Category Archives: Caribbean

Chloe Wiegand's mother, Kim, and her grandfather, Salvatore "Sam" Anello, address the media on Wednesday. Indianapolis Star

The grandfather of a toddler who died after falling from an 11th-floor window of a Royal Caribbean cruise ship in Puerto Rico last year will plead guilty in her death.

Salvatore Sam Anello initially pleadednot guilty to negligent homicide in the death of his 18-month-old granddaughter, Chloe Wiegand. But the family'sattorney, Michael Winkleman, told the Indianapolis Star, part of the USA TODAY Network, that Anello filed documents to change his plea to guilty in return for no jail time.

I took a plea deal today to try to help end part of this nightmare for my family, if possible, Anello said in a statement provided by Winkleman. The support they continue to give me has been beyond overwhelming and I cant tell you how grateful I am for them.

On Monday, Anello declined his right to a jury trial and will instead face a judge. He will serve probation in Indiana, Winkleman added.

The Star has reached out to officials from Royal Caribbean and the Puerto Rico Department of Justice for comment.

Chloe died July 2019 as she vacationed with her family aboard the Freedom of the Seas of Royal Caribbean Cruises. Anello has said he did not know the window was open when he lifted Chloe to it so she could bang on the glass like she did during her brothers hockey games.

Chloe Wiegand banging on the glass at a hockey game(Photo: Provided by Michael Winkleman)

Winkleman let a Star reporter and editor review Royal Caribbean surveillance footage that showed the toddler's fall.

The video shows the toddler following her grandfather toward the big windows. Anello is seen leaning over an interior railing in front of the windows.

The video shows Anello lifting Chloe onto the railing. In an instant, she's gone.

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The Wiegand family sued Royal Caribbean, accusing it of negligence by allowing the window in the ships childrens play area to be open. The cruise ship company, in court documents filed Jan. 8, puts all the blame on Anello.

"This is a case about an adult man," Royal Caribbean said in its motion, "who, as surveillance footage unquestionably confirms: (1) walked up to a window he was aware was open; (2) leaned his upper body out the window for several seconds; (3) reached down and picked up Chloe; and (4) then held her by and out of the open window for thirty four seconds before he lost his grip and dropped Chloe out of the window.

Ahearing date for Anello's change of plea has yet to be determined.

Contributing: Vic Ryckaert, Indianapolis Star; Associated Press. Follow Adrianna Rodriguez on Twitter: @AdriannaUSAT.

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Grandfather of 1-year-old who fell to her death from Royal Caribbean cruise ship to plead guilty - USA TODAY

AfterJohnny Deppallegedly lost the role as the main star of Pirates of the Caribbean because of his messy legal battle with Amber Heard, fans are now petitioning for Disney to give Jack Sparrow back to him.

ThePiratesfranchise has always been a hit at the box office and while a number of unique features have contributed to that successful run over the years, theres no denying that Johnny Depp is the glue that ends up holding it all together every time. Unfortunately, though, the Mouse House announced a couple of months ago that they didnt intend to bring the star back for another installment, deciding instead to give the series a soft reboot with another actor at the helm.

Now, in light of the new evidence as part of Depps defamation lawsuit against Heard that exposed her for physically and emotionally abusing him during their time together, fans are banding up and asking for justice. As we previously reported, the petition to bring back Depp to Pirates of the Caribbeanis quickly gaining momentum and as of now, its just shy of 29,000 signatures away from its 200,000 goal. Its also interesting to note that its gaining traction concurrently as the petition to remove Amber Heard from Aquaman 2is on its way to hit the next target of 500,000 signatures.

Of course, it remains to be seen if these appeals end up affecting the decision-making process at Disney and WB headquarters, but it seems that fans are quite adamant to see justice served, even if its at the expense of the actress behind the DCEUs Mera losing her job. After all, as they point out, Depp had to unjustly endure the same thing, right?

Meanwhile, Paul Bettany has recently gotten dragged into the lawsuit against Heard as both sides continue to give evidence for review at court, proof that this messy squabble is still far from over.

Tell us, though, do you think that the Mouse House should give Johnny Depphis role back? Or would you prefer to see someone else lead the franchise in future entries? Tell us in the comments section down below.

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Petition To Bring Johnny Depp Back To Pirates Of The Caribbean Almost At Its Goal - We Got This Covered

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(CNN) In 2019, ubiquitous Japanese curry house chain CoCo Ichibanya restaurant announced plans to bring its popular "curry rice" to India in 2020.It might seem counter-intuitive to eat CoCo Ichibanya's relatively mild, sweet Japanese dish in the land of curry.

But the move underscores the sheer variety and complexity of curry -- a word that's long been misunderstood.

Curry is not a single spice, nor is it related to the namesake curry tree (though the leaves are used in many dishes in India).

According to Sen's book, the word curry most likely comes from a misunderstanding of the southern Indian word "kari," which "denoted a spiced dish of sauteed vegetables and meat."

"In the 17th century, the Portuguese [who colonized Goa in western India] took the word to mean a 'spiced stew' over rice and 'kari' eventually became 'caril' or 'caree' in Portuguese, then 'curry' in English," Sen tells CNN Travel.

Curry, which is thought to have originated as early as 2500 BCE in what is modern-day Pakistan, has since evolved into a truly global food, having traveled the world through colonization and immigration, indentured labor, trade and entrepreneurship.

