DefinitiveCaribbean - An unofficial viewpoint

ST. KITTS' HIDDEN SECRETS - Insider’s Top Ten List

2010-08-19T09:33:00.002+01:00

Basseterre, St. Kitts – While many secrets are best kept secret, others are just too good not to be told. These priceless St. Kitts treasures have long remained “under the radar,” yet they’re sure to make a lasting impression on visitors. Travelers seeking an authentic Kittitian experience that few people know about will not want to miss these!

1. Crater Lake on Mt. Liamuiga: Standing tall at 3,792 feet, Mt. Liamuiga is the highest peak on St. Kitts. The name Liamuiga is derived from the Kalinago name for the entire island of St. Kitts, which means, "fertile land." Adventurers seeking a challenging hike through the lush, verdant rainforest will be pleasantly surprised at the wonders existing far up the slopes. Upon reaching the summit caldera, which is approximately a mile across and a full 1,000 feet deep, there is a magnificent crater lake and steam vents emitting hot steam from deep within the mountain's interior. On a clear day, the panoramic views are breathtaking, including the entire island, the pristine Caribbean Sea and surrounding islands of Saba, St. Eustatius, Anguilla, St. Barts and St. Maarten.

2. Ancient Shipwrecks: In addition to numerous reefs, shoals and abundant marine life, the virgin waters surrounding St. Kitts have yet another wonder. A recently conducted Maritime Archaeological project revealed several hundred pristine wrecks of galleons, frigates and freighters dating back to the 17th century that were sunk in various naval battles and skirmishes. One recently discovered and excavated dive site is located at White House Bay, where the wreck of a 1740s English troopship rests.

3. The Tomb of Sir Thomas Warner: The final resting place of the first governor of the West Indies is located in Middle Island, St. Kitts. Sir Thomas Warner made his inaugural visit to the island in 1623 and has become widely regarded as the principal figure in the colonial history of St. Kitts. Buried in the very same graveyard is Samuel Jefferson, great-great-great-grandfather of the third President of the United States of America, Thomas Jefferson.

4. Wingfield Estate: With excavations still ongoing, Wingfield Estate continues to reveal new structures and secrets. Formerly home to Thomas Jefferson’s great-great grandfather, this site is a new “must see” on St. Kitts. The sugar estate ruins house one of the Caribbean’s last surviving aqueducts as well as many original structures, equipment, tall chimney, boiling pots and plenty of other interesting historical elements that guests can view, tour and be awed by. A short walk will take you to Romney Manor, the property’s great house, which is presided over by a majestic 350-year-old Saman tree whose branches cover a full ½ acre of the manicured 10-acre grounds.

5. The Old Treasury Building: Erected in 1894, this monument was known as the Gateway to Basseterre to those who arrived by sea. In 2002, the building was transformed into a National Museum that exhibits cultural and historical artifacts that played a role in the development of St. Kitts. One of the largest public buildings in the city of Basseterre, this is the perfect place to get to know the rich historical background that shaped Kittitian culture and traditions.

6. The Strip at Frigate Bay: Hidden in plain sight is this exquisite strip of beach on the Caribbean side of St. Kitts. While it has become well known as a night life hot spot, it’s also a wonderful place during the day to try a variety of watersports from jet skiing to snorkeling to fishing charters or simply relaxing in the soft sand and soaking up the warm sunshine.

7. The Georgian House: Located south of Independence Square, the grandiose structure remains one of the most eye-catching examples of 18th century architecture on St. Kitts. It is thought to have once served as a holding place for slaves purchased from the auctions prior to their transfer to the plantations. Rumor has it that the basement of the building is haunted, as people have reported hearing the sharp sound of shackles moving across the floor.

8. Carib Brewery St. Kitts Ltd: Producing annually over 750,000 cases of the island’s beers, malts, stouts and soft drinks, the Carib Brewery is one of the leading beverage makers on island and in the Caribbean region. Travelers can see the beverage-making magic unfold by making an appointment to witness the process. This excursion is both fun and educational for the entire family and visitors can also sample a complimentary beverage.

9. Diverse Dining Options: What foodies don’t know but will love to discover, St. Kitts has a range of cuisines available on island at venues ranging from casual to elegant. Nosh on sushi at a modern gourmet beachside establishment or try some authentic Kittitian-style cooking at one of the island’s roadside grills (all food handlers have health department administered certificates) serving some of the Caribbean’s best barbecued chicken and fish. From Italian to French or Asian-Fusion and Continental to Caribbean, it’s all available to please the palate of those who know the inside scoop.

10. The Market: For an exclusive glimpse everyday life on St. Kitts, stop at the local market in downtown Basseterre. The sights and sounds of this bustling place present an exciting and genuine experience, as local produce harvested from the island’s fertile soil is both bought and sold. Opposite the market on Bay Road is the ever vibrant Ferry Terminal, with a variety of booths selling delectable Kittitian fare.

Located in the northern Leeward Islands of the Caribbean, St. Kitts offers a diverse tourism product developed from the destination’s natural beauty, cultural heritage and rich history. The island’s stunning variety of tourism attractions include hiking through the tropical rainforest, riding the scenic railway that connects the island’s sugar plantations, visiting the Caribelle Batik factory, touring Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, the only man-made UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Eastern Caribbean, and the more traditional vacation pastimes such as watersports, golf, shopping, tennis, gourmet dining, gaming at one of St. Kitts’ two casinos or simply relaxing on one of the island’s sandy beaches. Guests can select from accommodations ranging from intimate plantation inns to larger hotels or resorts.

For more information about St. Kitts, please see the Definitive Caribbean Guide to St Kitts or contact the St. Kitts Tourism Authority toll free from the US at 1-800-582-6208 or from Canada 1-888-395-4887, e-mail info@stkittstourism.kn, visit www.stkittstourism.kn.

FREE DOMINICA PODCASTS AVAILABLE ON iTUNES

2010-08-06T09:57:00.002+01:00

Roseau, Dominica – Discover Dominica Authority continues to hold a strong presence in the social media world as a result of their uploading a series of exclusive island podcasts on iTunes. Designed to give travelers an insider guide with on-the-spot local knowledge, the podcasts provide tips and insights of “the Nature Island.”

Unveil Dominica’s pristine waters and lush rainforests with seven different podcasts that cover the topics of; the Carib Culture of Dominica, how to master your own Creole cocktail, hiking, the secrets to Dominica’s responsible tourism, Waitukubuli National Trail, how to cook Dominica style and activities and attractions not to miss.

“We are pleased to continue to promote Dominica via social media. We discovered another resource to keep our visitors not only informed on what’s happening on island but also engaged,” commented Mr. Colin Piper, CEO/Director of Discover Dominica Authority. “With the creation of this series of podcasts, our travelers have the opportunity to experience and receive firsthand knowledge on the island before they step off the plane. The videos will help them gain a better overview of Dominica’s history, activities and cultural highlights such as our local cuisine.”

Follow this link to find the series of mini documentary videos on Dominica.

Known as “the Nature Island” and located between the French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique in the Eastern Caribbean, the independent nation of Dominica (pronounced “dom-in-eek-a”) is the largest and most mountainous of the Windward Islands, encompassing an area of nearly 290 square miles. Of volcanic origins with mountains reaching heights of nearly 5,000 feet, rainforests that are considered among the last true oceanic rainforests in the world, more than 365 rivers, waterfalls the second largest Boiling Lake in the world and pristine coral reefs, Dominica’s natural diversity is truly unique. Dominica is also home to the last remaining settlement of Indigenous People of the Caribbean – The Carib Indians. A place where man and nature live in harmony, adventurers and nature lovers alike will revel in the Island’s eco-tourism options which include scuba diving, snorkeling, mountain biking, kayaking, horseback riding, nature tours, hiking/trekking, whale, dolphin and bird watching, sailing and fishing.

Dominica continues to be recognized for its attributes and responsible tourism efforts, including being the first country in the world to receive Benchmarking designation from the prestigious eco-tourism organization Green Globe 21. National Geographic’s Center for Sustainable Destination ranked the island as the top sustainable island in the Caribbean and among the top ten in the world. Dominica was recognized by Islands Magazine and was included in its 2007 Blue List for being a leader in responsible tourism and ensuring an environmentally and culturally sound island for future generations. Travel + Leisure also announced Dominica as one of the most compelling destinations to visit in their 100 Greatest Trips 2008 edition. Most recently, Dominica was recognized as the 2nd most “pure island” in the world in the April/May 2010 issue of Islands Magazine.

Contact: Marie Rosa/Candice Adams Kimmel
Adams Unlimited Public Relations & Mktg
Phone: 212 956 5900
E-Mail: Marie@adams-pr.com

Jamaica Lightning Bolt eyes up the trophy as Race 11 of Clipper 09-10 gets underway

2010-06-07T11:51:00.003+01:00

Aiming to put their poor result in Race 10 of the Clipper 09-10 Round the World Yacht Race firmly behind them and regain their position in the top three of the overall leaderboard, Jamaica Lightning Bolt departed New York for the start of Race 11 – an 800-mile sprint to Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia.

Speaking ahead of the race start Jamaica Lightning Bolt’s skipper Pete Stirling, said, “We had a pretty diabolical race on the last leg, finishing in eighth overall which was very unfortunate. It was a bit demoralizing but I’ve told the crew that every boat has had a bad race and that was ours. Having a knock back occasionally is not a bad thing as it makes us stronger. Everyone is really geared up and we’re moving on.

“I’ve been looking at the weather and the race could deliver a mixed bag really. It looks like it could be pretty calm to start, with the wind building a bit later on coupled with the possibility of fog, so we’re going to have to be prepared for anything.”

The Clipper fleet treated New Yorkers to a parade of sail past the Statue of Liberty before heading out of the Hudson to the site of Ambrose Lighthouse where Race 11 got underway at 1645 local time (2045GMT) with a Le Mans start.

With winds touching the 30 knot mark, most crews opted for a Yankee 2 and reefed mainsail combination with Cape Breton Island and California first out of the blocks after the Le Mans start. Overall race leaders Spirit of Australia were in hot pursuit though and followed Cape Breton Island's lead in shaking out their reef shortly after the start with the rest of the fleet soon following suit.

Despite their poorest result of the ten month series on the latest leg of the race, Spirit of Australia is still holding a comfortable lead at the top of the overall leaderboard. But with four races still to go and the performance amongst their competitors improving all the time, the Australian team cannot afford to rest on their laurels.

Competition is exceptionally close amongst the teams currently lying in the three places below Spirit of Australia, with just two points separating Cape Breton Island, Team Finland and Jamaica Lightning Bolt, who hold second, third and fourth place respectively. Hull & Humber are also not out of contention for an overall podium and with their first podium place result in Race 8 they will be hungry for another. Further down the order there is Asian rivalry between Uniquely Singapore, who scored their first victory in Race 10, and Qingdao who despite four third place results have yet to make it to the top of the podium. The team on board Cork will be hoping to show what their Challenge 67 is capable of and with stronger weather forecasted for this race than the last, they will be fully in contention. Keen also to prove their worth are California and Edinburgh Inspiring Capital who have yet to get a podium place result – so the final four races of Clipper 09-10 promise to be fiercely contested.

In addition to the closely fought points for the individual legs there is an extra dimension to the 800-mile race from New York to Cape Breton Island. Designated the ‘Eagle Spirit Race’ by Cape Breton Island’s sponsors, with the inspiration coming from the magnificent eagle that emblazons the side of their yacht, the team’s will be competing for the Eagle Spirit Trophy. There are three magnificent trophies up for grabs, each depicting a soaring eagle, which will be awarded to the podium placed yachts at the Race 11 prize giving ceremony on June 14 in Sydney.

There is a centuries old tradition of welcoming visitors to Nova Scotia which continues to be extended by the people of Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia today. Their famous warm welcome and hand of friendship will be awaiting all the crews of Clipper 09-10 when the race arrives in Sydney between 11 and 13 June.

Jamaica Lightning Bolt bids farewell to Port Antonio

2010-05-25T10:38:00.002+01:00

The crew of Jamaica Lightning Bolt has said farewell to Port Antonio and begun the latest stage of their bid to win the Clipper 09-10 Round the World Yacht Race.

Cape Breton Island’s eagle soared across the start line ahead of the rest of the Clipper 09-10 fleet at the beginning of Race 10 to New York. In eight to ten knots of breeze from the east and a very calm sea state, Uniquely Singapore was next to cross the start line, followed by Team Finland and Spirit of Australia. Jamaica Lightning Bolt was mid pack, followed by Cork, Ireland and Hull & Humber, with Edinburgh Inspiring Capital, California and Qingdao completing the order.

California had crossed the line ahead of the starting signal, so were forced to go around again to exonerate themselves, while Qingdao misjudged the amount of time they needed to get to the line from their training session and were last to cross, 20 minutes after the signal was sounded at 1410 (1910 GMT).

