It's with some sadness I wish you an enjoyable holiday season, and God's blessings in 2016! A most loving person and good friend Howard passed away on Xmas Eve. He has been and will remain an inspiration for doing good works for me and many others! I am so very grateful to have met him, and shared great times with him, and with Lisa and Sidney, and his other family members and good friends! A caring, loving, humble, simply an honourable man Howard Hacker! Knowing this outstanding gentle man, he would want us to carry on merrily and smartly now and in the future. I know he would want us to enjoy life to its fullest without him as he did so many times whether he was present or not at a particular music, sporting, or boating event, or lime!
I know too that he would like us to incorporate the Nguza Saba as part of the guiding philosophy of life partly because he had a great appreciation of the cultural arts, and mostly because he was a person of sound principles!
Tomorrow Sunday is his funeral in Toronto. Tomorrow many of us will celebrate Kujichagulia. Howard too had Self-Determination. Today is celebration of Umoja. He too believed in Unity! As we continue to celebrate Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity) and Imani (Faith) over the next six days, we will give thanks for the wonderful life of Howard, and we certainly will not forget how beautifully he touched our hearts, and minds now, next year, and beyond!
Peace,
alex
Saturday 26 December 2015
Saturday 5 December 2015
Bim at 49 years of Independence wins "Destination of the Year"!
NEW YORK (December 2, 2015) – Barbados wins big in 2015 with the recognition of the island as ‘Destination of the Year’ 2015 and acknowledgment for the opening of its newest resort, Sandals Barbados, dubbed the ‘New All-Inclusive Resort of the Year’ by Caribbean Journal in their coveted Caribbean Travel Awards. Based on the efforts demonstrated by the tourism sector and marketing reach made throughout the year, the Caribbean Travel Awards highlight the “Best of 2015” for readers of Caribbean Journal with followers that span over 60,000 readers a month in the Americas and internationally.
"We are honored to be named Caribbean Journal's "Destination of the Year," acknowledged the Honorable Richard Sealy, Minister of Tourism and International Transport. “This accolade is sincerely appreciated and we see this as manifestation of our efforts to improve the destination product. I salute all the stakeholders whose dedication has contributed significantly to this recognition. Barbados has benefited with the recent increase in airlift options for travelers from all markets and we fully intend to continue the positive trajectory of growth as we move into 2016."
“It is great to see Caribbean destinations using cutting edge marketing and creativity to draw new travelers,” stated Alexander Britell, Editor in Chief of Caribbean Journal. “Barbados has had a tremendous year in that regard and our team of Caribbean experts is proud to honor them for that achievement.”
This honor comes at a historic moment for Barbados, celebrating its 50th anniversary of independence this 2016. With the addition of new JetBlue routes from the Boston market and Mint service for the luxury set, the island continues to strengthen its connection to travelers in the US market. Offering a colorful and culturally driven variety of events and activities for every niche, consumers continue to view the destination as the ultimate in sun, sand and sea.
For a complete list of all the awards from the initial Caribbean Journal Caribbean Travel Awards, please visit www.caribjournal.com.
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About Barbados
The island of Barbados offers the most authentic Caribbean experience with its exceptionally rich culture and history rooted in remarkable landscapes. Rated as one of the world’s sexiest beaches in 2008 by Concierge.com; Barbados’ Crane Beach in St. Philip stands as a premier destination for travelers. Barbados is also the first Zagat-rated Caribbean island and is known as the culinary capital of the Caribbean. Barbados has hosted several world class events including: The annual Barbados Food & Wine and Rum Festival; the 2006 PGA World Golf Championships-Barbados World Cup, the ICC Cricket World Cup Finals in 2007, the Sentebale Charity Polo match with Prince Harry of Wales in 2010, and the ICC Twenty20 Cricket Finals for 2010, and the Rihanna LOUD concert in 2012. Accommodations range from picturesque plantation houses and villas, to quaint bed and breakfasts and award-winning, five-star resorts. Grantley Adams International Airport offers even more non-stop and direct service from a growing number of U.S., making Barbados the true gateway to the Eastern Caribbean. Barbados was voted eighth in the World by Trip Advisor’s "2008 Travelers' Choice Destination Awards" in its Top 100 Destinations category. For more information on travel to Barbados, visit www.visitbarbados.org, follow on Facebook athttp://www.facebook.com/
About Caribbean Journal
Caribbean Journal was founded in 2011 with one vision: to provide news, commentary and analysis in a way that the Caribbean had not yet seen. It is now the Caribbean’s leading digital newspaper, with 24/7, original content covering news, travel, politics and opinion from more than 20 countries and territories. Caribbean Journal’s Travel section is the premier source for Caribbean travel and trade news — from the latest hotel openings to secret vacation escapes. And CJ’s Opinion section provides a central platform for the region’s best ideas.
