Nature Adventure: Must-Visit U.S. National Parks

/0 Comments/in /by

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. Oct. 1, 2023: The United States is home to some of the most breathtaking and diverse landscapes on the planet, and there’s no better way to experience the country’s natural beauty than by exploring its national parks.

From the rugged mountains of the Rocky Mountains to the pristine beaches of the Florida Everglades, the U.S. National Park System offers a wide range of outdoor adventures for nature enthusiasts.

So once your EVUS visa enrollment is done, you can start planning your US National Park Road trip! Here is a look at six must-visit national parks that showcase the incredible diversity of the American wilderness.

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park, located primarily in Wyoming but extending into Montana and Idaho, is often referred to as the crown jewel of the national park system. Established in 1872, it was the first national park in the world, and for good reason. Yellowstone boasts a stunning array of geothermal features, including the famous Old Faithful geyser, which shoots water into the air with remarkable regularity.

But Yellowstone is much more than geysers. It’s a vast wilderness that encompasses pristine lakes, roaring waterfalls, and abundant wildlife. Bison, elk, grizzly bears, and wolves are just a few of the animals you might encounter while exploring the park’s numerous trails. For a truly unique experience, consider hiking to Yellowstone’s backcountry and camping under the star-studded skies.

Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon, located in northern Arizona, is an iconic American landmark that leaves visitors in awe of its sheer size and dramatic beauty. Carved by the Colorado River over millions of years, this immense canyon stretches for 277 miles and reaches depths of over a mile in some places. Standing on the rim and gazing into the canyon is an unforgettable experience.

While most visitors enjoy the breathtaking vistas from the rim, the more adventurous can venture into the canyon itself. Hiking and backpacking trails like the Bright Angel Trail and the South Kaibab Trail lead intrepid explorers into the depths of the Grand Canyon, providing an opportunity to experience the unique ecosystems and geology up close.

Acadia National Park

Located on Mount Desert Island off the coast of Maine, Acadia National Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The park’s diverse landscape includes rugged coastlines, lush forests, pristine lakes, and towering mountains. Cadillac Mountain, the tallest peak on the U.S. Atlantic coast, offers stunning sunrise views.

Acadia is a paradise for hikers and rock climbers, with miles of trails and iconic rock formations like Jordan Pond and the Precipice Trail. The park also boasts picturesque carriage roads perfect for cycling. For water lovers, kayaking along the park’s rocky shoreline or swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Jordan Pond is a must.

Zion National Park

Utah’s Zion National Park is a red-rock wonderland that beckons adventurers with its towering sandstone cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and the winding Virgin River. The park’s most famous hike, the Narrows, involves hiking through the river itself, surrounded by sheer rock walls that rise hundreds of feet above you.

Zion also offers a range of other hiking options, from the challenging Angels Landing trail to the family-friendly Riverside Walk. For an adrenaline rush, try canyoneering, which involves rappelling down slot canyons and exploring hidden passages. Zion’s unique geology and stunning vistas make it a must-visit destination for any nature lover.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Straddling the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its mist-shrouded peaks, lush forests, and abundant wildlife. It’s the most visited national park in the United States, and once you set foot in its enchanting landscape, it’s easy to understand why.

The park offers an extensive network of hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to challenging backcountry adventures. Clingmans Dome, the park’s highest point, provides panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunity to spot black bears, deer, and a variety of bird species.

Glacier National Park

Nestled in Montana’s Rocky Mountains, Glacier National Park is a pristine wilderness known for its stunning alpine landscapes, pristine lakes, and dwindling glaciers. This park shares its northern border with Canada’s Waterton Lakes National Park, forming the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The centerpiece of Glacier National Park is the Going-to-the-Sun Road, a breathtaking scenic drive that winds its way through the heart of the park. Along this route, you’ll encounter sweeping vistas, dense forests, and the chance to spot diverse wildlife, including grizzly bears, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep. Hiking is a popular activity in Glacier, with trails catering to all skill levels. One of the most famous hikes is the Highline Trail, which offers jaw-dropping views of the park’s rugged terrain. Glacier National Park is a testament to the fragile beauty of our planet’s icy landscapes. However, due to climate change, many of its glaciers are rapidly disappearing, making it even more crucial to visit and appreciate this natural wonder while it lasts.

