Category Archives: Caribbean

If the first image that springs to mind when you hear rum cocktail is a frozen drink punctured with a colorful parasol, heres your chance to reimagine the scene a global one, where rum stars in recipes that dont require a blender, brain freeze, or idyllic beach. Rum is an international spirit, and a cultural fixture in areas of the world where it is produced. Originally called Kill Devil or rumbullion, rums first recorded history dates to 1650 in Barbados. It became profitable in many Caribbean islands as a result of Europeans who forced Africans to work as slaves. However, the spirit continues to thrive with local pride, and brands around the world are excited to shift the narrative of rum as a spirit made solely for tropical drinks.

Rum is the most versatile spirit category in the world, with an array of flavors, body, aromas and presentations, says Ian A.V. Burrell, global rum ambassador to the rum category, and founder of Equiano rum. Although the distilled spirit is made from sugarcane, a common misconception is that rum is always sweet. But while some rums are allowed to add sugar or sweet wines to their blends, many are as pure as bourbon, Tennessee whiskey, or single-malt Scotch. (Pure as in unadulterated, meaning no sugar, sweeteners, or additives are used to enhance the flavor.)

In this way, Burrell compares rum to whiskey: Both follow regional rules or laws, but have no global definition. It is produced in many countries, most having their own definition of the sugarcane spirit, similar to whiskey from Scotland, Ireland, Canada, or America, Burrell says, and like whiskey, it all depends on where the rum is made. For example, all rums from Puerto Rico must be aged for a minimum of one year before they can be called rum, and in Venezuela, two years. Rums from Jamaica must be made on the island and cannot contain additives such as sugar or spices. And Rhums from Martinique, using their controlled designation of origin (appellation dorigine contrle AOC), have many rules, including that they must be made from fresh sugarcane juice from local sugarcane and distilled in creole column stills.

Likewise, Peter Ruppert, beverage director of Short Stories in the East Village of New York and brand ambassador for Don Papa Rum, compares rum to wine: Much in the way that the same grape grown in Burgundy can be raised in California, yet produce two very different flavors, the same concept exists for sugar, he says. Its such a delicate balance with many factors, from climate, to the proximity to a large body of water, and even altitude.

Ruppert continues: In large part, what I think makes rum such a fascinating spirit is that its mysterious, and you always want to know more. Its not just where it was grown and how it was aged, but how did it get there? Who found it? Where was it brought to, and who did it meet along the way? It simply has a ton of personality.

And speaking of personality, here is a look into rum varieties around the world that are showing how global and diverse the spirit really is along with recipe inspiration for each.

Made in: Mauritius and Barbados

Equiano made its debut this year as the worlds first African Caribbean rum. The limited, molasses-based blend is 100 percent natural rum thats aged in a combination of French Limousin oak and ex-Cognac casks for a minimum of 10 years, then shipped to Barbados and blended with single-blended rum aged in ex-bourbon casks.

We decided to take rum from Africa (Mauritius) and send it to the epicenter of the rum world, the Caribbean (Barbados), to be blended with local premium rums by the masters. This culminates in a smooth-tasting rum that is bursting with natural aromas, taste, and flavor, without the addition of any sugars or spices, Burrell, co-founder of Equiano, says.

Burrells Kedu Daiquiri is a nod to Equiano rums origins and to Olaudah Equiano, the 18th-century writer, entrepreneur, and abolitionist the brand was named after. Kedu means hello or welcome in the Igbo language of southern Nigeria, near the birthplace of Equiano.

This cocktail is a simple, refreshing drink that embodies hospitality, Burrell says. As Equiano rum has natural tropical notes on the nose and palate, it works well with exotic fruits such as pineapple. Historically, and due to its seemingly exotic qualities and rareness, the pineapple soon became a symbol of hospitality in early America. Because trade routes between America and Caribbean islands were often slow and perilous, it was considered a significant achievement from a host to procure a ripe pineapple for guests.

Developed by: Ian Burrell, Global Rum Ambassador to the Rum Category, London

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Made in: Venezuela

Diplomtico rums are produced by Destileras Unidas S.A. (DUSA), an independent, family-owned and 100 percent Venezuelan company, located at the foothills of the Andes Mountains. Our main advantage to achieve a delicious and distinctive taste profile is our unique rum-making process, says Edouard Beaslay, global marketing director, Diplomtico Rum. Diplomtico rums are distilled using a rich variety of methods, like ancient copper pot stills (British whisky tradition) for complex rums. Using pot stills, arguably the most authentic method of distillation, results in a more flavorsome spirit and richer in congeners.

