#Barbados private transport and tours

[itcbadbados]

Barbados' Island Adventure serves as the introduction. Discover the local flora, geology, and fauna before unwinding on one of the island's top beaches. Harrison's Cave, Bathsheba Beach, and the Barbados Wildlife Reserve can all be seen in one day as part of a trip of Barbados.

[thechasefiles]

The Chase Files Daily Newscap 9/18/2019

Good Morning #realdreamchasers. Here is your daily news cap for Wednesday, September 18th, 2019. There is a lot to read and digest so take your time. Remember you can read full articles via Barbados Government Information Service (BGIS), Barbados Today (BT), or by purchasing a Midweek Nation Newspaper (MWN).

NO MONEY  BACK – The Fair Trading Commission (FTC) is concerned about the Barbados Water Authority’s (BWA) service delivery, but says customers will not get financial compensation given the utility company’s financial woes. “Sub-par” is how the public utility regulator described the state entity’s performance in relation to the majority of a combined 21 mandatory guaranteed and overall service metrics that came into effect on January 1 last year. However, for the time being, Barbadians should not look for compensation from the BWA if it breaches any of the nine guaranteed standards, which include meter repair/replacement, wrongful disconnections and reliability of supply. The FTC said this was because it suspended the “ordinarily required” compensatory payments provision “in light of BWA’s financial and operational challenges”. The inaugural evaluation covered all of last year, and a similar assessment will be done for 2019.(MWN)

SCHOOLS FAILING GRADE – Government could soon be forced to add another two schools to the growing list of institutions riddled with environmental and maintenance problems, Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT) President Sean Spencer has disclosed. After a mass meeting of BUT members this afternoon at Solidarity House to address a myriad of outstanding issues affecting teachers, Spencer identified the Lester Vaughn Secondary School and the Maria Holder Nursery School at Sharon, both in St Thomas as the most recent institutions under the microscope. While the most recent issues involve private businesses, Spencer also advanced an overall discussion on Government’s handling of summer school improvement programme and environmental issues. He told journalists a number of businesses around the St. Thomas schools were emitting harmful chemicals, which were jeopardizing the health of students and teachers. He however declined to identify any specific plants in the area as the culprit. “We were informed there are two particular pollutants in the area… and we have been in discussions with the other two schools and are looking to have joint discussions with the staff, and thereafter we would look to formulate an approach,” said Spencer, while revealing “fiberglass” was one of the harmful chemicals being emitted. “There was an arrangement made with these businesses to get retrofitted filtration devices to alleviate the problems within the area. However we are keenly aware that those pollutants are afflicting a number of persons on those compounds. We wouldn’t wish to speak at great detail, but we are seeking to address those matters thoroughly in the coming days,” Spencer said. He revealed challenges at the Belmont Primary, which forced an early closure on Monday after teachers fell ill were not discussed at length. The illnesses have been linked to unfinished work on the school compound. Instead Spencer indicated the union was allowing Ministry of Education officials to respond to the problems, but stressed that the use of chemical toilets would not be accepted as a solution to the challenges. While acknowledging a “level of commonality” between teachers and Government in relation to the issue of school maintenance, he revealed a number of issues urgently need addressing. “Usually we would have 15 to 16 schools [repaired]… we have seen an increase, but we are not just looking for expansion,” he complained.  “We are looking for improved work, work being done in a more timely manner and the craftsmanship and materials also being adequate.” He further complained that the standard of industrial cleaning remained “questionable”. “If it is done in a manner that is appropriate, provisions must be made for the chemically-treated areas to be ventilated. Ventilation then brings another problem. We were informed that those places should be open for at least 24 hours. That being said, we have schools in certain areas where that would warrant additional lighting and security. That is with good reason, but how do authorities treat to that?” he asked. The BUT president further complained that contractors appeared to be following narrow contractual obligations in their execution of school repairs. “You will see that there will be a swift deterioration of the plants because there are only treating to cosmetic areas,” he predicted. “What we would have advised at the level of the ministry, the social partnership as well, is a measure where there is an inspection protocol and preventative maintenance. We are not just talking about schools; we are talking about a vast array of plants, the building stock of government and the vehicular field as well.(BT)

BUT EYES ON ST THOMAS SCHOOLS - Hundreds of teachers who met yesterday to air their grievances say their issues go beyond the delayed restart of some schools. Both the Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT) and the Barbados Secondary Teachers’ Union (BSTU) held meetings after public schools were closed at noon, one day after some reopened following extensive renovations.  BUT members met at the Barbados Workers’ Union headquarters at Solidarity House, Harmony Hall, St Michael, while those from the BSTU gathered at the National Union of Public Workers, Dalkeith, St Michael. After the more than three-hour BUT meeting, president Sean Spencer told the media: “There are still a number of problems existing within schools as it obtains to what has been done over the summer in relation to the domestic programme. Outside of that, we looked at issues such as allowances and increments, appointments, long leave, the docking of pay, the draft school code of conduct, occupational health and safety, security and teacher evaluations.” He said health and safety was one of their chief concerns, particularly at some St Thomas schools. “It has come to the attention of the union that there are common issues arising in St Thomas – Sharon Primary School, The Lester Vaughan Secondary School and Maria Holder [Nursery]. There have been a number of issues arising due to pollutants emitted in the area by a number of businesses.(MWN)

ONE MORE WEEK TO FIX BELMONT PRIMARY –With parents and teachers voicing frustration over the Belmont Primary school’s state of readiness for the new school year, the Ministry of Education has delayed the school’s opening by an extra week. Minister of Education Santia Bradshaw, along with Minister of the Environment Trevor Prescod, this morning toured the school at the Belle, St Michael, which briefly opened its doors yesterday for the first time in this new school year, only to abruptly close them hours later after teachers and students were affected by wet paint and inadequate bathroom facilities. Bradshaw revealed that the additional time would allow for outstanding works to be completed. Noting that a week has already been lost and with Class Four pupils preparing to sit the Common Entrance examination in another eight months, Bradshaw said provisions have been made for 11-year-olds to begin classes tomorrow. She told reporters: “The reason we closed yesterday was more so because of issues related to paint. “Where teachers and students are sensitive to these conditions, we are inclined in their interest and to ensure that we don’t waste any more time in terms of more persons getting sick. “We are going to have the contractor construct a prefab building and install the toilets by Saturday so that we can have classes back on schedule by Monday.”Bradshaw said the school has been earmarked by Government to be rebuilt. She said: “There is some other work that Minister Prescod, members of the technical team and I looked at. “This also needs to be looked at in short order and we are going to address this by Monday. “I am happy to say that the teachers are very keen despite everything that has transpired, and I really appreciate their patience in the matter, and we are able to get the class four students back in tomorrow.” On Monday parents complained bitterly that the paint on the building was still wet, messing up their children’s uniforms, while two teachers went home sick as a result of the fumes. The parents were also upset about their children having to use portable toilets. But the Education Minister insisted that the contractors were not at fault, noting that the late or incomplete works were as a result of unforeseen circumstances. She explained that the reason why the upgrade of the toilets was not completed was as a result of building materials being held up in Miami because of the passage of Hurricane Dorian. She explained: “We ordered a container to be retrofitted to accommodate the bathroom facility because of the problem with termite infestation. “We also looked at it as a temporary fix until we identified funding to rebuild the school. “As a consequence of Hurricane Dorian, the contractor could not get the container shipped in the time frame allotted for the reopening of school.” She further noted, “The first priority is ensuring that conditions are safe and sanitary. “What we intend to do is to have quotations to have suitable toilets installed. Some parents may feel that the portable toilets are not sanitary, but these facilities actually have a washroom and a sink inside.“We even went as far as to renovate the existing bathrooms and we divided them with a petition, which was not in the original scope of works. “So, the additional portable toilets were to complement what already existed.” Prescod, the Member of Parliament for the area, gave an assurance to constituents that he has received a commitment from the Ministry of Transport and Works to pave the schoolyard over the weekend. MTW has also undertaken to repair the main road leading to the school, the minister revealed.(BT)

BSTU PRAISES MINISTRY’S SCHOOL REPAIR EFFORTS– Despite 20 schools opening a week late this new school year, and with another closed for an additional week just hours after opening yesterday, one of the two teachers’ unions has praised the Ministry of Education’s annual repair efforts. President of the Barbados Secondary Teachers’ Union (BSTU) Mary Redman said that even though everything within the summer repair programme has not gone to script, teachers are appreciative that at long last the Ministry of Education was addressing years of complaints about deteriorating plants. She contended that while there are several hiccups in readying schools for the new school year, a number of them are much improved after being repaired under this year’s programme. Following a meeting of BSTU members at the headquarters of the National Union of Public Workers, Redman told reporters: “The schools have been neglected for years and I think all of Barbados knows that. “Teachers have been falling ill, students have been falling ill and we are very appreciative of the effort that has been made to get the schools ready. “Really and truly in terms of where a lot of the schools were in terms of the repairs that they needed, they are on the road to some improvement.” On Monday, parents of Belmont Primary School pupils found wet paint and portable toilets as a stop-gap measure while the school’s toilets are upgraded. But Redman argued that the year-old administration’s first major summer repair programme was simply not enough time to right years of neglect, suggesting that the process was only beginning. Redman said: “They didn’t even start at the beginning of summer because there were problems with contracts and so on, but nine weeks could never have been enough time to undertake the type of work and the quantity of work that needed to be done in some schools. “This is just the tip of the iceberg; we understand that there are limited resources and that the rest of the renovations and refurbishments will take time but the teachers are grateful and many of them have gone into conditions that are really improved over what they left last term.” But the BSTU’s leader revealed that at today’s meeting, her members complained of a rodent infestation at the Princess Margaret and Lester Vaughn secondary schools. She explained that her union intends to write the education ministry immediately to have the infestations addressed with urgency. Redman told reporters: “Some of our teachers did complain here today about conditions in their schools, in particular Princess Margaret and Lester Vaughn. “At both schools there seem to be a rodent problem. So, we are going to be writing to the Ministry of Education in that regard.” Also discussed at today’s meeting, the first of two strategy sessions held each year, the main talking points were the union’s demand that protocols be established for the transfer of teachers, teacher evaluation and the determination of seniority. (BT)

CANTEENS TOLD TO GET HEALTHY – The Ministry of Education is making it mandatory for all school cafeterias to serve only healthy meals or risk not having their contracts renewed – after it was found most high school menus consisted almost entirely of white potato fries, burgers and fried chicken – key culprits in childhood obesity. The move is intended to ramp up efforts against childhood obesity, Minister of Education Santia Bradshaw told the Healthy Caribbean Coalition as it opened a two-day meeting on “supportive environments for accelerated childhood obesity prevention policies” at the Accra Beach Hotel this morning. The Education Minister said that there had been several draft policies on school menus in the past but there was no enforcement. She said: “The approach basically is to make it mandatory for persons to have to comply with a lot of the requirements within these documents. “In order for your contract to be renewed you would soon find that you would have to be compliant with at least having a significant portion of your menu being of healthy and nutritious values,” followed by loud cheers from the audience. She explained: “The initiative that we have looked at is a framework for a food and nutrition policy for private and public nursery, primary and secondary schools in Barbados. “It has already been drafted and the document is blueprint which gives direction and guidance to maintaining the sale of healthy and nutritious snacks as well as the maintenance of high sanitary standards in all spaces for sale of goods  on the schools’ compound.” Bradshaw revealed that research conducted last year on behalf of the Heart and Stroke Foundation revealed that meals offered by canteens in approximately 21 secondary schools are not as healthy as they ought to be. The study showed that white potato fries made up 88 per cent of the menus, burgers 82 per cent and fried chicken and chips constituted 71 per cent of menus. The Minister added that she has begun to lay the groundwork by trying to get vendors to voluntarily begin the transition. She said: “I have started to ask all concessionaires operating in school spaces to start looking at adding healthy foods to their menu. “I have even asked them as well to start to also look at providing samples for some of the students because sometimes you have to introduce students into a healthy lifestyle by making things that are more appealing not only to the eye but to the taste palette as well.”(BT)

BIG CARGO EASE – Bridgetown Port and the Customs and Excise Department are implementing a series of measures they are confident will, by weekend, result in a “significant improvement”in the flow of cargo. As the business community voiced frustration about delays and goods being stuck in the port with the transition from the ASYCUDA ++ system to ASYCUDA World, Minister in the Ministry of Finance Ryan Straughn said “generally speaking”, ASYCUDA World “is working”. He stressed a major part of the problem was that some “private people” were either entering information into the system incorrectly or the data was deficient. The steps being taken to ease the backlog of imports and exports were announced during a press conference at Barbados Port Inc. (BPI) yesterday. They include the establishment a special Customs Department call centre (535-8233), which will be available from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily up to September 26.(MWN)

MISSING – The Royal Barbados Police Force is seeking the assistance of the public in locating a missing girl. She is 16-year-old Chakita Amor Medford, of 3rd Avenue, Goddings Road, Station Hill, St Michael. She is a student of the Ellerslie Secondary School. She left the residence of her mother Coreen Medford, of the same address, about 3 p.m. on Sunday, September 15 to go to the beach. She has not been seen since. The clothing she was wearing at the time is unknown. Chakita is approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall, with a slim build and a clear complexion. She has short, black, straightened hair, and brown, catlike eyes. She has a small mouth and lips; dimples in both cheeks; a long chin, and small ears each pierced once. She walks with knocked knees and slouched shoulders.  She answers to the nickname Kita or Tallies. Anyone with information relative to the whereabouts of Chakita Amor Medford is asked to contact the District ‘A Police Station at 430-7242/7246, Police emergency at 211, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIPS (8477) or the nearest Police Station.(MWN)

MALONEY CAPTURES ROOKEY CUP –A SECOND-PLACE finish last weekend was enough to give the Rookie Cup to Zane Maloney. The 14-year-old Barbadian driver secured the F4 British Rookie Cup title and is now eyeing the overall championship.“I’m really happy to get the Rookie Cup title done,” said Maloney.“That was one of the targets for my first year, and now I’ve achieved that we can focus on building the overall points lead.“I’m grateful for everything the team has done this year and proud to get a championship for Barbados, my sponsors and Kokoro Performance.“I think we have a good chance of securing the overall title if we keep the momentum going.”After the racing at Knockville, Fife, Scotland, last weekend, racing insiders are calling it “game on” for the overall title as the Barbadian driver’s points lead has been slashed to 15, after mechanical problems and a triple podium for main rival Sebastian Alvarez of Mexico and wins for JHR’s Carter Williams and Double R’s Louis Foster.(MWN)

There are 105 days left in the year Shalom!  Follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram for your daily news. #thechasefiles #dailynewscaps #bajannewscaps #newsinanutshell

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Barbados Traveling Hotels - Tips as well as More

Barbados Traveling Hotels - Tips as well as More

 People that plan on vacationing in gorgeous Barbados for the novice are actually typically even more troubled than delighted. In addition to the reality that it will be actually an unfamiliar place, they are actually as well excruciatingly thought about the cash they will must spend to take pleasure in the thrill of the awaiting excitement of going there. Thankfully sufficient, there are actually consistently journeying keys to all getaway areas worldwide. This article is going to give a range of practical info and also ideas that will aid any person plan and also appreciate a trip to some of the absolute most gorgeous isles in the Barbados Travel Guide.

 Money and Cost of Goods. The unit of currency in Barbados is actually the Bajan or Barbados dollar as well as is actually comparable to United States $1.98. Be guided as necessary: products and also solutions listed here perform not come affordable and also are, offer or even take, fairly much equivalent to their costs in Barbados Travel Guide.

 Journeying. Upon appearance at the isle's airport, simply go out of the terminal with travel luggage in hand in the direction of the buses, taxis and also shuttle transportation lined outside. The easiest means to go is to pre-arrange the services of a shuttle heading to and also coming from the hotel of selection. Taxis may run $20-60 relying on how away the location is actually, and shuttles will charge $5 (perform not pay more) for surfboard bags as well as various other over sized products. If a rental vehicle is actually liked, bear in mind that it will cost around $50-60 a time. Do not forget that the guiding tire is on the 'inappropriate side' of the cars and truck. https://www.lickrishfoodtours.com/

 Gown. Perform certainly not believe that even if it is actually a coastline haven that a person may don his swimsuit anywhere the entire time. Go for a swim wear and tear is actually set aside for beach fronts as well as seaside bars. Casual damage is actually the preferred, ideal garments in most areas here, other than during the night, or at dinners. It will be actually better if the product of the clothes is actually light in weight as well as 'peppy'.

 Barbados Travel Hotels. There is large assortment of accommodations and also various other cottages to pick coming from on the island. The crux is how a lot amount of money is actually going to be voluntarily invested in one. A popular choice, certainly, is the cheaper lodging accessible. Bargain hotels are normally good adequate and also possess three-star positions. The workers is guaranteed to become friendly, welcoming as well as helpful. There are actually some that would certainly include a spotless seashore triumphant for customers to comfortably enjoy. Like large number of these good deal accommodations, everything is actually extensive. This indicates that all meals, drinks, gratuities, and also non-motorized sporting activities belong to the offer Barbados.

 It would be actually interesting to note that breakfast as well as lunch are provided in a snack bar design, and snack food is actually similarly easily served in-between. Folks can decide on whether their dinner would reside in a snack bar style or even a 5-course one in the dining-room, which requires a booking certainly. The accommodation personnel will definitely educate visitors regardless if their dining space is actually scheduled and also allow guests to enter and also see if there are cancellations within the day Barbados Travel Guide.

 Listed below are actually a few other popular traveling pointers:

 ( 1) check the weather before any type of adventure so you will have an idea concerning what to take, and exactly how to stuff;

 ( 2) utilize traveler's examinations if there are actually any kind of. If they somehow receive lost or taken, keep in mind that they can easily still be actually typically replaced within 24 hrs almost throughout the planet through many banks and also solution establishments;

 ( 3) never ever leave behind belongings in the lodging, unless a risk-free is requested;

 ( 4) avoid using the resort area telephone considering that they may be exceptionally pricey. It would certainly be far better to use a cell phone or a phone memory card.

 Barbados Holidays Travel Guide - Explore Paradise in the world

 If you are looking for a holiday destination filled with fun and also adventuresome activities, after that Barbados is the area for you. This holiday season place grabs every soul as well as create you cherish extraordinary lifetime instants listed here. Your holiday seasons to Barbados will certainly take you to an island nation which is actually located between the popular Caribbean Sea as well as the North Atlantic Ocean, northeast of Venezuela and eastern of the Windward Island. Barbados includes light, exotic temperature with vibrant roads, terrific landscapes as well as beautifying attractive all-natural views. So you are going to delight in every step on your Barbados vacations.

 Barbados shares a normal yearly temperature level of 75 to 80 levels Fahrenheit and therefore the weather do certainly not vary a lot creating the weather problems always favorable to take pleasure in a thrilling holidays in Barbados. So it is all as much as you to choose when you intend to select your vacation. However winter seasons are actually fairly appropriate due to the fact that summer seasons have quite hotter weather condition, and the summertime and anticipating months bring even more probability of rainfalls. Barbados contains vibrant sightseeing and tour attractions that you will definitely just like for certain Barbados.

 Yearly numerous travelers and vacationers coming from all the corners of the World are actually attracted to the islands of Barbados. Beach front holidays to Barbados are extra fun loaded as well as you are going to acquire bountiful of water sporting and also adventuresome activities to delight in. This Caribbean appealing isle components lengthy extents of tidy sand beaches that are actually most admiring. You may enjoy Barbados beach front holiday seasons at every direction of the isle. The beach fronts are actually differentiated in all the 4 coastal areas i.e. east, west, north and also south. A few of the well-known ones are Accra Beach, Bath Beach, Brownes Beach, Casuarina Beach, Garrison Beach, Mullins Bay, Miami Beach, Paradise Beach and Worthing Beach and so on. Enjoy your own self right into the exciting activities of kayaking, scuba diving, going swimming, parasailing, kayaking etc

 . Check out the sensational attractions on your vacations to Barbados with your close friends and also adored ones. Take a browse through to the capital area of Barbados, Bridgetown where you will see the early historic landmarks like National Heroes Square, Neogothic Parliament Buildings, Bridgetown Synagogue and a lot more. Background lovers will absolutely like it. The various other eye capturing destinations are Chalky Mount potters, Crane Beach, East Coast Road and so on. Vacations in Barbados may be toothsome if you see to the well-liked restaurants in Barbados like the high cliff dining establishment, Red House Inn Restaurant, Lone Star bistro, The Steak property and so on. Reading this you might now acquire thrilled and have to be craving for appreciating holiday seasons in Barbados. So merely open your net and also book Barbados holiday season packages for you and also your family members.

