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Business, Travel

Norwegian Cruise Line Extends Cruises To Cuba Through 2018

Published 11 April 2017

FLORIDA, United States, Tuesday April 11, 2017 – Norwegian Cruise Line will further extend its offering of weekly roundtrip cruises from Miami to Cuba through 2018, with 33 new voyages.

The all-inclusive Norwegian Sky will begin her 2018 Cuba cruise season in March, sailing four-day roundtrip cruises from Miami, with 32 of the cruises to include an overnight stay in Cuba’s historical and culturally-rich capital of Havana, as well as a call on Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian’s private island in the Bahamas.

These new cruises will begin on March 26, 2018 and are in addition to the previously announced 30 calls that Norwegian will offer through December 2017.

“Cuba is a spectacular destination and we are seeing incredible demand from our guests to experience the beautiful and cultural-rich city of Havana and her warm and friendly people,” said Andy Stuart, president and chief executive officer for Norwegian Cruise Line.

“We are excited to provide even more opportunities for our guests to experience this incredible destination into 2018.”

Norwegian Sky will transport guests to the very heart of Havana, offering guests the opportunity to visit historical sites such as Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; view incredible art and listen to the vibrant local music scene; and visit with Cuba’s warm and friendly residents through people-to-people exchanges. Norwegian will offer a selection of 15 half and full-day shore excursions.

Norwegian Sky’s sailings to Cuba will also feature a call to Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian’s private island destination in the Bahamas. Great Stirrup Cay was recently enhanced to offer guests new ways to enjoy the island with additional pathways, seating and shaded lounge areas, with additional features still to come, including a private luxury lagoon enclave for suite guests and guests of The Haven.

Norwegian Sky’s four-day cruises to Cuba will open for sale on April 20.

Business, Travel

No More New York-San Juan Flights on American Airlines Soon

Published 11 April 2017

NEW YORK, United States, Tuesday April 11, 2017 – After 46 years of flying non-stop between New York and San Juan, Puerto Rico, American Airlines (AA) is bringing that service to an end.

On August 21, 2017, AA’s last flight from John F King International Airport (JFK) to San Juan will leave at 7:45 p.m. The following day, the last flight from San Juan to JFK will leave at 9 a.m., discontinuing a route it has flown since the early 1970s.

AA spokeswoman LaKesha Beown told USA Today in a statement that the decision to cancel the service was a “difficult” one.

“We continually evaluate our network, looking at supply and demand for each route we serve. We want to ensure our fleet and crews are serving routes that are profitable, better positioning us for long term success against global competition,” she said.

The airline will continue to fly 21 daily flights between San Juan and five of its other hubs: Charlotte, Chicago O’Hare, Dallas/Fort Worth, Miami and Philadelphia.

Business, Health, Local news

Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine Receives NIH Grant to Study Transmission of Mosquito-Borne Diseases

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170207005161/en/Ross-University-School-Veterinary-Medicine-Receives-NIH #

Published 10 April 2017

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts–(BUSINESS WIRE)–In recent years, mosquito-transmitted arboviruses such as chikungunya, dengue and Zika, have emerged as global public health threats. Scientists are still unsure as to how these viruses spread from their natural hosts, non-human primates in Africa and Asia, to people – resulting in epidemics around the world. Researchers at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (Ross) have been awarded a grant by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to study these viruses and advance our understanding of how they may be transmitted between animals and humans.Ross received grant from @NIAIDNews to study transmission of #chikungunya, #dengue and #Zika.

The research will investigate whether African Green Monkeys are infected with arboviruses in the five ecosystems present on the island of St. Kitts, identify the mosquitoes that may be involved in the transmission of the viruses among the monkeys, and probe how the virus is spread amongst people on the island.

“Without readily available vaccines and specific treatment for many arboviruses, it is critical to understand their transmission cycles in order to control the spread of the diseases they cause,” said Patrick Kelly, BVSC, Ph.D., Ross professor of small animal medicine, who is the principal investigator for this project. “This better understanding of the roles non-human primates play in the epidemiology of arboviral diseases will lead to improved surveillance and control strategies for the diseases.”

Kelly said the findings of this study could potentially help scientists who are studying the transmission dynamics of the viruses in other regions of the world, including Africa, South America and Asia.

