Category Archives: Caribbean

The Antigua and Barbuda Workers Union (ABWU), has once again written to Cleveland Seaforth, the court-appointed administrator for the cash-strapped regional airline, LIAT (1974) limited, seeking a meeting on the future direction of the airline.

In the latest correspondence, ABWU General Secretary, David Massiah says it is important that there be a dialogue between the parties should be treated with greater importance. The union has given Seaforth until Thursday to respond positively to the letter

The ABWU has already said among the issues to be discussed will be the decision by the shareholder governments to liquidate the company that owes millions of dollars (One EC dollar=US$0.37 cents) to former employees who were dismissed last year.

But in a letter to Massiah, dated August 11, Seaforth said discussions held by Heads of Government are separate and apart from the Court- Appointed Administration Process, hence the Administrator may not be fully aware of all the matters discussed at such meetings.

In addition, Seaforth said that the matter of the liquidation of LIAT (1974) Limited is one that must be addressed by the Courts of Antigua and Barbuda and not a Liquidator, subsequently appointed.

However in the unions latest correspondence, Massiah informs the court-appointed liquidator that meaningful dialogue with your good self and whoever you choose to be with is still pertinent.

Massiah noted that while Seaforth claims he is not privy to information already in the public domain, LIAT (1974) Limited is still under a court-appointed administrator and that lack of information should not be an excuse to evade consultations with the union.

The ABWU maintains that regular consultations and dialogue with employees and their representatives is essential in light of all the outstanding issues that are relevant to the airlines future.

Furthermoreit is imperative that the unions are kept fully abreast with updates as far as the operations are concerned.

Earlier this month, regional leaders met to discuss the situation regarding air transportation in the Caribbean amidst concerns that both regional and international travellers are finding it very expensive and difficult to commute.

It was agreed that we would retain a consultant to provide advice to the heads of the region as to how we can address the critical need to have, particularly air transportation resumed at a level that existed prior to COVID-19, said the newly elected Grenada Prime Minister, Dickon Mitchell.

LIAT is owned by the governments of Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica and St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG). Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne said previously that a decision had been taken that would allow Barbados and SVG to turn over their shares in LIAT to St. Johns for one EC dollar (One EC dollar=US$0.37 cents).

Earlier this year, Prime Minister Browne appealed to Caribbean trade unions to re-think their positions regarding the latest offer made to laid-off workers of the airline.

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Union writes to liquidator seeking another meeting on LIAT | Loop Caribbean News - Loop News Caribbean

This article is reprinted by permission from The Escape Home, a newsletter for second homeowners and those who want to be. Subscribe here. 2022. All rights reserved.

We recently wrote about why Mexico City should be on your travel bucket list. This week, The Escape Homes Nicole Perrino writes about another capital city that is often overlooked in favor of all-inclusive resorts (which, yes, are beautiful, but tend to be culturally bland?).

The Dominican Republic has no shortage of beautiful beaches, all-inclusive resorts and fun excursions, but if youre thinking of planning a trip beyond just the beach resorts, consider a stay in Ciudad Colonial, aka Zona Colonial. (Also, its just a four-hour, less-than-$400 flight from New York City.)

Located in the capital Santo Domingo, Zona Colonial (Colonial Zone) is the first European district in the New World and home to historic buildings, museums, beautiful restaurants, and an abundance of nightlife options. Consider renting an Airbnb or staying at a boutique hotel in the area and experiencing both touristy and local activities during your stay.

The great thing about staying in an Airbnb in the Zona Colonial is that you can experience living in a beautiful historic home and can also cook some of your own meals. After checking in, hit up Supermercados Nacional in El Conde and stock the fridge with necessities. Then, get familiar with your nearest Colmado (corner store) because thats where youll be stopping in for beer, liquor, snacks and water. In the Dominican Republic, youll often see a five-gallon water jug in the kitchen with a pump, along with a pitcher to keep some cold in the fridge. Once the water runs out, you can bring the jug to your local Colmado and have a new one delivered.

If a hotel is more your speed, there is no shortage of beautiful boutique hotels in the area. One worth checking out is the Billini Hotel. Located in a 16th-century building, this avant-garde designed hotel boasts a beautiful rooftop pool with views overlooking a stunning church of the same century. Theres also a cute cafe downstairs where you can sit each morning for your daily cappuccino.

The best part of staying in the Colonial Zone is the walking distance to endless restaurant and bar options. There is also certainly no shortage of teteo the term locals use for partying and just generally having a good time. There are plenty of clubs and places to dance as well. Some places worth checking off the list:

Maraca. This art deco style Carribean restaurant is worthy of a date night while in Santo Domingo. Every corner of this restaurant is photo-worthy including the bathrooms.

La Alpargateria. If youre looking for a hidden gem, look no further. This shoe store also boasts a hidden backyard oasis with a tapas bar.

La Casa del Ron Tasting Terrace. This rooftop cocktails and tapas bar overlooks the first church of the Americas, so its a great way to sample Dominican rum with a historic view.

