Caribbean Travel News And Deals

Latest Caribbean And Latin America News from News America – The Black Immigrant Daily

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. April 28, 2023: Here are the top Caribbean travel news and deals this week in 60 seconds.

The US, Canada and the UK are all warning against all travel to Haiti as violence in the Caribbean nation moves from bad to worse.

According to the FBI’s Miami field office, kidnappings are
surging in Haiti to the tune of a 300% increase for the first three months of 2023 when compared to 2022.

Canada is again warning nationals to exercise caution if travelling to several Caribbean nations due to violent crime.

They are: Guyana, Belize, The Bahamas, The Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica.

The US’ warning to Americans about travel to the Dominican Republic remains at Level two or Exercise Increased Caution due to crime.

The Martinique Tourism Authority has announced a new direct flight between Toronto and Martinique with Air Canada.

The non-stop, five-hour flight utilizes Air Canada’s 137-seat Airbus A220.

India and Guyana have signed an Air Services Agreement (ASA) to facilitate easier travel between the two nations. The Agreement encourages the development of international air services between the two nations and a global airline market.

Caribbean Airlines is resuming flights to Venezuela with the reactivation of the Port of Spain (POS) – Caracas (CCS) route with a weekly frequency on Saturdays.

Oort of Spain – Caracas Flight BW 300
POS 08:00 – CCS 09:55

Saint Lucia’s Restaurant Week wraps up on April 29, 2023. For a full list of participating restaurants, or to make reservations, visit stlucia.org/en/experiences/eat-drink/restaurant-week/

From May 3 to July 6, 2023, travelers can take advantage of Celebrity Cruise’s “Spring Into Summer Sale,” offering Buy One Get One 75% off cruise fare, plus up to $800 savings and up to $800 credit to spend on board.

The deal is applicable to most sailings between May 3, 2023, to April 30, 2025, allowing travelers the opportunity to book and save now. Book at celebritycruises.com.

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New World Citizenship Report 2023 shows HNWIs and mass affluent in search of freedom: CS Global Partners

Latest Caribbean And Latin America News from News America – The Black Immigrant Daily

CARIBPR WIRE, London, England, April 26, 2023: The second edition of the annual World Citizenship Report, reveals how high-net-worth-individuals (HNWIs) and the mass affluent are in search of greater freedoms – whether that means being able to enjoy better social safety and security for oneself and family, increased access to better employment prospects and business opportunities or being able to live in territories with higher social and institutional stability – the post-Covid ‘normal’ has global citizens looking beyond the confines of their own borders when thinking about their own future, and the future of their families. 

With so much change happening so rapidly around us – inflation, broader macroeconomic volatility, geopolitical instability, energy uncertainty – it can be challenging to keep up with how all these disparate factors coming to bear on the prevailing attitudes toward global citizenship.  

The World Citizenship Report is the world’s first-ever endeavour in investigating the value of citizenship through the lens of the global citizen. It answers how can we keep abreast of the shifting kaleidoscope of citizenship values and priorities using the World Citizenship Index, an innovative tool that takes a holistic approach to rank the world’s citizenships across multiple dimensions.  

The World Citizenship Index is the product of a research-driven approach that goes beyond ordinary concepts of passport strength by placing greater emphasis on the diverse attitudes regarding key facets of citizenship. Unlike other rating tools, the World Citizenship Index ranking is designed to reflect a citizenship’s value through the lens of the newest generation of global citizens: the mass affluent population. 

Biggest motivators to invest in alternative citizenship include quality of life, safety and security and financial freedom 
The World Citizenship Report measures 188 countries across five motivators that are most relevant among the newest generation of global citizens – Safety and Security, Economic Opportunity, Quality of Life, Global Mobility and Financial Freedom. 

This year, the Quality of Life ranked in first position of the five pillars, overtaking both Physical Safety and Financial Freedom. 

Quality of Life looks at territories’ ability to provide its citizens with essential services required for a good standard of living, including higher standards of education and healthcare facilities. 

