Category Archives: Caribbean

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridges recent tour was in sharp opposition to the needs and aspirations of the Caribbean people, a human rights alliance from the region has said.

The British monarchys historic role in the slave trade continues to damage the Caribbeans society and economy, Jamaicas Advocates Network said in an open letter published jointly with representatives from Belize and the Bahamas.

Repeating the call for reparations to be paid by the UK government, the alliance said: We stand united in rejecting this so-called charm offensive tour of the Caribbean undertaken by William and Catherine, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, which is in sharp opposition to the needs and aspirations of indigenous peoples and people of African descent in the Caribbean.

We stand united in condemning Britains savagery in enslaving our ancestors, the coarse indecency of colonial exploitation, the brutality of its enforcers and the enduring legacies of impoverishment and colonial-era ideologies that have damaged and continue to damage our people, our society and our economy.

It was a trip intended to repair relations between the monarchy and the Caribbean people, but Prince William and his wife faced fierce protests in Belize over a land dispute involving a charity of which the Duke is a patron.

The opposition came as the Jamaican prime minister said his country would be moving on to become a republic, while a government committee in the Bahamas called on the royals to issue a full and formal apology for their crimes against humanity.

William issued a statement after the trip understood to have not been discussed with the Queen and Prince Charles first in which he said the visit had brought into even sharper focus questions about the past and the future.

But Cristina Coc, leader of the Maya community in southern Belize, criticised the duke and duchess for not going beyond saying sorry.

Before they ask us to heal, they must right the wrongs they have caused indigenous people and people of African heritage, she said. The powers and systems that continue to foster imperialism must acknowledge the harm done, not merely by an apology but by a true recognition of our inalienable human rights, land rights and true reparative justice.

We will not continue to remain silent in the face of continued threats to our identity, dignity and agency while privileged royals travel around in desperation to maintain the legacy of colonies.

Niambi Hall-Campbell, of the University of the Bahamas, lambasted the cost to taxpayers in the country to fund the royal tour.

She said: Why are we being made to pay again? Why are we footing the bills for the benefit of a regime whose rise to greatness was fuelled by the enslavement, colonisation and degradation of the people of this land, when we should be the ones receiving payments?

Several hundred thousand dollars in public resources and manpower were dedicated to accommodating the royal visit at a time when thousands of Bahamians are struggling to make ends meet amid high inflation.

The duke is understood to have also raised questions about whether it would be appropriate for him to be head of the Commonwealth, since the role is not hereditary. In 2018, Commonwealth leaders formally announced that Charles would become the next head after the Queen.

Meanwhile, Sir Hilary Beckles, vice-chancellor of the University of the West Indies and chair of the Caricom Reparation Committee, said it was an embarrassment that the Queen continues as head of state to a number of Caribbean countries.

He said: It is now today, at this time to us, an embarrassment, that we should have a head of state who does not live among us, who does not understand the lives and the pain and suffering of the people who are her subjects, who cannot perform any role or functions among the people over who she presides and has to hire someone to do her work because either she is too busy or unwilling, unable, cannot perform her duty as head of state and delegates that duty to someone else.

These are part of the embarrassments of colonialism that we can no longer take.

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Royal tour in sharp opposition to needs of Caribbean people, says human rights group - The Guardian

April means a full month of spring Royal Caribbean cruises to choose from, as well as the moving of ships back to Europe.

This article is an effort to share what you need to knowabout going on a Royal Caribbean cruise in the month of April, with important news, tips, and helpful information along the way.

Just like March, April is when many families look to enjoy a spring break cruise. That means higher demand for cruises in April through the Easter holiday, and higher guest counts more than likely.

Easter falls on April 17, 2022, which is usually the culmination of spring break demand. The last week and half of April could see less demand for cruises, since school will be back in session.

If you want to avoid crowds, look for a cruise in the last week of April.

Three more Royal Caribbean cruise ships return to service in April.

Radiance of the Seas and Serenade of the Seas will start back up with a repositioning cruise from Los Angeles to Vancouver so that they can be ready for the start of the Alaska cruise season in May.

Voyager of the Seas will sail from Copenhagen in late April to kick off Royal Caribbean's European season.

At the end of April, only one Royal Caribbean cruise ship will remain out of service since the pandemic, which is Rhapsody of the Seas.