Buche Pericho. You can choose to sit outside and enjoy the view of El Conde, or head to the back greenhouse oasis at this contemporary gastronomic restaurant offering Dominican cuisine. Complete with a waterfall and an original oven from when it was a foundry, be sure to look down as there are parts you can look through the glass and see the original flooring.

If you decide to rent a car during your stay, depending on the distance youre willing to travel, there are a number of beach options on the southern part of the island. The public beaches in the Dominican Republic work a bit differently than when staying at a resort. Rather than lounge chairs, most will have a table with chairs to rent and you can usually order food and drinks. Be sure to order a fried snapper with tostones at least once during your visit.

Tip: We typically head to another Airbnb in Bavaro, Punta Cana, so that we can enjoy a beach stay for a day or two since its a 2.5 hour drive.

Boca Chica. This is the closest beach to the capital, around 40 minutes away, Boca Chica is known for its beautiful blue shallow water and is a popular respite for locals. If you want to avoid the crowded public beach, opt for one of the restaurants where you can jump into the water right after your meal, like El Pelicano Beach Club.

Playa Caribe. If youre a good swimmer, this half-moon shaped beach is known for its rough waves but picturesque views. Bring pesos or pack a lunch as there is only one spot to order fresh fish and cold beer. Its just around 15 minutes away from Boca Chica, so you can do both on the same day if you want.

Playa Dominicus. This happens to be my favorite beach of all of the public beaches on the south side of the island. Its a very small strip of public beach with tables or lounge chairs for rent, and a few restaurants and souvenir shops. The water is the most beautiful blue, and there is far less seaweed than in Punta Cana during the summer months. At a little less than two hours away, the public beach area is nestled between several resorts with private beach access if you want to make a night of it.

Playa Najayo. Located in San Cristobal, this beach is an hour in the opposite direction and will give you the opportunity to see more of the campo (countryside). Here you will find locals lounging in the shade of the various beachside restaurants, enjoying fried fish with ice-cold Presidentes. There are also tubes for rent if you want to float the afternoon away.

And of course, the great thing about being in the Colonial Zone is the number of museums and other attractions within walking distance. Simply stroll around and you will easily locate more of the historic forts and landmarks, but some other ideas include:

Kahkow Experience. Learn all about Dominican cacao trees in this 2-hour experience. There are also chocolate-making classes and a Kahkow with drinks, desserts and snacks.

Scooter rentals. All around the Colonial Zone youll find scooter rental places where you can rent for around $6 for an hour. This is a fun way to explore the area and see potential places to visit during your stay.

Art galleries. Spend an afternoon strolling the Zona Colonial and stopping into various art galleries along the way.

Agua Splash Caribe and Acuario Nacional. Just a short taxi ride away are both of the capitals outdoor water park and aquarium. If youre traveling with kids, make a day of visiting both.

These are just a few ideas to get you started on planning your trip to the Zona Colonial in the Dominican Republic. Travel tip: Using Google maps is a great way to create a bucket list of places youd like to visit based on photos and reviews by other visitors.

This article is reprinted by permission from The Escape Home, a newsletter for second homeowners and those who want to be. Subscribe here. 2022. All rights reserved.

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This is the affordable Caribbean paradise you need to visit - MarketWatch

MIAMI, Aug. 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) (the "Company") today announced that it has commenced a private offering of $1,000,000,000 aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes due 2027 (the "Notes").

The Company intends to use the proceeds from the sale of the Notes to repay principal payments on debt maturing in 2022 and/or 2023 (including to pay fees and expenses in connection with such repayments). Pending such uses, the Company may temporarily apply the proceeds to repay borrowings under its revolving credit facilities or other borrowings.

Nothing contained herein shall constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security. The Notes are being offered only to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers in reliance on Rule144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and outside the United States, only to certain non-U.S. investors pursuant to Regulation S. The Notes will not be registered under the Securities Act or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state laws.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the Notes or any other securities and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. This press release is being issued pursuant to and in accordance with Rule135c under the Securities Act.