At the mark, Team Finland had gained ground, tacking up the course to round ahead of Cape Breton Island, Spirit of Australia followed the Canadian yacht and Uniquely Singapore steamed in ahead of Jamaica Lightning Bolt, leaving the home team in their dirty air, to good-natured shouts of protest from home team supporters close by.

The 1420-mile race to New York, the latest stage of the 35,000-mile circumnavigation, will take them past the island of Cuba and up the east coast of North America, following the Gulf Stream current.

Preparing to leave Port Antonio where the fleet has been enjoying Jamaican hospitality since their arrival last Tuesday, the skipper of the home boat, Pete Stirling, said, “With Team Finland it’s very close. Obviously we’ve got Spirit of Australia up there 19 points ahead of us as well. It’s a tall order to get ahead of them from now, but in five races anything can happen. Cape Breton Island is still a very potent threat as well, and with five races, especially with scoring gate points, there are a lot of points still on the table and it could be turned upside down yet so we all still need to focus and concentrate.”

Before the team slipped their lines Pete presented a bottle of Benromach 10-Year- Old Speyside Single Malt Whisky to Jason Hall, Deputy Director of Jamaica Tourist Board, to thank him for the hospitality Jamaica has shown all the crews.

“We’ve been very well looked after in Jamaica. We had a brilliant reception coming in when we first arrived – there were people on the quayside shouting, the bands, the music and it’s been great. While we’ve been here we’ve been very well looked after by Jamaica Tourist Board; we’ve had a great day out near Ocho Rios, and then last night they threw us a crew party at a villa up in the hills.”

For round the world crew member and New York resident, Matt Shafer, Race 10 is a second chance to race into his home port. He said, “I’m absolutely stoked – It’ll be very emotional for me, I’m sure – it’s where I learned to sail in the marina that we’re going into so I’m sure as soon as we come past Ambrose Light and into the harbour and seeing the city lights and the statue of Liberty it will be very emotional for me.”

He continued, “We were very disappointed to come in fifth to Jamaica so we’re going to make up for it. We’re definitely aiming for another pennant but it would be really nice to get a gold one coming home.”

Double world record holder, Usain Bolt, after whom the Jamaican entry is named, sent a message to the teams during the stopover. He said, “Sorry I couldn’t be here to welcome you personally to the most incredibly beautiful paradise in the world but I have some work to do in China. Like you, I am also on a round the world mission, just a little faster though – the way I like to do things! Big respect to all of you competing in this incredible race. In fact, ‘nuff respect, as we say in Jamaica. You are all champions. So I guess it makes sense that you would be here in Jamaica, the land of champions.”

Jamaica Lightning Bolt’s skipper, Pete Stirling, responded, “The pressure’s on, then – nothing less than a podium will do! Five races left to go and we want to do as well as we can in every one of them.”

Joff Bailey, Race Director said, “We’ve had a great stopover in Jamaica and everyone is looking forward to this race. The skippers are all fired up for this last leg, pushing for the last points that will secure the podium positions. The winds will be light for the first part of the race but once the fleet gets north of the Bahamas it will be a great sail up to New York.”

The ten internationally-backed ocean racing yachts slipped their moorings in Errol Flynn Marina at 10am local time (1500 GMT) and sailed out of the harbour past Port Antonio’s iconic orange and white lighthouse where local residents, enjoying the Labour Day holiday, were waiting to wave off the boats.

After a training session the teams gathered near the start line at Folly Point Lighthouse, the Jamaica Defence Force Coast Guard cutter, HMJS Cornwall, at the other end of the start line.

Joff said, “I’d like to thank Captain Batchelor and the crew of HMJS Cornwall for their assistance and hospitality today, as well as the crew on Southern Cross who did a great job of holding position as the windward mark while the yachts passed within feet of them.”

During the short stopover in Jamaica the Member of Parliament for East Portland, Dr Donald Rhodd, attended the prize-giving ceremony and said, “We are very humbled that this prestigious event has come to our shores. Your sportsmanship must be applauded as well as your levels of professionalism with which you execute your craft. I wish you success as you travel to your next port of call. Our people in general and tourism in particular have been the beneficiaries of your short stay with us. I hope the warmth and hospitality here have helped to strengthen the bonds of friendship amongst our peoples and I’m sure you will return. We will welcome you again with open arms.”

He also had a message for the rest of the crews: “I’d like to remind you the honourable Lightning Bolt, Usain Bolt, doesn’t come second in a race! So for all of you out there, watch out, he’s coming for you!”

The fleet is due to arrive in New York between 2 and 3 June.

With 93 points, Spirit of Australia currently leads the overall standings in the Clipper 09-10 Round the World Yacht Race, 18.7 points ahead of Team Finland, with Jamaica Lightning Bolt just three-tenths of a point behind them in third place. Cape Breton Island is currently fourth overall. Five races remain in the 14-race series, which will finish on 17 July when the ten yachts race up the Humber to the city of Hull.

NOTES FOR EDITORS
Overall leader board after Race 9
1. Spirit of Australia 93 points
2. Team Finland 74.3 points
3. Jamaica Lightning Bolt 74 points
4. Cape Breton Island 67 points
5. Hull & Humber 56 points
6. Qingdao 47 points
7. Uniquely Singapore 47 points
8. Cork 39.8 points
9. Edinburgh Inspiring Capital 32 points
10. California 24 points

Jamaica Lightning Bolt arrives in Port Antonio

2010-05-19T15:22:00.004+01:00

Jamaica Lightning Bolt has sailed into her home port after a fast and furious race up through the Caribbean from Panama to Jamaica. The fleet slowed to a crawl as they rounded the island’s most easterly point and were caught as the wind died away, the last 25-mile stretch of the race taking almost six hours for the leading boats to complete.

Spirit of Australia and Hull & Humber were locked in battle for line honours, with Cape Breton Island and Team Finland nipping at their heels. Line honours were eventually claimed by Spirit of Australia as they crossed the finish line at Port Antonio’s distinctive orange and white lighthouse at 1546 local time (2046 GMT), just three minutes and 50 seconds ahead of Hull & Humber, who score their first podium finish of the Clipper 09-10 Round the World Yacht Race campaign. Cape Breton Island was third to cross the finish line at 1558:19 local time (2058:19 GMT), 12 minutes and 19 seconds behind the leaders.

Jamaica Lightning Bolt was the fifth team to cross the finish line at 1707:29 (2207:29 GMT).

“We’re a bit disappointed we didn’t win the race to our home port,” said skipper, Pete Stirling, “But we finished fifth and we said at the outset that our goal was to finish in the top five in every race and we’ve achieved that.”

This is the third time the fleet has visited the Errol Flynn Marina and there was a colourful and noisy reception for all of the boats with drummers and dancers waiting on the pontoon to welcome the teams to Port Antonio.

As he was greeted on the pontoon and handed a bottle of Red Stripe beer by Jamaica Tourist Board’s Deputy Director, Jason Hall, Pete said “The welcome here has been great – I didn’t expect there’d be all this going on!”

Spirit of Australia’s skipper, Brendan Hall, said, “That was the closest race we’ve ever had. A bit of a recurring theme – just like La Rochelle where Hull & Humber pipped us by a similar amount going in there.

“This was interesting because we were only doing five knots so it was this very slow motion kind of game; the die had already been cast where these boats, with just a small amount of inertia, were just creeping slowly across. It was just chess of the most intense variety. We didn’t relax until we crossed the line because at any moment the spinnaker could have collapsed and it would have been so easy to go from four knots to zero and then someone else just with a little zephyr goes past you. So we didn’t let our guard down right until the end.”

Hull & Humber skipper, Justin Taylor, said, “I’m very happy. We worked very, very hard for this one. It was a straight line, there were no tactics involved, it was straight at the line and it was about who could sail the boat the best. We almost had them, we were in the lead for a while coming up the eastern side of the island. They took an inside course, I went a little bit further offshore and three and a half minutes was the difference between us. We were gybing the kite like madmen playing the angles, they just went dead downwind. We went for speed and covered a little bit more ground but if we’d have just followed them it would have been a procession. We almost got them – there’s another five races so we’ll get them next time, definitely.”

As the yachts are now racing under the IRC rating system to take account of the differences between the Clipper 68s and Cork, a Challenge 67, the teams now face a nervous wait until the Irish boat crosses the finish line and times can be adjusted according to the handicap rating.

With almost 200 crew on board the ten yachts, others who have arrived to take up their places for the last leg back to the UK, which starts in Jamaica, plus friends and families visiting crew, Port Antonio is set for a busy few days.

The race is contested by people from a huge variety of backgrounds and from more than 30 nationalities, who put their everyday lives on hold to compete in the 35,000-mile challenge of a lifetime on board one of the ten stripped down 68-foot ocean racing yachts. Among the crews are taxi drivers, nurses, housewives, lawyers, chief executives and engineers.

Since leaving the Humber on the northeast coast of the UK in September last year they have raced across the Atlantic twice, the Southern, Indian and Pacific Oceans, faced mountainous waves, vicious storms, days of flat calm in the Doldrums and extremes of heat and cold, so a few days to relax in Port Antonio will be very welcome.

Each Clipper yacht is entered by a city, region or country and sponsors use the event to showcase themselves to the world. On the last running of the Clipper Race, more than 212 million people worldwide followed the adventure through television, print media, radio and online.

Jamaica’s involvement in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is another element of the country’s strategy to put Jamaica on the map by using sporting events, their sporting heroes and sporting facilities to show the world that they may be a small island but they are a nation of sporting excellence.

The fleet will leave Port Antonio for the start of Race 10 to New York on Monday 24 May.

INFAMUS JOINS THE 14TH ANNUAL ST. KITTS MUSIC FESTIVAL

2010-05-14T09:42:00.002+01:00

Local Kittitian Artist is First Ever to be Sponsored by Tourism.

Basseterre, St. Kitts (May 13, 2010) – The St. Kitts Tourism Authority has announced that local artist Infamus has joined the line-up of performers for the 14th Annual St Kitts Music Festival, which will take place on island from June 24-26, 2010. Infamus was the first artist signed to participate in the event and has now become the first local artist in history to be sponsored by the island’s tourism ministry.

“Infamus is a very special talent who all Music Festival patrons will enjoy,” said Senator Ricky Skerritt, Minister of Tourism & International Transport for St. Kitts. “In fact, we are so impressed by him that our Ministry of Tourism has for the first time become significantly involved in supporting a young artist and have sponsored part of the costs involved in producing his first album. This is an indication of how much we believe in his potential for future success and, subsequently, the benefits such success could bring to St. Kitts as a tourism destination.”

Born Kervin Benjamin of Cayon, St. Kitts, Infamus started singing at the tender age of 10 but only began to seriously pursue a career in music upon his return in 2009 after spending a few months in the US. Teaming up with Tru Capo productions, he released several singles and music videos, including Coke & Hennessey, 21 Gun Salute (We Miss You) and Feel Like Crying as well as his latest work, Gonna Make It. In less than two weeks, Infamus’ videos received over 4,000 views on popular website YouTube, a first for a local artist in such a short amount of time. Though new on the music scene, he has already performed alongside top local and international acts such as Jah Cure, Claudette Peters and Wyclef Jean, with fans often cheering loudly and singing along word for word. With the assistance of St. Kitts’ Ministry of Tourism, Infamus traveled to Canada on April 29 where he has been recording his first studio album, Life & Times.

"It’s an honor and a pleasure to be signed to such a prestigious event as the St. Kitts Music Festival,” said Infamus. “You could be sure that it’s definitely going to be good. Definitely you could look for a great show from me, Infamus. I will not just be there to represent myself; I want to be there to represent every single local artist in this nation. That’s my job now."

For more information about St. Kitts, please contact the St. Kitts Tourism Authority toll free from the US at 1-800-582-6208 or from Canada 1-888-395-4887, e-mail info@stkittstourism.kn, visit www.stkittstourism.kn, or become a fan on Facebook and/or Twitter. For more information about the 14th Annual St. Kitts Music Festival, log on to www.stkittsmusicfestival.com.

Jamaica Lightning Bolt strikes again in Clipper 09-10

2010-05-10T10:59:00.003+01:00

Jamaica Lightning Bolt has added another second place finish to their rapidly growing list of honours in the Clipper 09-10 Round the World Yacht Race. The team, named after the fastest man on earth, Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt, crossed the finish line at 1322 GMT, just under two hours after winner and overall race leader Spirit of Australia.

The result means the Jamaican team will move up into second place overall, just 0.7 points ahead of Team Finland.

The fight for second place in Race 8 went down to the wire as three teams finished within minutes of each other. Just 12 minutes separated Jamaica Lighting Bolt and Qingdao who took third place and Team Finland, eight minutes behind the Chinese team in fourth place.

Skipper of the Jamaican entry, Pete Stirling, said, “Without a doubt this must have been the closest finish in any race of Clipper 09-10. With the extremely light and fickle winds there was a great deal of concentration and a certain amount of luck required to keep yourself in contention.