Monaco, Denmark and Hong Kong took the top three spots in the Quality of Life pillar. 

The United States came in at 29th position. African countries took the bottom 10 positions, with Somalia taking 185th place. 

We are unfortunately living through a period where the standard of living is falling at the fastest rate in over a generation.  

At the end of 2022, the UK Office for Budget Responsibility reported that UK households are set to suffer a 7.1 per cent fall in living standards over the next two years, the largest decline in six decades. And, according to the latest United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) report published at the end of 2022, living conditions in 90 per cent of the world’s countries deteriorated in 2021 – something that hasn’t been seen since the height of the previous global recession caused by the financial crisis in 2007. Moreover, it marked the first consecutive year of decline in the 32-year history of the Human Development Index (HDI)
This data shows why quality of life is so highly coveted among global mass affluents, and indeed all individuals.  

The Safety and Security motivator assesses how people in a certain country have the ability to enjoy greater social safety and security for themselves and their families and whether they have a safety net against being trapped in a territory with civil disorder. 

Iceland took first place in the Safety and Security motivator, New Zealand came a close second place and Switzerland took third place. Afghanistan scored the lowest in this pillar. 

Safety and Security remains an obvious top priority for the average mass affluent global citizen. This comes as no surprise given the uncertain state of the world – one need to look no further than the war in Ukraine as a painful reminder of the relative fragility of peace. Western nations now have a growing preoccupation or sense of danger around the prospect of war, having an active war so close to home compared with conflicts in Asia, Africa, and other parts of the world.  

The Financial Freedom motivator measures the ability of a country to provide a favourable and stable regulatory climate for the establishment and functioning of businesses, as well as the holding of personal and business assets. 

Denmark, New Zealand and Singapore took the first three spots in this pillar. 

The growing desire for citizens to conduct their own financial affairs such as wealth management and estate planning without undue surveillance and burdensome regulations appears to be a feature of the current economic climate. While 43 per cent of World Citizenship Report survey respondents placed the heaviest emphasis on the employment opportunities typically associated with economic performance, those that placed importance on investments, estate planning, and wealth planning combined for a total of 37 per cent.  

These sentiments reflect the growing perception that the rising costs of living and broader economic uncertainty are being accompanied by a creeping tax burden as state expenditures continue to escalate due to rocketing debt-servicing costs brought on by a tightening monetary landscape, rapid demographic changes, and other factors.  

It must also be noted that governments themselves are being stressed by this tightening fiscal landscape due to the rising costs of servicing their debt – a factor that is fuelling the trend of rising tax burdens globally. 

“In the 2022 edition of the World Citizenship Report, we only surveyed high-net-worth individuals (HNWI), this year, we expanded the survey to include a wider audience in order to gain a better perspective of what people prioritise in terms of their own nationality. The expanded audience of over 1000 participants included both HNWIs and the mass affluent from across the globe. Findings from the survey showed that while the research participants came from varied backgrounds and cultures, all with different needs and pain points, they all had one common goal: freedom,” concludes Micha Emmet, CEO of CS Global Partners. 

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How Caribbean Companies Can Do Business In The U.S.

Latest Caribbean And Latin America News from News America – The Black Immigrant Daily

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. April 21, 2023: The U.S. economic relations with the Caribbean basin remain strong thanks to the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI), helping stable Caribbean Basin economies by providing duty-free access to the U.S. market. According to the U.S. Embassy in the region, bilateral investment and trade with Barbados total $1.6 trillion annually, making it one of the most significant global trade relations. 

A report from the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean on trade developments in the area shows the largest imports to the U.S from the Caribbean are minerals, metals, and by-products, making up 92% of their imports.

Trade Initiatives

The CBI was launched in 1983 with the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA). It expanded in 2000 through the U.S. Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act (CBTPA) and the Trade Act of 2002. CBERA has no set expiration date, but the CBTPA will expire in 2030.