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release relating to, among other things, our future performance estimates, forecasts and projections constitute forward-looking statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited, to: statements regarding revenues, costs and financial results for 2022 and beyond. Words such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "driving," "estimate," "expect," "goal," "intend," "may," "plan," "project," "seek," "should," "will," "would," "considering," and similar expressions are intended to help identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements reflect management's current expectations, are based on judgments, are inherently uncertain and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied in those forward-looking statements. Examples of these risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to, the following: the impact of the global incidence and continued spread of COVID-19, which has had and will continue to have an adverse impact on our business, liquidity and results of operations, or other contagious illnesses on economic conditions and the travel industry in general and the financial position and operating results of our Company in particular, such as: governmental and self-imposed travel restrictions and guest cancellations; our ability to extend the maturities of our existing bank facilities; our ability to obtain sufficient financing, capital or revenues to satisfy liquidity needs, capital expenditures, debt repayments and other financing needs; the effectiveness of the actions we have taken to improve and address our liquidity needs; the impact of the economic and geopolitical environment on key aspects of our business including the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, such as the demand for cruises, passenger spending, and operating costs; incidents or adverse publicity concerning our ships, port facilities, land destinations and/or passengers or the cruise vacation industry in general; concerns over safety, health and security of guests and crew; our COVID-19 protocols and any other health protocols we may develop in response to infectious diseases may be costly and less effective than we expect in reducing the risk of infection and spread of such disease on our cruise ships; further impairments of our goodwill, long-lived assets, equity investments and notes receivable; an inability to source our crew or our provisions and supplies from certain places; an increase in concern about the risk of illness on our ships or when travelling to or from our ships, all of which reduces demand; unavailability of ports of call; growing anti-tourism sentiments and environmental concerns; changes in U.S. foreign travel policy; the uncertainties of conducting business internationally and expanding into new markets and new ventures; our ability to recruit, develop and retain high quality personnel; changes in operating and financing costs; our indebtedness, any additional indebtedness we may incur and restrictions in the agreements governing our indebtedness that limit our flexibility in operating our business; the impact of foreign currency exchange rates, the impact of higher interest rates and fuel prices; vacation industry competition and changes in industry capacity and overcapacity; the risks and costs related to cyber security attacks, data breaches, protecting our systems and maintaining integrity and security of our business information, as well as personal data of our guests, employees and others; the impact of new or changing legislation and regulations or governmental orders on our business; pending or threatened litigation, investigations and enforcement actions; the effects of weather, natural disasters and seasonality on our business; the impact of issues at shipyards, including ship delivery delays, ship cancellations or ship construction cost increases; shipyard unavailability; the unavailability or cost of air service; and uncertainties of a foreign legal system as we are not incorporated in the United States.

In addition, many of these risks and uncertainties are currently heightened by and will continue to be heightened by, or in the future may be heightened by, the COVID-19 pandemic. It is not possible to predict or identify all such risks.

Forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a prediction of actual results. Undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements in this press release, which are based on information available to us on the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About Royal Caribbean Group

Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) is one of the leading cruise companies in the world with a global fleet of 64 ships traveling to approximately 1,000 destinations around the world. Royal Caribbean Group is the owner and operator of three award winning cruise brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises and it is also a 50% owner of a joint venture that operates TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. Together, the brands have an additional 10 ships on order as of June 30, 2022.

SOURCE Royal Caribbean Group

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Royal Caribbean Group announces proposed offering of senior unsecured notes to refinance near term debt maturities - PR Newswire

Its hard to think of anyone who has better distilled the dream of island living than Jimmy Buffett. And Buffetts empire has expanded far beyond music, from the famous, ubiquitous Margaritaville restaurants and bars to a fast-expanding portfolio of branded resorts, including in the Caribbean.

Margaritavilles resort portfolio, which includes properties under several different sub-brands in the region, is a chance for travelers to experience the Margaritaville ideal in vacation form, from 5 OClock Somewhere bars to on-site breweries and splendid swim-up bars.

The latest expansion is the result of an alliance between Margaritaville and Karisma Hotels and Resorts, one that has led to a number of new brands (and several more new resorts currently in the pipeline).

Weve gathered our five favorite Caribbean resorts under the Margaritaville umbrella for you, including the companys freshest new all-inclusives, a unique boutique resort and even a vacation club.Whether youre a full-fledged Parrothead, a beach seeker or a Caribbean aficionado, youll find a group of well-run, thoughtfully-designed resorts that exemplify the best of the beach life.

Margaritaville Island Reserve by Karisma Cap Cana, Dominican Republic If theres a flagship Margaritaville resort in the Caribbean, its this 228-stunner in the tony Cap Cana enclave of the Dominican Republics tourism hub of Punta Cana. The resort, which is also home to 40 villas (all of which have their own private balcony pools), is set on the spectacular Juanillo Beach, with a signature St Somewhere Spa, a Gourmet Village with a number of restaurants and bars in a walkable format and even the only Landshark brewery in the Caribbean.

Original post:

The 5 Best Margaritaville Resorts in the Caribbean - Caribbean Journal

In my discussion with the Caribbean leaders, food security comes up often. The COVID-19 pandemic has undermined food security on a global scale, and with the additional challenges exacerbated by Russias invasion of Ukraine, the impacts on the Caribbean are dire.

This year, the World Food Programme (WFP) estimates that 40 % of the population or 2.8 million people - in the English-speaking Caribbean struggle to access adequate food and remain food insecure. Another WFP survey conducted in February found that 20 % of the respondents reported that they went without eating for at least a whole day in the previous month.

As staggering as these numbers are, the outlook might darken even further.

Ukraine and Russia account for almost 30 % of global wheat exports, almost 20 % of corn exports, and more than 50 % of the sunflower oil supply globally. As the exports stall, the food prices are on the rise. We are already seeing reports that wheat prices now are at a 14-year peak. Fuel prices have also reached their highest level since 2008, which are compounding the spike in prices of other goods and services.

