Daily Archives: November 6, 2023

Why You Should Visit This Underrated Caribbean Destination Right Now – Travel Off Path

Posted: November 6, 2023 at 6:31 pm

Share The Article

Last Updated 24 hours ago

Its easier than ever to visit this underrated Caribbean island. Heres why right now is the perfect time to travel to St. Kitts.

When it comes to Caribbean destinations, St. Kitts flies under the radar compared to more popular destinations like Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, which draw millions of tourists each year.

However, this island, which is the larger of the two making up the country of St. Kitts and Nevis, is actually one of the best destinations to visit in the Caribbean.

Heres why you should add this off-path island to your travel bucket list:

One of the reasons that St. Kitts remains an underrated tourist destination for Americans is because there are not many nonstop flights available from the United States.

However, JetBlue launched a brand-new route this week from New Yorks John F. Kennedy International Airport to Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport in Basseterre, St. Kitts.

The flights will be thrice weekly on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.

This makes getting to St. Kitts easier than ever before, as its the first city in the Northeast to get a direct flight to St. Kitts. Nonstop flights are also available from Charlotte and Miami on American Airlines and Atlanta on Delta Air Lines.

If you dont want to commit to flying to St. Kitts and staying on the island, its also now easier than ever to visit the island on a Caribbean cruise and get a taste of what St. Kitts has to offer.

According to the Caribbean Journal, St. Kitts is set to have its biggest cruise season yet this winter.

Port Zante in St. Kitts is the fastest-growing cruise port in the region, set to receive 342 cruise ships in the upcoming season, including Royal Caribbeans brand-new Icon of the Seas, which is currently the largest cruise ship in the world.

Cruise tourism has its pros and cons, but it will certainly make St. Kitts a hotspot in the Caribbean. It also makes it easier to visit this island destination.

If youre looking for a Caribbean experience away from the crowds and the effects of mass tourism, St. Kitts is a great choice for now.

Although this island paradise still remains underrated, its only a matter of time before it becomes a major tourism hotspot, making right now the perfect time to visit.

In St. Kitts, you can enjoy pristine beaches with fewer crowds and experience an authentic slice of local life in a destination that doesnt just cater to tourists.

If youre looking for a destination in the Caribbean thats still off the beaten path, St. Kitts is the perfect place to find a slice of island paradise.

St. Kitts is a unique destination in the Caribbean that offers something for every type of traveler. Obviously, there are beaches that are as beautiful as any beach in the Caribbean.

The best beaches on St. Kitts are located on the southern side of the island and include Cockleshell Beach, South Frigate Beach, and South Friars Beach.

But the island is also covered in lush rainforest, with hiking trails cut through the jungle and ziplines whizzing over the canopy. Or you can take a ride on the St. Kitts Scenic Railway, a train that covers tracks once used for transporting sugar and the last rail line in the Caribbean.

If youre up for an adventure, you can hike to the top of Mount Liamuiga, St. Kitts dormant volcano, for some truly stunning views.

Read More:

Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans For 2023 Starting At $10 Per Week

How To Easily Earn Points For Free Travel

Join Our Community

TheTravel Off Path Community FB grouphas all the latest reopening news, conversations, and Q&As happening daily!

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Paths latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Read the original:

Why You Should Visit This Underrated Caribbean Destination Right Now - Travel Off Path

Posted in Caribbean | Comments Off on Why You Should Visit This Underrated Caribbean Destination Right Now – Travel Off Path

System in Caribbean to move inland over Central America – South Florida Sun Sentinel

Posted: at 6:31 pm

A disturbance in the western Caribbean is no longer expected to develop into a tropical depression or storm as it moves toward Central America.

The system is not expected to develop further before it reaches land by Saturday, though it is still likely to bring heavy rain to Central America, including Nicaragua and Honduras, throughout the weekend, with the possibility for flash flooding and mudslides, according to the National Hurricane Center.

As of 8 p.m. Friday, it has a 10% chance of developing in the next two to seven days, and the systems showers and thunderstorms remained disorganized.

So far this season in the Atlantic, there have been 19 named storms, seven of which were hurricanes. Of those, three were major hurricanes, meaning Category 3 or above.

Those were Hurricane Lee, a rare Category 5; Hurricane Franklin, a Category 4; and Hurricane Idalia, which made landfall on Floridas Big Bend region at Category 3 strength on Aug. 30.

The remaining storm names for 2023 are Vince and Whitney. If all those names end up being used this season, the National Hurricane Center would turn to the supplemental list of names from the World Meteorological Association. In previous years, the Greek alphabet was used for additional storm names which had only happened twice before during the record-shattering hurricane seasons in 2005 and 2020.

Hurricane season officially runs through Nov. 30.

