Category Archives: Caribbean

JAMAICA OBSERVER The regions first online database that will enable a standard system for capturing, collating and reporting human rights violations, has been launched.

Developed by the Caribbean Vulnerable Communities Coalition (CVC), the Shared Incident Database (SID) is an advanced, user-friendly, web-based technology that will strengthen evidence-based advocacy for more just policies and programmes in the Caribbeans HIV response.

The database will track incidents affecting key population groups which include those living the HIV, sex workers, drug users, transgender people, men who have sex with men, marginalised youth, migrants and inmates, who often encounter barriers to accessing health services and human rights protection.

According to CVC, the SID provides an integrated platform to record, analyse and exchange information to impact policy and programmes and will further empower individuals and civil society organisations to pursue redress including legal remedies where these are available.

The roll-out of the SID has met with enthusiastic response and already, in Jamaica, the Jamaica AIDS Support for Life (JASL), Jamaica Network for Seropositives (JN+) and the Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All Sexuals and Gays (J-FLAG) have trained and signed MoUs (Memoranda of Understanding) for the use of the database.

Last month, additional groups including Jamaicans For Justice, Eve for Life and Transwave were trained, and in the wider Caribbean, training has been done with groups in Belize, Guyana, Haiti and the Dominican Republic with Suriname and Trinidad to follow shortly.

Following recent talks, the Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP) has agreed to use the database to track incidence of stigma and discrimination as part the overall Strategic Framework for scaling up the response to HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean.

This will give significant expansion to the regional application and use of the database by governments and non-government organisations.

The SID is one of several interventions being implemented by CVC and Centro de Orientacion e Investigacion Integral (COIN) based in the Dominican Republic, as part of a three-year, CVC/COIN Caribbean Civil Society Grant funded by The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. The programme focuses on challenging stigma and discrimination to improve access to, and quality of, HIV services in the Caribbean.

This article was posted in its entirety as received by stlucianewsonline.com. This media house does not correct any spelling or grammatical error within press releases and commentaries. The views expressed therein are not necessarily those of stlucianewsonline.com, its sponsors or advertisers.

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CARIBBEAN: Caribbean's first online human rights database launched - St. Lucia News Online (press release)

With millions of satisfied accounts holding customers and guest at previous events, CoinsBank is excited to announce a 1-month countdown to its 2017 annual event CoinsBank Blockchain Cruise.

Last year, CoinsBank event at the Turkish Riviera was a massive success.

Previous year event results brought much positive impact on blockchain industry. CoinsBank distinguishes itself not only by being a sound financial services provider but also as an industry leader offering education, training, and collaboration for and by industry leaders, partners, customers and blockchain enthusiasts.

The Blockchain Cruise will definitely change the vision of blockchain, and the future of money!

This will be a gathering of the finest minds on the planet on one of the biggest ships in the world and will depart from the aptly named, Cape Liberty Port, to make a difference in the world.

With port calls in Puerto Rico, Bermuda, Haiti, and St. Maarten, the voyage includes 2 full days of conferences, 4 days of incredible adventures, networking and traveling, 2 days of workshops and live entertainment every night! This extensive program makes CoinsBank Blockchain Cruise the major networking event in blockchain industry.

Leading experts from around the world will attend the Blockchain Cruise to share their experience in implementation of the best solutions in the blockchain global world. Guests will include the leaders of the blockchain industry, executives, startups, and developers and will discuss the latest trends in the growing financial technology atmosphere.

The hottest topics of the blockchain industry will be presented in 2-day conference program:

- blockchain and financial services;

- blockchain and card systems, payments revolution;

- energy trading and renewable energy;

- cryptocurrencies, Internet of Things (IoT) and much more.

Expect a week of inspiration, talks, panels, luxury entertainment, traveling and plenty of time to engage with attendees/speakers.