When Is The Best Time To Travel To Cuba

/0 Comments/in /by

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Thurs. Nov. 2, 2023: Do you consider yourself an avid tourist? Every self-respecting traveler should visit Cuba at least once in their life. It is a unique place with lively streets, architectural buildings, and white sandy beaches. The rich culture and fascinating history of the country attract tourists from all corners of the planet. They can visit museums, art galleries, and historical sites. In addition, it is worth noting the hearty hospitality and delicious cuisine the locals offer.

In the conditions of modern realities, it is recommended to calculate possible variants of consequences when going even on a short trip. Before traveling to a foreign country, you should consider the following:

study the political and economic situation in the country, possible consequences;

gather documents;

pack your things;

there may be Internet restrictions.

The tropical climate is characteristic of Cuba. Moderate temperatures and frequent rainy days persist throughout the year. Despite this, summer weather can be pleasant for beach vacations. Dry, sunny weather is observed from November to April – it is the best time to go here on an excursion or just relax, plunging into the atmosphere of the Caribbean islands. 

Useful Information For Traveling

Modern travelers are used to having their funds at their disposal. However, there are sometimes unforeseen expenses (an inflamed tooth, sudden repairs, a tire change, a hot trip, and so on) that require additional funds to cover.

If you don’t have enough money in your account, a small loan can help you out. Today, financial groups offer various loan options. One of the most popular is a payday loan ($100-$400). You can get it by applying to online lenders. The procedure is done online and allows you to get the necessary amount sometimes within a few minutes. Before doing this, it is recommended to check the reputation of the financial company and carefully familiarize yourself with the terms of the contract. An applicant who has reached the age of majority with a constant source of income and a valid bank account can apply.
Varadero is considered to be the most popular destination in Cuba. You will find a large number of hotels here. The islands of Cayo Largo and Cayo Coco are known worldwide for their gorgeous snow-white beaches. If you are interested in an excursion program, it is recommended to go to Santiago de Cuba with many sights. When choosing a hotel, it will be helpful to read real reviews.

Taking Out A Loan: Something To Think About

If you do not have a small amount of money for your cherished trip, the easiest option is to apply for a 100 dollar cash loan. It quickly helps to solve the problem of lack of money and will allow you to fully enjoy all the sights in Cuba, visit famous places, or participate in a festive celebration. However, before applying, you should weigh up:

ability to repay the total amount by a set date (it is usually the first day of the paycheck);

terms and fees, including hidden charges, potential penalties for early repayment, etc.;

your financial stability;

responsible loan: you should not take several loans at the same time; arrange the amount only when it is necessary;

the alternatives (borrow from friends or relatives).

Exciting festivals and carnival shows are organized for tourists. If you want to attend such an event, you should visit the country from mid-July to early August. Then, you can plunge into an unforgettable atmosphere of celebration.

Cuba received the unspoken name “Island of Freedom” for the opportunity to get rid of moping and problems. Moving to the rousing rhythms of Cuban dances, you will feel completely free and rid of everyday issues.

Invest Caribbean Shepherds 8 Developers To Pitch At CIF 2023 In The Bahamas

/0 Comments/in /by

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. Nov. 1, 2023: Team Invest Caribbean, in collaboration with the Caribbean Export Development Agency, recently guided a carefully selected group of eight Caribbean developers through the process of presenting their projects to investors at the Caribbean Investment Forum, CIF 2023, held at the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island in The Bahamas. These projects ranged in scale from USD 500,000 to USD 15 million.

As the global private sector investment agency for the Caribbean, the ICN team spent the last six weeks working closely with developers hailing from CARICOM nations of The Bahamas, Grenada, Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica, and Barbados. The ICN team provided support in crafting investor pitch decks, preparing investor financial projections, and conducting training sessions to equip these developers with the skills to effectively present and pitch their projects to a panel of investors at CIF 2023.

This forum was presented by the Caribbean Export Development Agency, with the collaboration of the Government of the Bahamas, the European Union, the Caribbean Development Bank, and CARICOM, and it took place from October 23rd to 25th in Nassau.