Read more:

System in Caribbean to move inland over Central America - South Florida Sun Sentinel

Posted in Caribbean | Comments Off on System in Caribbean to move inland over Central America – South Florida Sun Sentinel

Webinar: Launch, Grow, and Accelerate Your Sales in the … – news.delaware.gov

Posted: at 6:31 pm

Many Delaware Hunting Seasons to Open in November, Including General Firearm/Shotgun Deer, Waterfowl and Small Game Date Posted: November 6, 2023

Change Your Clocks, Check Your Batteries Date Posted: November 3, 2023

Treasurer Davis Named to Advisory Council Date Posted: November 3, 2023

Delaware Celebrates Health for All on One Health Day and Every Day Date Posted: November 3, 2023

Carney, Carper, Coons, Blunt Rochester Announce $50 Million for Port of Wilmington Expansion Project Date Posted: November 3, 2023

Delaware Wetlands Conference Returns in 2024 Registration Now Open Date Posted: November 2, 2023

Webinar: Launch, Grow, and Accelerate Your Sales in the Caribbean Date Posted: November 2, 2023

Delaware Division of the Arts presents Encaustic Constructions by Ron Meick Opens November 3 Date Posted: November 2, 2023

Open Enrollment on Delawares Health Insurance Marketplace Starts Nov. 1 Date Posted: November 1, 2023

Delaware Schools Recognized for Student Success Date Posted: November 1, 2023

Delaware Natural Resources Police Kick Off Holiday Toy Drive Date Posted: November 1, 2023

DOJs Consumer Protection Unit hammers out contractor regs Date Posted: November 1, 2023

Increasing Energy Efficiency Reduces Costs to Homeowners Date Posted: October 30, 2023

Scotton Landing Boat Ramp to Close for Reconstruction Date Posted: October 30, 2023

Treat Yourself to a Healthy and Safe Halloween Date Posted: October 27, 2023

AG Jennings files lawsuit against chemical companies for causing contamination of Delawares natural resources Date Posted: October 26, 2023

Impoundment Dike Repairs Likely to Mean Partial Closures of Little Creek Wildlife Area During Early Waterfowl Season Date Posted: October 26, 2023

Delaware Experiences Increase in West Nile Virus Equine Cases Date Posted: October 26, 2023

Governor Carney, Delaware Department of Technology and Information, Share Broadband Update, Next Steps Date Posted: October 26, 2023

DOJ, Elsmere PD Secure Delawares First Ever Forced Labor Conviction Date Posted: October 26, 2023

Governor Carney Orders Lowering of Flags Date Posted: October 26, 2023

DSHAs Area of Opportunity Land Bank Program Wins National Award Date Posted: October 25, 2023

DDA Reminds Farmers of Preservation District Enrollment Deadline Date Posted: October 25, 2023

Attorney General Jennings Secures Restitution And Governance Improvements For Residents Of Nobles Pond Date Posted: October 25, 2023

DEA National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day for Delaware is October 28th Date Posted: October 25, 2023

New HSCA Rate Goes Into Effect in January Date Posted: October 24, 2023

AG Jennings sues Meta Date Posted: October 24, 2023

Emergency Services Partnership Smoke Detector Donation Date Posted: October 24, 2023

Watch Out for Deer During Mating Season, Delaware Authorities Caution Drivers Date Posted: October 23, 2023

CyberStart America and Cyber FastTrack Registration Now Open Date Posted: October 23, 2023

Delaware Launches D&O Guidance, Other Improvements to Foster Captive Industry Growth Date Posted: October 23, 2023

DOJ Secures Guilty Plea For Claymont Man In Brutal 2022 Murder Case Date Posted: October 20, 2023

Registration Begins for DMVs Low-Digit Tag Lottery Date Posted: October 20, 2023

Department of Agriculture Issues Alert Over Green Iguanas at Apple Scrapple Festival Date Posted: October 20, 2023

New Castle Fire Date Posted: October 20, 2023

State of Delaware Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Summit Promotes Inclusive Excellence Date Posted: October 19, 2023

Delaware State Forest Usage Reminders Date Posted: October 19, 2023

Governor Carney Releases Family Services Cabinet Councils 2023 Trauma Informed Care Report Date Posted: October 19, 2023

DHSS Launches Innovative DTRN360 Platform to Revolutionize Behavioral Health Coordination Date Posted: October 19, 2023

Appoquinimink Teacher Named Delaware 2024 Teacher of the Year Date Posted: October 18, 2023

Governor Carney Orders Lowering of Flags Date Posted: October 18, 2023

DNREC Stocks Trout in White Clay Creek to Provide Fall Fishing Opportunities Date Posted: October 18, 2023

Governors Energy Advisory Council Sets Public Input Sessions to Highlight, Get Feedback on State Energy Plan Date Posted: October 18, 2023

Prosecutors Secure Convictions Against Serial Child Abusers Date Posted: October 18, 2023

