Category Archives: Caribbean

The dating stage in any relationship is critical as the experience usually determines the viability of the initial attraction between two people. Dating is a chance to engage each other in a social setting with the goal of learning as much as possible to decide whether you want to continue socializing and eventually possibly decide to start an exclusive relationship.

During that time mannerisms, behaviors, attitudes, likes, dislikes, standards, dreams and aspirations, to name a few, are all assessed. The dating period is ideally open to allow both parties the freedom to engage as many persons as they would like until a perfect match is found to move on to the next stage in the relationship.

But is this what dating means in Dominica or in the Caribbean for that matter? We took the streets of Dominica to ask persons about the dating experiences of both young and old and from the looks of things dating, quite often referred to as going out really means going steady. It seems to be what persons in an exclusive relationship do for fun. Fair enough!

Loop Caribbean reached out to a few people in the Nature Isle, to find out what to them, constitutes an ideal date.

Nothing Fancy

Responder 1: Something simple, you appreciate me, happy birthday KG; present a gift, make me feel special, something I like, something I want, nothing out of the ordinary very simple.

Dining

Responder 2: Well I am a very simple person - so food! Once we have food and we can chill, thats all.

Sunsets and Champagne

Responder 3: Well my ideal date is a nice young woman somewhere on the beach, sunset beach kind of vibes. Sunset, sun going down kind of business. Yeah so I like it. Wine, champagne, dem kind of vibes.

The movies, drinks and

Responder 4: If I could go on a date, Id say on a Friday me and the woman go out, we go movies. After that we hit a couple of bars and then you know, just go home afterwards and do what we have to do.

Moonlight Walks

Responder 5: In my time, we used to go and take walks during the moonlight. In the night time when the moon start to shine bright, that is the full moon. My boyfriend and myself would go and take a walk and then by our area had a big stone, so we would go and we would sit down there and chat, watching the sea by the seaside and talk and after that he would bring me to my mothers home, then he would go to his home.

Chilling at Home

Well, my ideal date is staying at home with my boyfriend chilling out on the porch and drinking a glass of wine, thats my ideal date.

Adventure

I would say that my ideal date would be anything adventurous because I personally love to go into the outdoors. I love the water; I love swimming, so anything that would get me and my date moving and curious and immersed in adventure would be fun for me.

LOOP CARIBBEAN: Tell us a bit about your best dating experience.

Dinner and gifts

Responder 1: The best date Ive been on.too numerous to mention. Every year it keeps getting better.The person provided me with a gift. They sent a gift to me at work, then later that day they had a card at my home and they told me to meet them at particular spot and after that was done they prepared food for me and when I entered the house food was on the table and gifts was there. I was taken aback

Picnic on the river

Responder 2: A nice little picnic on the Indian River

Chilling at home

Responder 3: My best date, well my best time because thats when I met my boyfriend and it was like the best time of my life because it was like a relief from everything and the comfort and everything I get that night, it was worth it. So, to me that was like my best time, yeah.

To the club

I went to the club with a special someone and danced the night away, then we went somewhere else special. I cant tell you everything about my date, it was just awesome.

Ice cream and a stroll

Prior planning, my idea of the best date ever is getting ice-cream and taking a walk my partner and that means the world to me.

A drive

My best date, I would say, I take my brother ride, pick up my woman, we head possie (Portsmouth), we spend the daynice and simple thing, nothing fancy.

Dancing

Like going to dance. So, we would go and take a walk and if it had a dance in the village and you know after dance

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WATCH: Dominicans on what constitutes the ideal date | Loop Caribbean News - Loop Caribbean News

The Food and Drink team just cant get enough of this mouth-watering crumble, and nor will you after whipping up the recipe for yourself.

Shaun and Craig McAnuff, the brothers behind Original Flava, have taken the humble crumble and given it a Caribbean twist and oh boy, does it taste good.

Crumble has to be one of our favourite desserts, so weve added in one of our favourite plant-based ingredients: plantain, said the siblings.

Plantain honestly makes everything a hundred times better, and its no different in this heavenly crumble. Chunks of it with apples, caramelised in a buttery spiced mixture

The riper the plantain, the sweeter the crumble will taste.

To make your plantains overripe, just pop them in the oven at 180C Fan/200C/400F/Gas 6 for about 15 minutes.

Natural Flava: Quick And Easy Plant-Based Caribbean Recipes by Craig and Shaun McAnuff is published by Bloomsbury, priced 22. Photography by Matt Russell. Available now.

