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Honoring our Heroes: Veterans Day in the United States

On November 11th, the United States celebrates Veterans Day. This holiday honors the men and women who served in the armed forces. Unlike Memorial Day, Veterans Day is for all veterans—those living, those who have passed, and those still in service. It’s a day to remember, reflect, and give thanks for the sacrifices they made to protect our nation’s freedom.

Veterans Day started as Armistice Day. This day originally marked the end of World War I, and when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on November 11, 1918. Later, in 1954, President

Dwight D. Eisenhower renamed it Veterans Day. The new name was meant to honor veterans from all branches and wars, from World War II to the Korean War and beyond.

A day of celebration and reflection

For many Americans, Veterans Day is personal. It’s a time to remember family members or friends who served. Across the country, communities come together in various ways. Some attend parades, others join assemblies, and some pause for a moment of silence. Visiting veterans’ hospitals, volunteering, or connecting with veteran organizations are all common ways to show respect.

Many sacrifices are made by our service men and women

Honoring veterans reminds us of their courage, strength, and dedication. They have served in both combat and peace missions, facing many risks and hardships. Many left families behind to serve our country. They have shown true dedication to our freedom and safety.

How can we help and honor our veterans.

There are many ways to honor veterans on this day. A simple “thank you” to a veteran can go a long way. Supporting veteran-owned businesses, giving to charities for veterans, or hiring veterans can all make a difference. Small actions can show veterans our appreciation in lasting ways.

 

This Veterans Day, take a moment to think about the service and sacrifices of our veterans. Their commitment to our nation’s freedom deserves our deepest gratitude. Let’s celebrate and honor these heroes who protect our nation. Their dedication and bravery are a legacy we can all look up to.

Bon Trade Intl. salutes all veterans


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How did we end up with the name October on our calendar?

It’s all related to the fascinating evolution of our calendar.

In ancient Rome, calendars looked different. They started with a ten-month calendar. March, named after Mars, the god of war, marked the year’s beginning. Following March were April, May, June, Quintilis, Sextilis, September, October, November, and December. Months were initially based on the lunar cycle and the agricultural year.

  Early Roman Calendar

Winter was a time Romans didn’t bother to count in their calendar. This changed when they realized the need for a more systematic approach. Around 713 BC, King Numa Pompilius reformed the calendar. He added January and February, making it a 12-month system, aligning more closely with the lunar year of about 354 days.

Still, discrepancies persisted, leading to further reforms. Julius Caesar made a significant change in 45 BC, introducing the Julian calendar. This calendar extended the year to 365.25 days and added a leap day every four years to keep seasons aligned. January became the first month of the year, cementing October in its new spot as the tenth month.

      Julius Caesar

Despite these improvements, the Julian calendar wasn’t perfect. Over centuries, minor inaccuracies accumulated. By the 16th century, the equinoxes and solstices had drifted significantly. In 1582, Pope Gregory XIII enacted further reform. This led to the Gregorian calendar, which we use today. He introduced rules for leap years, correcting the drift by omitting three leap years every 400 years. This made the calendar more precise.

    365 1/4 days around                the Sun.
     Pope Gregory XIII

 

 

 

 

 

 

In this evolved system, October retained its name despite shifting to the tenth month. The name comes from “octo,” the Latin word for eight. So each time October rolls around, we embrace centuries of history, reflecting an ancient past and the legacy of reforms that shape our lives today.

It’s fascinating how these changes have all culminated into the modern calendar, grounding us in the rhythm of the Earth’s seasons and the cycle of time itself. Pretty cool to think about, isn’t it?

 

    Modern Calendar

Besides this interesting history, October is also important for being breast cancer awareness month and Halloween, which is celebrated on October 31st.

 


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Understanding the Difference in Labor Day Celebrations:

Why We Are Closed for Business Today, Sept 2nd, 2024?

As a shipping business based in the United States, we are committed to providing exceptional service to our valued customers in the Caribbean and beyond. However, today we are closed in observance of Labor Day, a significant holiday in the U.S, that celebrates the contributions of workers to the nation’s prosperity.

I am sure you know Labor Day being observed on May 1st, known as International Workers’ Day or May Day. It is celebrated by many countries around the world. This difference in dates often raises questions. So let’s take a closer look at the history and reasons behind these distinct celebrations.