 Tourist's Guide - Small Hotel Categories

 A ton of people presume that resorts are actually all generally the very same. But the reality is actually that there are actually several different classifications of such facilities. And some categories can be in fantastic amount depending upon a location. For example, in Las Vegas, sizable online casinos along with lodgings may be discovered just about everywhere in the condition of Nevada. While in the little nations in the Caribbean, little accommodation Barbados for instance is really common because the smaller sized the location, the cozier it is as well as the more right for an exotic paradise setup. The challenge for the typical traveler or even tourist at that point is actually establishing which type of holiday accommodation suits his/her requirements. A considerable amount of individuals for example carry out certainly not know the variation in between an ecohotel and also a hotel. Tiny lodging types can easily vary coming from location to position also Barbados Travel Guide.

 Affection Hotel

 This sort of accommodations is actually a brand new vogue in Japan as effectively as in various other Asian sites including South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, as well as Singapore. These are smaller buildings that pay for guests brief time remains mostly geared in the direction of offering pairs a private space for helping make love. This idea is actually naturally secondhand. These cottages are the only alternative for enthusiasts would like to share quality time with each other at reduced fees. As a result, if one finds the phrase Love in a structure, at that point one ought to not count on a little one helpful location to invest the evening in.

 Hotels

 The condition is actually a gotten kind of the words "motorist's hotel." Such lodgings are actually contemporary Inns. They are actually discovered often along the highways and freeways. This sort of building came to be popular in the United States when the significant roadways were built. It became residence to the first therefore contacted "Road Warriors" that steered the streets going across the nation as a lifestyle. Today, some lodgings utilize words hotel liberally however originally, these were actually establishments along with a little primary building of rooms dealing with a car parking great deal Barbados Travel Guide.

 Lodge

 The house is generally overnight lodgings located at primary roads or even urban area centers. Remittance maybe demanded upon checking in. A restaurant might or might not be included in the resources Barbados.

 Apartelle

 The Apartelle, much like the Motel, is a portmanteau. It is basically an apartment building that utilizes the accommodation rental payment system. Therefore, there might be actually locals in the structure staying for months or perhaps years together with transients who simply keep a couple of times or perhaps merely over night. These buildings may have a bunch of locations too. Little resort Barbados facilities like these for example are prominent cheap and also however, are actually effectively off along with a bunch of features Barbados.

 These are actually only a few of the numerous boundless lot of lodging business kinds. The standard tourist that is mosting likely to one place for the initial time can effortlessly acquire thus bewildered due to the fact that some phrases might be reciprocally made use of due to the accommodations building. Thereby, it is vital that anybody visiting a new place needs to understand the sort of lodgings available in a region (including hotels in the freeways of the U.S. and small hotel Barbados apartelles). This may mean the variation between a properly organized trip option versus a vacation disaster.

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21 Things To Do in Cozumel: Mexico’s Top Island

There are many things to do in Cozumel – Mexico’s largest Caribbean Island. When we mention Cozumel to other travellers, their eye’s glaze over and they imagine silvery white sandy beaches, swaying palm trees and an azure blue ocean. Cozumel certainly offers all of that, and much more.

When travelling Mexico, you may decide you just want to chill out on this Caribbean island (only 30 miles long and 10 miles wide), and I understand completely. But, after visiting here, I recommend you leave the beach behind and experience the many other things to do in Cozumel.

Would you be able to fit in a submarine tour, snorkelling the 2nd largest coral reef in the world, visiting a Mayan archaeological site or trying an ancient Mayan chocolate recipe in just a few days? Probably not! This is one of the top places to visit in Mexico, so give yourself some time here.

I highly recommend that you plan a minimum of a week to see all the things to do in Cozumel, you may even want to plan 2 weeks. With numerous incredible things to do in Mexico, make sure Cozumel is on your list. 

Note: This article has been updated for 2020 to reflect the best activities, excursions and costs in Cozumel. Enjoy your trip!

Where is Cozumel?

Map showing the location of Cozumel

The Island of Cozumel or “Isla Cozumel” as it’s known in Spanish is located 12 miles off the coast opposite Playa del Carmen in the Yucatan Peninsula. Cancun, known as “Mexico’s top party destination” is 45 miles to the north of Cozumel.

Cozumel is the quieter alternative to Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Actually, one of the best things to do in Playa del Carmen is to take a ferry across to tranquil Cozumel. In Playa del Carmen, the terminal is located downtown near the main square. In just 30 – 45 minutes, you’ll cross the sea and arrive in Cozumel. Click here for the Cozumel Ferry schedule, which includes costs.

When is The Best Time to Visit Cozumel?

Mexico travel can be enjoyed year-round, but the best time to visit Cozumel is during the months from March to June, before the hurricane season commences. The hottest months are July and August which coincides with the hurricane season that lasts until November. Winter is Cozumel’s busiest period and it runs from December through to March.

Getting to and From Cozumel

Before you can enjoy all the fun things to do in Cozumel, you need to get there. Most people will arrive at the Cancun airport. From here, you have a few options to get to the ferry terminal in Playa del Carmen (to take the boat over to Cozumel). 

You can either take the bus, hire a taxi, or opt for a shuttle from Cancun to Playa del Carmen. This is the fastest, safest and most comfortable to get to the Cozumel ferry. Click here for details about airport transfers.

Once you’ve arrived at the ferry port, you’ll need to take the 30-minute boat across. Click here to learn more and to book tickets for the fast ferry to Cozumel.

Now that you know when to visit and how to get there, here’s my list of the top things to do in Cozumel that you don’t want to miss! 1. Visit Punta Sur Ecological Park

Punta Sur Eco Beach is the best beach on the Island, and a visit to this eco-park is definitely one of the top things to do in Cozumel. This area is located on the south of the island and covers an area of 2,500 acres. Here you’ll find exotic birds, crocodiles, sea turtles, beautiful flowers and beautiful beaches – the perfect place for nature lovers.

If you don’t feel like snorkelling the reef or visiting the lighthouse (see below), you can just hang out on hammocks and enjoy the sun. There’s an entrance fee for this park ($16 USD for adults and $10 for children), but in my opinion, it’s worth it. Click here to learn more and to pre-purchase your tickets.

Within the Punta Sur Eco Park is the Celarain Lighthouse, which was constructed to warn sailors at night of the dangers of running aground off the southern coast of Cozumel. The Lighthouse is now part of a maritime museum. For 360 degree views of the Island, you can climb the 127 steps to the top. On a clear day you can even see the coast of Cuba, but unfortunately for us, that was not the case.

Entrance fees to the Punta Sur Eco Park include the Celerain Lighthouse.

A 40-minute tour of the Marshlands of Punta Sur Ecological Park is also available. They can’t guarantee that you will see any crocodiles on the day of the tour, but you will see many species of birds especially the roseate spoonbill.

The Punta Sur Ecological Park has so much to see and do, there’s even a Mayan Ruin here. El Caracol ruin – also called Tumba del Caracol because of its small size – dates back to 1200-1500 AD.

Caracol means snail in Spanish and the ruins were named this because of the snails that decorate the small dome on the top of the temple. The structure was built as an early hurricane warning system for the Mayan people. The roof was constructed in a way that the strong breeze gave a humming noise alerting the Mayans of the impending danger.

2. Playa Mia Grand Beach Park

If you’re looking to visit a beach park during your trip to Cozumel, consider Playa Mia Grand Beach Park, an ethical adventure park. While there are many “marine parks” that may sound great, Goats On The Road doesn’t recommend visiting them due to the captivity of wild animals. 

Check out Playa Mia Grand Beach Park instead. Here, you’ll have use of snorkels, waterslides, pools, kayaks, hobie cats, paddle boats, volleyball courts and more. This park doesn’t have any animals in captivity, which is why we recommend it. Entrance fees start from $30 USD. Another option is to take a tour on a catamaran boat, including the Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park for snorkelling, and a visit to Playa Mia Grand Beach Park (with food and drinks). Click here to learn about that day tour in Cozumel, or click the image below.

*Note that Goats On The Road does not condone any tourism activities that involve cruelty to animals, or promotes their captivity. We’ve been advised that the Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park and many places to visit in Mexico offer tours such as swimming with dolphins. Please be a responsible traveller and consider where you want to spend your tourism dollars, and avoid any animal shows or activities. It’s way more fun to see the animals in the wild anyways! Go snorkelling on a boat tour and have a more authentic experience with the wildlife.

3. Try Seatrek

A unique way of experiencing the underwater world is by trying helmet diving with Seatrek. The fully enclosed helmet sits neatly on your shoulders and a steady stream of air assists you in breathing. If you wear prescription glasses no problem, you can still wear them in the helmet as you walk along the bottom of the ocean at around 20 – 25 feet. Bookings for this tour can be made direct at Seatrek.

4. Try Atlantis Submarines

In Barbados, we had the opportunity to experience a night dive with Atlantis Submarines. In Cozumel, they offer 3 daytime departures at 10:00am, 12 noon and 1:00pm. During the dive, you will visit the Felipe Xicotencatl wreck that sank in the year 2000 plus colourful schools of fish, sharks, turtles, stingrays and lobsters. For more information and the latest prices click here.

5. Cozumel Private Jeep Tour With Lunch and Snorkelling

One of the best activities to do in Cozumel is a private Jeep Tour with lunch and the opportunity to go snorkelling. The tour comes with your own private guide which means that he knows the best-secluded beaches to go snorkelling and swimming without the crowds. The best part about this Cozumel excursion is that it’s completely customizable. Let your guide know ahead of time what you’re interested in seeing in Cozumel and he’ll put together an itinerary to suit your needs. 

Apart from private transportation, snorkelling, tequila tasting, Mexican lunch, and a margarita (or two) are included in the trip. For more information click here.

6. Sail The Waters Off Cozumel in a Catamaran

This is definitely one of the best things to do in Cozumel! There are many things to see around the island and hopping aboard a catamaran is the best way to do so.

You can either relax onboard enjoying drinks and snacks or you can snorkel the reef and check out the abundant sea life. When you’re snorkelling you’ll have the chance to spot some sea turtles, stingrays and maybe a shark or two.

The waters around Cozumel are abundant with marine life and are safe for swimming and snorkelling. Click here to learn more about catamaran tours in Cozumel.

7. Enjoy a Pirate Cruise With A Lobster Dinner

An Old Spanish Galleon will whisk you away from the port for a splendid 2.5 hour cruise with lots of games and dancing. This is a fun night full of adventure while enjoying a delicious lobster dinner. If lobster isn’t to your liking, they have options of steak and chicken. As the sun goes down you can enjoy one of Mexico’s amazing sunsets with a Margarita or a cold beer in your hand.

8. Visit the Cozumel Pearl Farm

A visit to the family-owned and operated Cozumel Pearl Farm is a unique excursion where you are taken by boat to a secluded beach on an uninhabited area of Cozumel.

The first part of the tour is a demonstration and explanation of pearl farming techniques. The second part of the tour takes you to the pearl hatchery itself where you can do some snorkelling to see how the pearls are grown while learning about the reef system and viewing the underwater life-size Virgen de Guadalupe statue.

The rest of your time is spent either swimming in the warm azure waters or lazing in one of the many hammocks, and of course, enjoying your lunch with drinks which are included. Click here to learn more.

9. Check out the Mayan Cacao Company

Just 15 minutes from downtown Cozumel and next to Playa Mia Beach Club is the Mayan Cacao Company. Who doesn’t love chocolate?! One of the many things Mayans are known for was their production of chocolate from the beans of the cacao trees. After the fermenting, drying and roasting process, they ground the beans into a paste, added hot water and made the first hot chocolate drink.

The tour lasts for 70 minutes and you can try ancient Mayan recipes and of course, buy some of the tasty chocolate. For more details on the Mayan Cacao Company and ticket prices click here.

⇒ See Also: 19 Fun Things To Do in Isla Mujeres – Mexico’s Island of Women

10. Visit the El Mirador

El Mirador is located on the east side of the Island of Cozumel, 30 minutes from downtown. Hire a moped, rent a car or take a private taxi to get here. It’s a naturally beautiful spot where the sea has carved an arch in the rocks over the years. You can climb to the top for stunning views.

This is an excellent place to avoid the crowds. If you’re looking to relax, a visit to El Mirador is one of the best things to do in Cozumel.

☞ For other natural rock formations surrounded by water, don’t miss Lands End, one of the top things to do in Cabo San Lucas.

11. Swim and Snorkel at Playa Chen Rio

Cozumel has some of the best beaches in Mexico, and Playa Chen Rio is one you won’t want to miss. With its protected area and shallow water, this beach is suitable for all levels of swimmers and snorkellers.

As an added bonus, Playa Chen Rio is located on the east coast, which is less popular than those beaches that are located on the west coast — perfect if you want to get away from the crowds. Enjoy a day of swimming and snorkelling, followed by lunch or dinner at one of the great restaurants on the beach here, such as El Pescador Marisqueria and Bar.

⇒ See Also: 21 Things To Do in Guadalajara You Don’t Want To Miss

12. Enjoy Playa Uvas Sur

Playa Uva Sur is located on the west coast and is the exact opposite of Playa Chen Rio (above). This beach is an upmarket experience, where you can hire kayaks, laze on sun beds or enjoy the Beach Club.

The Uvas Beach Club has an entrance fee of $15 for the basic package which includes a welcome drink, snorkel gear, 30 minute guided snorkel tour, 30 minutes of kayaking, the marine park fees and you’ll have access to the chairs, umbrellas, wifi, hammocks and the restaurant/bar. You can upgrade to premium packages which include open bar. For more information click here.

☞ SEE ALSO: Manzanillo Colima – The Ultimate Travel Guide

13. Visit San Miguel, the Capital of Cozumel

Since San Miguel is located on the west coast, one of the best activities here is to walk the broad sidewalk along the seafront at sunset. During the day when the cruise ships are in port, the sidewalk is very busy with cruise passengers, but outside of that time, it’s fairly quiet.

In the middle of San Miguel is the Zocalo (a central park), every Mexican city or town has a Zocalo. It’s a meeting place for locals or a spot to sit down and just ‘people watch’. If you are in Cozumel on a Sunday evening head to the Zocalo at around 8:00 pm for many free events.

☞ In Mexico, you’ll find numerous seaside promenades with zocalos and free activities going on. Don’t miss wandering along the Malecon and seeing street performers, these are some of the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta, La Paz and many other Mexican cities.

14. Go Shopping

If you are in need of some ‘retail therapy’ during your trip, there are many opportunities for shopping in Cozumel. These are some of the main shopping areas where you’ll find clothing, souvenirs, jewelry and more:

Puerta Maya Punta Langosta Mall Royal Village Cozumel Plaza del Sol in San Miguel

⇒ See Also: 21 Awesome Things To Do in Oaxaca City

15. Experience Temazcal Cozumel

A Temazcal is an ancient Mayan ceremony, and while it’s one of the top things to do in Cancun, it’s also an incredible experience here in Cozumel. You’ll enter into a brick hut which is warmed by volcanic rocks – similar to an experience in a sauna – and will be greeted by a Shaman. During the Temazcal ritual, your body is put through a process of cleansing, relaxing and purification. It ends with a cooling swim in the nearby cenote.

The whole ceremony is a very spiritual experience and if you have a chance, don’t miss it (there are a few places, but you can check out this one). This is one of the most unique things to do in Cozumel.

16. Scuba Diving (one of the best things to do in Cozumel)

Scuba Diving along the Mesoamerican Reef is second to none. If you are an advanced scuba diver, you have the option to dive advanced sites in Cozumel like Maracaibo, Devil’s Throat, Cathedral or Barracuda. If you haven’t tried scuba diving before, there are PADI courses available. There are numerous dive centers in Cozumel, always do your due dilligence and choose a reputable company.

⇒ See Also: 21 Top Things To Do in San Miguel de Allende

17. Eat at Local Mexican Restaurants

Mexican Cuisine is our favourite. Eating street food is one of the best things to do in Mexico City, but if you’re not heading to the capital, you’ll still be spoiled for choice in Cozumel. Think burritos, tacos, tortas, ceviche, enchiladas, churros and of course drinks such as Tequila, Margaritas and a chilled Corona with a slice of lime.

Some of our favourite Cozumel restaurants are:

Crazy King Burrito – Calle 4 Norte 5 in Centro San Miguel Taco y Tequila – Avenue Rafael Melgar  Plaza Punta Langosta Cuatro Tacos – Calle 3 Sur 5ta y Melga

18. Cozumel Chef Food Tour (one of the top things to do in Cozumel for foodies)

If you enjoy food tours Cozumel Chef Food Tour is the one for you. The tour takes you to several different Cozumel restaurants where you enjoy a Mexican dish and a local drink. The places you will visit are off the usual tourist path, meaning you’ll be eating like a local. Even vegetarians are well catered for during this tour. This is one of the top Cozumel excursions if you enjoy authentic Mexican food. For more information and booking, click here.

⇒ See Also: 10 Things To See and Do in Guanajuato

19. Ha Haak Paddleboarding Cozumel

If you are a regular paddleboarder, Cozumel will wow you with its crystal clear blue waters, and if you’re a beginner, this is the place to learn. Ha Haak provides a super easy intro lesson for first-timers that you will get you standing up on a paddleboard in no time.

Ha Haak’s location at Mr Sancho’s Cozumel Beach Club, South Hotel Zone, is the perfect place to enjoy the sport ($35 for a rental). For more details click here.

20.  Deep-Sea Fishing

For Deep Sea Fishing enthusiasts, Cozumel is the perfect location and one of the top companies (Chi Chi Charters) offers an awesome experience. Even if you’re not a hardcore fisherman, this is still one of the best things to do in Cozumel.

Barracuda, mahi mahi and triggerfish are some of the local catch around Cozumel. You can catch tuna all year round, and from March to July white and blue marlin and sailfish are available. For more information and bookings click here.

⇒ See Also: 21 Things To Do in Mazatlan, Mexico

21. Watch Sunset

At the end of the day, nothing beats a good sunset with a cocktail in hand. We recommend checking out El Palomar Restaurant and Bar on the west side of the island. If you head north about 5 minutes from the Ferry Terminal you will be greeted by El Palomar, who have actually stopped serving plastic straws, way to go! A margarita on the porch at sunset is a great way to end the day.

Ready for Cozumel?!

Cozumel is a true island paradise. It’s laid back just like the locals and offers the visitor a quieter atmosphere than its coastal neighbours. This island offers the best of adventures under the sea — where else in the world could you visit an underwater museum, dive to the bottom of the ocean onboard a submarine or snorkel around a pearl farm?!

Cozumel is an island that will wake you up with sunrise on the eastern side, while just 10 miles across the island, you can enjoy a sundowner on the west coast. There are numerous fun things to do in Cozumel and we hope this list gave you some good ideas of where to start.

Goats On The Road Recommended Travel Resources for Cozumel

✓ Wondering where to stay in Cozumel? There are numerous accommodation options on Booking.com – from luxury resorts to midrange hotels and cute guesthouses. Goats On The Road uses and recommends Booking.com due to their awesome cancellation policy, discounts and deals. Click here to see properties available in Cozumel, Mexico.

✓ With all of the adventurous things to do in Cozumel, it’s important to have adequate travel insurance. Goats On The Road have used and recommend World Nomads (one of the most popular options for travellers). Click here for a free quote.

✓ If you’d like to rent a car in Cozumel or any other place in Mexico, we recommend checking out the prices on Expedia.com. Be warned though, in Mexico, you’ll have to pay around $15 more per day for a mandatory insurance fee. Goats On The Road always uses Expedia for our car rentals. Click here to find the latest prices.

✓ For tours, activities and other things to do in Cozumel, check out Get Your Guide for low prices and excellent service. Always cross-reference your tours with reviews and find one that suits your needs.

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Embark on a thrilling Discovery Safari in Barbados, where excitement meets exploration. Traverse the island's diverse landscapes, from lush forests to pristine coastlines, and encounter its rich wildlife along the way. Our expert guides ensure an immersive experience, uncovering the hidden gems and natural wonders of Barbados on every safari adventure.

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Windstar James Beard Cruises for Foodies

01 of 06

Windstar and James Beard: The Luxury Cruise for Foodies

©Sébastien Husté/Windstar Cruises

Are you passionate about seeing the world through its cuisines? Then Windstar's James Beard Foundation Culinary Collection Cruises were made for you.

Since 2016, Windstar has partnered with the James Beard Foundation — the New York-based organization famed for restaurant and chef awards — to produce culinary-focused cruises. These ocean experiences offer the best in food, drink, and gourmet events, and visit ports that are celebrated for their good food and drink. 

Every Windstar James Beard cruise features a major Beard-award-winning guest chef and his or her dishes. Passengers can hobnob with the chef in daily cooking demos, tastings, and cocktail parties, plus in chef-led excursions like shopping in the port's farmer's market.

On the following pages, you'll find out more about Windstar James Beard cruises: their chefs, their routes, their ships. If you're hungry for a foodie vacation, climb aboard Windstar's James Beard Foundation Culinary Collection Cruises. 

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02 of 06

Where Will You Go Aboard a Windstar James Beard Cruise?

©Windstar Cruises

Nine Culinary Cruises Let You Follow Your Appetite Around the World

In 2017, Windstar and the James Beard Foundation are masterminding nine cruises that celebrate the world's best food and wine. See which cruise captures your foodie fantasies.

