Category Archives: Caribbean

There are very few investment firms that are minority-owned yet they continue to build a portfolio of quality public and private companies. Blue Mahoe Capital is a black-owned investment firm that is owned by David P. A. Mulling. Being that Caribbean companies are always overlooked by investors has inspired Mullings Blue Mahoe Capital in its quest to be more successfulBLACK ENTERPRISE engaged in a conversation with Mullings to discuss what drives him to be successful, why Blue Mahoe Capital focuses primarily on the Caribbean market, and why they have decided to invest in the entertainment industry.

You are the owner of an investment firm, Blue Mahoe Capital, which focusesprimarily on the Caribbean market at this time. What steered you in the direction to dwell into an area that doesnt seem to draw much interest?

I was born in Jamaica and having worked there, I saw the wealth of opportunity in the region. My advisor, billionaire Jamaican-Canadian investor Michael Lee-Chin, says that you should be excited to invest in a region or industry when three things are present: Perception is different from reality; inefficiencies are present and there is a lack of equity capital flowing in. The Caribbean is overlooked because of perception but being from there and working in finance allowed me to understand the reality of the investment opportunities that are present. Combine that with a love for Warren Buffetts approach to investing and you would see the Caribbean as a value investors dream region, provided they understood the culture and knew the companies.

You need to establish a track record and then you can scale a business, especially an asset management. Investing in Jamaica was the perfect way to test my investment strategy, begin building a strong track record and then scale into other markets. Michael Lee-Chin built something amazing in Canada and I intend to do the same across the USA and Caribbean with his guidance.

You are investing in the entertainment industry. How did that come about and what will you be doing?

My brother Robert and I launched Realvibez, a Caribbean music video platform in 2002, eventually becoming YouTubes first Caribbean media partner in 2008. Music is one of the largest exports from Jamaica but more investment is needed to professionalize the industry. Blue Mahoe Capital is willing to both buy and build companies in strong long-term growth industries.

We did not see a suitable company to buy and so we are building a portfolio company that brings more of the earnings back to the region while adding a more professional approach to the business of entertainment just like how hip-hop, Reggaeton, and K-pop went through transitions. Sometimes we buy companies and sometimes we build them. We have some great partners to make it a reality one of our portfolio companies and expect Carole Beckford, former Film Commissioner for Jamaica to build an amazing subsidiary.

What is it about Blue Mahoe Capital that will make it a company to watch? What will you be doing in the future that will elevate it more in the investment field?

Money has traditionally been a taboo subject in the houses of people below a certain social class and we intend to normalize the discussion about wealth creation as well as contribute to improved financial literacy, especially amongst people who look like me. However, we will be doing it with the most recognizable people of our era, musicians and athletes. We should not discount their power and definitely should not tell them to shut up and dribble or just make music.

What happens when you combine music, sports, and financial literacy with a focus on wealth creation and helping a historically disenfranchised group? What happens when an asset manager acquires stakes in public companies and pushes for better diversity policies and racial justice? Impact investing by a Black person will look very different from impact investing by the usual asset managers.

How would you advise those who have an interest in becoming vested in the investment game? What would you suggest one do to make a powerful impact?

Michael Lee-Chin told me to find a role model, get the recipe, and do not change the recipe. You can only change the recipe when you exceed the role model. I highly recommend people read about investing, gain knowledge and then pick a role model, learn their strategy and religiously implement it. It becomes your framework that allows you to control your emotions. Michael would add that you also need access to capital and investment opportunities so that means increasing your earning power, rebalancing your expenses, and opening a brokerage account right now. It has never been easier to start investing. Start with $10 if you have to but do it consistently and build healthy financial habits.

If you want to make a powerful impact then you have to think bigger. You have to get a coach and you have to pick a big hairy audacious goal as Jim Collins says in his books Good to Great and Built to Last because thinking small only leads to small impact. Thinking big leads to a big impact. Ask yourself what it would take to achieve the biggest goal you can think of and then work backward, step by step and begin connecting those dots going forward. Focus on building an amazing legacy that leaves positivity in the lives of as many people as you can reach.

What is one misconception that many have when it comes to being involved in your field?

The single biggest misconception is that you already have to be wealthy to get into investment management. You do not need to already have financial wealth or to look like you have financial wealth; You need a thirst for knowledge, a passion for investing, and an uncompromising desire to make your investors wealthy. You are not supposed to do this just for yourself. You are supposed to make your shareholders and investors wealthy and in turn, you will create wealth for yourself as well. Put them first and you will be quite fine. Serve them well and you will be rewarded.

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David Mullings Shows Investors That Money Can Be Made in the Caribbean Market - Black Enterprise

The Caribbean is never a bad decision. All the more reason to visit in 2021: During the pandemic, construction on new hotels continued, while others received some pretty impressive facelifts. Heres the latest from across the islands.

The Ritz-Carlton will open in Turks and Caicos this June, just in time for summer vacation. Located on Grace Bay Beach on Providenciales, The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos will be home to a variety of luxe accommodations, including 27 ocean-view suites, adults-only and recreation pools with private cabanas, a collection of dining experiences, state-of-the-art spa facilities, and a casino with the latest in slot machines and table games.

