Category Archives: Caribbean

Regional Highlights

The COVID-19 pandemic has hit Latin America and the Caribbean at a time of low growth, marked inequality and vulnerability, growing poverty, weakening of social cohesion and increasing expressions of social discontent.

Cases of COVID-19 continue to increase in the region and are currently at or near the highest levels observed since the start of the pandemic.

Most countries in the region have weak and fragmented health systems, which do not guarantee the universal access to health care needed to address the COVID-19 crisis.

The impact is high on the frontline health workers, who often lack sufficient PPE.

The crisis is also having a considerable impact on womens access to health care and, in particular, to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services.Lockdown measures enforced in countries have also led to a sharp increase in gender-based violence (GBV).

Contraceptives are expected to suffer shortages or stockouts by the end of this year.

The pandemic is also showing increased incidence among vulnerable populations, particularly indigenous people, afro-descendants, prisoners, migrants, and LGBTI people.

Urgent funding is needed to meet these rising needs.

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Latin America and the Caribbean Region COVID-19 Situation Report No. 10 (Reporting Period: 1 - 30 November 2020) - Argentina - ReliefWeb

It's the Festive Season, the description the Caribbean gives to the holiday period that officially kicked off on Dec. 15 and runs through early January on many islands.

Despite the fact that Covid-19 that has canceled many celebrations this year, some of the islands and resorts have a sleighful of activities, culinary enticements and visits by masked Santas to entertain locals and guests.

Puerto Rico is home to the longest holiday season, which lasts an epic 45 days from Thanksgiving to mid-January. It's typically filled with religious pageants, parades, music, street fairs, food stalls, art exhibits, lights and decorations throughout the island.

For visitors who may have had to postpone their holiday visits this year, Discover Puerto Rico offers a taste of five of the island's festive cocktails to try at home: coquito, the island's take on eggnog; pina colada; frozen boozy coconut-limeade; mojito; and strawberry champagne.

St. Croix hosts its Carnival Festival between Christmas and New Year's. The Crucian Carnival features events in both Christiansted and Frederiksted, including calypso shows, Latin music venues, food fairs, horse races and parades. Some of the scheduled events available to spectators (masked, of course) are the Crucian Culinary Show on Dec. 29, the Children's Parade and Reggae Night, both on Jan. 1 and Calypso Night on Jan. 3. Three Kings Day celebrations round out the Christmas Carnival season on St. Croix on Jan. 6.

Visitors to Grenada can experience the trimmings of a traditional Grenadian Christmas at hotels and resorts throughout the island; traditions include Parang songs accompanied by drums and string instruments; black cake made with island-distilled rum and flavored with island-grown nutmeg; and spiced ginger beer, sorrel juice and rum punches.

Here are examples of other offerings at specific resorts:

The Fairmont El San Juan Hotel tracks Santa's magical journey around the world on Christmas Eve on a giant monitor on display for guests of all ages. Freshly baked cookies for Santa and carrots for the reindeer are provided. Guests also can cozy up for a holiday movie under the stars, accompanied by a cocktail for adults and ice cream sundaes for the kids. Screenings are Dec. 24 through 27 at 6:30 p.m.

Holidays at Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts Punta Cana include themed arts and crafts and interactions with costumed characters in festive outfits. Kids can spend Christmas Day making holiday souvenirs at Club Nick and taking photos with SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer.

Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic is full of Christmas activities for all ages and in keeping with the health protocols of masks, social distancing and use of hand sanitizers. Mariachi nights, sports competitions, drive-in movie nights, a golf cart Christmas decorating contest, bossa nova sunset nights at Minitas beach, a flamenco show at la Marina, Catholic masses at the Altos de Chavon Church and an end-of-the-year fireworks show are on the holiday calendar. Christmas Eve dinner specials are offered at each of the resort's eight restaurants.

Azul Beach Resort Negril offers a traditional Christmas dinner with a Jamaican twist, and fireworks and rooftop entertainment on New Year's Eve.