May 6, 2017: Islands of the West Med with Chef Jennifer Jasinski of Ultreia and Rioja in Denver, the James Beard Award winner for Best Chef: Southwest. This week-long cruise on Star Pride, Windstar's 212-passenger yacht, is bookended by the culinary capitals of Rome and Barcelona. Your flavorful ports in-between: the beautiful islands of Corsica, Elba, Sardinia, and Mallorca (where guests will enjoy a private visit to a palace, complete with food, drink, and entertainment).

June 16, 2017: Cuisines & Cultures of Spain, Portugal, and France with the popular Top Chef contestant, Annie Pettry of Decca restaurant in Louisville, Kentucky. The Star Legend yacht will transport 212 passengers on a 10-day gustatory journey from Lisbon to Dublin, stopping in culinary meccas like Porto and Bordeaux. One highlight of the cruise is an exclusive Bordeaux wine experience. 

August 4, 2017: Lands of the Midnight Sun with James Beard Award winner (Best Chef: Midwest) Paul Berglund of Bachelor Farmer restaurant in Minneapolis. This cruise aboard the 212-guest Star Legend yacht celebrates the culinary heritage of Scandinavia in an 11-day journey from Iceland to Norway and finally to Ireland.

August 15, 2017: James Beard Foundation Epicurean Explorations of France, Spain, and Portugal with acclaimed chef, restaurateur, and author Hugh Acheson. Over 10 glorious days cruising from Dublin to Lisbon aboard the Star Legend yacht, passengers will revel in great food and wine onboard and in port, exploring the food and wine cultures of Atlantic Europe. The itinerary offers two full days in France's current must-visit city, Bordeaux.

September 2, 2017: Gaelic Explorers with James Beard Award winner for Best Chef: Northwest, Seattle's Renee Erickson, known for her innovative approach to seafood. Chef Erickson will lead guests from Edinburgh to Dublin, sampling the word's finest salmon, whiskey, and Scotch over eight memorable days aboard tall-masted Wind Surf.

October 18, 2017: Islands of the West Med with Chef Amy Brandwein of Capitolina in Washington, D.C. This acclaimed European-trained chef will escort lovers of sunny Mediterranean cuisine to proud, historic islands including Sicily, Sardinia, Mallorca, and Ibiza, where the creation of some of the world's most exciting food and wine is an enduring art. Windstar's 212-passenger Star Pride yacht will host this classic adventure.

November 10, 2017: Jewels of the Windward Islands of the Caribbean with James Beard Award semifinalist Keith Rhodes, from Catch restaurant in Wilmington, North Carolina and also a Top Chef personality. Rhodes, a seafood specialist, will accompany passengers on this eight-day sailing exploring the multicultural cuisine of Barbados, Saint Lucia, Trinidad, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The ship is Wind Star, a tall-masted power sailboat carrying just 148 guests.

December 9, 2017: San Juan and the Virgin Islands with Mario Pagán, one of Puerto Rico’s best chefs. Chef Mario will spend a week aboard the Star Pride yacht with 148 passengers, exploring the culinary wonders of the Caribbean: his Spanish-influenced home island, plus French-governed St. Barth's and the English-heritage Virgin Islands. 

January 20, 2018: Icons of Southeast Asia with Honolulu chef Lee Anne Wong, an original contestant on Top Chef and author of the cookbook “Dumplings All Day Wong.” She will chaperone 212 gourmet guests on a 14-day dining journey from Hong Kong to Vietnam to Bangkok aboard the elegant Star Legend.

Next: why consider cruising on a Windstar yacht or sailing ship?

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03 of 06

The Windstar Cruise Difference

©Windstar Cruises

When It Comes to Cruise Ships, Small Is Beautiful

Windstar Cruises' small luxury ships are well known in the cruise world for their yacht-style experience. These are not megaships where passengers get lost and never see the same face twice. These are true yachts that carry just 148 to 310 guests, making a Windstar cruise feel almost like sailing on ​your very own yacht.

The Windstar fleet includes three “power yachts”– Star Pride, Star Breeze, and Star Legend — all with a capacity of 212 guests. The fleet's three other ships — Wind Surf, Wind Star, and Wind Spirit — carry between 148 and 310 guests. The ships feel private, but not cramped. They are the perfect blend of cozy and exciting, and Windstar has been honored with every cruise award there is.

Along with their sociable feeling, Windstar ships deliver another great benefit to passengers: they are sleek enough to slip into small port towns that bigger cruise ships cannot.As a result, Windstar passengers can and do explore the world's lesser-known exotic ports. The fleet's ships cal at 150 ports in 50 nations throughout Europe, the South Pacific, the Caribbean, and Central America.

Next: a typical day of luxury and leisure aboard a Windstar cruise

Continue to 4 of 6 below.

04 of 06

Day-by-Day Aboard a Windstar James Beard Cruise

©Windstar Cruises

What Do You Do on a Windstar James Beard Cruise?

In a few words: eat, drink, relax, explore a port, then eat, drink, and relax some more. In a few more words…

On sailaway day, you board in the afternoon, settle into your comfy cabin, and join in the safety drill on deck. Then the fun starts with a gathering for a drink with the captain and an introduction to your James Bead Foundation guest chef and sommelier.

Afterward, you head to your welcome dinner, with wine a-flowing and recipes created by the James Beard chef. You can sit at a romantic table for two or join a larger table and get to know some friendly fellow gourmets. After dinner, your ship offers social experiences like a casino, piano bar, dance club, movie screenings, and more. 

Every day onboard follows a pleasant general pattern. You awaken and either head for breakfast (Continental or full menu) or enjoy your morning meal in your cabin via room service. Once your ship pulls into its port of the day, you join a small group for the excursion you've chosen. Among your choices will be a cultural experience that immerses you in your port's historic heritage — or a foodie experience along the lines of a chef-led shopping trip to the port's farmer's market, or to a local brewery for a tour and tasting. Your excursion often includes lunch, but if you're back on the ship, the lunch spread at Candles cafe always overflows with cheese, charcuterie, and fresh produce from the mornign market.

Back onboard in late afternoon, you have man options: an indulgent beauty or health treatment in the spa, a dip in the shipboard pool, an email catchup, a nap, a workout in the shipboard gym, a drink on your cabin balcony, or a snack in the Yacht Club. Sailaway is usually around 5 P.M. The day's wine event happens at six: an ample and entertaining tasting of the port region's wines led by your cruise's James Beard Foundation-chosen guest sommelier. Afterward, there's a short presentation about the next day's port town. Then passengers begin to drift toward dinner at AmphorA, which is served all evening.

There's no dress code aboard Windstar. But most passengers put their best foot forward for dinner in the glamorous restaurant, featuring white-glove service and deluxe multi-course dinners. Dining in AmphorA is like going out to an elegant bistro. The menu changes nightly, with intriguing offerings of appetizers, entrees, and desserts. Passengers can expect various main courses of beef, poultry, local seafood, pasta, Asian-style, and vegetarian. And there's always an entree created by the James Beard chef aboard. The food is uniformly fresh, creative, and expertly cooked, and the wine that flows is very good wine. And for variety, passengers may also dine in Candles perched on the rear deck or with in their private suite.

After dinner, passengers socialize or relax in their cabin, slumber to the gentle sway of the ship, and awaken in a new port, facing a day filled with fresh adventures and delicious food and wine.

Next: see what your Windstar cabin will be like

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05 of 06

Your Cabin Suite Aboard Windstar Cruises

©Windstar Cruises

Your Windstar Cabin Is an Oasis of Comfort

There's so much to do, see, and taste on a Windstar James Beard Foundation Culinary Collection Cruise. But sometimes you just want to enjoy the privacy of your cabin. Windstar staterooms are all suites, and all offer ocean views. (About a third of suites have verandas or French balconies.) Suites are very much like luxury hotel suites, with marvelous beds, full bathrooms, big TV screens, and plenty of room to stretch out and to store your things. 

Service aboard Windstar is exceptional. Every cabin has a dedicated butler who makes shipboard life easy, plus a thorough housekeeping team and assistance and advice at every turn. Windstar guests feel pampered because they are.

Next: for more info

Continue to 6 of 6 below.

06 of 06

Find Out More About the James Beard Foundation Culinary Cruise Collection

©Windstar Cruises

Hungry for Adventure?

To find out more about the James Beard Foundation Culinary Cruise Collection and private yacht-style cruising with Windstar, contact a travel professional or Windstar Cruises by phone at 877.958.7718, or visit www.windstarcruises.com, or Windstar's blog, with fun articles about its culinary cruises.

As is common in the travel industry, the author was provided with a complimentary cruise for the purpose of describing the experience. For details, see our site's Ethics Policy.

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[thechasefiles]

The Chase Files Daily  Newscap 4/24/2018

Good MORNING  #realdreamchasers! Here is The Chase Files Daily News Cap for Wednesday 24th April  2019. Remember you can read full articles for FREE via Barbados Today (BT) or Barbados Government Information Services (BGIS) OR by purchasing by purchasing a Midweek Nation Newspaper (MWN).

UPGRADES – Barbados will need about $160 million in upgrades and repairs to aging and inefficient infrastructure and outdated regulations and tariffs, according to an Inter-American Development (IDB) report. Roads, bridges, ports, water and sanitation, energy and telecommunications were reviewed in the IDB’s latest infrastructure report on Barbados which said “aging infrastructure, outdated regulations and tariffs, and inefficient infrastructure use represent key challenges”. But Government’s investment in infrastructure has been declining to an average of around two per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) between 2014 and 2018, “markedly lower than the five per cent level recorded during the pre-crisis years of 2000 and 2008”, the IDB said. The country was ranked 30th among 138 countries in the 2016/2017 Global Competitiveness Report (GCR) Quality Infrastructure Index, topping the Caribbean region. But this position was eight lower than in 2012/2013. The report, which examined data up to 2018, said while Barbados had some of the highest road density levels in Latin America and the Caribbean, most of the road network was at least 20 years old and in need of repair, maintenance and upgrading to accommodate the large increase in motor vehicles in recent years. The IDB said: “The cost of upgrading the public transportation system and undertaking essential road and bridge repairs is estimated to be US$30 million (0.6 per cent of GDP).” It pointed out that the island’s lone airport struggles with aging and weakening infrastructure and inadequate capacity. The report also pointed to other inefficiencies in transport, singling out the Bridgetown Port, where it said those inefficiencies made exporting “slower and more expensive despite high quality infrastructure, nautical access and availability of equipment”. The IDB insisted that economic growth in Latin American and Caribbean was sharply impacted by the failure to invest in infrastructure, adding that the cost rises over time. So far, Government has received a promised $200 million from the IDB and $150 million from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) in support of its Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation (BERT) programme, which includes modernisation of processes and infrastructure upgrades. Government is also in line for a further $80.8 million infrastructure loan from the CDB to carry out upgrades to the airport, and has also indicated that it would be seeking another loan from the IDB to accelerate modernisation plans. The IDB report also reviewed the country’s energy sector, declaring that the regulatory framework and market design did not adequately accommodate renewable energy and possibly lower electricity prices. “Tariff reviews, moreover, are infrequently undertaken. For instance, the most recent tariff review for the [Barbados] Light and Power Company and for the Barbados Water Authority (BWA) took place in 2009,” said the bank. In water and sanitation, the IDB said the island had a weak centralised sanitation system, pointing to the persistent sewage leakages on the south coast in recent years. The IDB report said: “Estimates suggest a cumulative cost of US$38.5 million (0.8 per cent of GDP) is required to address the challenges in the south coast sewage system, whereas fixing the south coast and Bridgetown sewage plants will have an immediate remedial cost of an estimated US$11 million (0.2 per cent of GDP).” The development Bank added that in the water sector, there were institutional challenges “including the fact that the BWA lacks authority to set its own tariff structures, which are insufficient to cover the operating costs, afford capital expenditures, and service its debt”. In telecommunications, the IDB said despite Barbados’ comparatively extensive infrastructure and information and communication technology service coverage, low levels of ICT development, adoption and use prevail in both the public and private sectors. The IDB said: “Overall, Barbados’ infrastructure stock has good coverage and quality. The latter, however, is deteriorating. At the same time, greater operational and maintenance spending and investment will be challenging in the current fiscal environment. “Developing alternative financing arrangements, such as public private partnerships (PPPs), can support resilient infrastructure financing.” It suggested a promotion of more sustainable financing mechanisms for road, promotion of greater competition in key markets including telecommunications, adding that greater private sector participation could be an alternative for long-term maintenance and rehabilitation of road contracts. The IDB reasoned that such measures would have significant implications for household and business costs and positive effects on the current account balance, the environment. The IDB recommended a more robust public/private sector partnership framework to overcome the island’s infrastructure challenges, while acknowledging that the Public Procurement Bill showed Government’s intention to explicitly consider PPPs under the procurement law. The bank said it was aware that Government considered infrastructure a key priority for the country’s medium- term development, pointing to plans to reduce reliance on fossil fuel, combat climate change and upgrade and modernise infrastructure. The Washington-based hemispheric lender released its Macroeconomic Report last week, pointing out that economic growth for Latin America and the Caribbean could fall to a disappointing 0.8 per cent, due mainly to factors such as the US and China trade dispute, a rise in US interest rates, changes in oil prices and uncertainties relating to the UK’s exit from the European Union (Brexit). (BT)

THUMBS UP – So far, so good is how commuters who use the Fairchild Street Bus Terminal have described the ongoing renovations and improvements. A week after Prime Minister Mia Mottley ordered an immediate cleanup of the island’s bus stations, passengers have expressed satisfaction with the work which has been done so far. Major industrial cleaning began at the three terminals in Fairchild Street, Princess Alice and Speightstown last Thursday. When Barbados TODAY visited the main terminal at Fairchild Street this afternoon, workers were busy cleaning the women’s bathroom. Beverley Franklyn, who uses the terminal at least three times a week told Barbados TODAY the building looked and smelled cleaner than usual. “It does look different and it smells different too, so I am satisfied with what has been done so far,” she said as she waited for either a Society or College Savannah bus. Leonard Norville said he was impressed with what he has seen so far. “The terminal is looking good, it looks clean and good. Once they are finished cleaning the entire bus stand I’m sure it will look even better,” he said. Another regular user, Leone Jones, said she had no issues with the terminal. “It’s beautiful all the time,” was her brief response. A middle-aged passenger said: “The general atmosphere looks cleaner. It feels lighter, not as congested. I don’t really use the terminal that often, maybe once or twice a month, but I can still see a difference. Something has definitely happened because it even smells better,” she said. The Transport Board’s marketing and communications manager, Lynda Holder, told Barbados TODAY the improvements to the bus terminal were long overdue. She promised with further improvements scheduled to take place, the conditions of the bus terminals would be vastly improved. “We understood the concerns raised by the commuters and we apologise for not addressing it in a speedy manner as we should have, but we are working on it and it will be an ongoing process. “We started with a complete industrial cleaning at all of the locations and that will be continuing. We also started addressing the issues with the bathrooms. “We are going to make sure that the situation never gets to the point where it was at previously,” she assured. Holder said public address announcements would also be frequently issued, allowing commuters to always be up to date with the availability of buses. Last week Mottley ordered the cleanup and beautification of the island’s bus terminals after they were deemed to be in a deplorable state. Opposition Leader Bishop Joseph Atherley had also described conditions at the Fairchild Street terminal as horrible following a tour. (BT)

EMPTY HANDED – Promised gratuity advancements are yet to materialize, unemployment benefits are about to run out and creditors are beating down their door. This is the picture painted by the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW), of the plight of 83 workers retrenched from the Ministry of Transport and Works last October. It is for this reason that Acting Deputy General Secretary of the NUPW Wayne Waldron is urging Government to cut out the bureaucracy and fulfil Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s promise to advance gratuities to these temporary workers, who were retrenched after giving ten or more years of continuous service. “We have obviously been bombarded with a number of calls in recent times, but we are continuing to represent these workers. We know that there is a lot of discontentment with these workers because they owe their creditors and they have their families to feed. To make matters worse, their unemployment benefits would be finished at the end of this month and I know that these workers are in a very desperate financial situation and this is something that the union is very disturbed about,” Waldron told Barbados TODAY. The outspoken trade unionist explained that the union has written to the relevant authorities but is yet to receive a definite time for workers to receive their monies. “We are engaging the Ministry of the Civil Service on this matter and we understand that they are working on it. We are hoping that it will be resolved shortly but I can’t say if it would be a month or months, but we want this matter resolved, so that workers can get on with their lives,” he said. Last month, the NUPW expressed elation that Mottley had agreed to the union’s proposal to advance the gratuity of those workers, which would have been otherwise due at the age of retirement. However even back then Waldron had warned that the patience of the workers was wearing thin. According to the high-ranking NUPW official, the union is concerned for the well-being of this group, some of whom have expressed frustration to the point of suicide and violence. Since then, one worker took to social media to express her frustration with the slow pace of the process, which is being compounded by the bombardment of creditors. The woman said, “all like now we still owe the banks. They keep calling by your place all the time. When they call my place, I does tell them to call Mia [Mottley] and the NUPW. I was paying the NUPW for 18 years and I still ain’t get no severance pay. Right now, I am on [high blood] pressure tablets because I studying my little severance pay to go and pay off the bank like anybody else.” However, this morning Waldron urged creditors to be a little more patient as this group of workers had every right to expect security of tenure. “In the first place the Government should not have sent home these types of workers because they had a right to be appointed. They should not have been retrenched. Government should have placed these workers in other areas of the public service,” he said. Waldron added, “We are appealing to the creditors of these retrenched workers to bear with them a little longer. It is not their fault and they never anticipated after ten years with the Crown, they would be retrenched. Hopefully very soon they would get a lump sum of money to pay them.” (BT)

MP WANTS BANK CHARGES CHECKED – One Government backbencher is calling for measures to be put in place to rein in what he considers to be “aggressive” bank fees. Member of Parliament for St Michael West Central Ian Gooding-Edghill said his constituents have been bitterly complaining about the high bank fees they have to pay in order to carry out some transactions. “We have reached a point now where we have got to look at this. So I say that this aggressive level of fees and bank charges must somehow form the basis for some discussion,” said Gooding-Edghill, adding that the fees being charged are sometimes “too onerous”. “They are questioning why it is they have to pay $35 some months, why it is they have to pay $1.50 at a minimum if you don’t take an electronic statement and it is mailed to you, and if you miss and forget to insert the date [on a cheque] and it is returned you have to pay $35, and if you forget to sign the cheque it is returned and you have to pay $35. I don’t think these things are right,” insisted Gooding-Edghill. In recent years commercial banks in Barbados have announced new or increased fees for over the counter transactions, monthly charges and cashing of cheques without an account with the bank. Gooding-Edghill said while he understood banks were in the business of making money, they were already making a lot of profits off the savings of residents, and therefore the charges were questionable and required either legislation or other measures to control them. “I don’t know what is the solution. I don’t know if a private member’ bill will solve it, but I really believe that the people who sent us here sent us here to represent their interests and I believe that the time has come where we have now to start looking at this matter through meetings or whatever means or avenues we have to. We have to start looking at these things because these fees are confusing constituents . . . and are causing people a lot of stress,” he lamented. He also pointed out that while it was accepted that more business was being carried out using technology, there were still many of his constituents who did not have the resources to do so. His comments came during the debate on the Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (Prevention Legislation) Amendment Bill in Parliament on Tuesday. Gooding-Edghill said while it was necessary for transparency when it came to politically-exposed persons, he believed the net of scrutiny should be cast wider. Insisting that he was not questioning anyone’s wealth, he said there were people of “tremendous wealth” who should be held to the same “very high standards” politicians and their families were held. “I believe it would be a good idea for this country to move to a situation where you also have unexplained wealth legislation because often times there are persons who would come to a conclusion that a person has this and a person has that,” said Gooding-Edghill, who said other Caribbean countries were currently looking at similar legislation. “I am not questioning anybody’s wealth, but I think the time has come where there is a need for such legislation in Barbados and I will leave that to the Attorney General to respond to,” he said. (BT)