(Serves 4-6)

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Sweet treats: Give the crowd-pleasing crumble a Caribbean twist - Press and Journal

Three weeks after Royal Caribbean was forced to cancel three sailings on Symphony of the Seas, the ship is back in service.

In early January, Royal Caribbean announced four of its cruise ships would either cancel cruises or remain out of service for a while longer due to a rise in Covid-19 cases, largely due to the Omicron variant.

On Saturday, the first of these ships returned to service without any further delays.

Symphony of the Seas departed PortMiami on a 7-night Western Caribbean itinerary that includes a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

According to reports from onboard Symphony, there are2,937 passengers on this sailing.

When Royal Caribbean cancelled the Symphony sailings, it said it did so, "asa result of the ongoing COVID-related circumstances around the world, and in an abundance of caution."

Royal Caribbean International Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations, Mark Tamis, told The Points Guy last month the cancelled cruises gave the cruise line an opportunity to take care of crew members and give passengers a better experience, "One is [that] crew who test positive and are asymptomatic are able to serve their quarantine period on one of these ships."

"It also allows us to have these additional crew members who then can supplement the crew who are not able to work for those 10 days in order to make sure that were able to deliver a great vacation and a full experience all the while protecting our guests, our crew, the ships and the places that we visit, as we have done since our healthy return to service."

Read more:What it's like to be on a cruise ship quarantining crew members

When Symphony of the Seas ceased operations, she was the largest cruise ship in the world. Today, she has been supplanted by sister vessel Wonder of the Seas.

RoyalCaribbeanBlog reader Robert Jaworski is onboard Symphony of the Seas and shared photos from around the ship.

When Royal Caribbean cancelled cruises on four ships last month, they did so in order to minimize the overall impact to the fleet.

The four ships included:

With Symphony back in service, the other three ships will also return to service in the next month or so.

Serenade of the Seas was already scheduled to go in for a short dry dock, so Royal Caribbean combined her cancelled cruises with the upcoming refurbishment.

Vision of the Seas had not yet returned to service when her debut was pushed back.

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Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas restarts cruises after Omicron cancellations - Royal Caribbean Blog

Given that societal perceptions of relationships are often deep-rooted in unhealthy behaviours and practises, it can be difficult for many to immediately identify red flags. Psychotherapist, Carlotta Boodie believes that this has resulted in many persons staying in unhealthy relationships, as more positive representations have never been modeled for them.

Often lack of boundaries such as frequent calls, surprise visits and check-ins are demonstrated as being representations of romantic love. This however must be viewed with extreme caution, as it can be indicators of a controlling personality, said Carlotta. We feel like the more attention someone gives us, the more they love us and we tend to romanticise jealousy, but be mindful of those who try to be in constant communication with you and get upset if youre not always readily available.

When we are thinking about relationships and whether they may be healthy or not, Carlotta said that we should consider how the relationship makes us feel. You need to think about what it is that you want from a relationship, whether you are currently receiving that, and how you are feeling while in it. If you feel like you cannot be your own self in a relationship that is a major red flag. If you are naturally an extroverted person and when youre around them, youre reserved or restrained; you have to think about why you are feeling so uncomfortable in your skin when youre with them. Another thing to look out for are those who try to remove your identity. If they dont like your hair, the way you eat, or the things you are interested in, that is a danger sign that you need to avoid.

While relationships can be complex, Carlotta stated that one thing one must not try to do is push or rush their relationship. Take time in getting to know someone and ensure that basic things such as respect and acceptance are present. Ensure you are able to communicate and be honest with the person. If you feel as if you are walking around on eggshells with them, that may not be the relationship for you. If you ever feel unsafe, know that there are several online and in-person places that you can reach out to, said Carlotta.

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Guyana: Psychotherapist Carlotta Boodie on relationship red flags | Loop Caribbean News - Loop Caribbean News

LONDON (AP) As the United Kingdom marked the 70th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth IIs rule on Sunday, the queen looked to the future of the monarchy.

In remarks delivered in time for Sunday mornings front pages, the queen expressed a sincere wish that Prince Charles wife, Camilla, should be known as Queen Consort when her son succeeds her as expected. With those words the monarch sought to answer once and for all questions about the status of Camilla, who was initially shunned by fans of the late Princess Diana, Charles first wife.

The queen is such a realist and, you know, shes got a business to run, historian Robert Lacey said. Well, they call it The Firm, dont they? And this really brings Camilla into the firm properly now and for the future.