Diplomticos rum raisin cocktail, created by brand ambassador Emmanuel Pea, shows just how many diverse ingredients can elevate rums flavor. Although named Rum Raisin, the star of this cocktail is the fig preserve, Pea says. I found that when you dry figs, youre reducing volume of water, resulting in a similar raisin-y taste, but much more refined. The acidity of the lemon balances everything out and enhances the vanilla notes found in Diplomatico Planas. The color of the fig preserve adds that vibrancy to the cocktail.

Developed by: Emmanuel Pea, National Diplomtico Brand Ambassador

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Made in: Barbados, Guyana, Spain

What happens when rum is blended and aged in a number of places around the world before being bottled? Dos Maderas is what happens. A rum like Dos Maderas has a unique system of taking rum that is produced and aged for five years in Guyana and Barbados, then bringing them to Jerez, Spain, where they are blended and aged in sherry casks in the cooler climate and solera system, bringing about a nuance and complexity from the rums that could not happen if they were aged in one place, says Andy Seymour, owner of Liquid Productions, an agency that develops education and beverage programs. In a case like this, the rum enjoys the benefit of several places to be from, making it even more special.

Dos Maderas Bodega Banana Daiquiri cocktail is the taste of the tropics, without the overbearing sweetness that many Daiquiris fall prey to. The rum has a balance in flavor that allows some of the spice to really come through on the palate, with the earthy and nuttiness of the Palo Cortado sherry that finish the roundness in flavor and texture, and create a beautiful canvas to build flavors, especially in the tropical world, says Diana Novak, national director of craft spirits education at Palm Bay International.

The rum itself has notes that linger with tropical notes, and thus incorporating flavors like banana, mango, papaya, pineapple, even grilled flavors of tropical melon to muddle only bring out more the body of the rum, and round it out with the nutty, earthy flavor notes of the Dos Maderas 5+3 rum, she says.

Developed by: Diana Novak, National Director of Craft Spirits Education at Palm Bay International, Chicago

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Made in: The Philippines

Though rum production is usually associated with the Caribbean, in recent years, the Philippines has emerged as a strong competitor in the rum market. Don Papa Rum gets its start in what some believe is the cradle of rum itself. Hailing from the island of Negros, Philippines, or Sugarlandia as the locals call it, there is a special variant of sugarcane that is such a trademark of the landscape that it actually grows wild. Its incredibly sweet and we here at Don Papa like to call it our secret sauce, says Peter Ruppert, Don Papa Rum brand ambassador. This liquid gold is turned into molasses, then distilled and aged for seven years in American oak ex-bourbon barrels that produce an array of flavors that include honey, citrus, and candied fruit.

If youve never thought to combine coffee and rum, let Rupperts Don Caf cocktail be your inspiration. Don Papas notes of vanilla, honey, and caramel fit like a glove in this warm and comforting coffee cocktail, Ruppert says. A little rum can go a long way when paired with the right ingredients and thats certainly true of the Don Caf. Made with Don Papa 7, Gradys coffee, a touch of Mr. Black coffee liqueur for sweetness and an added kick, then finally just a couple drops of hazelnut, its the perfect way to get your day going.

Developed by: Peter Ruppert, beverage director of Short Stories, New York, and brand ambassador of Don Papa Rum

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Made in: Trinidad, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, and Barbados

For a true taste of what Caribbean rum is capable of, look no further than Ten to One, which gets its flavor profile from production on four different islands. Caribbean people have been mastering the art of distilling, aging, and blending rum for over two centuries. Each island has its own distinct flavor profile and when combined with other rums can result in an exceptional blend, Marc Ferrell, founder of Ten to One, says. Our White Rum is a blend of rum from Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, and our Dark is from Trinidad, Barbados, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic.

Ten to Ones Manhattan cocktail recipe utilizes the caramelized notes of the rum to balance the herbal flavors of bitters and vermouth in this classic drink. Rum is not just for spring break and sugary frozen drinks. Rum is extremely versatile and has the ability to uplevel any craft cocktail. Try it in your next Old Fashioned or Negroni in place of whiskey or gin. We promise you wont be disappointed, Ferrell says.