Tuesday 17 November 2015
Mount Gay's Storied Supper at Miss Things in Toronto!
It's almost two weeks since I attended a very enjoyable evening in Toronto! And the reason I'm sharing it now is that last night at Rick's American Cafe in........ no not Casablanca, but in Capetown, I drank a Black Barrel and Coke there while savouring some grilled calamari and some honeyed ribs and pita dipped in olive oil, vinegar and olives!This reminded me of the Fried Eggplant with Pineapple Fried Rice paired with Mount Gay Black Barrel Bridgetown Sour, one of the several cocktails well prepared by Robin Wynne, the excellent head bartender at Miss Things. This knowledgeable mixologist went to Barbados earlier in the year to get the full experience of this top notch rum and the beautiful land from which it comes! So as you could easily guess he had lovely stories to tell as about thirty of us enjoyed Chapter One: Poisson Cru paired with Mount Gay Eclipse Coconut Lemongrass Daiquiri; Chapter Three: Braised Short Rib paired with Mount gay XO Extra Old Manhattan; Chapter Four: Spiced Pineapple Almond Financier paired with Mount Gay 1703 served neat, and of course Chapter Two - the first pairing mentioned! Also we enjoyed interesting and humorous stories from Master Blender Allan Smith who was on his first visit to Canada after working at Mount Gay Distilleries in Bim, and Scott Fitzgerald, a manager in the USA!Chef Jasper Wu and his crew must be complimented too for the tasty tapas and dessert. It was my first time eating fine fare, and drinking Mount Gay rums at Miss Things in Parkdale, Toronto, and it is also my first time eating flavourful food and drinking Mount Gay rum in Capetown South Africa. Splendid experiences indeed!
Photos by Arthur So.
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| Some patrons tasting Mount Gay Rums at Miss Things! |
Photos by Arthur So.
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| Scott Fitzgerald and Allan Smith |
Wednesday 11 November 2015
CARIBBEAN TOURISM ORGANIZATION TO HONOUR TWO AIRLINES SERVING THE CARIBBEAN
CTO TO HONOUR TWO AIRLINES SERVING THE CARIBBEAN
~ Air Canada and Caribbean Airlines will be recognized during Caribbean Week Canada for decades of dedicated service to the region ~
(BRIDGETOWN, Barbados) 11 Nov 2015 – The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) will honour Air Canada and Caribbean Airlines for their decades of service to the Caribbean.
The CTO will present awards to the two airlines during Caribbean Week Canada for longstanding service from that market. Both airlines have demonstrated commitment and dedication to the growth and development of Caribbean tourism by providing up to six decades of service, according to the CTO’s director of USA Inc Sylma Brown.
“Caribbean Airlines has demonstrated continued dedication to the growth and development of Caribbean tourism by providing more than five decades of intra-regional and international service, while Air Canada has shown its commitment to the region’s tourism sector by providing over six decades of outstanding uninterrupted service to the Caribbean,” said Ms. Brown, head of the CTO’s New York office which is charged with organizing Caribbean Week Canada.
The decision to recognize the two carriers was made following discussions with CTO member countries’ national tourist office representatives in Canada who felt strongly that both airline partners should be among the entities recognized during Caribbean Week for their strong partnership , Ms. Brown revealed.
The awards will be presented at the Caribbean Tourism Awards Luncheon on Tuesday 17 November at Rosewater in Toronto.
Caribbean Week Canada is supported by Air Canada Vacations, Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Caribbean Airlines, Cayman Islands, Cuba, Dominica, Grenada, Hibiscus International, Jamaica, Kalinago Beach Resort (Grenada), Puerto Rico, Saint Lucia, St. Kitts, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, The Atrebor Group, Transat Tours Canada, Trinidad & Tobago and Turks & Caicos.
About the Caribbean Tourism Organization
The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), with headquarters in Barbados and offices in New York and London, is the Caribbean’s tourism development agency comprising membership of the region’s finest countries and territories including Dutch, English, French and Spanish, as well as a myriad of private sector allied members. The CTO’s vision is to position the Caribbean as the most desirable, year round, warm weather destination, and its purpose is Leading Sustainable Tourism - One Sea, One Voice, One Caribbean.
