Category Archives: Caribbean

February 24 at 6:00 PM

Why the United States is no longer turning up its nose at Caribbean medical schools

Usha Lee McFarling at statnews.com

When Tavinder Singh took the MCAT, the California native dreamed of going to medical school. And then his scores came back too low for him to get in anywhere in the United States. So he packed his bags for the island of Dominica and enrolled at the Ross University School of Medicine.

Ross is one of the dozens of for-profit medical schools scattered throughout the Caribbean that market themselves mostly to folks in Singhs position. These schools have often come in for criticism, what with their hefty price tags, large class sizes and high dropout rates, writes Stat Newss Usha Lee McFarling. Even their mere location can be a negative for students. Theyve heard all the jokes about studying anatomy on the beach with Mai Tais in hand, McFarling notes.

But a massive physician shortage is transforming those views, McFarling writes in a recent article that tackles Why the United States is no longer turning up its nose at Caribbean medical schools. Their graduates typically have a tough time landing a residency, a credential thats required to practice medicine in the United States. So theyre eager to take positions anywhere, including in poor, rural, and underserved communities, McFarling says.

Once someone is wearing that white coat, school names dont come up much. Patients tend to be more interested in how theyre being treated, says McFarling, who highlights the example of Moazzum Bajwa, a Ross graduate and a second-year resident at the Riverside University Health System Medical Center in Moreno Valley, Calif.

Over the course of an hour-long appointment, retired carpenter Jos Luis Garcia, 69, doesnt just get the exam he was expecting. Bajwa also draws him a detailed diagram to explain how blood sugar levels work. They discuss thanks to Bajwas fluent Spanish whats causing stress in Garcias life, including his wifes recent brain surgery. At the end, Bajwa offers a hug.

This is a very great doctor, Garcia tells McFarling. Normally, I dont feel important.

Vicky Hallett

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Those Caribbean medical schools are looking more and more attractive - Washington Post

ROSEAU, Dominica, FridayFebruary 24, 2017 Organization of Eastern Caribbean (OECS) member states have been urged to prepare for more extreme weather conditions and natural disasters as a result of climate change.

The warning came from Crispin dAuvergne, St. Lucias chief sustainable development officer as he contributed to a panel discussion at an OECS climate change forum in Dominica, part of the Vini Koz (Lets Chat) Series that engages citizens in discussion and debate on development opportunities and challenges facing the region.

According to dAuvergne, a 2008 environmental study showed that while St Lucia sees an average of one to two Category 4 or Category 5 hurricanes per year, it is likely to increase to four or five hurricanes of that magnitude each year.

Citing another study, he said rainfall in the Caribbean is expected to increase by 25 to 50 percent in the next five decades. These extreme weather patterns will become the new normal, he said, adding that because the frequency and intensity of extreme weather conditions is likely to increase, the Caribbean should plan accordingly, preparing for more severe natural disasters like droughts, hurricanes and floods.

After Dominica was devastated by Tropical Storm Erica in August 2015, the Minister for Health and Environment, Dr. Kenneth Darroux, said Dominica had never seen a disaster of such proportions in terms of damage to infrastructure and the loss of life. Infrastructural damage was estimated at $1.4 billion. Minister Darroux said the storm caused the government to revisit its land use, policies, and regulations.

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Caribbean Warned To Prepare For More Severe Storms - Caribbean360.com (subscription)

An untidy committee session of the Upper House yesterday marred what was an otherwise rare sitting of the Senate, where not a single senator opposed the bill to make way for the Caribbean Maritime Institute Act, to now be known as the Caribbean Maritime University Act.

Senator Ruel Reid, who piloted the bill, also deputised for Leader of Government Business Senator Kamina Johnson-Smith, who was absent.

The bill was passed with 26 amendments in front a gallery filled with students and lecturers from the Palisados, Kingston-based institution.

The 10 senators who spoke yesterday gave glowing tributes to Dr Fritz Pinnock, who is slated to become the first president of the university. They were unanimous and generous in their praise of his visionary leadership, the discipline of the students, the economic opportunities the university has brought to the nearby communities, the marketability of the students and the economic benefits the graduates will bring to the Jamaican economy.

