Logistics Hub

The Ministry of Finance and the Public Service on Wednesday (November 4) launched the Jamaica InvestmentMap, a digital platform that will facilitate interactive public access to information on investment projects being implemented by the Government. These include the construction of roads, bridges and schools, government reform, and climate resilient projects, the progress of which individuals and entities will be able to track and provide feedback, through the posting of comments and photos, among other inputs. The facility, which is being implemented under the Strategic Public Sector Transformation Project in the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, is intended to support Government steps to strengthen the management of public investments in Jamaica Its establishment resulted from dialogue to this end between the Administration and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), which financed the undertaking via a regional technical cooperation grant provided through its Transparency Fund. A total of 70 projects funded by the Government, as also multilateral institutions, have already been uploaded on the site, which is the seventh such facility established in Latin America and the Caribbean. InvestmentMap platforms have already been launched in Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Paraguay, and Peru. Jamaica also has the distinction of being the first English-speaking country to establish the facility. Speaking during the digital launch, Portfolio Minister, Dr. the Hon. Nigel Clarke, said the platform represents a continuation of the Government’s implementation of public financial management reforms over recent years. These, he said, include a Public Investment Management System (PIMS) and a Public Investment Management Secretariat, noting that these have greatly streamlined the public investment process. The Minister posited that public investment is the route by which the Government improves the quality of life of the Jamaican people. “When you spend on public investment, the benefits accrue over the natural life of that particular [engagement]. When you build a bridge or a road, it’s not just for today, it’s for the next month, the next year, the next decade. When you invest in technology through public investment, the benefit lasts over time; and that’s why public investment is so important and such a crucial component to the Budget,” he added. In her remarks, IDB Caribbean Country Department General Manager, Therese Turner Jones, said the InvestmentMap platform aims to make information on public investment projects available in a most user-friendly, easily accessible navigable format to the broadest possible audience. “I’m really hoping that every citizen of Jamaica, at some point, logs on to the Map and uses this information to increase their awareness of what their government is doing on the public investment side,” she added. Meanwhile, Financial Secretary, Darlene Morrison, said the InvestmentMap creation comes at an opportune time, adding that it will provide “valuable support to our project analysts in the Ministry of Finance in their monitoring and reporting on the financial and physical status of the public investment projects under implementation”. “We have great expectations that the Jamaica InvestmentMap will be accepted and extensively utilised by the public at large, and that it will contribute significantly to the general efforts being made to improve transparency and accountability in the use of public resources,” she added. The platform may be accessed at https://publicinvestmentmap.gov.jm. Source: https://jis.gov.jm/access-to-information-on-public-investment-projects/

Global card company Mastercard is working with its banking partners to implement money-sending services in Jamaica utilising its network. The mobile application will come online in 2021, according to Dalton Fowles, country manager for Mastercard in Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago. “Before the end of next year, the Jamaican people will be able to enjoy peer-to-peer transfers from their phones,” said Fowles, at an event marking the company’s one-year anniversary in Jamaica. He added that it would meet all the regulatory guidelines and allow for transfers between all banking platforms, which is referred to in the industry as interoperability. Mastercard is deepening its operations in Jamaica’s payments market at a time when the providers of mobile money services are struggling to get subscribers to hop aboard. Fowles acknowledged that local mobile wallets have not taken off, but said the solution provided by Mastercard would provide further value by tapping into its global network. “We are having conversations with various stakeholders about making sure as a market we can introduce peer-to-peer mobile transfers. A lot of companies have tried it in the past and it hasn’t been successful,” he said. Mastercard wants to convert into electronic transfers some of the cash in local circulation, which was hovering at around US$9 billion to US$11 billion – or roughly $1.5 trillion in local currency – in 2019, Fowles said. Details on the precise working of the application were undisclosed as negotiations are ongoing. Fowles added, however, that the solution would also seek to woo Jamaicans without formal bank accounts as their entry into the formal system. “Imagine what it would mean for those who are heavily cash dependent and have a legitimate