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Caribbean Travel News

Black Immigrant Daily News

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Aug. 11, 2022: Here are the top stories making Caribbean travel news in 60 seconds for this week ending Aug. 11, 2022:

The tiny Dutch Caribbean island of Sint Eustatius or Statia was this week added to the CDC’s “high” risk category for travel. The designation applies to places that have had more than 100 cases per 100,000 residents in the past 28 days. Make sure you are vaccinated and up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines before traveling to Sint Eustatius warns the CDC.

Canada is warning nationals to exercise a high degree of caution in Jamaica due to the high level of violent crime.

Traveling to the French Caribbean island of St Barths just got a whole lot easier. The tiny Caribbean paradise just removed all travel restrictions to the island, meaning that travelers no longer need to show proof of vaccination or testing in order to enter the island.

British Airways is expanding its Caribbean routes. Next March, BA will begin flying to Oranjestad, Aruba (AUA) and Georgetown, Guyana (GEO). BA has also announced the start of thrice weekly nonstop flights beginning next March between Port of Spain, Trinidad (POS) and Gatwick.

Cayman Airways has resumed flights to Montego Bay, Jamaica for the first time since the pandemic. CA Flight KX2602 will operate weekly on Thursdays. Cayman Airways also operates daily flights between Grand Cayman (GCM) and Kingston’s Norman Manley international Airport (KIN) with twice daily flights on Fridays.

Tourism in the Dominican Republic is growing at a dazzling pace in 2022, and the country just set another record.

The month of July saw the most visitors to the Dominican Republic in a single month in the country’s history, exceeding even that of December 2021. There were 735,064 visitors, a 24 percent increase over July 2019, and a 30 percent jump compared to July 2021.

And if you are looking for hotels in the Caribbean that is less than USD 100 per night, check out Dover Beach Hotel in Barbados – just steps away from all of the dining and nightlife of St. Lawrence Gap.

https://youtu.be/WyMDOZXlg1A

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Caribbean Travel News

Black Immigrant Daily News

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. July 29, 2022: Here are the top stories making Caribbean travel news in 60 seconds for this week ending July 29, 2022:

A rigorous contact tracing effort is ongoing in Bermuda as health officials try to find persons that may have interacted with the territory’s sole monkeypox case. Chief Medical Officer Dr Ayo Oyinloye has confirmed that they have placed a few persons in quarantine and are monitoring them for signs that they are infected with the virus. Cases have been confirmed in Jamaica., Barbados and The Bahamas while St. Lucia is monitoring 6 suspected cases.

The Dutch-Caribbean island of Curacao Has topped The List of Top 10 best tropical islands for remote work, with comfortable average temperatures and WiFi speeds that top the US average. according to Zenefits, a human resources software company.

St. Lucia has launched an e-passport in partnership With The Canadian Bank Note Company that features the latest in anti-counterfeit technology.

St. Kitts-Nevis still has in place the requirement for pre-travel authorisation, even for nationals to enter the twin island Federation.

The Antigua and Barbuda government says a new airline will soon be permitted to operate flights from West Africa directly to the Caribbean island.A statement issued after the weekly Cabinet meeting said that the company, operating the airline “is financed by wealthy Africans who wish to open a new route between the African continent and the Eastern Caribbean.

A life-size bronze statue of America’s Greatest immigrant, Alexander Hamilton, has been unveiled in his hometown of Charlestown, Nevis, infront the home he was born and grew up until his family moved to St. Croix.

How about a Spice Island visit? Now you can enjoy one night free when you book 7-nights and pay a minimum of six nights in select room categories at the Silversands in Grenada, now through December 31, 2022.

Cayman Airways is offering an introductory sale on round-trip flights in basic economy beginning at $399 — including airport taxes and fees from LA to Cayman. The sale runs through Aug. 8 with a limited number of tickets available.

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Caribbean Travel News

Black Immigrant Daily News

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. July 22, 2022: Here are the top stories making Caribbean travel news in 60 seconds for this week ending July 22, 2022:

Haiti, with all its woes, remains on the CDC’s ‘Avoid Non-Essential’ Travel list as the agency thi week also added rabies among the latest issues for travelers to be wary of if travelling to the Caribbean Island.

Earlier this week, the island nation of Antigua and Barbuda overturned many anti-LGBTQI+ laws in its Sexual Offences Act. The law decreeing that intercourse must be between “a male person and a female person” was replaced with the word “persons” after the country’s High Court ruled much of the legislation was unconstitutional.

Come August 8th, Anguilla is set to become the latest Caribbean destination to waive testing for vaccinated travelers. The island’s Ministry of Health has announced plans to waive pre-arrival testing for vaccinated travelers.