The situation points to an urgent need to strengthen social protection systems in place to buffer economies and protect the most vulnerable in the Caribbean.

Social protection helps families, especially the poor and vulnerable, increase resilience, cope with crises and shocks, invest in the health and education of their children, find jobs, improve productivity, and find a way out of poverty.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, which hit the Caribbean hard, countries deployed a series of social protection measures including emergency cash transfers, unemployment benefits, expansion of existing safety nets and others. These measures have helped significantly.

At the same time, the protracted impacts of the crisis and the need to continue providing support measures put an additional fiscal strain on governments. In this context, governments need to be as efficient as possible, while continuing to offer protection to the poorest and most vulnerable households.

In the short run, targeted support can be provided to the families in most need. While some of them have received much needed assistance, there are still chronically poor families who were left behind even before the pandemic these vulnerable households require immediate support.

Support can also be provided even if only temporarily to additional families who are not receiving social protection programs and became poor and food insecure due to the ongoing crisis.The increases in prices of basic goods and services would also require adjustments to the targeted cash benefits provided to the families in most need to at least maintain their purchasing power.

Caribbean countries should avoid the temptation of providing universal price subsidies. These subsidies can distort markets, rapidly deteriorate public finances, and tend to have limited poverty-reducing impacts.

In the longer term, for the social protection system to work better and to increase its capacity to respond to future shocks, Caribbean countries could consider addressing the following four key challenges:

1.Update poverty data and targeting mechanisms

Data on the poor in most of the Caribbean countries has not been updated in years. In some cases, especially in countries that are part of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), data hasnt been collected in over ten years. The absence of new data makes it hard to quantify the number of people eligible for social assistance and limits targeting accuracy. As a result, even if governments want to invest in social protection measures, the expenditure might be inefficient, limiting its poverty-reducing impact. In this context, updating the data and making use of it to enhance targeting mechanisms can help strengthen the social protection systems.

2. Implement economic inclusion programs

While social protection measures, including cash transfers, have the power to boost human capital and resilience for the poorest people, they are not sufficient to address the potential multiple constraints that prevent the poorest and most vulnerable from climbing out of poverty. These other constraints could include lack of or limited skills, insufficient job opportunities, absence of assets, or inability to access markets and finance.To meet this challenge, governments can implement economic inclusion programs that include social protection, livelihoods support, and financial inclusion to really help the poor find long-term solutions.

3. Modernize the social protection system and increase its institutional capacity

Currently, most of the governments have outdated legal, policy, institutional, and operational frameworks, scarce human resources, and lack of social protection information systems. It is essential to modernize the social protection framework and continue building capacity to make systems more adaptive and responsive to future shocks. This includes upgrading social protection frameworks, improving inter-institutional coordination, enhancing human resources and capacities, modernizing procedures and information systems.

4.Strengthen social insurance and labor market programs

In the majority of the social protection systems of the Caribbean countries, some risks such as the risk of job loss are not covered, with Barbados and the Bahamas being the exception. Current mechanisms in place to protect labor income, such as severance payments, are ineffective to provide income protection in case of job loss, especially during a crisis. On the one hand, coverage of existing mechanisms must be expanded through formal employment, and on the other hand, additional social insurance schemes must be developed, including (Un)Employment Insurance, to improve workers protection mechanisms against shocks and to facilitate reemployment.

At the World Bank, we have supported emergency transfers and short-term social protection measures in several countries since the pandemic began, including in the Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint. Lucia, and Saint. Vincent and the Grenadines.

We are also working closely with many Caribbean governments to address structural challenges. For instance, the World Bank is supporting OECS countries in data for decision making, including poverty data, and building institutional capacity. In Saint Lucia, we are working on updating the social protection policy and the development and implementation of an economic inclusion strategy. In Grenada, we are supporting the reform to establish an unemployment insurance scheme and the related employment services. In Jamaica, we are working to modernize the countrys social protection system and enhance its adaptive capacity.

The volatile context we are witnessing today signals that building strong social protection systems is more important than ever. If we come together as partners, we can reimagine and redesign social protection to increase resilience, opportunities, and equity in the region.

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Reimagining social protection systems in the Caribbean - World Bank Group

Tucked just below the Bahamas, the Caribbean nation of Turks and Caicos has been known to draw in celebrities far and wide. Ultra-luxury resorts on white powdery beaches surrounded by turquoise water, make the destination a staple for unparalleled luxury, explains Kristen Pike, founder and CEO of KK Travels Worldwide. As the countrys name suggests, the islands are categorized into two island groups: the Turks Islands of Grand Turk and Salt Cay to the east, and the larger Caicos Islands archipelago of Providenciales, North Caicos, Middle Caicos, East Caicos, South Caicos, and West Caicos to the west. Spanning from Providenciales to South Caicos, half of Hollywood has called this destination home at one point or another with a star-studded Rolodex of celebrities like Donna Karan, Keith Richards, Gwyneth Paltrow, Prince and for good reason too. Thanks to the island's shallow bays and cays, Turks and Caicos boast some of the bluest waters in all of the Caribbean, explains one tour guide from Provo Tours.