Reid praised Pinnock for his trailblazing effort in creating a niche market university while supporting the need for maritime clubs across the island.

Senator Mark Golding praised the effort of Pinnock for creating an institution of international repute, while he used the opportunity to tidy elements of the language of the bill.

Senator Don Webhy said the university should be marketed as a foreign exchange earner, while Senator Wensworth Skeffery said he hoped the way was being paved for individuals from rural Jamaica to study there.

Senator Kavan Gaye said it was significant that it was coming to the Upper House on the 133rd birthday of Sir Alexander Bustamante - a champion for port workers, while Senator Floyd Morris praised the effort of former minister Horace Clarke for planting the seed which has led to the CMU.

Senator Angela Brown-Burke said the university was providing training for women in non-traditional areas, and Senator Lambert Brown went copiously through the bill to make sure that workers' rights were protected.

An untidy session followed when the Senate was dissolved into a committee to consider the clause by clause amendments. Senators were asked to vote on amendments they did not have, as insufficient, correct copies of the amended sections were unavailable.

In one instance, one copy of the amendment was sent to the Opposition benches for the five senators, with Reid intructing them to "share". Reid found himself reading and re-reading amendments, plus making trips to his "technical people" for advice on aspects of the bill, much to the disinterest of government senators, who found other ways to amuse themselves.

Brown's concern that the minister appeared to have a strong hand in the selection of the council members was rejected.

erica.virtue@gleanerjm.com

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Senate gives nod to Caribbean Maritime University - Jamaica Gleaner

Pirates of the Caribbean is one of the most successful Hollywood productions in recent history, but for HBO it's also a very real threat. Earlier this month HBO LA reported several Caribbean countries to the U.S. Government because they fail to take a stand against pirating cable operators, hotels, and sellers of pirate streaming boxes.

HBOs daughter company in Latin America, HBO LA, is not happy with the rampant piracy thats taking place in the Caribbean.

Earlier this month the company submitted its latest 301 watch list submission to the U.S. Government, urging the authorities to take appropriate action.

HBO is steadily expanding its services to the Caribbean and Central American regions. However, their efforts to roll out legitimate services are frustrated by local pirates. These arent just individual pirates, large cable operators are in on it too.

a lack of enforcement by Caribbean and Central American governments is allowing local cable operators to build substantial enterprise value by increasing their subscriber base through offering pirated content, HBO LA writes (pdf).

The same goes for hotels, which treat their visitors to prime HBO programming without paying a proper license.

In addition to piracy by large cable providers, non-U.S. owned hotel chains on a variety of islands are known to pirate content exclusively licensed to HBO LA by using their own onsite facilities or obtaining service from cable operators who pirate, HBO LA informs the government.

Piracy by cable operators and hotels is not new. HBO has reported these issues to the authorities before, but thus far little has changed. In the meantime, however, the company has started to notice another worrying trend.

Online piracy has started to become more prevalent, with many stores now selling IPTV boxes and other devices that allow users to access HBO content without permission.

In the past year, HBO LA continued to see a significant increase in the problem of online piracy of its service throughout all of HBO LAs territory, HBO LA writes.

In the Caribbean, several brick-and-mortar stores customarily sell Roku or generic Android set-top devices (like the Mag250, Avov, and the MXIII) preinstalled with an unlicensed streaming service and offering a few hundred channels of content, including content for which HBO LA holds exclusive license in the territory.

The company lists various examples of stores that offer these kinds of products including the Gizmos and Gadgets Electronics store in Guyana. This store sells Roku devices with an unlicensed streaming service called ROKU TV pre-installed.

By selling pirate subscriptions to thousands of customers the company is making over a million dollars per year, HBO estimates. And more recently the same store started to sell a subscription-less service as well.

Additionally, Gizmos and Gadgets Electronics has recently started offering a second integrated hardware and service device known as the Gizmo TV BOX, which offers over 200 channels with no monthly fee, HBO LA writes.

This is just one example of the many that are listed by the Latin American daughter of HBO.

The cable provider says its already taken various steps to stop the different types of infringements but hopes that U.S. authorities will help out where local governments fail. Towards the end of their submission, HBO LA encourages the United States Trade Representative to apply appropriate pressure and threats, to turn the tide.