It took years for many in Britain to forgive Charles, whose admitted infidelity and long-time links to Camilla torpedoed his marriage to Diana. The popular, glamorous princess died in a Paris car crash in 1997, five years after the couple separated in a messy public split. But the public mood has softened since Charles married Camilla Parker Bowles in 2005.

Now known as the Duchess of Cornwall, the 74-year-old Camilla has taken on roles at more than 100 charities, focusing on a wide range of issues including promoting literacy, supporting victims of domestic violence and helping the elderly.

Her down-to-Earth style and sense of humour eventually won over many Britons. Her warmth softened Charles stuffy image and made him appear more approachable, if not happier, as he cut ribbons, unveiled plaques and waited for his chance to reign.

Charles, 73, has long made it clear that he wants Camilla to be known as queen when he ultimately succeeds his mother on the throne. In his own message congratulating the queen on her long years of service, Charles thanked his mother for her support.

We are deeply conscious of the honour represented by my mothers wish, they said. As we have sought together to serve and support her majesty and the people of our communities, my darling wife has been my own steadfast support throughout.

The queens comments are remarkable in that they brought back memories of one of the lowest moments of her 70 years on the throne. The royal family was widely criticized for its initial silence in the aftermath of Dianas death, with one national newspaper proclaiming Your people are suffering. Speak to us maam.

In backing Charles and Camilla, the queen remembered the support she received from her husband, Prince Philip, who died last year after decades at her side, as well as the role her mother played as the wife of a king.

I am fortunate to have had the steadfast and loving support of my family. I was blessed that, in Prince Philip, I had a partner willing to carry out the role of consort and unselfishly make the sacrifices that go with it, she wrote. It is a role I saw my own mother perform during my fathers reign.

And when, in the fullness of time, my son Charles becomes King, I know you will give him and his wife Camilla the same support that you have given me.

But for now, the queen remains at work.

On Sunday, Buckingham Palace released a photo of the monarch sitting in front of her official red dispatch box with government papers spread out before her.

The 95-year-old monarch is expected to spend the day at Sandringham, the country estate in Norfolk where her father, King George VI, died suddenly on Feb. 6, 1952, making her queen.

It is a sad day and one that reminds her of the close relationship she had with him, said Lacey, the historical consultant to the Netflix series The Crown.

(Sunday) is a day when, by tradition, she likes to go back to Sandringham, the country roots of the family, he told The Associated Press. He liked to consider himself the Squire of Sandringham, the King of Britain, but hed go out and walk the fields, shoot the game. Thats what she remembers.

While Sundays anniversary is expected to be a low-key, public celebrations of the monarchs platinum jubilee are scheduled for June, when the weather improves. The festivities will include a military parade, neighborhood parties and a competition to create a new dessert a mini extravaganza that will take place over a special four-day weekend June 2-5.

The celebrations are meant to recognise the woman who became a symbol of stability for the U.K. as it navigated an age of uncertainty.

Britains longest-serving monarch, the only sovereign most Britons have ever known, she has been a constant presence as Britain navigated the end of empire, the swinging 60s, the labor strife of the 1980s, international terrorism, Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic.

In her message, the queen promised to keep working for the U.K. and the Commonwealth.

As we mark this anniversary, it gives me pleasure to renew to you the pledge I gave in 1947 that my life will always be devoted to your service, she wrote.

By DANICA KIRKA, Associated Press

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Queen marks 70th anniversary with support for Camilla | Loop Caribbean News - Loop Caribbean News

The Caribbean islands are located in the region of the Caribbean Sea. The Caribbean Sea region is located southeast of the Gulf of Mexico and the North American mainland, east of Central America, north of South America and West of the Atlantic Ocean. The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands, considered as the Lucayan Archipelago and do not border the Caribbean Sea, they are technically part of the West Indies but not the Caribbean. The mainland countries of Belize, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana are often included as Caribbean Islands due to their political and cultural ties with the region.

The Caribbean islands are made of 25 independent countries and other territories

For many travelers, the Caribbean represents the ultimate escape. Over 7,000 islands await exploration, surrounded by turquoise waters and home to pristine white beaches. On land, visitors can hike through vivid emerald wilderness, spot sunshine-yellow parrots and glimpse fiery-red orchids, and fish of every color dart through corals in shades of purple and orange under the crystal-clear waters. Bold and colorful in every sense of the word, the Caribbean beckons with its splendid scenery, delectable foods, friendly people and boundless opportunities for exploration, adventure and relaxation.

