Daily Archives: September 8, 2021

Sports betting company BetMGM is expanding to the island of Puerto Rico.

The company has agreed to a strategic partnership with the Casino Del Mar at La Concha Resort in San Juans Condado neighborhood.

That will include the launch of both retail and mobile sports betting, including a retail sports book at the beach resort and a mobile app launch throughout Puerto Rico.

The two sides said they expected to offer sports betting capabilities as soon as the regulated market commences in Puerto Rico.

This marks a major milestone for BetMGM, as we share plans to bring our sports betting platform outside of the U.S. mainland for the first time, said Adam Greenblatt, CEO of BetMGM. La Concha Resort is an ideal partner, and together we look forward to bringing BetMGMs retail and mobile sports betting experiences to sports fans acrossPuerto Rico.

Its a major gaming addition for Puerto Rico, which has been home to casino gambling for decades but has never fully capitalized on it with any major casino resorts or brands.

That changed with this years announcement of Foxwoods entry to the market at the El San Juan resort, and now with the BetMGM deal theres a new trend on the island.

The Government ofPuerto Ricowelcomes this partnership for the economic development of our island, said Orlando A. Rivera Carrin, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Gaming Commission.

CJ

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BetMGM Is Expanding to Puerto Rico Caribbean Journal - Caribbean Journal

The regional agriculture ministers met with their counterparts from the wider American hemisphere at the Conference of Ministers of Agriculture 2021, which was held virtually, under the theme of Sustainable Agrifood Systems, the Engine of Development of the Americas.

The world is facing many challenges and the Americas has its own challenges. Specifically, we in the Caribbean need to build greater resilience to climate-change-related natural disasters, said Indar Weir, the Barbados Minister of Agriculture and Food Security.

In Barbados, this year we have had to endure the passage of Hurricane Elsa and we are still in the hurricane season, so we must ensure that the entire Caribbean is protected, he said, thanking the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) for its work to achieve agricultural sustainability in the Caribbean and commended the Director-General, Manuel Otero, for his re-election to head the organization for a second term.

Jamaicas Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Floyd Green, lamented the fact that his countrys productive sector suffered tremendous losses because of the passage of Tropical Storm Ida.

Now is the time to work to transform agrifood systems and that is what the Caricom member countries are doing. Climate change challenges are enormous, he said, while expressing his appreciation for IICAs contributions in assisting his country to introduce greater technological innovation to benefit small farmers.

His Guyanese counterpart, Zulfikar Mustapha, said the region is one of the most vulnerable to climate change and natural disasters in general.Our economies and production systems have suffered the impact of the volcano eruption in St Vincent and the Grenadines, the earthquake in Haiti and the floods in Guyana and Suriname that destroyed crops and animals. Now we are tackling an outbreak of African swine fever in the Dominican Republic. It is critical that we strengthen our agrifood systems.

Our task is to create agriculture and tourism linkages and to develop public-private partnerships that allow us to implement climate-smart technology and digital agriculture. We need financing for climate mitigation and adaptation today more than ever. The support of IICA and other international institutions is imperative to ensure greater resilience, Mustapha added.

He said that Guyana, with its vast tracts of agricultural land, is one of the guarantors of Caribbean food security and confirmed that lately the country has made headway in modernizing its production.

The challenges are many, but the conditions are within our reach, he said.

St Vincent and the Grenadines Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry and Labour, Saboto Caesar, congratulated the newly re-elected IICA Director General for his work to build agrifood system resilience in the hemisphere during the pandemic and expressed his commitment to building agricultural sustainability.

We know that much remains to be done and that things will not be easy from here forward. We will have to face daunting challenges as we push ahead to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 2030, but our aim is to guarantee the food security and sovereignty of our people, he added.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture of St Kitts-Nevis, Ron Dublin-Collins, explained that his country is seeking to transform agriculture to better position the sector to ensure food security.

We are making every effort. We know that the sector faces challenges and hope to continue collaborating with countries in the region and with IICA. We embrace hope and know that we can achieve our objectives.

Also participating in the conference was the newly appointed Caricom Secretary General, Dr Carla Barnett, who said that the Caribbean countries are attempting to transform their agrifood systems, while also boosting production resilience, in a bid to achieve a 25 per cent cut in the high level of food imports by 2025.

Transforming agrifood systems will require funding from public and private entities and from national and international partners. To do so, we will need innovative financial instruments and investment models that allow us to introduce new technologies to small producers, so that they can begin to employ solar energy, hydroponics, aquaponics, smart greenhouses and water harvesting and storage, said Barnett.

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Caribbean commits to building resilience in agriculture | New York Carib News - NYCaribNews

The Royal Caribbean International cruise ships are on the move once again.

While half of the brands 25-ship fleet is now back in service, several vessels are being prepared for their service returns.

Here is the location of every Royal Caribbean ship as of early September:

Odyssey of the SeasYear Built: 2021Capacity: 4,100 guestsLocation: Western Caribbean

After entering service on July 31, the Odyssey of the Seas is offering a series of Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale. The Quantum Ultra-Class vessel is presently sailing to the Southern Caribbean on an eight-night itinerary.