Belize has become the latest Caribbean destination to dispense with all of its COVID-19 protocols. That means travelers to Belize no longer need to show proof of vaccination or a negative test to enter the country, regardless of vaccination status.

Cayman Airways Limited is resuming service between Grand Cayman (GCM) and Montego Bay, Jamaica (MBJ) on August 4, 2022. The national flag carrier will operate weekly Thursday evening flights between the two destinations.

Several New Hotels are being built in the oil rich nation of Guyana. Among them is a new 172-room Four Points by Sheraton Hotel that will be constructed at Houston on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD).

Caribbean Telecommunications Giant Digicel, has launched a suite of best-in-class roaming packages for an increasingly globalised world. As travel continues to pick up post-pandemic, Digicel’s new packages offer standardised roaming for inbound and outbound customers across its markets.

Enter to win A Caribbean vacations courtesy of​the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Education Foundation (CHTAEF). enter to win the O2 Barbados vacation, which is valued at USD$10,000. at https://go.eventgroovefundraising.com/o2beachclub2022/Campaign/Details

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Caribbean Travel News

Black Immigrant Daily News

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. July 15, 2022: Here are the top stories making Caribbean travel news in 60 seconds for this week ending July 15, 2022:

US officials this week approved a request by American Airlines to resume flights to five destinations in Cuba that were stopped by the Trump administration. American will resume flights from Miami to Santa Clara, Varadero, Holguin, Camaguey and Santiago de Cuba in early November.

Complaints have been pouring in from people who had booked a flight with the Surinamese airline Surinam Airways, also known as SLM. It canceled a series of flights between Paramaribo and Amsterdam, but refuses to give customers their money back.

Belize And Trinidad and Tobago say the BA.5 COVID-19 variant has been detected there.

The British Virgin Islands has announced that effective today, July 15, the territory will no longer require persons travelling there to present a negative COVID-19 test to gain entry.

Barbados health authorities are awaiting test results from a suspected Monkeypox case as the Minister of Health urged residents to be extra cautious as they attend Crop Over events.

St Maarten is making it easier for vaccinated travelers to visit the island. Beginning Aug. 1, the destination’s Electronic Health Authorization Service, an online registration portal, will give immediate pre-approval for vaccinated travelers once they completely fill out their forms.

Jetair Caribbean has inaugurated its non-stop flights between Curaçao (CUR) and Aruba (AUA) on Mondays and Fridays.

Flight schedule
Curacao (CUR) – Aruba (AUA)
Flight JRC 100 CUR 07:00 – AUA 07:35
Flight JRC 102 CUR 18:55 – AUA 19:30

Aruba (AUA) – Curacao (CUR)
Flight JRC 101 AUA 08:20 – CUR 08:55
Flight JRC 103 AUA 20:15 – CUR 20:50

Secret Bay Dominica has been named Travel and Leisure’s No #1 Resort in the Caribbean, Bermuda and The Bahamas for 2022. The resort topped the World’s Best Awards reader’s survey for the second time in three years in the region.

And Grammy award-winning American singer Monica was on a Caribbean vacation in Grenada with her children Rodney, Romelo and Laiyah and was singing the praises of the island.

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Things To Do When Planning A Trip To The Caribbean From Europe

Black Immigrant Daily News

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. July 11, 2022: The Caribbean is one of the popular destinations for summer vacations, as it is closer to Europe than the favorite destinations in Southeast Asia. Here are some things you need to do when planning your Caribbean trip.

Before your trip

Several Caribbean islands are open to UK tourists, so you only need a passport. However, some islands require a visa. So, check the latest advice from the Foreign Office and prepare your visas for the islands you intend to visit. If you only speak English, choose the destinations where your language is widely spoken.

You should also visit your GP to ensure you have all the required vaccinations. If you are on prescription medicine, ask your GP for a new prescription so you can take your medication with you. Likewise, ensure that your medications are in their original packaging.Get your hair ready for the trip. Tell your hairdresser that you are going to the Caribbean before getting a hair treatment. The sun can be relentless, so getting your hair ready for sun exposure is necessary.However, if you told your hairdresser about your trip and they insisted on bleaching or colouring your hair for the trip, and it got damaged due to sun exposure, you might be entitled to hairdressing claims when you get back home. You can seek advice from a professional law firm specialising in personal injuries.Ensure you have travel medical insurance to cover emergencies. You should also have comprehensive travel insurance that will cover the activities you plan to do. 