business,” he said, while noting service would keep records of inflows and outflows per user. “They will have the records that they can take to their bank and say ‘These are my flows. I have a great idea and I want to expand my business’.” A year ago, Mastercard decided to expand its Caribbean presence, setting up an office in Jamaica with the commitment to develop and innovate a secure payment ecosystem in this market. It aims to bring new technologies to increase access to money while securing commerce, physical and digitally. As part of its back-end services, the company introduced Mastercard Digital Enablement Service which gives cardholders an added layer of security when shopping. With this system, consumers can record their card credentials on their connected device, mobile wallet, or online merchant site without the risk of exposing the actual card account details. Mastercard International recently announced a commitment of US$250 million to be deployed over five years to support small businesses in financial, technology, product, and insight assets globally. Simultaneously, the company expanded its worldwide commitment to financial inclusion, pledging to bring a total of one billion people and 50 million micro and small businesses into the digital economy by 2025. Part of that effort includes direct focus on providing 25 million women entrepreneurs with solutions to grow their businesses. Source: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/business/20201101/mastercard-plans-money-transfers-jamaica-2021

The Plant Quarantine Produce Inspection (PQPI) Division, Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, will be the next border regulatory agency (BRA) to implement a platform under the Jamaica Electronic Single Window for Trade (JSWIFT). JSWIFT is a one-stop-shop facility designed to provide fully automated services to enable traders and their representatives to transact all attendant business engagements online through a single portal, thereby having access to the services provided by all cross-border regulatory agencies. The programme falls under the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce. Speaking at a recently held Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank, Minister of State in the Industry, Investment and Commerce Ministry, Dr. the Hon. Norman Dunn, said that the PQPI is expected to have the platform ready before the end of the year. “We are ensuring that all the BRAs that fall under the Ministry and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries will be brought on board in a whole-of-government approach,” he said. JSWIFT is intended to enhance trade facilitation and the delivery of services. The activities facilitated under the initiative include securing the requisite approvals from the relevant regulatory agencies or authorities for goods being imported and exported. A total of 20 government entities that handle import and export transactions are expected to implement JSWIFT across two phases. Dr. Dunn shared that the Pesticide Control Authority (PCA) and the Veterinary Services Division are also to be included in the first phase of the programme. “We are committed, as a Government, to ensuring that business with our departments and agencies is done in a manner that ensures that these businesses perform optimally, because we are their steady partner in realising greater efficiency,” he noted. JSWIFT is being hosted and operated by the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA). Source: https://jis.gov.jm/plant-quarantine-produce-inspection-division-to-implement-platform-under-jswift/

Over 8000 import and export permits have been approved by the Trade Board Limited, through the Jamaica Single Window for Trade (JSWIFT) portal, since June 2020. JSWIFT is a single electronic platform providing fully automated access to all cross-border regulatory agencies, enabling traders and their representatives to transact all businesses online. The one-stop-shop allows importers and exporters to apply for licenses, permits, certificates, and any other international trade-related documents through a single portal. Speaking at a Jamaica Information Service Think Tank session on October 30, Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Dr the Hon Norman Dunn said, the Government has been pursuing several initiatives in the last few years to improve the business and trade environment in Jamaica. “The purpose of the Government is to create an enabling environment for our stakeholders to ensure that they receive the optimal service from us because we are their steady partner in realising greater efficiency,” he said. “JSWIFT is a great example that we are utilising to show this approach [that the] Government can institute a portal that will ensure that persons can do …online transactions and to ensure that it is done in the shortest possible time,” he added. The Trade Board Limited is the first Cross-Border Regulatory Agency to pilot the full-scale implementation of JSWIFT, with the integration of export facilitation services done in June and the incorporation of import facilitation services in July. Dr. Dunn noted that the Trade Facilitation Unit and the Ministry, have been very responsive to the feedback from the users of the platform, with several modifications made since its implementation earlier this year. “We want to commend the Trade Facilitation Unit and the entire Ministry that have worked assiduously on this project, they identified solutions when the issues are brought to their attention and their quick action with the various partners have allowed for us, for the first implementer (Trade Board Limited) to form solutions for the issues,” he explained. JSWIFT is being implemented, hosted and operated by the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) on behalf of the Government of Jamaica. Source: https://jis.gov.jm/over-8000-permits-approved-through-jswift-since-june/