You definitely do not want to miss out on this EPIC networking event! Take the next step and climb aboard before its too late at http://www.coinsbank.com/cruise

For partnership and sponsorship issues please contact event manager at [emailprotected]

http://www.coinsbank.com/cruise

The publication of a press release on this page should not be viewed as an endorsement by CoinDesk. Customers should do their own research before investing funds in any company.

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Blockchain event aboard Royal Caribbean cruise ship Anthem of the Seas - CoinDesk

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Enjoy your cozy cabin room while sailing through the U.S Virgin Islands and the Bahamas.

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ShermansTravel.com 11:27 a.m. ET May 9, 2017

Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Escape.(Photo: Norwegian Cruise Line)

The winter chills are gone and the sun keeps getting hotter. Defeat the heat lounging on the beaches of the Caribbean on a seven-night cruise with Norwegian. Enjoy your cozy cabin room while sailing through the U.S Virgin Islands and the Bahamas for just $689 per person. Book now and take advantage of Norwegians Free at Sea special, where you can choose from five upgrades including an unlimited open bar, specialty dining, shore excursion credit and more.

Travel on the Aug. 26 sailing at this rate. Many other dates available for slightly more.

Embark on your cruise from Miami and set sail for the Caribbean. Enjoy your time cruising on the Norwegian Escape by relaxing at one of the many entertainment lounges or testing your luck at the casino. In case you want to bring the little ones, theyll have a blast playing in that water park and enjoying the childrens clubs. Youll first arrive at St. Thomas, and be sure to book one of the snorkeling excursions to swim with the turtles. Or maybe you would prefer to swim with the dolphins in Tortola at your next port of call. Finish off your trip relaxing in Nassau before sailing back to Miami.

Book by May 31.

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Terms and conditions

Fares shown are in US dollars and are per person, based on double occupancy or as per the number of guests selected. Gov't Taxes, Fees & Port Expenses (where applicable) are additional. NCL reserves the right to charge a fuel supplement without prior notice should the closing price of West Texas Intermediate Fuel increase above $65 USD per barrel on the NYMEX (New York Mercantile Exchange Index). In the event a fuel supplement is charged, NCL will have sole discretion to apply the supplementary charge to both existing and new bookings, regardless of whether such bookings have been paid in full. Such supplementary charges are not included in the cruise fare. The fuel supplement charge will not exceed $10.00 USD per passenger per day. Prices are based on availability and subject to change.

N/A # Guests: Stateroom type cannot accommodate the number of guests selected. You can lower the number of guests and book staterooms separately.

Rates shown on Insides, Oceanviews, Balconies, and Mini-Suites do not include Free at Sea offer.

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Deal watch: A seven-night Caribbean cruise for $689 - USA TODAY

When you think of a dream luxury holiday, what often springs to mind are pristine white sandy beaches, crystal-clear blue waters, and glorious sunshine.

And a trip to the Caribbean turns those dreams into a reality. After all, the region is renowned for its seriously breathtaking islands, lusciously green scenery and spectacular landscapes.

In fact, as well as being a hotspot for couples on romantic getaways and newlyweds on honeymoon, it's also a haven for the A-list including Beyonce and Jay Z , Cameron Diaz and Jennifer Lopez , not to mention Prince Harry recently paid a visit for a royal tour of the area.

Now, Royal Caribbean have revealed how you can have your own A-lister worthy getaway, including the most amazing islands to visit, and the best things to see and do when you're there.

With summer just around the corner, we take a look at some of our favourites - get ready for a serious dose of travel inspiration...

Thanks to its half-French, half-Dutch island nations, this island has firmly established itself as the culinary capital of Caribbean.

Foodies regularly flock there to dine on some of the world-famous local delights including Codfish Fritters, Beef Patties and Sweet Potato Pudding, and of course its guavaberry cocktails which are perfect for sipping on during a lazy afternoon at one of the stunning bays.

The island is also home to 37 beautiful beaches with calm turquoise waters, and boasts over 50 incredible dive locations.

You can enjoy a SNUBA Adventure as part of your cruise, ideal for those who want to explore the sea but don't have a diving certificate.