Due to the close proximity of many Caribbean islands to their neighbors, many travelers today island hop around the region, going from shore to shore to experience a variety of scenery and culture in one trip. The first island hoppers were actually the Arawaks, Amerindians who ventured west and north throughout the region, from Cuba to the Bahamas. Little else is known about the Arawaks, who lacked a written language, but one Arawak invention can be seen on the beaches of the Caribbean to this day the hammock.

Life in the region changed forever when, in October, 1492, Christopher Columbus landed on the shores of the Bahamas. He also island-hopped and developed the first European settlement on the island that today is split between Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Columbus and his fellow conquistadores recognized the riches in the region and saw money when they gazed upon the bountiful seas and fertile land. They exploited both the natural resources and the native populations, claiming lands as their own and enslaving the people of Cuba, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and other islands.

The English followed suit in the 17th century, claiming St. Kitts, Barbados, Antigua and other lands, and the French soon followed, claiming Guadeloupe and Martinique. The Dutch also wanted a piece of the Caribbean, settling St. Martin, Saba and Sint Eustatius. For the next two centuries, the Europeans battled for control of the islands, and possession frequently changed hands.

The colonial infighting between European powers created an opportunity for locals to fight for their own independence. Haiti led the way, declaring independence from its colonizer in 1804, and Cuba and the Dominican Republic followed, along with other smaller islands in the region. Some islands, such as Puerto Rico and Guadeloupe, still maintain strong neocolonial relationships with their parent nations.

Modern Caribbean culture has been heavily influenced by the culture and traditions of Europe, along with hints of African culture and others that have come to the islands through immigrant populations. These various waves of migration have formed a truly unique blend of cuisines, music, art, customs and traditions in the region.

One of the most recognizable aspects of Caribbean culture is the region's music. Although they have roots in both European and African culture, the sounds of reggae, meringue, calypso, rumba and zouk music are distinctly Caribbean. Although the Caribbean islands share aspects of a common culture, each nation offers something unique and distinct to visitors. For stunning scenery and luxury resorts, they head to the Cayman Islands. St. Kitts and Nevis attract with their seclusion and lively music festivals, the unique flair of Barbados combines horse races by day and calypso dancing at night, and the US Virgin Islands draw visitors with their plantation tours and unspoiled beaches.

Nature enthusiasts can explore the botanical gardens underwater limestone caves and offshore reefs of the Bahamas, then gamble at twinkling casinos and delve into pirate lore without ever leaving the islands. In St. Lucia, they can unwind on an isolated beach, then indulge their adrenaline by zip-lining through a rainforest or climbing the Pitons. These are just some of the many unique experiences visitors can have while exploring the islands.

The sun always shines on the region, and many travelers are attracted to the balmy tropical climate when winter strikes their home countries. The temperatures do not vary much throughout the year, with average temps of between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit regardless of season. Trade winds make days and nights relatively comfortable, but humidity can be high year-round. The rainy season arrives in autumn, and hurricane season spans June through November, but satellite forecasts now give plenty of warning so that precautions can be taken during a storm. Truly a year-round destination, there really is never a bad time to visit the Caribbean.

The pleasant weather is one of the reasons that tourism has become a key industry for the Caribbean economy. Millions of people come to the islands every year, but other major industries include textile, clothing and electronics manufacturing and oil refining and production.

Still, most Caribbean economies are largely dependent on tourist dollars. Luckily, there are no signs of the industry slowing. People all over the world dream of spending their days in the shade of palm trees on a sandy beaches, sipping tropical concoctions and feasting on the freshest seafood, dancing to the sweet rhythms of steel-drum bands at night and getting away from it all in an island paradise. The Caribbean offers all this and more, making it one of the world's premier travel destinations for anyone looking for a true tropical escape.

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CARIBBEAN ISLANDS :. http://www.caribbeanislands.com

PR Newswire

DUBAI, U.A.E, Feb. 2, 2022

DUBAI, U.A.E, Feb. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The business world is witnessing a surge in the number of High Net-worth Individuals looking for a Caribbean passport. And that's why today, the Caribbean recovery is majorly influenced by these individuals and private equity.

In the latest interview with the CEO of CTrustGlobal, he mentioned a spike in the percentage of individuals applying for secondary citizenship. Most inquiries are from developing nations such as, but not limited to, Pakistan, India, and countries of the Middle East.

Caribbean Passport: An asset worth keeping for a brighter, safer future.

"Alternative citizenship gives you all the freedom of traveling visa-free to a lot more places. Apart from this, investing in real estate and setting up a business without much hassle acts as the extra icing, if Caribbean citizenship by investment is their choice," says CEO CTrustGlobal.