Spectrum of the SeasYear Built: 2019Capacity: 4,100 guestsLocation: Hong Kong

Based in Asia, the Spectrum of the Seas is in Hong Kong. The vessel is expected to resume service in October with short cruises from the citys Kai Tak Cruise Terminal.

Symphony of the SeasYear Built: 2018Capacity: 5,400 guestsLocation: Western Caribbean

The Symphony of the Seas resumed service on August 14 after a 17-month operational pause. Currently the Oasis-class vessel is sailing to the Western Caribbean on a week-long cruise.

Ovation of the SeasYear Built: 2016 Capacity: 4,100 guestsLocation: Alaska

Another Royal Caribbean ship back in service, the Ovation of the Seas is presently cruising in Alaska. The Quantum-class vessel is set to stay in the Last Frontier through early October.

Harmony of the SeasYear Built: 2016Capacity: 5,400 guestsLocation: Western Mediterranean

After undergoing regular maintenance in April, the Harmony of the Seas relaunched service on August 15.The ship is currently offering week-long Western Mediterranean cruises, sailing from Barcelona, Spain.

Anthem of the Seas Year Built: 2015Capacity: 4,100 guestsLocation: Coast of England

The Anthem of the Seas is currently offering domestic cruises around the UK. Based in Southampton, the vessel reentered service on July 7.

Quantum of the SeasYear Built: 2014Capacity: 4,100 guestsLocation: Singapore

In service since November 2020, the Quantum of the Seas was the first Royal Caribbean ship to welcome guests back. Based in Singapore, the ship is offering short cruises to nowhere to the local residents.

Allure of the SeasYear Built: 2010Capacity: 5,400 guestsLocation: Eastern Caribbean

The Allure of the Seas resumed guest operations on August 8. The vessel is now offering cruises from Port Canaveral, alternating itineraries to Eastern and Western Caribbean.

Oasis of the SeasYear Built: 2009Capacity: 5,400 guestsLocation: U.S. East Coast

Ready to resume service, the Oasis of the Seas recently concluded a test sailing from New Jersey. The vessel is now awaiting its first commercial sailing from Cape Liberty, scheduled for September 5.

Independence of the SeasYear Built: 2008Capacity: 3,600 guestsLocation: Western Caribbean

After resuming service on August 15, the Independence of the Seas is currently sailing in the Western Caribbean. Based in Galveston, the ship is offering week-long cruises in the region until the end of September.

Liberty of the SeasYear Built: 2007Capacity: 3,600 guestsLocation: Florida

The Liberty of the Seas returned to the United States recentl, after a routine drydock in Cdiz, Spain. The ship is presently in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Freedom of the SeasYear Built: 2006Capacity: 3,600 guestsLocation: Bahamas

The Freedom of the Seas is currently departing Miami two times per week, offering three- and four-night cruises to Nassau and CocoCay. In Julythe vessel was the first to resume service for the Royal Caribbean International brand in the United States.

Jewel of the SeasYear Built: 2004Capacity: 2,100 guestsLocation: Eastern Mediterranean

Based in Cyprus, the Jewel of the Seas resumed service on July 10. The vessel is currently offering a week-long Eastern Mediterranean itinerary, with visits to five destinations in Greece.

Mariner of the SeasYear Built: 2003Capacity: 3,100 guestsLocation: Bahamas

Sailing from Port Canaveral, the Mariner of the Seas returned to guest operations on August 23, offering a series of short Bahamas cruises.

Serenade of the SeasYear Built: 2003Capacity: 2,100 guestsLocation: Alaska

The Serenade of the Seas is currently sailing in Alaska. The vessel resumed service on July 19 after a 15-month service pause.

Navigator of the SeasYear Built: 2002Capacity: 3,100 guestsLocation: Pacific

After a drydock stay in Cdizs Navantia shipyard, the Navigator of the Seas is heading to the United States West Coast via the Pacific. Set to enter service in November with a series of cruises from Los Angeles, the Voyager-class ship is currently approaching California after a 30-day voyage.

Brilliance of the SeasYear Built: 2002Capacity: 2,100 guestsLocation: The Bahamas

Awaiting the service resumption in the Bahamas, the Brilliance of the Seas is currently anchored near the island of CocoCay.

Adventure of the SeasYear Built: 2001Capacity: 3,100 guestsLocation: The Bahamas and Caribbean

After welcoming the guests back on June 12, the Adventure of the Seas is wrapping up its first post-pandemic season. Until mid-September the ship offers three more week-long cruises to the Bahamas and Mexico before relaunching service from Galveston, in October.

Radiance of the SeasYear Built: 2001Capacity: 2,100 guestsLocation: Cdiz, Spain

After spending several months in Asia, the Radiance of the Seas returned to Europe for a shipyard visit in Spain. The vessel is currently in one of the drydocks of Navantias Cdiz facility.