Seven Stars Resort & Spa in Turks and Caicos launched the holiday season with its annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony and visits by Santa and Mrs. Claus, both of whom wore masks and were tested for Covid before lighting the tree.

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Festive Season, subdued but special, carries on throughout the Caribbean - Travel Weekly

A pair of sister resorts in Belize have officially relaunched, Caribbean Journal has confirmed.

That includes Kaana Resort and the Itzana Resort and Residences, both of which reopened their doors this month to travelers.

The two resorts highlight two dramatically different worlds of Belizes tourism offering: its rugged, adventurous jungle areas and its beachy Caribbean side.

The boutique Kaana resort, set near San Ignacio in the heart of the countrys jungle, recently underwent a series of upgrade projects, including what the property is calling a thoughtful redesign of its villas and suites.

Kaanas villas now include plunge pools and outdoor tubs, among other changes.

Itzana, a residential resort in the increasingly hip coastal town of Placencia, has revealed some changes of its own, headlined by the addition of new two and three-room beachfront villas.

Each of the 5,200-square-foot villas is set right on the sand, perfectly situated for those seeking privacy and respite, according to the property.

Belize has been open for tourism since early October.

For more, visit Kaana and Itzana.

CJ

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Two More Belize Resorts Just Reopened Caribbean Journal - Caribbean Journal

LATIN AMERICA & THE CARIBBEAN: COVID-19Cases are referenced from PAHO/WHO 20 December COVID-19 Report - https://bit.ly/2O25YQw

KEY FIGURES

14.7M CUMULATIVE COVID-19 CASES IN LATIN AMERICA & THE CARIBBEAN AS OF 20 DECEMBER

7.7% REGIONAL ECONOMIC CONTRACTION IN 2020 DUE TO COVID-19 CRISIS

REGIONAL RECOVERY

The UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) forecasts that the region will end 2020 with a 7.7 per cent economic contraction, its largest in 120 years, before experiencing a 3.7 per cent growth in 2021. Compared to the expected global contraction stemming from the COVID-19 crisis, Latin America and the Caribbean will be the hardest-hit region in the developing world.

The region's socioeconomic consequences have been exacerbated by longstanding structural issues that will likely not allow a full recovery to pre-crisis GDP levels until 2024.

RENEWED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

Following the announcement of a new COVID-19 strain spreading in the United Kingdom, several countries in the region are suspending travel from the UK. Argentina, Colombia, Chile, El Salvador and Peru announced flight suspensions on 20 December. Ecuador is convening high-level emergency meetings to discuss the new strain and potential measures.

CENTRAL AMERICA: 2020 HURRICANE SEASON

KEY FIGURES

4.5M PEOPLE AFFECTED BY ETA & IOTA IN HONDURAS

204.5K FAMILIES AFFECTED BY ETA & IOTA'S DAMAGE TO CROPS IN GUATEMALA

HONDURAS

The COPECO civil protection agency reports Eta and Iota left 4.5 million people affected and caused 99 deaths, adding that they are still determining the full extent of the impact in certain municipalities that, more than a month on, remain cut off.

With the storms affecting nearly half of Honduras population amid the COVID-19 pandemic, analysts consider that Honduras may not fully regain pre-pandemic conditions for another 10 years. Local economists estimate losses of more than US$10 billion, more than the $5 billion incurred by Hurricane Mitch in 1998, a disaster considered to by the worst in Honduras' history.

GUATEMALA

The CONRED civil protection agency estimates there are 234 communities still cut off after Eta and Iota, as floodwaters have yet to fully recede. The San Carlos University believes that these floodwaters may last another six months in some places.

The Ministry of Agriculture reports that Eta and Iotas damage to agriculture exceeds US$102.6 million, with damage to 136,700 hectares of crops in at least 12 departments, affecting about 204,500 families.