 

The Origins of Labor Day in the United States

In the United States, Labor Day is celebrated on the first Monday of September each year. This holiday originated in the late 19th century.  It was during a time when the labor movement was gaining momentum, and workers were fighting for fair wages, reasonable working hours, and safer working conditions. The first Labor Day parade was held on September 5, 1882, in New York City. It was organized by the Central Labor Union. The event was a significant success, leading other labor organizations to adopt the idea of a “workingmen’s holiday.”

By 1894, Labor Day had become a national holiday, signed into law by President Grover Cleveland. The choice of September was deliberate. It distanced the U.S. holiday from International Workers’ Day on May 1, which had connections to more radical labor movements. It also considers the Haymarket Affair in Chicago in 1886, a violent confrontation between labor protesters and police. The U.S. government wanted to avoid further association with these events. So it opted for a September celebration to honor American workers in a manner that encouraged national unity and economic progress.

 

May 1st: International Workers’ Day

In contrast, the International Workers’ Day is celebrated on May 1st and has roots in the global labor movement. It is widely recognized as a day to honor the struggles and achievements of workers worldwide. This date was chosen to commemorate the Haymarket Affair in Chicago. It is a pivotal event in labor history that underscored the fight for the eight-hour workday. Today, May Day is observed in many countries with parades, protests, and various demonstrations advocating for workers’ rights and social justice.

 

Why We Are Closed Today

Today, as we celebrate Labor Day in the United States, our offices are closed, and our team is taking a well-deserved break to honor this tradition. We understand that many of our customers in the Caribbean and other regions may not observe this holiday on the same date. However, we believe it is essential to recognize and appreciate the hard work and dedication of our employees, who are the backbone of our company.

While we are closed today, rest assured that we will resume our operations promptly and continue to provide the reliable shipping services you count on. We thank you for your understanding and patience, and we wish you a productive and pleasant day.

In observance of Labor Day, let’s take a moment to reflect on the contributions of workers everywhere, regardless of when the holiday is celebrated. It’s a day to appreciate the value of labor and the progress that has been made toward fair and equitable working conditions for all.

Happy Labor Day! We look forward to serving you again tomorrow.


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The birth of a Nation

Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a cherished national holiday in the United States, commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. This pivotal moment in history marked the birth of a new nation, free from British rule, and has since been celebrated with fervor and patriotism across the country. The day is not only a celebration of historical significance but also a reflection of American values and identity.

The journey to independence was fraught with challenges and sacrifices. The American colonies, frustrated by oppressive British policies and taxation without representation, sought to assert their right to self-governance. Tensions culminated in the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War in 1775. Amidst the turmoil, the Continental Congress convened, and on July 2, 1776, they voted in favor of independence. Two days later, the Declaration of Independence, primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson, was formally adopted, articulating the colonies’ grievances against King George III and their unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

A symbol of National Pride

The Fourth of July quickly became a symbol of national pride and unity. Early celebrations included public readings of the Declaration, parades, and festivities. Over the years, the holiday evolved, incorporating fireworks, concerts, barbecues, and family gatherings. The tradition of fireworks symbolizes the “rockets’ red glare” and “bombs bursting in air” referenced in “The Star-Spangled Banner,” evoking the struggle for independence and the enduring spirit of freedom.

Independence Day is also a time to reflect on the nation’s founding principles and the ongoing pursuit of a more perfect union. It serves as a reminder of the democratic ideals enshrined in the Declaration and the Constitution, inspiring civic engagement and a commitment to protecting individual freedoms. The holiday underscores the importance of unity in diversity, as people from various backgrounds come together to celebrate their shared identity as Americans.

Patriotism and Diverse Traditions

Moreover, the Fourth of July has grown to represent not just political independence but also cultural independence. It is a celebration of American culture, from the diverse culinary traditions enjoyed at barbecues to the vibrant displays of patriotism in parades and festivals. The day fosters a sense of community and belonging, as people gather with family, friends, and neighbors to honor their country’s heritage.

 

 

 

 

 

An ongoing journey toward Liberty and Justice for All

In essence, Independence Day is more than just a historical milestone; it is a living testament to the resilience, courage, and spirit of the American people. It is a celebration of freedom, a tribute to the past, and a pledge to uphold the values that define the United States. As fireworks light up the sky each year, they serve as a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of July 4, 1776, and the ongoing journey toward liberty and justice for all.