“Since early yesterday morning we have had Team Finland in sight first behind us, then ahead of us and then finally behind us again this morning as we approached the finish line. With them threatening to take our third place position off us we hoisted the lightweight spinnaker and dropped the Yankee 1 at midnight last night. Up to this point the weather had been a bit touch and go with several dark clouds around us threatening to bring rain and a lot more wind.

“The spinnaker made all the difference and over the course of the next eight hours we managed to move ahead of Team Finland and pull out a two mile lead over them by the time we crossed the finish line. In the end there was probably less than 15 miles the top four boats as they crossed the line. Real nail biting drama!”

Spirit of Australia crossed the finish line at 1140 GMT today, victorious skipper Brendan Hall commenting, "This race has been an emotional rollercoaster. We've had great highs and depressing lows. It's hard to be in the lead for so long knowing we can only slide backwards and the other boats are all gunning for us. To have triumphed in the end and taken the maximum 13 points is a testament to the hard work determination and persistence of this fine crew. Qingdao, Jamaica Lightning Bolt and Team Finland are crews of the highest calibre so to have beaten them is a great achievement."

Given the unpredictable nature of the winds on this course and the need for the yachts to transit the Panama Canal within a given window, the Sailing Instructions for this race include provision for several finish lines. With very light or no winds forecast for the coming days, the Race Committee decided on Thursday to take that option and set the finish line off Cabo Blanco.

During this stage the teams have enjoyed vastly different sailing conditions to those they endured on the transpacific race from Qingdao to San Francisco. After a buffeting as they left San Francisco, spinnakers have been flying, temperatures have been rising and the crews have been enjoying some fast downwind sailing conditions, interspersed with periods of flat calm and fierce tropical squalls. Rankings on the leader board have changed at almost every schedule for the rest of the teams as they were affected by localised weather conditions.

The results are provisional until all the skippers have handed in their Race Declarations on arrival in Panama. Jamaica Lightning Bolt is expected to arrive in Flamenco Marina, Panama, on Monday 10 May, from where she and the other yachts will transit the Panama Canal, one of the great wonders of modern engineering, before the start of Race 9, a short, upwind sprint to the team’s home port of Port Antonio on the beautiful north coast of Jamaica.

TITO JACKSON TO PRESENT 'MJ TRIBUTE' AT ST. KITTS MUSIC FESTIVAL

2010-05-05T10:22:00.002+01:00

** Jackson to Headline Friday, June 25 Line-up of Performers **

Basseterre, St. Kitts (May 4, 2010) – The St. Kitts Tourism Authority today announces that Jackson 5 Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson has joined the line-up of performers for the 14th Annual St Kitts Music Festival, which will take place on island from June 24-26, 2010. His concert “Tito Jackson in Tribute to the Jackson Family" to be held on the 1st anniversary of his brother Michael’s passing, will include not only his solo repertoire, but selections from the entire Jackson's catalog, including some of his late brother Michael's songs, and sister Janet Jackson’s music as well.

"I am so looking forward to visiting the beautiful island of St. Kitts and playing in the upcoming Music Festival in June. I have heard so much about the island, and I have lots of surprises in store for the audience,” stated Tito Jackson. “They are going to hear a great retrospective of Jackson family songs, from Janet, Michael, The Jackson Five, and some of my songs. It will be a great show and will bring back lots of memories and create some new ones, I am sure. It is a show I have been working on really hard with the band I have on the road with me now, and I am sure the crowd will love all of the music we have in store for them."

Born Toriano Adaryll Jackson, “Tito” has devoted his entire professional life to music, first as a member of Motown’s greatest discovery, The Jacksons (Jackson 5), and presently as a multi-faceted solo artist. During the course of his distinguished musical career, he has performed on stages throughout the world, including Manhattan’s famous Apollo Theater. He has had numerous television appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show, American Bandstand, Soul Train and on the Jacksons’ own primetime television series in 1976. In 1978, Tito co-wrote the songs, Everybody, Destiny and Push Away on the group’s hit album, Destiny. Their subsequent album, Triumph, sold approximately 10 million copies worldwide, and in 1984 the group released the Victory album, for which the famous Victory Tour reportedly set a new record for the then-largest grossing tour. In 1985, Tito, along with other members of the Jackson family, lent his vocals to USA for Africa’s fund-raising hit single, We Are the World.

“It’s an honor to have Tito Jackson join the line-up for this year’s St. Kitts Music Festival,” commented Senator Ricky Skerritt, Minister of Tourism & International Transport for St. Kitts. “Tito’s tribute concert to the Jackson family music legacy is certain to be memorable for the many Jackson family fans in St. Kitts and the wider Caribbean who will be given a wonderful opportunity to experience this special world-class performance first-hand, while enjoying the unique St. Kitts Musical Festival experience.”

One of the performing highlights of the career of Tito Jackson is the reunion performance on one of histories most watched television specials, Motown 25. The show signaled a pivotal point in his remarkable career and an auspicious focus on the great one ¾ Michael Jackson. In 1997, Tito and his brothers (The Jacksons) were inducted into the prestigious Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Tito’s initial success with the recording masterpieces I Want You Back, Never Can Say Goodbye, I’ll Be There (best selling single in Motown’s history), and other mega-hits, are deeply woven into the world’s fabric of music. Throughout his career, Tito has worked with countless musicians, singers, and producers, such as the preeminent production team of LA Reid & Kenny “Baby Face” Edmonds and is in the process of completing his new project set for a 2010 release.

KY-MANI MARLEY TO PERFORM AT THE 14TH ANNUAL ST. KITTS MUSIC FESTIVAL

2010-04-30T12:47:00.001+01:00

Grammy nominee and son of reggae icon Bob Marley, Ky-mani Marley has joined the line-up for this year’s St. Kitts Music Festival, which will take place on island from June 24-26, 2010.

The second youngest child of reggae legend Bob Marley, Ky-mani Marley remains true to his Jamaican culture while incorporating his keenness for all genres of music into his own distinctive sound. Born in 1976, his career in music began in 1997 when he teamed with hip-hop artist Pras of The Fugees and collaborated on Eddy Grant’s “Electric Avenue,” which peaked at #35 on the Billboard charts. In 1999, Marley’s distinctive sound was unveiled in his album The Journey, which received mass critical acclaim. Known as a reggae artist without limits, Ky-mani routinely incorporates hip-hop, blues, rock and a grass-roots style that is recognized as a reflection of the way he lives his life. His 2001 album, Many More Roads, was nominated for a Grammy Award for best reggae album. He is featured on Young Buck's album Buck the World, on a track called "Puff Puff Pass," Afu-Ra's album Body of the Life Force, on a track called "Equality," and on Ms. Dynamite's album A Little Deeper.

Also an actor and author, Kymani’s film and television credits include One Love; BET J – Living the Life of Marley; NBC/Telemundo - The Shuffle; andFox - Happy Hour with Cody Willard and Rebecca Gomez, to name a few. He is currently on tour promoting his autobiography "Dear Dad," which was released on February 6, 2010. Additionally, he is working on his new clothing line Konfrontation, his non-profit organization Love Over All Foundation (LOAF) and recording new material for his upcoming album Evolution of a Revolution.

“I am looking forward to delivering a spectacular performance at the St Kitts Music Festival this June and eager to share my music with the audience,” stated Ky-Mani Marley.

“We’re thrilled to add Ky-Mani Marley to this year’s Music Festival line-up,” states Faron Lawrence, Chairman of the St. Kitts Music Festival. “His eclectic style is a reflection of the diverse genres that will be showcased at this year’s event, which is sure to be a memorable experience with world class performances in our signature block party atmosphere.”

KENNY“BABYFACE” EDMONDS TO PERFORM AT ST. KITTS MUSIC FESTIVAL

2010-04-28T13:10:00.002+01:00

Renowned Pop-Star Joins the Line-Up of Performers for the 14th Annual Event

Ten-time Grammy winner, singer, producer, and songwriter Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds is the first international super-star to sign on to perform at the 14th Annual St. Kitts Music Festival, which will take place on the island from June 24-26, 2010.

Kenny Edmonds began playing in the local R&B scene as a teenager growing up in Indianapolis, Indiana as a member of Bootsy Collins' funk group, where he earned his nickname “Babyface.” He then joined the funk outfit Manchild, which secured a record deal and released three albums in the late 1970’s. After their breakup, Edmonds partnered with Antonio "L.A." Reid in the early 80’s and formed the urban funk group called The Deele which recorded notable hits on the R&B charts. Edmonds and Reid began producing and writing for other artists, landing hits in Pebbles' "Girlfriend" and the Whispers' "Rock Steady". The pair co-founded the LaFace label in 1989 and further hits followed in Bobby Brown's "Every Little Step," Johnny Gill’s "My, My, My," (nominated for the Best R&B Song Grammy), Whitney Houston’s "I'm Your Baby Tonight", and Madonna’s "Take a Bow.” Edmonds biggest success came in 1992 with Boyz II Men, whose recording of "End of the Road" became one of the longest-running number ones in pop history. Kenny was co-nominated for an Album of the Year Grammy for his production on “The Bodyguard” soundtrack and went on to work with artists Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, Gladys Knight, Aretha Franklin, En Vogue, Mary J. Blige, Toni Braxton, TLC, OutKast, and Usher to name a few. In 1993, Edmonds released his 2nd solo album “For the Cool in You” which went triple platinum and producing his first Top Five pop hit, "When Can I See You Again,” and won his first Grammy as a performer for Best Male R&B Vocal.

Throughout his career, Edmonds impeccably crafted explorations of love, romance and relationships that have made an indelible imprint on the evolution of contemporary pop music throughout the world with over 125 Top-10 R&B and Pop hits, 42 #1’s R&B hits, and 51 Top-10 Pop hits (including 16 #1’s). He is the recipient of numerous awards, including Soul Train Music Awards, BMI Awards, NAACP Image Awards, and American Music Awards. Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds was the recipient of the third BET Walk of Fame Award (previous honorees were Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston), and was named BET’s “Entertainer of the Year” at the First Annual BET Awards Ceremony. He will receive a star on Hollywood’s legendary Walk of Fame in Feb. 2011 and is currently in the studio working on new material for his next solo album, due for release in late 2010.

"I am truly excited about being a part of a very exceptional Music Festival," stated Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds. This will be my first visit to St. Kitts and I am looking forward to exploring as much of the island as time will allow, experiencing the unique Kittitian hospitality and performing for everyone at the Festival."

“We are thrilled to announce Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds’ participation in our 14th Annual St. Kitts Music Festival,” said Senator Ricky Skerritt, Minister of Tourism & International Transport. “Kenny has had an undeniable presence in virtually every major facet of pop music for over the past three decades and his performance will reinforce the musical variety that has made the St. Kitts Music Festival outstanding.”

Now in its 14th consecutive year, the festival attracts both locals and visitors alike. It features various musical styles on the popular market, including R&B, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Reggae, Soca, Calypso, Gospel and Contemporary music. Past artists have included such prominent acts as John Legend, T-Pain, Michael Bolton, K.C. and the Sunshine Band, Wyclef Jean, Ne-Yo, Air Supply, Dionne Warwick, Billy Ocean, Sean Paul, Boyz II Men, King Konris, Stephen Marley, Regina Belle, Maxi Priest, Biggie Irie and Lord Nelson.

Music lovers from the US can get to St. Kitts via non-stop service on American Airlines from New York (JFK) or Miami, on Delta Air Lines from Atlanta, and on US Airways from Charlotte as well as via connecting service through San Juan on American Eagle or via flights on regional carrier Liat from Antigua. Canadian visitors can connect via select US gateways.

Located in the northern Leeward Islands of the Caribbean, St. Kitts offers a diverse tourism product developed from the destination’s natural beauty, cultural heritage and rich history. The island’s stunning variety of tourism attractions include hiking through the tropical rainforest, riding the scenic railway that connects the island’s sugar plantations, touring Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, the only man-made UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Eastern Caribbean, and the more traditional vacation pastimes such as watersports, golf, shopping, tennis, gourmet dining, gaming at one of St. Kitts’ two casinos or simply relaxing on one of the island’s sandy beaches. Guests can select from accommodations ranging from intimate plantation inns to larger hotels or resorts.

For more information about St. Kitts, please contact the St. Kitts Tourism Authority toll free from the US at 1-800-582-6208 or from Canada 1-888-395-4887, e-mail info@stkittstourism.kn, visit the website at www.stkittstourism.kn, become a fan on Facebook and/or Twitter.

For more information on the 14th Annual St. Kitts Music Festival log on to www.stkittsmusicfestival.com.