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Latin America & The Caribbean - Weekly Situation Update (14-20 December 2020) As of 21 December 2020 - Honduras - ReliefWeb

What happened

Disheartened by Congress' failure to include support for the beleaguered cruise industry in its $900 billion stimulus bill passed Monday, investors sold off shares of all three major publicly traded cruise line stocks -- Royal Caribbean (NYSE:RCL), Carnival Corporation (NYSE:CCL)(NYSE:CUK), and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NYSE:NCLH) -- yesterday. But today, investors are having a change of heart.

As of 11:15 a.m. EST, Royal Caribbean shares are back up 3.5% and have recovered all their losses from Tuesday (and even a bit more). Both Carnival and Norwegian Cruise are nearly back to where they were at Monday's close -- and are gaining 6.3% apiece today.

Image source: Getty Images.

Why the sudden change of sentiment? Well to begin with, while investors might have hoped for a bailout from Congress, they really shouldn't have been counting on one. Congress dissed the industry in its first round of coronavirus stimulus back in March. With this week's stimulus bill less than half the size of the earlier bill, there wasn't much chance that the cruise industry would fare any better this time around.

Still, provisions in the second stimulus bill designed to stoke discretionary consumer spending -- $300 weekly in extra federal unemployment benefits, and $600 checks for most Americans -- could potentially put enough cash in enough consumers' pockets to help jump-start a recovery, once cruising is able to resume.

Indeed, as CruiseIndustryNews.com reported earlier this week, even before Congress approved these payments, internet searches for cruises in 2021 were on the rise -- up 30% in the October to November period, as compared to search volumes from April to September. With vaccines starting to roll out, and the CDC at least having a framework set up for cruise lines to resume cruising, online travel company Expedia (NASDAQ:EXPE) predicts "strong interest for cruises sailing in 12 to 18 months' time."

Not all the news is good, of course. A 12- to 18-month timeframe doesn't sound particularly propitious for Carnival's plan to resume cruising from Canada to Alaska in May 2021, for example. That timeline may also be cutting it close for cruise lines that are continuing to burn through a combined nearly $1 billion in cash every month, as they await a return to cruising. Norwegian in particular probably only has enough cash on hand to keep it afloat for 14 months, even after its last capital raise.

In short, the recession isn't over for cruise line stocks just yet.

Originally posted here:

Why Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line Stocks Recovered Today - Motley Fool