Provo, as its known locally, is the most developed and populated island and the hub of tourism activity in Turks and Caicos. In addition to the world-famous Grace Bay Beach, the resorts surrounding areas offer an abundance of activities for those looking to adventure off the property. For example: A round of golf at the 18-hole Provo Golf Club; Thursdays Island Fish Fry with locals; restaurants and eateries with local culinary delights; and snorkeling at Smiths Reef.

Were told the Deluxe Guestrooms can accommodate both couples or families (the king bed option for the former and the two queens for the latter). These rooms are oceanfront and have balconies. The Junior Suite is also a good pick for couples looking for more space, while the Two Bedroom Presidential Suite is the top dig on property. It offers one bedroom with a king bed and a second with a queen bed, as well as two-and-a-half baths.

Dining venues will include BLT Steak, an American steakhouse that serves prime steaks, fresh seafood and a weekly Blackboard Menu featuring specials that highlight seasonal flavors and local ingredients. Cocktails, craft beer and a robust wine list will accompany the menu. There will also be a beachside restaurant and an all-day dining eatery.

Were told that The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Turks & Caicos menu is inspired by the calming power of the ocean. Treatments will utilize indigenous plants and customs for a holistic approach to wellness. Beyond the spa, facilities include relaxation areas, a fitness center and hair and nail services.

Also opening this year is The Strand, Turks and Caicos, a private residential community located on 2,230 feet of shore frontage on Cooper Jack Bay. The Strand will offer a limited collection of luxury beachfront villas, custom residences and homesites along with access to community programming and full resort amenities and services.

A courtyard of one of the residences at The Strand, Turks and Caicos.

Opening late 2021, The Strand will have direct ocean access from every residence. In addition to the beachfront setting, the site has 1,400 feet of canal and marina frontage, offering a marina and slips for owners, as well as several community yacht slips.

Owners and guests of the 46 residences can enjoy a collection of shared amenities for sport and socializing, as well as access to the Beach and Tennis Club. Community amenities include a tennis court, two pickle ball courts and a fitness center with a secluded yoga deck. Scheduled yoga and fitness classes will be available for owners and guests.

Tip: Cooper Jack Bay is well-located for sport fishing and diving and is ideal for swimming, paddleboarding and various other water sports. Additional water amenities include access to The Strands own Club Boat with a private captain, catamarans, kayaks, paddleboards and more.

There will also be a waters edge restaurant and bar, extending from an indoor covered space to an outdoor beachfront patio with tables dotting an open-air garden. The Beach Club further flows into the centerpiece resort-style swimming pool, designed as a lagoon surrounded by native limestone, palm trees and soft lighting at night. The restaurant and bar will allow limited public access, with priority seating given to club members and guests.

Good to know: An on-site caretaker/resort manager is available 24/7 for owners and guests every need. la carte club services will include in-home spa services, housekeeping, pre-arrival shopping, private chef and catering, airport transportation, landscape maintenance, and security.

The two-bedroom villas are designed with lock-off units on separate levels, offering one- and two-bedroom layouts. Each will have its own plunge pool and outdoor shower and soaking tub. An optional rooftop terrace includes an open-air kitchen, bar and dining space. The Villas will have more than 3,000 square feet of indoor-outdoor living space.

These four- and five-bedroom residences will have a two-story great room overlooking the pool and the Caicos Banks. The main house has four oceanfront en-suite bedrooms, an infinity pool and a courtyard with an outdoor kitchen. Certain lots include a courtyard plunge pool and spa, one-bedroom guest house and family/flex room. Luxury Residences start at approximately 4,500 square feet of enclosed space and 8,300 square feet of indoor-outdoor living space.

Lastly, the six-bedroom, seven-bathroom Grand Residences will offer approximately 7,300 square feet of enclosed space and 14,000 square feet of indoor-outdoor living space. The main houses will have five oceanfront en-suite bedrooms, including a second-floor master suite. An expansive great room opens to a formal outdoor terrace and infinity pool. The courtyard will have a plunge pool and spa, outdoor kitchen, family/flex room and one-bedroom guest house.

In Jamaica, Ocean Coral Spring, which opened late 2019, is slated to open its second property, Ocean Eden Bay, in May 2021. The adults-only Ocean Eden Bay is located in Trelawny, Coral Spring, right along the shores of Montego Bay with access to a spectacular white sand beach with turquoise waters. Ocean Eden Bay will offer modern rooms, a large swimming pool and wide range of dining options, including an exclusive dinner-show restaurant with themed performances, the Senses Dinner Show.

A guestroom atOcean Eden Bay.

Guests will have their choice of 444 suites. Our favorites are the Swim Up Suites, which as the name suggests offer direct access to the swimming pool via a terrace. These rooms also have a bedroom, a living room with a sofa bed and a bathroom with a whirlpool. We also like the Roof Top Suites, two-level accommodations offering some of the best views on property from their terraces (which come equipped with sun loungers and a jacuzzi). Theres also a master bedroom, a rest area with a sofa bed, and a bathroom with a whirlpool.