Governor Carney Joins Bipartisan Coalition of Governors Standing in Solidarity with Israel Date Posted: October 17, 2023

Christina River Boat Ramp on Churchmans Road Closed Temporarily to Recreational Activities for Water Main Repair Date Posted: October 17, 2023

Delaware joins $10 million settlement with ACI Worldwide over attempted unauthorized withdrawals Date Posted: October 17, 2023

Attorney General Jennings announces multistate settlement with Inmediata for data breach im Date Posted: October 17, 2023

Lewes Fire Date Posted: October 17, 2023

AGJenningsannounces conviction of Cpl. Keith Heacooks murderer Date Posted: October 16, 2023

Make Some Spirits Bright this Holiday Season and Adopt-A-Resident at the Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill Date Posted: October 16, 2023

DPH Releases Latest Cancer Incidence and Mortality Trends in Delaware Date Posted: October 16, 2023

Lt. Governor Hall-Long, NFL Hall of Famer Randy White Kick Off Coaches vs. Overdoses Initiative to Curb Opioid Abuse Date Posted: October 14, 2023

DOJ Secures Guilty Plea For A Violent Gun Offender Date Posted: October 13, 2023

Statement from AG Jennings On The Violence In Israel Date Posted: October 13, 2023

Garrisons Lake Fishing Pier Temporarily Closed Date Posted: October 13, 2023

Agriculture, Food and Natural Resource Students Take Home Awards from the Big E Date Posted: October 13, 2023

Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen Hub chosen by Department of Energy to receive funding to advance clean energy Date Posted: October 13, 2023

2023 Lt. Governors Challenge Winners Announced Date Posted: October 12, 2023

AG Jennings Announces $49.5 Million Blackbaud Data Breach Settlement Date Posted: October 12, 2023

Delaware Watersheds Photo Contest Opens for Entries Date Posted: October 12, 2023

DMV Announces Document Fee Exemption for Active Duty Military Date Posted: October 11, 2023

DNREC to Present Louisiana Living Shoreline Webinar Oct. 12 Date Posted: October 11, 2023

Governor Carney Orders Lowering of Flags Date Posted: October 11, 2023

Navarro Announces Seventh Consecutive Workers Comp Rate Decrease Date Posted: October 11, 2023

DHSS Announces Launch of New Help Is Here Delaware Website Date Posted: October 10, 2023

Delaware State Housing Authority Shares Preview Of The 2023 Housing Needs Assessment Report Date Posted: October 10, 2023

DIAA Names 2022-2023 Dale Farmer State Champions in Sportsmanship Winners Date Posted: October 10, 2023

Two Schools Earn State School Counseling Award Date Posted: October 9, 2023

Flu Season Now Underway; Get Vaccinated Today Date Posted: October 9, 2023

Blackbird Creek Fall Festival Set For October 21 Date Posted: October 6, 2023

Delaware Announces Seafood Processors Pandemic Response and Safety Block Grant Program Date Posted: October 6, 2023

Delaware Launches Ask the Question Campaign to Combat Veteran Suicide Date Posted: October 5, 2023

Flag Status Update Date Posted: October 5, 2023

Latest Big Blue Catfish Catch Gives Scales a Workout for Yet Another New State Record Date Posted: October 5, 2023

Governor Carney Releases Statement on the Mayor of Wilmington Date Posted: October 4, 2023

GACEC Annual Disability History and Awareness Month Poster Contest Date Posted: October 2, 2023

Secretary of State Renews Emergency Order Placing Xylazine in Schedule III Date Posted: October 2, 2023

Experts Warn of Potential Increase in Illicit Drug Use Amid Shortage of Prescription Stimulants Date Posted: October 2, 2023

Five Dynamic Speakers Announced for 2023 Delaware Arts Summit Date Posted: October 2, 2023

Delaware Division of the Arts presents Transcending Love by B. Proud Opens October 6 Date Posted: October 2, 2023

Medicare Assistance Bureau: Open Enrollment Reminders Date Posted: October 2, 2023

Governor Carney Orders Lowering of Flags Date Posted: September 29, 2023

DOJ Secures Life Sentence For Serial Stalker Date Posted: September 29, 2023

DHSS Adds Prescription Drug and Imaging Procedures Cost Comparisons to CostAware Website Date Posted: September 28, 2023

DNREC Announces A New Director for the Division of Watershed Stewardship Date Posted: September 28, 2023

DPH Announces Annual Celebration Event for #MyReasonWhyDE Date Posted: September 27, 2023

AG Jennings Sues Amazon For Illegally Maintaining Monopoly Power Date Posted: September 27, 2023

DNRECs Brandywine Zoo Welcomes Baby Crowned Lemur Date Posted: September 27, 2023

HRSA Visits DHSS to Review Substance Use Disorder Prevention Work Date Posted: September 27, 2023