April is the time of year for many Royal Caribbean ships to leave the Caribbean waters and sail east to Europe.

Wonder of the Seas will bid adieu to her temporary home in Fort Lauderdale and sail to Barcelona, Spain on a 14-night transatlantic cruise on April 20th.

Here's a look at the other transatlantic crossings in April:

With Royal Caribbean ships sailing from many places other than the United States in April 2022, the exact protocols will vary somewhat, but the core requirements seem to be universal.

All Royal Caribbean guests age 12 and older must present proof of full COVID-19 vaccination with the final dose of their vaccine administered at least 14 days before sailing.

With the exception of the transatlantic crossings that do not allow anyone unvaccinated onboard,Royal Caribbean does not require kids younger than 12 to be vaccinated.

All crew members on every ship will be fully vaccinated.

Masks are optional for vaccinated passengers onboard its ships indoors.

Unvaccinated children are expected to wear masks indoors and in crowded settings. All children, regardless of vaccination status, will need to wear a mask in Adventure Ocean.Guests under 2 do not have to wear a mask at any time.

Covid testing requirements are nearly all the same, with the exception of transatlantic crossings.

Vaccinated guests must show a negative COVID-19 test result for a PCR or antigen test taken no more than 2 days before boarding day.

Unvaccinated kids age 2 to 11 must show a negative test result for a PCR test (not antigen) taken no more than 3 days before boarding day. This test cannot be taken on boarding day for unvaccinated kids.

Guests under 2 years of age do not need to complete a pre-cruise test.

Be sure to refer to Royal Caribbean's requirements for your sailing, especially if you are on a transatlantic cruise, or sailing from somewhere outside of the continental United States, such as Puerto Rico or Barbados.

Spring in the Caribbean means warm temperatures before the summer heat arrives in the region.

You'll find higher temperatures across the board, with it far less likely to be chilly during your cruise once in the Caribbean.

You will find warmer temperatures in places like The Bahamas, and if you take a Southern Caribbean cruise, expect average high temps to reach the low 90s.

April is the the end of the dry season in the Caribbean, so don't expect too much rain.

Just like in the Caribbean, expect warm temperatures in the Mexican Riviera, with high temperatures in themid 80's to low 90's.

April weather in the Mexican Riviera is some of the best weather once you get to Mexico.April is the driest month of the entire year based on historical data from the Mexico Tourism Ministry.

If your cruise sails over the Easter holiday, you can expect some special events onboard.

The exact activities will depend on the sailing, but in the past we've seen:

In addition, Royal Caribbean has had special foods in the Windjammer and main dining room.

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Royal Caribbean cruises in April 2022: What to expect - Royal Caribbean Blog

The Noyes Second Floor Art Gallery presents ARETO: Allusions of Sacred Geometry and Disapora, an installation by Yanira Collado, through May 18.

Areto is an Arawak ceremonial practice involving lyrics and choreography that was believed to recount and pay tribute to the heroic deeds of Tano ancestors, chiefs, gods and Cemis. This installation is an analysis into the emergence and diaspora of the cultural practices, spirituality and folkloric traditions in the Caribbean.

Collado, a Miami-based conceptual artist who lived and worked in Evanston, attempts with her work to assemble a visual language that brings together the questions of whose history is recorded, stored and retrieved and how that process occurs.

The exhibition is free and the gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays though Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. Mask and proof of vaccination are required.

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New exhibit brings Caribbean folklore and traditions to Noyes art gallery - Evanston RoundTable

The first and last major Archaic discovery here happened in the 1970s in the southern part of the island. Over the years, Coppa found butterfly axes scattered around the north, but no site, which led him to believe the Archaic peoples lived down south, likely coming from Cuba, the biggest island in the Greater Antilles.

Until he found El Pozito.

El Pozito is tucked away at the end of the Saman Peninsula, a 30-mile verdant strip of land in the country's north-east that juts into the Atlantic Ocean. An eco-tourism paradise, the land is rainforested and dramatic, formed by the Sierra de Saman, an extension of the Cordillera Septentrional the biggest mountain range in the Caribbean that runs along the northern coast, providing natural shelters along several remote beaches. Coppa theorises that these Archaic people may have reached Saman from Puerto Rico, the closest nearby island about 200 nautical miles to the east, though he says more research is needed.