‘BACKDOOR TAKEOVER’ – Minority shareholders in Cable & Wireless West Indies Ltd (CWWI), the company that trades here as Flow, is currently racing against the clock to meet a mid-July date by which to submit documentations for a pre-trial. However, despite facing several hurdles in obtaining certain documents from Cable & Wireless, the group is very confident they will be ready with a very strong case. A September date has been set for the hearing. However, before that can take place certain procedures have to be followed including the submission of evidence including an expert “witness” evaluation by July 14. At the centre of the dispute is the value of $2.86 that the company has offered per share for the issued and outstanding shares in Cable and Wireless Barbados back in July 2017, when it announced it had made a proposal by way of an amalgamation. Attorney-at-law with the law firm Lex Caribbean Bartlett Morgan said the group continued to face some challenges in obtaining critical pieces of information. “There are certain little hitches that we have to work out with the other side. There are certain documents that are very, very critical to the evaluation process, which they still, to this day, have not handed over,” Morgan told a recent minority shareholders meeting. “So we are now in the process of attempting, amicably, to get those documents,” he said. Barbados TODAY understands that if those documents are not forthcoming in coming weeks, then lawyers of the group could go the route of further court action. CWWI owns about 81 per cent of the shares in the company that has some 2,200 shareholders. Approximately 2,000 of those are considered small shareholders. However, the minority shareholders group, which consists of both individuals and companies, is made up of about 242 shareholders. It is not known how many units of shares the minority shareholder group holds, but it is understood to be in the millions. A similar case was brought against the company in Jamaica and earlier this year the Supreme Court in that jurisdiction ruled that the minority shareholders in Cable and Wireless Jamaica can keep their shares for now. Pointing to that experience, Morgan said the judgment proved that the method used by the company to acquire the shares was wrong, and he was more confident about the prospects for the minority shareholders in Barbados. “So that certainly raises our hopes even higher than they were before . . . We were confident from the jump that this entire process was wrong. It was done in haste. So we are further emboldened in our belief as we go towards trial” he said. He described the company’s move as a “backdoor takeover”, adding that it was disclosed over time that the directives regarding the acquisition of shares came “from far further up the tree than simply here in Barbados”. “We say that when Cable & Wireless acted to take back the shares of the minority shareholders, they did so in a manner which was, for all intents and purposes, oppressive. It was without due regards for the rights of the small shareholders in Cable & Wireless [Barbados],” said Morgan.  (BT)

SOUTH COAST BUSINESSES COUNTING THE LOSSES – Business owners and operators on the south coast are happy that sewage is no longer flowing in the streets but they are still reeling from the massive losses they suffered from a fall-off in business due to the crisis, which plagued them for months. While patting Prime Minister Mia Mottley and her Cabinet on the back for saving them from the nightmare of a broken sewage system many of them say they are now left to put measures in place to recover from the significant financial impact. Owner of Kelly’s Kloset in Worthing, Kelly Puma said she was pleased that within a few weeks of the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) taking office in May last year, the “river of sewage”, disappeared and has not been seen since. “It has definitely improved. And it is nice not to have it running in front of my store. I had to close my business for four months from around March until the end of July. It was horrible. We had it coming up through the tiles from under the building. We had to take everything out of here. It cost me $5,000 to come in after and redo the shop; to clean it again, to paint it again, sanitise it,” she recalled. “I lost over $150,000 in business. Every single one of us along this area lost serious money and it was a very scary time because you didn’t know when it was going to be fixed or if it was going be fixed,” Puma said. The business owner said prior to the change in Government she felt as though businesses in the area were not being fed information about the issue that was affecting them directly. Not even the Barbados Water Authority (BWA) seemed to have any answers. Meanwhile, Emily Worme, the owner of Coral Sands Hotel on Worthing Beach, estimated that the “horrendous” crisis caused her to lose over $500,000 in business. Worme explained that while she did not close her doors, at one point, she had no guests at the 20-year-old hotel. She said it hurt whenever potential guests inquired whether the situation was under control and she had to tell them the truth knowing they would not come. Worme indicated that since the situation improved last year, Coral Sands has had to lower its rates to attract guests. “I am now working on getting back my people. A lot of people did not come back this year in the winter because I could not tell them if the problem would be rectified. I couldn’t say yes come it would be better. “This is the first time I have ever suffered because of sewage. I couldn’t get my mind wrapped around how Barbados with some intelligent people could let something like that come to that; watch it happen and do nothing about it for so long,” Worme said. Assistant Manager at Chicken Barn Worthing Kimmaria Codrington said the restaurant, which also had to close its doors for several months, was pleased to report that business was back to normal. “Customers are happy and staff are happy. And we reopened with a make-over, with a bang. We have a salad bar which is new to this branch and now we have customers coming more than before, so we are doing good business here at Worthing,” the Assistant Manager said. Chicken Barn employee Crotona Lorde said she felt relieved not to have to endure the terrible stench that caused her stomach ache, itchy eyes, and irritated her throat for many months. Lorde explained that workers could once again use the changing room in the basement which they had to abandon for some time, because it became filled with sewage whenever the rain fell. In February this year, Minister of Energy and Water Resources Wilfred Abrahams disclosed while giving an update on the South Coast Sewerage Project, that a state of normalcy had been achieved, and noted that a continuous maintenance of the entire sewer network was in place. (BT)

REGIONAL TOURISM WILL SUFFER FROM A LIAT CLOSURE – If the rumblings of LIAT’s imminent demise become reality, Barbados’ tourist arrival numbers could take a significant hit, warns a Government senator. This morning Chief Executive Officer of the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association Senator Rudy Grant, says he is troubled by recent revelations by Chairman of the LIAT Shareholder governments Dr Ralph Gonsalves, who revealed countries which use the carrier services are not responding favourably to the airline’s request for US$5.4 million to ensure its survival. “LIAT is a very important carrier for Barbados and it is also a very important regional carrier. Last year Barbados received approximately 110,000 Caribbean visitors and I would imagine that a significant portion of those visitors would have been on LIAT. In fact, in 2018, the Caribbean represented the third largest source market for Barbados. So, you can see just from that basic information that LIAT significantly assists us in the development of our tourism industry,” said Grant. The BHTA head questioned why LIAT should be struggling to receive support from regional governments when the same countries already provided support to international carriers. “We also need to look at the regional importance because for many CARICOM countries, LIAT is responsible for transporting the majority of their visitors. Many of these countries provide support to their international carriers. We are talking, Virgin, British Airways, Air Canada, JetBlue,” he said noting that support for these carriers are provided by way of a minimum revenue guarantee, cooperative marketing or a combination of both. Grant also noted that the hotel sector would also feel the pinch of a LIAT grounding, especially in the months outside of the winter tourist season. He pointed to the fact that the hotel sector has recently ramped up promotions to attract visitors from the region during the off-peak periods and therefore airlift will be critical to this endeavour. “Every year we participate in a staycation programme during the summer period. Summer represents a challenging period because tourist arrival numbers are not as high. The BHTA and IHG [Intimate Hotels Group] have extended this programme to the rest of the Caribbean because we do recognise the importance of our regional visitors to our tourism development,” he said. During a recent radio interview in Grenada, Gonsalves, who is the prime minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, a major shareholder of LIAT, explained that due to the lack of financial input from the other shareholding countries, LIAT’s closure is imminent. Barbados is currently the largest shareholder of LIAT, followed by Antigua and St Vincent Gonsalves said that LIAT has a complement of ten aircraft – seven are leased and three are owned by the Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) due to monies borrowed and a decision will soon have to be made on the way forward. “We probably will have to ask the CDB to sell those three aircraft and operate seven of them and then get other smaller airlines like One Caribbean to fly between here and St. Lucia, rather than get LIAT to fly on one of the routes which is going to Trinidad which is not economical to cut”, he remarked. “… The governments have not been responding so the shareholders are reaching a critical point now and if you ask me, what is likely to happen … there will be a transitional restructuring leading to a closure of LIAT,” he said. The Vincentian prime minister revealed that a new airline would then have to be the next option for the region if LIAT is closed. (BT)

BIM IN ‘NEW’ WORLD BATTLE, SAYS HUSBANDS – Barbados could soon find itself in another compliance battle with an international body over its trade and taxation practices, Minister in the Ministry of Foreign Trade Sandra Husbands told Parliament today. She said the country could soon come up against “consequences” from the World Trade Organisation (WTO) for failing to comply with rules or for submitting a report after a deadline. “Part of the compliance they are looking for, and it is something we are seeking to deal with, they are looking at countries that do not comply with the requirements that are set out in the World Trade Organisation. “So we are always up against a big disadvantage, and one of the things now that we are going to have to battle into the international arena is that they are seeking to discuss whether or not they should put consequences on countries that take too long to comply or countries who do not report within the time they are supposed to.” She argued that Barbados was already at a disadvantage due to its limited financial and human resources when it comes to putting various measures in place. “But on top of that, because you take long, they are now discussing the fact they want to be able to put consequences on countries, and this is something that we have to fight at the WTO,” said Husbands. This, she said, was putting additional pressure on Government, who she said was now bobbing and weaving between trying to meet international standards and demands while trying to pull the economy out of the doldrums. She said while it was very difficult sometimes to get rich nations to shift their demands even when “strong and reasonable” cases were put forward, Barbados was not about to roll over and play dead. She declared that Government intends to use various international fora to “protect” the country, including the United Nations, the Association of Caribbean States (ACS), the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the African, Caribbean and Pacific group of states (ACP). “All of these arenas are which we are fighting to protect Barbados just as we are fighting here with FATCA [Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act] and the OECD [Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development] in relation to compliance on tax issues and compliance with money laundering. And it is arduous,” said Husbands. The foreign trade minister also disclosed that there were further recent discussions between African-Caribbean-Pacific and European officials in Jamaica regarding a replacement for the Cotonou Agreement, the pact between Europe and it’s former colonies that is due to expire in early 2020. Cotonou, which focuses on development cooperation, trade and political dialogue, was signed in 2000 for a period of 20 years but did not come into force until 2003. Pointing out that the new agreement being looked at would have “a foundation agreement” between the ACP and EU and “individual compacts for each region”, Husbands disclose that a new clause regarding tax compliance, was being put forward. “What was put on the table was the idea that the EU was interested in making tax compliance another feature of this new agreement,” she said, adding that this was a way of “chasing us until they destroy the financial services industry that we have been seeking to build to be able to make money for Barbadians”. She told fellow lawmakers: “Every time we turn around there is another requirement. Every time that we turn around there is another rule that they bring and every time you look at it you can see that the primary purpose is to destroy the financial services sector in this region. “As I look at it I say in Barbados we are going to have to come up with a new way to fight to defend ourselves. We cannot succeed in that fight unless Barbadians understand why we have to bring this type of legislation here and why sometimes we have to make choices about how we spend money.” She pointed out that the Caribbean accounts for only one per cent of the international financial services sector while the bulk of the business was in the more developed countries. Husbands was contributing to the debate on changes to the law to prevent money laundering and financing of terrorism.  (BT)

‘WE’RE NOT IMMUNE TO TERRORISM’ – Barbados is not immune to an act of terrorism, but officials are working around the clock to safeguard against the possibility of an attack, said Attorney General Dale Marshall. His comments came in Parliament in response to the deadly bombings in Sri Lanka over the Easter weekend, which has so far resulted in the confirmed death of over 300 people and injury of more than 500 others, plunging the South Asian island into mourning. Marshall, who was speaking during debate on the Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (Prevention Legislation) Amendment Bill in Parliament on Tuesday, said he was not aware of any Barbadians being affected so far, but warned that Barbados was not immune to such occurrences, even if for the ripple effects. The Attorney General said: “I have to caution the Barbadian listener that the tentacles of terrorism, though they may not have seen expression in Barbados, we guard every single day against the possibility of it happening here. “Lest Barbadians feel all this talk about ani-terrorism is of no importance in Barbados because we are a small domicile, I have to warn that we continue to be exposed to all of these things.” Pointing to Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica where he said individuals were being watched very carefully by regional and international law enforcement officials because of their association with “significant terrorism organisations”, Marshall said he has seen an increase in the number of “radicalised Muslims” in the Caribbean. “I am not trying to scare anybody, but Trinidad is 40 minutes flying time away from Barbados. Trinidadians come and go, Bajans come and go and terrorism is something that knows no borders. Nobody’s passport has on it a stamp marked under employment ‘terrorist’. You don’t see that,” Marshall said. The updated anti-money laundering legislation will result in changes to the Financial Services Commission Bill and the Corporate Trust Services Providers Act. Marshall said the Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism Act was noted to have had “a few deficiencies” and therefore it was necessary to “strengthen how that act works by way of updating definition and amending the list of scheduled offences”. Marshall explained that as part of changes under the Financial Services Commission Act, individuals who wish to acquire shares of more than ten per cent in an entity would have to seek approval from the Financial Services Commission (FSC). “This is especially important as we have individuals who are engaged in funding terrorism and so on taking controlling interest in many companies. “We are a long way from Sri Lanka but the events of Easter Sunday in Sri Lanka must give the world pause because it is clear that terrorism continues to be a blight on modern-day humanity,” Marshall said. The Attorney General pointed out that wealthy individualswere severely affected. During his contribution to the debate St Michael West Central MP Ian Gooding-Edghill called for more categories of individuals be put under greater scrutiny as politically exposed individuals, arguing that this would further prevent money laundering and financing of terrorism. “I only hope that the political class is not the only class that will continue to be pursued in tis respect. I hope that oversight will be given to other classes as well . . . perhaps we need to expand the scope so that we hold others accountable as well as we are held to that very high standard,” he said.  (BT)

WOMAN IS 21ST MURDER VICTIM – A convicted manslayer is said to be the suspect linked to the fatal stabbing of his former lover as her two children watched in horror. According to sources, it was the deceased’s son who made the call to police at the Boarded Hall police station just before 9 a.m. informing them of the tragedy. When police rushed to the scene, they found the lifeless body of 39-year-old Zanaba Moore in the verandah of her house at #19 Frere Pilgrim Main Road, Christ Church. She is the 21st person to be murdered for the year. Reliable sources told Barbados TODAY that the suspect was released from prison in the last few years after serving a prison sentence after pleading guilty to manslaughter. It is alleged that he inflicted the stab wounds as the woman’s son and his two-year-old daughter watched before fleeing the scene. A source also disclosed that Moore had applied for a protection order against the suspect. When a team from Barbados TODAY arrived on the scene, a heavy police presence was evident. The entrance to the house was cordoned off as police carried out their investigations, while an officer directed traffic. Police public relations officer Acting Inspector Rodney Inniss told members of the media that the suspect had not yet been held. “Police this morning received a report via telephone from an anonymous male caller about 8:40 a.m. who indicated that he just witnessed a male having an altercation with a female and subsequently stabbed the female. “Police responded urgently to the scene, but on arrival they discovered the lifeless body of a 39-year-old female in the verandah of the residence. The male suspect is not in custody and we are looking for the person,” Inniss said. An irate cousin of the deceased who spoke to the media shortly afterwards vented her anger. “He now come out of jail for doing something similar and you come back out and do the same thing,” she shouted. A man who was only identified as Danny and said to be one of her closest friends, did not hold back the tears as he stooped over in disbelief. He said he awoke to the terrible news. “I was sleeping and when I got up a man tell me that he [the accused] hurt the woman. She was a real nice person and real pleasant. I can’t believe that he would do something like that,” he said. A resident of Frere Pilgrim who declined to give her name but who said she had resided in the area for 34 years, said she has known the deceased from the time she was a little girl. “I haven’t spoken to her in a long time, but I can tell you that she was a nice person. I knew her from the time she was a child. To hear what happened really has me in shock,” the middle-aged woman lamented. “I would never have thought that anything like that would happen in such a quiet neighourhood. My neighbour is so distraught I had to come over here to console her. This really doesn’t feel like Barbados with somebody killing somebody every minute.” Another man who rushed to the scene on hearing the news appeared to be in shock. As he stood holding his mouth, he told Barbados TODAY that while all relationships may have issues, no one deserved to die the way in which the deceased did. “Every couple has its problems, but she ain’t deserve this. This is a real sad day. The only reason I’m standing here and I haven’t gone across by the family is because I can’t see her like that,” he explained. (BT)

FAMILY SHOCKED BY STABBING – The grief-stricken family of stabbing victim Zanaba Moore wants justice after their loved one allegedly died at the hands of a man who had killed another of his lovers in 2004. Yesterday around 8:30 a.m. in Frere Pilgrim, Christ Church, neighbours were disturbed by shouting and loud scuffling before the 39-year-old was discovered dead in the verandah of her home. The brutal stabbing left Zanada’s 18-year-old son and two-year-old daughter without a mother. The suspect fled the scene but was in police custody last night after a manhunt earlier. (MWN)

COURT RULES AGAINST BAJANS – The historic extradition SAGA involving a group of Barbadian men has resurfaced in the United States. John Wayne Scantlebury and Sean Gaskin, who with now deceased Frederick Christopher Hawkesworth (below) were freed in 2014 after a ten-year fight against their handover to US authorities on drug charges, are now battling the Americans on their own turf. The charges against them were dropped more than five years ago and last week the US Court of Appeals For The District of Columbia Circuit dismissed Scantlebury and Gaskin’s application for further relief. The two Bajans and their American lawyer, Lawrence J. Joseph, now have 45 days to determine their next course of action.  (MWN)

REPORT ORDERED ON ROCK THROWING TEENAGER – A presentencing report has been ordered on a 16-year-old schoolboy who threw a rock at a bus resulting in two criminal charges. Xavier Lamar Ka’shawn Johnson, of 2nd Avenue Birds River, St Michael pleaded guilty in the District ‘A’ Maigstrates’ court to throwing the stone while on Tudor Bridge Road on April 18 which was likely to cause injury to a passenger. Jonson who appeared in the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court over the wekend also admitted to damaging a Transport Board bus on the same date without lawful excuse. The prosecutor said the bus was on the road around 8:15 a.m. when the driver heard a loud noise like glass breaking. He went to investigate and discovered the rear right side window broken. The matter was reported to the police and Johnson was later arrested. Magistrate Doulgas Fredrick ordered the report on the accused in preparation for sentencing and also placed the teen on a daily 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew. Johnson will reappear in court on June 21.  (BT)

TWO ON DRUG TRAFFICKING CHARGES – An accountant with the Central Bank of Barbados and another man have been charged with drug trafficking, supplying and possession of 15 pounds of cannabis.Corrie Randolph Walkes, 36, of Apt #3 Lot 263 Lowlands Park, Christ Church, an accountant, and Dale Orlando Nicholls, 33, of Roncliffville, Scotts Terrace, Grazettes, St Michael are alleged to have committed the offences on  Saturday April 20 at Scotts Terrace, Grazettes, St Michael. Police alleged that they intercepted a van in which the men were travelling and found a duffle bag containing three packages of cannabis with an estimated street value of $30,000.  Nicholls is facing another three similar charges in relation to 158 pounds of marijuana with a street value of $316 000. Officers are alleging that the drugs were found following the execution of a  search warrant at an apartment occupied Nicholls at Grazettes, where  20 packages of cannabis were discovered. (MWN)

MEN ON $10,000 BAIL – Two young St Michael men were released on $10,000 bail after appearing in a Bridgetown court today on a joint criminal charge. Eighteen-year-old Sancho Fernando Springer of Block 5A Madison, Deacons Farm and 22-year-old Troy Raheem Riley of Block 3B Beach Path, Deacons Farm are accused of unlawfully and maliciously wounding Newton Jordan on February 21 with intent to maim, disfigure or disable him or to do some serious bodily harm to him. They are expected to return to the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court on July 29. In the meantime both must report to the Black Rock Police Station before noon with valid identification – Riley on Mondays and Springer on Tuesdays.(BT)

GUILTY PRESCOTT – Forty-three-year-old Anthony Ricardo Emmanuel Prescott was remanded to HMP Dodds after pleading guilty in the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court to 13 charges under the theft act. The facts surrounding Prescott’s crimes will be detailed on April 26 when he goes before Magistrate Kristie Cuffy-Sargeant for sentencing. Prescott’s burglary spree began between December 30 and 31, 2018 when he entered Desmond’s Bar and stole various grocery items, alcohol and a bicycle belonging to Lorraine Lynch worth $1,489.50. He targeted the same establishment between February 15 and 16, 2019 and stole alcohol and groceries worth $360 also belonging to Lynch. Prescott also entered the home of Edson Harewood on February 12 and again on Mach 9 and stole items valued at $3,428.49. He also damaged a window belonging to Harewood on February 13 without lawful excuse. The thief also wasted no time in telling the magistrate that he was the one who burglarised the home of Fabian Cato on February 7 and stole $1,500 cash and also the home of Noel Hitlal where he stole a number of items including jewelry worth $3,381.75. Prescott also admitted to stealing $165 in items from the home of Ricardo Atkins on March 12 and $150 in boxers from Tristan Maloney’s home on January 16. He also admitted to burglarising two businesses between February 3 and 4. He entered Taste of Health Canteen as a trespasser and stole alcoholic beverages, a grill, a deep fryer and a bottle of gas worth $665 belonging to Khari Rivere and The Reggae Jerk and stole $180 worth of chicken belonging to Alton Lewis. He further admitted to having articles in connection with theft namely a screwdriver, knife and scissors when he was not at his place of abode on April 17. (BT)

GOLDEN TITUS – Barbados’ golden girl Danielle Titus was again unstoppable as she won the 15 to 17 age group 200m long course backstroke when the 34th CARIFTA Swimming Championship concluded at the National Aquatic Center at Wildey, St Michael tonight. (BT)

NEIGHBOURLY LOVE - Three days after Eustace Alleyne went missing, a group of Good Samaritan neighbours went in search of him and found the elderly man wandering the road. And when they brought him safely to his Plumgrove, Lodge Road, Christ Church home, his reappearance brought unspeakable joy to his wife of 30 years, Marcell Alleyne, who cried at seeing him again. The 67-year-old had been reported missing from around 10 p.m. on Friday and was last seen on Saturday around 8:30 a.m. He suffers from dementia. (MWN)