AG Jennings, DSP Colonel Zebley Announce Felony Indictment Against Suspended Trooper Date Posted: September 26, 2023

DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife Confirms Another State Record Blue Catfish, Caught in the Nanticoke River Date Posted: September 26, 2023

October Events: Siren Test, National Alert Test, and Potassium Iodide Distribution Date Posted: September 26, 2023

Governor Carney Declares October Delaware Cybersecurity Awareness Month Date Posted: September 25, 2023

Nineteen DNREC Programs and Initiatives Set to Participate in UDs Annual Coast Day Date Posted: September 25, 2023

Delaware Coastal Storm Response Date Posted: September 23, 2023

Family Emergency Preparedness Day Canceled Date Posted: September 21, 2023

Delaware Aglands Hits Milestone Permanently Preserving Over 150,000 Acres Date Posted: September 21, 2023

2024 Delaware Teacher of the Year to be Named Next Month Date Posted: September 20, 2023

Delaware Veterans Home to Host Job Fair Sept. 29 Date Posted: September 20, 2023

Continue reading here:

Webinar: Launch, Grow, and Accelerate Your Sales in the ... - news.delaware.gov

Posted in Caribbean | Comments Off on Webinar: Launch, Grow, and Accelerate Your Sales in the … – news.delaware.gov

Insurance in the Caribbean islands what’s in the sector’s future? – Insurance Business

Posted: at 6:31 pm

Climate projections for the Caribbean region foresee an upsurge in both the frequency and severity of weather events by 2050. Rising sea levels are anticipated to exacerbate vulnerabilities for coastal properties, intensifying the risks of flooding and erosion.

A new climate report from Moodys RMS examines how the perpetual threat of hurricanes could potentially amplify in strength, posing substantial risks to infrastructure and communities. Predicted changes in rainfall patterns may lead to increased flood risks during precipitation, as well as prolonged dry spells and droughts.

In assessing the potential impact, Caribbean nations facing higher risks are expected to experience a uniform increase in loss costs above 10%. For the most vulnerable areas, such as the US Virgin Islands, this increase may reach as high as 17%. Such models demonstrate that investing in building upgrades alone could significantly lower loss costs compared to existing risk values, underscoring the impact of investing in risk reduction and resilience-building measures.

Looking ahead to the end of the century, protective measures geared towards mitigating risk in the built environment have the potential to mitigate the most severe increases in loss costs, resulting in only marginal rises from present-day values. In contrast, the absence of action could lead to substantial escalation in potential loss costs, reaching as much as 27% in specific scenarios, including a 19% increase for the British Virgin Islands.

The anticipated rise in future loss costs might motivate Caribbean nations to prioritize measures and innovative strategies that reduce risk and fortify resilience. Such modeling studies aid governments, businesses, property owners, and communities in evaluating and prioritizing risk reduction strategies. They demonstrate, in financial terms, the advantages of investing in measures to prevent future losses and enhance insurability.

Amidst the evolving impacts of climate change in the Caribbean, the concept of an insurability threshold becomes increasingly relevant. This threshold refers to the point at which insurance becomes either unavailable or excessively expensive due to heightened risks linked with specific events or conditions. The significance of insurability becomes more pronounced as the region faces potential loss cost increases ranging from 10% to 17%, particularly toward 2050.

The report also noted that various factors influence the availability and cost of insurance. Premiums not only reflect the anticipated frequency and severity of risks but also encompass other elements, including the expenses associated with underwriting and claims. Factors like the current global inflationary environment, leading to increased costs for repairs, materials, and labor, contribute to the rising costs of claims. Moreover, the supply of reinsurance capital is becoming more expensive.

Sustaining private insurance depends on insurers' ability to collect adequate funds for their claims. Looking ahead, mapping out actions that aid in risk reduction can compensate for the anticipated rise in hazards due to climate change. Whether through increased risk-sharing or stricter building codes, employing risk modeling can assist in devising plans for Caribbean risk trajectories, ensuring insurance sustainability for the 21st century.

What are your thoughts on this story? Please feel free to share your comments below.

This page requires JavaScript

Follow this link:

Insurance in the Caribbean islands what's in the sector's future? - Insurance Business

Posted in Caribbean | Comments Off on Insurance in the Caribbean islands what’s in the sector’s future? – Insurance Business

Why the Cayman Islands Is a Caribbean Culinary Capital – Caribbean Journal

Posted: at 6:31 pm

Many Caribbean islands boast about their culinary scene, but events like the Cayman Cookout demonstrate why the Cayman Islands is a cut above the rest. Hosted by celebrity chef Eric Ripert, this annual food festival staged at the Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman attracts top chefs like Jose Andreas, Andrew Zimmern, and Emeril Lagasse as well as showcasing local talent from the top restaurants and hotels in the Caymans.