You may also be interested in: The US' lost, ancient megacityWas this the wickedest city on Earth?A Roman settlement at the bottom of the sea

But the bigger questions are: Which continent did they come from? To whom are they related? How did they interact and trade with others? And what happened to them?

According to Sapiens author Yuval Noah Harari, the first seafaring society may have developed on the Indonesia archipelago 45,000 years ago. It would take another 39,000 years or so for homo sapiens to discover the Caribbean the last region of the Americas to be settled by humans, and the first to be colonised by Europeans.

While 6,000 years ago is relatively recent for archaeologists, evidence is scarce because almost nothing organic survives the tropics. The humid climate, volcanic soil and rising sea levels not to mention agriculture, development, looting and indifference breaks down and swallows up bones, settlements and objects, posing a challenge to Caribbean archaeology. But that's precisely what makes the field and this discovery exciting.

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The mysterious people of the Caribbean - BBC.com

Trinidad And Tobago Unit Trust Corporation (UTC), a regional leader in investment management and wealth creation, looks to provide new opportunities to startups and early-stage growth companies through a new venture.

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago, March 29, 2022 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ --Trinidad and Tobago Unit Trust Corporation (UTC), a global financial solutions provider offering products and services to meet every client need for over 37 years, today announced they are partnering with Tech Beach Retreat, the Caribbean tech platform connecting the Caribbean with the global tech ecosystem. UTC has come on board as a sponsor of Tech Beach Retreat and TBR Lab. Together they aim to accelerate the digital transformation of the Caribbean economy through supporting business entrepreneurship and success in a variety of sectors and industries.

According to the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), the Caribbean economy is set to grow by 6.1% in 2022. An increase in access to digital services, technologies, and skills by businesses and individuals could further stimulate business innovation, transform production systems and supply chains, encourage competitiveness and help startups solve pressing problems using innovative technology.

When UTC opened its doors forty years ago, it was to create an avenue to a better future for the people of Trinidad and Tobago. The company continues to impact the community by providing accessibility to wealth-creating investments, environmental citizenship, and education. In recent years, the company has also invested heavily in empowering entrepreneurs through their sponsorship and self-hosted initiatives. Coming together with Tech Beach, who have built their own ecosystem for techpreneurs in the region to launch successful start-ups through their program, TBR Lab, both companies are now embarking upon a drive to encourage, promote and nurture the region's next business moguls by creating valuable connections for education and mentorship.

"This partnership with Tech Beach will ensure a future generation can not only benefit from but also drive the digital transformation in our region," said Akil Edwards, Digital Strategy Manager at UTC. "In order to radically transform the digital landscape of the Caribbean and emerging markets, we need to rely on the energy and passion of young entrepreneurs and visionaries. Tech Beach shares our mission of encouraging innovation to develop the Caribbean Digital Economy."

Within the last two years, UTC has served as a sponsor in the Chamber of Commerce's entrepreneurship awards, financed the launch of Scale Up Trinidad and Tobago - a program run by the Entrepreneurship Policy Advisors (EPA) that helps SMBs to experience more rapid growth - and launched their own initiative Urpreneur. Urpreneur provides a community for entrepreneurs to share, connect and learn viable skills to enhance their businesses. By partnering with Tech Beach, UTC will help propel an entrepreneurship and innovation revolution through investment, and mentorship.

"We're excited to have UTC on board. Their experience and resources will see that the next generation of technologists and entrepreneurs can successfully catapult their ideas to life and lead the future," said Kyle Maloney, Co-Founder of Tech Beach Retreat. "Only through the emergence and proliferation of high-growth tech startups can we hope to accelerate growth in the region's digital economy and reap the benefits in both the present and future."

To date, TBR Lab has successfully supported the growth of 65 Tech startups, across 14 Countries. Startups in the program have raised a collective US$50 million, an unprecedented feat in the region.

About The Unit Trust Corporation

The Unit Trust Corporation is one of the largest financial solutions providers in the Caribbean, with over TT$22 billion (US$3 billion) in Funds Under Management. With nearly every household in Trinidad and Tobago invested with the Unit Trust Corporation, it is an indigenous institution with a strong foundation, standing side by side with over 617,000 strong Unitholders.