MIXED BAG FROM FESTIVAL – The atmosphere at the Oistins Festival has significantly improved, but for owners and operators of small businesses, the annual event has not generated the type of economic activity which was expected. Festival chair Toni Thorne challenged business people to come forward with more local offerings and they did not disappoint. Entrepreneurs again flocked to the southern fishing town, eager to display the best of their products and services. From agricultural produce, to cosmetics and home décor products, it was clear that Barbadian entrepreneurs were presenting more innovative and unique concepts. Unfortunately, it appears Barbadians are still clutching their wallets and purses, opting for a more frugal approach. Rachel Clement, Founder, Manager and Designer of Rachel Clement’s Sea Glass Accessories, described the first three days at the festival as “slow and steady”, but still an improvement on last year’s. “Last year was horrible. This year, their whole presentation and the variety of activities and the use of various stages tend to give a whole different feeling to Oistins in comparison to what I’m used to…This year has been a great improvement and more people have been anticipating Oistins because of all of the pop ups. It’s a little better for 2019.” Clement however added: “It is a little harder to get people to spend money right now. But I have people who love my products and they will purchase regardless. There was a woman who saw my rings and requested that I make one from scratch yesterday. It’s been a growing experience,” she concluded. For Dion George, Co-owner of Frootsad246, which offers a variety of fruit and vegetable juices, the assessment was quite similar. “It’s very lively and a lot of people have been passing through today. Yesterday [Saturday] was a bit slow at first, but it got livelier in the evening and more people were passing through. “People are spending money, but they haven’t been buying as they would have at other events, but those who have bought the juices really enjoyed them,” he said. At Tandem’s Box Pop local creativity was showcased in several contemporary home wares, lighting, home decor, apparel & accessories. Israel Mapp, creative producer for Tandem movement told Barbados TODAY that the business, which started locally has expanded to become a “pan regional” enterprise. “Our mandate is to expand our exposure through the island… to let people know that we are here and that we make good quality products which are functional and beautiful,” said Mapp. “People are very surprised because our setup is a bit different, because we take well-designed objects and make an experience of them and let people know there are different ways of experiencing things that are made in Barbados. So the feedback has been very interesting. “Obviously the major issue is the price point. Because of where we are and how we source material and the cost of talent and skill, our products are a little more expensive. But it’s not that we are trying to fleece you, this is simply the cost. So people say, ‘you know what, I can work towards this, I can save towards this item because it has high value and I’m supporting a larger eco system of people’…so they may not buy now, but they have our cards, they think about us and they may come back in December and buy something from us.” For Lucette Trotman, Manager of Bajanique, which specializes in all natural handmade soaps, creams, facial masks, foot scrubs and body scrubs, this year has been a disappointment. “The experience has not been better. I’ve made one sale for two days so far. We don’t see many people at all and the festival is nothing like before. Even last year it wasn’t that fantastic, but it was a lot better than this year and we saw a lot more people and at this point [Sunday], it is just like a normal day in Oistins,” said Trotman. She also complained that Barbadians had not yet developed an appreciation for the work of local artisans and their authentic products. “I find that a lot of Barbadians haven’t caught onto the natural and local stuff, but the tourists buy them. They buy the soaps, the creams and the insect repellents especially, and they take home things as gifts. But I still find too many plastic toys are being bandied around for sale for children and not a lot of support locally for the local, handmade products,” she said. (BT)

For daily or breaking news reports follow us on Instagram, Tumblr, Twitter & Facebook. That’s all for today folks. There are 251 days left in the year. Shalom! #thechasefilesdailynewscap #thechasefiles# dailynewscapsbythechasefiles

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Barbados Traveling Hotels - Tips as well as More

Barbados Traveling Hotels - Tips as well as More

 People who plan on vacationing in beautiful Barbados for the first-time are actually typically even more restless than delighted. Other than the simple fact that it would certainly be an unknown area, they are also excruciatingly thought about the cash they will need to invest to enjoy the thrill of the anticipatory pleasure of going certainly there. Luckily enough, there are constantly traveling tips to all holiday places around the globe. This article will certainly provide an array of beneficial info and pointers that will certainly aid anyone plan as well as take pleasure in a journey to some of one of the most stunning islands in the Barbados Travel Guide. https://www.google.com/maps/place/Lickrish+Food+Tours/@13.095663,-59.6154467,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x8c43f6dabad2d831:0x1d405525b85ba9f!8m2!3d13.095663!4d-59.613258

 Loan as well as Cost of Goods. The unit of currency in Barbados is actually the Bajan or Barbados dollar and also is actually equivalent to US $1.98. Be actually directed accordingly: items as well as companies right here carry out not come low-cost as well as are, provide or take, practically identical to their rates in Barbados Travel Guide. Barbados Fish Cakes

 Journeying. Upon appearance at the island's airport terminal, simply walk out of the terminal along with travel luggage in palm towards the buses, taxis and shuttle bus transport lined outside. The most convenient means to go is actually to pre-arrange the companies of a shuttle visiting as well as coming from the accommodation of selection. Taxi cabs can run $20-60 relying on how far away the place is actually, as well as shuttle bus would certainly charge $5 (do certainly not pay more) for surfboard bags as well as various other over sized things. If a rental vehicle is favored, bear in mind that it will cost around $50-60 a time. Don't neglect that the steering tire is actually on the 'reverse' of the automobile.

 Outfit. Do not think that merely due to the fact that it is a beach front haven that an individual may don his bikini anywhere the entire day. Dive wear is actually reserved for beach fronts as well as beach bars. Sportswear is the preferred, suitable clothes in many places below, other than during the night, or at suppers. It will be better if the component of the clothes is lightweight as well as 'peppy'.

 Barbados Travel Hotels. There is wide selection of accommodations as well as other accommodations to decide on the island. The core of the concern is just how much cash is actually heading to be willingly invested in one. A popular choice, naturally, is actually the much cheaper accommodations available. Transaction lodgings are often great enough as well as have three-star rankings. The team is actually guaranteed to become warm, hospitable and valuable. There are some that will feature an immaculate seashore out face for clients to effortlessly appreciate. Like bulk of these deal hotels and resorts, whatever is actually all-inclusive. This means that all dishes, drinks, gratuities, and also non-motorized sports are actually component of the package Barbados.

 It would interest take note that morning meal as well as lunch time are provided in a smorgasbord design, and treat is actually additionally conveniently offered in-between. Individuals can pick whether their dinner would remain in a smorgasbord design or even a 5-course one in the dining-room, which demands a reservation obviously. The hotels and resort team will certainly notify visitors whether their eating space is actually made a reservation for as well as make it possible for visitors to go in and also view if there are actually cancellations within the day Barbados Travel Guide.

 Right here are a few other notable trip tips:

 ( 1) check the weather just before any sort of quest so you will certainly possess a suggestion as to what to deliver, and how to pack;

 ( 2) take advantage of traveler's examinations if there are any. If they somehow get dropped or even swiped, don't forget that they may still be often changed within 24 hours just about throughout the world by many banking companies as well as service buildings;

 ( 3) never ever leave valuables in the hotel, unless a secure is actually requested;

 ( 4) abstain coming from utilizing the resort space telephone due to the fact that they may be extremely costly. It will be far better to use a mobile phone or even a phone memory card.

 Barbados Holidays Travel Guide - Explore Paradise in the world

 If you are actually looking for a holiday place total of enjoyable and also adventuresome tasks, then Barbados is the place for you. This holiday season spot grabs every heart and also make you delight in memorable lifetime minutes listed below. Your holiday seasons to Barbados will definitely take you to an island country which is located betwixt the widely known Caribbean Sea and also the North Atlantic Ocean, northeast of Venezuela and eastern of the Windward Island. Barbados flaunts mild, tropical environment along with energetic roads, fantastic yards and embellishing stunning natural sceneries. So you will certainly appreciate every tromp your Barbados holiday seasons.

 Barbados portions a typical annual temp of 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and also for that reason the weather problems carry out not differ a lot making the weather ailments always desirable to appreciate a thrilling vacations in Barbados. So it is actually all around you to make a decision when you desire to select your holiday. But wintertimes are rather suitable since summertimes possess rather hotter weather, and also the summer months and anticipating months deliver even more probability of rains. Barbados is actually total of dynamic taking in the sights destinations that you will certainly like for certain Barbados.

 Every year numerous vacationers and visitors from all the corners of the World are actually attracted to the islands of Barbados. Seashore holiday seasons to Barbados are actually even more exciting loaded and also you are going to obtain bountiful of water featuring and bold tasks to delight in. This Caribbean promising island functions lengthy extents of well-maintained sand coastlines that are actually most admiring. You can easily delight in Barbados coastline holidays at every instructions of the island. The seasides are actually split up in all the 4 coastal areas i.e. eastern, west, north and also south. A few of the well-liked ones are Accra Beach, Bath Beach, Brownes Beach, Casuarina Beach, Garrison Beach, Mullins Bay, Miami Beach, Paradise Beach and Worthing Beach and so on. Indulge on your own right into the interesting activities of snorkeling, diving, going swimming, parasailing, kayaking and so on

 . Discover the remarkable attractions on your holiday seasons to Barbados along with your good friends and enjoyed ones. Take a visit to the capital city of Barbados, Bridgetown where you are going to view the old historical sites like National Heroes Square, Neogothic Parliament Buildings, Bridgetown Synagogue and lots of even more. Past history lovers are going to surely like it. The various other eye capturing destinations are actually Chalky Mount potters, Crane Beach, East Coast Road etc. Holidays in Barbados could be toothsome if you see to the well-liked bistros in Barbados like the high cliff dining establishment, Red House Inn Restaurant, Lone Star restaurant, The Steak residence and so on. Reviewing this you might today receive excited and also have to be actually longing for appreciating vacations in Barbados. So merely open your world wide web and also manual Barbados vacation plans for you as well as your household.

 Tourist's Guide - Small Hotel Categories

 A considerable amount of folks believe that lodgings are all generally the same. However the simple fact is that there are several categories of such establishments. And also some classifications can easily be in multitude depending upon an area. For instance, in Las Vegas, big online casinos along with lodgings may be discovered almost everywhere in the condition of Nevada. While in the tiny nations in the Caribbean, small lodging Barbados as an example is very popular given that the smaller the place, the cozier it is actually as well as the much more suitable for an exotic wonderland environment. The obstacle for the popular tourist or even tourist at that point is actually identifying which type of holiday accommodation suits his/her necessities. A great deal of folks for occasion carry out not recognize the difference between an ecohotel and also a hotel. Little lodging groups can vary coming from location to place too Barbados Travel Guide.

 Passion Hotel

 This kind of hotels is actually a brand new vogue in Japan as properly as in various other Asian locations like South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and also Singapore. These are much smaller structures that afford attendees short time remains largely geared in the direction of giving couples a private room for having sex. This principle is actually naturally certainly not brand new. These lodgings are the only alternative for fanatics desiring to share quality opportunity with each other at low rates. As a result, if one finds words Love in a structure, at that point one need to certainly not anticipate a child pleasant location to spend the night in.

 Motels

 The term is an acquired type of the phrase "driver's accommodation." Such lodgings are contemporary Inns. They are actually located typically along the highways and roads. This kind of establishment became prominent in the United States when the primary roadways were actually developed. It ended up being home to the initial so phoned "Road Warriors" that steered the roadways going across the nation as a way of living. Today, some lodgings make use of the phrase motel liberally yet originally, these were actually establishments along with a small principal building of spaces encountering a car park great deal Barbados Travel Guide.

 Resort

 The house is usually through the night cottages situated at primary roadways or town hall. Settlement maybe needed upon checking in. A bistro may or might not be included in the facilities Barbados.

 Apartelle

 The Apartelle, much like the Motel, is actually a portmanteau. It is generally an apartment or condo structure that makes use of the resort rental fee system. Thereby, there may be homeowners in the structure staying for months or perhaps years alongside transients that merely keep a number of times or even simply through the night. These buildings might possess a bunch of centers as properly. Little lodging Barbados facilities like these for example are prominent low-cost and also however, are actually properly off with a ton of services Barbados.

 These are merely a few of the lots of untold variety of lodging establishment kinds. The normal vacationer that is actually going to one place for the very first time may conveniently obtain thus puzzled since some phrases may be mutually made use of through the hotels facility. Thereby, it is actually crucial that anyone visiting a new spot should understand the kind of accommodations accessible in a location (like hotels in the motorways of the U.S. and little resort Barbados apartelles). This can indicate the variation between an effectively prepared trip option versus a vacation catastrophe.

[worldhotelvideo]

Pousada Suíça Mineira in Monte Verde, Brazil (South America). The best of Pousada Suíça Mineira Hotel. Welcome to Pousada Suíça Mineira in Monte Verde, Brazil (South America). The best of Pousada Suíça Mineira. Subscribe in http://goo.gl/VQ4MLN Common services in the accommodation include: wifi available in all areas. hiking, cycling, billiards and darts. In the section of restaurant we will enjoy: bottle of water, on-site coffee house, chocolate or cookies, fruits and wine/champagne. For health facilities include heated pool, pool cover, fitness, indoor pool (all year), pool/beach towels, sauna, swimming pool, sun loungers or beach chairs and pool with view. As far as transport is concerned, we will find secured parking and bicycle rental (additional charge). For the reception we can have express check-in/check-out, concierge service, luggage storage, tour desk, private check-in/check-out and 24-hour front desk. Within the related areas we can enjoy library, games room and shared lounge/tv area and sun terrace. For the leisure of the family we can dispose of children television networks. We can highlight other services like bridal suite, designated smoking area, non-smoking throughout, allergy-free room, non-smoking rooms and vip room facilities [https://youtu.be/tfcbhMoS1_g] Book now cheaper in https://ift.tt/2JLB3bs You can find more info in https://ift.tt/2LZ4d3r We hope you have a pleasant stay in Pousada Suíça Mineira Other hotels in Monte Verde Hotel Saint Michel https://youtu.be/c0QMKFvLF38 Kuriuwa Hotel https://youtu.be/45sqad08CsA Pousada Spa Mirante da Colyna https://youtu.be/sPXatx5FD2Q Hotel Ninho do Falcão https://youtu.be/ukDCPRRchcs Other hotels in this channel La Villa del Ensueno Boutique Hotel https://youtu.be/9OhU8SPVcuw Camino Real Pachuca https://youtu.be/p3qT7Pq7_zo The Wheatbaker https://youtu.be/pknTUEm1-l0 Son Cleda https://youtu.be/yEAN5HZrWRU Sandals Royal Barbados All Inclusive - Couples Only https://youtu.be/o3IFOHO8dOI Hotel Szlak Bursztynowy https://youtu.be/PsrlFq2J1Bo Hotel Plaza https://youtu.be/H9QCM4BFEKw Hotel América https://youtu.be/rJojfv65LAY Dorint Hotel am Heumarkt Köln https://youtu.be/WxyTfrbA2mg Hotel Camargo https://youtu.be/YlC9xY6kqzk Hyatt House Seattle Downtown https://youtu.be/sMQEZ1gtteM Hilton Frankfurt Airport https://youtu.be/NnjrvskuuGM Hotel Sunset https://youtu.be/Ls_ylDx8YJk Eurostars Palace https://youtu.be/L3fk5Bm5Sa8 Grand Hotel Palazzo Della Fonte https://youtu.be/WRJxd_O0x1s In Monte Verde we recommended to visit In the Brazil you can visit some of the most recommended places such as Pico do Selado, Pedra Partida, Trilha do Pinheiro Velho, Trilha Do Pico do Selado, Steam machine, Claudio Passeios, Guia de Monte Verde, Trilha do Pinheiro Velho - Acesso Norte and Pedra da Onça. We also recommend that you do not miss Portal Monte Verde MG, Pico da Onça, Serra dos Poncianos, We hope you have a pleasant stay in Pousada Suíça Mineira and we hope you enjoy our top 10 of the best hotels in Brazil based in Pousada Suíça Mineira Tripadvisor Reviews. All images used in this video are or have been provided by Booking. If you are the owner and do not want this video to appear, simply contact us. You can find us at https://ift.tt/2iPJ6Xr by World Hotel Video

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Helicopter Tourism market (2017-2023) - Sales Revenue, Resources and Forecast

Market Highlights

The travel and tourism industry is among the world’s largest industries with a significant economic contribution. Over the years, a number of countries, such as Australia, France, Malaysia, U.K., UAE, and US, have consistently grown as popular tourism destinations. At the same time, developing countries such as China, India, Brazil, and South Africa, are also emerging as tourist attractions in the recent years and reaping the economic benefits of the industry.

One of the primary advantages of helicopters is that they don't require a runway for their take-off or landing operations. As a result, the helicopters are able to land in secluded and open spaces (such as mountaintops, parking lots, and open terraces). Many popular tourist resorts and buildings possess their own helipads for their guests, which make it convenient for the tourists. The helicopters are equipped with large windows, which allow the passengers to enjoy views of the landscape from above. In addition to the panoramic windows, the passengers are provided with their own headsets that enable in-flight communication with other passengers and with the pilot.

Due to the decline in fuel prices and increasing in the domestic incomes, the helicopter rides are affordable by a large number of customers, which make it easier for them to opt for helicopter tours. Moreover, the average flying speed of a helicopter ranges from 100mph to 150 mph, which is much faster than the tour buses or taxis. Therefore, the passengers can get to their destinations faster and be offered with an amazing view of the earth's topography from above.

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Major Key Players

The key players in aerospace flight control system market are Airbus (Netherlands), Bell Helicopter Textron Inc (Texas), Leonardo – S.p.A (Italy), Russian Нelicopters JSC (Moscow), Sikorsky (U.S), AVIC (China), Enstrom Helicopter Corp (Michigan), MD HELICOPTERS, INC (Arizona), Robinson Helicopter Company (California), and Turkish Aerospace Industries Inc (Turkey), .

The Helicopter Tourism Market is expected to reach USD 941.6 million by 2023 at a CAGR of 4.17% during the forecast period.

Industry/ Innovation/ Related News:

September, 2017 - CMIG Leasing and Airbus Helicopters have entered into a partnership through an agreement signed during China Helicopter Exposition 2017. By this, the parties will deepen their cooperation in civil helicopter operations including navigational operation and low-altitude air tourism.

September, 2017 - Bell Helicopter announced delivery of two Bell 505 Jet Ranger Xs to Eagle Copters South America to be used for corporate transportation. Company officials see growth for the Bell 505 in the Corporate, Tourism and light Utility sectors.

June, 2017:- Bell Helicopter announced signed purchase agreements for three VIP-configured aircraft in Europe for the sale of a Bell 429.

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Regional Analysis

The Americas dominates the global demand for helicopter tourism, with the US, Argentina, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Peru being the region's major markets. These countries have advanced infrastructures, attractive tourist destinations, and a number of natural and architectural attractions. In addition, the region is known for the hospitality of its people and the varied culture, which signify its potential in tourism.

Americas is home to a number of tourist destinations, ranging from Florida Keys in the US to Niagara Falls in Canada, the Iguaçu Falls in Brazil to Barbados in the Caribbean, and from Los Roques in Venezuela to Cartagena in Colombia. Such places are a treat to view from the top, due to their natural exquisiteness. This is where helicopters come into the picture. There are a large number of helicopter companies based in the region, which proliferate the tourism business. They engage in providing private, customized, or general tours to the passengers. Due to favorable government regulations and increasing partnerships with tourist resorts, the helicopter operators face no trouble in offering tours to the customers.

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[itcbadbados]

Jammin’ Catamaran Cruises is one of the newest recreational catamarans cruising the coastal waters of Barbados.

On this striking 63-foot recreational vessel, cruise along Barbados’ lovely coastline and take in the stunning coastal waters. All the ingredients are present at Jammin’ Catamaran Cruises for a great day in the sun. The Jammin’ crew guarantees a genuinely fantastic day on the water because to their vibrant personalities and warm demeanors.

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News story: Hurricane Irma: UK government response in numbers, 15 September 2017

Military

Naval

RFA Mounts Bay, pre-stationed in the region, provided initial assistance to Anguilla to clear the runway. It then continued to British Virgin Islands to establish security of supplies, and fix basic infrastructure and shelter to people. After travelling to US Virgin Islands to resupply, she returned to Anguilla to deliver reconstruction materials and arrived in the British Virgin Islands on Tuesday with further supplies and delivered humanitarian aid and disaster relief on Wednesday.

On Tuesday night, HMS Ocean embarked on the 10-day journey to the Caribbean to provide further support to those affected by the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma. She is carrying 60 pallets of emergency relief stores to assist with the longer term recovery effort, including plywood, timber and construction equipment, as well as 200 pallets of Department for International Development (DFID) aid. This includes 5,000 hygiene kits containing essential items such as soap and a torch, 10,000 buckets and 504,000 aquatabs.