TipRanks

Take a deep breath, get ready, the New Year is just around the corner, and while were all ready to celebrate just on principle, because getting out of 2020 is reason enough for joy lets also take stock of where we are and where were headed.Theres a growing sense of optimism, engendered by the availability of COVID vaccines and the potential they give for a return to normal on Main Streets around the country. Finally, a chance that the lockdown and social distancing regimes truly are going to end, and in the near-term. There is a real chance that, by the end of a 2021, John Q. Public may be getting back on his feet.Combine that with Wall Streets current ebullience, as stock markets trade at or near their all-time high levels, and we are looking at the prospect of a banner year. A return to grass roots normalcy will be great but we also have the prospect of an overall rising market. Writing from JPMorgan, chief US equity strategist Dubravko Lakos-Bujas writes, Equities are facing one of the best backdrops in years. Risks relating to global trade tensions, political uncertainty, and the pandemic, will be going away. At the same time, liquidity conditions remain extremely supportive, and theres an extremely favorable interest-rate environment. Thats a Goldilocks environment for risky assets.Lakos-Bujas doesnt shy away from quantifying his optimism. He is predicting as much as 19% gains for the S&P 500, saying that the index will hit 4,000 in the early part of 2021 and reach as high as 4,400 in the later part of the year. Turning Lakos-Bujas' outlook into concrete recommendations, JPMs cadre of stock analysts are pounding the table on three stocks that look especially compelling. We ran the trio throughTipRanksdatabaseto see what otherWall Street's analysts have to say about.Sotera Health (SHC)Sotera Health occupies a unique niche in the healthcare industry, offering, through its subsidiaries, a range of safety-oriented support businesses for healthcare providers. These services include sterilization procedures, lab testing, and advisory services and their importance is immediately clear. Sotera boasts over 5,800 healthcare provider customers in more than 50 countries around the world.While not a new company two of its branches have been in business since the 1930s and 40s Sotera is new to the stock markets, having held its IPO just this past November. The initial offering was considered successful, raising $1.2 billion on a sale of 53.6 million shares. Earlier this month, Sotera announced that it used much of the IPO capital to pay down $1.1 billion in existing debt. This included $341 million in a first lien term loan, plus the $770 million in aggregated principal on an issue of senior secured notes. The move allowed Sotera to increase its revolving credit facility to $347.5 million. That facility is currently undrawn.Among the bulls is JPM analyst Tycho Peterson who rates SHC an Overweight (i.e. Buy) along with a one-year price target of $35. This figure suggests a 31% upside from current levels. (To watch Petersons track record, click here)"SHC is uniquely positioned to benefit from healthy end-market growth and favorable pricing dynamics," Peterson noted. "Given a diversified operating platform, sticky multi-year contracts, an efficient pricing strategy, significant barriers to entry and high regulatory oversight, we project ~9% sales growth, with higher utilization driving continued expansion [and] robust FCF supports ongoing de-leveraging, leaving us positive on both the near- and longer-term outlook. The Wall Street analyst corps is firmly behind Peterson on this one in fact, the 7 recent reviews are unanimous Buys, making the analyst consensus a Strong Buy. SHC is currently trading for $26.75, and its $32.50 average price target implies an upside of 21.5% by the end of 2021. (See SHC stock analysis on TipRanks)Myovant Sciences (MYOV)Lets stick with the health care industry, and look at Myovant Sciences. This clinical research biopharma company focuses on major issues of reproductive system disease in both men and women. Specifically, Myovant is working to develop treatments for uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and prostate cancer.Myovants pipeline currently features Relugolix as a treatment for fibroids and endometriosis. The drug is in Phase 3 trial for the latter, and has had its NDA submitted for the former. Also in the pipeline, and related to reproductive health, is MVT-602, a new drug designed to enhance egg maturation and aid in vitro fertilization.In addition, Myovant has announced this month that Relugolix has been FDA approved under the brand name Orgovyx as a treatment for advanced prostate cancer. The drug is the first, and currently only, Oral Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Receptor Antagonist for the disease. Orgovyx is expected to enter the market in January 2021.Analyst Eric Joseph, in his note on this stock for JPM, describes how he is impressed by Relugolix based on the clinical and commercial potential of lead asset relugolix for the treatment of endometriosis and uterine fibroids, as well as in men for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer."The analyst added, "In women's health, we believe the totality of phase 3 data to date de-risks the likelihood of relugolix approval in the US for uterine fibroids and endometriosis commercial opportunities that are underreflected at current levels. Further, we see an attractive commercial setup for relugolix in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer as an oral LHRH alternative with a differentiated CV risk profile.These comments support Josephs Overweight (i.e. Buy) rating on MYOV, and his $30 price target implies a 31% upside for the next 12 months. (To watch Josephs track record, click here)Overall, the Strong Buy analyst consensus rating on Myovant comes from 5 reviews, and the breakdown is clearly for the bulls: 4 to 1 in favor Buy versus Hold. The stocks $22.80 share price and $36.40 average price target give a robust upside potential of ~59%. (See MYOV stock analysis on TipRanks)Metropolitan Bank Holding (MCB)For the third stock, well change lanes from health care to finance, where Metropolitan Bank Holding operates through its subsidiary, Metropolitan Commercial Bank as a full-service bank for business, entrepreneurial, and personal customers in the mid-market segment. The banks services include business lending, cash management, deposits, electronic banking, personal checking, and prepaid cards. In a year that has been difficult for most of us, MCB has managed to post steadily increasing revenues and solid earnings. The banks top line has increased from $33 million in Q1 to $36 million in Q3. EPS was stronger, at $1.27 per share, up 30% year-over-year. The gains come as the bank gives forward guidance of $153.9 million in total revenues for next year, which if met will reflect a 22% gain over 2020.While MCBs financial performance has shown steady gains, the share appreciation has not followed suit. The stock has only partially recouped losses taken last winter at the height of the corona crisis, and is currently down 26% this year.Watching the New York banking scene from JPM, analyst Steven Alexopoulos notes general difficulties in the commercial real estate loan sector an important part of MCBs portfolio due to the ongoing pandemic issues. In this environment, he sees Metropolitan Bank as the right choice.Were not as bearish as most on the outlook for New York real estate. Having witnessed many cycles in NYC, the time to buy has been when the herd is running in the other direction. In past cycles, MCB has been an outperformer on credit metrics in regards to its loan portfolio relative to our coverage group, Alexopoulos noted.Alexopoulos goes on to explain another key strength in MCBs loan portfolio: In a low interest rate environment, MCB stands better positioned than peers to withstand NIM headwinds with 59% of MCBs loans being fixed rate and 67% of the remaining floating rate loans have floors to protect from lower short-term rates To this end, Alexopoulos rates MCB an Overweight (i.e. Buy) along with a $50 price target. Should the target be met, investors could pocket gains of 43% over the next year. (To watch Alexopoulos track record, click here)Some stocks fly under the radar, and MCB is one of those. Alexopoulos' is the only recent analyst review of this company, and it is decidedly positive. (See MCB stock analysis on TipRanks)To find good ideas for stocks trading at attractive valuations, visit TipRanks Best Stocks to Buy, a newly launched tool that unites all of TipRanks equity insights.Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the featured analyst. The content is intended to be used for informational purposes only. It is very important to do your own analysis before making any investment.