Contrary to some of its neighboring star-studded islands, like St. Barths or Nassau Paradise Island, what Turks and Caicos lacks in nightlife it makes up for with top-ranked beaches, coastal cuisine, and water sports. Here, the latter reigns supreme, and youll often find the A-list crowd taking a sunset sail, a jet ski, or a snorkel out into open waters to meet the islands biggest celebrity, JoJo the dolphin a wild Atlantic bottlenose dolphin known for freely interacting with tourists. For a relatively small destination, youll be delighted to know that theres plenty to see and do, as well as plenty of hotels and rental options well suited for anyone looking for the full celebrity treatment. Heres how to explore the islands of Turks and Caicos like a superstar.

Starting with Providenciales, or Provo (as the locals call it), this island is the country's third largest island and most popular for tourism with Grace Bay beach being the biggest draw. Grace Bay beach has been voted the #1 beach in the world by many publications including the 2022 TripAdvisor's Traveller's Choice Award. In recent years, the beach's powdery white sands and clear bright blue water has become a hub for tourists and celebrities as it boasts an impressive collection of 5-star resorts and restaurants. Beyonc, Drake, and Michael Jordan have all been known to enjoy a stroll on the shore as well as stop into hotels like the Ritz Carlton for dinner at the Italian restaurant Casa Nonna or to hit up the on-site casino.

Blue Hills is one of the three original settlements on Providenciales, with one of the most scenic coastal drives. Home to beautiful beaches and plenty of conches, its a hub for the islands best snorkeling (called Smiths Reef), the Rock House hotel, conch shacks, and a local horseback riding stable. In fact, a few years ago when Provo hosted the Turks and Caicos Music Festival, Alicia Keys went horseback riding on this very beach passing the islands most infamous restaurant, da Conch Shack. John Legend and Chrissy Teigen took their kids to dine here on a recent vacation, where she wrote on an Instagram post, Get the spicy jerk, the dirty fries, and yes, the conch.

While Grace Bay Beach might be the most critically acclaimed, Chalk Sound National Park is arguably the most picturesque. Home to hundreds of tiny islands, an underwater cave, a submerged plane wreck, and the endemic Turks and Caicos Rock Iguana, this secluded lagoon plays host to some of the most vibrant turquoise blue water youll ever see. You can explore the park through the scenic boat tours leaving from the popular restaurant Las Brisas or by renting a car. In addition to the scenic million-dollar homes youll pass, you can feast your eyes on the beautifully pristine Sapodilla Bay and Taylors Bay beaches.

Next to the Bay, youre a short drive away from the Turks Head Brewery followed by the beautiful long and winding Venetian Road off of central Leeward Highway. This 4.7-mile road travels along the banks of Turtle Pond, Flamingo Lake, and Juba Sound, and ends at the Eastern point of Turtle Tail peninsula, where Princes former house is located in addition to other star-studded villas where celebrities like Rihanna and Olivia Munn have been known to vacation.

On the Western shore of Providenciales, nestled on the tip of a 5,000-acre nature and wildlife reserve, the islands most exclusive resort, Amanyara, plays host to a number of celebrities including Will Smith, Brad Pitt, Victoria and David Beckman, and LeBron James, to name a few. Derived from the Sanskrit words for peace and place, Amanyara borders the pristine reefs of the Northwest Point Marine National Park, explains Kristen Pike. With individual Guest Pavilions and villas tucked along the coast, this secluded haven boasts a contemporary yet tranquil design while embracing the sights and sounds of the turquoise sea. Its best suited for couples (or families) seeking relaxation and luxury in a secluded and beautifully designed Zen-like atmosphere.

Found on the Southeast side of Providenciales, opposite Grace Bay, Long Bay Beach is home to a three-mile stretch of beautiful windswept white-sandy beach. As one of the worlds top kiteboarding destinations, this beach attracts kiters from all over the globe, including lessons for beginners eager to learn. Even if you prefer to stay on dry land, its peaceful to watch the kiteboarders from the beach. Especially if youre staying at The Shore Club or one of the many luxury vacation villas which have been visited by the likes of Niki Minaj and the Kardashians.

Just recently in March, rappers Drake and Jack Harlow were spotted jet skiing at this particular beach. You can rent jet skis by the hour from one of the local beach vendors and explore the bays abandoned shipwreck, where visitors can climb to the top of the boat and jump into the crystal clear waters, or stop by the Captain Oaks (floating) Tiki Bar for a drink and some of the best fried fish on the island or shall we say ocean.

Just a boat ride away from Provo airport, located between Providenciales and North and Middle Caicos, Parrot Cay is a great private island experience, says Pike, for those looking to vacation like a VIP. Among this thousand-acre island, youll find the COMO Parrot Cay Resort, a luxury resort made up of villas and private residences where celebrities like Keith Richards, Donna Karan, and Christie Brinkley own homes. These private residences have been known to house other celebrities like Nick Jonas, Justin Beiber, and Angelina Jolie, who also take full advantage of the famous full-service spa and well-being center at the Shambhala Retreat, located on the property of this tranquil cay.