Almost 15,000 persons from 149 countries have visited the Jamaica Trade Information Portal (JTIP), since its launch in 2019. JTIP is a single authoritative source for trade information relating to import-export regulations, requirements, and processes. Speaking at a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank session on October 30, Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Dr. the Hon. Norman Dunn said, the Government is committed to facilitating trade. “The Government has been pursuing several initiatives including JTIP in the last few years, to improve the business and trade environment by bringing information online so it is easily accessible,” he said. JTIP is among several initiatives pursued by the Government since Jamaica became a signatory to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement in 2016. In the meantime, Trade Administrator and Chief Executive Officer of the Trade Board Limited (TBL), Douglas Webster said, his organisation is looking at expanding the role of the online platform. “We see it as important to engage prospective traders globally so we want to step up the role of JTIP in the face of international economic decline. We have a harder battle against the reality of COVID, so we are now making contact with the diplomatic community with a view of cementing the presence of JTIP in with the various members of the diplomatic community,” he explained. Mr. Webster further stated that the TBL will be aiming to increase its engagement with current and prospective users. The JTIP database includes information on standards, tariffs, fees, levies, and applicable penalties; various authorisations; inspections and verifications, and details about trade agreements while highlighting opportunities. Persons interested in using the portal can visit the website at https://jamaicatradeportal.gov.jm/. Source: https://jis.gov.jm/15000-persons-from-149-countries-visit-jtip/

A team of five government employees, who designed an educational solution that seeks to ensure reliable connection for students, has emerged the winner of the Government of Jamaica (GOJ) CodeFest 2020 competition, taking the coveted cash prize of $400,000. The team is comprised of Trevor Brown from the Accountant General’s Department, Erica Virgo and Shellece Bryan from eGovJa, and Chevroy Lindo and Bertland Hope from the Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO). They were adjudged the winners after presenting their solution, called ‘Digitised Connections. Education for Anyone, Anywhere’ during eGovJa’s virtual two-day hackathon held on October 22 and October 23. Among other things, it seeks to ensure reliable and continuous digital access to educational provisions for students now doing classes remotely due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), provide supervision and monitoring, and provide parents with a reliable platform for keeping up with their children’s progress. Features include online registration of users, such as students, teachers, parents and mentors, and facilitating communication among them; easy access by students to lessons and assignments posted by teachers; enabling teachers to assign tasks to mentors to guide students; and notifications sent to mentors about students’ presence or absence. There is also a text-to-speech feature and a focus on individualised attention for students with disabilities. Five teams entered CodeFest 2020 in the categories of: education, agriculture, healthcare, commerce and crime, under the theme ‘Connect…. Code… Implement…. Technological Solutions for National Development’. The two-day competition, spearheaded by eGovJa’s Innovation Hub Department, was targeted at highly skilled technical government staff with expertise in all aspects of information and communications technology (ICT). Persons were invited to come up with ideas, which can be further refined, reshaped and modified to provide viable solutions to various challenges. Chief Executive Officer, eGovJa, Maurice Barnes, said that through Codefest, “we want to provide an environment where our participants can connect, thereby building and/or strengthening the existing relationships within the ICT community across ministries, departments and agencies through collaborative work”. “It is also an opportunity for them to code, enhancing their skills and knowledge around agile software development, artificial intelligence, data analytics and others. This will provide a professional development opportunity where participants can develop innovative technological solutions that address challenges facing the country, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic,” he pointed out. “The aim is to implement, extract prototypes of innovative solutions that can be refined to eventually form part of the service offerings in government,” he added. Mr. Barnes commended the winning team and the other competitors. He said that during the pitch session, the judges were introduced to five solid solutions, which have great potential for development. “The solutions that were shared by the teams collectively, show that the talent pool within government is wide and there is great potential for deeper collaboration to devise solutions that are dynamic and contribute to national development,” he noted. “At eGovJa, we are committed to encouraging design thinking and partnering with the GOJ community to advance the goal of a digital society,” Mr. Barnes added. eGovJa is the entity tasked with implementing ICT projects across government. Source: https://jis.gov.jm/educational-solution-takes-top-prize-at-codefest-2020/