Job-creating business developments are encouraged in the U.S. through the SelectUSA government program. The program has helped create and retain 166,000 U.S. jobs so far, facilitating over $146 billion in investments.

Doing Business in the US. From the Caribbean

The United States remains the largest trading partner in the Caribbean, and any foreign corporation can opt to do business in the U.S. However, even though a foreign company can establish a branch within the U.S., most prefer to form subsidiary companies for tax reasons.

Foreign Business Taxation

Furthermore, corporations in the U.S. are formed at the state level and must meet the specific corporate law requirements of the state in which they are incorporated. For example, Delaware and Nevada are two popular states for companies because of their business-friendly corporate laws. If a company incorporates there but sells its products in other states, it is subject to each state’s tax laws and must file tax returns in every state.

Caribbean companies can also form LLCs and partnerships in the U.S., both appealing options because they have more favorable taxations.

Affordable Business Registration

The U.S. has very affordable business registration and renewal fees compared to most countries. Changing a company structure according to business growth is also straightforward.

The paperwork required to register a company in any 52 states is minimal compared to most other counties. However, your company will require an operating agreement and a tax number called an Employer Identification Number (EIN). Businesses also have a few annual compliance requirements that differ according to the company structure.

Additionally, American businesses garner trust thanks to the county’s business-friendly reputation and ethics.

Opening a Business Checking Account

Any company in the U.S., even from the Caribbean, must open a business banking account. Some of the most popular are business checking, business saving, and money market accounts.

With a massive rate of banking products and several banking options, companies operating in the U.S. can also leverage the benefits of faster payment processing.

Even though traditional banks still require the business owner’s presence to open a business checking account, with online banks, the process involves submitting the paperwork online (the company’s certificate of formation, its EIN, physical address, article of organization, and your personal details).

Even though an EIN is not necessary for simpler business entities like sole proprietorships, if you have an LLC, partnership, or corporation in the U.S. will need one. This nine-digit number is issued by the Internal Revenue Service and is your business’s unique identifier number for tax and other purposes. With this number, your business appears more legitimate to vendors. It also makes applying for a business loan and business credit card easier.

Finally, another crucial purpose of a business banking account is to separate your business income from your personal income. In the U.S., as in many other countries, this provides personal liability protection and makes it easier to file taxes.

Final Take

It is effortless for Caribbean companies to do business in the U.S. thanks to their excellent trade relations and several agreements. The U.S. is also known for its business-friendly environment and huge consumer market. Whatever your industry, the requirements for doing business in the U.S are easy to achieve. Choose your state, organize your business registration, create its operating agreement, apply for an EIN, and open a business checking account and you are ready to trade.

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St. Barts Estate Sells For Over $135 Million

Latest Caribbean And Latin America News from News America – The Black Immigrant Daily

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. April 21, 2023: A sprawling estate in St. Barts has just sold for a record-breaking sum of approximately $136 million. The sale sets a new record for the Caribbean island, which has become increasingly popular among the world’s wealthiest individuals and celebrities.

The property, known as “Les Jardins de la Comtesse,” sits on over 7 acres of land and includes a 15,000-square-foot main house with six bedrooms, a swimming pool, and stunning ocean views. Additionally, the estate features a 2,000-square-foot guest house and a tennis court, among other luxurious amenities.

Les Jardins de la Comtesse

The sale comes amidst a booming real estate market in St. Barts, which has seen a surge of interest from international buyers over the past few years. The island’s idyllic location, stunning scenery, and favorable tax laws have made it a prime destination for those looking to invest in luxury real estate.

St. Barts has also become a hotspot for the rich and famous, with high-profile celebrities such as Jay-Z and Beyoncé, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Paul McCartney all reportedly owning homes on the island. The island’s small size, exclusivity, and reputation as a playground for the elite have only added to its allure.

Despite the pandemic, St. Barts’ real estate market has remained strong, with prices continuing to rise. The sale of Les Jardins de la Comtesse sets a new benchmark for luxury real estate in the Caribbean and highlights the increasing demand for high-end properties in this stunning region.

