Category Archives: Caribbean

During the early days of what Royal Caribbean called its "Royal Comeback," the return to sailing after the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) dropped its no-sail order, cruises were both sparsely filled and inexpensive. The crowds were partially dictated by social distancing rules, but that wasn't the full story.

Few people take a cruise on a whim. During its covid shutdown Royal Caribbean (RCL) - Get Free Report and rivals, including Carnival Cruise Lines (CCL) - Get Free Report, and Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCLH) - Get Free Report kept selling cruises even while they did not have permission to sell. That's because even under normal circumstances, the sales process for filling a cruise ship usually takes a full year.

DON'T MISS: Carnival Cruise Line Considers a First-of-Its-Kind Onboard Change

Few people, of course, were willing to put deposits down on cruises which may not happen (even with very generous cancellation policies). So, when the CDC decided ships could sail again, they had very few passengers, and booking a cruise was very inexpensive.

Even with prices well below normal, some people did not want to meet vaccination requirements while others refused to sail until all covid rules were dropped. Others were also just worried about sailing during a pandemic so Royal Caribbean and its rivals kept prices low while the crowds slowly returned.

During the first year, maybe year-and-a-half, after its July 2021 return to sailing (a three-night trip on Freedom of the Seas at about 20% capacity) Royal Caribbean pointed out during its earnings calls that while ticket fares were down, onboard spending was up. That made sense because if you book a cruise cheaply, it's easier to justify paying for drink and/or dining packages, excursions, and other extras.

Now, Royal Caribbean CEO Jason Liberty shared during his cruise line's fourth-quarter earnings call that two things are happening which should give potential passengers pause.

"The acceleration of demand, coupled with our team's incredible execution, is also translating into higher revenue and earnings expectations for the full year...We are more than doubling our full-year yield growth expectations to 6.75% to 7.75% on increased expectations for ticket and onboard revenues," he said.

Basically, people are paying more for their cabin and still spending more while onboard (or booking onboard experiences beforehand). Liberty made it clear that the impact of covid has fully ended.

"Pricing was also significantly higher as our commercial apparatus across all channels has been driving quality demand into our vacation ecosystem. The strong wave season resulted in an acceleration of our book position in relation to prior years," he said. "The booking window is now completely back to normal, demonstrating consumers' desire to continue to plan their vacation travel with us well in advance."

So, as a passenger, you need to be aware that you will pay more and you will almost certainly spend more for onboard extras. Liberty's words should also serve as a warning to passengers about monitoring the total cost of their cruise because your fare is generally only a piece of what your trip will cost you.

Liberty believes that his cruise line (and maybe his rivals) have benefitted from changing consumer spending habits.

"Secular tailwinds continue to benefit us as consumers continue to shift preferences and spend from goods to experiences, resulting in a strong entertainment and travel spend. This trend continued in the first quarter, where spending on experience was 24% higher than 2019 and double the spend on goods," he shared. "Further, our research shows that consumers plan to continue prioritizing leisure travel over other spend."

This has driven new customers to Royal Caribbean and cruising in general.

"Our addressable market is plentiful and continues to be meaningfully larger than it was in 2019," Liberty added.

The CEO does not see this as a one-time thing. He expects it to continue and help Royal Caribbean expand its base of recurring customers.

"In the first quarter, the percentage of guests who were either new to brand or new to cruise surpassed 2019 levels by a wide margin. The improvements we have made in our commercial capabilities have allowed us to capture quality demand and expand our share of guest wallet," he added. "In the first quarter, about two-thirds of our guests booked some of their onboard activities in advance of their cruise. The comparable figure in 2019 was 48%."

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Royal Caribbean Has Bad News For Passengers (And a Warning) - msnNOW

What does trying out one of the biggest cruise ships in the world get that you might not get on a smaller ship?

With about 40% of Americans planning to travel at least once in 2023, they are some key things that you will take into consideration prior to making the final decision. These include budget, activities, and total value for your money. Nobody wants to spend thousands of dollars of their hard-earned money on a trip that they do not enjoy!

I knew that I wanted to take a cruise in early 2023, and I decided on a 7-night cruise onboard Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas. As a solo traveler, I paid $1,393.20 for the cruise fare and gratuities, which breaks down to just about $200 per night. While not the cheapest cruise vacation, I wanted to experience what the second largest cruise ship in the world had to offer.