Today, curry is everywhere, from chicken tikka masala in the UK to fiery green curry in Thailand, kare raisu in Japan and curry goat in Jamaica.

"I don't think there's a place in the world that doesn't have some kind of curry," says Sen.

If you're a curry lover, follow your cravings around the world by heading to these 12 destinations:

India

Butter chicken curry with basmati rice and limes.

Shutterstock

It's impossible to sum up India's various "curries" in a few lines. But if there's one dish that can be found on menus across the country, it'd be murgh makhani -- better known around the world as butter chicken.

This famous dish -- created by chef and restaurateur Kundan Lal Gujral in New Delhi in 1948 -- stars yogurt-marinated chicken baked in a tandoor oven, then smothered in a rich creamy sauce of tomatoes, onions and spices.

Vindaloo is another famous export and a must-try when in its hometown of Goa. Derived from the Portuguese phrase, "vinha d'alhos" (meaning meat marinated in garlic and wine vinegar), this hot and spicy dish is traditionally made with pork, vinegar, tomato, onion, red chillies, garlic and a complicated spice mix.

Other delicious curry dishes include: Fragrant, creamy korma (a once imperial Mughal dish made with a yogurt sauce, turmeric and nut paste); rogan josh (an aromatic curry usually made with slow-cooked lamb or mutton); sweet and sour dhansak lentil curry from the Parsi community; chickpea-centric chana masala (masala meaning "a mix of ground spices"); peppery saag with mustard greens from northern India; maacher jhol fish curry from West Bengal; and warming rajma masala from the Punjab region.

Japan

Japan's thick and mellow curry usually features chunks of stewed beef, onions and carrots over a bed of rice.

JNTO

Typically mild and thick, Japanese curry, kare raisu, is eaten across the country and even considered a de facto national dish, alongside ramen.

"In a survey, the Japanese named curry rice as one of their three favorite home-cooked dishes, while Japanese schoolchildren voted it the best meal served in the lunch program," says Sen.

"It is the Japanese version of comfort food, with no pretensions to class or elegance."

Curry has a long history in the country, thought to have been introduced by British officers and merchants in the 1800s.

"At the beginning of the Meiji Era (1868-1912) Japanese ports were first opened to foreigners," explains Sen.

"The Japanese military wanted to encourage meat consumption as a way of building up the strength of Japanese youth, and curry with rice was an ideal way to incorporate vegetables, rice and meat into one inexpensive yet substantial meal."

Usually cooked with pre-made spice mixes or curry roux, Japan's thick and mellow variation usually features chunks of stewed beef, onions and carrots over a bed of rice.

Some curry blends, such as the popular Vermont Curry, also incorporate honey and grated apple to add sweetness.

Another common incarnation of curry in Japan is the ever-satisfying katsu kar, a hearty dish of crispy fried pork cutlets (called tonkatsu) and a thick, brown gravy over rice.

"Japanese curry is very interesting to me -- it's the antithesis of Japanese food, which is so elegant and beautifully presented," adds Sen.

"The curry is just a mess of brown sauce, but the Japanese just love it. It's the epitome of home cooking."

The Caribbean

A plate of Jamaican curried goat, served with traditional rice and peas.

Shutterstock

In the Caribbean, curry is particularly prevalent in former British colonies such as Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago.

The arrival of curry in the region can be traced back to the mid-1800s, after the British Empire abolished slavery in 1833 and freed more than 800,000 African slaves around the world.

Since liberated slaves were no longer willing to work on sugar cane plantations, the British enlisted indentured laborers from the Indian subcontinent -- India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka -- to make up for the labor shortage.

According to Sen's book, 1.5 million Indians migrated to other parts of the British Empire between 1834 and 1917, including 114,000 to Trinidad and Tobago and 36,000 to Jamaica.

The mass migration resulted in an influx of new cooking techniques, ingredients and dishes, including curry.

In Trinidad and Tobago, curry has "become a symbol of national identity" over the past two centuries.

Curry dishes commonly feature crab, shrimp, duck, chickpeas, potatoes -- and lobster for celebrations -- as well as cumin-heavy sauces and roti on the side.

"In Trinidad, they use different spices based on what they have," says Sen. "So you see a lot of cumin, coriander, fenugreek [a herb similar to clover] and turmeric in a typical Trinidadian spice mixture."

Likewise, in Jamaica, a mix of British and Indian influence gave rise to a localized variety of curry goat -- the island's most popular curry dish.

Prepared on special occasions, curry goat is tender and aromatic, thanks to ingredients like coconut milk, garlic, onion, allspice, thyme, Scotch bonnet chilli peppers, tomatoes and lots of turmeric for a sunny yellow hue.

Thailand

Thailand's curry dishes often include coconut milk.

courtesy Mark Wiens

During the fourth century, Indian traders and Buddhist missionaries are thought to have disseminated spices and herbs like tamarind and garlic, shallots, ginger and lemongrass across Southeast Asia.

Over time, Thai people incorporated these ingredients into their own dishes, which gave rise to the country's famously aromatic, spicy curries.

Often made with coconut milk, Thai curry dishes vary across the country. Generally speaking, you'll see more drier varieties up north and wetter variations in central Thailand and down south, where coconut milk is more common.