As more and more wealthy individuals look to invest in luxury real estate, the Caribbean continues to be an attractive option. Whether it’s the stunning scenery, favorable tax laws, or exclusivity of these islands, the allure of the Caribbean shows no signs of fading anytime soon.

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Caribbean Travel News And Deals

Latest Caribbean And Latin America News from News America – The Black Immigrant Daily

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. April 21, 2023: Here are the top Caribbean travel news and deals this week in 60 seconds.

Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was on the defensive this week over costs associated with his family’s Christmas vacation in Jamaica from Dec. 26, 2022 to January 4, 2023. The winter holidays cost taxpayers at least CDN $162,000.

The US is warning nationals to exercise increased caution if travelling to the Dominican Republic due to crime. Violent crime, including armed robbery, homicide and sexual assault is a concern throughout the Dominican Republic, the US State Department says.

Still Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic remains on the Top Five interational destinations generating most traveller interest according to Expedia.

The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development office advises against all travel to Haiti.

The countdown is on to the 12th edition of Dominica’s Jazz ‘n Creole, set for April 30th at Fort Shirley, Cabrits National Park in Portsmouth.

Look out for Pendry Hotels & Resorts Barbados, coming in in 2026. The new openings will mark the first international outposts for the brand.

The SoCo House has opened its doors in Rodney Bay on St. Lucia. The all-inclusive, 76-room boutique, adults-only resort located on the site of the former Hotel Blu St. Lucia, underwent an 18-month renovation before debuting.

Air Antilles has expanded its network in the Eastern Caribbean, adding new service between Saint Lucia, Dominica and Guadeloupe, onward to St Martin’s Grand Case Airport.

And get in on the Sandals ‘Curaçao Calling’ sale now which gives guests their seventh night completely free when they book stays of seven nights or longer at Sandals Royal Curaçao by May 10, 2023.

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Reggae’s Buju, Hip Hop’s Snoop Celebrate 4/20 With New Track

Black Immigrant Daily News

News Americas, KINGSTON, Jamaica, Thurs. April 20, 2023: Jamaican born Grammy-winning Reggae legend Buju Banton has teamed up with Hip Hop icon Snoop Dogg for a new collaboration on 4/20, titled “High Life.”

The track, which features the two artists trading verses over a classic reggae beat, is a celebration of their love for cannabis and the joy it brings to their lives.

Banton and Snoop have both been vocal advocates for the legalization of marijuana and have frequently referenced its use in their music. “High Life” is the latest in a string of collaborations between the two artists, who previously worked together on the 2012 track “Differentology (Remix).”

Buju Banton and Snoop have teamed up.

Speaking about the new song, Banton said, “I’m excited to be working with Snoop again and to be putting out a song that celebrates the positive aspects of cannabis use. We wanted to create a feel-good track that people can vibe to and enjoy, and I think we achieved that with ‘High Life’.”

Snoop added, “Working with Buju is always a pleasure, and this track is no exception. ‘High Life’ is all about living your best life and enjoying the moments that matter, and that’s a message we can all get behind.”

“High Life” will be available to stream now on all major platforms at midnight tonight.

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U.S. Crypto Exchange Secures Bermuda License

Black Immigrant Daily News

News Americas, HAMILTON, Bermuda, Thurs. April 20, 2023: U.S.-based cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase has secured a license from the Bermuda Monetary Authority to offer digital asset services in the country, according to a statement.

The licence, which was granted under the Digital Asset Business Act of 2018, enables Coinbase to provide trading, custody, and settlement services for cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, to customers in Bermuda.

Coinbase’s move to obtain a licence in Bermuda comes as the country continues to position itself as a hub for the digital asset industry. Bermuda has been actively seeking to attract blockchain and cryptocurrency companies by creating a supportive regulatory environment and offering tax incentives.

Commenting on the licence, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong said, “We are excited to receive this licence from the Bermuda Monetary Authority, which will allow us to expand our presence in the Caribbean and offer our services to customers in this important market.”

