport for a scenic flight to Heron Island and the one-hour underwater scUber experience.

Commenting on the experience and the $3000 price tag, Terry said “It's an absolute bargain. You can't put a cost on this. For my wife to be able to see the reef at 18 metres below sea level and to see the bottom of a true coral atoll like I do when I dive was just magic.”

When asked what else he would have been doing if he wasn't on scUber, the retired company owner said, “probably the housework.”

Tourism and Events Queensland, in partnership with Uber, announced the launch of scUber, the world's first rideshare submarine experience on May 23.

For a limited time only, scUber riders will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the exquisite beauty of the Great Barrier Reef – all without the need for a snorkeling mask or a diving license!

The scUber experience will be available starting on Heron Island, off the coast of Gladstone in the Southern Great Barrier Reef region from May 27, before moving to Agincourt Reef off the coast of Port Douglas in Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef region from June 9. Availability is strictly limited.

Congratulations poured in from around the world following the birth of the son of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Following the birth of the newborn – which was delivered at 05:26 BST yesterday (Monday), a beaming Prince Harry said the baby boy was "absolutely to die for". The Palace said the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh and the Prince of Wales were all "delighted with the news", with Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, said to be "overjoyed".

Former US First Lady Michelle Obama said she and Barack were "thrilled".

The baby, who has not been named yet, is seventh in line to the throne, behind the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Cambridge and his children - Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis - and Prince Harry.

He is the Queen's eighth great-grandchild.

Speaking after the birth, Prince Harry said, after the birth, that they planned to present the baby to the media shortly, "so everyone can see" him.

He said Meghan and the baby were doing "incredibly well", adding that they were still thinking about names for the infant.

The baby weighed 7lbs 3oz (3.2kg). Buckingham Palace said the Duke was present for the birth.

A statement stated that Meghan's mother was "overjoyed at the arrival of her first grandchild" and was with her daughter at Frogmore Cottage - the Sussexes' home on the Windsor Estate.

Kensington Palace said the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were "delighted" and "looking forward" to meeting him.

Prime Minister Theresa May, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon were among the politicians to offer their congratulations to the royal couple on Twitter.

A Commonwealth group has been appointed to observe the 2019 Malawi Tripartite elections. It will be led by Thabo Mbeki, the second post-Apartheid South African President.

Voters go to the polls on 21 May to elect a president as well as members of the national assembly and local government councillors.

The Commonwealth Observer Group (COG) is being deployed by Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland following a request from the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC).

The group includes politicians, diplomats and experts in law, human rights, gender and election administration from across the Commonwealth.

The Secretary-General said: "Conducting credible elections through which citizens can choose their leaders and representatives freely in a peaceful environment is a fundamental part of a healthy democracy and is a collective strength of Commonwealth member states.

“The Commonwealth will be present to witness and observe the elections and to work in partnership with Malawi as it consolidates its democracy and strengthens and embeds good practice.”

She added: “The responsibility for conducting elections with integrity falls on all stakeholders in the process - from the election management body, to political parties and their leaders, to civil society, security agencies, the media and the voters. Each and every one has a rightful role to ensure a credible process and outcome.”

The observer group will examine preparations for the elections, before observing the voting process, vote-counting procedures and the announcement of results.

As with all COGs, this mission to Malawi will operate impartially and independently, according to the standards expressed in the International Declaration of Principles for Election Observation, to which the Commonwealth is a signatory.

In the run-up to the elections, the Commonwealth partnered with the Government of Malawi to help prepare women to stand as candidates and to campaign in the elections, and trained media managers and editors in the process of fair and balanced election coverage.

Malawi was the 19th country to join the Commonwealth. These are the country's second tripartite elections, and a COG was also present when the first were held in 2014.

The observer group will be supported by a Commonwealth Secretariat staff team led by Linford Andrews, Political Adviser in the Governance and Peace Directorate.

New research from eco-cleaning brand Ecover, which uses plant-based and biodegradable ingredients, reveals that parents are obsessed with the scent of their babies. In a survey of 1,000 UK parents, released to mark Allergy Awareness Week, over three quarters (77 per cent) believe that their baby has the best smell in the world.

In fact, 62% said they loved the smell of their baby so much they would want to bottle the scent, with some 70% rating their baby’s natural fragrance as being better than their favourite perfume or aftershave, and even preferable to the smell of freshly baked bread (70%).

And it appears that parents are biologically biased, believing that their baby smells better than other babies (80%), with some 78% believing that the smell of their baby helps them to bond.