Thai curries (or "gaeng" in Thai) come in a stoplight of colors -- red, yellow and green -- and strive to strike a balance between sweet, sour, salty and spicy.

Setting them apart, Thai curries typically contain fermented shrimp paste, as well as lemongrass and palm sugar.

Of course, Thailand has more than just three types of curries -- these are just the basics.

Look for ultra-fiery khua kling dry beef curry from southern Thailand; rich, peanutty massaman curry that's common near the border with Malaysia; and panang curry, a slightly sweeter, milder variation of red curry, and dozens more.

Sri Lanka

Parippu, or dhal curry, is a staple in any Sri Lankan restaurant or household.

Mark Wiens/cnn

As a major link along ancient spice trade routes and a former British colony, Sri Lanka has a long relationship with curry.

"In the 19th century, the British established tea, cinnamon, rubber, sugar, coffee and indigo plantations on the island and brought in thousands of indentured laborers from Tamil Nadu [in southern India] to work on them," explains Sen.

In addition, the island is also home to millions of Sinhalese people, an ethnic group who emigrated from northern India thousands of years ago.

Thanks to influences from both the Sinhalese and southern Indian communities, curry comes in a rainbow of colors, from bright yellow to creamy white, bright red and rich brown.

Though flavors vary widely, curries often make use of ingredients like coconut milk, tamarind, Maldivian fish, green chili, mustard seed, coriander and cumin.

Among the many types of curries, look for popular varieties like parippu (dhal curry), polos (green jackfruit curry), rich red kukul mas (chicken curry), white chicken curry (usually made with aromatic lemongrass and pandan leaves) and ambul thiyal (sour fish curry).

To get the lay of the culinary land, sit down for "rice and curry."

This staple Sri Lankan meal includes rice, at least one curry, and anywhere from four to 12 side dishes of chutney, pickles and sambol (spicy condiments).

Pakistan

Tarka dal, one of many delicious curry dishes on offer in Pakistan.

Shutterstock

Established in 1947 following the end of British colonial rule and the violent partition of India, Pakistan sees strong influences from the Mughals (a Muslim dynasty that ruled India from the early 16th to the mid-18th century) in its cuisine.

This majority Muslim country tends to prepare dishes with beef, chicken or fish as well as lots of spices, such as nutmeg, cumin, turmeric, bay leaves, cardamom and black pepper.

Curry is incredibly popular, with dozens of varieties on offer all over the country, from famous slow-cooked haleem (a stew-like dish of wheat, barley, meat, lentils and spices) to spicy karahi (made with garlic, spices, vinegar, tomatoes and onions with mutton or chicken), bitter gourd curry, saag (a spiced puree of spinach and mustard greens), chickpea curry and daal chawal, a must-try comfort food usually served with rice or roti.

The list doesn't end there: Don't miss a warming aloo gosht (meat and potato curry); hearty, rich mutton korma; lobia daal (black-eyed peas curry); and goat paya, a slow-cooked curry starring incredibly tender trotters.

Maldives

Mas riha is a popular Maldivian fish curry.

Shutterstock

The small island nation of the Maldives has a rich culinary scene that includes lots of curry.

Revolving around a trio of staple ingredients -- coconut, fish and various starches -- Maldivian food has been highly influenced by centuries of trade with India, Africa and the Middle East.

When it comes to curry, you can expect hot and spicy creations that often feature seafood and tropical fruit.

Typically consumed with rice or roshi flatbread, mas riha (fish curry) is one of the most common types of localized curries.

Creamy and decadent, this delicious dish is typically made with coconut milk, fresh chilies, cinnamon, a mix of spices and chunks of diced tuna.

Sweet and sour anbu riha (mango tuna curry) is another highlight, as is kukulhu riha (chicken curry).

You'll also find a wide variety of vegetarian curries, from eggplant to pumpkin, potato, cauliflower and green banana.

South Africa

Bunny chow is a dish of Indian origin, made uniquely African. In the self-declared capital of African curry, Durban's claim on the dish runs deep.

In highly diverse South Africa, curry (or "kerries") can be traced to colonial times.

After the Dutch East India Company set up a settlement on the cape to facilitate trade between Europe and Southeast Asia in the mid-1600s, they shipped in slaves from Indonesia, Madagascar and India, who collectively formed the Cape Malay ethnic community.

Fusing their own traditions with readily available spices, Cape Malay cooks developed several styles of sweet and savory curries, from tomato-infused chicken curry to slow-cooked lamb curry.

Later, the British took over the cape and relocated hundreds of thousands of indentured workers from southern India to work on plantations.

Their influential cooking style gave rise to much-loved Durban curry -- a fiery, oily and robust red curry that's often made with lamb, chicken, fish and crab.

A few decades later, a wave of businessmen from India's western Gujarat state moved to South Africa, where many set up spice shops and restaurants.

These entrepreneurs are credited for the famous "bunny cho" -- essentially a bread bowl filled with curry and topped with Indian pickles.

"One explanation of its name is that in Durban, Indian merchants were often called 'banias,' the name of a caste of traders," explains Sen.

These traders opened small restaurants which, because of apartheid, black people couldn't enter -- but they could illegally be served at the back door. "The dish was named bunny chow, from 'bania chow,'" explains Sen.