There will also be one buffet restaurant, along with four la carte restaurants and the dinner-show venue. For Senses Dinner Show, advanced reservations are required, so be sure to get that done at the time of booking your stay. Other options include a Steak House, open for dinner only, and Blue Moon, a romantic restaurant serving international cuisine, which will be open for breakfast and dinner.

Other amenities include a pool with bar service, a beach area with sun loungers and the Despacio Spa Centre. At the spa, guests can use an indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam bath. Services include massages, personalized health and beauty treatments, a beauty salon and hairdresser, and a 24-hour gym.

As for the adjacent Ocean Coral Spring, it is family-friendly and has 513 suites equipped with all the amenities for a comfortable stay. Guests can expect another swimming pool, as well as a lazy river with a gentle current, plus 10 restaurants, nine bars, Mikes Coffee and ice cream parlor, a theater, disco, bowling alley and more.

Ocean Coral Spring Daisy Club is designed for children aged four to 12 and is led by a team of professionals and accompanied by the mascot, Daisy. Kids will have access to a water park, playground, a game room, music shows and more. A Teen Club is also available, as is a Despacio Spa Centre, should adults need a little R&R while the kids are being looked after.

The Privilege Master Suite is the top accommodation on property. Offering sea, pool or garden views, these suites have a terrace with sun loungers and jacuzzi, as well as a bedroom and separate living room; however, for larger families the Daisy Family Junior Suite is located next to the water park and has a bedroom, living room with a sofa bed and a terrace.

The range of F&B venues includes international cuisine, Italian, Asian, West Indies, Indian and American barbecue.

The South Seas Village at Sandals RoyalBarbados will be home to two new pools. Shown here is the main pool at the resort. //Photo: Sandals Resorts International

Additionally, Sandals Resorts International is working on a new expansion at Sandals Royal Barbados. Set to premiere July 1, 2021, the South Seas Village at Sandals Royal Barbados will be home to 66 new suites, bringing the total room count to 338, as well as two new wellness-inspired eateries, bringing the resorts restaurant count to nine, and two new pools.

Flanked by gardens and Maxwell Beach, the new accommodations will have high-pitched ceilings and chic, light-wood furnishings with quartz inlays. The South Seas Village will include signature offerings, such as a king-size bed with fine linens and a pillow menu, along with marble baths, his-and-her sinks, bath amenities by Red Lane Spa, a private outdoor tub for two and a full in-room bar. These accommodations also have an aromatherapy system with relaxing essential oils. Guests staying in the new butler suites category will also enjoy a personal butler, 24-hour room service and VIP check-in.

Two new culinary concepts will also be introduced at Sandals Royal Barbados. The Greenhouse, a rustic, farm-to-table eatery will offer guests elegant cuisine prepared with locally sourced meats and seafood and straight-from-the-garden fruits and vegetables. Heart and Sol, the resorts caf, combines the variety of a New York-style deli with locally sourced culinary offerings for a fresh and clean alternative to sandwiches, soups, salads, smoothie bowls and fruit and vegetable smoothies and juices.

In addition, two new freshwater swimming pools will be located in a quiet section of the South Seas Village. One swimming pool will have a full-service pool bar offering low-calorie cocktails (think: Ginger Mules, Brled Lemon Sours, Green Gins and Cucumber Slushes).

Good to know: Guests of Sandals Royal Barbados also have full exchange privileges with the neighboring Sandals Barbados for a total of 20 restaurants, 14 bars, 11 pools and five whirlpools.

Another hotel reno includes Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino, located on Palm Beach, which has recently completed a multimillion-dollar makeover. Enhancements include Trankilo, a new adults-only pool, updates to both the ZoiA Spa and casino, as well as a new Regency Club, dining experiences and wellness offerings.

Trankilo has 10 private cabanas, complete with a shower, smart TV, Bose Bluetooth sound system, minibar stocked with water, sodas, local beers and wine, crudits, island aloe products, lounge chairs and a sofa. Tip: Guests can utilize the private butler that solely caters to visitors who are renting the cabanas and receive spa treatments in select cabanas, as well.

Trankilo, a new adults-only pool at Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino, has 10 private cabanas.

The resort also has a new wellness program, Rise and Shine, consisting of various daily classes, including yoga, meditation and Tai Chi. The new ZoiA Spa menu offers a variety of treatments, such as Aruba Sun Rescue, using local aloe, and Island Breeze, with a pineapple sugar scrub. Another highlight of the new ZoiA Spa is Massage den Awa, a gentle form of body therapy performed in the Trankilo pool for deep relaxation combining elements of massage, shiatsu and muscle stretching. Spa therapists use face masks and shields and utilize gloves, while air purifiers sanitize the air through UV germicidal technology in each of the six treatment rooms.

For those interested in a libation, Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino is now offering a new Master Mixology class with Green Bar Distillery organic liquors every Sunday at Palms Beach Bar. Guests receive instructions on beginner bartending for one hour, explanation of selected liquors, a certificate, recipe cards and two custom drinks.

The newly renovated Regency Club offers personal concierge service, breakfast, evening hors doeuvres and beverages all complimentary. And the non-smoking casino now has 44 new machines, socially distanced gaming tables and video poker machines, as well as a bar serving a variety of cocktails.