Among the benefits to its members the organization provides specialized support and technical assistance in sustainable tourism development, marketing, communications, advocacy, human resource development, event planning & execution and research & information technology.
In addition the CTO, in partnership with the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association, jointly and equally owns the Caribbean Tourism Development Company, a marketing and business development entity dedicated to promoting the Caribbean brand worldwide.
The CTO’s Headquarters is located at Baobab Tower, Warrens, St. Michael, Barbados BB 22026; Tel: (246) 427-5242; Fax: (246) 429-3065; E-mail: CTObarbados@caribtourism.com
The CTO’s New York office is located at 80 Broad St., Suite 3302, New York, NY 10004, USA: Tel: (212) 635-9530; Fax: (212) 635-9511; E-mail: CTOny@caribtourism.com;
The CTO’s London office is located at The Quadrant, Richmond, Surrey TW9 1BP, England. Tel: 011 44 208 948 0057; Fax: 011 44 208 948 0067; E-mail: CTOlondon@caribtourism.com;
For more information on the Caribbean Tourism Organization please visit www.OneCaribbean.org. Get the latest CTO updates on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/
Thursday 5 November 2015
Monday 2 November 2015
Caribbean Tourism Organization's latest European Report!
Caribbean Tourism Organization launches
UK and European Travel Industry Trends & Insight Report 2015
at World Travel Market
LONDON, UK, 2 Nov. 2015 - The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) today launched its UK and European Travel Industry Trends & Insight Report 2015, produced in conjunction with the travel trade publication, TTG.
For the second year running the CTO has produced this report to give members and wider travel industry partners a unique insight into the key issues affecting the industry and a snapshot on developments within the Caribbean itself.
It was launched by CTO chairman Richard Sealy before an audience that included ministers and directors of tourism from the Caribbean, as well as key industry representatives attending World Travel Market (WTM).
Carol Hay, director of the Caribbean Tourism Organization said: “We are delighted to have produced this report once again and hope our partners, members and ministers find it a useful tool, particularly during the next few days at World Travel Market. Overall the picture for the Caribbean is a positive one, with an increase in visitor arrivals in the past year, however we need to be aware of universal issues that are affecting the travel industry as a whole such as currency exchange, oil prices and of course safety.”
Key findings from the report include:
Caribbean performance
• The Caribbean was one of the best performing regions in the first six months of this year with visitor arrivals up 5.8 compared to a 4 per cent rise in international tourism arrivals
• The region attracted a record-setting 26.3 million tourists in 2014, which was on the back of the previous record of 25 million in 2013. Last year’s visitors contributed a total of $29.2 billion to Caribbean economies, about a third of the region’s GDP
• Destinations with the biggest year-on-year percentage increase in visitor numbers
(January-July 2015):
o Cuba: +16.9% (2.2 million visitors)
o Aruba: +15.8% (680,000)
o Trinidad & Tobago: +8.5% (265,000)
o Dominican Republic +7.6% (3.4 million)
o US Virgin Islands: +6.8% (514,000)
Economic growth
• As for potential growth in 2016, the International Monetary Fund is currently predicting that the world’s GDP will rise by 3.8% with a continued pick-up in the advanced world economies where it is predicting a 2.4% year-on-year rise in GDP
• The UK economy is still predicted to grow. The main risks to attaining this level of economic growth are “increased market volatility” including Greece’s on-going financial problems, and “economic distress” from geopolitical factors.
• The number of multi-millionaires in Europe will continue to be higher than anywhere else in the world with around 76,000 individuals across the continent
Booking trends
• Online sales accounted for 66% of all global travel bookings in 2014 which was a seven point rise on previous years. Bookings at traditional travel agents have stabilised at around 24% of the total market
• 74% of all holidaymakers consider free Wi-Fi in the hotel room an important factor when booking a hotel room compared to 60% of travellers wanting a free breakfast
• The “sharing economy” continues to grow. Airbnb books 37 million room nights per year, which could rise to 129 million per annum by the end of 2016, surpassing all the major hotel chains
Sustainability
• Sustainable tourism continues to grow and there is more informed conversation around tourism impact management and the importance of this for achieving sustainable tourism. The Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism (CAST) gives support to tourism businesses to develop in a sustainable manner.
- From Communications Dept. at CTO.
- For more information on the Caribbean Tourism Organization please visit www.OneCaribbean.org orwww.caribbean.co.uk
Sunday 1 November 2015
November is Caribbean Tourism Month!