RUBiS Energy Jamaica Limited recently dispatched the island’s first export shipment of petrochemicals — a move which sees the country becoming the first in the region to undertake such a venture due to its terminal and storage infrastructure. The company this month also commenced regional distribution of its petrochemical products to the international market. Petrochemicals are used as feedstock in the production of everyday items, such as paints, degreasers, solvents, pesticides, bedding, furniture, insulation materials, and sanitary products. RUBiS is said to be one of the largest petrochemical suppliers in the region. “This is a groundbreaking moment for RUBiS and Jamaica’s export market as we expand our footprint to Latin America and the Caribbean region with the first shipments of petrochemical products,” a company news release quotes Troy Thompson, head of commercial operations. “We are excited about RUBiS’s entry in the export market as it positions Jamaica as a commercial-scale supplier within region — a major accomplishment considering that we are in the middle of a pandemic. We also continue to support the local manufacturing industries by providing products which are essential to the continued viability of so many industries, something we are very proud of,” he added. According to 2018 industry reports, the global petrochemical industry was valued at approximately US$539 billion, which, at the time, was also expected to see a compounded annual growth rate of five per cent over the forecasted period. Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters’ Association President Richard Pandohie, in lauding the move, underscored the impact of exports on national development along with the key role it plays in sustaining wealth creation, generating employment opportunities and providing foreign exchange earnings. He also reiterated the need to diversify the economy, a need which he said has been magnified amidst the negative fallout resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. “Manufacturing and export,” he argued, “must form an intrinsic part of our economy” as the country cannot continue to be over-reliant on the services sector. Referring to statistics from an impact survey undertaken by his organisation, Pandohie said that there were both challenges and opportunities to be derived from the pandemic. He therefore urged manufacturers and exporters to make bold steps in capitalising on increased demand in new markets. “There are a number of free trade agreements under which exporters can trade duty-free, and it is important that we take advantage of these opportunities and begin realising the benefits for our citizens,” he said. “Close to home, Caricom should be viewed and operate as an extension to our domestic market. Jamaica has a relatively small domestic market, which means we must always be looking outwards to expand and grow,” he said. Source: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/business-observer/rubis-enters-petrochemical-export-market_206382?profile=1056

Stanley Motta Limited (SML) CEO and Chair Melanie Subratie says despite the devastating economic impact resulting from the novel coronavirus outbreak the company, which was accorded Special Economic Zone (SEZ) status in March, stands to achieve stable earnings. “58 Half-Way-Tree Road is a SEZ. Tenants can’t move out as easily because they can’t go and operate like this anywhere else. If they want the special economic zone privileges they have to be located here. It is definitely an advantage in the commercial real estate space,” Subratie told the Jamaica Observer following the company’s annual general meeting last Friday. “Every single building here is leased and the rent leases are not going to change. Unless we build a new building, the revenue is probably going to stay the same. We have secure cash flow for the next four years, and if people are paying, then that’s what’s important and that’s what keeps us safe,” Subratie added. SEZ companies benefit from a reduced corporate tax of between 7.5 per cent and 12.5 per cent instead of the regular 25 per cent for other local companies. This status also includes duty-free importation, general consumption tax-free importation, and no requirement to pay additional stamp duty. It also allows the company to have income tax-free profits for an indeterminate period. The 58 HWT complex, one of the largest business process outsourcing (BPO) facilies in the English-speaking Caribbean, operates at 100 per cent occupancy. The facility consists of 230,000 square feet of office space rented predominantly to BPO firm Alorica and a range of other service provider tenants, including a child care facility, automated teller machines and financial services, health care, and a range of food and beverage options. “We spoke to all the tenants when COVID-19 first hit and we