The projects featured were in the sectors of agri-tech, ICT, and renewable energy. They were as follows:

Doctor on Call – An ICT startup project based in Jamaica.

Xhuma – An existing ICT project in Trinidad & Tobago.

Prosperina – A startup agri-tech project originating in The Bahamas.

Ecoaid – A startup agri-tech and renewable energy project from Jamaica.

Grenada Grows – A startup agri-tech and renewable energy project based in Grenada.

Chick Inn – A startup agriculture project situated in Grenada.

Eco Energy – A startup renewable energy project in The Bahamas.

Portland/Pavana Energy – A renewable energy project located in Barbados.

Felicia J. Persaud, CEO of ICN, expressed the agency’s enthusiasm at being part of the team of CIF 2023 and in helping to fulfil its commitment to contributing to the vision of a “Bold New Caribbean” by showcasing the diverse investment opportunities available across the region. She also expressed delight in the interest received by several of the developers from investors at CIF 2023.

Clutch Recognizes Hard Beat Communications as one of the Game Changing Social Media Marketing Companies in Florida

/0 Comments/in /by

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Tues. Oct. 31, 2023: Social media platforms continue to attract millions of millions of users from all over the world. This makes these social sites great tools for businesses and companies for their advertising and marketing efforts. Building a robust social media presence is beneficial for your brand and it can even help in attracting new customers to your business. That’s why you can’t miss this chance, team up with Hard Beat Communications today to learn more.

Your one-stop agency for subscription-only business solutions is Hard Beat Communications. Unlike other advertising and public relations firms, we provide every client with a business management platform that includes the tools they need to revolutionize their industry. With the help of their own dashboards on our own platform, Hard Beat gives our clients all the marketing tools they want for the twenty-first century in order to increase their bottom line.

On that note, our team is excited to share with you that we’ve been recently recognized as one of the game-changing Social Media Marketing Companies in Florida by Clutch themselves. We are truly honored to be a recipient of this incredible recognition! 

Just in case this is the first time you are hearing about Clutch, they are an established platform in the heart of Washington, DC, committed to helping small, mid-market, and enterprise businesses identify and connect with the service providers they need to achieve their goals.

The Hard Beat Communications team would like to extend our appreciation to Clutch for their amazing efforts in making this award possible. That’s why to truly commemorate this recognition, we decided to showcase some of the best reviews on our Clutch profile:

“Our reach has increased by over 60% within the region. The team’s straightforwardness, knowledge of the market, and flexibility were impressive.” Marvin Dubon, Sales Manager, PR Newswire

“Press event was very successful and it was covered by most of the major media outlets online. They worked very efficiently and productively and always listened to our feedback and made adjustments. The CEO is very professional and has an amazing personality. The team at the company is very productive.” 

Ask how we can make your pain go away! Our team is ready to help take your business to the next level.

Latin America, Caribbean Projected To Hit 2.3 Percent Economic Growth in 2023 and 2024

/0 Comments/in /by

News Americas, WASHINGTON, D.C., Mon. Oct. 30, 2023: The Caribbean and Latin America is poised to achieve a 2.3 percent growth rate in both 2023 and 2024, even as notable challenges to economic prosperity persist.

That’s the word from the Atlas Network Initiatives in Latin America, based in the United States, and the Centro de Estudios de la Realidad Económica y Social (CERES) in Uruguay. The two organization recently jointly unveiled their latest report, titled the “Latin America Macro Vista Regional Report.”

This comprehensive report delves into the economic prospects for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) for the current year and the next. Here are the main takeaways:

In many aspects, LAC economies continue to trail behind their global counterparts, with the global economy forecasted to expand by three percent this year, including a robust four percent growth for emerging economies. The international context exhibits signs of intricate resilience, despite enduring issues such as high inflation and interest rates, among other unfavorable factors. For context, global economies, on average, saw growth rates of 3.8 percent over the past decade, surpassing the current economic predictions for the years to come.