For those wanting to take in the landscape, the Tall Ship Experience lets you sail the seas around the island to Maho Beach, not to mention you'll get the chance to navigate the ship yourself - and celebrate with a complimentary cocktail afterwards!

Brimming with natural wonders from tropical greenery to picturesque beaches and spectacular waterfalls, it's no wonder Jamaica continues to be a firm favourite as a dream holiday destination.

Music is at the heart of local culture - the island is famously the birthplace of a wealth of musical genres from reggae to ska - and the cuisine is unlike any other thanks to jerk cooking with spicy seasoning.

The historic town of Falmouth is definitely worth a visit, thanks to its stunning Georgian architecture, historical mills and sugar cane fields.

The Grand Jamaica: A Sensational Day tour takes you through Jamaica's agricultural roots at Brimmer Hall Estate, before heading off to sample iconic local dishes and enjoy some free time lazing on a beach or kayaking along the shore.

Meanwhile, you can take in the rich and scenic beauty of the landscape with a trip to Bamboo Beach on the Island Tour & Bamboo Beach Break excursion which also includes a scenic drive around St Ann's Bay where Christopher Columbus anchored when he first arrived on the island in 1494.

Carnivals, celebrations play a huge role in St. Kitt's vibrant festive culture, while cricket is a local obsession - sports fans should check out Warner Park to get in the heart of the action.

Meanwhile the landscape is filled with incredible sugar cane fields which cover so much land they've been nicknamed 'Sugar City'.

In fact, you can indulge your sweet tooth with a St Kitts Chocolate Experience , and discover the Sugar City's rich history before touring the island's first and only chocolate boutique. Of course, this includes sampling delicious confectionery and even having a go at creating your own!

Royal Caribbean offers cruises to Basseterre, one of the oldest Eastern Caribbean cities where you can explore ancient fortresses and historical plantations.

In fact, the Caribbean Plantation and Beach excursion includes a visit to the Clay Villa Plantation House, where you can wander around the tropical gardens and learn about the region's traditions, the family owners, their mementos and artefacts, island plants and uses, and wildlife rescue efforts.

This island paradise isn't just dazzling because of its dreamy beaches - it also boasts impressive jungle-covered cliffs, not to mention the history of the island itself is fascinating.

Venturing off-shore is a must to see the island in all of its glory - and look out for the shoals of colourful fish and quirky sea creatures that live in the surrounding tranquil waters.

The Caribbean Sail to Christmas & Honeymoon Coves excursion is the perfect way to discover sea turtles, tropical fish, and coral while anchored offshore in the waters of Christmas Cove.

You'll also sail to Water Island where you can relax on Honeymoon Beach, do more snorkelling and sit down to indulge with a freshly prepared Caribbean barbecue.

Meanwhile, holidaymakers hoping to bag a bargain will no doubt enjoy the Royal Caribbean cruise's stop at Charlotte Amelie, the capital city where you can pick up some brilliant mementos with budget-friendly prices.

You can see the full range of Caribbean itineraries on the Royal Caribbean website here .

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The best Caribbean island excursions for a dream luxury holiday - Mirror.co.uk

TNI

The wealthy businessman bought Le Chateau des Palmiers - a walled compound on the north-western tip of French St Martin for a rumoured 15 million in 2013.

After using it mainly as a rental property, he has put it up for sale.

In a brochure for the property, he tells prospective buyers, Greetings from Donald J. Trump. Escape to a place no other.

The sprawling 4.8-acre estate on St Martin's Plum Bay includes two villas, one five-bedroom and another four-bedroom and several other buildings.

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Donald Trump puts his luxury Caribbean estate for sale for 22 million pounds

In total, the compound contains 11 bedrooms and 12 full bathrooms. The larger villa has a two-story master bedroom with a Jacuzzi bath tub and two private balconies. The smaller villa has several themed bedrooms, including the Jungle Room with a king-size bed.

The whole property is enclosed by an eight-feet boundary wall.