Ripert has a long love affair with Cayman and his Blue by Eric Ripert restaurant at the Ritz Carlton is one of the islands top dining experiences, lending legitimacy to the Cayman Islands claim to be a culinary capital of the Caribbean.

Whether you want to pay attend the Cayman Cookout in January, sample the Taste of Cayman in April, come in October for restaurant week and cocktail week, or visit Grand Cayman another time of year, here are some of the islands hottest places to eat for food-focused travelers.

Blue by Eric Ripert

Grand Caymans premier culinary experience is a celebration of the bounty of the blue Caribbean Sea, with local seafood and a world-class wine list complimented by an elegant waterfront location at the Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman resort.

Grand Old House

Located on a former plantation estate dating to 1908, the Grand Old House takes a modern approach to dining on its oceanside verandah with farm-to-table offerings that highlight both Caribbean and international cuisine.

The Brasserie

Widely credited with launching Grand Caymans locally sourced dining movement, The Brasseries menu is driven by whats available but typically emphasizes the catch of the day, lobster and conch in season, and treats like ice cream flavored with local fruits.

Luca

The Caribbean Club on Seven Mile Beach is home to this beachfront restaurant that features contemporary Italian cuisine, a wine cellar with more that 5,500 bottles, and unexpected options like sushi along with vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free menus.

Cimboco

Bright, cheerful, and unpretentious, locally owned Cimboco serves scratch-made Caymanian food with a modern twist and sometimes the other way around. Youll find hints of citrus in the bruschetta, fresh snapper wrapped in a banana leaf, and pizzas topped with sauce made from local tomatoes and jerk chicken.

The Wharf Restaurant & Bar

Waves lapping at the Wharfs dining dock set the mood for Executive Chef Christian Reiters seafood creations like the signature basil and pistachio encrusted sea bass, but theres also Angus beef filet mignon, escargot, foie gras and rack of lamb on the classically inspired best dinner menu in Grand Cayman.

Abacus

Indoor and outdoor spaces come alive at night at this Camana Bay restaurant, which puts the emphasis on convivial culture as well as the steaks and seafood on Chef Charith Hemans dinner menu. Live music gives the bar scene an extra charge on Saturday nights.

Blue Cilantro

Indian food has always had a strong influence on Caribbean cuisine like roti and curry goat, but Blue Cilantro executive chef Vidyadhara Shetty(coincidentally the president of the Cayman Culinary Society) goes all in with an east-west fusion menu featuring the catch of the day cooked in a clay oven, Tandoori style, and a pork ribs and belly appetizer served with a ginger apple chutney and vindaloo sauce.

Union Grill and Bar

A gastropub with leather seats and a supper club atmosphere is a little unexpected, but this being the Caribbean the Union Grill and Bar also has an outdoor waterfront terrace where you can enjoy artisan cocktails, local seafood appetizers and entrees, and Angus steaks and poultry dishes.

VIVO

Caribbean, American, Indian, Asian, Greek, French, Mexican it all goes into the pot of influences at this seaside restaurant in West Bay, where the food for your soul tour runs from cauliflower tossed in Manchurian sauce as an appetizer to Asian stir-fry and curry dishes for mains and baklava for dessert.

Cracked Conch

A tiki bar with an excellent selection of Caribbean rums and classic tiki concoctions helps elevate this West Bay restaurant into the ranks of Caymanian favorites. As for the food menu, of course youll find conch chowder, ceviche and fritters but also an assortment of salads, small plates, and entrees that include local snapper poached in coconut oil and topped with crumbled pumpkin seeds.

Ave

The signature eatery at the islands celebrated Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa is a combination Mediterranean eatery and steakhouse, with superb seafood and one of the best Sunday brunches on the whole island. The view particular at sunset is worth the trip alone.

Tillies

Tillie isnt the chef (thats Jake Tyler Brodsky); the name of this restaurant on Seven Mile Beach is short for Antilles, the region of the Caribbean that includes the Cayman Islands and the place where most of the food on the menu is sourced. Wednesday night is a great time to sample Chef Brodskys eclectic cuisine by ordering from a fixed-price Supper Club menu.

Ms. Pipers Kitchen + Garden

The familial backyard setting at Ms. Pipers is intended to make diners feel at home and at ease whole browsing through a menu of small (empanadas, cassava cheese bread), medium (Korean ribs, branzino), and large plates (mezze platter, butterflied snapper) and an indulgent dessert menu featuring a Basque style burnt cheesecake.

Silver Palm

TUKKA West

Were going to go out on a limb and guess that this is the only Australian inspired restaurant in the Caribbean. Located in the West Bay, TUKKA serves kangaroo sausage alongside more familiar West Indies food like calamari and ceviche; the conch fritters are tossed in with fried crocodile bites, and the shrimp dishes feature Australian native tiger prawns.