2010-04-22T12:06:00.001+01:00

Beautiful #Scuba Diving video from #DiveGrenada - http://ping.fm/SoOKx #Grenada

Governor Schwarzenegger commends crews as Jamaica Lightning Bolt departs San Francisco

2010-04-21T09:13:00.005+01:00

The crew of Jamaica Lightning Bolt, one of ten teams competing in the Clipper 09-10 Round the World Yacht Race, couldn’t have hoped for better conditions for the start of Race 8 of the 35,000-mile challenge from San Francisco. A brisk 20 to 25 knot wind powered the fleet of internationally sponsored ocean racing yachts across the start line opposite the Golden Gate Yacht Club and out under the Golden Gate Bridge. Ahead lies a 3,329-mile leg to Panama which is set to deliver quite different conditions to the dramatic North Pacific race from Qingdao, China.

Wishing the crews well on the next leg of the race, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said, “This event brings together enthusiastic sailors for some great competition and I applaud all the participants for putting their talents and skills to work. As a former professional athlete I know what it takes to excel in demanding sporting contests. Everyone here has trained hard to be ready for this once in a lifetime opportunity and you can be proud of what you have accomplished so far.

“To all the participants I wish you the best of luck and happy sailing.”

Local entry, California, was keen to make a good impression in front of their home crowd and succeeded by being the first team across the start line. They were closely followed by overall race leaders, Spirit of Australia, with the latest leg winners, Cape Breton Island, third to cross. Hull & Humber, Team Finland, Qingdao, Uniquely Singapore, Jamaica Lightning Bolt and Edinburgh Inspiring Capital completed the order across the line as the boats tacked their way towards the Golden Gate Bridge. By the time the boats had reached San Francisco’s iconic landmark, Hull & Humber had moved into the lead with Team Finland and Uniquely Singapore moving up into second and third place respectively.

Speaking ahead of the race start, Jamaica Lightning Bolt’s skipper, Pete Stirling, said, “We definitely want another podium on this race but the one we really want to win of course is the race into our home port of Jamaica.

“For the race to Panama we can expect good following conditions to start with some good spinnaker runs. We know we’re going to run out of breeze a bit further on and it’s going to be very light so it might get a bit tactical. However, we’ve shown in the past that we’re good in light conditions so we’ve got high hopes for this one.“

Having layered up to keep themselves protected from the elements, the crews who come from all walks of life will soon replace foul weather gear with shorts, T-shirts and sunscreen as they race down the west coast of the North American continent to Panama.

Race Director, Joff Bailey, says, “The Californian current flows in a southerly direction but the helping hand this gives the fleet may be counteracted by the heating effects from the North American land mass which might change the winds unfavourably. The race down to Panama should be a fast one but it’s not over until the finishing line is crossed and the light winds of the ITCZ (Inter Tropical Convergence Zone or Doldrums) could decide the finishing position in the final stages of this race.”

The first boats are expected to arrive in Panama around 11 May after which they will transit the Panama Canal before commencing Race 9, a 591-mile sprint to Jamaica.

The Clipper 09-10 Race started from the Humber on the north east coast of England on 13 September 2009 and will return to there on 17 July 2010. It is the only event in the world where people from all walks of life can take on the challenge of a lifetime and race around the globe on stripped down 68-foot ocean racing yachts.

ENDS

Standings at the start of Race 8 Points
1 Spirit of Australia 70
2 Jamaica Lightning Bolt * 59
3 Team Finland 58.3
4 Cape Breton 53
5 Hull & Humber 43
6 Uniquely Singapore 40
7 Qingdao 36
8 Edinburgh Inspiring Capital 23
9 Cork 23
10 California 20

2010-04-14T11:04:00.001+01:00

Tories to reform APD and scrap new runway plans - Vote Conservative! http://ping.fm/vbXN8

2010-04-12T09:59:00.001+01:00

Delta Airlines Reopen New York - Grenada Flight - July 3rd...Excellent, now just for some rain - http://ping.fm/YztiA

2010-04-09T14:53:00.001+01:00

Read about the re-opening of Harrison's Cave, Barbados in our April Newsletter - http://ping.fm/TD8e7

Good Friday for Jamaica Lightning Bolt

2010-04-06T12:15:00.003+01:00

The lack of Californian sunshine couldn’t dampen the spirits of the crew on board Jamaica Lighting Bolt as the team sailed under a mist enshrouded Golden Gate Bridge to secure their fifth podium of the Clipper 09-10 Round the World Yacht Race. Despite being the third team to cross the Race 7 finish line, behind Cape Breton Island and Qingdao, the Jamaican team walks away with another second place pennant to join the one awarded in Qingdao for Race 6. This is due to a 32 hour and 15 minutes redress which was agreed by the Race Committee for the assistance the team provided following an incident packed race. The nine point result when added to the two scoring gate points for being the second team to cross the North Pacific gate gives the Caribbean entry an overall points tally of 59.

However, for Jamaica Lightning Bolt, one of many teams which have been praised by the Race Committee for the assistance they gave when California lost her mast, the result comes second to the knowledge that not only have survived some of the harshest sailing conditions but that they have helped one of the fellow race teams do the same.

Skipper Pete Stirling says, “There was absolutely no hesitation in going to help California. We had no idea what we were going to find and they were in quite a bad state when we got there. Having said that they had an extremely buoyant attitude, they were upbeat and determined to just get on with it. For us, it was a great privilege to be able to come to their aid and as the first on scene we were with them for a period of about three days in total. We know some of the crew quite well now, they’ve become friends during stopovers, so it wasn’t just another yacht to go and help it was helping our friends too.”

Pete and his crew on board Jamaica Lightning Bolt were the nearest vessel to the EPIRB position coming from California after the US entry was rolled by a major Pacific Storm. The way the crew dealt with the situation and reported initial observations back to Clipper’s Race Office was invaluable. In the following days, they acted as a communication relay, provided escort and transferred much needed supplies in the form of water and fuel to the American team.

For round the world crew member Matt Schafer, being able to come to the assistance of California is something he is immensely proud of, more so than having taken on the world’s largest ocean.

He says, “It was really scary when we first got the news that their EPIRB had gone off and they weren’t responding especially given the weather we’d just gone through. When we heard the coastguard plane communicating with them it was such a relief. It was really great to be able to help them out and we’ll certainly be on the dockside to welcome them home.”

Matt will have to wait until the final leg before he sails into his home city of New York, but the 34-year-old consultant was clearly pleased to be back on American soil.

“First of all I’m just glad to be on any soil right now after this leg! But it is great to be back in the States as it’s been about eight months since I left.

“I didn’t expect the conditions we’ve just experienced in the North Pacific. They were the sort of conditions we were expected from the Southern Ocean. It was just intense. It wasn’t always pleasant, in fact I’d say it was one of the more unpleasant experiences of my life but it was tough and is one of those things you look back on for the rest of your life and say ‘it was really hard and I did that.’ We did a great job and I’m extremely proud of our boat, our crew and our skipper.”

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS
Media opportunities in San Francisco
Media are invited to attend the San Francisco stopover of the Clipper 09-10 Race and media registration is available at the Media Centre located at Golden Gate Yacht Club, 1 Yacht Lane, San Francisco. There will be an opportunity to interview skippers, crew and the race officials.

For further information, to confirm your attendance or for interviews please contact:
Zoe Williamson, Clipper Race Communications Manager:
zwilliamson@clipper-ventures.com, Tel: +1 415 7286140

Media Sail: Wednesday 7 April
Places will be available for media to experience what it is like on board one of the Clipper 68 foot ocean racing yachts and to meet some of the crew. The media sail will take place from 1400 to 1600 local time. Places are limited so please email zwilliamson@clipper-ventures.com to reserve a place.

Standings after Race 7 Scoring Gate Points
1 Spirit of Australia 60
2 Team Finland 50
3 Jamaica Lightning Bolt * 50
4 Cape Breton 43
5 Hull & Humber 37
6 Uniquely Singapore 33
7 Qingdao 28
8 Cork 23
9 California 19
10 Edinburgh Inspiring Capital 18

For further information log onto www.clipperroundtheworld.com
For media information or interviews please contact:
Zoe Williamson, Communications Manager (in San Francisco, GMT -7)
Local Mobile: +1 415 7286140
UK Mobile: +44 (0) 7793 417 751
Email: zwilliamson@clipper-ventures.com

Heather Ewing, Communications Manager
Mobile: +44 (0) 7792 408 695
Tel: +44 (0) 2392 526000
Email: hewing@clipper-ventures.com

THE VOLCANO MARATHON RETURNS!

2010-03-24T12:21:00.001Z

Following the overwhelming success of last year’s first ever Volcano Half Marathon, the Eastern Caribbean island of Montserrat has decided to keep it as an annual event.

The second Montserrat Volcano Half Marathon will take place on Saturday 27th November 2010 and runners from all around the globe are invited to register.

The unique running event is designed to offer a course that passes close to some of the key tourism attractions on the island, in particular the active Soufrière Hills Volcano (which, after laying dormant for over half a century, rumbled back to life in 1995 and has been active ever since). Other sights along the route include the Blakes Football Field, Carrs Bay, Little Bay, the Montserrat Cultural Centre, Runaway Ghaut and the entrance of AIR Studios, which has seen many famous faces such as Sting, Elton John and Sir Paul McCartney.

Co-organised by Montserrat Running Club, the Montserrat Tourist Board and Sports Department, the strenuous 13.1-mile course is very hilly and not for the faint-hearted, and offers spectacular sea views along the way.

Lush green and mountainous, Montserrat lies in the Eastern Caribbean chain of Leeward Islands. It can be reached from neighbouring Antigua in less than 20 minutes by plane or seventy five minutes by ferry. The island has a range of high quality, friendly guesthouses, self-catering villas, one hotel and a new eco-lodge and campground, where runners interested in participating in the Volcano Half Marathon and Fun Run can stay.

Facebook users can find additional information on the event on the official Facebook fan page 'Montserrat Volcano Half Marathon' http://www.facebook.com/pages/Montserrat-Volcano-Half-Marathon/139901407963?ref=ts

For more information about Montserrat and for registration visit www.visitmontserrat.com or call 020 7928 1600.

-Ends-
For media information and/or images please contact:
The Saltmarsh Partnership
Kylie Jenkins kylie@saltmarshpr.co.uk 020 7902 2797
Tom Panagos tom@saltmarshpr.co.uk 020 7902 2794
www.saltmarshpr.co.uk

JAMAICA CELEBRATES A CENTENARY OF SPEED

2010-03-22T14:06:00.002Z

Jamaica celebrates the 100th anniversary of one of its most prestigious athletics events later this week – with the island’s world-famous runners watching from the sidelines.

The Jamaica ISSA Boys’ & Girls’ Athletic Championships, or ‘Champs’ as it is commonly known, is open only to secondary school children and its reputation for producing some of the world’s quickest sprinters ensures it grips the nation – as well as the world’s media and sporting professionals.

Champs began in 1910 as a competition between six schools for boys. A girls’ championship was initiated in 1957 but it was not until 1999 that the two meets were brought together in a four-day event. Now, as Jamaica marks 100 years since the first boys’ championships, the competition has grown to include around 150 schools.

Over 80,000 spectators are expected to attend Champs from 24th – 27th March 2010 at the National Stadium in Kingston, while many more will tune in for the TV coverage. The annual event attracts Olympians past and present, including Jamaican-born gold medallist Donovan Bailey and Usain Bolt, the world’s fastest man, who first came to prominence at the event and will no doubt be watching closely for the talented youngsters who could one day run away with his crown.

Bolt competed at Champs several times, setting new championship records for the 200m and 400m in 2003 which are still unbroken today. Asafa Powell, Merlene Ottey and Shelley-Ann Fraser are just some of the other world-class runners who started out at the championships.

The boys’ competition is one of the longest-running schools athletics competitions in the world. To mark its centenary year, a commemorative book has been published looking at the history of the championships, including results tables, interesting facts and interviews with Champs legends.

Given the sprinting talent displayed at Champs over the decades, it is no wonder that the atmosphere around it is electrifying.

“Champs is almost as big as the Olympic or Commonwealth Games in Jamaica,” comments Elizabeth Fox, Regional Director of the Jamaica Tourist Board. “No one knows why Jamaicans run so fast, but everyone’s eager to spot that future world record-breaker. Jamaica is a hot-bed for sporting talent – from sprinters and cricketers to bobsledders - so we’re encouraging all visitors to come and discover more about the island’s sporting heritage.”

As well as the many adventure activities available in Jamaica, sports fans can visit an exhibition of the island’s sporting heroes from the past 60 years at Mystic Mountain, which also offers a bobsled ride through the rainforest.