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Is Royal Caribbean (RCL) Doomed to Have a Terrible 2021 Too? - Yahoo Finance

NEW YORK, Dec. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --Sotheby's International Realty today announced that Majestic Realty Caribbean Limited in the country of Antigua and Barbuda is the newest member of its global network and will now operate as Antigua & Barbuda Sotheby's International Realty. The addition marks the brands first affiliated office in the country and its continued strategic growth in the Caribbean, bringing its total office count in the region to nearly 30.

Sharilyn Cort is a founding member and majority owner of Antigua & Barbuda Sotheby's International Realty and brings 15 years of real estate experience to the company. The company is headquartered in St. John's, Antigua, led by Kaye McDonald, Director of Sales, and has four agents serving the twin islands of Antigua and Barbuda.

"As we have seen throughout 2020, consumers are increasingly interested in locations that offer safe refuge, open space, and lifestyle," said Philip White, president and chief executive officer, Sotheby's International Realty. "Antigua and Barbuda is a beautiful country in the Eastern Caribbean and offers a vibrant luxury real estate market primed for discerning global real estate investors with its easy access to international airports and seaports. We look forward to working with Sharilyn, Kaye, and the entire Antigua & Barbuda Sotheby's International Realty team."

"The luxury real estate market in Antigua and Barbuda is of a high standard, signaling to investors that they can enjoy full value for their investment and low holding costs," said Cort. "We are enthusiastic about the development growth and luxury property offerings on the twin islands and our affiliation with Sotheby's International Realty provides a strategic advantage to grow our presence on an international scale. Like Sotheby's International Realty, we pride ourselves on a bespoke approach in that each client experience is unique and we tailor our services to meet our clients' individual requests."

Antigua & Barbuda Sotheby's International Realty offers a full spectrum of real estate services including purchasing, selling, and renting real estate in Antigua and Barbuda. The twin-island paradise of Antigua and Barbuda enjoys a comfortable tropical climate year-round and is steeped in history and culture with modern comforts and conveniences.

The Sotheby's International Realty network currently has more than 23,000 affiliated independent sales associates located in approximately 1,000 offices in 72 countries and territories worldwide. Antigua & Barbuda Sotheby's International Realty listings are marketed on the sothebysrealty.com global website. In addition to the referral opportunities and widened exposure generated from this source, the firm's brokers and clients will benefit from an association with the Sotheby's auction house and worldwide Sotheby's International Realty marketing programs. Each office is independently owned and operated.