The news of Coinbase’s Bermuda licence follows a recent announcement that the company has also obtained regulatory approval to offer crypto custodial services in Germany.

Coinbase is one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges in the world, with over 56 million registered users and a market capitalization of over $68 billion, according to CoinMarketCap data. The company’s stock is listed on the Nasdaq exchange and has seen significant growth in recent years as interest in cryptocurrencies has surged.

As the cryptocurrency industry continues to mature and evolve, more companies are seeking to obtain regulatory approval and expand their operations in new markets. With its supportive regulatory environment and favorable tax policies, Bermuda is likely to continue to attract cryptocurrency companies looking to establish a foothold in the Caribbean region.

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Another Caribbean Drama Returns To Off Broadway

Black Immigrant Daily News

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. April 19, 2023: There is exciting news for theatre enthusiasts as another Caribbean play is set to make its Off Broadway return, fresh off of the opening of The Harder They Come.

“Mamma Decemba,” a Caribbean drama written by Nigel D. Moffatt, will open at The New Perspectives Theatre Studio at 458 West 37th St. at 10th Ave., New York, NY 10018 on May 4th. Directed by Merlina Rich, a Jamaican-born producer and director, the play explores themes of love, loss, and mortality through the eyes of an elderly Jamaican woman named Mamma Decemba, played by Paula Galloway. Her attempts to cope with her increasing solitude involve hauntingly honest, frequently humorous, and sometimes painful reflections on her past, especially the death of her husband John (Christopher Laing). Sharing in her most private moments is her best and perhaps only friend, Mertel (Dianne Dixon).”

Dianne Dixon (left), Paula Galloway and Christopher Laing in Mamma Decemba. (CREDIT- Doug Barron)

“I am truly looking forward to working with Paula, Christopher and Dianne on this revisit to the world of Mamma Decemba, because I believe that the play tackles many issues we were forced to confront during the pandemic, such as loneliness, anxiety, isolation, regrets and our own mortality,” commented Rich. “It caused us to take stock of our lives, to reconsider life decisions we made, and things we might have done differently. Mamma Decemba is a woman facing all this and more. And although it was written so many years ago, the play feels very much like a story for this moment. We are very excited to see how audiences will receive it this second time around.”

Galloway has appeared in New York and regionally in both dramatic and musical productions including SISTAS- The Musical (Off Broadway), Shakespeare’s Much Ado about Nothing and As You Like It as well as A Raisin in The Sun, The Colored Museum, Pippin, The Wizard Of Oz, Smokey Joe’s Café and The Classical Theatre of Harlem’s A Christmas Carol in Harlem. Mamma Decemba will mark her Banana Boat Productions/New Perspectives Theatre Company debut.

Gospel singer, actor, musician and songwriter Laing will make his professional New York stage debut. He began his performing career singing in church and acting in numerous school plays in his native Jamaica before going on to produce several gospel albums as an adult. His song Step on the Enemy-Trample the Dragon was a major hit on the Caribbean Gospel circuit. He was recently cast in his first major film role in the drama Doomed Village, and can shortly be seen in television’s New York Homicide.

Dixon is a two-time Audelco Award nominee for Best Supporting Actress for the musical Jamaica and for the drama Dinner at the Manse. She has also appeared on the New York stage in Haiti’s Children of God, Not About Eve (New York and The National Black Theater Festival, Winston Salem, North Carolina), Falling in Love With Mr. Dellamort and Flambeaux (Off Broadway) and in the New York staged reading premiere of Trey Anthony’s How Black Mothers Say I Love You at The Public Theater, directed by Tony award winner Kenny Leon. Her film and television credits include the independent feature RURI, North Shore Television’s Echoes of a Lost Son and HBO’s Random Acts of Flyness.

Co-producer of Mamma Decemba is Melody Brooks of New Perspectives Theatre Company and Production Stage Manager is Soyini Crenshaw.