Malaysia

Chicken curry kapitan is made from tamarind juice, candlenuts, fresh turmeric root and belacan (shrimp paste.)

Darshini Kandasamy

Due to its position along the Strait of Malacca, an important maritime trade route between east and west, Malaysia's culinary traditions have been influenced by centuries of cultural exchange.

From the late 1700s, Britain had a presence in several parts of present-day Malaysia and Singapore.

As with its many other trading ports and colonies, the British hired laborers from India to work on rubber and palm plantations.

With the immigrants came curry. Tangy fish head curry, Tamil-influenced chicken varuval, warming dalcha lentil curry ... Malaysia's curries are as delicious as they are diverse.

Nyonya cuisine -- dishes created by the Straits-Chinese community -- also plays an important role in Malaysia's culinary melting pot.

Read more from the original source:

From Pakistan to the Caribbean: Curry's journey around the world - CNN

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Meet Miss Rigby an American-Burmese cat who has lived on a boat since she was a kitten.

Also known as Rigs, Riggles or Chicken, the champagne-coloured kitty loves nothing more than exploring the waters of the USA and the Carribean with owners Shane and Maryvonne.

Shane, 53, and Maryvonne, 52, previously owned an architectural business together before quitting 10 years ago to pursue their passion for sailing.

They now live on their boat and travel full-time with their pet.

Miss Rigby comes from a breeder in Connecticut, Maryvonne says. Burmese cats are known to be the most dog-like of all cat breeds.

They are extremely loving and loyal and also trainable well, as much as you can train a cat.

She has lived on the boat with us her whole life since she was an 11-week-old kitten. The boat is her home and she loves it.

For the last two years, Miss Rigbys adventures have been documented on Instagram, where shes quite the star.

Her journey started in Long Island, New York, and she has since sailed up and down the East Coast and into the Bahamas several times.

The lucky cat has travelled through the Caribbean and stopped at most of the islands with her doting humans.

Maryvonne said: We have so many memories but the main one is how happy she makes us and how much we laugh at her and love her.

We can be in terrible sea conditions but she makes it bearable with her purring and cuteness. I cant imagine not having her onboard.

Our walks/hikes are also a lot of fun and watching her do crazy runs makes life better. We have trained her to be like a dog and she hasnt let us down.

As fun as it is to have a cat on a sailing boat, the couple has to make sure its safe for Miss Rigby to roam around.

Our main concern always is her safety, Maryvonne says. Whilst at sea she is mainly locked down below and is only allowed on deck in the cockpit in calm conditions and under strict supervision.

Maryvonne continued: We are often asked about why she doesnt wear a life jacket.

We tried one on her but it just made her more clumsy. She can swim well and we would pick her up quickly if she fell in. I would jump in after her.

In case of an emergency, the couple also has a net hanging from the back of the boat in case Miss Rigby slips off the boat whilst at anchor.

Maryvonne added: This has never happened thankfully. She is very sure-footed and aware of the water around her.

Clever cat.

If your cat has an unconventional life, email metrolifestyleteam@metro.co.uk to tell us more.

MORE: Can cats and dogs eat peanut butter?

MORE: https://metro.co.uk/2019/10/17/bodhi-the-adventure-cat-joins-his-owner-for-cross-country-skiing-and-paddleboarding-10935050/

MORE: 3,500 calories a day, tiny bunks, bruises and sea sickness: What it takes to train for a round-the-world sailing race

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Cat sails the waters of the Caribbean since she was a kitten - Metro.co.uk

The View from Europe

David Jessop, Dominican Today senior Op-Ed contributor

The Caribbean has the potential to do much more to develop its identity, spur growth, soft power and competitiveness, if its citizens reimagine the future of its countries and cities.

This is in part the message contained in the fascinating recently published book Brand Jamaica: Reimagining a National Image and Identity edited by Hume Johnson and Kamille Gentles-Peart which follows from a symposium held at the University of the West Indies in late 2017 Reimagine Jamaica: unlimited possibilities.

The book, suggests that there is a need to interrogate, deconstruct and reimagine the ways that the countrys national image has been created.

Its editors and contributors suggest that up to now Jamaicas image and brand has been created by a top-down elite and an approach that is grounded in destination tourism. Citizens role in the making of the national image and identity they argue, has at best been limited and is in danger of being supplanted by what tourism would have us believe.

This is an idea thats time is now. It accords with the view of an increasing number of younger undergraduates and graduates in the region who are worried about tourism and its impact, not just on the environment but on the Caribbeans identity.

They suggest that it is time to reclaim the Caribbeans image and that tourism should not be allowed to define the way the region is seen. Tourism, as one recent correspondent pointed out, is a colonial construct and needs to be re-developed and reimagined as Caribbean, rather than imposed. Or as another put it, the time has come to reclaim the Caribbeans image through its achievements and not allow tourism to define the way the region is seen.

These are ideas that suggest an embryonic movement which allied to environmental concerns could easily form a basis for a new Caribbean-centric populism.

Brand Jamaica goes some way towards addressing such concerns.

Although a significant part of its focus is the importance of new approaches to country branding, it also contains essays that address the relationship between nation branding and the messaging of the tourism industry, the need to hold on to national intellectual property and culture, and the importance of reimagining the role of cities.