During the trip

The best time to visit the Caribbean islands is during the shoulder season – May, June, and November. There will still be sunny days with an occasional drizzle. Bring summer clothes and some sweaters, as the nights could be cooler. Do not forget your open sandals and flip-flops.

Protect your passport and all your valuables. Keep them in the hotel safe. Carry a photocopy of your passport, leave another copy in your luggage, and email a copy to someone you trust. Moreover, ensure you lock all the entryways into your hotel room.Many shops accept Euros and US dollars, although they might not give you change. Bring enough money and exchange some for local currency. Most of the Caribbean islands’ items are imported so that the prices can be higher.Rent a car if you can and hire a reliable tour guide if you are not in a tour group. Ask the hotel concierge for recommendations.Use plenty of sunscreen with high SPF and mosquito repellent to protect your skin.If you are going to Aruba, Curacao, Bonaire, or Barbados, tap water is safe to drink. However, if you are outside your hotel, drinking bottled water is a good idea.Be aware that there will always be petty criminals, thieves, and scammers, so learn to stay safe. Join legitimate excursions and guided tours with a group.

Enjoy your trip to the Caribbean but make sure you take all the necessary precautions to stay safe and healthy.

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Caribbean Travel News

Black Immigrant Daily News

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. July 1, 2022: Here are the top stories making Caribbean travel news in 60 seconds for this week ending July 1, 2022:

The Lowest Risk Countries To Travel To In The Caribbean Are Now Cuba, Saba And Sint Eustatius.

The US is warning Americans Against All Travel To Haiti due to kidnapping, crime, and civil unrest.

As of July 1, authorities in Guyana no longer require arriving Travellers to undergo pre-travel COVID-19 testing. However, most travelers must still present proof of being fully vaccinated.

The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism has officially eliminated pre-arrival testing requirements for inbound, fully vaccinated travelers. They will no longer need to submit proof of a negative COVID-19 test result within one day of arrival.

Norwegian Cruise Line says that as of Aug. 1, it would no longer ask passengers to show negative coronavirus tests before boarding — except in countries that require them – including Bermuda, the United States, Canada and Greece.

Cayman Airways will begin a non stop, once per week service from the Owen Roberts Airport to Los Angeles LAX airport beginning November 5.

After a 3-year hiatus, the island of Grenada is preparing to welcome back its Spicemas celebration from August 8 to 9th.

And Caribbean born artistes Machel Montano, Kes The Band, and Wyclef Jean brought The Caribbean to ESSENCE Fest in New Orleans over the weekend.

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Suriname Airways Cans Several Miami To Guyana Flights

Black Immigrant Daily News

By NAN Staff Writer

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, July 6, 2022: Surinam Airways today announced it has canned several flights from Miami to Georgetown Guyana.

The flight cancellations come on the heels of several disruptions in the flight schedule of the airline recently.

The cancelled flights are on the Miami to Georgetown and Paramaribo – Miami leg of the flights scheduled on July 9th, 12th, 16th, 19th, 23rd, 26th and 30th and August 2, 2022.

“Surinam Airways acknowledges the significant inconvenience this has caused and offers hereby her sincerely apologies,” the carrier said in an email to passengers. “This development is related to the aftermath of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, operational challenges due to the lack of its own fleet and substantial increase of the fuel prices in the past three months. Currently the reorganization process that should lead to healthy business operations is in progress and will materialize in the course of the coming weeks.” 

Surinam Airways says it is working diligently on an appropriate and sustainable solution for all affected passengers, providing compensation vouchers; free rebooking to another date and/or voucher for the value of the ticket valid for (2) years. 

“Surinam Airways regrets the current situation and will spare no effort within its means to keep the inconvenience caused to a minimum,” the carrier added.

Expedia, a booking engine that includes the carrier, did not have the notice of cancellation as of earlier today.

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Why You Should Prioritize A Trip To The Caribbean For Your Next Vacation

Black Immigrant Daily News

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. July 6, 2022: The Caribbean is a perfect holiday destination. The islands’ boast beautiful beaches, breathtaking waters, and amazing people. Not only does a vacation in the Caribbean allow you to unwind and relax, but it presents a chance to see many attractive locations that will leave you truly impressed.

If you love fun, pleasure, and luxury, there are several spas, resorts, hotels, and exquisite museums. You can even join festivals like Reggae SumFest, St. Kitts Music Festival, St. Lucia Jazz And Art Festival, and many other side attractions. As a sports enthusiast, you will likely meet other tourists or locals of like minds and banter about the odds of the latest fixtures on FanDuel Sportsbook or talk about the rivalry between your favorite soccer teams.

With several adventures and locations to explore, there is no surprise to see many people take a trip to the Caribbean at every opportunity. This article will examine why you should prioritize a visit there as well.

