Blue Diamond Resorts Announces Black Friday Sale

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News Americas, ST. MICHAEL, Barbados, Nov. 04, 2024: As excitement builds for the upcoming peak season, Blue Diamond Resorts is launching its highly anticipated Black Friday sale, offering exclusive savings on its all-inclusive resorts across the Caribbean. This limited-time offer is now available, inviting travelers to indulge in modern experiences at unbeatable rates, with added perks designed to elevate their stay.

Vacationers can enjoy savings of hundreds of dollars during the Black Friday sale, available from November 6 to December 1, 2024. Whether gifting a trip of a lifetime or treating themselves to a dream getaway—staying in an overwater bungalow, a private mansion, or enjoying an exceptional all-inclusive experience—guests will find incredible value with these deals. Unlike traditional all-inclusive resorts, Blue Diamond Resorts offers award-winning luxury facilities with tailored concepts for every type of traveler. This includes the most talked-about adults-only brands of the year: Royalton CHIC Resorts , with its vibrant ‘Party Your Way’ atmosphere, and Hideaway at Royalton Resorts , with its ‘Togetherness’ concept. Both brands have recently opened new properties such as Royalton CHIC Antigua and Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters. Families are equally catered to at Royalton Luxury Resorts, Planet Hollywood Beach Resorts, and Mystique by Royalton, offering exciting experiences for all ages.

Guests staying a qualifying number of nights will also benefit from added perks, such as complimentary round trip airport transfers, making it easier than ever to start their vacation as soon as they land.

This year’s sale brings even more excitement with a special offer for couples looking to tie the knot, offering 10% off select wedding packages . As a leading player in destination weddings, Blue Diamond Resorts invites brides and grooms-to-be to celebrate their special day surrounded by friends and family, with multi-day events that seamlessly combine joy and relaxation in paradise.

Travelers who book during the Black Friday sale will have plenty of time to make their travel arrangements, as trips can be scheduled until December 23, 2025. Prices and availability will vary depending on the property, room type, and season, making now the perfect time to plan a vacation to one of the Caribbean’s most sought-after destinations, including Mexico, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Saint Lucia, Jamaica, Antigua, and Grenada.

For additional information, please visit the following websites: www.royaltonresorts.com , www.planethollywoodhotels.com , and www.mystiqueresorts.com .

About Blue Diamond Resorts

Blue Diamond Resorts encompasses over 80 properties, exceeding 20,000 rooms in eight countries located in the most popular holiday destinations in the Caribbean. Its nine leading hotel brands include the Award-winning, All-In Luxury® Royalton Luxury Resorts , where Everyone is Family . Whether guests come as friends, parents, kids, couples, weddings, corporate or incentive retreats, or solo travelers everyone is family in these properties that feature personalized services and signature amenities including All-In Connectivity, DreamBed, and the Sports Event Guarantee . To refocus on valued relationships and friendships, Hideaway at Royalton offers an adults-only experience with exclusive dining and preferred accommodations to enhance Togetherness among its guests. Party Your Way at Royalton CHIC Resorts, an adults-only vibrant and effervescent all-inclusive brand to reveal in the unexpected. Mystique by Royalton is Miles from Ordinary , offering its visitors the chance to connect with their surroundings in a boutique-style resort collection full of endless beauty and hip vibes. In Jamaica, Grand Lido Negril offers guests over the age of 21, a unique and all-inclusive Au Naturel vacation along with a secluded shore for the utmost privacy. Memories Resorts & Spa offers a vacation designed whether you’re planning a family vacation, reuniting with friends, or just having a relaxing moment with your significant other, while Starfish Resorts provides amazing value, breathtaking surroundings, and rich culture and heritage. Planet Hollywood Hotels & Resorts invites guests to Vacation Like A Star with an engaging and interactive experience, plus famous pop culture items from iconic movies, music, and sports while you will Dodge the Paparazzi at Planet Hollywood Adult Scene where your adults-only vacation will be the center of fascination and attention with glam and exclusivity.

This Caribbean PM Calls On Sandals Resorts To Pay Outstanding Taxes

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News Americas, ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, Nov. 4, 2024: A Caribbean prime minister has publicly urged Sandals Resorts International (SRI), to address outstanding tax obligations on its Antigua property, Sandals Grande Antigua.

Antigua & Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne expressed frustration over what he described as the luxury resort’s unwillingness to fulfill its tax responsibilities, noting that Sandals owes around EC$30 million, primarily from the Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax, (ABST).

During his radio show over the weekend, Browne expressed disappointment, saying that despite Sandals collecting the ABST on behalf of the government, a significant portion of the funds has yet to be remitted. He voiced concerns about what he sees as a pattern with Sandals across the Caribbean, suggesting that the resort chain’s approach has been to prioritize profits at the expense of local economies.

