Uncategorized Archives - Bon Trade Intl. Corp.

The origins of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving has a way of drawing us back to the essentials—family, food, and gratitude. But how did this beloved holiday begin, and how did it evolve into the feast we know today? Let’s take a journey through the history of Thanksgiving, from a humble harvest celebration to the centerpiece of the holiday season.

The story starts in the autumn of 1621, in Plymouth, Massachusetts. The Pilgrims, having survived a brutal first winter in the New World, gathered to celebrate their first successful harvest. They invited their neighbors, the Wampanoag, who had taught them essential survival skills like planting corn and fishing in the local rivers. Together, they shared a three-day feast.

What was on the first Thanksgiving menu ?

What was on the menu? Likely a far cry from the dishes we pile onto our plates today. Instead of turkey, the meal featured wildfowl such as ducks or geese, along with venison brought by the Wampanoag. Corn, beans, and squash—known as the “Three Sisters” in Native American agriculture—were also likely present, along with dried fruits and shellfish.

Giving thanks and being grateful

Though this feast was a one-time celebration, the idea of setting aside a day for gratitude resurfaced throughout American history. In 1789, President George Washington proclaimed a day of thanksgiving to mark the new Constitution. Then, in 1863, Abraham Lincoln made Thanksgiving a national holiday, urging Americans to reflect on their blessings even amid the Civil War. It was a moment of unity during a time of division, and gratitude became the enduring theme of the holiday.

When did Turkey become the main course

By the late 19th century, Thanksgiving began to resemble what we know today. Turkeys took center stage because they were plentiful, affordable, and big enough to feed a family. Stuffing, or dressing, became a favorite accompaniment, with recipes varying by region—cornbread stuffing in the South, wild rice in the Midwest.

Mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce also joined the table over time. Cranberries, native to North America, were originally consumed by Native Americans, but it wasn’t until sugar became more accessible in the 19th century that they transformed into the sweet-tart sauce we love today.

Do not forget desert !

And of course, what would Thanksgiving be without pumpkin pie? While the Pilgrims may have roasted pumpkins, the creamy, spiced dessert we know didn’t emerge until later, thanks to advancements in baking techniques and the availability of milk, eggs, and sugar.

Tradition is established with room for a personal touch

Today, Thanksgiving is a blend of history and tradition. Families gather to share not only food but also their gratitude for the blessings of the past year. The menu may evolve—some add dishes like mac and cheese, green bean casserole, or even vegan options—but the essence of the holiday remains the same.

Enjoy the meal and remember how we got here and the real reason for the celebration

So as you carve the turkey or pass the stuffing this year, take a moment to reflect. Thanksgiving is more than just a meal; it’s a tribute to resilience, generosity, and the simple act of giving thanks. In a world that often moves too fast, it’s a reminder to pause and savor the moment—grateful for the people and traditions that bring us together.

Even if you do not live in the U.S.A, or you do not celebrate Thanksgiving as a formal holiday, remember the reason for this day of gratitude and be thankful everyone and everything you have in your life.

May God bless you all

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.

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.

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.

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?

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

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.

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.

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.