Aircraft

Over 200 personnel arrived on Tuesday 12 September, including stabilisation advisers, medical support and military.

Over 200 military personnel arrived in Barbados on Wednesday 13 September

We have 1 Wildcat Helicopter with Mounts Bay and 2 RAF Puma aircraft currently operating in the region.

A third Puma helicopter has arrived in the Caribbean ready to assist in transporting personnel and aid, as well as a Voyager plane which transported 80 personnel from the Lead Commando Group.

A C-130J and A400M has been making shuttles from Barbados to required destinations across the region to deliver key support, including British Virgin Islands, Turks and Caicos and Anguilla.

One Antonov cargo plane with supplies arrived on Tuesday 12 September.

The UK continues to work closely alongside international partners. Following a request for assistance from French President Emmanuel Macron, an RAF C-17 arrived in France to provide heavy-lift support to French aid efforts in the Caribbean. Equipment and vehicles including a tipper truck, digger and a specialist bulldozer were loaded aboard for transportation to Guadeloupe, and the aircraft arrived yesterday

Personnel

There are now over 1,100 UK military personnel in the Caribbean region.

Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) staff and consular expertise

FCO Rapid Deployment Teams (including Red Cross support) are in the region in 8 locations (British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, Turks and Caicos Islands, Curacao, Puerto Rico, St Maarten, Guadalupe, Barbados).

Consular staff have been deployed to Curacao and Guadeloupe to help British nationals evacuated there and we now have a Rapid Deployment Team in Sint Maarten to provide further assistance.

Consular teams in Cuba and the US are working closely with tour operators and local authorities to ensure British nationals are getting the support they need.

The dedicated crisis hotline has so far taken almost 2,700 calls.

Public Health England is sending 3 specialist staff to work with the Chief Medical Officers of the territories to help assess the risks to public health from the damaged infrastructure and disruption to health and social services.

Lord Ahmad, Minister for the Caribbean, Overseas Territories and the Commonwealth, arrived in the Turks and Caicos Islands on Thursday 14 September. He met the Governor, Premier, and Deputy Premier.

On Thursday 14 September the Foreign Secretary hosted discussions with the US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and the French Deputy Foreign Minister Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne on the response to Hurricane Irma.

The Foreign and Development Secretaries will be leading an event at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Monday to discuss the impact of Hurricane Irma on the Caribbean, the response, and to discuss present and future support.

Throughout we are working closely with the governments in the Overseas Territories, who are leading most areas of restoration. We are working closely with commercial partners in seeking local and regional solutions.

Police

Over 60 UK police deployed to the region, in addition to 16 Caymanian police and 6 Bermudian Police

Aid

£32 million already announced for disaster relief with a further £25million committed.

The government has made £2.5 million available to the Pan American Health Organisation to ensure critical health services are provided in the region, and to reduce the risk of disease spreading. This is part of the initial £32 million pledged.

UK government will aid match public donations to the Red Cross appeal up to £3 million, and so far the British public have helped raise £1.3million, with the UK government matching the £650,000 of private donations.

DFID Field Teams have been sent to British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, Turks and Caicos, Antigua, Barbados and the Dominican Republic.

Over 60 metric tonnes of DFID aid has now arrived and is being distributed across the region, including nearly 3,000 shelter kits, which can provide shelter for over 13,000 people and 4,990 solar lanterns (which can provide light and power for over 20,000 people), and over 8,000 buckets.

HMS Ocean has been loaded with 5,000 hygiene kits, 10,000 buckets and 500,000 Aquatabs, all UK aid funded.

9 tonnes of food and water procured locally on Monday 11 September for onward delivery. Thousands more shelter kits and buckets are on the way from UK shortly.

The UK has helped to distribute water bottles to 700 of the most vulnerable households affected by Hurricane Irma on the British Virgin Islands.

The UK government is being supported by companies in the private sector, including:

Thomson and Thomas Cook who have delivered over 8,000 buckets on commercial flights

Virgin, who offered free transport to dispatch relief items including nearly 2,000 shelter kits, to Antigua on Tuesday.

Assisted departure

The UK is working hard to provide support in every way it can. We are now making urgent arrangements to help the most vulnerable people affected in this crisis to leave the islands of British Virgin Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands, Anguilla and St Martin as soon as possible. FCO staff both in London and in the region are working with the governments of the territories and putting every effort into identifying and locating vulnerable people, both British and foreign nationals.

We have arranged military-assisted departures for a number of eligible persons from the British Virgin Islands and are planning military-assisted departures for further vulnerable eligible persons in the other affected Overseas Territories.

Military flights will then transfer these people to Barbados from where they will be able to access urgent medical treatment, if needed, and make arrangements for onward travel. To help those most vulnerable people, we are exceptionally waiving the fees for replacing emergency travel documents.

We continue to identify and contact the most vulnerable affected persons, ahead of military flights from Grand Turk, Providenciales, Tortola, and St Martin on 15 September

Breakdown by Islands

British Virgin Islands

Military

Royal Marines from RFA Mounts Bay have got the airfield operating so we can get more aid and personnel in.

Over 200 troops are on the ground – including engineers, medics and marines who are working with the local police to provide security

Police

16 Caymanian police and 6 Bermudian deployed to assist with security.

There are currently 54 UK police officers on BVI to support law and order.

An operation run by British Virgin Island and Cayman Island police officers, alongside the British Royal Marines and police, resulted in the capture of over 100 escaped criminals from Balsam Ghut prison.

Aid

5 tonnes of food and water has been transferred to the British Virgin Islands. A flight carrying 3 tonnes of food and water arrived in the British Virgin Islands. This much-needed aid has already been distributed on Tortola alongside 40 shelters in Road Town.

640 shelter kits are in transit via the RAF

FCO and consular support

The UK is assisting the British Virgin Islands government in providing support to affected people of all nationalities.

FCO media officer on the ground to support the Governor’s office. Additional 4 consular officers and 1 IT support officer have been deployed.

Anguilla

Military

RFA Mounts Bay delivered 6 tonnes of emergency aid; rebuilt and secured the Emergency Operations Centre; restored power to the hospital. Over 70 military personnel and 4 police officers are on the ground. Aid

We have delivered an initial 9 tonnes of relief aid, food and water.

We have procured a generator to restore the water treatment plant and further generators are being procured to return power to public buildings.

DFID has deployed a team that includes 2 humanitarian advisors to support relief efforts, working alongside 3 FCO officers.

Consular support

Anguilla has not requested UK consular support. The local government is leading on this. One IT support officer on the ground.

Cayman Islands government is arranging a 736-100 aircraft to deliver personnel and equipment (including medical equipment) to Anguilla.

Turks and Caicos

Military

Over 120 military personnel are on the ground.

30 troops from the Bermudian regiment will arrive by Saturday.

Aid

DFID has deployed a field team to support relief efforts. Two humanitarian advisors are already on the island.

On Thursday 15 September a flight carrying aid reached Turks and Caicos Islands delivering over 150 shelter kits and 720 litres of water

Consular support

The UK is assisting the Turks and Caicos Islands government in providing support to affected people of all nationalities.

A 5 person RDT team has deployed to the Turks and Caicos Islands providing technical, media and consular support.

DFID have joined an assessment led by the government of the Turks and Caicos Islands to determine priority needs.

St Martin

Consular support

We have over 60 British nationals on both Dutch and French St Maarten including some requiring urgent medical attention. Over 50 British nationals have been assisted to leave.

USA

Consular support

We are regularly updating our travel advice.

The Foreign Secretary has spoken to Governor of Florida Rick Scott.

from Announcements on GOV.UK http://ift.tt/2x8kPRw via IFTTT

[tennissurfacingspecifications]

News story: Hurricane Irma: UK government response in numbers, 15 September 2017

Military

Naval

RFA Mounts Bay, pre-stationed in the region, provided initial assistance to Anguilla to clear the runway. It then continued to British Virgin Islands to establish security of supplies, and fix basic infrastructure and shelter to people. After travelling to US Virgin Islands to resupply, she returned to Anguilla to deliver reconstruction materials and arrived in the British Virgin Islands on Tuesday with further supplies and delivered humanitarian aid and disaster relief on Wednesday.

On Tuesday night, HMS Ocean embarked on the 10-day journey to the Caribbean to provide further support to those affected by the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma. She is carrying 60 pallets of emergency relief stores to assist with the longer term recovery effort, including plywood, timber and construction equipment, as well as 200 pallets of Department for International Development (DFID) aid. This includes 5,000 hygiene kits containing essential items such as soap and a torch, 10,000 buckets and 504,000 aquatabs.

Aircraft

Over 200 personnel arrived on Tuesday 12 September, including stabilisation advisers, medical support and military.

Over 200 military personnel arrived in Barbados on Wednesday 13 September

We have 1 Wildcat Helicopter with Mounts Bay and 2 RAF Puma aircraft currently operating in the region.

A third Puma helicopter has arrived in the Caribbean ready to assist in transporting personnel and aid, as well as a Voyager plane which transported 80 personnel from the Lead Commando Group.

A C-130J and A400M has been making shuttles from Barbados to required destinations across the region to deliver key support, including British Virgin Islands, Turks and Caicos and Anguilla.

One Antonov cargo plane with supplies arrived on Tuesday 12 September.

The UK continues to work closely alongside international partners. Following a request for assistance from French President Emmanuel Macron, an RAF C-17 arrived in France to provide heavy-lift support to French aid efforts in the Caribbean. Equipment and vehicles including a tipper truck, digger and a specialist bulldozer were loaded aboard for transportation to Guadeloupe, and the aircraft arrived yesterday

Personnel

There are now over 1,100 UK military personnel in the Caribbean region.

Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) staff and consular expertise

FCO Rapid Deployment Teams (including Red Cross support) are in the region in 8 locations (British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, Turks and Caicos Islands, Curacao, Puerto Rico, St Maarten, Guadalupe, Barbados).

Consular staff have been deployed to Curacao and Guadeloupe to help British nationals evacuated there and we now have a Rapid Deployment Team in Sint Maarten to provide further assistance.

Consular teams in Cuba and the US are working closely with tour operators and local authorities to ensure British nationals are getting the support they need.

The dedicated crisis hotline has so far taken almost 2,700 calls.

Public Health England is sending 3 specialist staff to work with the Chief Medical Officers of the territories to help assess the risks to public health from the damaged infrastructure and disruption to health and social services.

Lord Ahmad, Minister for the Caribbean, Overseas Territories and the Commonwealth, arrived in the Turks and Caicos Islands on Thursday 14 September. He met the Governor, Premier, and Deputy Premier.

On Thursday 14 September the Foreign Secretary hosted discussions with the US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and the French Deputy Foreign Minister Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne on the response to Hurricane Irma.

The Foreign and Development Secretaries will be leading an event at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Monday to discuss the impact of Hurricane Irma on the Caribbean, the response, and to discuss present and future support.

Throughout we are working closely with the governments in the Overseas Territories, who are leading most areas of restoration. We are working closely with commercial partners in seeking local and regional solutions.

Police

Over 60 UK police deployed to the region, in addition to 16 Caymanian police and 6 Bermudian Police

Aid

£32 million already announced for disaster relief with a further £25million committed.

The government has made £2.5 million available to the Pan American Health Organisation to ensure critical health services are provided in the region, and to reduce the risk of disease spreading. This is part of the initial £32 million pledged.

UK government will aid match public donations to the Red Cross appeal up to £3 million, and so far the British public have helped raise £1.3million, with the UK government matching the £650,000 of private donations.

DFID Field Teams have been sent to British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, Turks and Caicos, Antigua, Barbados and the Dominican Republic.

Over 60 metric tonnes of DFID aid has now arrived and is being distributed across the region, including nearly 3,000 shelter kits, which can provide shelter for over 13,000 people and 4,990 solar lanterns (which can provide light and power for over 20,000 people), and over 8,000 buckets.

HMS Ocean has been loaded with 5,000 hygiene kits, 10,000 buckets and 500,000 Aquatabs, all UK aid funded.

9 tonnes of food and water procured locally on Monday 11 September for onward delivery. Thousands more shelter kits and buckets are on the way from UK shortly.

The UK has helped to distribute water bottles to 700 of the most vulnerable households affected by Hurricane Irma on the British Virgin Islands.

The UK government is being supported by companies in the private sector, including:

Thomson and Thomas Cook who have delivered over 8,000 buckets on commercial flights

Virgin, who offered free transport to dispatch relief items including nearly 2,000 shelter kits, to Antigua on Tuesday.

Assisted departure

The UK is working hard to provide support in every way it can. We are now making urgent arrangements to help the most vulnerable people affected in this crisis to leave the islands of British Virgin Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands, Anguilla and St Martin as soon as possible. FCO staff both in London and in the region are working with the governments of the territories and putting every effort into identifying and locating vulnerable people, both British and foreign nationals.

We have arranged military-assisted departures for a number of eligible persons from the British Virgin Islands and are planning military-assisted departures for further vulnerable eligible persons in the other affected Overseas Territories.

Military flights will then transfer these people to Barbados from where they will be able to access urgent medical treatment, if needed, and make arrangements for onward travel. To help those most vulnerable people, we are exceptionally waiving the fees for replacing emergency travel documents.

We continue to identify and contact the most vulnerable affected persons, ahead of military flights from Grand Turk, Providenciales, Tortola, and St Martin on 15 September

Breakdown by Islands

British Virgin Islands

Military

Royal Marines from RFA Mounts Bay have got the airfield operating so we can get more aid and personnel in.

Over 200 troops are on the ground – including engineers, medics and marines who are working with the local police to provide security

Police

16 Caymanian police and 6 Bermudian deployed to assist with security.

There are currently 54 UK police officers on BVI to support law and order.

An operation run by British Virgin Island and Cayman Island police officers, alongside the British Royal Marines and police, resulted in the capture of over 100 escaped criminals from Balsam Ghut prison.

Aid

5 tonnes of food and water has been transferred to the British Virgin Islands. A flight carrying 3 tonnes of food and water arrived in the British Virgin Islands. This much-needed aid has already been distributed on Tortola alongside 40 shelters in Road Town.

640 shelter kits are in transit via the RAF

FCO and consular support

The UK is assisting the British Virgin Islands government in providing support to affected people of all nationalities.

FCO media officer on the ground to support the Governor’s office. Additional 4 consular officers and 1 IT support officer have been deployed.

Anguilla

Military

RFA Mounts Bay delivered 6 tonnes of emergency aid; rebuilt and secured the Emergency Operations Centre; restored power to the hospital. Over 70 military personnel and 4 police officers are on the ground. Aid

We have delivered an initial 9 tonnes of relief aid, food and water.

We have procured a generator to restore the water treatment plant and further generators are being procured to return power to public buildings.

DFID has deployed a team that includes 2 humanitarian advisors to support relief efforts, working alongside 3 FCO officers.

Consular support

Anguilla has not requested UK consular support. The local government is leading on this. One IT support officer on the ground.

Cayman Islands government is arranging a 736-100 aircraft to deliver personnel and equipment (including medical equipment) to Anguilla.

Turks and Caicos

Military

Over 120 military personnel are on the ground.

30 troops from the Bermudian regiment will arrive by Saturday.

Aid

DFID has deployed a field team to support relief efforts. Two humanitarian advisors are already on the island.

On Thursday 15 September a flight carrying aid reached Turks and Caicos Islands delivering over 150 shelter kits and 720 litres of water

Consular support

The UK is assisting the Turks and Caicos Islands government in providing support to affected people of all nationalities.

A 5 person RDT team has deployed to the Turks and Caicos Islands providing technical, media and consular support.

DFID have joined an assessment led by the government of the Turks and Caicos Islands to determine priority needs.

St Martin

Consular support

We have over 60 British nationals on both Dutch and French St Maarten including some requiring urgent medical attention. Over 50 British nationals have been assisted to leave.

USA

Consular support

We are regularly updating our travel advice.

The Foreign Secretary has spoken to Governor of Florida Rick Scott.

from Public Health England - Activity on GOV.UK https://www.gov.uk/government/news/hurricane-irma-uk-government-response-in-numbers-15-september-2017 via IFTTT

[charllieeldridge]

21 Things To Do in Cozumel: Mexico’s Top Island

There are many things to do in Cozumel – Mexico’s largest Caribbean Island. When we mention Cozumel to other travellers, their eye’s glaze over and they imagine silvery white sandy beaches, swaying palm trees and an azure blue ocean. Cozumel certainly offers all of that, and much more.

When travelling Mexico, you may decide you just want to chill out on this Caribbean island (only 30 miles long and 10 miles wide), and I understand completely. But, after visiting here, I recommend you leave the beach behind and experience the many other things to do in Cozumel.

Would you be able to fit in a submarine tour, snorkelling the 2nd largest coral reef in the world, visiting a Mayan archaeological site or trying an ancient Mayan chocolate recipe in just a few days? Probably not! This is one of the top places to visit in Mexico, so give yourself some time here.

I highly recommend that you plan a minimum of a week to see all the things to do in Cozumel, you may even want to plan 2 weeks. With numerous incredible things to do in Mexico, make sure Cozumel is on your list. 

Note: This article has been updated for 2020 to reflect the best activities, excursions and costs in Cozumel. Enjoy your trip!

Where is Cozumel?

Map showing the location of Cozumel

The Island of Cozumel or “Isla Cozumel” as it’s known in Spanish is located 12 miles off the coast opposite Playa del Carmen in the Yucatan Peninsula. Cancun, known as “Mexico’s top party destination” is 45 miles to the north of Cozumel.

Cozumel is the quieter alternative to Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Actually, one of the best things to do in Playa del Carmen is to take a ferry across to tranquil Cozumel. In Playa del Carmen, the terminal is located downtown near the main square. In just 30 – 45 minutes, you’ll cross the sea and arrive in Cozumel. Click here for the Cozumel Ferry schedule, which includes costs.

When is The Best Time to Visit Cozumel?

Mexico travel can be enjoyed year-round, but the best time to visit Cozumel is during the months from March to June, before the hurricane season commences. The hottest months are July and August which coincides with the hurricane season that lasts until November. Winter is Cozumel’s busiest period and it runs from December through to March.

Getting to and From Cozumel

Before you can enjoy all the fun things to do in Cozumel, you need to get there. Most people will arrive at the Cancun airport. From here, you have a few options to get to the ferry terminal in Playa del Carmen (to take the boat over to Cozumel). 

You can either take the bus, hire a taxi, or opt for a shuttle from Cancun to Playa del Carmen. This is the fastest, safest and most comfortable to get to the Cozumel ferry. Click here for details about airport transfers.

Once you’ve arrived at the ferry port, you’ll need to take the 30-minute boat across. Click here to learn more and to book tickets for the fast ferry to Cozumel.

Now that you know when to visit and how to get there, here’s my list of the top things to do in Cozumel that you don’t want to miss!

1. Visit Punta Sur Ecological Park

Punta Sur Eco Beach is the best beach on the Island, and a visit to this eco-park is definitely one of the top things to do in Cozumel. This area is located on the south of the island and covers an area of 2,500 acres. Here you’ll find exotic birds, crocodiles, sea turtles, beautiful flowers and beautiful beaches – the perfect place for nature lovers.

If you don’t feel like snorkelling the reef or visiting the lighthouse (see below), you can just hang out on hammocks and enjoy the sun. There’s an entrance fee for this park ($16 USD for adults and $10 for children), but in my opinion, it’s worth it. Click here to learn more and to pre-purchase your tickets.

Within the Punta Sur Eco Park is the Celarain Lighthouse, which was constructed to warn sailors at night of the dangers of running aground off the southern coast of Cozumel. The Lighthouse is now part of a maritime museum. For 360 degree views of the Island, you can climb the 127 steps to the top. On a clear day you can even see the coast of Cuba, but unfortunately for us, that was not the case.

Entrance fees to the Punta Sur Eco Park include the Celerain Lighthouse.

A 40-minute tour of the Marshlands of Punta Sur Ecological Park is also available. They can’t guarantee that you will see any crocodiles on the day of the tour, but you will see many species of birds especially the roseate spoonbill.

The Punta Sur Ecological Park has so much to see and do, there’s even a Mayan Ruin here. El Caracol ruin – also called Tumba del Caracol because of its small size – dates back to 1200-1500 AD.

Caracol means snail in Spanish and the ruins were named this because of the snails that decorate the small dome on the top of the temple. The structure was built as an early hurricane warning system for the Mayan people. The roof was constructed in a way that the strong breeze gave a humming noise alerting the Mayans of the impending danger.

2. Playa Mia Grand Beach Park

If you’re looking to visit a beach park during your trip to Cozumel, consider Playa Mia Grand Beach Park, an ethical adventure park. While there are many “marine parks” that may sound great, Goats On The Road doesn’t recommend visiting them due to the captivity of wild animals. 

Check out Playa Mia Grand Beach Park instead. Here, you’ll have use of snorkels, waterslides, pools, kayaks, hobie cats, paddle boats, volleyball courts and more. This park doesn’t have any animals in captivity, which is why we recommend it. Entrance fees start from $30 USD. Another option is to take a tour on a catamaran boat, including the Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park for snorkelling, and a visit to Playa Mia Grand Beach Park (with food and drinks). Click here to learn about that day tour in Cozumel, or click the image below.