Through prudent advice and judicious fund management, they cater to the diverse needs of individuals, businesses and government institutions. They are focused on helping their investors to achieve their goals by offering investment education and financial advisory services. With sound portfolio management strategies, they are committed to bringing the best value to their investors. Through their shared value thrust, the UTC Foundation has been set up to strengthen their social investment and philanthropic arm, under the pillars of Entrepreneurship, Education, Financial Well-Being and Environmental Citizenship.

The Unit Trust Corporation is committed to having a meaningful impact and contributing to the development of its country and the region in extension.

About TechBeach Retreat

TechBeach Retreat is a powerful technology ecosystem connecting people and organizations positioning to evolve through technology, with the skills, resources, opportunities, and leadership they need to solve problems and accelerate their transformation. Their platforms offer a multi-layered solution designed on pillars of community (TBR Summits), education (TBR Lab), market data (TBR Intelligence), partnerships, and investment (Venture Island). Their past partnerships include Google, Microsoft, Facebook, and SAP.

Media Contact

Todd William, Trinidad and Tobago Unit Trust Corporation (UTC), 8889753331, info@reputationrhino.com

SOURCE Trinidad and Tobago Unit Trust Corporation (UTC)

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UTC Partners With Tech Beach Retreat To Spur Growth Of Caribbean Digital Economy - 69News WFMZ-TV

The ECSE set to become the first regulated exchange in the Western Hemisphere to enable Tokenized IPOs

Toronto, Ontario and Basseterre, St. Kitts--(Newsfile Corp. - March 29, 2022) - The Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange Ltd (ECSE) is pleased to announce the signing of a Master Agreement with Canadian FinTech Blockstation to launch a new blockchain-driven tokenized securities market.

The ECSE, a regional exchange representing eight Caribbean national economies, will leverage the Blockstation Ecosystem to attract a new class of issuer that is technology savvy and eager to tokenize their securities and raise capital on the open market. A Tokenized IPO can reduce time and cost when compared to traditional workflows, driving efficiencies for all parties and positioning the ECSE as an innovation leader among regulated stock exchanges.

"By embracing tokenization of securities on the Blockchain, we send a strong signal to issuers and investors everywhere that we are ready for the next evolution in capital markets," says Trevor Blake, ECSE's Managing Director. "Our partnership with Blockstation will ensure our ability to provide a safe, secure, and highly efficient on-ramp for issuers to conduct Tokenized IPOs, raise capital, and attract the investors they need to grow and thrive."

This Master Agreement follows a successful pilot of the Blockstation platform which involved the ECSE, the Eastern Caribbean Central Securities Depository Ltd, First Citizens Investment Services Ltd, the Bank of St. Lucia Ltd, and the Grenada Co-operative Bank Ltd in 2021. The pilot confirmed the suitability of Blockstation to provide end-to-end functionality for all stakeholders to list, trade, clear and settle tokenized securities as well as manage the compliant onboarding of issuers and investors in a regulated environment.

"We're excited to partner with the ECSE in creating a new securities marketplace built around Blockchain, tokenization and smart contract technology," says Marko M. Hafez, Co-Founder and CEO of Blockstation. "The tokenized securities market is rapidly increasing in value around the globe and a holistic, blockchain-driven solution is exactly what regulated exchanges need to modernize, attract issuers, support Tokenized IPOs, and remain competitive in today's digital marketplace."

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About ECSE

The Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange Ltd (ECSE) is a fully electronic regional exchange that was promoted by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), as a part of a programme to develop money and capital markets in the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU). The ECSE, was launched in October 2001, along with two subsidiaries, the Eastern Caribbean Central Securities Registry Ltd (ECCSR) and the Eastern Caribbean Central Securities Depository Ltd (ECCSD), to provide the infrastructure for the trading, clearing and settlement, and registration and transfer of financial assets on the Eastern Caribbean Securities market (ECSM) and, subsequently, the Regional Government Securities Market (RGSM). The ECCSR was subsequently wound up, as a part of a Group rationalization exercise, and its activities subsumed into the ECCSD. Consistent with industry norms, the ECCSD then became a full service CSD providing a full range of post trade services. http://www.ecseonline.com

ECSE media contact:

Trevor E BlakeManaging Directorinfo@ecseonline.com 1-869-466-7192

About Blockstation Inc.