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HBO Goes After 'Online' Pirates in the Caribbean - TorrentFreak

(February 24, 2017) As dawn broke on Day 5 of the RORC Caribbean 600, crews who had finished the race were beginning to arrive back in Antigua. Every boat, regardless of where they were moored, was met by the RORC Caribbean 600 volunteers, armed with a celebration banner and cold beer. The restaurants and coffee shops around Falmouth Harbour were filling up with sailors, hungry for a square meal full of stories about their RORC Caribbean 600.

Class40 winner by just 33 minutes, Peter Hardings Ph-orty RORC/Ted Martin

As the sun rose the leading Class40s were approaching the finish. Throughout the race, the battle in the class had been intense, with three yachts taking the lead at various points along the course. Peter Hardings Ph-orty was leading at Redonda, just ahead of Catherine Pourres Erendil and Halvard Mabires Campagne de France was in third. All three yachts started the beat to finish with a chance of victory.

However, Erendils main halyard broke as the team hardened up for the beat and they were forced to reef and re-hoist. Ph-orty extended on the beat to take the gun and the class win by just 33 minutes. With Erendil under-powered, Campagne de France closed the gap and overtook them, just before the finish line, to snatch second place by just under two minutes.

In IRC One, Antiguas Bernie Evan Wong was tired but overjoyed to win the class racing his Antiguan RP37, Taz. Bernie has competed in all nine editions of the race and is proud to represent Antigua & Barbuda.

An emotional win in IRC One for Antiguas Bernie Evan Wong and his crew on the RP37, Taz RORC/Ted Martin

Unbelievable, just amazing, smiled Bernie, full of emotion. The team worked so hard, but was also a really happy bunch. I remember trying to take a rest but I couldnt sleep because there was so much laughter on the boat. We are the smallest boat in the race and to beat all of the big boats in our class is like a dream come true.

James Healds British Swan 45, Nemesis, racing doublehanded with Ben Harris is the runner up in IRC Two, a monumental effort for the short-handed team. Giles Redpaths British Lombard 46, Pata Negra is third.

In IRC Two, Ed Fishwicks J/122 Redshift on El Ocaso is the winner.

Ed Fishwicks J/122 Redshift on El Ocaso secure overall win in IRC Two. Crew for the RORC Caribbean 600: Nick Cherry, Robert Hillier, James Holmes, Ed Males, Luke Patience, Alan Roberts, Nick Bubb and Tom Whicher RORC

We have competed in this race with classic trade wind conditions, but this year we had a massive variety in weather on the course from big breeze in squalls, to fickle light winds. The guys did a fantastic job and we all agreed that this was the best 600 we have ever done. The whole crew was sensational, commented skipper, Ed Fishwick.

I couldnt have picked a better offshore race than the RORC Caribbean 600. It was a really cool experience, a great bunch of guys and my first offshore race, exclaimed Olympic 470 Silver medallist, Luke Patience.

Day one we saw a water spout, hump back whales; it was all kicking off, just epic! It was wonderful steering a boat at night, sailing by feeling the flow underneath you. The watches just flew by, I really enjoyed the race and it was very inspiring. The difference between offshore and Olympic sailing is that this is relentless, you are at it day and night. Where the two are wildly different is that with offshore sailing you are not in control all the time, you have to give a good handover to the next watch. However both disciplines require that you never take your foot of the gas.

While Redshift on El Ocaso is the provisional winner for IRC Two, a battle is raging for the remaining podium places between three British yachts. Ross Applebeys Oyster 48, Scarlet Oyster is currently estimated to be in second place. Dominic Hurndalls British Grand Soleil 43, Jua Kali in third. Andy Middletons First 47.7, EH01 is in fourth.

Hap Fauths Maxi72, Bella Mente declared overall winner

Hap Fauths American Maxi72, Bella Mente has been declared the overall winner of the RORC Caribbean 600 Trophy. Whilst yachts are still racing, none of the fleet can beat Bella Mentes corrected time under IRC. This is the second time Bella Mente has won the race overall and was a sweet victory after retiring last year with keel problems.