Explorer of the SeasYear Built: 2000Capacity: 3,100 guestsLocation: St. Maarten

Awaiting the service resumption in the Caribbean, the Explorer of the Seas is presently anchored off the island of St. Maarten.

Voyager of the SeasYear Built: 1999Capacity: 3,100 guestsLocation: Hong Kong

Currently anchored near Hong Kong, the Voyager of the Seas is spending the operational pause in Asia.

Vision of the SeasYear Built: 1998Capacity: 2,000 guestsLocation: St. Maarten

After a technical call in Philipsburg, the Vision of the Seas is currently anchored off the island of St. Maarten along with the Explorer of the Seas.

Rhapsody of the SeasYear Built: 1997Capacity: 2,100 guestsLocation: Philipsburg, St. Maarten

Spending the operational pause in the Caribbean, the Rhapsody of the Seas is presently docked in Philipsburg, St. Maarten.

Enchantment of the SeasYear Built: 1997

Capacity: 2,250 guestsLocation: Cdiz, Spain

After crossing the Atlantic in August, the Enchantment of the Seas is presently docked in Cdiz, Spain. The Vision-class ship sailed to the port for a routine drydock in the Navantia shipyard.

Grandeur of the SeasYear Built: 1996

Capacity: 1,950 guestsLocation: Philipsburg, St. Maarten

Set to resume service in December, the Grandeur of the Seas is in the Caribbean. Likeits sister ship Rhapsody of the Seas, the vessel is currently docked in Philipsburg, St. Maarten.

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Where Are The Royal Caribbean Ships? Fleet Location Update - Cruise Industry News

Royal Caribbean is cleared to begin cruises with paying passengers on Oasis of the Seas.

Cruises from the New York City area are a go to begin, as Royal Caribbean reported on Friday it has received approval from theU.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for Oasis of the Seas.

Oasis of the Seas had a 6-night test cruise on August 22, where the crew vetted the new health protocols onboard.

The first revenue sailing with Oasis of the Seas will commence on September 5 from Cape Liberty in Bayonne, New Jersey. It is a 7-night itinerary to the cruise lines private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay, The Bahamas.

Oasis is the latest Royal Caribbean cruise ship to get CDC approval to sail, which means she now has herConditional Sailing Certificate.

In order to sail on Oasis of the Seas, guests age 12 or older must be fully vaccinated.

Vaccinated guests must present a negative PCR or antigen test result taken no more than 2 days prior to sailing in order to board.Unvaccinated children ages 2 to 11 must present a negative PCR test result taken no more than 3 days prior to sailing in order to board.

All unvaccinated guests ages 2 to 11 must undergo 2 more Covid-19 tests at the cruise terminal and prior to disembarking.

Guests under 2 years of age will not be tested.

All crew onboard all ships in the fleet will be fully vaccinated.

Guests who have been vaccinated will have full access to venues onboard, and will not need to wear a face mask at vaccinated-only venues. Here is a list of venues and activities available to vaccinated-only guests, as well as everyone.

Oasis of the Seas is the 14th cruise ship to restart operations in Royal Caribbean's fleet.

Other ships that have restarted sailings include:

Oasis will offer7-night Bahamas cruises from Cape Liberty, New Jersey, starting Sept. 5; and 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Miami, beginning November

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Royal Caribbean gets CDC approval for Oasis of the Seas to sail - Royal Caribbean Blog

In a significant boost to its tourism, the Dutch Caribbean island of Statia has opened its first full-fledged resort hotel.

The new Golden Rock Dive and Nature Resort officially opened its doors at the beginning of this month.

The resort has a mix of rooms and suites, with amenities including a pool with a sun terrace, a spa, a restaurant, in-room dining a fitness center.

Great strides have been made in Statia despite the different setbacks in the tourism hospitality and travel sector caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, said Charles Lindo, Director of the St Eustatius Tourism Development Foundation. The local government has made great progress in enhancing the infrastructure (roads, internet service, reliable stable electricity) along with a brand new airport and tower building. The addition and recent opening of the Golden Rock Resort is proof that Statia tourism will definitely bounce forward.

Deluxe rooms have a kitchenette, while suites have full kitchens.

Thats along with a mini golf course, a soccer field, a tennis court and a playground for kids.

The resort also offers the option of daily grocery delivery.

Its also home to what has become the islands signature restaurant, Breeze, which offers an international menu with everything from truffle risotto and tuna tataki to Caribbean lobster and Thai red curry.

The resort is set at the base of Statias famous Quill volcano, long one of the regions most sought-after hiking destinations.

The reopening comes after Statia recently reopened its borders for tourism.

Travelers are welcome, vaccinated and non vaccinated with specific restrictions for both groups, Lindo told Caribbean Journal.

You can find more about how to visit Statia here.

For more, visit the Golden Rock.

CJ

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A Brand-New Resort Just Opened on the Island of Statia - Caribbean Journal