The research marks the launch of Ecover’s Zero expanded range of cleaning and laundry products which contain zero added fragrance and zero colourants. The Allergy UK approved range is formulated to minimise the risk of allergies for those with sensitive skin, whilst the vegan-friendly ingredients are from renewable, plant-based sources and are biodegradable.

While some might think new parents have gone ‘gaga’ smelling their babies all the time, scientific studies support Ecover's findings. Dr. Sophie Forster, Senior Lecturer in Psychology at University of Sussex comments, “There is evidence showing that the smell of a newborn baby stimulates pleasure areas of the brain. The smell and association is so positive that parents proactively smell their babies’ heads throughout the day for that feel-good hit.

The smell is so addictive that parents go out of their way to smell their baby, doing so on average 6 times a day, most commonly during cuddles (63%), after a bath (48%), and at bedtime (47%). One in eight would give up a £1,000 a year pay rise so they could bottle their son or daughter's scent and keep it with them (16%), while 14% would be willing to miss out on a huge £10,000 pay rise.

And it’s not just parents who enjoy the newborn smell – six in ten (62%) parents have had someone else ask to smell their baby including family (50%), friends (28%), and strangers (2%).

Dr. Forster continues, “Sense of smell can become a parent’s super-power; whilst 69% of the parents surveyed by Ecover felt confident that they would be able to identify their baby by smell alone, evidence suggests that more like 87% would be able to do it, even just 2-3 days after birth – this just shows that you can underestimate how powerful the human sense of smell can be! Smell may also be one way that older siblings can recognise their new born brother or sister.”

The smell of baby also has the power to calm us; almost three-quarters of mums (74%) smell their baby’s head when they’re feeling stressed, with 85% admitting that the smell makes them feel relaxed. Mums miss the smell the most when they’re at work, with 72% saying they would smell their baby’s natural fragrance at work if they could carry it with them, compared to 55% of Dads.

Sarah Tuke, Head of Communications at Ecover UK, says, “Our research proves that nothing in the world smells as good as new born babies, and yet as a nation we’re in the habit of surrounding babies with overly fragranced laundry products that have the potential to irritate delicate skin. That’s why we’re championing babies’ right to smell like babies and have access to clean ingredients with zero added fragrance. Since its creation in 1979, Ecover has campaigned for a ‘cleaner’ world, and our latest launch makes no exception”.

To mark the launch of Ecover Zero, Ecover has created a spoof perfume advert called L’Eau de Bébé to highlight that babies don’t need ‘added fragrance’ – they already smell amazing. Ecover have also gone a step further and created a real L’Eau de Bébé fragrance, celebrating the amazing scent of new born baby. This will be available to the public via a social media competition.

A spokesperson from Allergy UK commented, “Fragrances and preservatives in washing detergents and cleaning products can sometimes trigger skin irritations in those affected by skin allergies or sensitive skin. A product with no added fragrance that is specially formulated to minimise the risk of allergies may be better suited for those who experience skin sensitivities or find that traditional washing detergents aggravate their skin.”

The government must declare a climate emergency and recognise the role of firefighters in tackling the consequences, the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has said.

Firefighters will join a rally outside Parliament, calling on MPs to back the Labour party’s motion to declare a climate emergency. Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, will address campaigners from across the environmental and labour movements from the top of the union’s fire engine.

The UK has already experienced more wildfires in 2019 than any year on record – and it’s only May.

Firefighters have tackled blazes across Cornwall, Dorset, Derbyshire, Northern Ireland, the Peak District, Rotherham, West Yorkshire, Wiltshire and Wales. The blazes have stretched already limited resources, with a fifth of firefighter jobs cut since 2010.

Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said: “Firefighters are on the frontline fighting the consequences of climate change. It’s firefighters who are tackling wildfires and rescuing people stranded in flooding as weather becomes more extreme. The government need to recognise and properly fund their role. “The public are calling for politicians to take decisive action. Our countryside is burning and people’s homes are facing flooding. Firefighters know an emergency when they see one. It couldn’t be clearer – we need to declare a climate emergency.”

In Winter 2015/16, 17,000 properties were flooded in the North of England. Two years earlier 11,000 homes were flooded across the country. Firefighters worked around the clock saving lives, helping communities and providing humanitarian support.

Fire and rescue services have a statutory duty to respond to flooding in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Crews across England also respond to flooding incidents, but the Westminster government have refused to make it part of their core role.

Climate-related demands are adding to growing pressure on fire and rescue services across the UK, yet central government funding has been cut by a further 15% this year. Last year saw a 3% increase in fires and a 1% increase in overall incidents attended by firefighters. Firefighters rescued over 45,000 people last year, 4% more than the year before.