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Made in: Barbados

Barbados is considered the birthplace of rum, and Mount Gay maintains the worlds oldest-running rum distillery, dating back to 1703. The recent debut of its Master Blender Collection: The Port Cask Expressions, celebrates over 300 years of expertise and was created by the distillerys first female master blender, Trudiann Branker. This new blend incorporates the use of Tawny Port casks to create notes of cherry, dried fruit, oak, prune, and almond on the palate.

Rum is often perceived as something served in a plastic cup with lots of sweet, sugary syrups and soda added, Branker says. However, rum is just as sophisticated and nuanced as a single malt or your favorite bourbon. A well-made, balanced rum punch is one of our favorite drinks, but we challenge people to look beyond that and enjoy a rum neat or on the rocks to explore the flavors, aromas, and layers of complexity that come from the different casks we use. There are hundreds of years of expertise that go into making rum, and its truly a spirit that you can enjoy and explore, like many other brown spirits.

Developed by: Mt. Gay

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Made in: Venezuela

The family-owned Hacienda Santa Teresa has been making rum in Venezuelas Aragua Valley since 1796. Ron Santa Teresa was the first rum producer to be registered in the country and it remains family-owned five generations later. The sugar cane and water used to make Santa Teresa 1796 come from a rich terroir that provides the perfect environmental conditions for aging rum.

Were seeing that consumers are gravitating towards the dark, premium rum category, which features bottles that have a flavor profile more akin to Scotch or whiskey than the typical rum. With the rise in foodie and cocktail culture, expressions like Santa Teresa 1796, which has a rich, refined, and unexpectedly dry finish, are providing discerning drinkers a new, elevated experience, Geoff Robinson, Santa Teresa 1796 global brand ambassador, says. He adds that drinking the expression is exploring a myriad of rich flavors, whether its notes of honey and vanilla or deep notes of leather and tobacco. Ultimately, every rum is a story of the people, place, and terroir from where it is born, and that is the beautiful thing about rum.

Santa Teresas Negroni enlists rum instead of gin in the classic Italian cocktail.

Developed by: Santa Teresa 1796

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Rum Cocktails that Celebrate the Diversity of Drinks From the Caribbean and Beyond - VinePair

HIGHLIGHTS

Before the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Latin America and the Caribbean region was facing concurrent humanitarian crises, with 23 million people in need of assistance.

The pandemic has led to rising unemployment and other impacts that could push millions into poverty, many of whom will rely on humanitarian assistance to survive.

In 21 countries and territories, UNICEF will protect the most vulnerable children, families and communities from exposure to COVID-19 and its impacts. At the regional level, UNICEF will provide technical assistance to country offices, building preparedness capacities at all levels and ensuring linkages between humanitarian and resilience efforts.

UNICEF is requesting US$48.9 million to address COVID-19-related humanitarian needs (US$36.5 million) and support overall emergency preparedness and response (US$12.4 million). Priorities include the safe return to school; the provision of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services; and support for health systems. Seventeen independent states and four territories are directly covered by this regional appeal.

HUMANITARIAN SITUATION

Protracted crises and rapid-onset emergencies, compounded by COVID-19, are impacting the well-being of millions of children across Latin America and the Caribbean.Prior to the pandemic, the region was already facing concurrent crises, including the socio-economic and political situation in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (7 million people in need of assistance);the Venezuelan migration crisis (6.2 million people in need of support); 12the economic, social and political crisis in Haiti (5.1 million people in need);and at least 5.2 million people in need of assistance in El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras due to poverty, climate shocks and violence.Between January and August 2020, over 733,000 people, including some 258,000 children, were affected by mid-/large-scale disasters in 13 countries,including the first tropical storms of the Caribbean hurricane season. Furthermore, 47.7 million people in the region live with hungerand 2.6 million children are facing crisis levels of food insecurity in Haiti and Central America.Nearly 21 million people lack access to basic drinking water and 83 million lack access to basic sanitation.Prior to COVID-19, 12 million children and adolescents were out of the education system.COVID-19 has exacerbated these ongoing situations, leading to greater needs and undermining national and local capacities. Due to border closures, some people are displaced within their countries, while many others have migrated through irregular borders. Thousands have been stranded in host countries, and are facing limited access to basic services and xenophobia. In a region with 14 countries among the 25 countries with the highest femicide rates globally,and where one out of two children under 15 years is subject to corporal punishment at home,pre-existing gender inequalities and gender-based violence trends, coupled with confinement, have led to increased violence against children and women. 20

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Humanitarian Action for Children 2021 - Latin America and the Caribbean - Argentina - ReliefWeb

Though pregnancy is a truly beautiful thing, it can be an inconvenience to Hollywood. Luckily, through camera techniques, wardrobe changes, and plot reconstructions, actors can still do their jobs while carrying their children inside of them.