The increasingly complex global landscape calls for policy adaptations by governments in Latin America and the Caribbean to address the issues of sluggish growth and development. Fortunately, history has revealed that during times of crisis and widespread uncertainty, opportunities for transformation and rejuvenation often emerge. The LAC region holds substantial potential to extend its influence in global trade by venturing into new markets beyond its traditional partners. Encouraging prospects are presented by countries like India, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and others, provided the region can tap into essential export opportunities while facilitating advantageous imports and investments, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship. Given the abundance of natural resources and agricultural products, LAC economies stand uniquely positioned to reap the rewards of increased global trade.

Furthermore, the report underscores the growing prevalence of pro-market ideologies across the LAC region. Despite Argentina grappling with over-indebtedness, persistent macroeconomic imbalances, and distortionary taxation within a relatively closed economy in recent years, there is room for optimism. The outcomes of Argentina’s August presidential primaries indicate a positive shift. During the presidential election cycle in Argentina, policy proposals inspired by the Austrian School of Economics have gained prominence in public discourse, favoring economic liberalism, particularly at a time when it is needed most.

Dr. Roberto Salinas-León, Executive Director of Atlas Network’s Initiatives in Latin America, emphasized, “In Latin America and the Caribbean, the path forward, in light of today’s adversity and uncertainty, is to embrace reforms promoting free-market principles and to build upon the successes of economic liberalization. While the projection suggests economic growth for LAC in 2023 and 2024, the region has not yet fully realized its potential. This underscores the importance of policymakers in the region championing open markets, with a particular focus on global trade. Global trade should be a central policy concern this year and beyond, and we encourage all LAC governments to leverage their vast export potential.”

Blue Diamond Resorts Introduces Innovative Website Technology to Attract New Generation of Travelers

/0 Comments/in /by

News Americas, MIAMI, FL, Thurs. Oct. 26, 2023: Blue Diamond Resorts is thrilled to announce the inclusion of a new installment payment method for travelers who book through its website, specifically its dedicated brand websites. This innovative addition comes just in time for a very promising Black Friday of 2023, during which Blue Diamond Resorts is emphasizing that all-inclusive premium vacation experiences are meant for everyone. This advancement has been made possible through the latest innovations in travel payment solutions, ensuring a seamless and convenient booking experience for its guests.

“The inclusion of this technology on our website allows us to make our enhanced vacation experience more accessible to a new generation of travelers that desire to experience the ultimate all-inclusive vacation,” said Jurgen Stutz, SVP Sales, Marketing, Revenue Management, and Distribution, Blue Diamond Resorts. “This is one additional step that Blue Diamond Resorts takes to remain innovative in the latest technologies and vacation trends, understanding the traveler of today and tomorrow,” he added.

As part of their commitment to enhancing the guest experience, this new payment method aims to provide greater convenience and flexibility for travelers in the United States and Canada when securing their reservations.

The announcement follows the company’s latest news of the comprehensive enhancement of the experience on the upgraded room categories Diamond Club and Star Class for their Royalton Luxury Resorts and Planet Hollywood Beach Resorts portfolios, which include a personal butler throughout the entire experience, among an extensive list of perks and benefits. Blue Diamond Resorts is convinced that these services will allow more guests to experience vacations in these upgraded room categories.

This payment program encompasses the Royalton Luxury Resorts, Royalton CHIC Resorts, Hideaway at Royalton Resorts, Mystique by Royalton Resorts, and Planet Hollywood Beach Resorts brands, providing guests with a simplified and secure payment process, empowering them to book their dream vacations with ease.

Blue Diamond Resorts is transforming the all-inclusive hospitality segment across the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America. They adapt to market demands, offer diverse offerings to discerning travelers, and invest in innovative solutions like the new installment payment method. Their dedication to setting new standards in luxury and shaping the future of the industry is evident in their commitment to enhancing the guest experience.

About Blue Diamond Resorts  

Blue Diamond Resorts encompasses over 60 properties, exceeding 18,000 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 their guests. Party Your Way at Royalton CHIC Resorts, an adults-only vibrant and effervescent all-inclusive brand to revel in the unexpected. Mystique by Royalton is Miles from Ordinary, offering their 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 have 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.  

To learn more about Blue Diamond Resorts, please visit www.bluediamondresorts.com   

Which Reggae Album Will Make The Grammy Cut?