A weekend of ‘all things Costa Rica’ is arriving to Cornwall’s nature haven, Eden Project, next month. Over the weekend of 18-19 May, families will be able to enjoy a wide variety of jungle-themed activities inspired by the beautiful Costa Rican rainforest - including a treasure trail and a dazzling exhibit of over 500 orchids.

The aim of the Costa Rica Festival is to promote sustainable tourism and conservation as well as celebrate Costa Rica’s beautiful landscapes, extensive wildlife and incredible flora and fauna through diverse family-friendly activities. These will include:

• Orchid Display: the jewel of the Costa Rica Festival, this exhibition will display over 500 orchids, a flowering plant that naturally reflects Costa Rica’s landscapes – the country boasts 400 species of orchid, 20% of which are endemic. One of the orchids on display will be the guaria morada (Guarianthe skinneri) - Costa Rica’s national flower. • Costa Rica Treasure Trail: an educational path to explore the country’s biodiversity and all the fun facts around this (did you know that Costa Rica is home to 5% of the world’s biodiversity?). • Volcano Discovery: a workshop to learn how volcanoes help support Costa Rica’s diverse flora and fauna (there are over 60 volcanoes in the country, including six active). • Creative Costa Rica: a variety of additional activities to discover Costa Rica’s culture, including music and dance performances and food tastings.

The Costa Rica Festival is taking place at Eden Project in St. Blazey (Cornwall) from 18-19 May and is the result of a partnership between the Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT) and Eden Project.

Between them, Brian O’Driscoll and Bryan Habana have amassed 262 international caps, scored 114 international tries, won a Rugby World Cup and climbed no mountains. Next month, that will all change as the Laureus legends swap rugby boots for hiking boots and trek 100km through South Africa’s Drakensberg Mountain range to raise funds for Laureus Sport for Good.

Brian and Bryan will be joined on the trek from 14 – 19 May by Laureus Ambassador Annabelle Bond, the fastest woman to climb all seven summits, Laureus Ambassador and South African TV personality Dan Nicholl and 100 inspirational fundraisers from around the world. Laureus Ambassador and South African rugby legend Jean de Villiers will also offer his support, seeing the participants off from camp on the first day of the trek.

The Challenge Africa trek will test participants’ mental and physical stamina, taking them across steep and strenuous mountain passes, scaling to elevations of over 3,000m and trekking through a game reserve alongside zebras and antelope.

All funds raised by participants on the trek will support the work of five Laureus-supported programmes around the world; Active Communities Network (Northern Ireland), Active Communities Network (Republic of Ireland), Coolplay (South Africa), Mathare Youth Sports Association (Kenya) and Model City Hong Kong.

With the support of Laureus Sport for Good, each of these programmes is using sport as a tool to improve the lives of young people. For example, over 160,000 young people have been through Active Communities Network programming in the UK and Ireland since 2007, with great success: 30,000 participants have moved into education, training or employment.

Former Ireland, British and Irish Lions and Leinster captain Brian O’Driscoll is the second most capped rugby player of all time. He played 133 times for his country, scoring 46 tries and winning one Six Nations Grand Slam in 2009. South African 2007 Rugby World Cup winner Bryan Habana was one of the most prolific try-scorers in world rugby, scoring 67 international tries in 124 caps, placing him second on the all-time try scorer list. Bryan famously equalled Jonah Lomu’s record of eight tries in a Rugby World Cup when he helped South Africa win the coveted trophy in 2007.

Laureus Academy Member Brian O’Driscoll, said: “I’m fortunate enough to have spent time visiting the inspirational programmes Laureus Sport for Good supports and they are genuinely changing lives. I’m excited to lead the Challenge Africa trek with Bryan and raise as much money as possible for these great causes."

“Neither of us have any trekking experience so it’s going to be challenging and I’m sure the competitive edge will kick in between Bryan and I when the legs get tired. I’ve faced hostile environments playing rugby for Ireland and the British and Irish Lions in South Africa but I’ve never taken on any of the big five! I know who I’ll be sticking with if we come across any cheetahs!”

Laureus Ambassador Bryan Habana, said: “I’m proud to be joining Brian to lead Challenge Africa in my home country through the stunning Drakensberg Mountain range. I’m looking forward to showing South Africa’s incredible scenery and hospitality off to everyone joining the trek."

“I’m more comfortable running 100m than trekking 100km but life is all about challenging yourself and knowing where the funds are going will be motivation enough when times get tough. I’ve experienced Laureus Sport for Good’s programmes in my role as an Ambassador and I know that every cent we can raise will make a positive change for young people around the world.”