Bacaro

This Italian restaurant channels the spirit of a Venetian wine bar alongside the canals of a West Bay yacht harbor, pairing an extensive menu of international wines by the glass or bottle with Mediterranean-style cichetti (appetizers), small plates, charcuterie plates, and mains ranging from Cornish game hen to local grilled lobster.

Heritage Kitchen

Theres nothing fancy about Heritage Kitchen, but you really shouldnt visit the Cayman Islands without trying some authentic local food, and this is the go-to on Grand Cayman for that. Order your fried fish, coconut grouper, conch fritter and fish soup from a window in a cheerfully painted shack, take a seat on one of the waterfront picnic tables, and enjoy a true taste of the Caymans.

Excerpt from:

Why the Cayman Islands Is a Caribbean Culinary Capital - Caribbean Journal

Posted in Caribbean | Comments Off on Why the Cayman Islands Is a Caribbean Culinary Capital – Caribbean Journal

Integration Sector: Background Notes – Caribbean October 2023 … – ReliefWeb

Posted: at 6:30 pm

Situation, Needs, and Challenges- Sub-regional Overview

Caribbean sub-regional countries continue to receive and host thousands of Venezuelans, as well as other refugee and migrant groups, (1) causing concern over the perceived strain on the resources of host countries. The Dutch Caribbean islands of Aruba and Curaao the largest refugees and migrants per capita globally; the Dominican Republic hosts the largest absolute number of Venezuelans in the Caribbean with 124,000 in the country in 2023, while Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago host Indigenous populations and other refugees and migrants from Venezuela. All sub-regional countries are concerned about their capacity to accommodate and provide for these refugee and migrant populations. In 2023, socio-economic integration was identified by R4V partners as the second most significant need for refugees and migrants from Venezuela after protection. In 2023, it is estimated that some 70% (148.3K) of people will need integration support across the Caribbean. (2,3) In the Caribbean, refugees and migrants from Venezuela face several obstacles to socio-economic integration including limited employment opportunities, language barriers, limited recognition of prior studies and professional titles, restricted access to higher education, discrimination, and xenophobia. (4) Lack of access to regular status and documentation continues to be reported as the primary concerns.

(1) UNHCR Trinidad and Tobago has registered a total of 42 nationalities within their database as of 2023. (2) Breakdown of persons in need across the Caribbean sub-regional countries: 52% (8918) in Aruba, 52% (7322) in Curacao, 72% (94347) in the Dominican Republic, 53% (11532) in Guyana; and 72% (26113) in Trinidad and Tobago (3) Refugee and Migrant Needs Analysis https://rmrp.r4v.info (4) Refugee and Migrants Needs Analysis (RMNA) Caribbean Chapter 2023. https://www.r4v.info/en/document/rmna-2023-needs-analysis

Read the original here:

Integration Sector: Background Notes - Caribbean October 2023 ... - ReliefWeb

Posted in Caribbean | Comments Off on Integration Sector: Background Notes – Caribbean October 2023 … – ReliefWeb

USAID Announces $25 Million to Address the Challenges of … – USAID

Posted: at 6:30 pm

During the inaugural Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity (Americas Partnership) Leaders' Summit, President Joseph R. Biden announced that, working with Congress, USAID intends to contribute $25 million to the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Grant Facility.

The $25 million to the IDBs Grant Facility will catalyze additional funding and provide grants to improve the socioeconomic integration of migrants and refugees in their host communities and countries. The IDB will match this contribution with $25 million in IDB institutional funds. The IDBs Grant Facility will work with eligible countries in Latin America and the Caribbean that lack the financial means to provide development support to refugee and migrant-hosting communities and expand service provision to those populations.

USAIDs work to address the challenges posed by migration in Latin America and the Caribbean underscores our commitment to create economic opportunities in the region for people to live, work, and learn in safety and dignity, contribute to and benefit from the democratic process, and enjoy opportunities to create futures for themselves and their families where they reside.

Read the original:

USAID Announces $25 Million to Address the Challenges of ... - USAID

Posted in Caribbean | Comments Off on USAID Announces $25 Million to Address the Challenges of … – USAID

Coral Seeding – Restoring Coral Reefs in the Caribbean – InfoBonaire.com

Posted: at 6:30 pm

Fundacin Dominicana de Estudios Marinos (FUNDEMAR), Reef Renewal Foundation Bonaire (RRFB), and SECORE International are well-established organizations that have been successfully working on distinct aspects of coral restoration from research on technology development to field implementation. Cooperating for years, they have now combined forces within a new project that aims to foster the application and cost-effectiveness of novel coral breeding technologies at key stages of Coral Seeding methodology: collecting coral spawn and assisted fertilization, mass coral larvae rearing, coral settlement, and improving survival of corals after seeding them on the reef.