Jamaica’s speedy history: facts and figures
· Jamaica (population 2.7 million) took home 11 athletics medals from the 2008 Beijing Olympics, putting it in fourth position behind the USA (23 medals, pop. 307 million), Russia (18 medals, pop. 141.8 million), and Kenya (14 medals, pop. 38.5 million)

· Jamaica’s Usain Bolt holds the current world records for the 100 metres, 200 metres and, along with his team mates, the 4 x 100 metre relay

· The current 400m record at Champs, set by Usain Bolt in 2003, is only 0.7 seconds slower than his personal best over the same distance (45.35 seconds versus 45.28 seconds)

· Champs has been staged every year since 1910 with the exception of 1944 when the event was cancelled

· Norman Manley, Jamaica’s first Premier, held the 100 yard record at Champs for many years

· Arthur Wint MBE, the first Jamaican to win an Olympic gold medal (in the 1948 London games) was a Champion Boy at Champs

· British high-jumper Germaine Mason’s record of 2.09m still stands and each year he attends Champs to see if it will be broken

· In 2009, current world junior champion Dexter Lee won the senior boys’ 100m race in 10.35 seconds

ENDS
For more information or photos please contact:
McCluskey International
Kate Popham
T: 020 8237 7979
E: jamaica@mccluskey.co.uk

About Jamaica Tourist Board
The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), founded in 1955, is Jamaica’s national tourism agency based in the capital city of Kingston. The JTB was declared the Caribbean’s Leading Tourist and Convention Bureau by the World Travel Awards (WTA) from 2006 to 2009, while Jamaica earned the WTA’s vote as the World’s Leading Cruise Destination, the Caribbean’s Leading Destination and the Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Destination.

JTB offices are located in Kingston, Montego Bay, Miami, Toronto and London. Representative offices are located in Düsseldorf, Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam and Tokyo.

For details on upcoming special events, attractions and accommodations in Jamaica go to the Jamaica Tourist Board’s Web site at www.visitjamaica.com, or call the Jamaica Tourist Board on 020 7225 9090.

2010-03-16T17:39:00.001Z

has made a video of his last trip to Grand Anse Beach, Grenada - http://ping.fm/byEuO

Children of the Wind - Bonaires Windsurfers Find Fame

2010-03-12T17:12:00.001Z

BONAIRE’S WINDSURFING CHAMPIONS ARE HIGHLIGHTED IN UPCOMING DOCUMENTARY THE CHILDREN OF THE WIND TO BE SHOT ON BONAIRE

Kralendijk, Bonaire – (March 11, 2010) – Bonaire’s Windsurf Kids and windsurfing in Bonaire are receiving enormous exposure with Seek Films new documentary Children of the Wind. The film will tell the story of Bonaire’s Windsurf Kids who’ve journeyed from humble beginnings to international fame through the sport of windsurfing, as well as what they’ve learned in the process.

It will be a story of how powerful change can come from children willing and strong enough to persevere through physical discipline and is a tribute to all Bonaire’s children. “Children of the Wind”, to be shot this summer on Bonaire, follows the young Bonaireans, who claimed their reputation and captured the world’s heart through the sport of windsurfing.

The official preview-trailer of the movie has been launched on the “Children of the Wind” website and is receiving buzz worldwide. Roger Goodell, Commissioner of the National Football League (NFL) commented, “Anyone who loves sports will be blown away by this inspiring story of determination and passion.”

“Children of the Wind” is being produced by Seek Films, and will be funded predominantly by sponsors, grants, and tax-deductible donations through their fiscal sponsor From the Heart Productions. The crew will shoot on location on Bonaire this summer, and will consist of six people; Co-Creator/Producer Robert McCormick, Co-Creator/Director of Photography Peter Robinson, Co-Creator/Director Daphne Schmon, Media Manager/Assistant Cinematographer Alex Campbell and Principal Photographer/Assistant Cinematographer Richard Schmon. To view the trailer of Children of the Wind visit http://www.childrenofthewindmovie.com/trailer.htm.

Seek Films would like to send their gratitude to the sponsors who have pledged their contributions to support this film: Windsport Magazine, Tourism Corporation Bonaire, Bonaire Windsurf Place and Surf. If you would like to make a contribution to complete the production phase of this documentary visit http://commerce03.i2net.com/able55new/stores/46/Children-of-the-Wind-P19508C1578.aspx.

Located eighty-six miles east of Aruba, the Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire offers year-round sunshine, low annual rainfall, pristine coral formations and the most thriving fish population in the Caribbean. Ideal for adventurers, explorers and sun-worshippers alike, Bonaire offers myriad eco-adventure activities including world renowned scuba diving and snorkeling, windsurfing, kiteboarding, mountain biking, sea and mangrove kayaking, horseback riding, nature tours, hiking, bird watching, sailing and seep sea and bone fishing. And with a selection of accommodations ranging from full-service oceanfront resorts and condominiums to guesthouses and small inns, Bonaire has something for every lifestyle and budget.

Bonaire is the recipient of the prestigious Islands Magazine/Caribbean Tourism Organization 2008 Sustainable Tourism Award and continues to be recognized as one of the top destinations worldwide for its sustainable tourism and as one of the top diving destinations in the Atlantic/Caribbean for eight years in a row in the Scuba Diving magazine’s 2010 Readers’ Choice Awards. It was designated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as having the healthiest reefs in the Caribbean (January 2008), and as the Favorite Dive Destination in the World by About.com (June, 2008).

For more information on Bonaire contact the Tourism Corporation Bonaire in the U.S. at 1-800-BONAIRE or visit Bonaire’s official website at www.tourismbonaire.com.

2010-03-11T12:52:00.001Z

New Allure Wedding Package available at Half Moon CLu, Jamaica - http://ping.fm/iCSJZ

2010-03-02T14:44:00.001Z

Have a look at this video of Morne Rouge Beach, Grenada - http://ping.fm/4jwRy

New sculpture unveiled for Grenada’s Underwater Sculpture Park

2010-03-01T12:38:00.003Z

Press Release by The Underwater Sculpture Park Action Group February 2010

This week saw the exciting unveiling of the latest Sculpture for Grenada’s Underwater Sculpture Park. Since its inception in 2006, the Underwater Sculpture Park at Molinere Bay has captivated the imagination of both Grenadians and visitors from around the world. The original sculptures of British Sculptor Jason Taylor encapsulated Grenada’s colorful history and folklore and have brought a quirky dimension to both diving and snorkeling here in Grenada. The Park has rightly received international acclaim and been featured in top international newspapers, magazines and television shows. It has generated huge amounts of revenue from tourism for Grenada and undoubtedly become one of the ‘must see’ attractions for visitors to the island on cruise ships and on vacation.

Recognizing the success and future potential of the Park both to the environment and to the island’s economy, a motivated Action Group of local people have made a personal commitment to the ongoing maintenance and development of the Park and ensuring its sustainability. Their focus is on the concept of ‘a renaissance’ for the Park; embracing local talent, ideas and expertise to ensure the Park continues to develop as an attraction Grenada can enjoy and be proud of. The placement of this latest sculpture is a key step in working towards these goals.

The new sculpture, titled ‘The Silent Cry’, the 1st of a series of 7 planned sculptures, is the work of local Sculptor Mr. Rene Froehlich. The artwork was produced by Rene and local craftsman Jefferson Thomas (know as Buju of Grenville) at his roadside studio and workshop in Westerhall,Grenada. At 7 feet in height it will be the largest sculpture to go in the park to date. Constructed in the medium of stainless steel and concrete, the sculpture captures the feel of the great trees of the Grenadian rainforest with a representation of a sinuous organic root system and the impression of a human form within. The design’s concept was to ‘encapsulate the peace, tranquility and weightlessness of the underwater environment. A place where you can be still and enjoy the grace and movement of the water, leaving all of life’s threats and problems at the surface. Should you wish to, take a silent cry where no-one will hear’. Rene’s design is an organic and powerful piece.

The sculpture will act as an artificial reef, offering ideal environment for colonisation by fish and colorful corals. Located in clear and shallow water, it can be readily enjoyed both from the surface, by snorkelers and underwater, by divers, allowing the thrill of interaction as they look through and within the structure.

The Underwater Sculpture Park is the first of its kind worldwide and offers a unique and alternative dive experience for all the family.

To visit the site for diving or snorkelling, please see the Definitive Caribbean Guide to Dive Grenada.

Image Caption: The Silent Cry with Phil Saye (left) and Rene (right)

Second place for Jamaica Lightning Bolt in Race 6

2010-02-22T18:47:00.004Z

Following three third place podiums in the Clipper 09-10 Round the World Yacht Race, Jamaica Lightning Bolt has secured another podium in the race from Singapore to Qingdao. This time they are one step higher as the team representing the Caribbean island has finished Race 6 in second place. Line honours went to Spirit of Australia who claimed their first victory of Clipper 09-10, but Jamaica Lightning Bolt receives the greatest points tally with a victory at the Scoring Gate giving them a total of 12 out of a maximum 13 points. Qingdao delighted the home crowd by taking the final podium position and their first of the race to date.

“The result is great,” said the Jamaica Lightning Bolt’s skipper, Pete Stirling, as he stepped on to the pontoon of the marina in Qingdao’s Olympic Sailing Centre. “It’s been a tough race and the first few hundred miles after Singapore were very, very hot - unbearably so. Then it very quickly went from light winds to storm force conditions and freezing cold. We seem to have had pretty much every weather condition on this leg.

“I’m really pleased with how the crew have performed and the way they have handled the conditions. There are a couple who are just doing this leg and they specifically chose it because it was the ultimate test. From the heat and the calms to the gale force conditions you can’t get more variety on any one leg. Any crew member that has done it knows they have had the toughest test of the race so far and they’ve all performed brilliantly.”

At the end of what has been arguably one of the closest legs of the 35,000-mile global competition, which is contested by crews from all walks of life, Jamaica Lightning Bolt was treated to a hero’s welcome as they arrived at China’s sailing capital.

As the boat entered the marina the team was greeted by a cacophony of fireworks and drums and a media scrum fought to get pictures and interviews with the heroic crew. Parading up to a large stage, the team were surrounded by dragon and lion dancers whose performance demonstrated the respect the people of Qingdao had for the crews. Gifts of flowers and scarves were bestowed and the skipper was draped in a red velvet cloak and adorned with a tiger head dress to mark the Chinese New Year. The cape symbolises nobleness and in ancient China it was only worn when emperors and generals set out on battle fields and returned victorious. The tiger hat represents great luck and auspiciousness. The Clipper fleet’s arrival in Qingdao coincides with the springtime festival of Chinese New Year and the dull thud of fireworks across the city serve as constant reminder that the 2010 celebrations are in full swing.

The crew were formally welcomed to the city by Wang Wei, Member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China’s Qingdao Committee and Director General of the Publicity Department of the CPC Qingdao Municipal Committee. He said, “It is the third time the Clipper Race has stopped at Qingdao and I’d like to extend, on behalf of Qingdao Municipal Government and Qingdao citizens, my sincerest welcome to skipper Pete Stirling and the sailors of Jamaica Lightning Bolt, and my warm congratulations to for your wonderful performance in this leg.

“We’ve been following closely the latest news of the Clipper Race - battling treacherous waves and ferocious winds in this grim winter. You have successfully finished this harsh leg with your strong will, outstanding courage and professional sailing prowess. This remarkable feat allows the Qingdao citizens to experience the splendour and charm of this world prestigious sailing event.

“During your stay in Qingdao, the hospitable Qingdao citizens will hold a series of activities with the sailors in celebration of the Chinese New Year. You will feel in person the atmosphere of this traditional Chinese festival and the friendship of our citizens as well.”

The Clipper 09-10 Race started from the Humber on the north east coast of England on 13 September 2009 and will return to there on 17 July 2010. It is the only event in the world where people from all walks of life can take on the challenge of a lifetime and race around the globe on stripped down 68-foot ocean racing yachts.

ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
Media opportunities in Qingdao
Media are invited to attend the Qingdao stopover of the Clipper 09-10 Race and media registration is available at the Media Centre located at the southern part of the Olympic Sailing Centre. There will be an opportunity to interview skippers and crew, as well as organisers of the Clipper Race and Qingdao Sports Federation representatives.

Race 7 start: Tuesday 2 March
Places will be available for television cameras/photographers on media boats for the start of Race 7 on Tuesday 2 March. Exact timings to be advised. Places will be limited and allocated on a first come first served basis. Email clipper_qd@126.com to reserve a space.

Interviews and photo opportunities
Interviews and photo opportunities with crew, skippers, race organisers and Clipper Race founder, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston are available on request. Please contact Zoe Williamson for more information and to arrange: zwilliamson@clipper-ventures.com, Tel: +86 1 8753250721

Standings after Race 6 Scoring Gate Points
1 Spirit of Australia 50
2 Team Finland 49
3 Jamaica Lightning Bolt 39
4 Cape Breton Island 35
5 Hull & Humber 33
6 Uniquely Singapore 25
7 Cork 23
8 Qingdao 20
9 Edinburgh Inspiring Capital 15
10 California 13

For media info please contact:
Zoe Williamson, Communications Manager (in Qingdao, China – GMT +8)
Local Mobile: +86 1 8753250721
Mobile: +44 (0) 7793 417 751
Tel: +44 (0) 2392 526000
Email: zwilliamson@clipper-ventures.com

Heather Ewing, Communications Manager
Mobile: +44 (0) 7792 408 695
Tel: +44 (0) 2392 526000
Email: hewing@clipper-ventures.com

2010-02-17T12:21:00.001Z

Here's a look at Fish Friday in Gouyave, #Grenada - http://ping.fm/ccb2R

Love4Haiti Press Release

2010-02-10T10:47:00.002Z

You.Me.We & Uprock presents Love4Haiti, the fundraiser.
Date: 24th Feb 2010
Time: 8pm - 1am
Ticket price: £10
Venue: Cargo – 83 Rivington Street, Shoreditch, London EC2A 3AY

The Caribbean island of Ayiti (Haiti to you and me) experienced a devastating 7.0 earthquake on the 12th January.