I am no stranger to Oasis Class ships. In fact, this was my fifth time sailing on one. They are my favorite class of ship, so I was hoping to see if Symphony of the Seas lived up to my expectations.

Besides the sheer size of the 228,081gross registered ton vessel, here are some more reasons why I loved sailing onboard Symphony of the Seas.

Symphony of the Seas is filled with seemingly endless dining options and activity choices, making it an ideal vacation for just anyone looking for a mega ship vacation-- it does not matter if you are a young couple or multigenerational family.

While not the newest Oasis Class ship, Symphony of the Seas proves that Royal Caribbean is constantly striving to improve and make the best even better! She debuted in 2018 as the largest cruise ship in the world and has some key differences that set her apart from her younger counterparts.

The 6,680 passenger capacity ship, for instance, was the first Oasis Class ship to replace Sabor on the Boardwalk with Playmakers Sports Bar and Arcade.

Additionally, it was the first ship in the entire fleet to receive Hooked Seafood, a specialty restaurant that serves up fresh New England-style seafood for a nominal fee.

Of course, thanks to Royal Caribbean's Royal Amplification program, these venues can now be found on other Oasis Class ships, too.

Since she is no longer the largest cruise ship, vacations onboard Symphony of the Seas are often cheaper than those on Wonder of the Seas, the ship that current holds the title until Icon of the Seas' launch in January 2024!

Plus, between May 2023 and April 2025, there are a wide variety of different itineraries to choose from, ranging from short 3- and 4-night cruises out of Fort Lauderdale and Miami, to 7-night cruises to Florida and the Bahamas from Cape Liberty (Bayonne), and 7-night Western Mediterranean cruises.

I am 23-years-old with no children, so when I cruise, I like to be able to have a space to retreat from families. Not only is the Solarium a child-free place, but it is aesthetically a nice place to be.

Unique to Symphony of the Seas is aone-of-a-kind art installation that is comprised of thousands of dichroic acrylic elements. You will not believe how beautiful it is at night!

Unlike on Harmony of the Seas, which I sailed on back in 2018, I did not have to leave the Solarium to take a dip in the pool. That was a major plus for me!In essence, I never had to spend time on the regular pool deck. Unless, that is, I wanted to take advantage of the other amenities, such as the Perfect Storm waterslides.

And while all Oasis Class ships have a Solarium Bistro onboard, I found the one on Symphony of the Seas to be particularly nicer. The two-story space shares the top floor with the specialty restaurant Hooked Seafood.It has a much more refined feel, despite the fact that children can technically eat there, and I preferred it over the Windjammer Marketplace!

Royal Caribbean is known for their entertainment options onboard their cruise ships, particularly their newer ones. In total, Symphony of the Seas has four main shows: Hairspray, HiRO, 1977, and Flight: Dare to Dream.

Of course, there's also live music, comedy shows, and more. There was never a moment that I was bored during my cruise. In fact, I found trying to squeeze everything in to be a bit overwhelming (totally worth it, though!).

I was a bit disappointed to find out that Hairspray was not a full-length Broadway-style production. That being said, the 90-minute show was my favorite! I had previously seen it onboard Oasis of the Seas in 2014 and remember it being hilarious, especially the cast's ability to improv with the technical difficulties.

Thankfully, there were not any issues during this show, but thecast still had an unmatchable energy; it was evident that they loved what they did.

The best piece of advice I can offer when it comes to shows is to make reservations for all of your "must-sees" as early as possible, especially the AquaTheatre show. You never know if later productions will have to be cancelled due to unfavorable sailing conditions.

I am a huge foodie, and going out to eat with friends and family is one of my favorite things to do! Knowing that, you can imagine that the dining options onboard a cruise are important to me.

I do not mind splurging on specialty restaurants every now and then, but one way I like to make sure that I get my money's worth on any cruise vacation is by eating as much complimentary food as possible.

In the past, I have been disappointed with the lack of complimentary dining options onboard Royal Caribbean ships. Thanks to the Royal Amplification program, though, many ships have begun to get more options, following in the footsteps of Oasis Class ships.