/0 Comments/in /by

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Oct. 20, 2023: Sixty five albums have submitted entries to the Recording Academy to be considered for Best Reggae Album category in next year’s Grammys. However, this was down from 67 last year and 125 the previous year, World Music View reports.

As of October 11, final-round voting for the 66th Annual Grammy Awards is underway.

The 65 entries are as follows:

Right Right Time – Johnny Osbourne
Bad Juvi Mixtape – Pablo YG
Ah Mi Yard – Perfect Giddimani
Destiny – Lee “Scratch” Perry & Bob Riddim
I Give You Love – Mykal Rose
Windrush Baby – Aleighcia Scott & Rorystonelove
Root – Shavarr
Rude Gyalaxy – Shevvy
Shakespeare – The Bassman Sly, Robbie & The Team Taxi
Black Man Time – Richie Spice
Spirits Eat Music – Sundub
Power – Chris Thomas The Ceo
Clarks A Clarks – Jah Thomas
4:14 – Valiant
Jamaica Festival Song 2023 Competition – Various Artists
Legends Of Jamaica, Vol 1: A Tribute To Ska – Various Artists
1 Rifle Riddim – Various Artists
Tropical House Cruise To Jamaica (The Asian Edition) – Various Artists
We Remember Bob Andy – Various Artists
Pacific Coast Reggae – Clint Warren
22 – Yaksta
Golden Spoon – Maroon Yasus Afari
Glory – Akae Beka
Destiny – Alborosie
Pop Punk Goes Reggae Vol. 1 – Nathan Aurora
Bread & Butter – Anthony B
Shellshock – Ballyhoo!
Born For Greatness – Buju Banton
Undercover – Bead N Bone
Simma – Beenie Man
No Excuses – Charly Black
On A Mission – Blvk H3ro
Firm And Strong – Brotha George
Cali Roots Riddim 2023 – Collie Buddz
Time & Color – Bulby York
No Destroyer – Burning Spear
Vers(E) – David Cairol
Celebration – Common Kings
Happy Hour In Dub – Hollie Cook
Long Way Home – DMP
Rocksteady – Corbin Dooley
Dandy Shandy – Earthkry
Ziggy Stardub – Easy Star All-Stars
Pleasure Point – The Expendables
Ready For Battle – Marcus Gad
Mad World – Gentleman
Love In Time – Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad
Riddim Full Of Culture – Green Lion Crew
Golden – Marcia Griffiths
Dreaming From An Iron Gate – Groundation & Brain Damage
Boots Rock Reggae, Vol. 1 – Cas Haley
Charka – Hempress Sativa
444 – Honorebel
Dancehall Gift – I-Octane
Undeniable – Jah Cure
Pleasant Place – Jahmali
Vintage Reggae – Jonfx
Kingston To Cali – Aza Lineage
Echo Mountain High – Long Beach Dub Allstars
Colors Of Royal – Julian Marley & Antaeus
Twelve – Mc Norman
No Love – Byron Messia
Havana Meets Kingston In Dub – Mista Savona & Gaudi
New Born – Norrac
Jah Love Surround Me – Zamunda

Cricket Returns To The Olympics In 2028

/0 Comments/in /by

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Oct. 20, 2023: Get ready for Cricket in the Olympics.

The sport returns to the Summer Olympics in 2028 after an absence of 128 years. The proposal received approval during the IOC Session in Mumbai on Monday, with just two delegates voting against the inclusion of these new events.

This marks the return of cricket to the Olympics with both men’s and women’s T20 tournaments featuring six teams.

“After a wait of more than a century, our beloved sport is back on the Olympic stage,” former India captain Sachin Tendulkar wrote on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. “This marks the dawn of a new era for cricket as it will be a golden opportunity to foster inclusivity and showcase new talent from emerging cricketing nations. A start of something truly special!”

“Our beautiful game of cricket has a rich heritage and diverse international following,” said Pakistan captain Babar Azam, the world’s top-ranked one-day international batsman. “It has the potential to enhance the spirit of Olympics even further. Cricket in the Olympics will inspire new generation, athletes and fans around the globe.”

Cricket was last played at the Olympics in 1900, but the game is played at other multi-sport events like the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games. It is likely to be retained for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, which will be held in cricket-loving Australia.