“I don’t understand why these ‘so-called’ investors feel that they’re the only stakeholders who should benefit. They aim to extract every bit of revenue but resist government taxation,” Browne said. He warned that a similar tax dispute occurred with Sandals in the Bahamas, resulting in payments from the hotel group.

Addressing Sandals’ Executive Chairman Adam Stewart directly, Browne asserted that the company should be invested in more than just profits, stressing the importance of fair wages for staff and the fulfillment of tax obligations to support the local economy. He stated, “Sandals is not the only stakeholder; governments and workers deserve their fair share, not just Sandals’ shareholders.”

The Prime Minister went on to critique what he referred to as Sandals’ “colonialist model” of operation, arguing that it reflects exploitative practices that undermine the socioeconomic development of the Caribbean. Browne added, “As a beloved Caribbean brand, Sandals should take pride in meaningfully contributing to the well-being of the communities where it operates.”

Browne expressed that Sandals’ practices are not only an issue for Antigua but are felt throughout the Caribbean, where similar policies are in place. SRI has yet to respond to Prime Minister Browne’s remarks and the allegations of non-cooperation with Antigua’s Inland Revenue Department.

The 2024 Best Female Athlete Is From The Caribbean

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News Americas, New York, NY, November 4, 2024: St. Lucian born Olympic champion Julien Alfred has added yet another accolade to her remarkable 2024 season. In a historic feat at the Paris Olympics, Alfred won gold in the 100-meter dash with a time of 10.72 seconds, becoming the first athlete from St. Lucia to win an Olympic medal. She followed this victory with a silver medal in the 200-meter dash, establishing herself as the fastest woman in the world this season.

Julien Alfred is Best Female Athlete of 2024 per ANOC.

At the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) Awards in Cascais, Portugal last week, Alfred received the prestigious Best Female Athlete Award. Presented by Panam Sports President Neven Ilic, this honor recognized Alfred’s groundbreaking achievements on the Olympic stage and her dedication to the sport.

In her acceptance speech, Alfred expressed gratitude and pride in representing St. Lucia. “This award means a lot to me. It shows that all the heart and sacrifice I put into this challenge was for a reason. I hope it can inspire an entire nation and the youth of my country to see that sacrifice is necessary to reach your dreams,” said Alfred. “This year showed me what you can accomplish if you believe in yourself, your coach, and in God. I dedicate this award to my entire country.”

Alfred’s victory in Paris surprised many, especially as the reigning world champion and pre-race favorite, Sha’Carri Richardson of the United States, was expected to claim the title. But Alfred’s sprinting prowess and resilience propelled her to Olympic gold, writing a new chapter for St. Lucia in athletics history.

“This is a very well-deserved award for an athlete who had an incredible season and captivated us all at the Paris Olympics,” said Panam Sports President Neven Ilic. “I congratulate Julien, her entire team, and, of course, the St. Lucia Olympic Committee.”

Alfred was the only athlete from the Americas to be recognized at this year’s ANOC Awards, marking a proud moment for St. Lucia and Caribbean sports on the global stage.

Dominica Awards Highest Honor To Olympian Thea LaFond-Gadson

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News Americas, New York, NY, November 4, 2024: Dominica celebrated one of its brightest sports stars, Paris Olympic gold medalist Thea LaFond-Gadson, by conferring upon her the Dominica Honour Award, the nation’s highest accolade, on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024.

Dominica’s President, Her Excellency Sylvanie Burton, presented the Dominica Honour Award to Thea LaFond-Gadson.

The triple jump champion made history earlier this year, becoming Dominica’s first Olympic medalist with her gold in Paris, following her victory in the triple jump at the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow, Scotland, in March. Each of these triumphs marked unprecedented achievements for Dominica, solidifying LaFond-Gadson’s legacy as one of the island’s most celebrated athletes.

The award was presented during the country’s Independence Day Rally at the National Parade, where Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerritt acknowledged LaFond-Gadson’s significant contributions to Dominica. Announcing her award in advance, Prime Minister Skerritt praised LaFond-Gadson for the immense pride and global recognition she has brought to her country through her athletic achievements.

During the formal ceremony, Dominica’s President, Her Excellency Sylvanie Burton, presented the Dominica Honour Award to LaFond-Gadson, one of 18 Dominicans and international honorees recognized this year for their contributions to the nation. Speaking afterward, LaFond-Gadson expressed her gratitude, describing the award as her “greatest achievement ever” and encouraging young Dominicans to follow their dreams with determination.