Between the Main Dining Room, Park Cafe, El Loco Fresh, Solarium Bistro, Boardwalk Dog House, Sorrentos Pizza, Windjammer Marketplace, and Cafe Promenade, I found it easy to rotate between dining options and never get tired of anything.

El Loco Fresh was my favorite quick-service spot, as I loved being able to build my own tacos and nachos! The array of hot sauces and salsas was great, too.

As I previously mentioned, I was never bored during my cruise. Aside from the numerous entertainment options, there were other onboard activities that I wanted to cross off my list, including zip lining, mini-golf, sliding down the Ultimate Abyss, relaxing in Central Park, and more.

In fact, I did not even the chance to try everything out, which makesSymphony of the Seas is a great vacation option for those who constantly like to being thinking about what is next!

I have been on ten cruises to the Bahamas and Caribbean throughout my life, meaning that I have visited many of the same ports over and over and over again. The repetition did not really bother me when I was younger; I was glad to be on a vacation!

Now, however, I am more focused on cruises with different itineraries. In June, I am going on my first-ever Europe and Mexican Riviera cruises, and I could not be more excited! Every single port of call will be a new place for me.

Due to the size of Symphony of the Seas, it is harder (nay, impossible) for the ship to be able to sail to certain places. You will not, for instance, ever find the ship in Alaska!

Symphony of the Seas has cabins available for all budgets and travel preferences, from affordable interior cabins to the lavish two-storyUltimate Family Suite.

Related:The 5 best cabin locations on a cruise ship

When I sailed on Symphony of the Seas, I stayed in an interior stateroom. While this meant that I did not have any access to natural sunlight, I was able to spend money on other experiences to enhance my overall experience, such as a shore excursion in St. Maarten and lunch at Izumi.

Most inside cabins are somewhere between 150 and 260 square feet, with the latter being the Family Interior Stateroom that can accommodate up to six guests.

The cheapest option will be a standard inside room; however, you can also select a virtual balcony stateroom or one with a window that overlooks the interior of the ship, whether that be the Boardwalk, Central Park, or Royal Promenade.

Ocean view staterooms are a great option for those who want to be able to see outside but who do not necessarily want to pay for a balcony. Like with inside cabins, the largest of these rooms are categorized as "Ultra-Spacious Oceanview" rooms and are 270 square feet. In comparison, the smallest are around 180 square feet.

When booking a balcony stateroom on any Oasis Class ship, it is important to pay attention to what category you are looking at, as there are balconies that overlook Central Park, the Boardwalk, and ocean.

Naturally, the latter will be the most expensive. Plus, at 55 square feet, their balconies are more spacious than the 50 square foot balconies that accompany Central Park and Boardwalk balcony rooms.

In terms of the inside square footage, however, all standard balcony rooms are around 180 square feet.

Suites onboard Symphony of the Seas are divided into three categories that comprise what is known as the Royal Suite Class:Star Class, Sky Class and Sea Class. Suites in the first two categories come with more perks than Junior Suites, the only suite in the Sea Class.

In total, there are eleven different types of suites to choose from: Junior Suites, one- and two-bedroom Grand Suites, Owner's Suites, one- and two-bedroom AquaTheatre Suites, Crown Loft Suites, Star Loft Suites, as well as a single Royal Loft Suite, Villa Suite, and Ultimate Family Suite.

There are ten complimentary dining options available to all guests on the ship, regardless of stateroom:

Those staying in suites can access Coastal Kitchen for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; however, Junior Suite guests can only dine here during dinner.

Specialty restaurants offer a more intimate dining experience compared to complimentary options. They, of course, come with an additional surcharge and are not included in the base price of your cruise. Regardless, they are a great way to make your vacation a little more special:

There's genuinely no shortage of things to do onboard Symphony of the Seas. During the day, you can relax by one of five pools, hang ten on one of two FlowRider surf simulators, zip line above the Boardwalk, play a round of mini-golf or see what game is being played in the Sports Court, or ride down the Ultimate Abyss slide or Perfect Storm waterslide trio.

Even if you do not want to cool off in the pool, the pool deck is home to many events that you may want to watch, such as the belly flop competition, scuba classes, poolside bingo, and more. It is important to check your Cruise Compass daily to make sure that you do not miss anything!