"If you are someone who is not dependent on a Job and is Independently Wealthy with an interest in Travel and Business investments, "Investment migration" is Your best way out," says CTrustGlobal CEO.

Most countries have citizenship by investment Program - all that differs is the time and price to secure it. One must go through all the research and base their decision according to the requirements and budget.

Where are the wealthy moving these days?

"Without a doubt, it's the Caribbean islands - Caribbean passports that offer visa-free travel to nearly 140 to 160 countries," says the CEO, CTrustGlobal.

Let's look at the secrets that make this region so attractive.

A Strong Economic Bounce-Back

The Caribbean is a tourist-dependent region. It remains one of the most prominent destinations in the world. And yet, it's situated in the eye of the storm.

Hurricanes have passed through with high frequency and intensity. Some of them are utterly destructive for tourist operators. But many have adapted to the bitterness of rising again from the ashes.

Story continues

COVID-19 impact may have been even greater to these regions. It struggled with border closures, flight cancellations, and a near-fall of the cruise-ship market. The human impact of the virus affected tens of thousands.

A report by the Caribbean Tourism Organization shows a drop in tourism arrivals in 2020 in comparison to 2019. The decline was estimated to be at 65%, the biggest in the region.

Despite these challenges, more and more HNWIs are eyeing the region. It makes one wonder what secret lies here. One of the reasons is the region's quick adjustment to situations.

Experts indicate that Caribbean countries were quicker to implement measures for the pandemic. Tourists returned faster compared to other destinations. It outperformed many other parts of the world, which experienced even steeper drops.

Such a strong economy would attract different investors. It's one of the reasons why HNWIs come here.

The Caribbean enjoys some of the highest levels of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) globally. Many of its economies have FDI to GDP ratios above 10%.

Although the 2008 financial crisis greatly reduced its FDI flow, the region has witnessed a considerable recovery recently. It's still one of the significant economic destinations around.

The Best CBI Programs

Citizen-by-Investment is the process of obtaining a second citizenship and passport through investment. One can buy a property in a host country to acquire citizenship. It's a much faster way of becoming a citizen than the traditional immigration method.

The investor does not need to visit or reside in the host country. CBI is the best way for HNWIs to invest in other opportunities globally.

An applicant can have approval roughly within three months. They will receive permanent citizenship, a valid passport, and visa-free travel, among other benefits.

This is what investors from third-world and developing countries look for. It's no longer just a luxury, but rather a necessity.

Let's look at the two countries that have the highest number of investments in the Caribbean:

India

A press release the Business Standard mentions a rise in the number of Indian HNWIs investing in the Caribbean. They are looking for a better way of diversifying their wealth.

This country faces uncertainties around the healthcare industry, primarily influenced by the pandemic. Also, essential tax rules are affecting their investments. Affluent Indians are therefore looking for a better life for their families and more stable financial assets.

CTrustGlobal reports a sharp increase in the Indian upper class investing in other countries. India has close to 7,000 ultra-high-net-worth individuals and over 100 billionaires.

The Global Wealth Migration Review report indicates that close to 5000 millionaires migrated abroad in 2020 alone. A larger percentage of them ended up in the Caribbean.

The Indian government has created flexible policies that allow HNWIs to invest abroad in the past few years. This has allowed them to get citizenship in these countries.

Caribbean countries offer the best CBI programs for Indians. It's no wonder the Indian community is growing steadily. More and more affluent Indians are coming here for business and wealth diversification and a better life for their families.

Nigeria

Despite having vast resources, the Nigerian HNWIs community faces too many global travel restrictions by the Nigerian passport. It grants visa-free access to only 54 destinations, which already includes other African nations.

This is a very small number compared to her neighbors like Ghana, Cameroon, and Cote d'Ivoire. Passports from these countries grant access to other high-end destinations like Europe and the USA.

Investing in Dominica citizenship is the best move. Pairing the Nigerian passport with a Caribbean passport opens doors to more than 150 more destinations globally. This includes the UK, the USA, Russia, and China, which are considered to be economic superpowers.

The CBI process is quick and straightforward. The process will take about three months to complete. Once done, the individual enjoys a wide range of benefits, including expanded visa-free travel to over 200 countries.

Also, investing in the Caribbean passport opens access to tax exemptions from different incomes, gifts, inheritance and wealth, and the best educational institutions. It's a great opportunity for any African investor looking for easy access to the global economy.

Other Reasons

There are several other reasons why the Caribbean has become a favorite destination for HNWIs. Consider the following:

A safe environment

The stable economic development of this region makes it an excellent place for investment. The entire region has been enjoying steady economic growth of about 5% per year, majorly from tourism.