To do our part to assist with the relief effort You.Me.We & Uprock presents Love4Haiti the fundraiser where 100% of the money raised will be donated to the NGO United Haitians in The UK, http://www.uhuk.org/ an organisation established right here in London Town in November of 2008.

Bringing together a smorgasbord of musical sounds, it will be all love in the house, with a load of talented musicians and DJ’s trying to raise a load of money. Love4Haiti will feature live performances and PAs from Kaidi Tatham, Ty, Natty, Vanessa Freeman, Jonzi D , Zena Edwards and many more.

Not forgetting the turn table geeks who’ll get us moving and grooving with sounds of brokenbeat, soul, jazz, afrobeat and more, expect to hear from the likes of Blacktronica, Generika, Amplified, Man vs Wife, Phat Kontrolaz and of course Uprock!

On the night we will also announce the winners of the Love4Haiti raffle, where some lucky, lucky people will win items such as signed original artwork by Airheads, ipod touches, Revlon goody bags, Deisel Jeans and prizes donated by PR Agency, The Communications Store (can we say London Fashion Week tickets!!)

Sticking with the fashionistas, make sure that you visit the Donation Station, where we’ll also be collecting much needed supplies which YOU will be bringing down to the party. This is your chance to truly be ACTIVE on the night. Just bring down one item( a pair of shoes, a sleeping bag, a blanket , candles, water tablets) and walk away knowing that you have actively participated in helping those that need it now more than ever... Small action but a BIG impact.

Whether you make it down on the 24th, buy 10 raffle tickets or donate clothes/supplies, your time and money will truly be valued.

Further information
For more information please go to www.love4haiti.co.uk or contact: press@you-me-we.org, Tel - 07786 832882 / 07752 075836.

This night has been brought to you by the collective efforts of our partners, and the venue has been kindly donated by Cargo.

New nature tours to Dominica for 2010

2010-02-02T12:11:00.002Z

Dominica is known as the Caribbean’s Nature Island and now travellers can discover exactly why with a series of new nature adventures in 2010.

Birding tour operators Avian Adventures and Bird Watching Breaks have included Dominica in new tours for their programmes this year, whilst whale-watching specialist Out of the Blue also has a group whale-watching tour scheduled for the spring.

Dominica is home to more than 170 bird species including two endemic Amazon parrots – the Sisserou and the red-necked Jaco. It is also one of only two island habitats for the beautiful Blue-headed Hummingbird which lives in the rainforest and elfin forest.

In addition, Dominica stakes a claim to being the ‘whale-watching capital of the Caribbean’. Its temperate seas and underwater contours provide the ideal environment for whales and dolphins and 22 of the 33 known species in the Caribbean have been seen in the island’s waters. Whales and dolphins can be spotted year-round in Dominica, primarily in the south around Scott’s Head, where waters plunge to 6,000 feet.

More information on these new nature-based tours can be found below.

· Avian Adventures includes Dominica in its Lesser Antilles trip, departing 22nd May – 3rd June 2010. The touring itinerary includes three nights in Dominica where travellers will explore forest trails and waterfalls near the habitats of the endemic species. The trip also visits Antigua & Barbuda, Montserrat, Guadeloupe and St Lucia. The trip costs £3,890 per person including all flights and ferries, accommodation, all meals, transportation and tour leaders. www.avianadventures.co.uk / 01384 372013

· Bird Watching Breaks also combines a visit to Dominica with other islands in the region on its Lesser Antilles: Birds of the Eastern Caribbean trip, which departs 13th – 27th April 2010. This trip visits a total of nine Caribbean islands, with three days spent in Dominica. Nature lovers will take a dawn expedition in search of the red-necked Jaco parrot as well as tracking other species including the Dominica House Wren, the Lesser Antillean Swift, the Broad-winged Hawk and Tropical Mockingbird. The trip costs £4,695 per person including all flights, accommodation, meals, transport and tour leaders. www.birdwatchingbreaks.com / 01381 610452

· Out of the Blue has its first group whale-watching trip to Dominica scheduled for 17th – 25th April 2010, having previously offered tailor-made trips to the destination. The nine-day trip includes whale-watching excursions on four days. An onboard hydrophone on the specially-chartered 60-foot catamaran will be used to track species including sperm whales, false killer whales, hump-back whales amongst others. The itinerary also includes island tours exploring Dominica’s rainforests, beaches, rivers, waterfalls and the Carib Territory. Prices start from £2,499 including flights, accommodation, some meals (all breakfasts, two lunches, two dinners) and excursions as outlined in the itinerary. www.oceansworldwide.co.uk / 0845 290 3218

These are just some of the tour operators offering nature-based packages to Dominica in 2010. For a full list of UK tour operators to Dominica, please see www.discoverdominica.com or telephone 0800 012 1467 for further details.

-Ends-
For media information and images, please contact Kate Popham or Kylie Jenkins at The Saltmarsh Partnership on 020 7928 1600 or email kate@saltmarshpr.co.uk / kylie@saltmarshpr.co.uk

--
Kate Popham
Account Director
The Saltmarsh Partnership...........Helping you to stand out
DDI: 020 7902 2796
t: 020 7928 1600 f: 020 7928 1700 mob: 07941 071878
www.saltmarshpr.co.uk

Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/saltmarshPR

Registered office: 25d Copperfield Street, London SE1 0EN

2010-01-28T12:15:00.001Z

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ICWI LADIES TRI-NATION POLO TOURNAMENT REPORT

2010-01-28T10:25:00.006Z

“We likkle but we talawah” sums up Jamaica’s role in international ladies polo perfectly. Having shown the rest of the world the way with the ICWI international ladies polo tournament, first held in 1988, Jamaica has reinvented the concept of international ladies polo by hosting the first Tri-National Ladies Tournament of the western world. This has been done in Africa before, but the teams are able to travel with their horses to their neighboring countries. With the unstinting support of all the Polo Clubs in the Island and several local sponsors the JPA was able to host a thrilling league of matches between three nations – the USA, the UK and Jamaica.

Apart from the experienced Lesley-Ann Fong-Yee the rest of the ladies that play in Jamaica are relatively new to the sport and have had little international experience. They quickly became an integral part of the sport locally, making their mark in 2008 when Rachel Turner won the Ricky Chin memorial for the JPA’s Most Improved Player of the year and in 2009 when Michele Subaran won the same trophy. This exercise was designed to give them invaluable exposure for the development of their game as well as challenge the rest of the world to step up the level of their international ladies polo.

Karen Reese (1), a many time visitor to Jamaica, who has also hosted several Jamaican’s in Aiken, SC put together the USA team with herself, Erica Gandomcar-Sachs (1), Cecelia Cochran (0) and Fiona Eagle (0). Lucy Taylor (1), helped by Tamara Vestey who was unable to come, put together the team from the UK accompanied by Rosie Ross (2), Di Jack (0) and Sophie Kyriazi (-1). They all arrived in Jamaica on Monday, January 28, 2010 and were welcomed to the Island by The Hon. Dennis Lalor, Chairman of ICWI, the Jamaica Polo Association and the Kingston Polo Club at his home. The teams were then generously hosted by the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel for the duration of their stay in Kingston.

The UK/Pegasus Hotel team first met the Jamaican/ICWI team of Nagina Newman (-1), Michele Subaran (0), Rachel Turner (1) and Lesley Fong-Yee (2) at the Kingston Polo Club on Tuesday, January 19, 2010 where they dominated the first half of the match taking a 4 love lead. Mounted on the pick of the Lalors’ superb string of horses the visitors did not need to acclimatize or get the hang of the facilities! The Jamaicans fought back in the second half, controlling more of the play but missing a couple of crucial penalty 2s and the English easily won with a score of 5 goals to 3. Taylor was the high scorer with 3 goals, with contributions from Kyriazi and Ross for the English and Newman and Fong-Yee scored for the Jamaicans. This was followed by a pick up game with the Americans and some local Kingston Polo Club players, in which Tess Pimsner, Reese’s 10 year old daughter, played a chukka and showed us the future of women’s polo in the USA.

The teams then moved on to Toby’s Resort in Montego Bay where they met all the local players at a sumptuous dinner at Coyaba Beach Resort on Wednesday night. The UK/Pegasus Hotel team would then take on the USA/Polo Gear team on Thursday, January 21, 2010 at Chukka Blue Polo Club, Sandy Bay. The match was a ding dong battle as both teams were evenly matched throughout and played the ponies supplied by the Chin family and John Byles as if they were their own. Taylor drew first blood for the English but Reese quickly equalized for the Americans. Taylor scored twice in the 2nd chukka for the English while the Americans were held to one 30 yard conversion by Reese to hold the half time advantage. However, Gandomcar stuck for the Americans early in the 3rd chukka followed by a goal by Jack for the UK/Pegasus Hotel team, but another 30 yard conversion by Reese for the USA/Polo Gear team tied the game up going into the last chukka. Eagle scored early in the last chukka to give the Americans the edge, but Taylor then converted a 30 yard penalty to tie it up again and came storming through with the game winner towards the end of the chukka for the 6 goals to 5 win. Lucy Taylor was MVP with 5 goals to her credit and Doc Masterton’s elderly “Ramadan” ridden by Cochran dominated the first chukka.

The next day Chukka Adventure Tours arranged for all 3 teams to swim their horses in the sea, a unique experience for most of them that they will not quickly forget. Even accompanying family members that don’t play polo tried it out and were thrilled with their ride. From there they went on the Country Country, Negril and spent a delightful day roaming the 7 mile beach and its attractions.

Saturday’s match between the Jamaica/ICWI team, on which Anna Dougall (-1) replaced Nagina Newman, and the USA/Polo Gear team got off to a slightly late start with some transportation issues for the horses. The Jamaicans held their own in the 1st chukka although Gandomcar scored for the Americans and Turner leveled the score early in the 2nd. However, it was downhill for them after that as each member of the USA/Polo Gear team scored a goal and Eagle, playing the game of her life, scored twice for them to take the 5 goals to 1 win and set up a rematch against the UK/Pegasus Hotel team for the Final. Eagle was undisputedly MVP and John Byles teenaged “Sultan” that she played was the pick of the horses. The teams then raced back to the Chins’ Toby’s Resort for a lovely dinner and packed up to make the long trek back to the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston.

On Sunday, January 24, 2010 the Jamaican team, with Newman back at # 1, played a Battle of the Sexes consolation against the Kingston Polo Club team of The Hon. James Robertson, Justin Samuda, teenager Adam Lake and Mark Chin. The Jamaican ladies surrendered some of their ponies to make sure that the visitors were well mounted for the Final so started with a slight disadvantage which Robertson quickly capitalized on scoring twice in the 1st chukka. Robertson and Fong-Yee switched ponies in the 2nd chukka and the chukka was scoreless while the ladies squandered several opportunities. Turner came out strong in the 3rd chukka with a beautifully controlled goal, threading her way through the field, but the men eventually dominated as Robertson converted a penalty 5 and Adam Lake slammed one home out of a melee. The last chukka was scoreless and somewhat of an anti-climax as the men held on to win by 4 goals to 1.

The eagerly anticipated Final between the evenly matched UK/Pegasus Hotel team and the USA/Polo Gear teams did not disappoint. The newly appointed British High Commissioner, Howard Drake threw in the ball to start the game. The Americans jumped out to an early lead in the 1st chukka with Gandomcar scoring twice and they dominated the 2nd but were unable to convert on the many opportunities that they created. Momentum changed in the 3rd chukka as the English came to life when Ross turned the ball and slapped one through from about 40 yards out. Taylor then converted two 30 yard penalties in the last chukka for the UK/Pegasus Hotel team to take an emphatic lead and Ross scored the last goal of the match for them to take the 5 goals to 2 win. Mrs. Gill Drake, wife of the British High Commissioner, presented Lucy Taylor with the ICWI trophy, the MVP trophy to Rosie Ross and the Best Playing Pony honours to the Lalors’ “Big C”, groomed by Andrew Hall, Ross’ mount in the 3rd chukka. Everyone then retired to the Club House for lunch and the high energy party that always follows the ladies tournament. The coffee table got its usual work out, but the chandeliers were sorely missed.