*Note that Goats On The Road does not condone any tourism activities that involve cruelty to animals, or promotes their captivity. We’ve been advised that the Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park and many places to visit in Mexico offer tours such as swimming with dolphins. Please be a responsible traveller and consider where you want to spend your tourism dollars, and avoid any animal shows or activities. It’s way more fun to see the animals in the wild anyways! Go snorkelling on a boat tour and have a more authentic experience with the wildlife.

3. Try Seatrek

A unique way of experiencing the underwater world is by trying helmet diving with Seatrek. The fully enclosed helmet sits neatly on your shoulders and a steady stream of air assists you in breathing. If you wear prescription glasses no problem, you can still wear them in the helmet as you walk along the bottom of the ocean at around 20 – 25 feet. Bookings for this tour can be made direct at Seatrek.

4. Try Atlantis Submarines

In Barbados, we had the opportunity to experience a night dive with Atlantis Submarines. In Cozumel, they offer 3 daytime departures at 10:00am, 12 noon and 1:00pm. During the dive, you will visit the Felipe Xicotencatl wreck that sank in the year 2000 plus colourful schools of fish, sharks, turtles, stingrays and lobsters. For more information and the latest prices click here.

5. Cozumel Private Jeep Tour With Lunch and Snorkelling

One of the best activities to do in Cozumel is a private Jeep Tour with lunch and the opportunity to go snorkelling. The tour comes with your own private guide which means that he knows the best-secluded beaches to go snorkelling and swimming without the crowds. The best part about this Cozumel excursion is that it’s completely customizable. Let your guide know ahead of time what you’re interested in seeing in Cozumel and he’ll put together an itinerary to suit your needs. 

Apart from private transportation, snorkelling, tequila tasting, Mexican lunch, and a margarita (or two) are included in the trip. For more information click here.

6. Sail The Waters Off Cozumel in a Catamaran

This is definitely one of the best things to do in Cozumel! There are many things to see around the island and hopping aboard a catamaran is the best way to do so.

You can either relax onboard enjoying drinks and snacks or you can snorkel the reef and check out the abundant sea life. When you’re snorkelling you’ll have the chance to spot some sea turtles, stingrays and maybe a shark or two.

The waters around Cozumel are abundant with marine life and are safe for swimming and snorkelling. Click here to learn more about catamaran tours in Cozumel.

7. Enjoy a Pirate Cruise With A Lobster Dinner

An Old Spanish Galleon will whisk you away from the port for a splendid 2.5 hour cruise with lots of games and dancing. This is a fun night full of adventure while enjoying a delicious lobster dinner. If lobster isn’t to your liking, they have options of steak and chicken. As the sun goes down you can enjoy one of Mexico’s amazing sunsets with a Margarita or a cold beer in your hand.

8. Visit the Cozumel Pearl Farm

A visit to the family-owned and operated Cozumel Pearl Farm is a unique excursion where you are taken by boat to a secluded beach on an uninhabited area of Cozumel.

The first part of the tour is a demonstration and explanation of pearl farming techniques. The second part of the tour takes you to the pearl hatchery itself where you can do some snorkelling to see how the pearls are grown while learning about the reef system and viewing the underwater life-size Virgen de Guadalupe statue.

The rest of your time is spent either swimming in the warm azure waters or lazing in one of the many hammocks, and of course, enjoying your lunch with drinks which are included. Click here to learn more.

9. Check out the Mayan Cacao Company

Just 15 minutes from downtown Cozumel and next to Playa Mia Beach Club is the Mayan Cacao Company. Who doesn’t love chocolate?! One of the many things Mayans are known for was their production of chocolate from the beans of the cacao trees. After the fermenting, drying and roasting process, they ground the beans into a paste, added hot water and made the first hot chocolate drink.

The tour lasts for 70 minutes and you can try ancient Mayan recipes and of course, buy some of the tasty chocolate. For more details on the Mayan Cacao Company and ticket prices click here.

⇒ See Also: 19 Fun Things To Do in Isla Mujeres – Mexico’s Island of Women

10. Visit the El Mirador

El Mirador is located on the east side of the Island of Cozumel, 30 minutes from downtown. Hire a moped, rent a car or take a private taxi to get here. It’s a naturally beautiful spot where the sea has carved an arch in the rocks over the years. You can climb to the top for stunning views.

This is an excellent place to avoid the crowds. If you’re looking to relax, a visit to El Mirador is one of the best things to do in Cozumel.

☞ For other natural rock formations surrounded by water, don’t miss Lands End, one of the top things to do in Cabo San Lucas.

11. Swim and Snorkel at Playa Chen Rio

Cozumel has some of the best beaches in Mexico, and Playa Chen Rio is one you won’t want to miss. With its protected area and shallow water, this beach is suitable for all levels of swimmers and snorkellers.

As an added bonus, Playa Chen Rio is located on the east coast, which is less popular than those beaches that are located on the west coast — perfect if you want to get away from the crowds. Enjoy a day of swimming and snorkelling, followed by lunch or dinner at one of the great restaurants on the beach here, such as El Pescador Marisqueria and Bar.

⇒ See Also: 21 Things To Do in Guadalajara You Don’t Want To Miss

12. Enjoy Playa Uvas Sur

Playa Uva Sur is located on the west coast and is the exact opposite of Playa Chen Rio (above). This beach is an upmarket experience, where you can hire kayaks, laze on sun beds or enjoy the Beach Club.

The Uvas Beach Club has an entrance fee of $15 for the basic package which includes a welcome drink, snorkel gear, 30 minute guided snorkel tour, 30 minutes of kayaking, the marine park fees and you’ll have access to the chairs, umbrellas, wifi, hammocks and the restaurant/bar. You can upgrade to premium packages which include open bar. For more information click here.

☞ SEE ALSO: Manzanillo Colima – The Ultimate Travel Guide

13. Visit San Miguel, the Capital of Cozumel

Since San Miguel is located on the west coast, one of the best activities here is to walk the broad sidewalk along the seafront at sunset. During the day when the cruise ships are in port, the sidewalk is very busy with cruise passengers, but outside of that time, it’s fairly quiet.

In the middle of San Miguel is the Zocalo (a central park), every Mexican city or town has a Zocalo. It’s a meeting place for locals or a spot to sit down and just ‘people watch’. If you are in Cozumel on a Sunday evening head to the Zocalo at around 8:00 pm for many free events.

☞ In Mexico, you’ll find numerous seaside promenades with zocalos and free activities going on. Don’t miss wandering along the Malecon and seeing street performers, these are some of the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta, La Paz and many other Mexican cities.

14. Go Shopping

If you are in need of some ‘retail therapy’ during your trip, there are many opportunities for shopping in Cozumel. These are some of the main shopping areas where you’ll find clothing, souvenirs, jewelry and more:

Puerta Maya

Punta Langosta Mall

Royal Village Cozumel

Plaza del Sol in San Miguel

⇒ See Also: 21 Awesome Things To Do in Oaxaca City

15. Experience Temazcal Cozumel

A Temazcal is an ancient Mayan ceremony, and while it’s one of the top things to do in Cancun, it’s also an incredible experience here in Cozumel. You’ll enter into a brick hut which is warmed by volcanic rocks – similar to an experience in a sauna – and will be greeted by a Shaman. During the Temazcal ritual, your body is put through a process of cleansing, relaxing and purification. It ends with a cooling swim in the nearby cenote.

The whole ceremony is a very spiritual experience and if you have a chance, don’t miss it (there are a few places, but you can check out this one). This is one of the most unique things to do in Cozumel.

16. Scuba Diving (one of the best things to do in Cozumel)

Scuba Diving along the Mesoamerican Reef is second to none. If you are an advanced scuba diver, you have the option to dive advanced sites in Cozumel like Maracaibo, Devil’s Throat, Cathedral or Barracuda. If you haven’t tried scuba diving before, there are PADI courses available. There are numerous dive centers in Cozumel, always do your due dilligence and choose a reputable company.

⇒ See Also: 21 Top Things To Do in San Miguel de Allende

17. Eat at Local Mexican Restaurants

Mexican Cuisine is our favourite. Eating street food is one of the best things to do in Mexico City, but if you’re not heading to the capital, you’ll still be spoiled for choice in Cozumel. Think burritos, tacos, tortas, ceviche, enchiladas, churros and of course drinks such as Tequila, Margaritas and a chilled Corona with a slice of lime.

Some of our favourite Cozumel restaurants are:

Crazy King Burrito – Calle 4 Norte 5 in Centro San Miguel

Taco y Tequila – Avenue Rafael Melgar  Plaza Punta Langosta

Cuatro Tacos – Calle 3 Sur 5ta y Melga

18. Cozumel Chef Food Tour (one of the top things to do in Cozumel for foodies)

If you enjoy food tours Cozumel Chef Food Tour is the one for you. The tour takes you to several different Cozumel restaurants where you enjoy a Mexican dish and a local drink. The places you will visit are off the usual tourist path, meaning you’ll be eating like a local. Even vegetarians are well catered for during this tour. This is one of the top Cozumel excursions if you enjoy authentic Mexican food. For more information and booking, click here.

⇒ See Also: 10 Things To See and Do in Guanajuato

19. Ha Haak Paddleboarding Cozumel

If you are a regular paddleboarder, Cozumel will wow you with its crystal clear blue waters, and if you’re a beginner, this is the place to learn. Ha Haak provides a super easy intro lesson for first-timers that you will get you standing up on a paddleboard in no time.

Ha Haak’s location at Mr Sancho’s Cozumel Beach Club, South Hotel Zone, is the perfect place to enjoy the sport ($35 for a rental). For more details click here.

20.  Deep-Sea Fishing

For Deep Sea Fishing enthusiasts, Cozumel is the perfect location and one of the top companies (Chi Chi Charters) offers an awesome experience. Even if you’re not a hardcore fisherman, this is still one of the best things to do in Cozumel.

Barracuda, mahi mahi and triggerfish are some of the local catch around Cozumel. You can catch tuna all year round, and from March to July white and blue marlin and sailfish are available. For more information and bookings click here.

⇒ See Also: 21 Things To Do in Mazatlan, Mexico

21. Watch Sunset

At the end of the day, nothing beats a good sunset with a cocktail in hand. We recommend checking out El Palomar Restaurant and Bar on the west side of the island. If you head north about 5 minutes from the Ferry Terminal you will be greeted by El Palomar, who have actually stopped serving plastic straws, way to go! A margarita on the porch at sunset is a great way to end the day.

Ready for Cozumel?!

Cozumel is a true island paradise. It’s laid back just like the locals and offers the visitor a quieter atmosphere than its coastal neighbours. This island offers the best of adventures under the sea — where else in the world could you visit an underwater museum, dive to the bottom of the ocean onboard a submarine or snorkel around a pearl farm?!

Cozumel is an island that will wake you up with sunrise on the eastern side, while just 10 miles across the island, you can enjoy a sundowner on the west coast. There are numerous fun things to do in Cozumel and we hope this list gave you some good ideas of where to start.

Goats On The Road Recommended

Travel Resources for Cozumel

✓ Wondering where to stay in Cozumel? There are numerous accommodation options on Booking.com – from luxury resorts to midrange hotels and cute guesthouses. Goats On The Road uses and recommends Booking.com due to their awesome cancellation policy, discounts and deals. Click here to see properties available in Cozumel, Mexico.

✓ With all of the adventurous things to do in Cozumel, it’s important to have adequate travel insurance. Goats On The Road have used and recommend World Nomads (one of the most popular options for travellers). Click here for a free quote.

✓ If you’d like to rent a car in Cozumel or any other place in Mexico, we recommend checking out the prices on Expedia.com. Be warned though, in Mexico, you’ll have to pay around $15 more per day for a mandatory insurance fee. Goats On The Road always uses Expedia for our car rentals. Click here to find the latest prices.

✓ For tours, activities and other things to do in Cozumel, check out Get Your Guide for low prices and excellent service. Always cross-reference your tours with reviews and find one that suits your needs.

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[nakeddeparture]

Drayton and the Knife Attack

BARBADOS (Naked Departure) -- DRAYTON -- Naked, I want to tell you about Drayton, one man that could only be described as a Demon!  He has a face like an angel and a smile like a gentleman but he is very devious when it comes to using women.  It seems like he has court marshalls and the police in his pocket, especially the ACP.

He attacked and stabbed a guy name LW over his left eye and sliced him under his throat with a kitchen knife.  LW had to seek medical attention at a private clinic.  This all came about when LW went to 114 Hanger Avenue, Coverley, Christ Church, to pick up his girlfriend EJ and was confronted by WD at the same resident with his Guyanese girlfriend who he has running his transportation business in Maxwell, Christ Church.  I hear he cheats the drivers out of their earnings and only last week heard again one of the men beat him up and pelt rocks at him.

Naked, you believe that in small Barbados LW went to court several times and the so-called lady user didn't show up at the court?  The marshall told LW that judge issued a warrant of arrest for him.  WD, it is almost two months and coming up 5/05/17 a year this thing happened and LW not hear a thing from the court since that knife attack on him and EJ.  I hear WD works in the port driving a yellow tour bus, BT78 and sometimes a green and blue tour bus BT41 and a white Toyota Hiace ZM29 and they can't find him?

LW can't get justice!  I thought Barbados was a country you get justice easily.  Seems not!  That is why they have so much crime because the criminals do as they like especially when they have people in the force on their side.

No justice for law abiding citizens!  Anonymous

Naked Departure @ http://nakeddeparture.online/william-drayton-and-the-knife-attack/

[thechasefiles]

The Chase Files Daily Newscap 4/19/2019

Good MORNING  #realdreamchasers! Here is The Chase Files Daily News Cap for Friday April 19th 2019. Remember you can read full articles for FREE via Barbados Today (BT) or Barbados Government Information Services (BGIS) OR by purchasing by purchasing a Daily Nation Newspaper (DN).

MIA OUTLINES TRANSPORT CHANGES – Barbadians are all for a $1 decrease in bus fare for schoolchildren, after Prime Minister Mia Mottley yesterday intervened in what had become a raging national controversy. She confirmed the reduction at an emergency meeting with all transport sector stakeholders, which lasted more than two hours at Government Headquarters. “The privately-owned public service vehicles [PSVs] have agreed that they will not charge schoolchildren more than $2.50,” Mottley told the media. The Prime Minister also explained that in the coming months several PSVs would be added under the Transport Board “brand”, which would be identified with decal stickers, on which the students would travel for free. “In the case of the Transport Board buses, that $2.50, obviously, is paid by Government. But in the case of the PSVs that are privately-owned and not working under the Transport Board brand, then the schoolchild will pay $2.50. (DN)

DE PEIZA: CHILDREN BROUGHT GOVT TO HEEL –PRESIDENT of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) Verla De Peiza yesterday blasted the ruling Barbados Labour Party over the bus fare hike, saying it was brought to its knees by schoolchildren. She also accused the administration of being out of touch with the people after years of “rubbing shoulders” to the point where the schoolchildren protested the $3.50 bus fare introduced on Monday and it was quickly reduced to $2.50 on private service vehicles (PSVs) on Wednesday. “Where was the consideration when you were actually making the policy decision? It cannot be that you are just thinking about charts and graphs and not about people. “You had to wait for schoolchildren to stage a ‘protest’. . .  . They stood at the bus stop, would not get in the private public transport so that they would not spend the $3.50 and waited patiently for the non-existent Transport Board buses that you tell them they could ride on free. “That is ‘protest’ and it took the schoolchildren doing that to drive them to their knees,” De Peiza said.  (DN)

TOUR OF HORROR – Horrified. That is how a grim-faced Leader of the Opposition, Bishop Joseph Atherley, described the transportation system and conditions in the bus terminals. Shaking his head in disgust at what he had seen in his two-hour tour of the Constitution River and Fairchild Street bus terminals yesterday, Atherley said: “I am not pleased by what I saw here today. Actually, it really represents a horror story.” “I knew that things were very bad but it is even worse than I had imagined. Taking into account the stories I heard from commuters, people are seriously dislocated and inconvenienced in the absence of transportation.” Atherley, accompanied by members of his shadow cabinet, said the transportation system desperately needed revamping, adding that Government’s current policies were ad hoc. (DN)

FRICTION OVER NEW ROUTES – The war of words continues between the Transport Authority and the public service vehicle (PSV) sector, this time over the new routes in St George. On one hand, Morris Lee, interim chairman of the Association of Public Transport Operators, is accusing the authority of taking an ill-advised action without proper consultation. However, chairman Ian Estwick said the PSV operators had ample opportunities and disrespected the authority by not showing up to meetings, then crying foul. Lee told the Nation in an interview yesterday: “Moving operators from Silver Sands to The Glebe area was an attempt to roll out a cross-country service to take care of those people who suffer for transport . . . but the private sector cannot provide a service to an area where there is not the commuter ridership to support the viability of the venture. “Those routes rolled out by the Transport Authority have not been done with the full consultation of the private sector. If you’re going to roll out new routes, let the Transport Board gather that data, as we do not have the luxury of a subsidy,” he said.  (DN)

SUMMER SCHOOL REHAB – The Ministry of Education is gearing up to inject an estimated $2 million into repairing and refurbishing school plants, and treating to environmental issues, over the lengthy summer vacation. Word of this came from Minister of Education Santia Bradshaw who told Barbados TODAY that this past week she has been engaging in discussions with ministry officials and partners regarding plans for the ministry’s Domestic Summer Programme. She said though discussions were still ongoing, about 16 schools had been identified so far, to benefit from this year’s programme. “We have sat down over the last few days, looking at the list of concerns that we have in terms of environmental issues, in terms of termites, in terms of allocation of spaces across the school plants, and just the general problems that we are facing. There are a lot of schools that we have to deal with and if you ask every school, you would find a problem at every school. “And in an environment where there are limited resources, you would appreciate we have to budget accordingly based on the resources that we have. But what we have agreed is that we are going to be prudent,” she said. The Minister shared that one of the challenges being faced was that several of the older school plants were made of soft stone material, and as a consequence they require significant maintenance. However, she gave the assurance that all options were being looked into, to ensure there would not be any quick fixes in any particular area, space or building. “We are really trying to get an idea of what the issues are at the schools. So that when we make our decisions about the summer programme, it is against a background where we can certainly justify and defend the schools that have been selected. “The reason for the summer programme is that it is the longest period that we have to do extensive works. So the projects that fall within the summer programme are those projects, which we cannot do during the Easter vacation, we can’t do it during the Christmas period and we can’t do it during school time. “We’ve got serious issues across the schools and some of them would need to be closed for longer periods for all the work to be done. But we are really trying to prioritise the schools in densely populated areas. We had an initial list, but we are drilling down and we are asking questions and the officers are having to go back into the field to get answers to the questions that we have proposed or to reconfigure the justification in order to allow us to make the right decisions,” she said. Minister Bradshaw also stressed that the two major teachers’ unions would be involved in the discussions regarding the summer programme. She said she believes that the ministry must repair a damaged relationship with the unions. “So we intend to meet with them and have them be a part of those discussions and to be able to explain to them some of the challenges that we are having so that they can also be able to appreciate why we may not be able to in the summer programme or throughout this financial year, but to give some assurances that we understand what the problems are and we are doing our best to be able to nip some of those problems in the bud,” she said. An effective maintenance programme is also being established. Bradshaw said this was a necessary move since in the past the ministry focused on emergency repairs, and has not paid much needed attention to preventative care. She mentioned that a number of schools have been on a list for repairs, but the work kept being pushed back because of various factors. “I have made a call to get corporate entities and teachers and students on board. You are going to start to see that rolling out shortly because a couple companies and Parent Teacher Associations have responded to that call. “I believe that once we can start to champion some schools in some of these efforts it will certainly inspire other people to get on board with the ministry to get what needs to be done, interms of the environment at the schools, done,” Bradshaw said.  (BT)