Flexible tax policy

Caribbean countries like Grenada don't impose a foreign income tax, property tax, gift tax, wealth, or inheritance tax on investors. They offer corporate tax incentives to attract more investors, exempting all import taxes too. Also, there is no limit to the flow of capital and profits back home. These are attractive offers for HNWIs investors.

Excellent quality of life

The Caribbean CBI program allows investors to own dual nationality. With this comes the lowest-paid family costs in places like Grenada and Dominica. One can also migrate to the USA using the E2 visa, which allows them to establish, advance, and operate businesses. Besides, their spouse will have the rights to work, and the children can attend the school of their choice.

Final Thought

Investing in the Caribbean CBI is an excellent move for HNWIs who needs access to better business opportunities. The use of FDI promotion policies is more extensive and prevalent here than any other place. It's evidence of stable economic growth. With such a welcoming environment, there is no questions why it is so attractive to investors.

Cision

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SOURCE ctrustglobal.com

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The Caribbean: The Haven for The Wealthiest People In The World - Yahoo Finance

The eastern edge of H Street NE just got a little hotter with the January arrival of Lydia on H, a lively destination for spicy jerk chicken, juicy rum cake, and well-made daiquiris.

Its Malawian chef/owner Victor Chizinga, formerly behind the menu at U Street NWs now-closed Bin 1301, makes use of the two-level space that formerly housed Halftime Sports Bar (1427 H Street NE). Lydia opened in early January with service across the first floor, where a bamboo-lined bar makes riffs on rum punch to go along with fragrant Afro-Caribbean fare parading out of an open kitchen.

A grand opening party is scheduled for Friday, February 4, starting at 5 p.m., with bottle service options still available.

Chizingas breakout project pays homage to his late mom, Lydia, who inspired him to cook at an early age while growing up in Africas southeastern country of Malawi. Some of her recipes live on at Lydia, like a curry chicken dish with potatoes, carrots, cabbage and rice.

I want to introduce people to Malawi its a small country and I want to put it on the map, he tells Eater.

Malawi is known for its masamba a compilation of kale, spinach, collards, peanut powder, onions, and tomatoes. Another veggie side that shines is made-to-order heaps of cabbage that regularly sells out. Its key ingredient is curry, but he declines to disclose much more.

People love it, he says.

Chizingas cherished vacations in the Caribbean, namely Jamaica, also inspire a menu filled with jerk chicken wings and sandwiches and salmon fritters. Mains include four-hour braised oxtail with jollof rice; grilled or fried whole snapper; and spicy alfredo penne pasta with sweet peppers and salmon. West African street foods like beef or chicken suya skewers are also in the mix. Hookah service and rotating DJs on the first floor also add to the laid-back atmosphere.

We are not uptight. Whether you come in with a suit or sweats youre treated like the same person the food is just like that, he says.

Last weekend, its second-floor lounge debuted for sit-down dinner and brunch service with a stage that hosts live jazz and entertainment. In mid-March, an adjacent upstairs speakeasy hidden behind a wall of books will open with classic cocktails made with Black-owned spirits.

Lydia represents a culmination of Chizingas 15-year hospitality career in D.C. The bartending vet also attended culinary school and started One Route Catering to service D.C. clubs and distilleries without kitchens.

Im bringing my whole experience of life and of work into one space, he says.

A leisurely Sunday brunch on island time (1 p.m. to 6 p.m.) caters to industry schedules he experienced firsthand.

When I bartended until 4 a.m., I wasnt getting up at noon for brunch. Ive always wanted a late brunch, he says.

Chizinga says the H Street location is just the start, and he plans to open multiple Lydia locations in D.C. and beyond.

A Lydia on the Wharf, a Lydia on U, and even Kansas City, where my wife [co-owner Erin Davis] is from, he says.

Lydia on H is the latest exciting addition to the end of the Northeast corridor. Daru, Indian restaurant and cocktail bar and Eater DCs 2021 Debut of the Year, opened around the corner last summer.

The party at Lydia will really get started in the spring, when a fenced patio out back comes to life. Hes calling it Lake Malawi Beach. A cement floor will be covered in sand, faux grass, and colorful chairs, looking up at a mural depicting a boardwalk and sunset. The alfresco setup plans to serve frozen cocktails and host taco Tuesdays.

Lydias current cocktail list includes the Warm Heart of Africa, made with the worlds first Afro-Caribbean rum blend (Equiano), coconut, grenadine, mango, guava and pineapple juice. Its about as laid back as it gets, per its menu description. The first floor bar also offers regular mixology classes.