2010-01-27T10:32:00.001Z

Little Arches Barbados In The Top 10 Honors From Trip Advisor Travelers - http://ping.fm/7D5M3

2010-01-26T12:33:00.001Z

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Up-beat welcome for Jamaica Lightning Bolt in Singapore

2010-01-25T15:48:00.004Z

To the pulsating beats of 41 drummers, Jamaica Lightning Bolt made a dramatic entrance to Marina at Keppel Bay, Singapore, on 23 January. Waiting to welcome them and beating drums of their own, the spectators included families, friends and fellow crew who had flown in for the stopover.

Skipper Pete Stirling said, “While it’s always great to be on the podium to collect our third place pennant, we are getting a bit bored with the colour blue – we’d like a yellow one! The huge crowds made us feel so welcome in Singapore and the arrival ceremony was a really vibrant affair with the massed ranks of drummers beating us in.”

Jamaica Lightning Bolt is now lying third overall in Clipper 09-10 with five races completed and nine to go.

Marina at Keppel Bay is owned by Uniquely Singapore’s sponsor, Keppel Corporation, and chairman of the company, Dr Lee Boon Yang, heralded the arrival of the first boats by banging three times on a huge drum to start proceedings before the drummers beat a rhythmic tattoo.

Singaporean crew members, Nicole Ho, who is taking part in the whole circumnavigation, and marketing executive, Karan Teo, competing on Leg 4, waved to the crowds from the spreaders, 60 feet up either side of the mast of Uniquely Singapore as the home team entered the marina. Confetti canons fired multi-coloured pieces of paper over the crew to welcome them.

The crew of Cape Breton Island, who won Race 5, arrived to loud cheers from the visiting Cape Breton Island delegation and were presented with the Uniquely Singapore Trophy by Dr Lee. Skipper Jan Ridd said, “Arriving in Marina at Keppel Bay has been one of the best welcomes we have had so far, especially coming in in first place – it really could not have been better. Once I got hold of that yellow pennant, it made the win seem very real.”

Spirit of Australia and Jamaica Lightning Bolt were awarded their second and third place pennants and all the crews were presented with small trophies, including Cork, Ireland, whose yacht ran aground when they hit a submerged reef.

Dr Lee said, “It was heartening to know that a number of teams, including Uniquely Singapore, put competition aside to come to the aid of Cork. This truly projects the message of friendship, goodwill and sportsmanship, reflecting strongly what the Clipper Race is all about.”

All nine of the Clipper yachts flew an Irish flag today to show their support for Cork’s crew.

Welcoming the fleet to the marina, Dr Lee said, “With the slew of exciting waterfront developments and activities at Keppel Bay, Harbourfront and Sentosa, we expect more international yachtsmen and boaters to be drawn to Singapore. This is where Marina at Keppel Bay, with its premium berths, RYA-accredited sailing academy and variety of services and facilities, will play its part to promote Singapore’s attractiveness as a leading destination and sailing hub in Asia.

“We share the vision with Singapore Tourism Board to showcase the Uniquely Singapore brand to the world and to promote Singapore as a ‘must visit’ global city.”

Ms Aw Kah Peng, Chief Executive of Singapore Tourism Board, Team Partner for Uniquely Singapore, said, “Hosting top tier sporting events such as the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race galvanises Singapore’s vision to be a centre for sporting excellence while bolstering our standing as a compelling destination for major international sporting events

“This year Singapore will be cast into the international spotlight once again when it hosts the inaugural Youth Olympic Games and the third instalment of the Formula One race. These events collectively showcase our city as a vibrant city to live, work and play in, and strengthen our image as an appealing lifestyle destination. We look forward to creating unique and authentic experiences for all visitors.”

Clipper Race founder and chairman, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first man to sail solo non-stop around the world, said, “This is the third time there has been a Uniquely Singapore entry in the Clipper Race and each time the arrival ceremony is more staggering.

“We will be based here for just over a week, which will give the crew members a chance to work on their boats and prepare for the gruelling sail up to Qingdao.

“I am also pleased to say that we will be joined this week by a number of our other sponsors who have come to Singapore to establish and develop business relationships around the stopover, including representatives from Canada’s Cape Breton Island, our Scottish entry, Edinburgh Inspiring Capital, English regional tourist board, Welcome to Yorkshire, Ireland’s Cork, as well as one of my personal favourites... Benromach.”

Race 6 to Qingdao, China, will begin on Tuesday 2 February.

2010-01-25T12:43:00.001Z

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EXCHANGE THE WINTER BLUES FOR DOMINICA’S TROPICAL GREENS

2010-01-20T10:58:00.002Z

Hoteliers Offer Value Added Packages During High Season

Roseau, Dominica – (January 19, 2010) – Winter is upon us and what better way is there to flee the frigid temperatures then to plan a winter escape to “the Nature Island.” With Dominica (pronounced “dom-in-eek-a”) offering some of the most lush rainforests, pristine waterfalls, and temperatures that will warm you inside and out, a vacation in Dominica will make you forget your winter blues and immerse yourself their tropical greens.

Following is a list of packages being offered by Dominica’s hoteliers this season:

Calibishie Cove – Save money with booking your winter getaway at the luxurious boutique eco-hotel, Calibishie Cove. Stay seven nights and receive one private dinner for two served on your balcony that overlooks the beautiful Calibishie Cove, as well as a complimentary kayak tour of the Hodges River and Treasure Island. This package is available now through May 31, 2010, with weekly rates beginning at $940 per person based on double occupancy. For more information call 433-987-6742, email calibishiecove@gmail.com or visit www.calibishiecove.com. Refer to promo code: 101ADHS when booking your reservation.

Calibishie Lodges – Save 10% on all reservations when you book your accommodations with Calibishie Lodges. Guests will also receive a free bottle of wine when they add the meal plan to their reservation, and receive one free excursion when you stay 5 nights or more. Rates begin at $114 per night, per lodge, based on double occupancy. For more information call: 767-317-1843, email info@calibishie-lodges.com or visit www.calibishie-lodges.com. This promotion is valid throughout 2010; use promo code: “Anniversary Promotion” when making your reservation.

Castle Comfort Lodge – Save money with Castle Comfort Lodge’s “Reef and Rainforest Adventure Package” now through October 31, 2010. The package includes 7 nights’ accommodations, daily breakfast, round-trip airport transfers, complimentary use of sea kayaks, one afternoon whale and dolphin excursion, 3 days of 2-tank boat dives, 3 days of morning tours/hikes and unlimited shore dives off the dock. Rates begin at $975 per person based on double occupancy. For more information call 1-888-414-7626, email divedominica@diveres.com or visit www.castlecomfortdivelodge.com.

Dominica Sea View Apartments – Celebrate Dominica’s Sea View Apartments 10th Anniversary by receiving 10% off on all reservations. Guests will receive a free bottle of wine when they add the meal plan to their reservation and receive one free excursion when booking accommodations for 5 nights or more. Rates begin at $78 per night, per apartment, based on double occupancy. For more information call 767-316-9258, email info@dominicasseaviewappartments.com or visit www.dominicasseaviewappartments.com. This promotion is valid throughout 2010; use promo code: “Anniversary Promotion” when making your reservation.

Fort Young Hotel – Fort Young Hotel continues to keep their guests happily surprised by gifts all day long with their “Pure Bliss” honeymoon package. The package includes accommodations for 7 nights in a room overlooking the Caribbean Sea, welcome tropical fruit plate and a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine elegantly arranged on an ice bucket upon arrival, full breakfast served at the Waterfront Restaurant, one afternoon horseback ride through one of “the Nature Island’s” many trails, trips to Titou Gorge, Emerald Pool and Trafalgar Falls, whale and dolphin safari, intimate three hour sunset boat trip to the south of the island which includes a picnic, candlelit dinner with sparkling wine served on the pier or at the Waterfront Restaurant, nightly turn down service and round-trip airport transfers. This package is valid now through May 31, 2010, with rates beginning at $3,528 per person, based on double occupancy. For more information call 1-800-581-2034, email fortyounghotel@mindspring.com or visit www.fortyounghotel.com.

Known as “the Nature Island” and located between the French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique in the Eastern Caribbean, the independent nation of Dominica (pronounced “dom-in-eek-a”) is the largest and most mountainous of the Windward Islands, encompassing an area of nearly 290 square miles. Of volcanic origins with mountains reaching heights of nearly 5,000 feet, rainforests that are considered among the last true oceanic rainforests in the world, more than 365 rivers, waterfalls the second largest Boiling Lake in the world and pristine coral reefs, Dominica’s natural diversity is truly unique. Dominica is also home to the last remaining settlement of Indigenous People of the Caribbean – The Carib Indians. A place where man and nature live in harmony, adventurers and nature lovers alike will revel in the Island’s eco-tourism options which include scuba diving, snorkeling, mountain biking, kayaking, horseback riding, nature tours, hiking/trekking, whale, dolphin and bird watching, sailing and fishing.

Dominica continues to be recognized for its attributes and responsible tourism efforts, including being the first country in the world to receive Benchmarking designation from the prestigious eco-tourism organization Green Globe 21. National Geographic’s Center for Sustainable Destination ranked the island as the top sustainable island in the Caribbean and among the top ten in the world. Dominica was recognized by Islands Magazine and was included in its 2007 Blue List for being a leader in responsible tourism and ensuring an environmentally and culturally sound island for future generations. Travel + Leisure also announced Dominica as one of the most compelling destinations to visit in their 100 Greatest Trips 2008 edition.

For more information on Dominica, contact Discover Dominica Authority at 866-522-4057. Or, visit Dominica’s official website: www.discoverdominica.com or follow Dominica on Twitter: www.twitter.com/nature_island.

PR Contact: Marie Rosa
Adams Unlimited Public Relations & Mktg
E-Mail: marie@adams-pr.com

2010-01-19T17:37:00.001Z

Coral Reef Club releases its Body Mind Spa Package 2010 - http://ping.fm/q5Cvo

2010-01-19T17:34:00.001Z

Petit St. Vincent in the Grenadines has a fantastic summer offer available from 1st May to 31st August 2010 - http://ping.fm/WQ71O

2010-01-19T17:21:00.001Z

Horizon Yacht Charters BVI is offering specials on any 49ft plus monohull yacht booked for charter between 01 Feb and 14 Apr - http://ping.fm/2o7CL

2010-01-19T17:11:00.001Z

Special Offer at Friendship Bay for the Bequia Mount Gay Rum Music Festival 28th - 31st Jan - http://ping.fm/RIBib

Jamaica Lightning Bolt strikes again

2010-01-18T12:01:00.004Z

Jamaica Lightning Bolt scored a hat-trick as they crossed the Race 5 finish line, securing their third third place of the Clipper 09-10 Round the World Yacht Race. The jubilant team, skippered by Hampshire-based Pete Stirling, completed the race in the Singapore Straits at 1259 local time (0559 GMT) on Sunday 17 January, just behind Cape Breton Island, who took line honours, and second placed Spirit of Australia.

As he arrived at Nongsa Point Marina, Batam, Indonesia, the rallying point for the fleet ahead of the arrival at Marina at Keppel Bay, Singapore, next Saturday, Pete said, “That’s our third podium in third place so we’re very happy with that. It was a very close match between us, Spirit of Australia and Cape Breton Island; it could have been anybody’s right until last night. It was a great race. From before Sunday Straits, so that’s the last six to seven hundred miles, it’s been really close all the way, in some really horrible weather conditions – lots of squalls and really strong headwinds. From the crew point of view they’ve done more evolutions in this race than probably all of the others put together. It’s been constant reefs in, reefs out and headsail changes.”

Race 5, from Geraldton, Western Australia to Singapore began on 3 January and the course has delivered some of the most challenging conditions to date for the crews, all of whom have put their normal lives on hold to take part in the Clipper Race, whether for a single leg, or for the whole of the ten-month, 35,000-mile race.

Pete says, “We’ve got a really happy bunch on board, and I know before we started we had leggers (people who have signed up to do one or two legs for example) who were worried about fitting in, but you really need them – it changes the dynamics and they blend in within two or three hours of being on the boat.”

One of those sailing one leg, April Martin, recently retired from her job as a police Chief Inspector and joined Jamaica Lightning Bolt in Geraldton, Western Australia, for Leg 4 to Qingdao, China.

With a huge smile April said, “It’s been everything I expected it would be. It’s been very exciting, it’s been tough, the conditions on board with the heat were sort of unbearable but bearable because we’re such a great team – everybody working together and having a laugh. And we came third! I think we did very well and just got pipped. We had a few run ins with Cape Breton Island especially but they just got a head of us so well done to them and to Spirit of Australia. I feel fantastic!”

During the race Cork, one of the ten 68-foot ocean racing yachts, hit a submerged reef and the crew were taken on board two of the other boats, California and Team Finland. Qingdao and Edinburgh Inspiring Capital were also involved in the operation, as well as Uniquely Singapore and Hull & Humber, who stood by to offer assistance if required.

As a number of teams suspended racing during the incident, the final results will be subject to ratification once all the skippers’ declarations have been received by the Race Committee before being confirmed.