In addition to the fifteen bars and lounges on the ship, there are so many different entertainment options that will keep your evenings booked solid! From the Broadway-style musical Hairspray, toHiRO, 1977, and the Royal Caribbean Productions originalFlight: Dare to Dream.

Children and teens will love Royal Caribbean's award-winning youth programming, whether that be Adventure Ocean for those up to 12-years-old or their teen-exclusive lounges.

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Supplying the fun: Symphony of the Seas cruise review - Royal Caribbean Blog

The Caribbean has always been known as a haven for islands, resorts, and beaches. There are countless islands and beaches in the Caribbean where visitors would enjoy a blissful getaway with loads of food, culture, and fun things to do. Little wonder why this beach was voted the best beach in the Caribbean by TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Award. The pristine white sand, calm and peaceful atmosphere, ocean blue still waters, and sea-weed free surroundings are some reasons visitors cannot get enough of the beach. It is every beach lovers paradise.

The perfect beach for a family vacation, a lovers' honeymoon destination, or a solo time-out from the hustle and bustle of life.

This Aruba Beach was also voted second best beach in the world which must be because of the colorful fishes, sea turtles, and crabs one would find in its waters. Visitors do not have to worry about the sun because the Divi Divi and Fofoti trees on the beach serve as a covering from the sun. It is also a perfect spot for picture-taking.

Aruba Marriott All-Inclusive Resort & Stellaris Casino

Although the beach is not considered the biggest in the Caribbean, it is, however, the widest beach in Aruba. This also means free parking space for visitors who do not plan to spend the night on the beach resort or in a resort nearby.

Related: 10 Things To Do In Oranjestad: Complete Guide To Visiting Aruba's Capital City

Aruba is known for having great weather all year-round. However, the best time to visit the beach is from January to August. The beach gets more visitors from January to March, which causes resort and hotel prices to increase. Visitors who will like a quiet time at the beach and rooms with affordable prices should consider visiting from April to August when there are fewer visitors.

Eagle Beach, Aruba - Every Beach Lover's Paradise.

Visitors do not need to book in advance when visiting Eagle Beach. Entry is free, and visitors are allowed any time of the day. The beautiful part about visiting beaches in Aruba is the ease of access. The government allows everyone access to every beach on the island. However, visitors who would like to hire a tour company to take them on a tour of the beach might have to book in advance with the tour company.

Related: Explore Ancient Caves In Aruba's Arikok National Park (& More)

A woman poses on Eagle Beach in Oranjestad, Aruba

Aruba is a unique destination. It is unlike any other island on earth, and this is because of the uniqueness of its history, culture, people, the perfect weather, food, and the many exciting activities visitors will find irresistible. Those planning to visit Eagle Beach will get to enjoy just one part of the many wonders of Aruba. It is a thrilling adventure. Here are things visitors can do to enjoy the fullness of Eagle Beach.

Visitors who would like to enjoy this 7-course meal should ensure to book reservations ahead of time because the restaurant only has 16 seats surrounding a dining table. First reserved, First served.

Aerial view of one of Aruba's beaches

Sunset on Eagle Beach, Aruba

The closest landmarks to Eagle Beach Oranjestad are by car, bus, or taxi or Aruba Cruise Port by ship. From these places, visitors can ask around for Palm Beach or Eagle Beach. They can get there by car, bus, taxi, or foot. Visitors can also use Welcome Pickups from Aruba Cruise Port to Eagle Beach.

Originally posted here:

This Aruba Beach Was Just Voted The Best In The Caribbean ... - TheTravel

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. May 8, 2023: The Caribbean is a vibrant and diverse region, home to a wide variety of cultures, languages, and customs. For businesses looking to expand into the Caribbean market, its important to understand the unique challenges and opportunities of the region, particularly when it comes to B2C customer acquisition. Here are two key things to know before launching your B2C marketing efforts in the Caribbean.

The Caribbean market is not a monolithOne of the biggest mistakes businesses make when entering the Caribbean market is treating it as a monolithic entity. In reality, the Caribbean is made up of many different countries and territories, each with its own unique culture, language, and consumer preferences. Its important to take the time to research and understand the nuances of each individual market before launching your B2C marketing efforts.