Blockstation is a holistic, blockchain-driven platform for the entire lifecycle of listing, trading, clearing and settlement of securities and tokenized securities and digital assets within the regulated capital marketplace. As an ecosystem solution, Blockstation serves international stock exchanges and their network of broker-dealer, regulator and depository partners with turn-key, end-to-end functionality to incorporate tokenized assets into their book of business, empowering them to attract new issuers, increase trading revenue, and satisfy market demand.

Blockstation media contact:

Michael SpiarCommunications & Education Managermichael.spiar@blockstation.com 1-800-599-7180 X3

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/117896

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Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange (ECSE) Signs Master Agreement with Blockstation to Launch Regulated Digital Asset Platform - Yahoo Finance

Cruise line private islands generally just offer a beach, maybe a few beach activities, perhaps a kiddie play area, various bars, and a BBQ-style lunch. That's what Carnival Cruises Lines (CCL) - Get Carnival Corporation Report and Norwegian Cruise Line (NCLH) - Get Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. Report offer.

Some cruisers prefer these beach-based islands that offer a nice day at or in the ocean and not much else. Royal Caribbean (RCL) - Get Royal Caribbean Group Report decided to amp up its main private island for Caribbean sailings, Coco Cay (the company also has a private island in Labadee, Haiti).

Coco Cay used to be a basic beach that required a tender (a small ship) from the cruise ship to shore. The company, however, put the island through a massive renovation a few years ago adding a huge pool, a water park, a private beach club, and a variety of eating options turning the destination into "Perfect Day at Coco Cay."

The island still has quiet beaches and even a tranquil lagoon, but it also has an impressive water park, zip lines, and even a tethered hot air balloon ride (which all cost extra, so shareholders should be happy.

Now, the company has Perfect Day plans for another island, but it's not going to be the same kind of perfect day.

Image source: Daniel Kline/TheStreet

A global company, Royal Caribbean has long talked about plans to build a Perfect Day on Lelepa, a small island in the South Pacific. The island would become a stop on cruises out of Australia.

And, while it will use the Perfect Day name, it won't have a water park, hot air balloon, or, perhaps, even a pool (the company has not been clear on that). Instead, it will be built more around the natural beauty of the island offering cruisers "authentic adventures and genuine relaxation, according to Royal Caribbean President Michael Bayley, Cruise Passenger reported.

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Whats a perfect day for an Australian is not a perfect day for an American, Royal Caribbean Vice President Mark Tamis said recently, according to Cruise Passenger. Thrilling for an Australian might be snorkeling while a thrill for an American might be going down a water slidenot that Australians dont also like water slides, of course.

Royal Caribbean has not shared an opening date for Perfect Day Lelepa, but it's likely to be in 2023 due to pandemic-caused delays. The island will be built carefully working with the local government to make it reflective of the area's natural beauty.

"There's also one, very special aspect of this project that is also worth noting. Lelapa will be the first private cruise destination in the world that achieves carbon neutrality. All of the energy consumed will be generated from renewable sources. Accomplishing that requires both major investment and major innovation, but Perfect Day at Lelapa will be rich in both," Royal Caribbean Chairman Richard Fain said, as reported by the Royal Caribbean Blog (which has no affiliation with the company).

"One of the things that we're already seeing is Perfect Day is leading the charge in terms of demand and premium for the ships that are operating out of South Florida already and in fact, out of New York," Bayley said during the cruise line's third-quarter earnings call.

Bayley also noted that Coco Cay is not finished and construction continues on Hideaway Beach, a planned adults-only area of the island.

"The beauty of Hideaway Beach is that it is an adult-only area as part of Perfect Day. It will allow us to increase our capacity by approximately 3,000 people a day in late '22, which is obviously going to help improve our overall profitability and drive more revenue, both ticket and onboard," he said.

Coco Cay, Labadee, and soon Lelepa give Royal Caribbean something Carnival and Norwegian, not to mention smaller cruise lines all over the world, simply don't offer. It's a massive competitive advantage, especially in the current times when various cruise ports are limiting access to cruise ships.