Rental packages for the president's tropical retreat start at $6,000 per night in the low season for the smaller of two villas and go up to a bank-busting $28,000-a-night during the winter holidays.

See the rest here:

Donald Trump sells luxury Caribbean estate for a staggering 22 million - Express.co.uk

Royal Caribbean International has announced its return to New Orleans with a seasonal home-based cruise ship in late 2018.

The Vision of the Seas will sail seven-night itineraries to culture-rich destinations across the Bahamas and Yucatan Peninsula from the Port of New Orleans Julia Street Cruise Terminal. The ship will sail on Saturdays.

The Port of New Orleans is thrilled to welcome back Royal Caribbean. We look forward to working productively together for many years to come, said Brandy Christian, Port President and CEO. Our Citys energy and music, culinary and cultural attractions perfectly compliment the Caribbean cruise experience. Our cruise business continues to grow, as does the variety of itineraries offered, as most cruise passengers spend an average of two nights in the region, either before or after their cruise.

The Port handled 1,070,695 cruise passengers in 2016 and ranks as the sixth-largest cruise port in the United States, with direct industry expenditures in Louisiana of $406 million.

New Orleans is becoming a more accessible city for international visitors now that we have direct air service to Panama, Frankfurt and London on Copa, Condor and British Airways, respectively, said Christian, who also serves as chair of the Cruise Committee for the American Association of Port Authorities. We have always enjoyed a sizeable drive-in market from Louisiana and nearby states, as well.

Mark Romig, President and CEO of the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation, the citys official leisure travel promotion agency added: We welcome Royal Caribbean back to New Orleans and look forward to a successful partnership. We know RCCL as a trusted brand name in the cruise industry and we look forward to their guests spending time exploring all that our city has to offer before and after their cruise.

The return of Royal Caribbean to New Orleans with the Vision of the Seas is excellent news, said Kim Priez, Senior Vice President of Tourism, New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau. In 2016, New Orleans broke all previous visitation records by attracting 10.45 million visitors from around the world. New Orleans unique and authentic culture combined with these cruise offerings makes the Crescent City a world-class destination that is increasing in popularity year after year.

Before repositioning to New Orleans on Dec. 15, 2018, Vision of the Seas will offer two 16-night sailings through the Panama Canal from Miami to Los Angeles and from Los Angeles to New Orleans marking the first time in three years a Royal Caribbean cruise ship will traverse the Panama Canal.

Continue reading here:

Royal Caribbean Announces Return to New Orleans - Cruise Industry News

Bradenton Herald

Growth in the Cuban market could help the Caribbean as a whole ... Bradenton Herald Some regional tourism leaders say growth in the Cuban market could lift all boats, and that Caribbean nations, including Cuba, should band together to jointly ... Here's How To Think About Cuba's Potential Impact On Caribbean ...Cuba Journal all 5 news articles »

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Growth in the Cuban market could help the Caribbean as a whole ... - Bradenton Herald

The term the Battle of the Bulge came on the scene many years ago. I can remember it as far back as the late 1970s when I was a teenager. Today, more Americans are experiencing issues with being overweight than ever before. Some are mildly overweight, some are obese and some are morbidly obese. Have you ever seen the show on cable television called, My 600-pound Life? That is a prime example of what we are talking about.

Supersized meals continue to be served at most restaurants and when they are served, there are no doggie bags because most customers have gotten to the point where they are consuming all of it right there at the table. And many of us from the islands are falling into the same trap.

Remember when we were living back home and we would eat fresh fruits from the trees growing outside? Remember when we would plant our own vegetable gardens? For those who lived in rural (inna de country), remember when most of our food came from the local farmers or we would have our own little piece of land where we raised pigs, goats, chickens and maybe a cow or two? We knew exactly what we were feeding our livestock. And when we slaughtered an animal for meat, we did not have to worry about mad cow disease, size-boosting hormones, salmonella, etc. Those were the good old days, right?