However, not all actors have to go the extra mile to conceal their pregnancies on-screen. Take Penelope Cruz, for instance. She filmed the entire Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides movie while pregnant, all thanks to a brilliant strategy director Rob Marshall set in place to hide her pregnancy from viewers eyes.

For the first two Pirates of the Caribbean films, actor Keira Knightly played the lead female role. However, that all changed in 2011 when actor Penelope Cruz took over for Knightley in the franchises fourth installment.

In Pirates of the Caribbean: Stranger Tides, Cruz portrays Angelica, the first female pirate in the franchise, who had planned on becoming a nun until she met Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp). Not only is she Jacks love interest and rival, but Angelica is also the daughter of the legendary pirate Blackbeard (Ian McShane).

RELATED: Pirates of the Caribbean: Why Keira Knightley and Johnny Depp Hid Their On-Screen Kiss From Orlando Bloom

Angelica is a pirate and she has the pirate mind: tricky, manipulative, dangerous when she has to be. She loves games, but she has a good heart and her motivation is always a good one, Cruz explained to Press & Guide in 2011. But she has a religious background and very strong values. So shes full of contradictions and I think thats what makes the character so interesting.

Though Cruz prefers filming smaller movies with less action, she called being a part of the blockbuster swashbuckler film a big privilege.

I found a very interesting character in a movie that is really big and it gave me the opportunity to see how those movies are made, Cruz fondly recalled. And I love the pirate world because its so attractive and so interesting. So, for many reasons, it was great. I feel so lucky that I can be part of this movie.

To prepare for her role as Angelica, Cruz trained for two months to learn how to wield a sword and approach fighting scenes properly.

While she quickly picked up the various techniques needed to pull off believable action scenes, Cruzs participation in those clips had become limited after she found out she was pregnant with her first child right before filming began.

Not wanting to replace her in the movie, director Rob Marshall came up with an ingenious plan to conceal Cruzs pregnancy during filming which just so happened to include her younger sister Monica Cruz!

With Monica Cruz also being an actor and a dancer, Marshall decided to hire her as Penelopes body double for those tricky sword-fighting scenes.

RELATED: Johnny Depp Nearly Got Fired From Pirates of the Caribbean for Making Jack Sparrow Too Gay

And Monica quickly proved to be a perfect stunt double for her sister as she expertly executed all of the action scenes Penelope wasnt able to participate in.

I did a couple of months of training and did what I was able to do, but I couldnt do everything, just what was safe, Cruz explained to The Telegraph in 2011. Monica came at the end to do some scenes. Shes a dancer and very good with a sword because shes done a film herself.

Working alongside her younger sister may have been fun for Cruz, but it was also enjoyable for Marshall, who gushed about his time filming the movie with the look-alike siblings while speaking with The Telegraph.

Towards the end of the shoot we asked Monica to help us out for some of the shots because we needed a different silhouette, so the whole family got to work on the movie, he said.

It sounds to us that Pirates of the Caribbean: Stranger Tides wasnt just a fantasy action film. It was also a family affair!

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'Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides' Came Up With a Creative Strategy for Hiding Penelope Cruz's Pregnancy - Showbiz Cheat Sheet

When checking the TOPHOTELPROJECTS construction database, our researchers found that 1,737 hotels are in the works across North America and the Caribbean right now.

In the coming years, 1,737 hotels with 367,275 rooms will open across North America and the Caribbean. We take a closer look at these openings and highlight the ones to watch.

2021 will be a busy year in North America and the Caribbean as far as hotel openings are concerned. 840 launches are planned across this huge region, bringing a total of 165,379 keys into play.