Globally, Laureus Sport for Good supports more than 160 programmes in over 40 countries who all use the power of sport to end violence, discrimination and disadvantage. Each programme Laureus supports is measured against charitable standards set out by the United Nations, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Challenge Africa is the second Laureus-supported adventure Just Challenge have led, following last year’s Challenge Himalayas trek which raised over $350,000 for Laureus Sport for Good. Just Challenge delivers life changing adventures, for all abilities, with impact and meaning. They provide organisations with the opportunities to engage employees, clients and/or leaders through physical challenges.

 

An international day highlighting the bravery of meningitis survivors and those whose lives have been changed forever through losing someone to the disease is being backed by Meningitis Now, the UK’s leading meningitis charity.

World Meningitis Day (today - Wednesday 24 April), an initiative of the Confederation of Meningitis Organisations (CoMO), focuses on ‘Life After Meningitis’.

Meningitis Now Chief Executive Dr Tom Nutt, said: “We know that life after meningitis is tough for many people and we want to use World Meningitis Day to showcase the bravery of meningitis survivors and those who have lost a loved one.

“Through our supporters telling their stories, raising awareness of the signs and symptoms and increasing vaccine knowledge, we can raise the profile of this devastating disease and help to reduce its impact for future generations.”

There are an estimated 22 cases of meningitis each day across the UK. The disease can strike in hours, but the after-effects, including deafness, limb loss and brain damage, can last a lifetime. Those who lose a loved one to the disease have their lives changed forever.

“On World Meningitis Day, as on every other day, we are here to help and support those who need us.” Tom added.

The charity is keen to use World Meningitis Day to promote its range of support services, including its recently-launched Rebuilding Futures Fund, which provides financial, practical and emotional support for people of all ages affected by meningitis.

“We’re not about quick fixes; we’re here to provide tailored support with long-term impact, that will really help people and families to rebuild their lives after meningitis," Tom said.

“We’re proud to provide this unique, life-changing support – the only meningitis organisation to do so in the UK.”

Other charity support activity includes its popular Family Days – regional fun days out for families affected by meningitis – and the Believe & Achieve programme especially for young people.

Meningitis Now is also launching its first Facebook fundraiser today (World Meningitis Day) to help fundraise for that support and calling on the public to contribute if they’re able to and make a difference for those impacted by meningitis in the future.

With the summer months fast approaching, many families are already looking at choosing their annual sunshine getaway. For those looking to swap the classic Mediterranean beach break or adrenaline-fueled theme park trip for a more exotic escape, the serene and subtropical Florida Keys offer an eco-friendly, adventure-focused getaway.

With the waters surrounding the southern Florida island chain designated as a National Marine Sanctuary, visitors can enjoy a range of active adventures that help them to truly immerse themselves in the destination -- all while leaving little trace of their travels.

Here are five low-impact and appealing ways to explore the Florida Keys this summer…

REEF: Visitors to Key Largo's John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the United States' first undersea park, can glimpse the Keys' serene underwater jungle on a glass bottom boat tour aboard the Spirit of Pennekamp catamaran. During the trip, families can view part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, which protects the waters surrounding the entire island chain including the continental United States' only living coral barrier reef.

If visitors wish to learn more about the pioneering work being done above and below the water to protect the coral reefs, they can visit the Coral Restoration Foundation in Key Largo to discover efforts to grow and re-plant coral.

WALK: The Florida Keys History & Discovery Center is set to launch a new app, Walk Indian Key, in June that will help families go exploring on foot around the remote 11-acre Indian Key. Located half a mile offshore from the Upper Keys' Islamorada, the island is accessible by boat or kayak rentals from Robbie's Marina and is deserted except for the ruins of a town that existed in the early 1800s, when residents made their living from salvaging boats that ran aground on local reefs. The new app features a 12-stop tour and gives kids and parents alike insight into the island's surprising history, offering them the chance to channel their inner Robinson Crusoe.

NATURE: Believed to be the world's first state-licensed veterinary hospital dedicated to treating injured sea turtles, the Turtle Hospital in Marathon has released over 2,000 turtles back into their ocean home since 1986. Guided tours not only teach families about sea turtles but also offer a behind-the-scenes look at the rehabilitation facility and the chance to feed the permanent residents.

KAYAK: Join local legend, Captain Bill Keogh of Big Pine Kayak Adventures, for an eco-kayaking tour around the Lower Keys. Navigate the shallow waters surrounding the mangrove islands of the Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge and National Key Deer Refuge in sit-on-top kayaks to explore the backcountry's sponge and grass flats and mangrove forests during this unique nature experience.

