International group shows interest in Times Square project
ST. CROIX РRenovation work is continuing at Sunday Market Square this winter as representatives of the St. Croix Foundation, which is managing the restoration, are being recognized for their efforts at a conference in Cura̤ao.
The area, known as Times Square, was renovated last year with wide sidewalks, a restored Danish well and mahogany trees, and the once-downtrodden street is now becoming an attractive square that the foundation hopes will develop into a flourishing business sector.
The project garnered attention from the International Downtown Association, which has invited Foundation Executive Director Roger Dewey to its leadership conference in Curaçao this week to discuss its work.
The Washington, D.C.-based IDA focuses on building partnerships to create city centers that anchor communities.
One business has already set up in the square. The Twin City Coffeehouse and Gallery opened its doors before Christmas on the ground level of the building adjacent to Diane Russell’s law office on the square.
With that anchor in place, work is continuing on the two buildings to the south. In the building next to the coffeehouse, the foundation is developing a small-business incubator. All structural work is complete there now and the foundation is soliciting additional bids to build out the interiors, according to William Taylor, master planner and architect for the square
The building would host several businesses but would pool resources such as reception, broadband Internet and office machines. There is also the possibility of an Internet videoconferencing room in the building that could be used by the public.
The foundation has received community development block grants for the project, money through the Public Finance Authority and federal grants.
The theater building that borders Company Street is progressing as well. Taylor has been working to repair the roof of the building, which was damaged during Hurricane Hugo and finished off by Hurricane Marilyn. The roof must be built to higher standards than it was designed for and Taylor is planning for increased weight loads to handle hanging lights and set items for the community theater the Foundation intends to create there.
The cost to renovate the entire building will be approximately $750,000, according to Dewey, and the foundation will have to start a fundraising campaign to finance all the improvements. The final result will be a theater open to community use. Dewey has said he envisions plays, shows and lectures taking place in the space, which can hold about 300 people.
While the re-opening of the theater is not planned for the short term, its marquee will soon be lit. Taylor said Monday that final light sockets have been received and the marquee will soon be used for foundation announcements.
Source: Virgin Islands Daily News
Uncertain future for Curacao telecoms CEO
Filed under: Business and Economy, Internet and Technology
by Nikola Lashley
Caribbean Net News Netherlands Antilles Correspondent
CURACAO, Netherlands Antilles: The board of directors of the troubled government funded telecommunications company, United Telecommunications Services (UTS), has confirmed they have suspended their CEO Julio Constansia and are now considering his permanent dismissal.
Mr Constansia’s pending demise began back in September 2005, following a report carried out by the board of directors, in which questions were raised about the ongoing losses being suffered by the company.
Curacao government under pressure over care of elderly
by Nikola Lashley
Caribbean Net News Curacao Correspondent
WILLEMSTAD, Curacao: An independent ombudsman on Curacao plans to pressure the government to tighten up regulations relating to the care of the elderly, due to a significant rise in the number of complaints about mistreatment and human rights abuses.
Ombudsman Fred Weil says the care of the elderly should be a priority task for the government and residential care homes receiving government subsidies should be subjected to rigorous checks and operating guidelines.
Curaçao Announces First Annual Dive Festival
Ranked among the Caribbean’s best islands for diving, called one of the top destinations for new divers, home to “Mushroom Forest” – one of the top dives in the world and rated best in the Caribbean for shore diving, Curaçao is, or should be, on any diver’s wish list of places to visit. In an effort to share its underwater splendor with the world and invite visitors to come explore the depths of the island’s surrounding waters, Curaçao has announced the First Annual Curaçao Dive Festival, scheduled for May 20 – 27, 2006.
Registration is free and visitors can enjoy a week full of guided dives, workshops, seminars and advanced dives, while nightfall brings happy hour gatherings with live entertainment, movies on the beach, BBQs and night dives. The festivities begin with opening ceremonies at Lion’s Dive & Beach Resort on Saturday evening, May 20, at 6:00 pm. Visitors are welcome to join the full week of activities, or just join in for two or three days, since it’s a free festival there is no monetary commitment that ties visitors in to a strict schedule. Plus, local dive operators are offering special packages throughout the festival.
In addition to fabulous diving, Curaçao also offers great hotel and resort options. Twelve participating hotels are offering a special airfare credit of for the dive festival of $100 to $200 off the final hotel bill for stays of five nights or longer.
World famous experts will lead the Curaçao Dive Festival program with workshops and seminars throughout the festival:
Robert F. Myers, a biologist who specializes in fish recognition and is currently working on a book about identification of fish in the Caribbean, will lead fish identification seminars for divers eager to learn. He will also lead a reef dive and explain the behavior of the fish and point out their hiding spots.
John Chatterton and Richie Kohler, consultants for the film and television industry as well as co-hosts of the popular Deep Sea Detectives television series on the History Channel, will lead workshops on wreck exploration. John is passionate about diving shipwrecks and has explored such famous wrecks as Andrea Doria, Lusitania, Britannic, and most recently Titanic. Richie is an experienced technical wreck diver and shipwreck historian who has been diving and exploring shipwrecks since 1980. Their work identifying a WWII German Submarine, U-869, has been the subject of several television documentaries and a best selling book by Robert Kurson, “Shadow Divers”. The New York Times bestseller will soon be a major motion picture by 20th Century Fox, to be directed by Ridley Scott.
Leading an underwater photography seminar is expert photographer, Marty Snyderman. Marty is experienced in still photography and film production, and is an author and speaker specializing in the marine environment. Marty’s work has been featured in National Geographic Magazine, Skin Diver Magazine, Dive Training, Sport Diver, Time, Newsweek, and more. Marty has been involved in underwater photography for 25 years and continues to produce compelling images of marine life in attempts to raise awareness and interest about marine issues.
Dr. Peter B. Bennett, Ph.D., D.Sc., a physiologist and scientist, has made significant contributions to the recreational diving industry including the founding of the Divers Alert Network (DAN) in 1980. For 23 years he provided the vision and guidance to develop and direct the world’s largest diving medical, health and safety organization. He was also singularly responsible for conducting and initiating international research in areas that have directly and indirectly benefited both the recreational, commercial and military diving fields over the past half century.
For additional information on the Curaçao Dive Festival schedule, free registration information, eligibility for the special “Airfare Credit” from hotels or for information on suggested accommodations, please visit www.curacao-event.com
Curaçao, located outside of the hurricane belt, boasts an eclectic mix of history and culture, which creates a Caribbean experience like no other. Also known for its eco-tourism and pristine diving conditions, Curaçao attracts the adventure traveler as well as those looking to unwind and enjoy its perfect climate. Visitors to Curaçao will enjoy an 18-hole championship golf course, casinos and much more. American Airlines offers daily flights into Curaçao from Miami and Continental flies direct from Newark weekly. Contact hotels or travel agents directly for more information.
To learn more about Curaçao or to receive a free destination DVD contact 1-800-3- CURAÇAO (1-800-328-7222) or visit www.curacao.com