6 Reasons You Should Go On A Vacation To The Caribbean

The Caribbean has a rich history and diverse culture. It’s a popular travel destination, and here is why you should go too:

1. The Region is Great for Pleasure

Caribbean vacations are perfect for anyone looking to relax and have an adventurous time. It offers many vacation destinations, from quiet hilltop towns to lively beach resorts. Options here include: The Cayman Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, and Jamaica, and you can even go Snorkeling at Virgin Gorda.

With so many islands to choose from, you can find something that suits your taste regardless of the type of vacation experience you’re looking for. You can even look for places in Barbados and Antigua to unwind – you will likely find great beaches, good food, and friendly locals.

2. A Variety of Accommodations

You can find a variety of accommodations in the Caribbean. Hotels, villas, resorts, apartments, and more are available. You’ll find something for yourself regardless of your interest – it doesn’t matter if you want a luxury or budget-friendly vacation.

You can also get the privacy you need if that’s what you want. If you’re looking for a romantic getaway with your partner or spouse, there are several options from hotels in Antigua, Barbados, Puerto Plata, The Grand Turk, and a few others. These are some locations where a romantic experience could be a replica of Paris.

3. Endless Beautiful Beaches

Beaches are a huge part of the Caribbean. There’s nothing like spending your days relaxing on a beautiful beach, with the warm sun overhead and crystal-clear water to play in. You can flex on beaches like Varadero Beach, Cuba, Flamenco Beach, Culebra, Puerto Rico, Shoal Bay, Anguilla, Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman, and more.

There are plenty of restaurants and activities on the beaches as well. You can buy fresh fish from local fishermen and eat at fine dining restaurants overlooking breathtaking views only nature can provide. If you’re looking for something more adventurous, you can have fun jet skiing, parasailing, and sailing if you have the funds.

4. Fascinating History and Culture

The Caribbean islands have a fascinating history, and they have been a choice destination for people with a love for history since Christopher Columbus first discovered them in 1492.

The region’s rich culture and unique language, cuisine, and architecture have been shaped by its history of colonization by the Spanish, British, French, and Dutch. These countries left a bit of themselves when they took different parts of this region, which has made the region a Museum of beauty.

The diverse mix of cultures has created beautiful music, dance, and literature that you can enjoy while enjoying your vacation in this region. It has also led to a blend of customs with them, which gave rise to a unique language (Puerto Rican Spanish), cuisine (Cuban food), and music (Jamaican Reggae).

5. Friendly People, Vibrant Culture and Delicious Cuisine

One of the things every tourist hopes for is friendly locals. And then the culture. And then the cuisine. The Caribbean islands have all of these.

The locals will make you feel at home and share their culture with you. They love to have fun and participate in various cultural events throughout the year. If you’re lucky enough to visit during the carnival, you’ll experience one of these events firsthand.

If you’re wondering what meal to start with, try jerk chicken (which originated from Jamaica) or ackee & saltfish (a traditional Jamaican breakfast dish).

If you’re looking for a diverse vacation experience with something fun to do for everyone, there’s no better place to go than the Caribbean. It is an ideal place for families, groups, and couples alike.

Traveling through this part of the world can be one of your best experiences regardless of age, beliefs, or race. With adventure, culture, and other elements that make up an ideal holiday present on these islands, you’ll feel more at home than away from home.

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Caribbean Travel News

Black Immigrant Daily News

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. May 6, 2022: Here are the top stories making Caribbean travel news in 60 seconds for this week ending May 6, 2022:

A powerful explosion Friday destroyed part of a hotel under repair in central Havana. Rescuers work rushed to the scene at the Saratoga Hotel in Havana, on May 6, 2022. No casualties were immediately reported but 22 were later reported dead as of Sat. May 7th.

Barbados is seeing a spike in new COVID-19 cases. The Caribbean country reported 534 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, May 4. As of May 4, there were 402 COVID-19 related deaths.

American Airlines is adding more flights to Grenada for the summer, with plans to relaunch its route from Charlotte to Grenada.

The service, which will resume June 4, will operate once weekly on Saturdays.

Winair is expanding its flights to Saba and Statia beginning June 1, with twice-daily flights to both islands.

Tourism officials in Aruba are offering a new Lose Your Baggage promotion to help pay luggage fees for travelers. Running through May 31, travelers who submit their upcoming itinerary, flight confirmation or proof of an anticipated trip to Aruba will be eligible to receive a $60 Visa Gift Card to cover the cost of their checked bags. Travel must be completed by December 31.