Novel Research & Development innovations include multi-colony spawning collectors for underwater coral nurseries and outplanting sites on the reef, as well as novel substrates to facilitate bulk outplanting. To scale up existing technology, the utilization of floating devices for culturing coral larvae (Coral Rearing In-situ Basins, CRIBs) will be optimized. Tiny coral offspring will be fed after settlement to give them a headstart and better survivorship once outplanted. In terms of translating experimental findings into technology, surface deployment of corals freshly settled on special substrates and innovative methods of settling coral larvae directly on the reef floor will be piloted.

FUNDEMARs land-based coral larvae rearing facility in the Dominican Republic will be expanded to double its current capacity. A new facility meeting similar needs will be designed for RRFB in Bonaire. Both facilities will significantly increase each organizations capacity for Coral Seeding, allowing more coral offspring to be reared and safeguarded in a controlled setting before outplanting, while serving as an educational and Research & Development resource at the same time.

As the Caribbean faces increasingly challenging ocean conditions, harnessing the latest technologies for large-scale coral breeding takes on an ever more crucial role in assisting the recovery of endangered coral populations. As restoration-focused organizations, its important to unite strengths to amplify our efforts and promote the restoration of stronger, more resilient coral reefs. Francesca Virdis, COO of RRFB

Through their partnership, FUNDEMAR, RRFB, and SECORE International drive innovation in Coral Seeding technology and implementation and provide a framework for collaborative restoration throughout the Caribbean and beyond. By implementing techniques that boost the genetic diversity of Caribbean coral populations, they foster stronger reef ecosystems that are better equipped to face environmental challenges, especially in regard to climate change.

To scale the restoration to have a significant impact, we work with experts from different disciplines to optimize our approach, increase efficiency, and scale. Technology and design are the keys to achieving these goals. The same concepts used in other industries scaling production, reducing labor, optimizing logistics, etc. directly apply to coral restoration. We support local partners who have knowledge of their reefs and know how to integrate their local communities to implement restoration on the ground, providing them the training and equipment needed to start and grow their programs. Aric Bickel, Director of Technology and Implementation SECORE international.

This 3-year project is supported by funding of US 1.38 million from the Coral Research & Development Accelerator Platform (CORDAP), a UN grant program designed to fast-track research and development around coral reef recovery worldwide. New funding from CORDAP enables the three organizations to focus not only on technical strategies of Coral Seeding, but also on ways to incorporate and adapt them to other Caribbean locations. Knowledge and resources will be exchanged to promote the replicability of Coral Seeding innovations on other islands, especially via training workshops and knowledge sharing, but also by scientific exchange and other communication channels.

Coral reefs are in a critical period, where threats seem to never end. CORDAP offers a unique financing platform, encouraging coordinated cooperation projects and generating strategic alliances between experts, communities, and countries to achieve their survival with haste. Rita Sellares, CEO of FUNDEMAR

Caribbean coral reefs are facing rapid ecosystem changes, with mass bleaching events triggered by soaring water temperatures and large-scale die-offs caused by Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD). Coastal communities that depend on healthy reefs are suffering mounting economic losses, both in terms of income and coastal protection. One key aspect of successful restoration amidst these threats is maintaining as well as increasing the genetic diversity of threatened coral populations. Coral Seeding, by taking advantage of corals reproductive potential, promotes genetic diversity and, thus, the resilience of coral populations by creating large numbers of entirely unique coral offspring and seeding them on the reef.

(Source: Reef Renewal Foundation Bonaire)

The rest is here:

Coral Seeding - Restoring Coral Reefs in the Caribbean - InfoBonaire.com

Posted in Caribbean | Comments Off on Coral Seeding – Restoring Coral Reefs in the Caribbean – InfoBonaire.com

EXPLORA I arrives in Miami for maiden call ahead of Caribbean … – PAX News

Posted: at 6:30 pm

PortMiami welcomed EXPLORA Ifor her maiden call marking the ships debut in South Florida.

The ship is the first of a fleet of six for the luxury ocean travel brand of the MSC Group.

We take immense pride in introducing our remarkable new ship, EXPLORA I, to the Magic City, said Michael Ungerer, CEO of Explora Journeys. Miami is a paramount destination and important gateway to the Caribbean for ocean travel and it is a privilege to showcase our new ship and immersive journeys to this market. Our team has spared no effort in pushing the limits of innovation and delivering a product that we're thrilled for guests to experience as they embark in South Florida.

The maritime tradition of a crest exchange to celebrate a ships first visit to a destination took place on November 3, 2023, at PortMiami.

The crest exchange was attended by the ships master Captain Diego Michelozzi, Michael Ungerer, CEO Explora Journeys, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, and Hydi Webb, PortMiami Director and CEO, among others.

Following her maiden call, EXPLORA I set sail from Miami to San Juan, Puerto Rico.