Even after Covid, controlling its own highly-desirable destinations gives Royal Caribbean an edge over its rivals. Adding Lelapa, as well as a planned, but not finalized beach club in Nassau, builds on that competitive advantage.

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Royal Caribbean Shows Off Its New Private Island - TheStreet

As the royals left the Caribbean, William released an unprecedented statement about the future of the nations he and Kate visited.

"I know that this tour has brought into even sharper focus questions about the past and the future. In Belize, Jamaica and The Bahamas, that future is for the people to decide upon," William said.

"Foreign tours are an opportunity to reflect. You learn so much. What is on the minds of Prime Ministers. The hopes and ambitions of school children. The day-to-day challenges faced by families and communities," William began his statement.

"I know that this tour has brought into even sharper focus questions about the past and the future. In Belize, Jamaica and The Bahamas, that future is for the people to decide upon. But we have thoroughly enjoyed spending time with communities in all three countries, understanding more about the issues that matter most to them.

"Catherine and I are committed to service. For us that's not telling people what to do. It is about serving and supporting them in whatever way they think best, by using the platform we are lucky to have.

"It is why tours such as this reaffirm our desire to serve the people of the Commonwealth and to listen to communities around the world. Who the Commonwealth chooses to lead its family in the future isn't what is on my mind. What matters to us is the potential the Commonwealth family has to create a better future for the people who form it, and our commitment to serve and support as best we can," he concluded.

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Every Must-See Moment from Kate Middleton and Prince William's 2022 Caribbean Tour - PEOPLE

Jamaica boasts a treasure trove of natural and cultural delights that make it the Carribean's tourism hotspot

Published: Tue 29 Mar 2022, 3:31 PM

Last updated: Tue 29 Mar 2022, 3:33 PM

The 'heartbeat of the world' excites and enthrals overseas visitors of all ages

Known as the 'land of wood and water: Jamaica's rich tourism offerings include an array of white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, tropical greenery and very hospitable people. The island's colourful history and natural beauty make it an ideal destination for travellers seeking unforgettable adventures.

Such is Jamaica's robust appeal, visitor numbers to the island have rebounded strongly since the government introduced a series of Covid-19 safety and testing protocols that set the benchmark for other tourism-dependent nations to target. The results have certainly been remarkable, with more than 1.5 million people visiting Jamaica in 2021, a significant total that generated an impressive $2 billion in revenue.

While many visitors opt to spend time relaxing by the sea or pools, for the more adventurous, Jamaica's beautiful landscapes provide the platform for thrill-seekers to enjoy a variety of adrenaline boosting experiences, from river rafting down the Rio Grande, to hiking in the Blue Mountains, to zip lining through lush tree canopy.

"Tourism is the lifeblood of Jamaica's economy as the sector comprises a crucial part of our national development and economic strategy;' states Donovan White, director of tourism at the award-winning Jamaica Tourist Board.

"Jamaica offers very unique and top-of-the-line travel experiences, with world-renowned resorts as well as diverse attractions, riveting music and a cuisine that caters to international travellers from across the globe. Jamaica's menu of options provides unmatched holiday offerings that cater to discerning travellers from the Gulf and other Arab and Middle Eastern countries;' he continues.

"We bring to the table a good product line for families as well as adventure seekers and people who have interests in areas such as mu sic, food, culture or our natural assets like beaches, flora and fauna. We are ready to welcome our guests from the Middle East and hope this will create a unique cultural exchange between Jamaica and the regions:'

During a visit to the Gulf in 2021, Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett held high-level talks with key players in the cruise and aviation sectors. The dynamic politician participated in critical discussions with executives of maritime services provider DP World, as well as senior officials from leading airline Emirates regarding the potential creation of the inaugural Dubai to Kingston route.

"The UAE represents the next critical partner in Jamaica's tourism matrix and we thought that it was time that Gulf airlines started flying into the Caribbean region - that is a major objective for us;' says Bartlett.

"Jamaica would be positioned as the region's hub, so arrivals could come into our Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay and then could be transferred to oth er destinations in the Caribbean, South America and even North America:'

Bartlett is also eager to explore a wider range of mutually beneficial financial and investment partnerships as Jamaica looks to construct a string of 'mega investments and mega partnerships' to build much of the infrastructure required to boost the country's tourist industry and national economic performance.