Now that we are living here in the United States, we are prone to have issues with obesity. We are so busy working sometimes we dont have time to cook so on the way home, we pick up some fast food. We dont even know what we are putting into our bodies.

We need to make better choices. We need to teach our children how to do better. Children who make poor nutrition choices usually become adults who make poor nutrition choices. That is why it is imperative that we lead by example. Lets educate them about nutrition by showing them how to make their own vegetable garden in the spring and summer. Even if you dont have the yard space, they can grow vegetables and herbs in flower pots and have them on the windowsill. Take them to the supermarket and show them how to choose good, nutritious foods. Take the processed foods out of your familys diet gradually. Adopt an active lifestyle.

Back home in the Caribbean, many people who live in rural areas still do not have access to modern conveniences as we do here in America or even as their more affluent relatives do in the developed areas (more urban areas) of their country. They do not have a supermarket or a store on every corner. That sounds like a pretty bad deal right? The answer is no. Having that type of life may not be all bad.

The positive thing about their life is that is still depend on the land so they continue to grow their own produce. They are not putting a lot of processed foods into their bodies. When they occasionally go to the local store, they have to walk there and back because they more than likely do not have a car. They are getting lots of exercise that way. They do not have a lot of choices of processed foods in the stores nor do they have the money to afford a lot of those imported products. Most of those products come in from the United States or European or Asian countries. They do not have electricity in their homes so they do not sit around and watch television. They go outside and find some form of play or amusement. Some do not have indoor plumbing so they still have to go to a spring to get drinking water and bring it back home. They definitely do not live a dormant lifestyle.

Sounds like something we need to expose our children to? I would say, Yes!

Ladies and gentlemen, we have to do better and go back to our roots. We need to identify what would be considered unhealthy foods in our Caribbean culture and get rid of those things out of our diet. We have to identify what would be considered unhealthy foods here in the America culture and get rid of those things because without our good health, we have nothing.

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Need to go back to our Caribbean roots to eat healthier - The Philadelphia Tribune

With direct nonstop flights from Miami to Grand Cayman clocking in at just over an hour, the Cayman Islands make foran effortless getaway from South Florida.

Occupying about 100-square-miles south of Cuba, the island group consists of Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. While the upscale getaway is famous worldwide for itsoffshore banking industry, attracting a diverse cross section ofex-pats, the sublime western-facing Seven Mile Beach is what youre coming for.

The November 2016 opening of the Kimpton Seafire Grand Cayman marked the islands first new resort in a decade, creating the perfect excuse toexplore the Western Caribbean island group.

Create yourperfect itinerary bytacking on a couple of extra nightson Cayman Brac, the relatively undeveloped island 90 miles northeast of Grand Cayman. Let the world slip away at Le Soleil dOr, a Mediterranean-inspired seaside villa set on an organic farm.

The Kimpton Seafire is so beautifully conceived that mustering the strengthto rise from your fire engine red lounge chair positioned on a strip ofastroturfbetween the Caribbean Sea andthe resorts lagoon-style swimming pool (how can you choose between the two?) will present a serious challenge.

It will also prove difficult to tear yourself away from yourcomfy roomwithits punchy palette of fuchsia, black and white with floor-to-ceiling windows leading to the oversized oceanfront balcony and a sexy bathroomwith a frosted glass rainfall shower that peeksinto the room.

So dont fight it. Settle in. Relax. This place hasgot you covered.

A hallmark of the Kimpton brand is contemporary and playful design. At the Seafire, everything fromnautical motif chairs upholstered ininternational flags toa traditional wooden Cayman catboat and prints from local pop artist Dready are found beneath the lobbys 20-foot ceiling, grounded bynatural materials, likeweathered wood and polished coral stone.

Dining is a delight here and there are plenty of restaurantsto choose frombefore you run out of options. Ave and Avecita function as a restaurant within a restaurant, the former serving coastal Mediterranean fare while the latter dishes up experimental tapas and cocktails in a chic communal setting with a chefs counter for a special tasting menu.