2022 is looking a bit quieter, relatively speaking, with 355 projects and 78,558 keys in the pipeline. In 2023, things will slow down considerably, with only 109 properties and 26,981 rooms currently on the cards.

For 2024 and beyond, 433 hotels with 96,357 rooms have already been mooted, although many more are likely to be added as the months progress.

Of the 1,737 planned hotels, roughly 75% will be in the four-star sector. The remaining 25% will fall into the five-star category.

Given its sheer size and global influence, its unsurprising that the US tops our list of national growth markets in the region. Here 1,527 hotels are going to bring 299,489 rooms to bear over the coming years.

Canada comes in a very distant second place with 69 projects and 11,321 keys, while the Dominican Republic takes third with 29 new properties and 21,564 rooms many of which belong to one mega-project.

21 schemes with 5,383 rooms are underway in Cuba, while Jamaica will see ten hotels with an impressive 11,779 keys opening soon.

When looking at the vast number of new hotels opening in the US, it feels almost inevitable that the regions key urban growth markets would all be located here.

New York comes in first with 66 hotels and 17,288 rooms still to be added to its already well-established hotel market. LA takes second place with 54 projects and 11,397 keys, with Atlanta completing the top three courtesy of its 45 properties and 9,646 rooms.

Further down the pecking order, Miami will get 36 additional hotels with 9,051 rooms, while Nashville has 33 schemes with 7,162 keys in the pipeline. Chicagos hotel offering, meanwhile, will grow by 24 properties and 5,671 rooms, followed by San Francisco with 23 schemes and 3,800 keys.

Rounding out the top ten, Denver and Austin will both get 22 new hotels, and Orlando completes the list with 21 projects on its books.

Hilton Worldwide and Marriott International are the key drivers moving the market forward in this region collectively, they account for seven of the ten fastest growing brands.

Home2 Suites by Hilton comes out ahead overall with 53 ongoing projects and 6,378 keys, while Hampton by Hilton is in second place with 47 properties and 5,861 rooms. Cambria Hotels is right behind them, however, with 43 upcoming openings and 5,887 additional rooms.

Interestingly, both AC Hotels by Marriott and Aloft Hotels will launch 37 hotels, with Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott expanding by 36 properties. Hilton Garden Inn is next in line with 35 projects in the pipeline.

We also need to point out that Element Hotels and Hyatt will each add 31 hotels to their respective portfolios, while Hyatt Place will grow its footprint by 30 properties.

In Nevada, the 1,166-room Hilton Resorts World Las Vegas is due to open by mid-2021 as part of a 3,500-key development thatll also include LXR Resorts World Las Vegas and Conrad Resorts World Las Vegas. This project, which will cost nearly US$1 billion, is being developed by casino operator Genting Group. The property will boast a 5,000-capacity theatre, 350,000 sq ft of meeting and convention space, a 220,000 sq ft pool complex with seven unique pool experiences, a spa and fitness centre, an extensive collection of casual and fine-dining F&B concepts, and, of course, a casino.

In Florida, Grand Hyatt Miami Beach will welcome guests from Q3 2023, offering 800 luxurious rooms within walking distance of the beach. Its expected to include two floors of meeting spaces and ballrooms that will complement the nearby convention centre, a resort-style pool deck with panoramic views, and retail space that will activate the district at street level. An elevated skybridge, moreover, will enable event attendees to move freely between the hotel and the convention centre.

On a similar theme, Omni Hotel Fort Lauderdale will be geared towards business guests attending events at the nearby Broward County Convention Centre. The hotel will boast 800 rooms and a vast amount of meeting space including a spectacular waterfront ballroom. Guests will also have access to multiple F&B options including a rooftop bar, an 11,000 sq ft full-service spa and fitness centre, and over 30,000 sq ft of pool decks.

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Region overview: 1700 hotels to open in North America and the Caribbean [Construction Report] - TOPHOTELNEWS

TACOMA, Washington The Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) Authorization Act was first instituted in 2009 to create safer communities in Caribbean nations targeted by drug trafficking. The H.R. 7703 bill was introduced to authorize appropriations for the initiative, to implement disaster resilience strategies and to strengthen the security partnership between the United States and the Caribbean nations.