For example, a marketing campaign that works well in Jamaica may not resonate with consumers in Trinidad and Tobago. By taking the time to understand the local market and tailor your marketing efforts accordingly, you can increase your chances of success and avoid wasting valuable time and resources.

Word-of-mouth marketing is criticalIn the Caribbean, word-of-mouth marketing is king. Caribbean consumers are highly social and rely heavily on recommendations from friends, family, and trusted sources when making purchasing decisions. This means that building relationships and creating positive experiences for your customers is essential in the region.To succeed in the Caribbean market, its important to focus on providing excellent customer service and delivering high-quality products and services that meet or exceed customer expectations. By creating happy customers who are eager to recommend your business to their friends and family, you can build a strong reputation in the region and drive B2C customer acquisition through word-of-mouth marketing.

In summary, businesses looking to expand into the Caribbean market need to take the time to understand the unique nuances of each individual market and tailor their marketing efforts accordingly. Word-of-mouth marketing is critical in the region, so businesses should focus on providing excellent customer service and creating positive experiences for their customers. By following these key strategies, businesses can successfully navigate the challenges and opportunities of B2C customer acquisition in the Caribbean.

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Caribbean Business- Two Things To Know Before Starting Your ... - Caribbean and Latin America Daily News - News Americas

On 5 May 2023, the programme Transcultura: Integrating Cuba, the Caribbean and the European Union through Culture and Creativity, implemented by UNESCO and funded by the European Union, organized the panel discussion Youth and Cultural Heritage in the Caribbean as part of the sessions of the First International Congress on Cultural Heritage in Havana, Cuba.

Among the panellists were Lazare Eloundou Assomo, Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre; Philip Sauerbaum, Cooperation Attach of the European Union Delegation to Cuba; Anne Lemaistre, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for Culture in Latin America and the Caribbean; Gladys Collazo, Director-general for Heritage at the Office of the Historian of the City of Havana; and Liliam Prez, Cuban producer and entrepreneur, participant in one of the workshops sponsored by the Transcultura programme. The manager of the Antigua Naval Dockyard and Related Archaeological Sites World Heritage property in Antigua and Barbuda, Desley Gardner, participated in the panel through a video.

Participants reflected on ways to raise awareness of the need to preserve heritage among young people by involving them in decision-making processes and harnessing their innovative approaches.

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Cultural heritage, a source of opportunities for youth in the Caribbean - UNESCO

Someone with a lot of money to spend has taken a bearish stance on Royal Caribbean Gr RCL.

And retail traders should know.

We noticed this today when the big position showed up on publicly available options history that we track here at Benzinga.

Whether this is an institution or just a wealthy individual, we don't know. But when something this big happens with RCL, it often means somebody knows something is about to happen.

So how do we know what this whale just did?

Today, Benzinga's options scanner spotted 22 uncommon options trades for Royal Caribbean Gr.

This isn't normal.

The overall sentiment of these big-money traders is split between 36% bullish and 63%, bearish.

Out of all of the special options we uncovered, 2 are puts, for a total amount of $128,593, and 20 are calls, for a total amount of $2,535,113.

Taking into account the Volume and Open Interest on these contracts, it appears that whales have been targeting a price range from $50.0 to $85.0 for Royal Caribbean Gr over the last 3 months.

Looking at the volume and open interest is an insightful way to conduct due diligence on a stock.

This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for Royal Caribbean Gr's options for a given strike price.

Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of Royal Caribbean Gr's whale activity within a strike price range from $50.0 to $85.0 in the last 30 days.

Options are a riskier asset compared to just trading the stock, but they have higher profit potential. Serious options traders manage this risk by educating themselves daily, scaling in and out of trades, following more than one indicator, and following the markets closely.

If you want to stay updated on the latest options trades for Royal Caribbean Gr, Benzinga Pro gives you real-time options trades alerts.