Sotheby's International Realty

Sotheby's International Realty was founded in 1976 as a real estate service for discerning clients of Sotheby's auction house. Today, the company's global footprint spans approximately 1,000 offices located in 72 countries and territories worldwide, including 45 company-owned brokerage offices in key metropolitan and resort markets. In February 2004, Realogy entered a long-term strategic alliance with Sotheby's, the operator of the auction house. The agreement provided for the licensing of the Sotheby's International Realty name and the development of a franchise system. The franchise system is comprised of an affiliate network, where each office is independently owned and operated. Sotheby's International Realty supports its affiliates and agents with a host of operational, marketing, recruiting, educational and business development resources. Affiliates and agents also benefit from an association with the venerable Sotheby's auction house, established in 1744. For more information, visit http://www.sothebysrealty.com.

The affiliate network is operated by Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC, and the company owned brokerages are operated by Sotheby's International Realty, Inc. Both entities are subsidiaries of Realogy Holdings Corp. (NYSE: RLGY) a global leader in real estate franchising and provider of real estate brokerage, relocation and settlement services. Both Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC and Sotheby's International Realty, Inc. fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.

CONTACTMelissa CouchPR ManagerSotheby's International Realty973-407-6142[emailprotected]

SOURCE Sotheby's International Realty

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Sotheby's International Realty Brand Expands Presence in Caribbean - PRNewswire

The Bahamas Baha Mar megaresort has made its long-awaited return, Caribbean Journal has learned.

The resort complex on Cable Beach in Nassau has reopened the first of its three hotel properties, the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar.

The propertys other two resorts, Rosewood Baha Mar and SLS Baha Mar, will be reopening in 2021, according to the company.

The reopening comes after The Bahamas other megaresort, Atlantis Paradise Island, reopened to visitors.

The reopening marks a significant milestone in the revitalization of international travel and return of our guests, to The Caribbean and The Bahamas, said Graeme Davis, President, Baha Mar. When faced with uncertainty and hardship this year, the Baha Mar team looked ahead towards a bright future, and because of their perseverance and strength, we are opening our doors today and welcoming travelers back to the beloved Bahamas. We are humbled by the tremendous support of our guests and look forward to honoring this monumental occasion with the entire Baha Mar community.

So whats actually open?

The Baha Mar Casino is open, as are restaurants including Katsuya, Filia, 3 Tides Fish House, Stix Noodle Bar, Drift and Carna by Dario Cecchini.

The Baha Mars Jack Nicklaus-designed Royal Blue golf course, and its nine-court Racquet Club, are both open, too, along with a new 18-hole mini golf course called Mini Blue.

The resorts Explorers Club kids club is open, as is the ESPA spa, along with the Current art gallery.

The Baha Mars reopening comes with heightened health and safety measures in place, according to the property.

The centerpiece is a requirement that all guests to take a rapid (and complimentary) Antigen Test during the check-in process. (Thats in addition to The Bahamas entry protocols, which require a negative test result within five days before arrival in the country).

The reopening comes after The Bahamas last month entered a new phase of its tourism reopening that paved the way for the relaunch of major hotels and resorts.

For more on The Bahamas travel protocols see here.

For more, visit Baha Mar.

CJ

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The Baha Mar Resort Reopens in The Bahamas Caribbean Journal - Caribbean Journal

Depp played Captain Jack Sparrow in five films across 14 years. The franchise has accumulated box office takings of over $4.5bn making it the twelfth biggest of all time.

However, Disney is said to have put a stop to the actors planned cameo in the next instalment.

The Hollywood Reporter claims that producer Jerry Bruckheimer planned to bring Sparrow back in some capacity for the sequel, but that Disney balked at the idea.

Its unclear whether the studio, who has never formerly cut ties with the actor, ever had plans to bring Depp back as Sparrow.