In this latter respect it notes the way in which Kingston has begun to regenerate itself, has become a place of business, the arts, and creativity and has begun to show the potential that cities create through proximity, citing the development of new millennial-led tech-related and culture based enterprises.

It observes that this gradual renaissance has occurred though improved urban management and governments recognition that investment in urban infrastructure can bring prosperity back to a city that has seen decades of deterioration.

However, it also points out that a reimagined Kingston as a creative global new age city of the future cannot and should not happen without the full participation of Jamaicas citizens and that the planning process should assume a bottom up collaborative approach.

For Kingston to truly reinvent itself, its editors argue, it must utilise the opportunities, skills, resources and capabilities that lie within it and in its core values. This they suggest requires government to have a development philosophy that goes beyond tourism.

It is an argument that goes to the heart of what should drive the development of every city in a tourism dependent Caribbean economy, in which citizens feel marginalised by an industry that brings jobs and growth but at the cost of cultural dilution or the hijacking of streets and beaches by non-residents.

This is a problem that is global. Around the world over-tourism threatens to damage the environment, overload infrastructure, push out local communities as house prices rise beyond what citizens can afford, and Disneyfication displaces culture and historic locations.

To be fair, government and opposition in Jamaica see Kingstons renovation and more generally tourisms role in achieving this, as a way in which benefit can be brought to wider groups of residents in disadvantaged communities.

Kingston is experiencing multiple developments in a number of midtown, downtown and other locations. It involves the gradual redevelopment of Kingstons waterfront with government, private sector and Chinese support; the relocation of the headquarters buildings of some of the countrys leading commercial enterprises; and the creation of a range of new facilities, including a cruise ship pier, condominiums, museums and visitor attractions. In parallel, government is to gradually relocate ministries and government departments to the midtown and waterfront areas.

There are also plans to turn the city into a destination for tourism.

The idea is to attract regional travellers, the Diaspora, and millennials from overseas, wanting to participate in join the citys music and party scene, its cultural and sporting events and cuisine.

This is welcome in a city which for decades has been perceived as run down, in parts verging on lawless and which had an image that had negatively branded the country.

The significance of the book Brand Jamaica however is that it starts to address issues less talked about, relating to the broader social and cultural impact of tourism; the economic and political contradictions between urban development and the requirements of residents; the role of cities in in changing a nations brand; and more importantly, albeit indirectly, who should drive the perceptions that drive tourism?

Put another way it raises the question, who owns tourism: is it the people of a country, Governments desire for economic growth, the investor, or those who brand and make the images that sell the product?

Brand Jamaicas editors argue for a holistic approach. They suggest that by igniting a sense of community, participation and a new sense of ownership, it is possible to create a new national identity and a sense of collaboration and connectedness that can change citizens thinking about the future.

This is a message with worth considering by all involved in the tourism industry.

David Jessop is a consultant to the Caribbean Council and can be contacted at

david.jessop@caribbean-council.org

Previous columns can be found at https://www.caribbean-council.org/research-analysis/

January 24th, 2020

Read more:

Reimagining the Caribbean's identity - Dominican Today

by Howard Campbell

MIAMI Three generations of women who made their marks on Caribbean music will be on this years Best of The Best Music Fest, scheduled for May 24 at Bayfront Park in Miami.

They are Jamaican dancehall stars Lady G, Tanya Stephens, Spice, Shenseea and Koffee, and Barbadian soca veteran Alison Hinds. According to Ronnie Tomlinson, publicist for the event, given their growing impact in music, promoters went for a strong cast of women.

Females are making a tremendous stride in the music industry, more than we have noticed in the past years. They are reigning in charts and engaging with their fans more than we have noticed before. Several of the female artists we have on this years lineup are streaming very well and have well over a million followers, said Tomlinson.

The Grammy-nominated Koffee has been the most visible of these acts in the last 18 months. Her song Toast has done well in the United States and United Kingdom, even earning the nod from former US President Barack Obama.

Nineteen year-old Koffee is favorite to win the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album on January 26 with her EP, Rapture.

Like Koffee, Shenseea represents the new generation of dancehall and is popular throughout the Caribbean and Diaspora markets in the US.

Lady G has been recording for over 30 years and is best known for the 1988 hit song, Nuff Respect, which hit out against sexism in the Jamaican music business. Stephens career took off in the 1990s through risqu anthems such as Big Things A Gwaan and Yuh Nuh Ready fi Dis Yet.

Spice is a protg of Vybz Kartel whose provocative live show is reminiscent of Lady Saw.

London-born Hinds has been a leading figure in soca for over 30 years.

Tomlinson noted that Best Of The Bests female audience has grown considerably since the show was first held in 2010.

Women make this music fest a destination getaway aka girl trip. But the men also come out in numbers as they enjoy the outdoor festivities along with the cultural aspect of food and purchasing of arts and craft, she said.

The full lineup for Best Of The Best Music Fest 2020 will be announced soon.

The rest is here:

Women Who Made Their Mark on Caribbean Music to Headline Best of The Best Music Fest - South Florida Caribbean News

Can we all just put winter on pause, please? The holidays have come and gone, and it will be months before we start getting those warm rays of springtime.

We need a vacation stat.

The Carribean is the perfect place to chase those winter blues away. There are so many islands and options to choose from. Which one will make the perfect getaway? That depends on what a traveler is looking for.