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Low Growth Trajectory expected in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2024

The United Nations regional body is anticipating a slowing down in regional growth in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2024.  This is according to a recent press release from ECLAC.

The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) said its last report for 2023 showed that the regions’ projected growth for the year was 2.2% and it is likely to slow to 1.9% in 2024. This shows a deceleration in levels of growth compared with 2022.

In 2022, the Caribbean (excluding Guyana) grew by 6.4% economically, and it is expected to slow its trajectory to 3.4% in 2023, and to 2.6% in 2024.

The knock on effects

This indicates that there could be a deceleration in job creation and other challenges like informality gender gaps continuing.

“Latin America and the Caribbean’s low growth may be aggravated by the negative effects of an intensification of climate shocks, if the investments that countries need in climate change adaptation and mitigation are not made,” said ECLAC’s Executive Secretary, José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs.

Salazar-Xirinachs stressed that “there must be a considerable increase in concessional financing (offering more generous terms than conventional financing). Doing so will help encourage investors to stick with investment plans over time. These efforts must be accompanied by domestic macroeconomic policies that favor resource mobilization. This would include government actions such as boosting public projects to promote investment and  economic growth.

The report stated that “given the challenges of boosting growth and tackling climate change, it is essential to enhance public and private investment. Public investment in the region is low in comparison with advanced economies, and even other developing regions.

“This low level of investment has translated into a stock of public capital (infrastructure) that is insufficient.  More spending will be necessary to boost economic growth and development.” So, increased government investment in infrastructure projects would mitigate the affects of the slow down by  hiring more people and injecting cash into the economy.

The report advocates for a multifaceted approach encompassing productive development, macroeconomic strategies, and international reforms to create a more sustainable and inclusive economic future for Latin America and the Caribbean.

Additional reports

A report by FichtSolutions.com supports the report by ECLAC and adds that the slow down in 2024 comes after several years of growth after the the end of the COVID lockdowns.  The report also mentions that the slowdown will partly be due to a forecasted recession in the U.S. It is expected to stat in the second quarter of 2024, directly affecting tourism.

Past 2024, FichtSolutons.com expects a rebound fueled by a tourism recovery that is expected to last into 2028.

Conclusion

Stated succinctly, the ECLAC report recommends four key measures to be addressed in 2024: 1. fiscal space enhancement, 2. management of financial and foreign-exchange risks, 3. mobilization of concessional financing and development banking, and 4. the establishment of debt relief mechanisms linked to climate targets.

The potential impact on the ABC Islands  

The slowing down of the economies in the region could have a negative effect on Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao.  These islands rely heavily on tourism and a decline in the number of visitors will impact the hospitality and service sectors.

Economic decline could also lead to a reduction in demand for the goods that the ABC islands export, and may include commodities and certain manufactured goods.

It will be important to keep an eye on foreign investment on the islands. A slow down in foreign investment projects could translate into a short term decrease in the creation of new jobs and stagnate salaries.

ABC islanders’ purchasing power could be affected if the economy declines. So, measures to mitigate this result should be of great importance to the local governments.

The islands’ governments may need to re-evaluate their spending priorities. This could have social repercussions on poverty levels, social inequality, and the provision of social services.

ECLAC indicated that there needs to be changes to the international financial and tax structure to help the regions’ countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and attract resources.

All three islands have benefitted from a boost in tourism in 2022 and 2023.  So, It will be important for the governments to take action to support economic growth and stability in 2024.

Being aware of this potential slow down, and preparing for it is important.  By doing so, the region will get through 2024 with minimal fallout and on to the upswing expected in 2025.

 


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During my trips to the Caribbean I always find myself explaining our shipping rates.   I also have to justify our rates as compared to the competition.

Unfortunately there is no standardized quoting system that shows who is higher in price and who is lower.  What makes it even more difficult to be discerning is that you often do not even get the same service.  It can vary from one consolidator or  forwarder to another.
Consolidators can give you a shipping rate of $3.00 per cubic foot and cost you more than the one charging $4.50 per cubic foot. This is  because the $3.00 rate is only the ocean freight and there are 5 or 6 other charges that will be added  to it.  And, of course, the receiving agents will have fees and charges that can vary widely also.


Bon Trade Intl. Corp. 40th Anniversary
Bon Trade Intl. Corp. was founded in 1984 to be a service company in support of the export trade to the Caribbean from South Florida, The Gateway to the Caribbean, and South America.

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