The rest is here:

Looking At Royal Caribbean Gr's Recent Unusual Options Activity ... - Benzinga

Haiti: Deadly confrontations between self-defense groups and gangs amid ongoing gang turf wars.In April, gangs increasingly came into direct confrontation with self-defense groups and unarmed civilians attempting to resist gang offensives. In Cabaret commune, Ouest department, the Titanyen gang, supported by members of the Base 5 Secondes and Canaan gangs, carried out several attacks in Source Matelas, with preliminary reports reporting the killing of at least 100 people. The gangs reportedly launched retaliatory attacks against civilians who have blocked roads since November 2022 to push back gang offensives.1 Elsewhere, in the center of Port-au-Prince, local residents lynched 13 detained gang members that were being transferred by police forces following a clash in the Debussy neighborhood. Further violence was reported in the Ouest and Nippes departments throughout the month, leaving more than a dozen gang members dead. Since January 2023, gangs have increasingly responded to vigilante activity with retaliatory attacks targeting civilians, contributing to Haiti's deteriorating security.2

Meanwhile, members of the Brooklyn gang -- affiliated with the G-Pep gang alliance -- clashed with the G-9-affiliated Belekou and Boston gangs in Cit Soleil, reportedly leaving 70 people dead. The clashes started on 14 April and lasted for over six consecutive days as part of rivalries between the two gang alliances over the control of Cit Soleil. The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reiterated a call for the deployment of an international armed force to address surging gang violence.3

Honduras: Rival criminal groups clash inside prisons in three departmentsOn 8 April, clashes between incarcerated members of the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) and Barrio 18 (B-18) broke out in four detention centers located in El Paraiso, Francisco Morazn, and Santa Brbara departments, leading to at least one fatality. Authorities claim that the gangs communicated with criminal cells operating outside the prisons in an attempt to destabilize national security.4 The incidents prompted President Xiomara Castro to launch an intervention plan, which includes new surveillance systems, the dismissals of corrupted prison guards, relocation of inmates affiliated with organized crime, and measures to reduce prison overcrowding.5 Despite the launching of this plan, clashes inside prisons continued throughout the month, driving heightened levels of prison riots and clashes, which thus far in 2023, have surpassed levels recorded in the whole of 2022. Criminal groups have controlled Honduras' main detention centers amid weaknesses in the country's penitentiary system, overcrowding, and the slow processing of criminal cases by judicial institutions.6 Jailed gang members are reported to communicate with members outside jails and participate in illegal activities such as extortion.7

Colombia: The killing of social leaders continues amid Total Peace negotiationsDespite the Total Peace efforts proposed by President Gustavo Petro's administration, armed groups continue to fight for control of illicit economies, especially in remote rural areas. In their competition over territorial control, armed groups reportedly killed at least 18 social leaders in April.8 Violence targeting social leaders increased notably in the Antioquia department, where the Gulf Clan has a significant foothold and with whom the government suspended ceasefire negotiations on 19 March.9 Colombian social leaders champion the rights of local communities and their access to public resources and lands. Due to their public role, they often fall victim to armed groups seeking to stifle dissent in rural areas.10 The government continued in its efforts to negotiate with armed groups. On 16 April, the Central General Staff Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia dissident group joined negotiations for an eventual demobilization of its factions.11 Since President Petro took office, he has sought to mitigate armed conflict in the country through the Total Peace process, which includes dialogues on ceasefire agreements between armed groups and the government.12

Mexico: Environmental activists and members of Indigenous communities subject to persisting violence

Environmental activists continue to be the targets of violence in Mexico with the killing of two activists recorded in April. Thus far in 2023, ACLED records at least seven events of violence targeting this group, which represents a twofold increase compared to the same period last year. Armed suspects kidnapped and killed an environmental activist of the Nahua Indigenous community in Chinicuila, Michoacn state. In this state, Indigenous communities have denounced irregularities in the granting of mining concessions by the government, as well as the presence of criminal groups involved in illegal mining activities.13 Meanwhile, in Oaxaca state, two gunmen killed an Indigenous activist from the Zapotec community who had opposed the construction of infrastructure projects such as the Tehuantepec Isthmus railways.14 According to local organizations, more than half of the aggressions targeting environmental defenders reported in Mexico in 2022 affected members of Indigenous communities.15 Similar attacks have occurred across Latin America and the Caribbean region. In April, ACLED records the killing of two Colombian activists who have advocated for animal rights and opposed extractive activities in rural areas in Antioquia and Norte de Santander departments.16 Thus far in 2023, ACLED records over a dozen targeted attacks against environmental defenders across the region.