All 15 Caribbean countries, especially the Bahamas, Jamaica, Haiti and the Dominican Republic, make up a network of illicit drug smuggling from South America to the United States. Due to the intervention from outside nations, including the U.S., there has been a significant decrease in the quantity of cocaine brought into the U.S. from the Caribbean, relative to the total shipments from South America since the 1980s. In 2001, 26% of the cocaine trafficked flowed through the Caribbean, but by 2012, the percentage fell to 5%.

Although drug trafficking rates have decreased, crime and violence related to drugs have been on an upwards trend. In 2010, homicide rates were especially high in Honduras, with 77 homicides per 100,000 people, followed by Jamaica and the Bahamas. To protect security among the Caribbean nations, the CBSI act was implemented in 2009.

The U.S. launched the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative to provide foreign assistance in the Caribbean in five areas: maritime and aerial cooperation, justice sector reform, border security and firearms interdiction, law enforcement capacity building and crime prevention. All aims of the initiative target threats to public safety and social justice within the Caribbean that are caused by drug trafficking.

From 2010 through 2020, Congress allocated nearly $677 million to support 13 countries in the Caribbean to carry out the CBSI. However, since 2018, the current presidential administration has been requesting significant budget cuts from the CBSI. For the 2021 fiscal year, only $32 million was requested by the administration, which is a 47% cut from the previous years budget. Threats to the funding of the initiative provoked the introduction of H.R. 7707, which seeks to protect the CBSIs budget and the people of the Caribbean.

On July 21, 2020, Representative Adriano Espaillat of New York introduced the H.R. 7707: Caribbean Basin Security Initiative Authorization Act to allow for appropriations for the CBSI, to improve the security relationship between the United States and the Caribbean and to enhance disaster resilience. Compared to the proposed $32 million from the administration, authorization of at least $74.8 million for each fiscal year for the CBSI, is the top priority for the bill.

As an authorization bill, H.R. 7707 directs how increased federal funding can strengthen citizen safety, security and the rule of law in the Caribbean. The bill calls for the prioritization of efforts to counter corruption and carry out strategic engagement with the governments in the 13 countries covered under the CBSI. Cooperation between the U.S. and the Caribbean would be improved through the development of a public diplomacy strategy that educates Caribbean citizens on the benefits of the security and assistance cooperation programs.

H.R. 7707 is currently under review by the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and is predicted by Skopos lab to have a 26% chance of being enacted. Appropriating more funding to the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative will create more opportunities to promote safety not only in the Caribbean but for surrounding countries. The Caribbean Basin Security Initiative Authorization Act can build up the rule of law in the Caribbean and oppose future terrorist threats created by drug-related violence.

Ilana IssulaPhoto: Flickr

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Examining the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative Authorization Act - Borgen Project

WASHINGTON, Dec 16 (Reuters) - The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) said on Wednesday said it would mobilize $1 billion to help countries in Latin America and the Caribbean acquire and distribute COVID-19 vaccines, adding to some $1.2 billion already committed in 2020.

Latin Americas main development lender said it would also continue to provide funding for other public-health measures, such as more effective testing and tracing, and better clinical management of COVID-19 patients.

We are expanding our support to help Latin American and Caribbean countries ensure timely access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines, said IDB President Mauricio Claver-Carone. The coming months will be critical to altering the course of the pandemic and supporting the recovery of our region.

The announcement comes amid growing concern about a sharp rise in COVID-19 infections and deaths in the region.

Latin America has been hard hit by the pandemic, and is home to about 20% of the COVID-19 infections and 30% of the deaths , although it accounts for only 8% of the global population, International Monetary Fund chief Kristalina Georgieva told an event on Tuesday.

For an interactive graphic tracking the global spread of COVID-19, open here in an external browser.

The IDB said the additional funds will help countries buy vaccine doses individually or through multilateral efforts, such as the World Health Organizations COVAX program; develop effective vaccine deployment mechanisms; and build immunization capacity.

The bank also urged Latin American and Caribbean governments to redouble efforts to prepare national deployment and vaccination plans, and said it was ready to help ensure their successful implementation throughout the region.