Event details Tracker Notice of Race Entry list

Background: The 9th edition of the RORC Caribbean 600 starts from Antigua on Monday February 20, 2017. The 600nm course circumnavigates 11 Caribbean Islands starting from Fort Charlotte, English Harbour, Antigua and heads north as far as St Martin and south to Guadeloupe taking in Barbuda, Nevis, St Kitts, Saba and St Barths.

Source: Royal Ocean Racing Club

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RORC Caribbean 600: Bella Mente Takes Overall Title - Scuttlebutt Sailing News

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Royal Caribbean is adding licensed lifeguards to their cruise ships starting this weekend and this new program will be rolled out to every ship in their fleet over the next few months.

The first Royal Caribbean cruise ship to receive lifeguards will be Oasis of the Seas this weekend. This program will be rolled out to all Royal Caribbean cruise ships withVision of the Seasbeing the last to receive lifeguards in June.

Cruise Critic said that thisis part of a new water safety program by Royal Caribbean that includes water safety instruction and signage through the ship.

There will be one lifeguard stationed at every pool including the Solarium during all open hours. Thelicensed lifeguards will be trained by StarGuard Elite, a water risk prevention and training consulting company based in Florida. They will be hired specifically for this duty and will not serve in any other role on the ship.

The cruise line will continue to offer swim vests for children and at least one parent or guardian must be present anytime a child 12 years or younger is in a pool.

Royal Caribbean is joining Disney Cruise Line as the only cruise linesto offer lifeguards at the swimming pools on their ships.

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Royal Caribbean Adding Lifeguards to Cruise Ships - Cruise Fever

(February 22, 2017) While the multihull race record was not broken this year, Phaedo3 and Maserati had an incredible 600 mile high-speed duel. Lloyd Thornburgs MOD70, Phaedo3 finished the 2017 RORC Caribbean 600 on Tuesday, February 21, 2017 at 21 hrs 20 mins 46 secs AST, taking Multihull Line Honors.

Phaedo3 held on to win the battle of the trimarans, just 12 minutes ahead of Giovanni Soldinis Italian MOD70, Maserati. The high-speed battle saw the lead change hands at least four times during the race. The winning crew is Lloyd Thornburg (Skipper), Brian Thompson (Co-skipper), Paul Allen, Peter Cumming, Michel Desjoyeaux, Robert Greenhalgh, Damian Foxall and Miles Seddon.

The experimental semi-foiling Maserati showed incredible speed on a reach and it took a momentous effort from Phaedo3s well-established team to hold off the challenge. There was high drama at Guadeloupe with vicious squalls and heroics from Maseratis crew diving into the water to free the boat from a fish trap.

Once back on the dock in Antigua, Lloyd Thornburg, skipper of the American boat Phaedo3, summed up the race, Maserati gave us a heck of a run and it was really tough to stay ahead of a foiling boat. They kept coming at us with more pressure and they definitely have more speed at certain angles. The run down to Redonda was a real nail-biter and we knew that after that, the beat home would be in our favor and to cross the line ahead was just awesome.

Every year, I get reminded how insane a race this is and after this race, our navigator Miles Seddon said to me that we have turned the insanity up again this year. You never get used to this race hanging on reaching at 36 knots, it is just incredible. All of our team had to dig so deep and we love Antigua and had an amazing reception.

This years RORC Caribbean 600 proved to be a MOD70 match race around the 600 mile course for Giovanni Soldinis MOD70, Maserati (ITA) and Lloyd Thornburgs Phaedo3 (USA)

Brian Thompson, Co-Skipper of Phaedo3, commented on the unusual wind direction that had been predicted before the start, We had a lot more wind speed for the race, which was a surprise. Off Guadeloupe we had huge rainsqualls that are really quite dangerous in a MOD70 and we had 30 knots of wind from nowhere and shifting 50 degrees in seconds, with Maserati pushing us all the way. The big gennaker stayed up and we had to put in a few big bear-away maneuvers to avoid capsize.

With the strange wind direction, we had to really think on our feet. It was an amazing race with Maserati though, and we got away several times, but they always caught us up. Right near the start they went blasting past us flying through the air, hooting and hollering and waving at us. That is what they had come for and they have learnt a lot about foiling a MOD.