However, in 2018, Stuart Beattie, the original films screenwriter, seemed to confirm Depps time as the character was over, stating: I think he's had a great run."

These reports come after Depp resigned from the Fantastic Beasts franchise at the request of Warner Bros after losing a libel case against The Sun over a 2018 article that called him a wife beater.

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His recasting in the third film came after the actor was denied permission to appeal against the High Courts ruling, which concluded that he assaulted his ex-wife Amber Heard. Mads Mikkelsen will now play the role of Grindelwald in the Harry Potter spin-off.

Depp, 57, has always denied being violent towards Heard, whose role in Aquaman 2 has since come under fire from Depps supporters .

Addressing a petition, signed by more than 1.7m people, Heard told Entertainment Weekly: Paid rumours and paid campaigns on social media dont dictate [casting decisions] because they have no basis in reality.

Johnny Depp was recently recast in the Fantastic Beasts franchise

(Getty Images)

Earlier this month, it was alleged that Depp had previously tried to get Amber Heard replaced on the film after their relationship ended.

The Independent has contacted Depp and Disney for comment.

Pirates of the Caribbean is said to be returning with a new film starring Margot Robbie in the lead role.

Link:

Johnny Depps Pirates of the Caribbean cameo return blocked by Disney - The Independent

Most places have a fascinating history to discover for those who delve beneath the surface. With millennia of tales to tell and landmark events, nowhere on earth has a backstory thats truly boring.

That being said, some places have richer and more varied pasts than others, and theres no country whose legacy is as gripping as the Caribbeans. Once home to pirates and plunder, its historical inhabitants defied expectations and lived the richest and most fascinating lives.

Their stories are filled with intrigue, danger, and deceit; with blood and death and living life to its fullest. These long-dead characters leap from the pages of the history books so that even now were in thrall to them.

Its this that has made the Caribbean so popular among the storytellers of today. Inspiring everything from TV shows to internet slots, we take a look at this fascinating history and the mediums that have brought it to life.

If theres one industry that understands how to capitalize on an incredible story, its the online gambling sector. Offering lots of themed content, from slot games to online scratchcards, each of its titles tells a unique and immersive tale. For many of these, including Beachside Bonanza, the Caribbean acts as the ideal backdrop.

There are two main reasons for this: its history of pirates and its paradisiacal beauty. Both add an essence of excitement to the setting, conjuring images of high-seas escapades amid sunshine and palm trees. Its escapism at its finest, and the industry knows this tried-and-tested formula sells.

But why do we love the ideaof pirates so much? In slot games and online gambling more generally, most players are searching for excitement. They want to be told a story, and the more glamorous and dashing it is, the more it appeals. With their swords, their swashbuckling, and their search for silver and gold, the characters who feature are the perfect means of delivering this.

These same factors that make pirates so appealing for casino gameson our computer and phone screens make them ideally suited to the world of TV and movies too. We see this demonstrated by numerous fictional franchises, from Pirates of the Caribbean to Black Sails, all of them holding an inherent appeal.

What audiences so enjoy about these characters is that, in a sense, they dont seem real. Theyre too bright, too vibrant, too willing and unafraid to break the rules. In a lot of ways, they take the qualities of a traditional hero and embody these, while adding a series of flaws to simultaneously make them more relatable.

Perhaps the most mesmerizing thing about them, however, is the fact that while they seem impossibly exciting, pirates were real that if one were to trace the steps of humankind back through history they might have found them in the very place where their characters exist today: the white-sand beaches of the Caribbean.

Their stories dazzling and dangerous and exciting grip their audience in every way, and thats what viewers want most: to be transported. Only one place on earth seems beautiful and glamorous enough toever have sustained such irrepressible individuals, and thats the Caribbean. No wonder its so widely embraced by modern-day content creators, nor that it makes the perfect setting for high-octane slots.

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Plunder in Paradise: How the Unique History of the Caribbean Has Made It the Perfect Slot Game Setting - South Florida Caribbean News