The Dominican Republic has minimal entry requirements. No pre-arrival testing or vaccine proof is required, but airport authorities may conduct random entry tests.

The U.S. Virgin Islands requires travelers to show vaccine proof or a negative pre-arrival test to enter.

Carnival Cruise Line has updated their testing requirements of COVID-19 for passengers aboard their ships. Except when destination requirements differ, guests who are up to date with their vaccines may take their test within three days prior to sailing. Up to date means a person has received all recommended COVID-19 vaccinations, including any booster dose, when eligible.

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Video Games Inspired By The Caribbean

Black Immigrant Daily News

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. May 9, 2022: The Caribbean is known for its historical and cultural influences. Whether it’s pirates, wildlife, or good parties, all eyes are on the Caribbean when it comes to tropical beauty and adventures. 

The Caribbean’s Influence on the World

From music to movies, fashion to high art, the Caribbean has made its mark on the world, even if it is such a small region of the globe. With key figures rising from the islands and South American coasts including Rhianna, Bob Marley, Usain Bolt, and several others making their claims to fame, they have always proudly represented where they came from. 

Best known for its music and lifestyle, the Caribbean seems to attract audiences from all around the world. Of course, who doesn’t love crystal clear waters, soft sandy beaches, and delicious foods that one can only find on the islands? 

With so much to offer the world, gaming developers have found lots of inspiration from the islands and have incorporated its historical and cultural elements into their graphics, plotlines, and characters. 

In the last several years, quite a few reputable titles have showcased the Caribbean’s unique beauty as the centerpiece for their video games. 

Here are just a few of them.

Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag (2013)

Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag takes place in the early 18th century, which many historians have called the golden age of pirates. What many players enjoyed about this game was the multi-dimensional nature of the story. As the Caribbean is a mixture of all sorts of different peoples and cultures, the characters reflect that both in their conflict and their goals. 

Many gamers also enjoyed the exploratory aspects of the game. Developers created beautiful islands, mysterious tombs, and choppy waters to navigate. It’s quite easy to simply play the game as one wants, as it is much more autonomous than the first few games of the Assassin’s Creed series, which did not allow players as much freedom.  

The story also takes players on unexpected turns including fast-forwarding into the future, where game developers try to make a video game about the main character’s pirate life, which is a fun meta twist. 

The Secret of Monkey Island (1990)

While The Secret of Monkey Island is much older than the other titles on this list, it’s probably the most influential in terms of writing, puzzles, and gaming at large. Created by the makers of Star Wars, Lucasfilm Games, the game emulates interesting cinematic qualities while also providing fun point-and-click adventure style games.  

What makes it so interesting is how funny it is, namely because it makes no pop culture references. The humor becomes timeless, allowing players to participate in the game’s own universe, where pirates fight pirates and nothing more. 

For those who love nostalgic pixel art, The Secret of Monkey Island’s original version was released in just 16 colors. The designers used crafty techniques to give the graphics their depth, creating beautiful, Caribbean-inspired scenes like multicolor sunsets, underwater treasure chests, and polka dot inns. Luckily for fans, a new edition to Monkey Island is on the way. 

Koral (2019)

While the Caribbean has historically been one of the world’s biggest sites for adventure, games like Koral have also shown the calming side of the Caribbean blue. 

The object of the game is quite simple. Functioning as a puzzle game, players gather glowing balls of life from living coral plants and bring them to areas that are dying. The message of the game is to bring awareness to the coral reef crisis and climate change as a whole.

What makes Koral so special is its beautiful art direction. Its dreamy 2D graphics are simply mesmerizing, with glittering firework-like sparks in the darkness and pastel-colored reefs. 

Fishin’ Frenzy (2021)

Even slot games can’t get enough of the Caribbean’s crystal clear waters. However, unlike Koral, where players explore the deep blue and rescue animals, many slot games situate the players right in the middle of the action. 

For example, Fishin’ Frenzy presents players with five spinning reels to make their biggest catch. Players don’t have to go searching long to enjoy the enticing 2D graphics and sound design inspired by the fishing culture that’s popular in the Caribbean. In fact, the game blends fly fishing and spin fishing styles in its gameplay, which is something most fishers will appreciate.

Tropico 6 (2019)

For anyone who enjoys city-building games, the Tropico series uses the Caribbean as a backdrop for players to build elaborate, utopian cities. However, there are loads of characters with conflicting ideas, so players have to find creative ways to make them all happy, as well as satisfy the general population. 

While many have claimed that the older versions of Tropico are more enjoyable because they focus less on the economic element of the game, for people who enjoy unorthodox exercises to improve their business, it could be an interesting game to check out.

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