If private islands, five-star resorts, and over-the-top luxury doesnt sell you for a visit, the warm and welcoming smile you get from the locals will. Even the wildlife is friendly, as youll most likely find JoJo the dolphin circling the bays and cays along with his partner and recent heir, baby Dreamer. An unforgettable name bestowed by an unforgettable island, making for one unforgettable experience!

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Turks & Caicos Travel Guide: The Caribbean Destination Every Celebrity Is Running To - The Zoe Report

As part of the entertainment for Mickeys Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, you can find some live pirates waiting for you when you visit the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction!

In the queue for the ride, pirates are found in different areas and interact with the guests.

In some places, the pirates are even using microphones while they banter with each other and with guests as they move through the queue.

You can even find pirates interacting with guests in boats as they pass through the ride itself! What a nice touch.

What is your favorite special character that makes an appearance at Mickeys Not-So-Scary Halloween Party? Let us know in the comments!

For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today onTwitter,Facebook, andInstagram.

Originally posted here:

Live 'Pirates' Join Pirates of the Caribbean During Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 2022 at Walt Disney World - WDW News Today

This is it - the penultimate answer to every traveler's desires, calling those whose long-held dream is to dedicate several months to traveling the planet, experiencing the top sights and sounds across this good gracious earth. As one of the best cruise lines dominating the travel industry, Royal Caribbean's Ultimate World Cruise is the first of its kind; it takes globetrotters across the world on their Serenade of the Seas ship - a luxury vessel with a capacity of 2,466, comprising every modern comfort and amenity adventurers could ever crave on a once-in-a-lifetime trip across each continent.

Here, readers get an exciting insight into what might just be the most incredible experience to ever be offered to mere mortals - specifically, those with a pretty penny to burn. As the first time ever something so spectacular like this has ever been revealed, it's safe to say this: everyone's excited.

The lucky travelers who'll get to relish this unparalleled luxury exploration of planet earth will spend a grand total of 274 nights with like-minded globetrotters, savoring iconic global highlights and mesmerizing discoveries across all seven continents. Never before offered, the Royal Caribbean Ultimate World Cruise sets sail on December 10, 2023, from Miami, Florida, returning once again from whence it departed nine months later on September 10, 2024. On four individual segments compiled into one mind-boggling trip, guests will visit 65 countries, seven continents, over 11 World Wonders, and 150 ports of call on this unrivaled venture around the world - one that truly is the be-all and end-all to beat all cruises.

Incredibly, what makes this jaunt around earth even more remarkable is its flexibility. Should devoting a whole nine months traversing the continents be a bit too much to do on one trip, guests can pick and choose which sections of the world tour they prefer the most, allowing them to completely customize this overly bucket-list-worthy escapade to see the very best parts of the planet they wish to visit the most. Travelers can select any of the four immersive, carefully curated Ultimate World Cruise segments of 60 plus nights instead of the entire month-to-month adventure on board, each connecting them with distinct world cultures, the most legendary landscapes, and a handful of World Wonders, all showcasing the unlimited creations and capacities of both Mother Nature and humankind alike.

Related: Cruise Trip: Should You Work With A Travel Agent Or Book Directly?

The Royal Caribbean Ultimate World Cruise doesn't do anything by halves. With no less than 11 Wonders of the World on the itinerary, guests get the amazing opportunity to experience firsthand:

The massive nine-month trek across the world's oceans is split into four segments, which each feature the most outstanding attractions and destinations of every continent. A breakdown of the cruise's sections is as follows:

The first segment of the world cruise starts in Miami, taking travelers to witness standout scenes of the Americas. From pristine Caribbean shores - such as the ABC Islands - to wildlife-watching the likes of penguins, sea lions, and whales in the glacier-filled Antarctica area of Cape Horn, the diversity involved in this section is truly show-stopping. Guests will also encounter World Wonders in South America, including extraordinary natural phenomena and magnificent man-made marvels, like Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, the world's largest waterfall system of Iguaz Falls near Buenos Aires, the biggest Art Deco sculpture in the world, and the mighty Machu Picchu - the most symbolic remnant of Perus ancient Inca heritage. After these sensational sights, guests will then sail up to the Yucatn Peninsula to bear witness to secluded coves and rugged rock formations along Lands End in Cabo San Lucas, after which they'll go on to discover enchanting Ensenada.

This legacy at sea sends voyagers on the mesmeric paths of Australia and Asia, exploring Hawaii all the way to the crystalline warm waters of Moorea and Tahiti in paradisiacal French Polynesia. Guests will also venture off to discover the kaleidoscopic marine realm bustling on Australias Great Barrier Reef, savor unspoiled natural scenery in Bali, and experience in person one of the most iconic human-made World Wonders - the Great Wall of China. What's more, they'll get to visit the futuristic city of Tokyo and its culture-rich, brightly lit urban sprawls, as well as take in what could easily be described as one of the most breathtaking buildings on the planet: India's stunning and highly elaborate Taj Mahal.