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Hotels: New and Renovated in the Caribbean - Travel Agent

Playa Hotels and Resorts will be opening a new Hyatt all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean later this year.

The new, family-friendly Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun on the Caribbean coast of Mexico will have a total of 438 rooms.

The resort will be set in the increasingly popular beach town of Puerto Morelos, best known as the home of the class-leading Grand Residences Riviera Cancun resort.

Puerto Morelos is about 30 minutes from Cancun International Airport, between Playa del Carmen and Cancun.

We are thrilled to introduce the Hyatt Ziva brand to new guests and World of Hyatt members as we expand our brand footprint in the Americas through the addition of this new all-inclusive resort, said Frank Lavey, senior vice president of global operations, Hyatt. The Hyatt Ziva portfolio offers guests a vibrant and energizing, multi-generational stay with service from the heart and wellbeing inspired programming to create an effortless experience for every guest.

The property will have several globally and locally-inspired eateries; multiple pools; a Zen Spa inspired by pre-Hispanic Mayan culture with 12 indoor and eight outdoor treatment rooms; a fitness center; and more than 15,000 square feet of meeting and event space.

The property will be the sixth Hyatt Ziva-branded resort in the Caribbean and Mexico; Hyatt also has a portfolio of adults-only all-inclusive properties under the Hyatt Zilara brand.

It will be the first new Hyatt all-inclusive to debut in the region since the launch of the Hyatt Ziva and Zilara Cap Cana resorts in the Dominican Republic.

Our portfolio of Hyatt all-inclusive resorts is the standard bearer andleader in the all-inclusive category across Mexico and throughout the Caribbean, said Fernando Mulet, executive vice president & chief development officer, Playa Hotels and Resorts. Todays announcement further solidifies Playas commitment to revolutionizing the all-inclusive sector by working with legendary hospitality brands that consumers trust and delivering an experience that is second-to-none.

For more, visit Hyatt All-Inclusive.

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Hyatt Is Opening Another All-Inclusive in the Caribbean - Caribbean Journal

Things are looking up, as the weather continues to improve and the vaccine rollout progresses. This week, we showcase opportunities to get outside and see family-friendly public art, immerse yourself in theater online and outside, and support immigrant-owned businesses while enjoying Caribbean cuisine.

The coronavirus pandemic has forced local theater companies to undergo transformations, and at this years Philly Theatre Week, those innovations will be on display. It comprises a combination of immersive digital theater events, films, audio plays, and outdoor shows. The festival has 75 events, celebrating the artists, organizations, and audiences that have made Greater Philadelphia one of the most vibrant theater regions in the nation. Highlights include Adam Rapps play Nocture, presented by EgoPo as a drive-in; an outdoor walking murder mystery-comedy called Murder by Gaslight presented by Without a Cue Productions; and a 10-minute piece of dance theater, meant to be seen through an open garage door in South Philadelphia, called White Dress and presented by Philly PACK.

Philadelphias restaurant industry has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, and the citys small Black- and immigrant-owned businesses have especially suffered. Usually in the spring, Jamaican athletes in the Penn Relays bring a lot of business to Caribbean restaurants, but this year the race is limited to local schools and no spectators will be allowed. Team Jamaica Bickle, a nonprofit which supports athletes from the Caribbean, and the Young Caribbean Professional Network organized Caribbean Restaurant Week to support these small, local businesses dealing with the double-whammy of the pandemic reducing foot traffic and the Penn Relays being canceled. Fifteen restaurants are participating, including 48th Street Grille, Little Delicious, and Brown Sugar.

For the next six months, Camden is using six new public art installations by nationally acclaimed artists to draw attention to the problem of illegal dumping in the city. The sculptures include a 36-foot long, 10-foot tall cat made out of repurposed car hoods; a machine that uses mealworms to digest styrofoam; and a 15-foot tall, trash-collecting robot. The sculptures will be placed throughout the city in places where illegal dumping has been a problem, including Whitman Park, Gateway, North Camden, Cramer Hill, and East Camden. You can watch the ribbon-cutting live at 10 a.m. on April 22 on A New Views Facebook page.

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Philly theater, Caribbean food, and Camden celebrates Earth Day in this weeks Things To Do - WHYY

More than a year after Covid-19 brought cruise ships to a standstill, there are clear signs that cruising could be making a comeback.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) signaled this month that cruises may resume by mid-summer with restrictions in a move cheered by operators and cruise lovers.

That follows months of mounting pressure from the industry, which claims it's been unfairly treated due to coronavirus restrictions, prompting Carnival to consider relocating ships and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to sue.

Still, with government regulation and vaccination rollouts varying across the globe, seafarers have a lot to navigate. CNBC's Global Traveler took a look at what to expect from cruises in 2021.

At present, U.S. port departures remain a no-go under CDC guidelines, despite calls to restart by July 1. That includes large cruise excursions to Alaska, where governor Mike Dunleavy is threatening legal action.

The Caribbean, however, is full steam ahead so long as passengers depart from the isles.

From June, Royal Caribbean will run a series of routes around the region starting in the Bahamas and Sint Maarten. Crystal Cruises will commence from the Bahamas in June, while Norwegian will begin in August, with departures from Jamaica and the Dominican Republic.