“Players will get the chance to compete for an Olympic gold medal and be part of the games, which will be so special,” said Mithali Raj, a former India women’s cricket team captain. “It’s also a chance for more fans around the world to enjoy our fantastic sport.”

For the last two years, the International Cricket Council has been working extensively with the IOC for inclusion at the Los Angeles Games. The 2028 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXXIV Olympiad, and commonly known as Los Angeles 2028 or LA28, is scheduled to take place from July 14 to 30, 2028, in and around Los Angeles, California.

Also added are squash, baseball/softball, lacrosse, and flag football. Lacrosse will be a medal sport at the Olympics for the first time since 1908, while baseball has made several appearances in previous Olympic Games.

Caribbean Travel News & Deals

/0 Comments/in /by

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Oct. 20, 2023: Here are the top Caribbean travel news and deals this week in 60 seconds.

Self described journalist Greta Van Susteren says she believes Aruba covered for Joran van der Sloot so as not to scare off tourists and travellers should do research on human trafficking before travelling there. Her comments on X, formerly Twitter, comes as Joran van der Sloot confessed to killing Natalee Holloway in Aruba some 18 years ago.

As Tropical Storm Tammy is expected to begin affecting travel to countres in the Caribbean’s Lesser Antilles, Canada is warning nationals to avoid all non-essential travel to Guadeloupe due to the storm. Tropical storm watches are in effect for Barbados, Dominica, Martinique, Guadeloupe, Antigua, Barbuda, Montserrat, St. Kitts, Nevis, Anguilla, St. Barthelemy, St. Martin, Saba and St. Eustatius. Heavy rainfall of up to 4 inches is also expected to spread across the U.S. and British Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico by this weekend. By Monday, the storm is expected to swing out to sea and no longer be a threat.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were recently on the tiny island of Canouan in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The tiny Caribbean island is just three miles wide but has a reputation for being where ‘billionaires go to escape millionaires’ due to its gorgeous sandy beaches and a handful of upscale resorts.

Cayman Airways Limited (CAL) this week inaugurated service to its newest destination – Barbados – with weekly scheduled service now directly linking the Owen Roberts International Airport (IATA: GCM) in Grand Cayman with the Grantly Adams International Airport (IATA: BGI) in Barbados. The initial service will be available on Wednesdays, facilitating travel both to and from Barbados. As the airline transitions into its winter schedule starting November 5, the scheduled service between Grand Cayman and Barbados will be as follows:

Tuesdays: KX804 departs Grand Cayman at 5:10pm and arrives in Barbados at 9:35pm
Wednesdays: KX805 departs Barbados at 11:45am and arrives in Grand Cayman at 2:25pm
Thursdays: KX802 departs Grand Cayman at 4:30pm and arrives in Barbados at 8:55pm
Fridays: KX803 departs Barbados at 9:20am and arrives in Grand Cayman at 12:00pm

Condé Nast Traveler has revealed the outcomes of its yearly Readers’ Choice Awards, with the Turks and Caicos Islands securing the fifth position for the Top Island in The Caribbean and The Atlantic. Over 520,000 Condé Nast Traveler readers participated by sharing their travel adventures from around the world, offering valuable insights into the destinations they look forward to revisiting. These awards, known for being the travel industry’s oldest and most esteemed recognitions, continue to represent the highest standard of excellence in the travel sector. You can access the complete list of award winners here.

St. Kitts Receives Coveted 2023 Travel Weekly Magellan Gold Award for “Caribbean Eco-Friendly Sustainable Destination” Travel Weekly, a leading authority in the travel industry, recognizes the significance of being designated as a Magellan Award Winner, signifying an exceptional level of excellence within the field. The award recipients are chosen by esteemed industry experts, known for their expertise and experience. Entries undergo a thorough evaluation using a 100-point performance scale, with the highest-scoring entries receiving the prestigious Gold Magellan Awards, the highest accolade in the industry.

The food of several Caribbean islands were recently on display at the Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival at Pier 76 on October 14, 2023 in New York City.