Related: 10 Most Affordable Cruises For 2022, Ranked By Cost

Be it basking in the glitz and glamour of Dubai or soaking up the World Wonders crafted by ancient civilizations headed by historic pharaohs and emperors - such as The Pyramids of Giza in Egypt - this segment is for those who've dreamed of experiencing the most recognizable and indeed the most beautiful landmarks in the Middle East. Not least, this section also grants travelers many of the most revered attractions and pre-historic ruins across both the Mediterranean and Aegean seas, including the Acropolis in Athens, the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus, and even the impressive Colosseum in Rome.

Furthermore, the ship will sail to lesser-visited Greek ports a little more off the traditional tourist trail, like Olympia, the exact place where the first Olympic Games took place, and also the sanctuary site to honor the ancient Greek God - Zeus. If none of these destinations and world marvels quite do it for travelers, perhaps checking out many more wonderful European sites steeped in history and stories of the past might make this section of the cruise all the more appealing, with the city of Split in Croatia, Beautiful Barcelona in Spain, and the dazzling French duos of Provence and Cannes all on the roster.

Related: 10 Epic Day Trips You Can Take From Split, Croatia

The last leg of the Ultimate World Cruise entails an experience-laden cultural exploration setting sail in the Med, from where the ship heads north. From beautiful Barcelona and its gorgeous architecture, including Gaudis Sagrada Famlia, to the culinary delights and sublime sights in Morocco, this section is an indulgent treat to both the eyes and tongue. Beautifully blending the warmer European destinations with those in its chillier parts, the trip also incorporates the majestic fjords in Norway and biking through the captivating capital of Denmark - Copenhagen.

Next up, the final natural marvel on the menu is akin to an alien planet - the geothermal seawater at Iceland's The Blue Lagoon, which is followed by a much-loved city destination - New York. Last but not least, the journey is perfected by a visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay - Royal Caribbean's private island exclusive to its guests - before heading back to Miami to end what will have been the most life-changing adventure any human might ever take that's not in space.

Related: Tour The World On A Luxury Air Cruise For As Much As $160,000

Naturally, with what may be the most intensive exploration of the planet, the total for tickets to Royal Caribbeans Ultimate World Cruise isn't for the faint of heart. Five unique room styles are up for grabs, each with varying price tags, which, for the whole nine-month jaunt around the globe, are as follows:

In addition to these cabin prices, guests will have taxes, port expenses, and fees on top to pay, which are around $4,667 per person.

Those who prefer to book one or more of each segment of the world cruise can do so for a lesser sum, with each room price for every journey section being as follows:

Related: Cruise Cabins: A Helpful Hack Guide For This Small Space

Not for the light-hearted traveler, the Royal Caribbean Ultimate World Cruise is a feat like no other ever brought to the travel sector before. Be it the whole nine-month-long getaway traversing the planet's entirety while witnessing and experiencing every spectacular sight, sound, and scene on both the natural and human-made stage, or one or more of the fantastic, thoughtfully planned cruise segments covering the best highlights of each corner of the globe, this is one heck of a trip discerning explorers simply do not want to miss - but it isn't cheap, so now's the time to start saving.

Originally posted here:

Everything You Need To Know About Royal Caribbean's Ultimate World Cruise - TheTravel

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REGIONAL: DISASTER RISK MONITORING

COLOMBIA: FLOODS

Following large-scale flooding in Colombia's northern La Mojana region that has affected more than 165,000 people, OCHA is providing US$2 million from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to respond to the needs of 40,000 people. The allocation follows a 2021 disbursement for US$3 million that sought to provide assistance to more than 92,800 people. The allocation will support rapid response actions such as the delivery of food, medicine and medical equipment, health brigade deployments, public health monitoring and facilitating WASH access.

CUBA: OIL FACILITY FIRE

OCHA is providing an Emergency Cash Grant (ECG) for US$100,000 for relief items to support response to a massive fire at an oil storage facility in Matanzas, north-western Cuba. Firefighters have extinguished the fire at two of the facility's eight tanks and are working on a fire at a third tank. Officials say the fires no longer pose a threat to spread further or cause additional explosions.

The fire also prompted the evacuation of about 4,700 people and has led to at least 130 injuries and the deaths of 2 firefighters. Some 14 people remain missing. Authorities say there is evidence that environmental pollution indicators have decreased following initial reports that smoke from the fire contained poisonous gases and air pollutants.

ATLANTIC HURRICANE SEASON

The United States National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration (NOAA) adjusted their May 2022 Atlantic hurricane season forecast, which now projects a decreased likelihood of an above-normal season (originally 65 per cent, now at 60) and an increase in the likelihood of nearnormal activity from 10 per cent to 30 per cent.