The upstairs speakeasy will exclusively serve Black-owned spirits, beers, and wines and provide lockers for members to store their own. The six-month membership model is $200 per person, he says.

The secluded bar will be outfitted with couches, billowing black curtains, dimly-lit chandeliers, and a glossy Malawian artwork on the floor. One bartender at a time will stir classics like OId Fashioneds and Manhattans and customize tableside drinks with beet or apple syrups and bitters.

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Lydia on H Adds Afro-Caribbean Flair to the Tip of the Strip - Eater DC

"Double rum and Coke please," is a phrase heard in every London bar and pub every night of the week. The rich, spicy, treacly and sometimes fruity spirit is a popular drink, but its traditions go far deeper - they evoke a spirit of community, connection and heritage that is inherent in Caribbean culture.

Rum has so much significance that Cashain David, now CEO and Rum Architect of Kromanti, remembers his Caribbean family always pouring out symbolic glasses of rum despite never drinking alcohol themselves. The East London rum master was born and raised in Yorkshire, England but had a strong connection to his Caribbean heritage - his family are from Carriacou, a small island that's part of Grenada - and rum, for him, is about sharing stories and connecting with communities.

"As a young child growing up in Yorkshire in the Caribbean community, rum shows up when you're 'hatched, matched and dispatched'," Cashain, 57, said.

"It's throughout all of the different life cycles. Rum is something that is used to celebrate, to remember, to call upon people's hidden strength, to recognise the wisdom of those who have gone before us and passed over.

READ MORE: London's first Black bookshop saved from closure after 90k raised in 11 days

"Whenever there was a funeral, the bottle or rum would be brought out, and the first drink would be poured on the ground - saving the first drink from any bottle of rum for the ancestors who have come before you, bringing them to you.

"When families are brought together through marriage, you will often spill some rum on the ground, invoking the spirits of togetherness, of people and families being recognised. The same happens when people are born."

Cashain said that these traditions aren't always something he fully understood as a child, but the more that he learned about Caribbean history he realised how far back these rituals went and how intrinsic they were in his heritage. He also made the salient discovery that rum was created as a byproduct of the sugar trade - a trade that was enabled by slavery - and that the traditions of rum were carried around the world by enslaved people.

With Kromanti, Cashain wanted to create a rum that held the spirit of heritage, connection and togetherness at its core, while also recognising the historical significance of the beverage and reclaim its distinctly Caribbean nature.

"It [is not] just about a liquid that you can have a party with, get inebriated with - I've never understood rum in that way," Cashain said.

"I've always understood it as having a much more spiritual significance - there's an aspect of the rum story that is rarely heard. An aspect of individual stories."

One way that Kromanti rum maintains this traditional significance is in its ingredients: it is infused with Caribbean herbs and botanicals, just like homemade rum is in Caribbean households, with a view to celebrate that heritage and pass on the legacy.

"When I've gone back to the Caribbean, and when my children have gone back to the Caribbean, [we've found] it's very common for each household to have a blend, a bottle of rum that's infused with a bark, or a spice, or whatever," he said. "And that knowledge of what you infuse for what purpose is actually one of the things I was fascinated about: how do we retain this information and be able to pass it on?"

Cashain also places an emphasis on building connections, which Kromanti does in its marketing and presentation of its product, encouraging people to maintain the rum's traditions. Cashain has worked in mental health as his day job for the last 30 years, and feels that connection - with each other, with heritage, with ourselves - is an essential facet of happiness that he wants his rum to embody.

He realised, both personally and through speaking with others, that younger people of Caribbean descent often had less of a sense of self, of where they'd come from, and he wanted to use the traditions of rum to reignite that fire. He wanted to connect the younger generation to the stories and wisdom of elders from their community, to ensure that stories of rum's cultural significance and ritual history, as well as more general personal histories, don't die out.

"It was something that I thought was really important, that people have a sense of who they are and what their value is based on. I think that a lot of people take it for granted, who they are and what their history is, and other people have to discover it," said Cashain, who has been building his own knowledge of his heritage and ancestry and wants others to be able to do the same by opening up conversations with elder family members.

"Kromanti is a product of very deep roots," he continued. "Deep roots in people's lived experience, in real culture, in real stories - it's something that was driven by a passion to leave a legacy, but also to find a way to engage that next generation and provide them with something that would help them understand who they are, their strengths, and things that they could rely on in times of adversity."