figured out a payment plan for three months, and we accommodated pretty much everyone as much as we could,” Subratie told the Business Observer. “That has now ended, and everyone is paying 100 per cent of their rent. Which is a good position to be in. The truth is, all investment in property is about cash flow. So when you sign a lease, you’re basically saying, ‘These people promise to pay me this amount of money every month for the next three years,’ ” she said. For the six-month period ended June 30, 202o, SML achieved revenues of $224.9 million, up 9.1 per cent over the previous corresponding period, and revenues for the quarter-end of $112.6 million, an 8.9 per cent increase over the previous corresponding quarter. These increases were mainly attributed to the depreciation of the Jamaican dollar. All rental contracts are in US dollars. The company’s net profit, however, was cut to $29.3 million in the quarter-end, from the $44.7 million recorded in the previous corresponding quarter. Subratie added that while the economic repercussions of the novel coronavirus pandemic have brought into sharp focus the need to preserve value, all Stanley Motta’s debt is long term and therefore poses little risk to the business during this time. “As they say in a downturn, leverage kills. I think it’s important to note that companies that have leverage should make sure that they check their debts, and that is something we did immediately and we were slightly lucky that there was a miscalculation in the Development Bank of Jamaica loan. We have actually been overpaying for a year and a half, which meant that we now have a moratorium on interest payments for the next 17 months,” the CEO said. She further indicated that SML is currently creating a development plan for its underutilised space. Source: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/business-observer-corporate-listing/sez-an-advantage-during-covid-19-says-stanley-motta-ceo-company-records-six-month-revenues-of-224-9-million_206379?profile=1056

When a ship calls into port, a great deal of arrangement needs to be made in advance of the vessel’s arrival. Coordinating ship and fresh water supplies, as well as crew transfer logistics from ship to port, are just some of the activities that must take place. Critical among them is the provision of fuel for the vessel through a process known as bunkering. Historically, steam was a dominant source of power in both land and sea transport – commonly, steamships fed coal into large furnaces on board vessels. The storage units for the coal were known as bunkers. As early as the 1970s, the port of Kingston was made popular for bunkering with the advent of the blockade on Cuba by the United States during the Cold War. All Russian vessels leaving Cuba would stop in the port of Kingston for bunkering for the long journey home. Today, marine bunkering services supply vessels with high sulphur fuel oil, very low sulphur fuel oil or low sulphur fuel oil, which is used as energy for propulsion, heat, and light. On average, on the international fuel market, the cost may vary between $350 and $450 per metric ton. The quantity to supply depends on the carrying capacity of the supply barge or vessel. Boasting the only maritime university in the English-speaking Caribbean and ranked as one of the top container trans-shipment facilities handling cargo in the region, Jamaica has been making strides to become a true logistics hub. Our geographical location, in the centre of the maritime trade lane, has proved advantageous for the country to also make its mark as a major bunkering hub in the Caribbean. Jamaica currently has three bunker supply companies in operation – West Indies Petroleum (WIP), Scott Petroleum and Bunker One (Jamaica). While explaining the diverse yet crucial role bunkering has played to the port of Kingston and to maritime trade, Leon Campbell, general manager at Lannaman and Morris Shipping Limited, who represents WIP, shared, “Bunkering has brought a lot of business to Kingston. Not only has it supported us, the port agents, but it has provided business to pilots, the Port Authority of Jamaica, Customs and boat operators.” He continued, “At times when ships call in to port for bunkering, they may end up doing other services such as taking provisions, which provides earnings for ship handlers. It [bunkering] is essential because it provides a range of opportunities for employment to every area of maritime trade.” Donald Barrant, operations manager at Maritime and Transport Services Limited, the shipping agent for Scott Petroleum, explained, “Jamaica’s position in the Caribbean has been ideal. We are in the main shipping lane leading to the Panama Canal, which from a trade perspective has many advantages. We have seen an increase in bunkering operations, even in the framework of COVID-19. Many vessels coming out of the Panama Canal pass through our waters, some mainly for fuel before continuing their journey. As the shipping agent, we get in touch with all stakeholders to ensure that the relevant suppliers have the bunker necessary for the ship. Similar with your car, each ship has its own specifications for fuel.” For a bunker trader, contacting ship charterers and bidding on the prices of the respective type of fuel to gain the best offer is the first step in the process. The trader then provides a supplier with the confirmation of the vessel’s details, including the type of vessel, estimated time of arrival