Lloyd Thornburgs MOD70 Phaedo3

Maserati skipper, Giovanni Soldini was full of praise for both his Maserati team and their rivals Phaedo3. The Italian MOD70 has an experimental foil enabling them to literally fly when the boat is on starboard, but not when they are on port, enabling them to give Phaedo3 a really close fight.

Phaedo are a very, very good team. They have known the boat for many years, whereas we are just beginning to get to know ours. We really flew a few times and we were able to play with Phaedo and I am really pleased with my crew, as they were fantastic. At the start of the last leg, we were just a minute behind. We have learnt a lot by racing with Phaedo and so we are improving our performance. Our dream was to make a MOD70 fly and in a couple of months we will have foils on both sides and life will be much more simple, Soldini said.

Maseratis race was not without incident. When we were past La Desirade we caught a buoy on the rudder but we didnt realize until near Barbuda, explains Soldini. Carlos Hernadez heroically jumped into the water when it was blowing 20 knots and the boat would not stop, so he had to swim very fast!

Looking good for Monohull Line Honors: George Davids Rambler 88

George Davids American Maxi Rambler 88 is expected to take Monohull Line Honors for the 2017 RORC Caribbean 600 at midday today local time (1600 UTC). At dawn on Day Three of the RORC Caribbean 600, Hap Fauths Bella Mente was winning the battle of the Maxi72s approaching Barbuda. Bella Mente holds a two mile lead from 2016 RORC Caribbean Trophy holder, George Sakellaris Proteus, and is estimated to be top of the leader board overall under IRC.

Simon & Nancy De Pietro racing C.n.b. Briand 76, Lilla are approaching Guadeloupe and are estimated to be leading IRC One by a slender margin from Theodore Kane, Jrs Swan 66 Bounty. Three yachts are in a close battle for victory in IRC Two. Dominic Hurndalls Grand Soleil 43, Jua Kali has taken the normal route on the downwind leg to Guadeloupe.

However, Ross Applebeys Scarlet Oyster and Ed Fishwicks Redshift on El Ocaso passed Montserrat to port. After IRC time correction, there are just seconds separating the three yachts after 330 miles of racing. In IRC Three, Jonty Layfields Swan 48 Sleeper X is enjoying a comfortable lead after IRC time correction and by 22 miles on the water from Andy Schell & Mia Karlssons swan 48, Isbjorn. Peter Hobbs Sigma 38, Sam is approaching the halfway stage in the race and is estimated to be in third in class.

A close battle is raging in the Class40 Division as the three leaders approach the wind shadow of Guadeloupe with barely a mile separating them. Catherine Pourres Erendil is just ahead of Peter Hardings Phor-ty and both team have chosen to take a line close into Guadeloupe. Halvard Mabire and Miranda Merrons Campagne de France has chosen to go offshore by approximately 8 miles.

In the battle of the schooners, the 182ft Adela, skippered by Greg Perkins is rounding Iles des Saintes with 220 miles to go. The 162ft schooner Eleonora, skippered by Brendan McCoy is 44 miles behind Adela on the water.

Event details Tracker Notice of Race Entry list

Background: The 9th edition of the RORC Caribbean 600 starts from Antigua on Monday February 20, 2017. The 600nm course circumnavigates 11 Caribbean Islands starting from Fort Charlotte, English Harbour, Antigua and heads north as far as St Martin and south to Guadeloupe taking in Barbuda, Nevis, St Kitts, Saba and St Barths.

Source: Royal Ocean Racing Club

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RORC Caribbean 600: Phaedo3 Takes Multihull Line Honors - Scuttlebutt Sailing News

CAYMAN ISLANDS (Feb. 23, 2017)World boxing champion Manny Pacquiao from the Philippines is partnering with a leading Caribbean hospital and charity to bring free cardiac care to children from his homeland.

Pacquiao, who together with his wife founded the Emmanuel and Jinkees Heart Foundation, has sealed a partnership with Have a Heart Cayman Islands and tertiary care hospital Health City Cayman Islands. The details of the collaboration were disclosed during a recent visit to Grand Cayman, where he toured the hospital.