A cruise ship approaches the harbor in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.

Buena Vista Images | Getty Images

Europe, too, is cruising on.

Greece is the destination of choice for many operators, with Norwegian and luxury liners Celebrity Cruises, Seaborn and Ponant all planning routes with port calls around the Greek Isles this summer. MSC Cruises will also be running a series of itineraries across Europe from May, with calls at locations in Italy, Malta, France, Spain, Greece, Croatia and Montenegro.

Venice is included in MSC Cruises' routes, though embarkment from the city's historic port will soon be a thing of the past as Italian officials have indicated cruise ships will be rerouted to the nearby industrial port under a new environmental ruling.

However, some operators including MSC Cruises cater only to passengers living within the European Union's Schengen zone. International visitors should take note of any restrictions around residency and flying into the country of embarkment prior to booking.

A cruise liner passes by the historic canals of Venice, Italy.

Niels Schubert | fStop | Getty Images

Meantime, the so-called "cruises to nowhere" remain in full swing. As round trips with no ports of call and mandatory pre-departure testing, they are seen as a low-risk option for holidaymakers who want an escape.

Singapore's destination-less vacations have proved so popular that last month the city-state's cruisers accounted for one-third of the industry's total travelers, leading operators Royal Caribbean and Genting to extend their seasons until October.

In the U.K, companies are getting on board with the idea too. From June onward, P&O, Princess Cruises, Disney, MSC Cruises, Virgin Voyages and Royal Caribbean will all set sail around the British Isles many with domestic port calls.

For the most part, cruises will only be available to those who have been vaccinated.

In January, British operator Saga Cruises faced consternation when it became the first cruise line to introduce mandatory vaccination. But now, companies are recognizing it as the norm, said Tom McAlpin, CEO and president of Virgin Voyages, Richard Branson's adults-only cruise line.

Many companies in the cruising industry are backing requirements that passengers be vaccinated to travel.

Mphillips007 | iStock | Getty Images

"We know this is the future," McAlpin said. "As an adult-only cruise line, we're able to offer a highly-controlled, safe environment for everyone on board."

Crystal Cruises, Norwegian, P&O, Viking, and Celebrity Cruises, have all followed suit, introducing vaccine requirements for adult passengers. Royal Caribbean has made vaccines compulsory for some routes, including the Caribbean, while Carnival Cruises has yet to announce any such measures.

The emphasis on health and safety will extend to the onboard experience too. Buffets will be no more and entertainment may be limited, as cleanliness takes center stage.

"While traditionally, the act of keeping a ship clean would have been done in the background ... 'housekeeping theatre' will be of greater consumer interest and hospitality brands will have their cleaning protocols front and center," said Elle Kross, director of strategy at digital marketing firm Movable Ink.

Vaccination requirements are complicating family cruising, as children below the age of 16 are not yet authorized to be vaccinated.

The Image Bank | Getty Images

Meanwhile, passengers can expect new technologies, from virtual queues and contactless payments to thermal temperature checks and UV sanitization, to reduce in-person contact on board.

"Operators have done a lot of work ... leveraging modern technology, implementing new processes, and training employees to work with new policies and guidelines," said Vijay Achanti, principal of hospitality for North America at global consulting firm Capgemini.

With new measures in place and more routes being announced, holidaymakers appear to be gaining confidence. 2021 bookings are up, with Crystal Cruises last month recording its biggest single-day of bookings in its 30-year history.

The route ahead looks clearer still. Advanced U.S. cruise ticket sales for 2022 are so far exceeding those seen in 2019 for the 2020 season, according to Google data analyzed by travel site Trips to Discover, as travelers plan new and rescheduled trips.

The majority of those bookings continue to come from regular cruisers, said Movable Ink's Kross. Carnival last month reported that 55% of its 2021 bookings so far have come from "brand loyalists." But newcomers, too, are beginning to view cruises as a slice of "pre-Covid normalcy," she said.

Still, many are doing so with caution, said Jeanie Johnson of Minnesota tour operator Jeanie's Journey, who noted that most holidaymakers are opting for suites and balconied cabins.

"Even though these cruisers are fully vaccinated and ready to go, they are just a bit wary," she continued. "They want to be able to access the outside ... just in case."

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Alaska is out, but the Caribbean is full speed ahead: What we know about cruising in 2021 - CNBC

CJ Invest, Hotels and Development, News

April 21, 2021

Its one of the centerpieces of any resort in the Caribbean: the pool.

Its often the town square, the meeting point, the place to be at every resort in region.

And that means that its an essential part of the design process for any Caribbean property.

And arguably the hottest pool designer in the region is Aquatics International Group, which has been behind some of the regions newest poolscapes, including the stunning new pool system at the Ritz-Carlton, St Thomas.

To learn more, Caribbean Journal Invest caught up with Chris Fogleman, president of Aquatics International Group.

You have been doing this a long time. Tell us a little about your experienceand the history of Aquatics International Group.