The adjusted forecast nevertheless calls for 14 to 20 named storms, 6 to 10 of which might become hurricanes and 3 to 5 of which could become major hurricanes. Despite the slight reduction in projected activity, NOAA notes that there are several atmospheric and oceanic conditions that may yet favour an active season, including La Nia conditions forecast to remain for the rest of 2022, weaker tropical Atlantic trade winds, an active west African Monsoon and above-normal sea-surface temperatures in the Atlantic.

Originally posted here:

Latin America & The Caribbean Weekly Situation Update (8-14 August 2022) as of 15 August 2022 - World - ReliefWeb

London, Aug. 15, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The CBI Index which is a yearly report that compares citizenship by investment programmes by ranking their performances and desirability is due for release later this week. The index ranks programmes through nine pillars of excellence that measures their overall performance and appeal.

Released yearly by the Financial Times PWM Magazine, the CBI Index rating system uses a wide range of indicators to measure how well global citizenship by investment (CBI) programmes work and how appealing they are. Its goal is to provide a rigorous and systematic way to evaluate programmes and make it easier for people to take informed choices about economic citizenship.

The 2021 CBI Index featured fourteen countries from around the world, with five from the Caribbean region: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia and St Kitts and Nevis. The index also featured nine countries from Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia, including Austria, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Egypt, Jordan, Malta, Montenegro, Turkey and Vanuatu. The Caribbean region are pioneers of the CBI industry, with St Kitts and Nevis launching the world's first citizenship by investment programme in 1984.

Since the launch of the CBI Index in 2017, the Commonwealth of Dominica has been topping the charts and is regarded as one of the world's leading citizenship by investment programmes. The Dominica CBI has continued to post exceptional scores for each of the nine pillars. Launched in 1993, it is the second oldest CBI programme in the world, with the government utilising the inflow of revenue to mitigate the impact of climate change and natural disasters.

In the 2021 CBI Index, Dominica scored a maximum score of ten in five out of the nine pillars, while scoring a solid nine in the citizenship timeline pillar. The minimum investment outlay, mandatory travel, ease of the process, due diligence, family, and certainty of product pillars showed the performance of the Dominica CBI, which scored a final score of 80. There are speculations that Dominica might emerge as the best CBI programme this year.

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St Kitts and Nevis made its debut in the top rankings in the 2021 CBI Index and claimed the top position as the most popular and number one citizenship by investment programme. Over the years, the programme has increased the scope of its definition of a dependant by including siblings of the main applicant or spouse (provided they are 30 years or younger, unmarried, childless and financially dependent on the main applicant). The programme also scored a total of 80 points in the final results and was the leader in the pillars of mandatory travel, citizenship timeline, due diligence, and family and scored a nine in the certainty of product.

The Citizenship Investment Programme (CIP) of Saint Lucia, launched in 2016 and the newest in the Caribbean region ranked fourth in the 2021 CBI Index, is also striving to make its mark in the 2022 Index report. Last year, Saint Lucias total score was 74. The Saint Lucia CIP scored high in the pillar of minimum investment outlay, mandatory travel, citizenship timeline and ease of the process while scoring seven points in the pillar of due diligence and freedom of movement and six in the certainty of product and standard of living. It also became the first country to score one point higher in the standard of living pillar in the 2021 report.

With Saint Lucias change of leadership, it is expected that the programme will enter the top three in the 2022 CBI Index Report as the new administration has been working hard to re-brand the programme in an attempt to position itself amongst the world's leading programmes.

The CBI Index utilises official sources and publications from several institutions with the highest international standings, as well as specialised information from CBI industry experts to conduct its research. The points are awarded after thorough evaluation of evidence, data and the letter of the law. All programmes are ranked based on the nine pillars below:

James McKay who heads up the research for the report believes that the CBI Index has established itself as the industry's resource for a high-level, data-driven, impartial appraisal of available CBI programmes that help investors and their families to stay informed about investment decisions in a rapidly changing world.

Citizenship experts around the world eagerly await the results of the 2022 CBI Index which is expected to be released later this week. The Dominica and St Kitts and Nevis CBI programmes are expected to retain their top rankings with the Saint Lucia CIP making a steady upward climb through the rankings.

In a world where the notion of traditional citizenship is blurring, people are looking for more options to expand their boundaries. In such situations, citizenship by investment programmes help with portfolio diversification and successful applicants receive citizenship for life that are not based on where the person chooses to live.

As more programmes emerge, due diligence remains the utmost priority for these countries. Dominica and St Kitts and Nevis are recognised for having vigorous due diligence procedures utilising reputable due diligence agencies based in the UK and USA. All applicants and their dependants over the age of 16 undergo multi-layered background checks conducted by the world's leading government and private agencies. The CBI Index report understands the gravity of due diligence and also evaluates programmes based on global safety and security. In recent years, family inclusiveness has become a critical factor which CBI nations can utilise to enhance the integrity of their offerings allowing them to move closer to harmonised due diligence standards.

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CBI Index 2022: CS Global Partners reports that Caribbean nations eyeing top positions - Yahoo Finance