Some vacationers are in search of rest and relaxation while others seek out adventure and exploration. No matter what travelers are searching for; the Carribean has them covered.

These fifteen Carribean resorts are luxurious, all-inclusive, and far cheaper than we would have guessed! Nothing makes a vacation sweeter than discovering it is much more affordable than you first predicted.

Score.

This adults-only inclusive getaway is located on the affordable island of The Dominican Republic. The Punta Cana paradise is quiet, remote, and casual. It's definitely not for those who are looking for a party scene. Vacationers can enjoy private hot tubs and pools right outside their hotel room, and at prices starting under$500, this place is a steal.

Just outside of Montego Bay, sits the exclusive Excellence Oyster Bay. With prices starting at $650 a night, it's not cheap, but it's totally doable, and the perks here are out of this world. If you really want to splurge here, the Excellence Club Rooms offer guests spaces and amenities that aren't available to just anyone.

Zoetry Agua in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, caters to adults and couples who really want to escape it all. The resort sits on a relaxed, private beach and has top-shelf drinks, 24 hours room service, and plenty of dining options. Guests can take part in yoga, spa treatments, and even horseback riding. All of this for only$500 a night!

The Sanctuary Cap Cana in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, has earned a reputation as one of the nicest all-inclusive resorts on the entire island. Guests at the property can take advantage of the six pools, a top-notch spa, several dining spaces, and romantic and elegant grounds. You would think this place would be unaffordable, but at$500 a night, it's an attainable dream.

The Explorean in Cozumel, Mexico, is small by comparison with only fifty-six guest rooms encompassing the property. It sits in the middle of lush foilage with private balconies, a large pool, and a swim-up bar. The best part? Uvas Beach is never crowded since it's underdeveloped, so this place is literally all yours for under $500a night.

A week atSanta Barbara Beach & Golf Resort, Curacao will rejuvenate even the weariest of souls. This place is excellent for couples and families alike and offers activities like meditation, hiking, paddle boarding, golf, and more for under $300 a night. It's paradise at a fraction of the price you would expect to pay here.

This beautiful resort gives its guests pools, swim-up bars, sandy beaches, and tons of fun in the sun for nearly half the price of many other luxury tropical getaways. At only $350 a night, travelers can enjoy activities likesailing, rock climbing, nightly entertainment as well as as much food and drink as your belly can handle.

Yes, Mon! Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall in Montego Bay, Jamaica, is a little pricier ataround seven hundred dollars a night, but it's going to be worth it. This resort, which caters to couples and families, offers dining on the beach, plenty of pool options, and incredible amenities to guests.

Nisbet Plantation Beach Club was ranked as one of the top hotel resorts in all of St. Kitts by the U.S. News. It is spread across thirty acres of perfectly manicured lawns and beaches and it has pools, white sands, suite options, and tennis courts. The best part is, this island retreat starts at around five hundred dollars a night.

Now, THIS looks like a vacation. The Marigot Bay Resort and Marina in St. Lucia really brings it. Here, guests can enjoy four restaurants and bars, a gym, a spa, yoga instruction, and two pools. With a price tag of$500 a night, this place feels like a steal. We would have thought it far pricier.

The Dominican Republic is known for its resorts aplenty, and Casa de Campo reminds us why people seek this island out each year for their retreat needs. For a few hundred bucks a night, the seven luxurious eateries, six bars, fantastic golf courses, spa services, and pools can be at your suntanned fingertips.

The Buccaneer is set in the most sought after part of St. Croix. Guests who are lucky enough to stay here will enjoy the spacious rooms, old-world charm, golf, several pools, and beaches, and so much more. While it's not fully inclusive, it does treat guests to free breakfast and a weekly cocktail reception.

Everything you could ever want in a vacation is waiting for you at Secrets in Montego Bay, Jamaica. For five hundred dollars a night, you can swim in any of the resort's pools, dine in whichever of the nine restaurants you desire, and relax in the uniquely large hotel rooms. You'll never want to leave.

Get ready for a party! The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Punta Cana is not the place to catch up on some zzz's in the sun. This is the place you go to let loose and turn up. It's enormous, with thirteen pools and a shuttle service that takes you from point A to point B on the property. This party is affordable, too, with rooms starting at $350 a night.

There are a ton of amazing places to vacation in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, but Solmar makes the top of that list. It's smaller than many but hits hard in the spacious room department. Guests can also enjoy an infinity pool, a swim-up bar, beach access, and a spa at an affordable price.

Originally posted here:

15 Luxurious All-Inclusive Resorts In The Caribbean (That Are Cheaper Than You Thought) - TheTravel

(CNN)

The family of an Indiana toddler who fell from her grandfathers arms to her death off a cruise ship is challenging what it calls Royal Caribbean Cruises false narrative of how it happened.

Eighteen-month-old Chloe Wiegand fell from the open window of a cruise ship docked in Puerto Rico in July.

Her grandfather, Salvatore Anello, was playing with her near a window on the 11th floor when she fell, and he has been charged with negligent homicide. Prosecutors allege he negligently exposed [his granddaughter] through one of the windows, according to the Puerto Rican Department of Justice. He was released on bond and is back home in Indiana.