The accolades for LaFond-Gadson’s accomplishments extend beyond the national ceremony. A private sector-hosted luncheon was held in her honor on Monday, further celebrating her dedication and achievements. This latest honor comes just two months after LaFond-Gadson was appointed a Sports Ambassador and awarded a $400,000 gift along with a land grant from the government, underscoring her role as a source of national inspiration.

In his address, Prime Minister Skerritt emphasized the pride that LaFond-Gadson’s achievements have instilled in Dominica. “Her success has inspired the entire nation,” he said. With her historic Olympic victory and her continued dedication to her homeland, Thea LaFond-Gadson has secured her place as a Dominican icon.

Nearly 2 Million Eligible Caribbean American Voters Added Over Two Decades

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By Felicia J. Persaud

A NAN FIRST

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Nov. 1, 2024: Although often overlooked as part of the broader “Black” voting bloc, Caribbean immigrants are an increasingly significant portion of the growing pool of foreign-born eligible voters in the United States.

A News Americas analysis of the latest naturalization data from the Department of Homeland Security reveals that between 2002 and 2022, 1,838,516 Caribbean immigrants became U.S. citizens, joining the ranks of eligible voters. Naturalizations peaked in 2022, with a record 132,699 new Caribbean Americans gaining U.S. citizenship, according to DHS data.

U.S. Army soldiers Spc. Javante Campbell, 21, from Jamaica (R) and Spc. Elvin Almonte, 35, from the Dominican Republic embrace after becoming American citizens at a naturalization ceremony in July 2021. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)

Significant milestones over the years reflect this increase:

2008 Surge: In 2008, the number of naturalized Caribbean immigrants jumped to 131,935, likely in response to heightened interest in the landmark presidential election.

2012-2016: During the years 2012 to 2016, the naturalized Caribbean voting population remained strong, with 109,762 eligible voters in 2012 and an increase to 105,204 by 2016.

2020-2022: Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, naturalizations continued to rise, reaching 80,879 in 2020 and then sharply increasing to 132,699 by 2022, reflecting renewed motivations for U.S. citizenship within the Caribbean community.

The full data from 2002 to 2022 were as follows:

YearNaturalized Caribbean Immigrants2022132,6992021120,601202080,8792019101,312201895,298201792,5402016105,204201592,807201483,3762013120,9952012109,762201179,820201062,535200984,9172008131,935200768,577200690,979200564,672200454,811200346,154200258,943

TOP NATIONALITY FOR NATURALIZATION

Among Caribbean immigrants, nationals from four countries represent the largest shares of naturalized voters: Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Haiti.

Cubans

Caribbean nationals from Cuba were the largest group to be naturalized in the 20-year period with almost 600,000 naturalizations at 586,476. The majority were naturalized in 2013 with a whopping 120,995 becoming US citizens. Here’s the full run down over the two decades:

YearNaturalized Cuban Immigrants202246,913202147,919202031,369201936,246201832,089201725,961201632,101201525,770201424,0922013120,995201231,244201121,071201014,050200924,891200839,871200715,394200621,481200511,227200411,23620037,727200210,889

Dominicans

They were followed by Dominicans who made up the second largest group of eligible Caribbean voters naturalized in the two decades, reaching almost half a million at 490,064.

In 2022, 34,525 Dominicans became U.S. citizens, the highest number since 2013.

YearNaturalized Dominican Immigrants202234,525202128,103202018,675201923,101201822,970201729,734201631,320201526,665201423,775201339,590201233,351201120,508201015,451200920,778200835,251200720,645200622,165200520,831200415,464200312,627200215,591

Jamaicans

Jamaican nationals represented the third largest group among Caribbean naturalized voters over the 20-year period, reaching over 300,000 at 322,318. Some 22,963 Jamaicans became U.S. citizens in 2022 alone, the highest number in the two-decade period.

YearNaturalized Jamaican Immigrants202222,963202120,716202013,465201918,010201817,213201715,087201616,772201516,566201413,547201316,442201215,531201114,591201012,070200915,098200821,324200712,314200618,953200513,674200412,271200311,232200213,973

Haitians

Haitians formed the fourth-largest group. Between 2002 and 2022, 283,393. Haitians were naturalized.

Only 18,001 Haitian nationals naturalized in 2022, a drop from 2008 and 2013.  

YearNaturalized Haitian Immigrants202218,001202114,882202010,865201914,308201814,389201712,794201615,276201514,053201413,676201323,480201219,114201114,191201012,291200913,290200821,229200710,557200615,97920059,74020048,21520037,26320029,280

As the count-down is on to Nov. 5th, Caribbean Americans are well-positioned to impact key elections in 2024 and beyond, especially in an election where for the first time, a candidate with roots to the Caribbean is in the Presidential race and could become the US’ next President and first with heritage in that region.