I started cleaning pools as a summer job in high school and it was never a job to me but something I genuinely enjoyed. While studying in college I worked as a laborer for a construction company and learned many things about the construction process. After college I started a pool service company, and it grew rapidly over the next 5 years. I decided to go back to college and study Aquatic Architecture and that is where I met my current partner. He was already very skilled at Aquatic Architecture because he had a natural talent for design and already had a landscape design background. We started working together about 10 years ago when I decided to hire him as a designer and consultant and both our companies continued to grow and thrive. About five years ago I decided to sell my pool service company and focus primarily on building high end residential pools all over the United States. We started winning many pool design/build awards together both domestic and internationally. It was at this point we agreed to form Aquatics International Group and tackle the most challenging international projects together with our A team we selected over the previous 10 years.

You have completed several projects in the Caribbean. What is your most recent one?

Most recently we completed the Ritz-Carlton resort pool, hardscapes, landscapes, lighting, and irrigation in St Thomas, USVI.

As a company, are you focused onthe Caribbean? Why the Caribbean?

Yes. We are primarily focused on the Caribbean. We chose the Caribbean because that is where it seems to be the most challenging and rewarding to work. Most of the resorts are being built there due to the beautiful year around climate and our projects get the most year around use because of that. Ownership groups are spending big on pools and the amenities because that is what is driving people to stay at their hotels. We notice a higher occupancy at hotels in the Caribbean when there is a beautiful pool to enjoy. Our projects also photograph well when there is a beautiful Caribbean backdrop to enhance our designs.

Do you have a few favorite projects you have worked on intheCaribbean?

Currently our favorite project is the Ritz Carlton in St Thomas, USVI because it has the nicest slide and pool in the Caribbean currently. There are so many amazing features to this project that are a must see.

You started out in residential pool design and constructionand moved into commercial pools and spas. How did that happen?

After 16 years of building residential pools we wanted something more challenging. Commercial pools had a much larger budget than residential and allowed us to maximize our designs creativity and provided a better reward with more users. My partner was also already designing commercial pools for management companies and knew what was desirable to the client while maintaining a budget. This made for an easy transition.

Do you do new construction as well as renovations?

We offer both new construction as well as renovations. Many pools in the Caribbean are in desperate need of renovations as they do not meet state side code compliance and are battered by the hurricanes. We can simply give the projects a face lift with more modern materials or completely redesign and start fresh with a clean slate.

At what point in the design process does the pool contractor needto be consulted?

We highly recommend consulting with us in the very beginning planning stages as often things are overlooked as equipment placement, water conservancy, power consumption, and what landscaping works well to both compliment the look of the project as well as offering shade to users and keeping the pool clean for ongoing maintenance. There are many instances where stateside architects overlook things related to the pool design that later drive the price of the project such as placing equipment very far and having to use very large pipes and pumps to achieve the proper pool turnover to be safe for guest to swim.

Do you specialize in certainislands or regions?

Our company has a long arm in the Caribbean for design/build. We also are servicing islands off the coast of Spain, Turkey, and Greece for consulting and project management.

What about contractors, suppliers and logistics. How does that work on a remote island?

We have a logistics team we have worked with for years now and can handle shipping on a global scale. We like to ship all our raw materials in and store them onsite so we are not chasing parts which can delay a project. We use both sea and air when necessary, to meet our deadlines. We like to preorder and have material available and if space is not available onsite we locate offsite storage for project materials.

Can you tell us about any projects you have in the pipeline?

We were in negotiations on several commercial projects in the Caribbean prior to Covid-19 and things are just now getting back to the design phase. We have signed NDAs and can not currently speak of upcoming things, but it seems commercial development is gaining strength in the Caribbean again for 2021.

What is your outlook for the future?

We are in anticipation of a profitable year and helping to continue to grow and enhance the Caribbean islands as tourism is forecasted to continue to increase through this year. We are seeing record numbers in tourism now.

For more, contact inquiry@aquaticsint.com.

CJI

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Designing the Caribbean's Greatest Pools - Caribbean Journal

An innovative range of itineraries is offered throughout each region, with sailings in the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, along the coasts of Australia and New Zealand, and throughout greater Asia, including voyages of seven to 35 days. The entire Seabourn fleet will be on the move to popular cities, hidden gems, and destinations accessible only to smaller ships. Key highlights include Seabourn Sojourn and Seabourn Ovation sailing to the Caribbean, Seabourn Encore traveling into Southeast Asia from the Mediterranean and Middle East, Seabourn Quest transiting the Panama Canal to explore the western coasts of Central America, and Seabourn Odyssey visiting Australia, New Zealand, and countries throughout the Pacific Rim. Additionally, there will be options to combine cruises to experience even more of our extraordinary world.

"Our guests have asked us to release Seabourn itineraries earlier and earlier to plan future travel. We are excited to have our 2022 and 2023 cruise offerings for guests to book and experience 'the Seabourn Difference' from the Caribbean to the Panama Canal and Australia to Asia," said Josh Leibowitz, president of Seabourn. "Every year brings new routes and destinations for our guests to experience the exclusive travel opportunities that we offer."