As part of a wrongful death suit, the Wiegand family filed against Royal Caribbean in December, their attorney released reenactment photos this week, saying they are evidence the grandfather couldnt physically lean out of the window from which the toddler fell, as the company has alleged.

The familys latest legal claim is in response to the Royal Caribbeans motion to dismiss the December lawsuit.

The photos were taken this month on the Freedom of the Seas cruise ship from which Chloe fell. In a legal filing, the family accuses Royal Caribbean of creating a false narrative of the incident and providing footage of only two of the 13 available cameras in the area.

We went to re-enact what happened on the same ship, same window where Mr. Anello stood with Chloe. What we found completely backs up his story. Pictures of the reconstruction are included in our filing, family attorney Michael Winkleman said.

Earlier this month, Royal Caribbeans filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, claiming Anello knew the window was open and held his granddaughter out the window before she fell to her death.

The cruise lines motion alleges surveillance video shows Anello walking up to a window and appearing to lean his upper body out of the window for several seconds.

Anello is seen in the video picking up Chloe and holding her out of the window for 30 to 40 second before losing his grip and dropping her, the motion alleges.

Royal Caribbean submitted the surveillance video and still images into evidence in its motion to dismiss.

In the latest filing, the Wiegand family attorney identified at least 13 cameras in the area of the incident after inspecting the vessel in January, about six months after the toddlers death in July.

Royal Caribbean has demonstrably lied to this court and, in so doing, Royal Caribbean has created a false narrative to accompany Royal Caribbeans carefully selected CCTV video upon which Royal Caribbean bases its motion to dismiss, the filing claims.

The family filed a motion last week to compel Royal Caribbean to produce footage from all of the cameras at the time of the incident.

In a statement to CNN on Thursday, Royal Caribbean said Chloes death is undeniably a heartbreaking tragedy that has prompted a criminal prosecution of Chloes step-grandfather and a civil lawsuit brought by the Wiegand family attorneys.

Last year, Anello told CBS News that he initially blamed himself for Chloes death. Now, he blames the cruise line.

I just want them to fix the boat. Just fix it. Just fix the boat.

The reenactment photos show a man with similar measurements as Anello holding a doll by a window on the cruise ship from several additional angles that differ from the surveillance released by the cruise line.

One reenactment photo is taken two steps to the right of the CCTV camera that the family says shows a deceptive angle. That photo shows the man couldnt lean out of the window frame because of the 18-inch distance between the railing and the window frame, the Wiegand family alleges.

The man had to lift his feet at least seven inches off the ground, to touch the window with the top of his head, the legal filing says.

In fact, it would have been physically impossible for Mr. Anello to have had his head out of the window frame with his feet on the deck, court papers say.

Anello would have required much longer arms than he had to hold Chloe out the window, Wiegands family attorney alleges.

The familys lawsuit claims Anello lifted Chloe up onto the railing and held her as she leaned forward to bang on the glass. There was no glass pane and she slipped from Anellos arms, falling 150 feet below to the pier, resulting in her death, the suit says.

Anello was not aware that some of the glass panes could be opened, the suit said.

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Family of toddler who fell to her death off a cruise ship says Royal Caribbean provided a 'false narrative' - Wink News

In this final segment of this years Barrons Roundtable, our remaining five panelists share and defend 32 promising investments for 2020.

The investment pros spend more than half of their daylong meeting each January proposing stocks, bonds, and funds that they believe will race ahead of the crowd or fall on their faces, and this year was no different. Our other five participants picks appeared last week.

Weighing in below is Scott Black of Delphi Management.

Barrons: Scott, whats your first recommendation?

Scott Black: Science Applications International [ticker: SAIC]. Its based outside Washington. They provide technical engineering and enterprise information-technology to the U.S. government on large, complex projects. Overall, the mix of business is 54% Department of Defense, 16% to the intelligence area, 28% to federal civilian, and 2% all other. They compete against CACI International [CACI] and Booz Allen Hamilton [BAH]. Their long-term strategic plan is to grow revenue by the mid- to high-single digits, including bolt-on acquisitions. Their growth and earnings target over the next five years is 10%-plus, with a range of 10% to 15%. They want to increase operating margins, from 8.2% to 9%.

Mario Gabelli: What about the backlog?

Black: Theyve got about 1,500 contracts in place. I asked, Do you make bidding mistakes? [They answered:] Not often. The core skills that they require are software developing, network engineering, electrical engineering, and data analytics.

We do all our own models, and we talk to management. For the pro forma fiscal year ending in January 2021, we have the revenues growing 4.7% to 5.5%. Theyre going to improve profit margins, and they made an acquisition in 2018, Engility [a systems engineering company that also provides other services], and that deal closed in January 2019. The acquisition has slightly higher margins than the regular business. The midpoint of our earnings estimate is $6.25. So, the stocks a little more expensive than I normally like; 14.1 times earnings. We normally buy at 13 times or below. But this is a very fine company.

Could you give us a price target for the stock?

Black: I dont do price targets. I will tell you that Booz Allen is selling at 23 times forward earnings, and CACI at 20 times. Theres plenty of room for expansion on this one. My next pick is Royal Caribbean Cruises [RCL]. If you watch sports, they have a lot of ads on NFL games. Sales for 2019 will be just under $11 billion. Theyre going to add some more capacity this year, about 8%. That takes you up to about $11.9 billion. The net income per share is $10.75 in 2020. Its an investment-grade credit, with a $3.12 dividend, 2.3% yield. Its selling at 12.2 times expected earnings. The return on equity for this year is 17.9%. We like to buy stocks with high ROEs.