Guatemala: Unidentified suspects attack a mayoral candidate in Suchitepequez department ahead of the general electionsOn 22 April, unidentified suspects ran over a mayoral candidate for the *Nosotros *political party while he was hanging a poster to promote his candidacy in San Pedro Cutzan, Suchitepequez. The victim denounced the incident as a targeted attack against him and called for investigations to identify the perpetrators and motivations behind the attack.17 The attack takes place ahead of Guatemala general elections scheduled on 25 June, which encompasses the election of the president, congress representatives, and municipal authorities, among others. It also follows the signing of the National Agreement on 11 April by 27 of the 30 political parties participating in the elections, who pledged to promote a violence-free campaign.18 Thus far in 2023, ACLED records at least two armed incidents targeting candidates, representing a decrease compared to the previous 2019 general elections, with at least six events recorded between January and April. Despite lower levels of violence, this year's electoral cycle has been marked by tensions amid widespread demonstrations in February and March, sparked by the electoral court's decision not to allow the registering of the Movement for the Liberation of the Peoples' candidate.

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Regional Overview Latin America & the Caribbean April 2023 - Haiti - ReliefWeb

The Caribbean region is well known for its vibrant music culture, with music festivals and events held throughout the year. The Caribbeans diverse music scene reflects the regions rich history and cultural influence. Attending one of these events or exploring local music scenes allows visitors to immerse themselves in the rhythms and beats of the Caribbean.

These music festivals draw both locals and tourists who come to experience the regions vibrant energy and distinct sounds. We found the best music festivals in the Caribbean this year for those who want to immerse themselves in the Caribbeans rich culture.

This years Saint Lucia Jazz Festival will once again follow its original schedule. Shaggy, Sting, Buju Banton, Shenseea, Kes the Band, Bunji Garlin, and Fay Ann Lyons are just some of the artists who will be performing at the festival, which is well-known for attracting the most talented artists from around the world to its shores.

At the festival, African musicians will be well-represented by artists such as Rema, who sang Calm Down, CKay, who sang Love Nwantiti, Ayra Starr, and Kizz Daniel, who sang Afro-classical music. To obtain additional information, please go to:

If youre going to the St. Kitts Music Festival for the first time, pack your party clothes. Every year, thousands of people from all over the world flock to St. Kitts for the islands annual Music Festival. Attendees can also partake in cultural activities, explore the islands natural beauty, and eat delicious local cuisine while theyre there. The events lineup for this year includes artists like Air Supply, Burna Boy, Koffee, Skillibeng, Chronixx, Skinny Fabulous, and Patrice Roberts, so concertgoers can expect a lot of singalongs.

Reggae Sumfest in Jamaica is a top Caribbean festival, featuring some of the worlds best reggae and dancehall acts. Every year, residents and visitors to Montego Bay gather for the festival. The event has been running for over 25 years and has become a staple in Jamaican culture, attracting thousands of music lovers from around the world. The festival also provides a platform for up-and-coming artists to showcase their talents alongside established performers. Among the many performers who will be taking the stage this year are names like Morgan Heritage, Kabaka Pyramid, Richie Spice, Freddy McGregor, and Valiant.

The Barbados Crop Over Festival is the island nations biggest and most celebrated festival. It is held annually in July and August to mark the end of the sugar cane harvest. It is a blend of African and Caribbean traditions that dates back to the 18th century. The event features a variety of events, such as parties, concerts, cultural shows, and street parades. One of the most significant events of the festival is the Bridgetown Market, which features local food, crafts, and music.

The Grand Kadooment Day parade is the culmination of the festival and takes place on the first Monday in August. Additionally, the Crop Over Visual Arts Festival and the Crop Over Heritage Bus Tours offer visitors a chance to experience the rich history and culture of Barbados. If you are planning to visit Barbados for the Crop Over Festival, it is recommended to book accommodation and tickets in advance, as they tend to sell out quickly.

The Limon Carnival, also known as Carnaval de Limn, is an annual event held in the city of Limon on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. It features parades, music, dancing, and traditional costumes.

One of the highlights of the carnival is the comparsas, which are groups of dancers and musicians who perform choreographed routines along the parade route. In addition to the parades and music, the carnival also features traditional food stalls, street parties, and cultural events.