MILTON LYNCH NEEDS ROLL BOOST – With extensive repairs and a clean-up of the Milton Lynch Primary School now complete, Minister of Education Santia Bradshaw is now turning her attention to getting the boys’ school’s roll back up. While unable to provide numbers at the time of an interview with Barbados TODAY, Bradshaw said she was concerned that the student population at the Water Street, Christ Church school had been falling in recent years. A meeting with education ministry officials to evaluate the school’s roll over the last two years revealed the fall off had reached a worrying level, with need for an intervention to be made, she said. The Minister said that while she was not yet in a position to pinpoint the cause of the decline, she believes that the deterioration of the school plant and unsanitary conditions may have something to do with it. Bradshaw said: “But I am looking to change this. “The number of boys coming to the institution has been dropping. I guess parents were becoming a little frustrated too with the conditions at the school and they had a number of transfers made out of the institution. I think based on the work that has been done, and the different feeling from the teachers, we are likely to see an increase in the school roll, certainly going forward. “I think it is the only boy school at the primary level that we have on the island and I think that it can serve a purpose in helping to mould young men in that type of institution. “I have spoken to the principal and some of the teachers and I know in particular the male teachers are eager to introduce programmes separate and distinct from the normal curriculum, to be able to really mold these young men and prepare them for secondary school and certainly for life.” Following a protest by parents, and complaints from teachers about the unfavourable conditions, Minister Bradshaw visited the institution to see the conditions for herself. It was then that she promised that when school resumed after the Easter vacation, most of the issues would have been fixed. When Barbados TODAY visited Milton Lynch on Tuesday’s start of the school term, students and teachers were pleased with the improved conditions. The Barbados Union of Teachers’ shop steward at the school, Mark Green, reported that teachers were pleased that the Minister kept her promise. Bradshaw said she was happy to have been able to fulfill the promise, but said that the ministry would now be looking to work with parents and teachers to develop an agriculture programme on the site. “It is something that I supported. We have removed an old prefab building and we are now going to work with them to get a programme set up for the boys to be able to engage in an agriculture project on the site,” she said. Bradshaw said minor work still to be completed at the school is to be during the summer vacation. (BT)

CANADIAN FIRMS LINING UP TO DO MEDICAL GANJA BUSINESS HERE –Barbados is moving to cash in on the growing medical marijuana industry by teaming up with a number of firms in Canada with “great interest” in setting up here, the Prime Minister has revealed. She said she has held meetings with individuals and company officials in Toronto and Montreal where the issue of medical marijuana was topic one, following the administration’s moves to legalise marijuana for medical use. Canada has fully decriminalised cannabis use, leading to a mushrooming of pharmaceutical industries tied to the herb. Mottley was giving an update on her nine-day of overseas meetings where she met with a range of officials on a number of issues ranging from the environment to financial matters. The meetings, which also saw the Prime Minister and her team going to Miami and Washington DC, was mainly to promote new product offerings in Barbados in relation to its tax rate and promote the country to investors. She told journalists at Government Headquarters that there was “great, great interest” in the establishment of a medical marijuana industry in Barbados. Attorney General Dale Marshall and the Minister of Agriculture Indar Weir are currently reviewing a regulatory framework, the Prime Minister told reporters. She said: “Many of the companies, coming out of Canada, need an opportunity to be able to ensure that if they domicile in Barbados, [they can operate] their business enterprise for the rest of the world without any difficulties.” She said medical marijuana in Barbados was “one that is likely to garner significant business”. But the prime minister cautioned that changes would have to be made to various pieces of legislation to allow for the establishment of that industry here. Mottley said:“Even to ensure that Barbadian farm workers are not prejudiced in any way,. . . we need to make sure that our workers are not exposed in anyway on the farm workers programme with respect to the wages which they receive as well. So there are issues that we have to work through and hence the face-to-face meetings in Toronto.” It was late last year that the Prime Minister announced that her administration would be putting a framework in place for medical cannabis, while a referendum would be required for the recreational use. Mottley explained that the Canadian companies lining up to take advantage of the medical cannabis industry here were due to a combination of things including that fact that some of them wanted to domicile in Barbados for that reason. “Secondly, some of them want to participate with Barbadians in Barbados to be able to be part of the medical cannabis sector and we made it very clear that yes, we welcome people, but we are also going to ensure that we create opportunities for Barbadians to invest in this new sector as well,” she said. She insisted that the development of the cannabis industry locally should be based on research and development and continuous training of participants, while avoiding past mistakes with other industries. The Prime Minister told the media: “Separate from research and development, we need to see ourselves as a domicile for persons engaged in this activity because of the global commerce and it ties into what many Canadian enterprises want to do in terms of structuring out of their businesses to engage the rest of the world. This is a natural extension of what we have been doing in the international business sector. “Thirdly, we don’t want to ever make the same mistake that was made with other agriculture products, particularly sugar in the past. That you treat to it as a bulk commodity, that if we are going to have a medical cannabis industry it needs to be a vertically integrated industry as well. Therefore, we are being very strategic about how we relate to this sector,” she promised. (BT)

‘MORE CUSTOMS OFFICERS’ AS PM UPGRADES ACTING POSTS - Prime Minister Mia Mottley has revealed that some 138 posts have been created for Customs officers, in an effort to regularise the clerical officers who have been acting in the positions at HM Customs and Excise for several years. Pointing out that some 160 posts were left vacant by the Freundel Stuart administration “under the pretense” that the department would be merging with the Barbados Revenue Authority (BRA), Mottley said her administration was about to bring an end to issues that have dogged the department for several years. For 13 years, Customs’ senior management “has been in Hollywood – acting, acting, acting”, she told a media conference at Government Headquarters on Thursday, as she provided an update about her recent overseas trip. The Prime Minister told journalists: “The last Government had left 160 vacancies in the Customs Department under the pretense that it was going to the Barbados revenue authority and therefore they weren’t filling any posts. It has left us naked in the Customs and Excise Department. In addition to leaving those posts vacant, there has been no appointed Comptroller of Customs since the year 2006. “We are hoping to bring that situation to an end very shortly, but secondly, what we did was to correct a very wrong situation for which the unions have been complaining for 15 or so years, and that is a number of Clerical Officers were doing Customs Officers’ duties – but still designated as Clerical Officers in many instances they wear customs uniforms but were treated purely as a clerical officers. “As a result of that, two weeks ago, I created 138 posts for Customs Officers IV to be able to accommodate these Clerical Officers and in the instance where the officers are over the threshold they can immediately go to be qualified as Customs Offers III which was previously the lowest ranking of a Customs Officer in the Customs and Excise Department.” She said the decision was taken after she met two weeks ago with three of the island’s main labour unions representing public servants – the Barbados Workers’ Union, the National Union of Public Workers and the Unity Workers Union. The Prime Minister acknowledged that despite all the work that has been done so far, there was still a lot to be done in order to bring the department in line with international best practices and upgrade the entire public service. Stating that over the next three to four years, Government would rebuild the public service “in many different ways”, Mottley said another area of concern was that of early retirement of public servants. She said her administration had sought the assistance of “a permanent consultant” to carry out relevant research and help reform various aspects of the public service. Mottley said: “The Canadian government graciously agreed, through the [International Monetary Fund], to be able to assist us with the provision of three long-term consultants. One to work in Customs and Excise, one to work in the Barbados Revenue Authority, and one to work in the ministry of finance and economic affairs as a macro fiscal consultant”. Mottley defended that decision, saying “those three people are critical” especially because the country faced the highest rate of retirement of public officers in the last decade than at any other stage since Independence. She said: “Senior public servants choose to go home before they reach retirement age. You have to ask yourself why so many did. “The consequences of it are that persons are then forced into positions, sometimes two levels, sometimes even three levels above where they where, without having the requisite process of training and experience to prepare them for the task.” She said in addition to the full-time consultant’s work, there would be some part-time consultation “in some instances”, singling out the Barbados Statistical Services, which she said was critical to have “good data” so that “the best policies” could be developed. Mottley said two weeks ago, as Chair of the University Grants Committee, she “settled on a budget” with Cave Hill that would see that institution “putting on a strategic retraining” programme in place for various public servants. Saying it was not about equipping people with degrees but training them “for purpose”, Mottley said “we need to change how the public service works and we are working to do that”. In a related development, the Prime Minister also told reporters a revised version of the draft Customs Order Paper, intended to bring the 2013 tariff structures in line with more modern ones, was now in her office. She also gave the commitment that the administration would be pressing ahead with modernising revenue collection systems across Government. (BT)

BATTS ROCK RESIDENTS WANT END TO DISTURBANCES – Contention over access and use of another local beach has again reached boiling point. This time it is the residents of Batts Rock, St Michael who are frustrated about increased activity from the establishment of a private bar and restaurant on the public beach. The business, which recently hosted an event for the Vujuday Music Festival, has transformed the once tranquil area into a hive of activity with loud music which residents have described as an annoyance. A petition titled End the Disturbance to the Batts Rock Beach neighborhood has already attracted 20 signatures. It charges that property owners are “greatly disturbed by the levels of noise – especially live music and DJ/amplified music coming from the recently established bar/restaurant, La Cabane.” While acknowledging that the establishment has been given permission to operate, the petition argued that the noise should be confined to the restaurant. The restaurant has however strongly denied the allegations ahead of an entertainment filled Easter weekend. Kamala Kempadoo-Taitt, the wife of Andy Taitt who has lived in the area for the last 60 years told Barbados TODAY that her family was responsible for the petition and revealed it was a last ditch effort for relief after numerous requests for the business owners to scale down their activity. “What we hear in particular is a percussion bass, so any deejay amplified music with a loud bass, any drumming or percussion just sounds like BOOM BOOM BOOM. That also travels across the water and affects the people living on the cliff as well,” she said, adding that the loud music would usually last until 10 at night. “It’s not about the a time that they end, it’s about the level of the noise. But they raise the levels at that time and it echoes to the point that we can’t hear our own music here and we can’t hear the television because the music is too loud and that’s happening every Sunday night and that’s really annoying. Maybe if it only happened once a month that would be okay, but every single Sunday or two to three times a week. It begins to really work on your nerves and it’s annoying that you really can’t enjoy the natural sound of the sea and the environment,” she complained. “People are also complaining about the fact that there is limited parking for regular users of the beach because of the traffic that’s going down to the bar/restaurant. Batts Rock was a very quiet place and now it’s full of activity all the time, which is very disruptive. We often have parking going all the way up and on private properties around the neighborhood because people are excited to go to this new beach bar. But it’s very difficult for those of us who are living in this neighborhood and we would like it to change,” added Kempadoo-Taitt. The small neighborhood is made up primarily of retired Barbadians and expats who bought properties in the area and who have been calling police on numerous occasions about the challenges. “It’s generally people who come in for a quiet, peaceful beach time and live in this area and come here because its quiet,” said the elderly woman who said the demographic that frequents the bar is considerably different from those living in the area. “The bar is very upscale, it doesn’t have a happy hour and it draws a lot of people who are going to some of the more upscale bars on the west coast, so mostly upper-class Barbadians or tourists,” she added. Questions had been raised earlier this year about the construction and location the bar about the location of the bar, which has taken up significant portion of the beach. “The restaurant itself is also on an area which leads from the beach to the public changing rooms, so people are saying that their access is now also blocked. The beach takes up the pathway on the beach so it’s on a public beach and you wouldn’t quite feel comfortable just walking through. So even though they say they haven’t blocked the pathway, in theory you have your waiters walking back and forth, you’ve got tables and chairs in that area from midday to evening, so it makes the beach inaccessible for everybody actually except those frequenting the bar.” Just last week, entrepreneur Shawn Morris was moved from his three-week-old beach chair rental business at Bathsheba, St Joseph by the National Conservation Commission (NCC). Efforts to reach the NCC’s General Manager, Keith Neblett on this occasion have been unsuccessful. However Julien Guldoni, manager of La Cabane argued that the music was only from 2:00pm to 8:00pm and is not too loud and is a good vibe. “Super simple, it’s not too loud,” he said. Guldoni admitted that complaints had been made about the noise levels, but added that numerous people was attracting a large number of people. “We have 40 employees, we open for lunch and dinner. We’re starting slow food where we’re going to grow some salads and fresh herbs. We will be recycling. We clean up the beach everyday and we employ 35-40 people from the Black Rock area. “Every time you set up a business, you will always have people complaining about something but we have six to 700 people enjoying the place,” he said. In relation to issues with parking in the area, Guldoni said the restaurant was trying its best to accommodate patrons, but said the area would only be over crowded if they were having a music festival, like Vujuday.  (BT)

SPEED UP JUSTICE – With judges now facing the axe for not returning decisions within six months of the start of a case, the legal profession has sprung into action to ensure justice is not delayed for their clients. The Barbados Bar Association (BBA) has formally asked Chief Justice Sir Marston Gibson to intervene. “What I can tell you is that I have written to the Chief Justice and asked for a meeting of the Judicial Council. The Judicial Council is the body that is responsible for establishing policy and organising the business of the court,” BBA President Liesel Weekes told Barbados TODAY this afternoon. “I have asked for a meeting of that council and I have raised as an issue to be discussed, these amendments to the legislation because obviously there must be some strategy now to deal with the existing cases that are yet to be heard, the part-heard cases that are to be concluded and the cases [where] the arguments have been concluded and the judgment remains outstanding; there must be some strategy now to be devised to deal with those things,” Weekes added. Speaking in the House of Assembly three weeks ago on a series of constitutional amendments including those dealing with elements of the judicial system, Prime Minister Mia Mottley specifically addressed the delays in judgments which have plagued the court system for several years. While introducing a new provision under which judges can be dismissed from the Bench if they take more than six months to deliver a decision on any matter that comes before them, Mottley outlined once again the idea that “justice delayed is justice denied”. “The Crown is at risk for damages because the right to due process is not delivered. There are too many people in the criminal and civil realm waiting for eight to ten years for a judgment, and in personal injury cases people cannot move forward because the money is tied up.” Today, Weekes said the meeting she requested with the Judicial Council should develop a plan that brings the judges up to date so that all stakeholders would be aware they are starting with a “fresh slate” rather than from a position of having to look back to realize there is a nine or eight-year judgment outstanding. “So that strategy needs to be devised; and I have asked for the meeting to deal with that. So that is one of the methods I intend to pursue to treat to that particular issue, she told Barbados TODAY. Weekes stressed that it made sense to clear the existing slate of cases first in order to bring long sought relief to the many litigants waiting for closure. “It would make sense because those litigants would have been waiting for their judgments the longest…some of them may have died. If it is the subject of property, the property may have deteriorated…accounts, unless there was some freezing order, the accounts may have been dissipated. There are so many things that affect a judgment that is outstanding. The litigants are affected most seriously. We would want those to be dealt with first,” the spokesperson for the legal fraternity said. Asked what was the oldest case of which she knew that required a decision, the Bar Association head replied: “There are some cases that are old in the system, but they have had so many applications on them that the judgments are not outstanding. I am aware of at least one matter in which the judgment has been outstanding for seven years.”    Barbados’ judicial system has been coming under severe criticism over the years and from no less an entity than the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), which has condemned the slow process to starting and concluding cases.   (BT)

CHIEF MAGISTRATE ALARMED BY VIOLENCE – The island’s Chief Magistrate Christopher Birch today expressed concern over the level of violence in the country saying it was “way too much”. He made the comments as he spoke candidly to a 45-year-old Carlos Alvin Small, of No. 69 Mangrove, St Philip who had pleaded guilty to assaulting his father’s girlfriend Christine Bannister on January 11 occasioning her actual bodily harm. “The ease in which people are resorting to violence is beginning to really scare me. Once upon a time we would stick to the verbals and then we stopped there. Now we are too fast to resort to the physical. Lives are being lost, families are being torn apart too easily,” the Chief Magistrate stated after Small issued an apology to Bannister in the District ‘C’ Magistrates’ Court. Station Sergeant Peter Barrow said that Small has a number of dogs at the house which Bannister shares with his father. On the day of the incident he visited the residence and called for Bannister who was in the kitchen. She answered but moments later heard Small hurling abusive language at her accusing her of not giving the dogs any water. She contacted Small’s father as he entered the house. According to the facts Small then approached Bannister making motions to hit her and went as far as blocking her path as she tried to move. As she attempted to walk away she suddenly felt a lash to the back of her neck, which caused her to stumble. The prosecutor said Small also slapped the complainant twice after she threw a bottle at him that missed.  The matter was reported to police. Small a first time offender admitted that he had a verbal confrontation with Bannister but claimed he did “not hit the lady  . . . I only pushed her two or three times . . . . She told me she will make sure my mother and father bury me. She bound at me. “But I was wrong. I apologise, I acted in a fit of rage and it will not happen again,” Small said to which the Chief Magistrate replied: “There is way too much violence.” Reading from a medical report Birch revealed that Bannister sustained soft tissue injury to the jaw and rib area. He ordered Small to compensate Bannister $2,500 in 90 days for the pain and injuries suffered or face 90 days in prison. No conviction will be recorded once Small pays the money. “To all of you, this is the time for peace. Make peace,” Chief Magistrate Birch said before the parties left the court.  (BT)

SECOND MAN CHARGED IN PARRIS MURDER – A second person has been charged in connection with the murder of Corrie Parris. He is 18-year-old Stephen Alvin Carrington of Kings Gap, Eagle Hall, St Michael. He was arrested yesterday and had been the subject of a wanted man notice. He is scheduled to appear in court on Saturday. Lamar Alex Hewitt of Avenue 7th New Orleans, St Michael, was previously charged with the January 23 killing.   Parris was shot and killed while in traffic at Baxter’s Road. (DN)

13 CHARGES – There was no guessing where a 30-year-old would spend his Easter weekend after he appeared in court accused of committing 13 offences in three jurisdictions. Of them Lamar Keelan Eversley, of Vauxhall, Christ Church admitted guilt to five before Magistrate Kristie Cuffy-Sargeant today. They were committed in the District ‘A’ jurisdiction. The unemployed man pleaded guilty to damaging a motorcar belonging to Philip Garnes between October 29 and 30, 2018 as well as stealing a $100 ashtray and $10 cash belonging to Jamaala Fagon; a $100 ashtray and $3.50 belonging to Laura Nicholls; a $14 book and $5 cash belonging to Perry Dennis. He was also charged with loitering on the premises of Grantley Ifill with cause to suspect that he was about to commit theft. Those offences occurred between March 21 and April 6, 2019. The accused will return before Cuffy-Sargeant in the No. 2 District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court on May 13 when he is expected to be sentenced. He is also scheduled to appear in the District ‘B’ Oistins Magistrates’ Court on April 24 where he will face five charges, which were allegedly committed between March 4 and 13, 2019. Eversley is accused of stealing a number of grocery items worth $190.74 belonging to Elbert Edey; stealing $35 cash, a $20 wallet and a $30 pair of glasses belonging to Golbourne Niles; stealing a $300 car radio belonging to Dale Lovell and robbing Frederick Gibson of $125 cash. He was not required to plead to the charges. On April 25 he will also make an appearance in the District ‘B’ Boarded Hall Magistrates’ Court on three charges.  He is alleged to have entered the I-Mart stores as a trespasser on March 9 and stealing two packages of sliced ham worth $14.40 while armed with a sword as well as stealing a number of items belonging to the same establishment on the same date worth $206. 40 Eversley is further accused of entering Aeon Bar and Grill as a trespasser on April 12 and stealing a $300 tablet and $400 cash belonging to Michael Cobham. He was also not required to enter pleas to those offences. (BT)

FISHERMEN RECALL HORROR AT SEA – The pain of being robbed and left for dead at sea is still fresh for two fishermen, even after a year. So much so that though they have returned to the ocean to ply their trade, they have not ventured too far out. Michael Hawkesworth and Kurt Watson, captain of the Pearlita, returned to Barbados last April 26 from Venezuela where they were stranded after their boat ran aground, following being robbed and briefly held as prisoners by pirates. The pair went adrift shortly after leaving Barbados on March 26 for a two week trip. (DN)

BRAVO: WINDIES READY FOR CUP – Top batsman Darren Bravo says the West Indies will not be overawed by their opposition at the upcoming ICC World Cup in England, but will be focusing on executing their unique brand of cricket. The two-time World Cup champions are not among the favourites for the May 30 to July 14 tournament largely due to their No. 9 ranking, with hosts and world No. 1 England the hot favourites. “To be honest, most other teams are quality teams, but having said that, when we played against England no one [gave] us a chance. So I think that once we concentrate on what we have to do as a team, I think that is the most important thing,” the left-hander said during the Windies training camp at 3Ws Oval.  (DN)

MATTHEWS AND KING BACK, MOHAMMED AND AGUILLEIRA OUT – Hayley Matthews and Stacy Ann King have been included by the Cricket West Indies (CWI) interim selection panel in a 14-member West Indies Women’s Squad that will tour Ireland and England from May 21- June 26. Matthews returns to the squad after damaging her MCL (medial collateral ligament) playing in the Women’s Big Bash in Australia last December. She missed the recent West Indies Women’s series against Pakistan in Karachi and Dubai. Stacy Ann King is returning to international cricket after an almost three-year absence. She last represented the West Indies Women in the home series against England in 2016.   (DN)

WORST SEASON EVER – It may not turn out to be much of a “good” Thursday or Friday for fish sales at the Oistins market. Vendors at the popular Berinda Cox Fish Market say it has been the worst season they experienced in a while, with some even suggesting that it wasn’t even a season this year. They said they could only hope that those coming for their last-minute fish, made significant purchases. When a Nation team visited the market in Christ Church yesterday, it was strangely quiet and the usual buzz associated with the season was missing. Gracelyn Moseley, operating out of Stall No. 6, pointed to the empty market and asked: “This look like a season to you? “There’s no season. No fish are coming; we can hardly get any to sell. You don’t see how dead the market is? In the past the market would never be like this, especially in a Holy Thursday week. I don’t expect things to pick up at all. This is the worst we’ve. (DN)

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