And we have an early Black Friday Deal you can’t miss. From November 10th – December 5th, Celebrity Cruises is offering a BOGO 75% off a second guest as well as up to $300 in onboard credit for nearly all itineraries through April 30, 2026.Included in this incredible Black Friday sale are sailings on Celebrity’s newest ship, Celebrity Ascent, set to make her debut in December 2023 with her maiden voyage from Fort Lauderdale. For more details and bookings, head on over to celebritycruises.com

Guyana’s Debt Pile Is Growing Despite Oil Riches

/0 Comments/in /by

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Thurs. Oct. 18, 2023: Despite reported revenue from oil royalties of $439 million in the second quarter, which increased the nation’s oil fund balance to $1.72 billion at the end of June, Guyana’s government has secured an additional loan of US$90 million from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), adding to Guyana’s debt of nearly US$1 billion.

The loan, approved by the IDB’s Board of Executive Directors, is reportedly specifically designed to expand access to safe and improved learning environments and enhance educational services, with a particular focus on supporting vulnerable students in Guyana. The IDB has described this loan as the first individual operation of a conditional credit line for investment projects (CCLIP), with a total value of US$150 million.

The additional debt comes as Guyana’s Ministry of Finance last month announced the third and fourth drawdowns from the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) for the year 2023. As per the official press release from the Ministry of Finance, a total of US$200 million had been transferred from the NRF to the Consolidated Fund in 2023, channelling resources to further national development objectives.

In August and September, the government drew US$100 million each, totaling GY$41.7 billion, which adds to the US$400 million withdrawals, or GY$83.4 billion, conducted earlier this year. Cumulatively, the total drawdowns for this year have reached US$600 million, which translates to a whopping GY$125.1 billion. The progression of these funds into the Consolidated Fund is in accordance with approvals made during the Budget 2023 process. The Parliament approved a total transfer of US$1.002 billion for the fiscal year 2023. US$402 million remains to be transferred.

Yet, as of December 31, 2022, Guyana owed the IDB US$787 million. With the recent US$205 million in loans, the total indebtedness to the IDB stands at US$992 million. In 2022 alone, Guyana borrowed US$335 million from the IDB.

Additionally, the Guyana government has taken on two development loan agreements worth $150 million with Saudi Arabia and a a $350 million loan with Qatar, all just this year.

Meanwhile, subject to approvals from authorities in Guyana, the final investment decision (FID) for ExxonMobil’s massive Whiptail development – its sixth in the Stabroek Block – is expected by Q1 2024.

So says the president of the company’s Guyana operations, Alistair Routledge, when asked by reporters on October 17.

“We’re anticipating somewhere around the first quarter or maybe the end of [the] first quarter of next year… but as I say, subject to going through the appropriate regulatory process,” he relayed.

Fitch Solutions forecast Guyana’s fiscal deficit will widen from 2.2% of GDP in 2022 to 3.0% in 2023 given the government’s planned 41.4% increase in headline expenditure over the year. While this suggests a slight deterioration in the market’s fiscal trajectory, Fitch notes that the projected deficit remains comfortably below both the 5-year and 10-year historical average deficits of 5.0% and 4.3%, respectively.
The successful offshore oil field explorations and developments in Guyana in recent years have prompted the government to increase headline expenditure by double-digit growth rates since 2019, and 2023 will be no exception to this trend.

Nonetheless, Oil revenues will record large gains in the medium term as production continues to rise amid stabilizing prices, suggesting that Guyana will hit its first surplus in Fitch’s records by 2024. Overall, Fitch sees limited risks to Guyana’s medium-term fiscal trajectory due to persistent surpluses and a low debt-to-GDP ratio (24.6% in 2022 and averaging 25.6% between 2023 and 2027).

Guyana became an oil producing nation in 2019 and, with a population of roughly 800,000, is poised to dramatically increase its per capita wealth. While GDP per capita is skyrocketing thanks to oil production and 2022 GDP growth of 62 percent, but many still live under the poverty line. Guyana’s economy is, however, projected to grow by 37 percent in 2023 alongside a 6.6 percent inflation rate, making it one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

Guyana’s offshore oil development is poised to deliver over 500,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd) by the end of 2023 with expectations that the country will produce 1.2 million bpd by 2027.