Between the beachfront taco shack Coccoloba and a separate poolside bar and grill, dont skip the fish tacos, lobster roll or the creamy pia colada.

Make sunset gazing on the soft white sands of Seven Mile Beach a nightly ritual.

Rates from $399 in summer low season, $499 in winter high. 888-226-4412

Grand Cayman is so built upwith stylish seaside resorts, you may forget youre not actually in Miami. On the other end of the spectrum, with its rugged coral bluffs and sparse development,Cayman Brac offers an off-the-grid counterpoint.

After a 40-minutepuddle jumper from Grand Cayman aboard a twin prop plane(or a direct flight from Miami on Saturdays), Le Soleil dOr is a 10-minute drive from the airporton the islands southern shore.

The four-room boutique hotel issetinside a Mediterranean-inspired villa with private cottages spread acrossthe 20 acre property. Situated across the street from a rocky, rugged stretch of shore,the hotel maintains an impressive blufftop organic farm, which supplies the hotels restaurant.

With so few rooms, its entirely possible to feel like youve got the entireplace to yourself. The common areas include a small swimming pool, a living room with an adjacent kitchen stocked with fresh fruit, yogurt, cookies and coffee and a beach clubdown the road accessible by shuttle.

The only thing you need to put on your itinerary is a tour of the island with local guide Keno Dailey to explore limestone caves and cliffs and witness the native brown booby in its natural habitat. Its also a prime destination for fishing and diving.

Otherwise, enjoy your own private paradise at Le Soleil dOr where the service is personalized, catering to your every whim. Meals are an enjoyable affair with an attentive staff and special three-course menus that change daily based on whats fresh and available.

Expect dishes featuring local fish and lobster, as well as steak and chicken prepared creatively with produce from the garden, includingokra, eggplant, heirloom peppers and tomatoes.

Rates from $350 in summer low season; $450 in winter high. 844-861-2443.

Pro Tip:Schedulea deep tissue massage (or any spa treatment) at BOTH resorts. Their therapists know what theyre doing with an arsenal of tension-meltingtechniques from reflexology to craniosacral. The Kimptons spa is a luxurious, Moroccan bath-inspired sanctuary, while Le Soleil dOrs is a simple beachside bungalow.

If You Go

Daily direct nonstop flights from MIA to Grand Caymans Owen Roberts International Airport (GCM) aboard Cayman Air and American Airlines, currently from about $267. 1 hour, 30 minute flight.

Direct nonstop flightson Saturdays from MIA to Cayman Brac (CYB) aboard Cayman Airways, currently from about $325. 1 hour, 30 minute flight.

Flights between the Cayman Islandsaboard Cayman Airways, currently from about $129. 40-minute flights.

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Why the Cayman Islands should be your next Caribbean escape - Miami.com

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The line will offer seven-night voyages to The Bahamas and Mexico starting in 2019.

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Royal Caribbean's Vision of the Seas.(Photo: Royal Caribbean International)

New Orleans is back on the map for Royal Caribbean.

The Miami-based line says the 2,050-passenger Vision of the Seas will operate seven-night sailings out of the city over the winter of 2018-19.

Featuring calls in The Bahamas and Mexico, the voyages will be the line's first out of New Orleans in three years.

Vision of the Seas will be repositioningto New Orleans from Miami.As part of the move, the ship will operate two 16-night sailings through the Panama Canal. The first of the trips, departing on Dec. 15, 2018, will go from Miami to Los Angeles. It'll be followed by a voyage from Los Angeles to New Orleans.

New Royal Caribbean Symphony of the Seas cruise ship will be the world's largest

The Panama Canal trips also will be Royal Caribbean's first in three years.

Christened in 1998, Vision of the Seas is one of Royal Caribbean's four Vision Class vessels, which are among the line's smallest ships.

The new trips from New Orleans opened for booking on Friday.

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Royal Caribbean to resume cruises from New Orleans - USA TODAY