CARIBBEAN TOURISM MONTH 2015
SPECIAL MESSAGE BY
HON. RICHARD L. SEALY
CHAIRMAN, CARIBBEAN TOURISM ORGANIZATION
THEME: ONE SEA, ONE VOICE, ONE CARIBBEAN
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, 1 Nov 2015 - At the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s State of the Industry Conference (SOTIC) last week we shared the encouraging news that the region continues to perform well, attracting visitors at a greater rate during the first half of the year than any other region in the world. During that period, the Caribbean outpaced the global average by 1.7 per cent and we were the only region to register growth of five per cent - our 5.8 per cent rise being nearly a full percentage point above Europe, the next best performing region.
While this is encouraging, we ought not to be complacent for varying reasons. We ought not to be satisfied because growth in the second quarter slowed somewhat to 4.9 per cent, compared to the six per cent growth experienced during the first quarter. We ought not to be satisfied because, despite outpacing the rest of the world, our share of the world market is approximately 2.8 per cent. We cannot be satisfied because there is still so much left to be done in the areas of product development, the facilitation of travel to and through the Caribbean, taxes, partnerships, and innovation in order to be competitive. We certainly cannot be satisfied until we become the world’s most desirable year round, warm weather destination and until every citizen of the Caribbean is positioned to benefit from tourism.
During Caribbean Tourism Month, which we observe every November, we will have the opportunity to place even greater emphasis on these and other matters of concern to our industry. It’s also an excellent time to introduce new ideas, methods and products, to insert innovative and revolutionary thinking and to generate fresh energy into the sector.
Throughout the month the CTO will undertake a social media marathon during which member countries will be profiled on the organization’s social media platforms. It is an excellent, exciting and exceptional opportunity to be featured globally and to demonstrate to the world that the spirit of togetherness we talk so passionately about remains alive and vibrant in the Caribbean. It also helps to give meaning to the Caribbean Tourism Month theme, One Sea, One Voice, Once Caribbean.
I wish to encourage every CTO member country, every tourism organization and entity and everyone who is engaged either directly or indirectly in tourism to organize at least one activity during the month that will help focus attention on the industry. Be creative, be daring, be brave, be innovative.
The CTO will organize a number of activities, including the social media marathon to which I referred earlier. I also wish to announce a social media contest in which people are encouraged to post photos of themselves in the Caribbean using the Caribbean Tourism Month hashtag #CTM2015. You will receive details from the CTO but I encourage everyone, both within and outside the Caribbean, to participate.
Let me take this opportunity to thank the sponsors, supporters and everyone who helps us celebrate Caribbean Tourism Month, One Sea, One Voice, One Caribbean.
Happy Caribbean Tourism Month.
Monday 24 August 2015
Andre De Grasse wins bronze, Usain Bolt gold in 100m at worlds
Canadian sprint sensation finishes in tie for 3rd at first world championships
Aug 23, 2015 2:33 PM ET
Canadian sprinter Andre De Grasse continued his meteoric rise by winning a surprising bronze medal in the men's 100 metres Sunday in Beijing, while Usain Bolt claimed another world title and vanquished rival Justin Gatlin.
Bolt ran 9.79 seconds to edge Gatlin (9.80), who many believed would unseat Bolt as the world champion after the Jamaican star struggled for much of the season while the American ran the world's best times.
That storyline persisted right up until just two hours before this final, as Bolt stumbled to a 9.96 in the semifinals, matching De Grasse atop the heat, while Gatlin blazed to a 9.77.
But, as usual, the two-time and reigning Olympic 100m champ saved his best race of the season for when it mattered most, winning his third 100m world title and second in a row.
"A lot of people counted me out. So for me to come and win, this is a big deal," Bolt, 29, said after his latest triumph at the Bird's Nest stadium where he became a star by dominating the sprint events at the 2008 Olympics.
De Grasse, only 20 years old and competing in his first world championships, shared the bronze with American Trayvon Bromell in a photo finish that saw both men run 9.92, a personal best for the Canadian.
It's Canada's first medal in the 100 at worlds since Bruny Surin's silver in 1999 in Seville.
"I didn't know you could actually tie for a bronze medal, so I didn't know if they were going to give it to Bromell or me," De Grasse said. "I'm really happy for him, and I'm proud of myself. To race against these guys and make the final, I couldn't end the season any better than that."
Despite drawing the disadvantageous Lane 9 for the nine-man final, De Grasse said he was emboldened after matching Bolt in the semis.