“Our university’s location in the tropics provides an ideal backdrop for conducting surveillance and research programs of strategic importance to the developing world,” said Sean Callanan, dean at Ross. “This project leverages our skilled scientists and advanced research facilities to tackle one of the most pressing health issues of the 21^st century.”

Led by Ross, the research is a collaborative effort with investigators at Kansas State University and the University of Georgia. The grant was awarded by NIH’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (grant number 1R21AI128407-01). It is the first NIH grant awarded to a research team at Ross.

About Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine

Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (Ross), founded in 1982, is committed to preparing students to become members and leaders of the worldwide public and professional healthcare team and to advance human, animal and ecosystem health through research and knowledge exchange. Ross has focused research programs with an emphasis on emerging infectious and zoonotic diseases, conservation medicine, and ecosystem health. Ross offers postgraduate Masters’, Ph.D. and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) programs accredited by the St. Christopher & Nevis Accreditation Board. The DVM program also holds accredited status from the American Veterinary Medical Association (www.avma.org). Ross is a part of DeVry Education Group (NYSE:DV). For more information about Ross, visit www.rossu.edu/vet.

Education, Health

Dr. Terrance Drew named a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine

http://sknpulse.com/dr-drew-named-diplomate/ #

Published 10 April 2017

Photo Caption: Local Medical Practitioner, Dr. Terrance Drew

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS – Local medical practitioner, Dr Terrance Drew has been named a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine.

Dr. Drew, who hails from St. Peter’s, St. Kitts, completed his medical school studies at the University of Villa Clara Cuba , from 1998- 2005 where he graduated with first class honours.

After successfully completing his studies in Cuba, Dr. Drew journeyed to Jamaica where he took up the position of medical intern, but after careful consideration, he gave up this position and returned to St. Kitts, to work in the Ministry of Health as a general practitioner. He worked in many areas with doctors in several specialists fields who served as mentors and guides in his new career.

At the J. N. France General Hospital, he worked on the Medical Ward with Dr. Bichara Saheley, on the Surgical Ward with Dr. Desmond Fosbery, Paediatrics with Dr. Ian Jacobs and A & E with Dr. Retna Walwyn, who all contributed to his success in some way.

Later, Dr. Drew moved on to private practice where Dr. Desmond Fosbery was very instrumental as he turned over his office to Dr. Drew and to whom Dr. Drew has said he would always be grateful.

Dr. Drew worked for a full five years completing the years of his bond and looked towards a new chapter in his career, that of becoming a specialist in medicine.

His decision to go to the United States was met with much opposition as he was told that because he studied in Cuba that it would be very difficult.

Not daunted by this challenge, Dr. Drew studied for his USMLE (United States Medical License Exam) and passed, ranking among the exams top performers. In 2010, Dr. Drew received a residency position in internal medicine in Texas and although the process was long, challenging and expensive, journeyed to US State and began his studies. Three years later he fully completed his studies and despite the many lucrative contracts offered to him he decided to return home to contribute once again to his country.

Dr. Drew is a fully trained internist and was eligible to be licensed in any state of the USA, despite false statements that he had not completed his studies.

The latest good news is that he is now a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine.

Asked about his future plans with such a prestigious achievement, Dr. Drew said: “My goal is to work to ensure that the health system in St. Kitts and Nevis meets the needs of our people and rank among the best in the Caribbean.”

He pointed out that the present system is in shambles and needs capable leadership at the highest level.

St. Kitts and Nevis takes this opportunity to congratulate our very own Dr. Terrance Drew, Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine.

Education, Local news, News

The Verchilds High School Scout Group just return from Nevis.

Published 10 April 2017

The Verchilds High School Scout Group just return from Nevis. The group held its Easter Camp at the Cotton Ground Community Centre with 42 boys in attendace. Troop Leader Petros Peets of form 3v1 said that the camp was great and the campers learnt a lot from the sessions. The boys took part in preparing meals, indoor and outdoor games, devotions. The highlight of the camp is a session which was conducted by Pastor Shorn Edwards, the Senior Office on the Prison Farm in Nevis. Pastor Shorn spoke to the campers about good behavior and the consequence of bad behavior. He also spoke to them about the workings of the Prison and why it is so important that none of the campers should get into prison. The campers enjoyed the Tour of the Four Seasons Hotel. The campers could not believe that the Four Seasons Hotel were that big and beautiful. Thanks to the staff who took so good care of us during the tour.