Kromanti has won a grant from dating app Bumble, part of its 'Bumble Black-owned Small Business Grants' initiative, to produce a series of videos of inter-generational conversations where elder family members pass on knowledge and wisdom to their children and grandchildren.

"We've got members of the Windrush generation and either their children or grandchildren, and we're sort of eavesdropping on the conversation between them," he said. "What is their life experience? What's the wisdom that they want to pass on to the next generation? What are the interesting things that we don't ask our parents or our grandparents?

"We're giving them this opportunity to ask those questions, to be interested, to be enthralled. It's that opportunity of getting together.

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"Hopefully it will encourage other people to do the same. My real desire is that people will take our lead and sit down and ask their parents and their grandparents questions," he added.

"We've been through a very difficult period with a lot of our uncles and aunties and parents who came over as young children in the Windrush and got caught up in the whole terrible scandal. It's become quite a big issue, and this is one way to recognise their contribution and to hear their stories in a very intimate way.

"Some of them are quite difficult subjects, there's a whole treasure trove of information there, and I'm hoping that other people will be able to find their [history], something to feel happy and proud about that's part of who they are."

The series of videos produced with help from Bumble's grant will soon be available to watch through Kromanti's website and social media.

Got a story that you think MyLondon should tell? Email rachael.davis@reachplc.com

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Meet the Londoner who serves incredible traditional Caribbean rum that's all about bringing families together - MyLondon

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Feb. 4, 2022: Investing is often a difficult choice. There are so many different investment options that it requires a lot of research in order to make the right choices. Its not just about making a profit either making an ethical investment is at the top of many peoples lists. This is why weve put together a guide to finding the very best ethical investments for your needs.

What Are Ethical Investments?

Ethical investments are often a confusing topic. Many people dont fully understand what ethical trading actually means, but its actually a pretty simple concept to come to terms with. Its basically investing in companies that behave in an ethically and socially responsible manner. This doesnt just mean being environmentally friendly, it also means treating employees, customers and stakeholders fairly.

For example, if a company ensures it avoids polluting the environment and only uses sustainable material, this would mean it behaves ethically towards the environment. However, if that same company uses sweatshops to create its products, then it would no longer be classified as an ethical company. This is what makes ethical investment such a difficult concept for some people. They only look at one particular aspect, rather than the whole picture.

Choosing Your Ethical Investments

The simple fact is that if you want to invest in an ethically responsible manner, then you will have to carry out research. The obvious first step in performing this research relates to the financial performance of a company. While investing in an ethical fashion is obviously an important part of the process, making a profit is still the end goal of investing. So, carry out the research thats required to fully comprehend what the different companies you are thinking of investing in have to offer.

Once you have done this, its time to look into the ethical behavior of those companies. As previously mentioned, this will be related to everything from how it treats its employees to what it does with waste. A great example of a company that is behaving in an ethical manner would be a company that uses the waste from one of its processes to create another product or to create energy. This would be an excellent way to reduce waste and protect the environment. It would also allow the company to be more financially sound.

Employee wages are another aspect that has to be looked into. If employees are not paid a living wage, then the company could not be called ethical. This is due to the employees being taken advantage of for the benefit of the company. If the company is well run, then it is possible to make a profit while also paying employees a fair wage.

Looking Into Areas

Two of the most positive areas when it comes to behaving ethically are the Caribbean and Latin America. Both areas have very high Environmental, Social and Government scores, especially when compared to companies from other more urbanized countries. This has allowed these two areas to become key for the ethical investment arena.

What has really helped Latin America with its shift to more ethical behavior is that it scores very high on the inclusion metric. While it would be disingenuous to claim that this is done solely because companies care, the fact remains that in Latin America, it is a sensible business decision to be inclusive. There are more poorer people in these areas than in other countries in the world, this means that behaving inclusively can be the difference between a brand being successful or not.

So, a Latin American company behaving in an ethical manner isnt just the socially right thing to do, its also the right business choice. This plays a big part in making Latin America a very sensible ethical investment. While it might not always be a solid business decision, it is in this case.

Of course, there are a lot of different investment opportunities in both the Caribbean and Latin America, so its important to make sure that you research thoroughly what is available. It also doesnt mean that every company in these regions is ethically sound. So, ensure you look into how the company behaves rather than simply assuming its an ethical company. Regardless of any companies that dont behave in this manner, youre still more likely to find one that behaves ethically than you are elsewhere, so these regions should be your first port of call.

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Looking To The Caribbean And Latin America For Ethical Investments - Caribbean and Latin America Daily News - News Americas