From November through March, the luxury ship will explore the Caribbean and Central America, calling on ports like Samana/Dominican Republic and Bridgetown/Barbados, with stops in Antigua and Barbuda, Turks and Caicos, Cartagena, Saint Barthlemy and the Grenadines, among others, before heading to the U.S. West Coast.

EXPLORA I first set sail in July 2023. EXPLORA II will enter service in summer 2024 and operate until April 2025 in the Mediterranean Sea and the Middle East.

EXPLORA III and EXPLORA IV will both be powered by liquefied natural gas and enter service in 2026 and 2027 respectively.

Don't miss a single travel story:subscribe to PAXtoday! Click here to follow PAX on Facebook.

See original here:

EXPLORA I arrives in Miami for maiden call ahead of Caribbean ... - PAX News

Posted in Caribbean | Comments Off on EXPLORA I arrives in Miami for maiden call ahead of Caribbean … – PAX News

These Are The Top 3 Fastest Growing Destinations In The Mexican … – Travel Off Path

Posted: at 6:30 pm

Share The Article

Last Updated 43 mins ago

As the Mexican Caribbean approaches its peak season, more travelers than ever are looking forward to their sun-soaked getaways.

The stunning beaches and cities that dot the region are not only consistently breaking tourism records but, according to recent data, are also growing at a remarkable pace.

Out of all the coveted destinations across the Mexican Caribbean, 3 in particular are leading the way when it comes to tourism growth.

Once an obscure beach town reserved only for locals and the most avid travelers, Tulum has now become one of Mexicos most coveted hotspots, and if recent statistics are anything to go by, this remarkable rise in popularity shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

All this should come as no surprise, though, seeing as Tulum truly is the ultimate beach getaway destination.

Soon, Tulum is set to be even more popular after the opening of its own international airport this December.

Between the dreamy coastline, turquoise waters, and fascinating historical landmarks, the town offers tourists the experience of a lifetime.

The famous Playa Paraiso, known for its powdery sand and crystal clear waters, truly lives up to its name.

For those more in the mood for a sightseeing excursion, the iconic Tulum Archaeological Site is not to be missed.

Perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean, the stunning landmark creates a unique blend of historical values and natural allure, giving visitors some insight into the long, fascinating Mayan past the region is known for.

What really sets Tulum apart from other hotspots of its kind, though, is the festive yet laid-back atmosphere that can be felt all across town.

Whether you want to stay in an eco-friendly cabana and immerse yourself in nature or party the night away in one of the areas world-famous clubs, youre sure to find exactly what youre looking for.

Just like Tulum, Playa Del Carmen has just recently emerged as one of the regions trendiest hotspots.

These past few years, in particular, the city has undergone a major infrastructural transformation in hopes of keeping tourists coming back for more clearly, these efforts have paid off.

Lately, local authorities have taken notable measures to make Playa del Carmen one of the safest destinations in all of Mexico, and the increased sense of safety is prompting tourists to flock to the area more than ever.

Travelers who come here can enjoy that perfect balance between tradition and modernity.

Whether youre looking to sunbathe in the picture-perfect beaches of Playacar and Mamitas or stroll along Fifth Avenue with its trendy boutiques and art galleries, Playa del Carmen promises to deliver an unforgettable experience.

If youre ever in the area, though, I highly recommend planning a trip to Cozumel, especially if youre a diving or snorkeling enthusiast.

Ferry rides last between 20-40 minutes and start at $15, but the views youll encounter once you get to the island are worth your time and money.

Those who want to mix up their tropical getaway with some cultural events will be thrilled to learn that Playa del Carmen has a yearly calendar filled with live performances, festivals, and art exhibitions.

The annual Riviera Maya Jazz Festival, for example, is set to take place November 24th and 25th, so try not to miss it.

The top spot is occupied by none other than Cancun, which has welcomed over 18 million visitors in the first eight months of 2023, grabbing the title of the most visited beach destination on Earth in the process.

Theres a reason why so many travelers cant seem to get enough of the iconic Mexican hotspot.

Between its world-class beaches, a wide range of accommodation options, and a legendary night scene, its easy to see why Cancun remains the top international destination for U.S. travelers.

After a long day sunbathing on the white-sanded beaches, dont forget to take advantage of the citys gorgeous hotel zone, home to some truly great restaurants thatll take foodies on a rich, delicious journey of the culinary heritage of the Yucatan Peninsula.

Read More:

Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans For 2023 Starting At $10 Per Week

How To Easily Earn Points For Free Travel

Join Our Community

TheTravel Off Path Community FB grouphas all the latest reopening news, conversations, and Q&As happening daily!

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Paths latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Here is the original post:

These Are The Top 3 Fastest Growing Destinations In The Mexican ... - Travel Off Path

Posted in Caribbean | Comments Off on These Are The Top 3 Fastest Growing Destinations In The Mexican … – Travel Off Path