CYCLE: Active visitors to Key West can take a guided bike tour around the picturesque island city with Key Lime Bike Tours. Along the route participants will see popular destinations such as Mallory Square, the former home of legendary author Ernest Hemingway, Key West's Historic Seaport district and the Southernmost Point, quite literally the southernmost location in the continental United States and just 90 miles from Cuba. For the grand finale, the tour ends with a stop for a mouth-watering slice of Key lime pie, a local delicacy.

The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee has appointed Martin Green CBE as its Chief Creative Officer, a role that will give him ultimate responsibility for the official opening and closing ceremonies and the wider cultural programme for the Games.

The announcement comes exactly one year on from Gold Coast 2018’s Closing Ceremony which incorporated Birmingham’s spectacular handover segment, produced by Green and performed live in Victoria Square.

Green, who has a huge amount of experience of working on global sporting events and major cultural celebrations, will take up his new role before the end of month. As Chief Creative Officer, he’ll also oversee the Queen’s Baton Relay and he’ll provide overarching direction for the team welcome ceremonies (performed when each competing nation and territory arrives at the athletes’ village), how the sports are presented and showcased in venues, medal ceremonies and spectator entertainment.

Reacting to the news that his application was successful, Green said: “Ever since working on last year’s ‘Go the Distance’ handover celebration, part of the Gold Coast 2018 closing ceremony, I knew I just had to be involved in the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. I was blown away by the local performers who took part, as they were so talented and enthusiastic and I loved the way that the people in Birmingham and the region embraced the handover event.

“I can’t wait to get started and I'm delighted that I’ll be working with organisations from across Birmingham and the West Midlands once again. This region is overflowing with talented, creative people and I want to get their input and ideas, to ensure that the ceremonies and culture programme are dynamic, uniquely Birmingham and truly memorable.”

Green is a hugely experienced executive producer of ceremonies and cultural events, whose major achievements include working as Head of Ceremonies for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, recruiting and leading the team of 500 people that successfully delivered the opening and closing ceremonies, the torch relays and victory ceremonies. He was alsoDirector of Hull UK City of Culture 2017, which saw him manage a ground-breaking 365 day world-class arts festival that reinvigorated Hull and fully engaged its residents, with nine out of ten local people attending at least one event.

John Crabtree, Chairman of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee, welcomed Green’s appointment and said: “We are absolutely thrilled that Martin has joined our team and I am delighted that someone with such relevant experience will be helping us deliver the biggest sport and cultural event ever to be staged in this region. There was a strong vision in Birmingham’s bid and so an inspirational leader is needed to bring that vision to life and Martin definitely fits that description.

“Martin’s experience on the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games made him the perfect candidate for this role on Birmingham 2022 and we were also impressed with the hugely successful handover event that Martin directed for Birmingham last year as, injust a few weeks, he orchestrated such a bold and brave live performance. I can’t wait to see what he will create for us over the next three years.”

Cllr Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, was also pleased to hear the news and said: “The appointment of Martin is an incredibly significant step forward in the planning for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. His track record on the creative elements of major sporting events and festivals is second to none – and he showcased the very best of Birmingham to a global audience when delivering the city’s segment within the Gold Coast 2018 Closing and Handover Ceremony.

“Martin already has a great understanding of the city and the wider region. I am left in no doubt that his flair and artistic vision will ensure that the sporting and cultural aspects of the Birmingham Games are truly memorable.”

Green joins the Birmingham 2022 Organising Committee at an exciting time as the team, which currently has around 30 people who are directly responsible for delivering the Games to be held in Birmingham, the West Midlands and beyond, will soon be moving into new offices in Brindley Place, in Birmingham’s city centre.

 

Hong Kong has kept the crown as the most expensive city to buy property in, while two other Chinese cities also made the top five lists, according to new research that covers 35 cities around the globe.

The average price of property in the southeastern Chinese city, infamous for its unaffordability, is more than $1.2 million, which is 5.5 percent more than last year’s cost, real estate consultant CBRE said in the fifth edition of its Global Living report. Meanwhile, the price of buying an average prime property stands at nearly $6.9 million, making it the champion for luxury housing as well.

Last year’s hotspots managed to keep their positions in the rating, with Singapore coming in second, followed by Shanghai and Vancouver, with the average home costing between $815,000 and $874,000.

Shenzhen, a new addition to the report, took the fifth place and became the third Chinese city in the top five. The city is the tech capital of China and is located just 30 kilometers from the world’s most expensive urban center. It hosts the headquarters of many international and Chinese businesses, including Huawei, ZTE and Tencent.

Los Angeles, New York, London, Beijing, and Paris also made the top ten list of the world’s most expensive cities.

Hong Kong’s property market has long been known for its unaffordable prices. In June 2018, it achieved a world record with a single parking space being bought for a whopping $760,000.