Seabourn's seasonal itineraries are designed to appeal to travelers of every kind, with a variety of onshore outings available to experience at every port. True maiden ports on the schedule include Port Royal, Jamaica, and Tioman Island, Malaysia, while those the line hasn't visited in at least five years include Hillsborough, Carriacou, Grenada; San Juan de Sur, Nicaragua; Quepos, Costa Rica; Baubau, Butung, Indonesia; and Tsuruga, Toyama, Sakata, Ishinomaki, Hitachinaka, and Miyako, Japan.

Travelers who covet outdoor adventures will also find the Ventures by Seabourn optional for-charge expedition-style excursion program in select destinations, including Australia and New Zealand voyages.

Seabourn voyages on sale for fall, winter, and spring 2022-2023 include:

CARIBBEAN

Immersive experiences scheduled for guests exploring the Caribbean on Seabourn Sojourn or Seabourn Ovation include the line's popular Caviar in the Surf with uniformed crew plunging into the crystal-blue Caribbean Sea to offer iced Champagne and caviar served via surfboard bar, as well as fun-filled Marina Day, with complimentary watersports from a beach or the unique, retractable Marina platform on the stern of each ship.

PANAMA CANAL

AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND

ASIA

Guests can take advantage of promotions to receive additional savings, including the line's popular "Early Bonus Savings" offering guests who book select 2022-2023 sailings and pay in full by June 30, 2021 an additional 10 percent savings off the base cruise fare. Early Bonus Savings can also be combined with other promotions, such as Seabourn Club Savings, which provides an extra 5 percent savings to Seabourn Club Members on select voyages.

Seabourn represents the pinnacle of ultra-luxury travel with intimate ships offering key elements that set the line apart: spacious, thoughtfully appointed suites that are all oceanfront; superb dining in a choice of venues; complimentary premium spirits and fine wines available on board at all times; award-winning service and a relaxed, sociable atmosphere that makes guests feel at home. The ships travel the globe to many of the world's most desirable destinations including marquee cities, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and lesser-known ports and hideaways. The line is also the official cruise partner of UNESCO World Heritage.

For reservations or more details, please contact a professional travel advisor; call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391 or visit http://www.seabourn.com.

About Seabourn:Ultra-luxury Seabourn currently operates a fleet of five modern ships with two under construction and is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. The exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Costa Cruises, AIDA, P&O Cruises UK, and P&O Cruises Australia. Seabourn is a brand of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL andNYSE: CUK). Seabourn is the official cruise partner of UNESCO World Heritage under a multi-year agreement to help promote sustainable tourism at World Heritage sites around the world. Our highest responsibility and top priorities are compliance, environmental protection and the health, safety and well-being of our guests, team members, and the people and communities our ships visit.

Find Seabourn onTwitter,Facebook,Instagram,YouTubeandPinterest.

Notes to Editors:Seabournis consistently ranked among the world's top travel choices by professional critics and the discerning readers of prestigious travel publications such asDepartures, Travel + LeisureandCond Nast Traveler.Its stylish, distinctive cruising vacations are renowned for:

*Optional programs, for additional charge ^Available onSeabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Sojourn, Seabourn Quest, Seabourn Encore, Seabourn OvationNot available on boardSeabourn Venture

Click-to-Tweet: [emailprotected]'s bespoke voyages in the #Caribbean, #PanamaCanal, #Australia & #NewZealand, and #Asia are now open for sale for fall, winter & spring 2022-2023. Reserve your suite today:https://www.seabourn.com/

SOURCE Seabourn

http://www.seabourn.com

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Seabourn Reveals Fall, Winter & Spring 2022-2023 Voyages Throughout The Caribbean, Panama Canal, Australia & New Zealand, And Asia -...

SHENZHEN, China, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Nam Tai Property Inc. ("Nam Tai" or the "Company") (NYSE Symbol: NTP) today announced that the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal in the British Virgin Islands (the "Court") has granted an order ("Order") postponing the Special Meeting previously scheduled for April 26, 2021. The Court's Order was issued in connection with the Company's appeal against the order of Justice Adrian Jack of March 3, 2021, in which he held that the private placement previously announced by the Company on October 5, 2020 was void and should be set aside. The Special Meeting will be rescheduled at a later date to be determined by the Court in due course.

Forward-looking Statement and Factors that Could Cause our Share Price to Decline

Certain statements included in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may", "might", "can", "could", "will", "would", "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "forecast", "intend", "plan", "seek", or "timetable". These forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, may include projections of our future financial performance based on our growth strategies and anticipated trends in our business and the industry in which we operate. These statements are only predictions based on our current expectations about future events. There are several factors, many beyond our control, which could cause results to differ materially from our expectation. These risk factors are described in our Annual Report on Form 20-F and in our Current Reports filed on Form 6-K from time to time and are incorporated herein by reference. Any of these factors could, by itself, or together with one or more other factors, adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition. There may also be other factors currently unknown to us, or have not been described by us, that could cause our results to differ from our expectations. Although we believe the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements. You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. These forward-looking statements apply only as of the date of this announcement; as such, they should not be unduly relied upon as circumstances change. Except as required by law, we are not obligated, and we undertake no obligation, to release publicly any revisions to these forward-looking statements that might reflect events or circumstance occurring after the date of this press release or those that might reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

ABOUT NAM TAI PROPERTY INC.