Emmanuel and Jinkees Heart Foundation in the Philippines is a non-governmental organization that assists the community with medical care as well as educational, shelter and relief needs, and the mandate of Have a Heart Cayman Islands is to partner with local and international organizations to subsidize and provide lifesaving heart surgeries to needy children from the Caribbean and around the world.

Pacquiao, the current reigning World Boxing Organization welterweight champion, was noticeably captivated by the beauty of the Cayman Islands and the warmth of its people. He announced that the first two children requiring heart surgery will travel from Cebu, Philippines, to Health City Cayman Islands this year. And more will follow, he assures.

Pacquiao, who is a senator in the Philippines, said, I may be a world class champion in the ring, but with all the help and kind support of Have a Heart Cayman Islands, hand in hand, we will all be champions of these childrens hearts.

The award-winning champion was also impressed with the commitment of the medical staff at Health City. He commented, I met the doctors, and I am so happy and rejoiced after they explained to me what they did. They spend so much time here at the hospital and hardly go home as they help people from all over the world. I am so happy to be part of this movement.

It is an honor to partner with a living legend to bring life to many future legends across the world, said Harry Chandi, chairman of Have a Heart Cayman Islands. Partnerships like these are not only a blessing to children, but they keep us motivated to raise resources that help deliver world-class medical care to people who need it the most.

Dr. Chandy Abraham, CEO and head of Medical Services at Health City, expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to deepen Health Citys partnership with Have a Heart Cayman Islands and to begin a new relationship with a champion athlete. We are in the business of giving hope to childrenhope for long and healthy lives. Through this alliance, we can do more to support our mission of high quality, affordable care for all.

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Manny Pacquiao partners with Caribbean hospital - Amsterdam News

Science Daily

Study targets warm water rings that fuel hurricane intensification in the Caribbean Sea Science Daily In a study conducted in the region two years prior to when Matthew's trekked across the Caribbean Sea, the research team in the Upper Ocean Dynamics Laboratory at the University of Miami (UM) Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science ... and more »

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Study targets warm water rings that fuel hurricane intensification in the Caribbean Sea - Science Daily

Carnival is about over-the-top, shed-your-inhibitions fun. Like Mardi Gras, its traditionally a last chance for excess before the solemn season of Lent for Catholics.

The annual bash is practically synonymous with Rio de Janeiro and New Orleans. But its also a big deal in the Caribbean, which, despite popular belief, isnt one homogeneous destination. Each Caribbean island has its own history, cuisine, culture and its own take on Carnival.

On some islands, the event is tied to Catholic traditions. On others, it commemorates slave emancipation or the harvest.

Celebrations on Curaao and Trinidad are held this time of year, but you can still catch the festivities on St. Lucia and Barbados, held in summer. One thing they all have in common: the chance to party like a local.

The pounding beat of African tumba music fills the air at a Carnival thats lively but not as risqu as the bashes on other islands. This is a Carnival youd be comfortable taking the kids to.

The parades, taking place today and Tuesday, are a big deal. Sixty marching groups stream down the streets of Willemstad, a capital city so picture-perfect youll think youve landed on the movie set for a quaint Caribbean island.

Two good spots to enjoy the festivities are the Carnival Dome near the beginning of the parade route and the Carnival Tribune, near the end. Both have seating, music, food and drink.

Curaao prides itself on making sure everyone can enjoy the party. Considered one of the Caribbeans most gay-friendly destinations, it has hotels catering to gay tourists and an annual gay pride parade. Our melting pot history has led to a progressive live and let live philosophy that has long welcomed the LGBT community, says Andre Rojer of the Curaao Tourist Board.

Pictured: Performers pose during festivities in Curaao.

WHERE TO STAY Sitting on a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kura Hulanda Village (kurahulanda.com) features 18th- and 19th-century buildings restored to their original splendor. Cobblestone paths meander through lush gardens filled with art and inviting pools. An on-site museum details how Curaao was once the epicenter of the slave trade in the Caribbean. Rates start at $180 a night during Carnival.