Does the Wuhan coronavirus affect your thinking? [Editors note: We asked about the virus after the Roundtable.]

Black: No. This will pass, too.

Thanks, continue.

They will have slightly negative free cash flow this year. Previously, theyve been free-cash- flow positive. But the reason is because theyre spending $4.5 billion on ships. If you looked at the record over the past five years, theyve had straight-up earnings, no breaks in any quarter. Theyre going to have a slight break. Its temporary, has to do with a hurricane, and theyre dry-docking a few ships. But there should be a normal resumption in growth.

Meryl Witmer: The aging population loves this stuff, right? And kids like cruises.

Read the picksand pansfrom these panelists

Black: I was going to point that out. They have four global brands. And the first is Royal Caribbean, which basically goes for adults and children and some singles. Its more moderate to upper. Then they have Celebrity Cruises, which has 13 ships. Its a little bit higher. And then they have Silversea Cruises; its at the high end. The fourth brand is Azamara Club, a specialty line.

Whats next?

Black: The next ones sort of obscure. Its EnerSys [ENS]. Its an energy-storage company for industrial applications. The company basically has these different markets. Reserve power, motive power, and aerospace and defense. The biggest business now is forklifts because you cant use internal combustion engines. Youd kill everybody at an Amazon. com [AMZN] distribution center with carbon-monoxide poisoning. Thats 44% of sales. They want to bring it down. Uninterruptible power source is 29% of sales; that will go up. They benefit from things like 5G installation. As Mario knows, we have roughly 300,000 cell towers nationwide. But as you go to 5G, youre going to have smaller towers.

Gabelli: They dont own the towers. Right?

Black: The towers arent theirs. Im talking about in total in the U.S. But with the installation of 5G, there will be five million mini-towers, and theyre all going to have to have backup batteries. These people are the leader in that backup-battery business. Theyre also involved with broadband, like Comcast [CMCSA]. Theyre in the cloud. They sell to people like Amazon.com [AMZN] and Microsoft [MSFT]. And also sell to the electric-utility grid. So, its the kind of business where, irrespective of whether we have a recession or not, earnings will grow at a double-digit rate.

Is it costly to produce the batteries?

Black: Yes. They have a new oneits a thin-film lithium-type battery. They do make lithium ion. They make traditional lead batteries, as well. There are economies of scale, and thats why the profit margins will lift. The stock is $75.17, for a $3.2 billion market cap. It pays a 70-cent dividend, for a 0.9% yield. It can generate roughly $6.23 in earnings. Its a 12.1 P/E multiple.

Youre also a fan of a home builder, but one that not many have heard of.

Black: In the past, Ive recommended home builders like D.R. Horton [DHI]. But Ive got to be different this year, and this ones the cheapest of the really good ones. Its M/I Homes [MHO], based out of Columbus, Ohio. Ive known the management for a long time. It has two regions. They have the northern market: Columbus, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Chicago, Minneapolis-St. Paul, and Detroit. And then the southern market, which is 61% of their homes sold: Charlotte [N.C.], Raleigh [N.C.], Tampa [Fla.], Orlando [Fla.], Sarasota [Fla.], Houston, San Antonio, Austin [Texas], and Dallas. U.S. housing starts are 1.37 million, up 14% year over year, and the S&P/Case-Shiller housing price index is up about only 2%. Theres good demand for housing, albeit the mix is shifting toward slightly smaller homes, which are roughly 28% of their mix.

Gabelli: Their average home price has to be about $400,000.

Black: It was about $388,000 for the first nine months of 2019. M/I does a little over 6,000 homes a year. Theyll come in this year at about $2.7 billion in sales, up 5.5%. They will do $5.28 in earnings, so at a stock price of $40.01, its a 7.6 P/E multiple, which is much cheaper than Lennar (LEN), which we happen to own, and Horton, which we also own.

Any more picks?

Black: The last is one I used last year. But I think its still good. You have a lot of readers looking for income. Its a well-run company. Its a business-development corporation, or BDC, based in Palo Alto. BDCs basically provide growth-stage venture capital. Its called Hercules Capital [HTGC]. The stock is $14. Theyve got a $1.28 dividend, so youve got a 9.1% yield.

Have they been hurt by the correction in the private-equity market in Silicon Valley?

Black: It doesnt hurt them because theyre basically senior secured lenders. Their basic earnings run rate is about 35 to 36 cents a quarter. So, thats $1.40 to $1.44 a year. Now, net new commitmentsbecause you have people paying off loansare 11 cents a share. So, you have $1.51 to $1.55 in per-share earnings. The P/E ratio is 9.1 times. They have 95 portfolio companies they lend to. Their cost of debt is about 5.2%. And their effective interest rate is north of 12%. Theyve been in business for over 15 years, and they dont have to borrow to cover the yield. The return on equity, which is really good for a BDC, will be 14.5% this year.

Thank you, Scott.

Write to Leslie P. Norton at leslie.norton@barrons.com

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Buy Royal Caribbean Even Though Coronavirus Fears Are Slamming the Stock, Scott Black Says - Barron's