The idiom “when pigs fly” is not a popular one in the Caribbean these days as regional bloggers, like the rest of the world, keep a close eye on the Swine Flu threat. Bloggers from Cuba, the regional territory geographically situated the closest to Mexico, where the outbreak appears to have originated, are understandably very interested in the latest developments. Circles Robinson, writing at Havana Times, seems confident in his country's ability to stave off the threat: No cases of swine flu have been reported so far on the island. Over recent years Cuba has developed a system to face possible epidemics after the spread in some countries of bird flu. The authorities recommended that the population ‘step up personal and collective hygiene including covering the mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, frequently washing hands and maintaining cleanliness at homes and workplaces, as well as seeking medical attention when necessary.’ Experts are rushing to estimate just how dangerous the new Type A (H1N1) swine flu strain will be, gathering data on the outbreak in Mexico and other countries. Cuba is known for its nationwide civil defense network that last year had to confront three powerful hurricanes. Meanwhile, Along the Malecón, tongue firmly in cheek, says: The Cuban government's ability to organize the masses and oblige people to comply comes in handy when trying to prevent an outbreak of disease. Authorities have proven that in their campaign against dengue fever, for instance. The Cubans’ organizational skill also comes through whenever authorities need to prepare for a hurricane, stage a mass rally or bring out people to vote (Option A: Fidel. Option B: Fidel. Option C: Fidel). I know, I know…Cubans have their own style of democracy. Girl With a Purpose reports that the Jamaican government is taking no chances: The Ministry of Health has put Jamaica on a Swine Flu Alert. This means that all ports of entry to the island, are being watched carefully by Health officials, to identify travellers from Mexico, USA and Canada, who may be infected with the virus…there have been Health Desks set up at the island's two international airports…which are being manned by nurses. The blogger herself appears to be following the Jamaican authorities’ lead: the rest of her post is chock full of practical information on protecting yourself against the disease. Further away from the source of the outbreak is Guyana, although the country's close proximity to Colombia, which has reportedly identified a few cases of the outbreak within its borders, has blogger Imran Khan paying attention: I do not believe that it is yet time to panic but certainly the 12 suspected cases of swine flu in Colombia must be cause for concern. The Minister of Health says we have little to worry about but stay safe people. While once pork is thoroughly it should bring no harm you may want to consider what and where you eat. It may be the safest thing, as far as possible, to prepare your own food until this whole thing passes. Bermuda's Catch a fire and Trinidad and Tobago's Coffeewallah, however, really feel for the Mexican people during this trying time. Catch a fire says that the last thing Mexico needed on top of the Swine Flu outbreak was an earthquake: For a country already under extreme stress from the flu outbreak, especially its medical services, this is not exactly helpful. I am a bit unsure whether everyone staying at home is a good thing or not here – less people in crowded areas to be injured, but more chances of people being in buildings that could fall. And the potential for this to accelerate the spread of the flu there is, well, its not a pretty thought at the moment. Coffeewallah, who met the Mexican President at the recently concluded Fifth Summit of the Americas, adds: Today I really feel for President Calderon…my heart is with him in Cuidad Mexico rocked by a 6.0 earthquake and ravaged by swine flu. Very Animal Farm, makes you wonder really if Mother Nature is exacting her revenge on us. That'll teach us stupid humans. The Mexican economy which was doing okay is now going to take a hit. Mexican products, tourism and people are taking a blow that is simply not fair, one hopes that they will weather this storm and come out the other side soon. Vaya con dios mis amigos. Barbados Free Press is already seeing the fallout that the outbreak is having on the local travel industry, but is realistic about the situation: No man and no nation can control the wind, tides and the seas. And so it is with swine flu. Nothing that Barbados did contributed to the outbreak, and little that Barbados does will matter on an international scale.