"I had a lot of confidence after the semifinals, seeing myself that close to Bolt, that boosted my confidence a lot for the finals," De Grasse said. "My coach [Caryl Smith-Gilbert] told me 'This is your chance right now to go get a medal, and just go with them.' I'll go with them, they'll take me with them."
Tuesday 4 August 2015
Grand Kadooment Sweet Fuh Days Again!
Beautiful costumed bands, sweet music and a few showers made it another grand Kadooment! Songs like When Tomorrow Comes by Don Trent, Gym Instructor by Lil Rick, All Inclusive by IWeb , Party of the Year and No Worries by Edwin, and even Maintenance Man (Garden) by Stiffy and Choose One by Cooper Dan and Madd were heard many times on the parade route from the National Stadium to Spring Garden. However, All Ah We by Peter Ram was awarded Tune of De Crop, with second place going to Mash Up When We Touch Down by King Bubba FM, and Spontaneous by Red Plastic Bag coming in third position! So the Road March Winner Peter Ram received $7,500, King Bubba got $5,000, and R.P.B. the $2,000 in prize money.
Veteran band leader Betty West chalked up her fifth Large Band Of The Year title in her 24-year career for Positive Vibes at the Republic Bank Grand Kadooment yesterday.
She beat Laura Galt’s Lucky Horseshoe Jump Promotions Wet Ya Whistle into second, while Krave The Band’s Wild Wild West by Avery Hackett placed third.
West also won six other first places in her haul of nine prizes.
Outraje Festival Band won Best Small Band(less than 300 revellers).
Monday 3 August 2015
It's a first for Classic at Crop Over Festival!
Lil Rick has some sweet soca songs! One that applies to me presently is Hit After Hit since it is fete after fete after fete after touching down at Grantley Adams Airport just over a week ago and attending Soca Royale at Bushy Park, St. Philip! Several events during the week including Pic O De Crop Calypso Monarch Finals at Kensington Oval, St. Michael on Friday night were top notch. Yesterday it was two more hot fetes: The Big Show at Sea Rocks Dome on Maxwell Coast Rd., and One Love Cohoblopot at the Oval!
This morning I'm recuperating and watching Walk Holy Band start the parade just after 9 o'clock for Kadooment Day. Walk Holy presented at the National stadium with Blood singing his own new song Giving Thanks! I'll head down to Spring Garden after noon if you please. Right now I'll just watch the beautiful costumed revellers on CBC TV.
By now you may have heard that CLASSIC won the Calypso Monarch Competition last Friday night! The audience seemed pleased with his taking away a car, a vacation at Divi Southwinds Hotel, and other prizes as part of his winning. Four points behind him was DONELLA, and two points behind her was COLIN SPENCER. HEE HAW placed fourth and ADRIAN CLARKE came in at fifth position!
As I close off I am watching Blue Boxcart band parading and Peter Ram singing All Ah We, the most likely Tune of De Crop (Road March) winner. Oh oh, Baje International is coming down now as the first band that will be judged; their band is named Fly. They are dancing to RPB's very melodic Spontaneous right now.
Tomorrow the Lil Rick song that will be applicable to me will be Gym Instructor! It is one of the sweetist songs of the this Festival! Continue to enjoy your summer despite any major challenges.
Peace!!
This morning I'm recuperating and watching Walk Holy Band start the parade just after 9 o'clock for Kadooment Day. Walk Holy presented at the National stadium with Blood singing his own new song Giving Thanks! I'll head down to Spring Garden after noon if you please. Right now I'll just watch the beautiful costumed revellers on CBC TV.
By now you may have heard that CLASSIC won the Calypso Monarch Competition last Friday night! The audience seemed pleased with his taking away a car, a vacation at Divi Southwinds Hotel, and other prizes as part of his winning. Four points behind him was DONELLA, and two points behind her was COLIN SPENCER. HEE HAW placed fourth and ADRIAN CLARKE came in at fifth position!
As I close off I am watching Blue Boxcart band parading and Peter Ram singing All Ah We, the most likely Tune of De Crop (Road March) winner. Oh oh, Baje International is coming down now as the first band that will be judged; their band is named Fly. They are dancing to RPB's very melodic Spontaneous right now.
Tomorrow the Lil Rick song that will be applicable to me will be Gym Instructor! It is one of the sweetist songs of the this Festival! Continue to enjoy your summer despite any major challenges.
Peace!!
Saturday 25 July 2015
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