Earlier on Wednesday, Reuters reported that the COVAX global scheme to deliver COVID-19 vaccines to poorer countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America faces a very high risk of failure due to a lack of funds, supply risks and complex contractual arrangements. (Reporting by Andrea Shalal in Washington Editing by Matthew Lewis)

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IDB offers $1 billion to help Latin America, Caribbean with COVID-19 vaccinations - Reuters

Theres a wellness kit with sanitizer, a face mask, gloves, and a sachet of Emergen-C. Amenities in the time of a pandemic. Housekeeping comes twice daily but will visit less if I prefer. I keep the regular schedule (Im a sucker for turndown), but head onto the balcony whenever theyre cleaning. I happily note that when Nicole arrives that evening, shes masked and wearing a disposable gown over her uniform, as well as gloves and a bonnet.

Fast Wi-Fi allows me to work efficiently from the hotel, and the generic beach scene that was my Zoom backdrop is replaced by the real deal, the whoosh of waves my soundtrack instead of daytime TV. Ive swapped my usual day-old sweats for a fluffy robe. As the sun sets, I declare day one a success.

The next two days unfold smoothly. I Zoom with Stateside colleagues visibly envious of my new beachfront location. At meal times, chef-prepped delicacies are set up on a linen-clad table overlooking the sea. I write, email, and update my social media feeds, alternating between chaise, bed, and sofa. My days are interrupted only by the chirp of bananaquits, the odd-hours crowing of roosters, and the hum of air conditioning units.

But by day three, the shine is off the apple. I no longer bother to dress, remaining in my robe all day. I wistfully watch walkers and swimmers at the beach. (Grand Anse is publicas are all beaches hereand, as such, strictly forbidden for quarantiners.) My only brief human contacts are room service and housekeeping staff. Im lonely but I miss my four-day-a-week running habit the most. That, combined with daily cheese plates, makes me feel out of sorts, physically and mentally.

Grenada's Grand Anse beach

On day four, hope arrives in the form of two nurses, who come to administer the complimentary PCR test Grenada requires before visitors can be released from quarantine. Ill have the results in one to two days, they tell me, and I cross my fingers its the former.

Day five dawns and I wake up hopeful Ill get the green light to leave and check into my next hotel, Mount Cinnamon, which will be my base for exploring Grenada in the remaining days. But lunchtime comes and goes and then suddenly it's 5 p.m. I realize that even in a luxury resortwhich might be the best possible place to spend quarantinefive days of confinement isnt much fun. When I post an update on Instagram, a local hotelier DMs to report that her guests sometimes receive results as late as 9 p.m. Hope returns. Sure enough, at 9:10 p.m., the front desk calls. Im negative and free to leave in the morning. Angels sing!

Before I go to sleep, I lay out my gear for a sunrise run along the Caribbean-lapped crescent thats been taunting me. And when I finally start my run the next morning, every splash of waves on my sneakers feels like a beachy welcome. I pass seniors taking a sea bath in the shallows and walkers with their dogs in tow. Sailboats bob at anchor and the capital of St. Georges beckons in the distance. In the morning sun everything is illuminated. And so, at last, am I.

We're reporting on how COVID-19 impacts travel on a daily basis. Find all of our coronavirus coverage and travel resources here.

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Caribbean Travel: What It's Like to Quarantine in a Five-Star Resort - Cond Nast Traveler

Curfews will be in effect during the Festive season to slow the transmission of Covid-19 among locals and visitors.

On Antigua and Barbuda, for example, the current curfew is in effect from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. through Dec. 31.

However, curfew hours will be adjusted on New Year's Eve and will be in effect from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. to allow for church services and private parties.

In Puerto Rico, an islandwide curfew is in effect from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. through Jan. 7, including a 24-hour stay-at-home lockdown on Sundays.

Bars and marinas remain closed through this period; restaurants, casinos and museums are open at 30% capacity, as are hotel pools.

Sales of alcohol at stores are prohibited from Saturday at 5 a.m. through Monday at 5 a.m.

Public beaches are open for sports and exercise but no sunbathing, and masks are required in all public spaces.

Puerto Rico is encouraging only essential travel at this time, according to discoverpuertorico.com and is following guidelines of the CDC, the U.S. Travel Association and the Ministry of Health.

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Curfews curb the Festive season in the Caribbean - Travel Weekly

In a new report from The Hollywood Reporter it is being said that Disney has balked at the proposal of having Johnny Depp reprise his Jack Sparrow role in the upcoming 'Pirates of the Caribbean' reboot.