Visitors can sample local delicacies such as rice and beans, plantains, and Caribbean-style seafood dishes. The carnival is a unique and exciting event that offers visitors a glimpse into the rich culture and history of the Afro-Caribbean communities of Costa Rica.

Related: Tour Around The World to These Black Music Festivals

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The Top Caribbean Music Festivals For 2023 - Travel Noire

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King Charles III, seen here with Ralph Gonsalves, is head of state in a number of Caribbean countries

The Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines has said having a British monarch as head of state is "an absurdity" he would like to end in his lifetime.

Ralph Gonsalves said he would welcome an apology from the British state and monarchy on past injustices relating to slavery.

He said he believes King Charles III is open to talking about reparations.

King Charles is head of state in eight Caribbean countries.

Within the past year, political leaders in the Bahamas, Belize, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis and Antigua and Barbuda have all indicated their plans to review their positions as constitutional monarchies.

The Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Dr Terrance Drew, told the BBC his country is "not totally free" as long as King Charles III remains head of state and that a public consultation on whether the nation should become a republic would begin during his leadership.

Speaking to the BBC two days after the coronation, Dr Gonsalves said the current constitutional arrangement "offends people in a psychological way" and his country wanted a president "selected by our own constitutional processes".

In 2009, St Vincent and the Grenadines held a referendum to decide whether to transition to a republic. Forty-five per cent of voters chose to replace Queen Elizabeth II with a ceremonial president - falling far short of the two-thirds required.

Mr Gonsalves has said he would like to try again.

"I don't know whether it will happen. But I'm hoping so. If it doesn't happen, somebody else will stand on my shoulders and carry forth that work," he said.

According to a recent poll conducted in the 15 countries where the King is head of state, St Vincent and the Grenadines is among those most opposed to becoming a republic.

The survey, conducted by UK politician-turned-pollster Lord Ashcroft, suggests that the idea would be rejected by a majority of 63% to 34%.

Lord Ashcroft Polls interviewed 22,701 adults across the 15 countries between 6 February and 23 March.

In a statement, Buckingham Palace said the decision on transitioning to a republic "is purely a matter for each country to decide".

Mr Gonsalves added he would welcome an apology from both King Charles and the British government on the legacy of slavery.

"King Charles at least, is clearly interested in having a conversation. And I welcome that. But I don't know whether King Charles is going to do an apology without the British state."

Buckingham Palace told the BBC the King takes slavery "profoundly seriously".

Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves was in office the last time St Vincent and the Grenadines voted on having the British monarch as head of state in 2009

Mr Gonsalves said he had contacted David Cameron's government on the issue, but was rejected.

"Their response was that, 'Look, we're not doing apologies. Let's look forward, let us learn. Let's not look to the past'. There's only one problem with that. The present is the past," he said.

"We can continue the political work, we can do diplomatic work, but we can also go to the International Court of Justice, for example," he said.

"But I would prefer if we have the conversation, rather than to have to do that."

Speaking two days after the Coronation, Dr Gonsalves praised the King for his positions on climate change and inter-faith dialogue.

"I hold his Majesty in great personal regard," he said.

"My conversation is not one of revenge. It is just something which is reasonable and fair."

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King Charles III as head of state in St Vincent and the Grenadines 'absurd' - BBC

Discount long-haul carrier Norse Atlantic Airways will expand into the Caribbean and Asia this fall.

Beginning in the final week of October, the carrier will fly daily from London Gatwick to Barbados. Norse Atlantic will also fly to Jamaica's Montego Bay and Kingston, offering four-times-weekly and twice-weekly service, respectively.

Meanwhile, the airline will also spread its wings to Thailand, flying from Oslo to Bangkok twice a week beginning Nov. 2.

The new routes will significantly expand the map of the young airline, which began operations last summer. This summer, Norse Atlantic will fly a dozen routes, all connecting Europe with the U.S.

A 13th route, between Gatwick and Boston, will launch on Sept. 1.

With the new London winter routes, Norse Atlantic will offer the second-most long-haul seats out of Gatwick next winter, CEO Bjorn Tore Larsen said.

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Norse Atlantic is spreading its wings to the Caribbean and Thailand - Travel Weekly