to the port to effect supply, quantity and type of fuel, hose type connection, pump rate, among other details. WELL-NEEDED INCOME While echoing the sentiments shared by Barrant, Captain Michael Campbell, operations manager at Scott Petroleum, delved further into the economic impact, noting, “The bunker industry, with its constant flow of vessels calling in to our ports for fuel, provides a lucrative source of well-needed foreign exchange to the Jamaican economy. Bunker suppliers employ qualified maritime students to work on supply barges as cargo officers, engineers and able-bodied seamen. Certainly, our proximity has positively influenced the bunker service. We have established a solid reputation of professionalism, some ship transiting routes passing Jamaica often call for bunker only, before continuing to their scheduled destinations.” On the impact of the global health pandemic, Captain Campbell explained, “COVID-19 has created quite a few challenges and added to the complexities of the operations. The ship owner’s surveyor, vessel’s chief engineer charterers and bunker supplier must agree to COVID-19 protocols, which include policies regarding physical contact before bunker operations commence. Measures including social distancing, recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization, have been implemented but not limited to the wearing of personal protective equipment as per paragraph 8.4 of the Marine Environment Protection Committee .1/Circ .875/Add.1 Guidance on Best Practice for Fuel oil suppliers for Assuring the Quality of Fuel Oil Delivered to Ships.” The standards for bunkering are governed by the International Convention for Prevention of Marine Pollution For Ships, Annex I, which speaks to fuel quality and regulation of bunker operations. The Maritime Authority of Jamaica has established and issued a Code of Bunker, which sets out the standard for bunkering in Jamaica to bunker suppliers. In January of this year, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), implemented its IMO 2020 regulation – which stipulates that vessels are only allowed to use fuel with a maximum sulphur content of 0.50 per cent, as against the previous limit of 3.50 per cent. This measure was implemented to reduce marine pollution and to improve the ecological footprint of the shipping industry. Presently, the local refinery provides low sulphur distillates, in compliance with the regulation. Source: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/shipping/20201027/bunkering-fuelling-jamaicas-maritime-trade

Local technology and software company Amber Connect Group says its services are in demand in several non-English-speaking countries but its ability to capitalise on the requests is being hampered by language barriers and other challenges. In just four years of operation, Amber Connect Group has grown to operate in 23 countries including the United Kingdom, United States, South Africa, Mexico, Canada, Puerto Rico, Dutch Antilles and Trinidad. The prospects for the future are even brighter given the demands for its services, which comprise user-friendly vehicle tracking systems, electronic payment and rewards services and the provision of other digitised and innovative electronic solutions. The demand is said to be far and wide — from the Middle East to Europe. In fact, demand from those two continents has caused Amber Connect to consider increasing its reach into both markets. Speaking at a recent Jamaica Observer Business Forum, Amber Connect Group Managing Director Micheal McNaughton said despite the language challenges, the company is adamant that it will expand to the territories where its services are in demand. The company, he said, already has a presence in Africa, and will be further penetrating that market which is said to be the biggest market for Amber Connect outside of the Caribbean. The company is now in Turks and Caicos Islands, where it is constructing a COVID-19 monitoring and immigration system similar to the one built for Jamaica free of cost. The total cost for the Jamaican system was US$700,000. Amber Connect Group chief executive officer and founder Dushyant Savadia argued that the Middle East and Europe are “highly concentrated areas that we need to be focusing on”. Noting that they are distinctly different from the other markets being served by the company, Savadia admitted that Amber Connect has not done much work in either the Middle East or Europe. Given that reality, he said the company’s entrance strategy would need to be tweaked. He praised the team for its performance that has resulted in the company entering 23 markets in just four years. And while he acknowledged that the novel coronavirus pandemic has slowed down progress, he was optimistic that the company would be able to more than double its market presence over the next five years. In fact, Savadia told Caribbean Business Report he is projecting that by 2025 Amber Connect will grow its market presence to 60 countries globally. Meanwhile, Chief Commercial Officer Denise Williams is focusing on the company strengthening its product offering as it looks to expand overseas. Williams said Amber Connect is also pushing to grow the business vertically, meaning marketing all the goods and services of the six subsidiary companies at the same time. Source: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/business-report/amber-connect-preparing-to-enter-non-english-speaking-countries_205892?profile=1056