Disney is rebooting the 'Pirates' franchise with Margot Robbie in the lead role and had reportedly been shying away from Depp coming back after what occurred while filming Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales. He's accused of swallowing 8 ecstasy pills and lashing out at then wife Amber Heard. A tirade that ended with part of his finger being sliced off and a delay in production.

Director Jerry Bruckheimer, who previously said the finger incident occurred when Depp got it caught in a car door, was hoping to bring the actor back for the film, but that's looking incredibly unlikely. Depp was also recently replaced in the 'Fantastic Beasts' franchise, but reportedly is being eyed by longtime collaborator Tim Burton to star in his 'The Addams Family' reboot.

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Disney has reportedly turned down having Johnny Depp return to 'Pirates of the Caribbean' - RADIO.COM

Bob Marley would have been 75 years old this year, and while the reggae legends life was tragically cut short, his oldest son, Ziggy, has not only carried on his fathers musical legacy but his quest to make the world a better place, too.

Days after being wounded in an assassination attempt at his home in 1976, Bob Marley performed at a peace concert in Kingston, Jamaica, famously saying, The people who are trying to make this world worse arent taking a day off. How can I?

Thats a lesson that Ziggy Marley has taken to heart.

Winner of eight Grammy awards for his music, Ziggys humanitarian work has included serving as a Goodwill Youth Ambassador for the United Nations and participating in Bob Marley Foundation initiatives worldwide.

His own charity, U.R.G.E. (Unlimited Resources Giving Enlightenment), a non-profit organization whose mission ranges from building new schools to operating health clinics, receives a portion of the proceeds from his latest project, More Family Time, a new childrens reggae album featuring four of his school-age children as well as the voices of Sheryl Crow, Ben Harper, Angelique Kidjo, Lisa Loeb, Tom Morello, Alanis Morissette and Busta Rhymes.

Marleys first childrens album, Family Time, won a Grammy in 2009. My children play an important role in inspiring that, says Marley, with the latest record drawing upon the wild energy and excitement of his youngest son, Isaiah, 4.

In addition to positive messages a lot of it has to do with loving each other, having manners, and having fun says Marley the books also have a strong environmental message. Im trying to instill into children one of the most beautiful ways to make the world a better place, he said.

To mark his fathers diamond jubilee, Marley also released Bob Marley: Portrait of the Legend, an oversized photo book filled with images drawn from the Marley familys collection, including rare behind-the-scenes and casual depictions of Marleys personal life.

The focus is on understanding Bob outside the legend, and as a human being, said Ziggy, who helped curate the collection. It brought back a lot of memories about that time period, he added, including playing soccer with his father and accompanying him on a tour of Zimbabwe.

Bob Marley died in 1981 of cancer at age 36, when Ziggy, now 52, was just 13 years old.

Going though the photos, it hit me how young he was, said Ziggy. Its sad, but he did so much in that time its still a testament to his ethics and spirituality. He knew he had to do everything in the shortest amount of time.

Bob Marleys songs of freedom still resonate with marginalized people all over the world, and Ziggy has trodden a similar path with his social justice work, including support of the Black Lives Matter movement and his efforts to raise environmental awareness.

Reggae, says Ziggy, never goes out of style.

In good times and bad, it has a place in society, he says. It gives strength and encouragement to people who are oppressed.

In addition to his work on the Bob Marley photo book, Ziggy has also authored a childrens book called I Love You, Too, based upon a dialogue with his daughter, Judah; and the Ziggy Marley and Family Cookbook, filled with traditional Jamaican recipes and healthy ital food drawn from Rastafarian culture.

Food is one way that Ziggy, a resident of the U.S. for the past 15 years, stays connected to Jamaica. America is a very big, sprawling country and an individualized place, he says. Jamaica more natural and spiritual where these is more nature, there is more spirituality.

Ziggy urges visitors to Jamaica to connect to the countrys natural environment, including at less well-known places as Cane River Falls in St. Andrew Parish and the mineral springs in Bath, near Kingston, where Ziggy would go to sooth his aching muscles during his soccer-playing days.

Staying at a rural inn or AirB&B would give visitors an opportunity to connect with the Jamaica thats closest to his heart, Ziggy says.

Its not a storybook or a fantasy Jamaica is a modern place, but more rebellious against western culture, he says. In the countryside most people dont have much material wealth, but they are full of happiness and joy.

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Ziggy Marley on His Father, Reggae and Jamaica - Caribbean Journal