We are a real estate developer and operator, mainly conducting business in Mainland China. Our main land resources are located in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area ("Greater Bay Area") and Wuxi, China, of which the three plots in Shenzhen will be developed into Nam Tai Inno Park, Nam Tai Technology Center and Nam Tai Inno Valley. We plan to build these technology parks into landmark parks in the region and provide high-quality industrial offices, industrial service spaces and supporting dormitories to the tenants. Based on the experience of developing and operating technology parks and an industrial relationship network accumulated over the past 40 years, we have also exported the operation model of technology parks to other industrial properties. Through an asset-light model, we have leased industrial properties for repositioning and business invitation. We will also expand the commercial and residential property business in China as an auxiliary development strategy of the Company. As the growth prospects of China maintain, we shall seize development opportunities in the Greater Bay Area and other first- and second-tier cities in China, and continue to strengthen and expand the business of industrial real estate, and commercial and residential properties.

Nam Tai Property Inc. is a corporation registered in the British Virgin Islands and listed on the New York Stock Exchange (Symbol: "NTP").

Please refer to our corporate website (https://www.namtai.com/) or the SEC website (www.sec.gov) for our press releases and financial statements.

SOURCE Nam Tai Property Inc.

https://www.namtai.com/

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Nam Tai Property Announces Issuance of Stay by the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal in the British Virgin Islands - PRNewswire

With 25 ships in the market in 2022, Carnival Cruise Line will sail 18 ships year-round in the Caribbean and three ships year-round on the West Coast, one ship will be alternating between the Caribbean and Alaska and one between the Caribbean and Europe, while two are year-round in Australia, Fred Stein, vice president of ship deployment and revenue planning, told Cruise Industry News.

We have 10 year-round homeports and four seasonal homeports in North America, he said, and our two ships in Australia. That is our footprint.

After the new Mardi Gras launches service from Port Canaveral, the standout event for Carnival in 2022 will be the arrival of the Carnival Celebration.

Another highlight for 2022 is Carnivals 50th anniversary in March. Plans call for a Sailabration event. Explained Stein: The Fun Ships will meet up at sea. These meets are scheduled for evenings from all the homeports we sail from during the month of March in the Bahamas/Eastern Caribbean, Western Caribbean, off the California/Mexico coastline and in Australia. We will have as many as seven ships gathering together.

(In terms of deployment) We are continuing the strategy we have employed for the past few years, Stein said. We are deploying our ships in a number of homeports that our customers can drive to.

Our new, large ships obviously require larger terminals and other port infrastructure investments, so they are going to Port Canaveral and Miami. Hence, both of those ports will see an increase in our guest capacity.

When we plan, we look at what we think is going to generate the best guest satisfaction, which also leads to increased guest demand. And ultimately, we have to balance the cost of fuel, the cost of the ports, and so on. Also, we are not concentrating our capacity in just one place.

Overall, I do not see our basic planning criteria changing. But what I think is happening is that there is more consciousness of environmental impact and environmental compliance.

You saw the recent news about the Port of Miami planning to bring in shorepower, and we are very supportive of that. The environment has become a new planning element.

Obviously, one of our highest objectives is to operate safely and in compliance everywhere we go. So, we have to factor that into our planning.

Ultimately, however, it boils down to is that itineraries must resonate well with Carnivals target customers, Stein said.

An itinerary has to be interesting enough to drive demand so the guests will want to buy the cruise. And once they are there, the destinations have to deliver a great experience so that the guests want to come back and tell their friends; it keeps the demand machine going.

And for the destinations it is not only about our guests but also our crew. They are ambassadors and if they are treated well, they will talk up a destination to the guests onboard, he added.

Excerpt from Cruise Industry News Quarterly Magazine: Spring 2021

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Carnival Itinerary Planning: Focus on the Caribbean - Cruise Industry News

Ash and smoke billow as the La Soufrire volcano erupts in Kingstown on the eastern Caribbean island of St. Vincent April 9, 2021. Pope Francis expresses his solidarity with the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines as the volcano continues to erupt, displacing thousands. CNS photo/Robertson S. Henry, Reuters

His Holiness Pope Francis sends the assurance of his spiritual closeness to all those affected by the recent eruption of La Soufrire volcano and expresses his heartfelt solidarity with the many displaced persons forced to evacuate their homes and seek shelter from the effects of this disaster, said a telegram sent to local church leaders by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state.

Praying in a particular way for the emergency personnel and volunteers providing relief assistance, His Holiness entrusts the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to the loving providence of almighty God, said the message released by the Vatican April 23.

In December, lava began oozing from the volcano, which is located at the northern tip of the island. Then it erupted April 9, and explosions have been occurring periodically since then.

With the eruptions continuing, ash lies thick over much of the island, making it dangerous to breath and severely damaging crops and drinking water supplies.

The United Nations made an appeal April 20 for close to $30 million in disaster relief to provide emergency aid to the people and to help fund the ash removal.

Tags: Caribbean island, Disaster relief, La Soufrire volcano, prayers, St. Vincent, Volcano

Category: Featured, From the Pope

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Pope offers prayers for people on Caribbean island threatened by volcano - The Catholic Spirit