INSIDER TIP When its time to eat, head to the food stalls of Plasa Bieu, also known as the Old Market. Sample the popular goat stew or traditional tutu, a dish of ground-up beans with sugar and other goodies.

INFO curacaocarnival.info

Pictured: The colorful Dutch houses at the Sint Annabaai in Willemstad, Curaao.

Trinidad is the mecca for Carnival in the Caribbean. The riotous, multicultural spectacle starts with the pre-dawn Jouvert (daybreak in French Creole) on Carnival Monday, Feb. 27, when people throw paint on one another. It culminates with Parade of the Bands, where several thousand scantily clad costumed revelers dance to pulsating soca.

Birthplace of the steel pan, Trinidad is an oil-rich country whose ports have long been flooded with empty oil drums. Resourceful locals turned them into instruments. Panorama, the worlds largest steel pan competition, is held over several days in January and February leading up to the big final competition in Queens Park Savannah in Port of Spain. Many of the preliminary competitions are held in Port of Spains pan yards, where tourists are welcome to hear steel pan bands practice throughout the year.

Tour companies such as Banwari Experience (banwaricaribbean.com) will help you play mas with a Carnival band, which means you don a costume and march in the parade. They also can set you up to be part of ftes, Carnival-themed parties held all over the island that include your food and drink.

WHERE TO STAY Downtown Port of Spains traffic is at its worst during Carnival, so consider the Hilton Trinidad (hiltoncaribbean.com/destinations/trinidad.html), within walking distance of Queens Park Savannah, where many events are held. Carnival rates begin at $500 a night.

INSIDER TIP If someone asks if you want a wine, theyre not wondering if youd like a chardonnay. Theyre asking if you want to wind as in wind your hips or gyrate, presumably in tandem with the person asking.

INFO ncctt.org/new

Pictured: The Junior Queen of the Carnival competition is part of the festivities in Port of Spain, Trinidad.

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Known for its towering Piton mountains, breathtaking beaches and a world-class jazz festival, St. Lucia used to hold its Carnival before Lent. The country changed the festival date in 1999 to eliminate competition with Carnival titan Trinidad and Tobago and to attract more tourists to its lush playground in the summer.

St. Lucian Carnival is a more intimate affair that remains on the smaller side, with roughly eight bands participating in the festivities. It culminates in the three-mile-long Parade of the Bands through the capital city of Castries.

WHERE TO STAY Main events are on the north end of the island. The oceanfront St. Jamess Club Morgan Bay (morganbayresort.com) is a good choice in that area. Rates start at $291 a night for two people, including all food and drink.

INSIDER TIP Youll hear the locals talk about liming. Simply put, to lime is to party or to hang out. It refers to the art of doing nothing while sharing food, drink and laughter with friends. And no matter what season you visit, the fishing village of Gros Islet hosts a lively street party on Friday nights, full of barbecue, drinks and dancing.

INFO stlucia.org/events/carnival

Pictured:Carnival performers dance inCastries, Saint Lucia.

Barbados could give Trinidad a run for the title of top party island just dont call Barbados event Carnival. Its Crop Over, pictured, and its so important to this former British colony that its a national holiday. As the name suggests, Crop Over celebrates the end of the harvest, on an island that was once among the worlds largest sugar producers.

Soca music competitions, the coronation of the Crop Over king and queen, parties, boat rides and parades nearly two months of nonstop festivities lead up to the main event, Kadooment Day, the first Monday in August, when revelers parade through the streets in barely-there bikinis loaded with sequins and feathered finery. You might even see pop star Rihanna, who often returns to her native island for the festivities.

WHERE TO STAY Many events take place in the bustling capital, Bridgetown. To be in the heart of the party, try the beachfront Hilton Barbados. The concierge will assist with tickets to events and ftes (hiltonbarbadosresort.com). Rates start at $199.

INSIDER TIP Bring a bathing suit along on Kadooment Day. After parading and partying in the streets of Bridgetown, revelers head to the outskirts for a swim at Brandons Beach.

INFO visitbarbados.org/things-to-do

Pictured: Seafront at St. Lawrence Gap, Barbados.

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Caribbean islands offer Carnival travel choices: St. Lucia, Barbados and more - Newsday