"The capital markets in our region are limited in terms of their ability to drive that type of investment:' he explains. "Engaging with Gulf partners would enable us to have that sort of capital injection into the region. This could be a great gamechanger:'

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Jamaica: The Right Place to Visit and do Business Within the Caribbean - wknd.

Wonder of the Seas, the newest Royal Caribbean (RCL) - Get Royal Caribbean Group Report cruise ship has claimed the title as the biggest cruise ship in the world. It may also have stolen the crown when it comes to being the ship with the most/best activities from either its own ship relative Odyssey of the Seas, or Carnival's newest ship, Mardi Gras.

That's, of course, subjective. One person may prefer the restaurants, special activities on one ship over another while someone else may feel differently. Both cruise lines most certainly work to offer ships that captivate customers and get them to pick their line or even switch from a rival.

Wonder of the Seas offers eight neighborhoods, including the famed Central Park outdoor area, along with a new kids' playscape, Royal Caribbean's new southern restaurant, Mason Jar, the cruise line's first-ever suites-only neighborhood, and familiar favorites like the FlowRider surf simulator, a zip line, the Ultimate Abyss water slides, twin rock climbing walls, and multiple signature shows.

Mardi Gras, which sort of serves as Carnival's answer to Royal Caribbean's latest ships (the Oasis-class Wonder of the Seas and the Quantum Class Odyssey of the Seas) has its fair share of special features too. These include the first-of-its-kind Bolt Roller Coaster, as well as six themed zones (its version of neighborhoods) as well as an onboard edition of "Family Feud," as well as restaurants from famed chefs Guy Fieri, Emeril Lagasse, Rudi Sodiman and the lines Chief Fun Officer, Shaquille ONeal.

Neither of those descriptions does justice to just how much the latest Carnival and Royal Caribbean (not to mention Norwegian Cruise Line (NCLH) - Get Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. Report) ships offer, but it gives you a taste.

Every new cruise ship means a chance at innovation or at least to look at what your rivals have done and try to go bigger and/or better. Carnival's next ship, the Celebration, is a sister ship to Mardi Gras, but it will have a few twists.

From a design perspective, we are incorporating elements from our former ships, paying homage to the history of Carnival, and also showcasing Carnival Celebration as a modern, innovative, and forward-looking vessel, said Carnival Senior Vice President Ben Clement in a press release. While similar to Mardi Gras with a plethora of options for dining, entertainment, and relaxation, Celebration will have her own personality, one that celebrates all things Carnival, intertwining where we have been with where we are going.

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The ship will include the second installation of the Bolt roller coaster. It will also have a two-level RedFrog Tiki Bar "designed to transport guests to a South Pacific paradise," Shaquille ONeals Big Chicken restaurant, guest-favorite Guys Burger Joint, Seafood Shack, andBlueIguana Cantina, a Mexican eatery.

"Celebration Central will also feature the awe-inspiring, three-deck-high atrium that guests are quickly getting to know and love, but with a ceiling that appears as a burst of a confetti canon made of approximately 1,400 color-changing lighting fixtures that will transform from day to night," the company added.

The space will host entertainment options, including live music, special effects, aerial acrobatic performances, and high-energy shows.

The new ship will have a special area celebrating Carnival's original homeport in Miami, named after the address of Carnivals original headquarters, 820 Biscayne. This area "will celebrate the culture, architectural styles, and flavors of the home city where the line was founded in 1972."

Located on Deck 8, in the same location as La Piazza on Mardi Gras, "820 Biscayne will feature a similar layout and venues but with influences and design elements that reflect the urban-meets-laid back vibes of Miami," the company shared. The new area will feature a number of unique-to-the-ship options:

We wanted to continue to give our guests the delicious and fun offerings they know and love from Mardi Gras but with new identities that pay tribute to the rich culture of Miami, a city that is so special to all of us, said Clement. Miami is a one-of-a-kind city with many different sides to it, so we tried to capture all of that in 820 Biscayne from the tropical feel and original Art Deco designs that can still be found on Miami Beach today to the modern city look of Brickell and of course, with a huge emphasis on the delicious flavors throughout.

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Carnival Readies Its Answer to Royal Caribbean's Newest Ships - TheStreet