The limited eight-performance run promises to be a captivating and thought-provoking experience, resonating with audiences during these challenging times. Book your tickets now for this extraordinary Off Broadway debut of “Mamma Decemba” at newperspectivestheatre.org.

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Tesla’s Solar Roof Technology Debuts In The Caribbean

Black Immigrant Daily News

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. April 19, 2023: Tesla’s innovative Solar Roof technology has made its debut in the Caribbean. The Solar Roof tiles were installed on a home in the beautiful island of Jamaica, making it the first Solar Roof installation in the Caribbean.

The Solar Roof tiles, which are designed to look like traditional roof tiles but also generate electricity from the sun, have been hailed as a game-changer in the world of sustainable energy. The tiles are made from tempered glass and are incredibly durable, making them suitable for use in areas with harsh weather conditions, including the Caribbean.

The installation in Jamaica was carried out by local company Solar Buzz Jamaica, which has partnered with Tesla to bring the Solar Roof tiles to the Caribbean market.

“We are proud to bring Tesla’s innovative Solar Roof technology to the Caribbean,” said Jason Robinson, Solar Buzz Jamaica’s CEO. “The Solar Roof tiles are an elegant and practical solution for homeowners who want to generate their own electricity while also adding value to their home.”

The Solar Roof tiles generate electricity from the sun, which can be used to power a home or stored in a battery for use during periods of low sunlight. This makes the tiles a perfect fit for the Caribbean, where there is abundant sunshine and a growing interest in sustainable energy solutions.

“The installation of Tesla’s Solar Roof tiles in the Caribbean is a significant milestone in the company’s push to create a sustainable energy future,” said Robinson. “With growing interest in sustainable energy solutions in the region, we are excited to bring this technology to homeowners in the Caribbean.”

The Solar Roof tiles are expected to be a popular choice for homeowners in the Caribbean, where energy costs are high and there is a need for more sustainable energy solutions. The Solar Roof tiles offer a practical and elegant solution that can help homeowners reduce their energy costs while also reducing their carbon footprint.

With the successful installation of the Solar Roof tiles in Jamaica, Tesla and its partners are poised to bring the benefits of sustainable energy to the rest of the Caribbean, helping to create a more sustainable future for the region.

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Construction Set To Begin Soon On St. Vincent’s First Marriott Hotel

Black Immigrant Daily News

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Tues. April 18, 2023: Construction of St. Vincent’s first Marriott hotel is set to begin in the coming months, with work expected to start in June or July. The hotel, which will be located in the capital city of Kingstown, is expected to bring a significant boost to the country’s tourism industry.

The Marriott hotel will be built on the site of the former Cable and Wireless building, which was destroyed in a fire in 2002. The hotel will have 150 rooms and will offer a range of amenities for guests, including a restaurant, a bar, and a swimming pool.

The project is being developed by the Caribbean Developers (St. Vincent) Limited, a joint venture between local investors and Marriott International. The developers have said that the project will create jobs and help to stimulate economic growth in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

In a statement, the developers said, “We are excited to bring the Marriott brand to St. Vincent and the Grenadines and to contribute to the growth of the country’s tourism industry. The hotel will offer world-class amenities and services, and we believe it will be a great asset to the local community.”

The construction of the Marriott hotel is part of a larger effort by the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to develop the country’s tourism industry. The government has identified tourism as a key sector for economic growth and has been working to attract more visitors to the country.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines is known for its natural beauty, with pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and crystal-clear waters. The country has a rich cultural heritage and is home to a vibrant music scene, making it an attractive destination for travelers.

The construction of the Marriott hotel is expected to bring more tourists to the country and help to create new job opportunities for local residents. The hotel is set to open in 2023, and the developers have said that they are committed to working closely with the local community to ensure that the project has a positive impact on the local economy and environment.

The Marriott hotel is expected to be a major asset for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, helping to put the country on the map as a top destination for travelers from around the world. With its world-class amenities and services, the hotel is sure to be a hit with visitors looking for a luxurious and unforgettable vacation experience.

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