The fleet will arrive at Marina at Keppel Bay, owned by Uniquely Singapore team sponsor, Keppel Corporation, at 10am on Saturday 23 January. Guest of honour at the colourful ceremony will be Singapore’s Senior Minister, Mr Goh Chok Tong, who named Uniquely Singapore when she was launched ahead of the Clipper 05-06 Race.

“The international following and goodwill that the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race continues to generate will help promote Singapore as Asia’s destination to live, work and play. Keppel is happy to contribute to the vibrancy of this southern waterfront with such international events at the Marina at Keppel Bay on Keppel Island,” said Ms Wang Look Fung, General Manager of Group Corporate Communications, Keppel Corporation Limited.

Mr Rostam Umar, Executive Director of Communications and Human Resources and Organisational Development at Singapore Tourism Board, Uniquely Singapore’s team partner, said, “We welcome the crew members of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race to Singapore. We see the race as a platform to showcase Singapore as a destination for international sporting events and where visitors have the opportunity to enjoy many exciting leisure experiences. Events such as Clipper Round the World Yacht Race strengthen Singapore’s image as one of Asia’s leading entertainment capitals with a diverse calendar of events year round.”

The Clipper 09-10 Race started from the Humber on the north east coast of England on 13 September 2009 and will return to there on 17 July 2010. It is the only event in the world where people from all walks of life can take on the challenge of a lifetime and race around the globe on stripped down 68-foot ocean racing yachts.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS
Media opportunities in Singapore
Clipper 09-10 fleet arrival at Marina at Keppel Bay: Saturday 23 January

Media are invited to the arrival of the Clipper 09-10 fleet at Marina at Keppel Bay. Attendance should be confirmed in advance. Media registration is at 10.00am and the ceremony will finish at midday. There will be an opportunity to interview skippers and crew, as well as organisers of the Clipper Race and Keppel representatives.

For further information and to confirm your attendance please contact:

Heather Ewing, Clipper Race Communications Manager:
hewing@clipper-ventures.com, Tel: +44 7792 408 695

Teri Liew, Senior Manager, Keppel Group Corporate Communications:
teri.liew@kepcorp.com, Tel: +65 6413 6425

Media sail: Thursday 28 January
Media are invited to experience sailing one of the 68-foot yachts themselves during a special three-hour sailing event on Thursday 28 January. The yacht will depart Marina at Keppel Bay at 10am. Places will be limited so please contact Heather Ewing (details above) for more information and to reserve your berth.

Media opportunities at Nongsa Point Marina, Batam, Indonesia
Media conference: Friday 22 January
A media conference will be held at Nongsa Point Marina at 5.30pm ahead of the fleet departure for Singapore the following day.

For further information and to confirm your attendance please contact:
Heather Ewing, Clipper Race Communications Manager:
hewing@clipper-ventures.com, Tel: +44 7792 408 695

Dominique Low, Director of Marketing, Nongsa Resorts:
dominique@nongsaresorts.com, Tel: +65 6438 0321

Race 6 start: Tuesday 2 February
Places will be available for television cameras/photographers on media boats for the start of Race 6 on Tuesday 2 February. Exact timings to be advised. Places will be limited so please contact Heather Ewing (details above) for more information and to reserve your berth.

Interviews and photo opportunities
Interviews and photo opportunities with crew, skippers, race organisers and Clipper Race founder, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston are available on request. Please contact Heather Ewing for more information and to arrange: hewing@clipper-ventures.com, Tel: +44 7792 408 695

Standings after Race 4 and Race 5 Scoring Gate
1. Team Finland 41 points
2. Spirit of Australia 41 points
3. Jamaica Lightning Bolt 28 points
4. Hull & Humber 28 points
5. Cork 23 points
6. Cape Breton Island 23 points
7. Uniquely Singapore 21 points
8. Qingdao 17 points
9. Edinburgh Inspiring Capital 13 points
10. California 7 points

Images
A low resolution image of the crew of Jamaica Lightning Bolt celebrating their arrival in Batam is attached. High resolution images available on request. Official images from Clipper 09-10 are available free for editorial use at: www.w-w-i.com/clipper_0910_race/

Broadcast footage
Broadcast footage is available to download at:
www.clipperbroadcast.com
Password: broadcaster (case-sensitive)

Interviews and general views are available on a generic race and specific boat basis to download on demand. (File format wmv).

For further information log onto www.clipperroundtheworld.com

For media information or interviews please contact:
Heather Ewing, Communications Manager (in Batam, Indonesia – GMT +7)
Mobile: +44 (0) 7792 408 695
Tel: +44 (0) 2392 526000
Email: hewing@clipper-ventures.com

Zoe Williamson, Communications Manager
Mobile: +44 (0) 7793 417 751
Tel: +44 (0) 2392 526000
Email: zwilliamson@clipper-ventures.com

Haiti Devastated by Massive Earthquake

2010-01-13T12:59:00.005Z

Port au Prince, the Haitian capital, was hit by an earthquake measuring 7 at 5pm local time yesterday, Tuesday. The city has been devastated, with hundreds of buildings in ruins and all the utilities interrupted. It is feared that thousands have been killed.

In the US, medical and travel assistance company On Call International has set up the national hotline in the US at 800-576-5172. Alternatively, concerned friends and relatives can call collect at 603-328-1924.

In the UK, if you would like help out with a donation, please see The British Red Cross Haiti Earthquake Appeal.

See the BBC website for more information.

You can also text YELE to 501501 or visit http://yele.org/ to donate.

BONAIRE DOMINATES SCUBA DIVING MAGAZINE’S READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS 2010

2010-01-11T10:24:00.002Z

Bonaire Shines With 7 #1 Ratings Including #1 Top Overall Diving in the Caribbean/Atlantic

Kralendijk, Bonaire – (January 8, 2010) – The island of Bonaire has swept top honors while continuing its reign as one of the world’s top dive destinations. For the eighth consecutive year, Bonaire has been rated the Top Overall Diving (Caribbean/Atlantic) in Scuba Diving magazine’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2010.

Bonaire also received the #1 rating in 6 other Caribbean/Atlantic categories: Top Marine Life, Top Macro Life, Top Snorkeling, Top Shore Diving, Top Underwater Photography and Top Value.

“It’s an honor to receive 7 #1 rankings and remain one of the top diving destinations for eight straight years,” said Ronella Tjin Asjoe-Croes, Director of Tourism Corporation Bonaire (TCB). She continued, “Bonaire has always demonstrated a longstanding commitment to preserving and protecting the environment below the water, and these awards prove divers are continuing to support the community and inspire us to remain leaders in sustainable tourism. With just celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Bonaire National Marine Park in 2009, the park has set a high benchmark for today’s marine environmental standards. This certainly demonstrates that Bonaire is the Diver’s Paradise.”

For the Readers’ Choice Awards, thousands of Scuba Diving subscribers and web users rated their dive experiences on a scale of one to five. Results of the 2010 Awards will be featured in the January/February 2010 issue of Scuba Diving magazine.

Located eighty-six miles east of Aruba, the Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire offers year-round sunshine, low annual rainfall, pristine coral formations and the most thriving fish population in the Caribbean. Ideal for adventurers, explorers and sun-worshippers alike, Bonaire offers myriad eco-adventure activities including world renowned scuba diving and snorkeling, windsurfing, kiteboarding, mountain biking, sea and mangrove kayaking, horseback riding, nature tours, hiking, bird watching, sailing and seep sea and bone fishing. And with a selection of accommodations ranging from full-service oceanfront resorts and condominiums to guesthouses and small inns, Bonaire has something for every lifestyle and budget.

Bonaire is the recipient of the prestigious Islands Magazine/Caribbean Tourism Organization 2008 Sustainable Tourism Award and continues to be recognized as one of the top destinations worldwide for its sustainable tourism as reported by National Geographic Traveler magazine (March 2004) and Islands Magazine (December 2007), and as one of the top diving destinations in the Atlantic/Caribbean for eight years in a row in the Scuba Diving magazine’s Readers’ Choice Awards. It was designated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as having the healthiest reefs in the Caribbean (January 2008), and as the Favorite Dive Destination in the World by About.com (June, 2008)

For more information on Bonaire please visit Bonaire’s official website at www.tourismbonaire.com or look them up on Twitter and Facebook.

2010-01-06T12:22:00.001Z

Late offers at Point View Apartments #Barbados - http://ping.fm/NB7s3

2010-01-06T12:20:00.001Z

#Jamaica - Glamour Destination Management is now a member of the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) - http://ping.fm/s7qzh

Barbados Art Happenings - January 2010

2010-01-05T13:20:00.002Z

THE OLD PHARMACY GALLERY, SCULPTURE TERRACE & STAR BAR
You are invited to attend the Private View Of *Secret Diaries*. Recent Works by Ras Ishi Butcher At The Old Pharmacy Gallery, Queen Street, Speightstown On Sunday 10th January 2010, 5pm – 8 pm. With the support of the National Art Gallery Committee The exhibition continues until Saturday 30th January. Two major pieces which form part of Secret Diaries are on view at Lancaster Great House.

(The Star Bar and Sculpture Terrace will also be open)

LONDON CALLING
Monday 1st February – Saturday 13th February: Work created by William Cookson, artist in Residence at Lancaster Great House.

THE GALLERIES AT LANCASTER GREAT HOUSE
December through May 2010 “SCULPTURE IN THE GARDEN” Wind Sculptures by Lyman Whitaker

“THROUGH THE EYES OF A MUSE” The Photography of Pattie Boyd. A collection of playful and personal photographs of some of rock music’s greatest figures together with superb photographs by Bob Kiss. Show ends January 30th

The Artists Club will meet at Lancaster on second Tuesday of every month. Pot Luck Buffet & Bar’ is welcomed. Bds$10.- charge for guests and non-members, which contributes towards the Club’s expenses. Club member for a calendar year Bds$50. Bds$35.- partial membership for those who can attend six meetings or less. Further information from Martina Pile, artists club co ordinator. Tel 432 8173 or zahlespil.martina@gmail.com

PLEIN AIR WATERMEDIA WORKSHOP WITH ARIEL LYONS
Join Canadian artist, Ariel Lyons, ( www.ariellyons.ca ) for another painting session, this time on location in three ofBarbados’ most visually inspiring and paintable spots. A three-day watermedia workshop to explore vegetation, water and buildings, in watercolours or acrylics. Some painting skills are required.

When: January 21, 22, 23, 2010 (Thurs (Errol Barrow Day)/Fri/Sat)
Cost: $600 for all three days, or $250 per day
To register: Email hberger_2000@yahoo.com

Proposed locations (subject to change)
Day 1: Flower Forest— Vegetation: working with shape/pattern; negative painting
Day 2: Atlantis Hotel — Water: capturing movement
Day 3: Farley Hill — Buildings: perspective; the structure in the landscape or a close-up feature of a building; emphasis on shape and value.

LLOYD ERSKINE SANDIFORD CENTRE ( SHERBOURNE CENTRE)
An exhibition of ‘Chinese Watercolour Paintings’, The Opening Ceremony will be held on January 17th , 10am-1pm, with the viewing continuing until 6pm. Showcased are the outstanding works of 50 celebrated Chinese watercolour painters currently active in China’s painting circle. To a great extent, these selections represent the best of China’s contemporary watercolour painting. Chinese watercolour painting is a natural blend of both Western and Chinese art traditions. It crosses the boundaries of both Eastern and Western art. The exhibition continues until January 24th,10am-6pm.

QUEEN’S PARK GALLERY
The group exhibition, ‘Art Beyond The Sea’, will open at the Queen’s Park Gallery on January 10th from 2pm - 6pm. This exhibition features work by some of the artists, who have represented Barbados in government sponsored international exhibitions, such as CARIFESTA and ‘Barbadiana’.The work is an exciting mix of contemporary and traditional by some of the leading artists in Barbados and the work will be for sale. The Curator of the exhibition is Alberta Whittle. The exhibition continues until February 6th Monday to Saturday 10am - 6pm. Any queries please call Queen’s Park Gallery at 427-2345.

BARBADOS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
The Division of Fine Arts at the Barbados Community College is offering the following Continuing Education / Evening Courses next semester. Classes commence the week of January 25th and run for 12 weeks. Registration commences January 4th in Student Affairs. Call 426-2858 ext 5262 for further information.

PAINT ME BARBADOS
The island paradise of Barbados will be hosting an exciting art event in February 2010. This is a special Early Bird invitation to all ‘ en plein air’ artists, art groups and communities, artists, arts aficionados, art workshop instructors and art suppliers to participate in this event which will involve ‘en plein air’ excursions around the island, various art workshops, an Art Expo and Exhibition and all combined with the beautiful and friendly ambience of Barbados and its many cultural attractions. New Website www.paintmebarbados.com

To receive event details for artists, organizations or companies please send an email to paintmebarbados@gmail.com or tel Suzanne Phillips +1 (246) 427 8771

GALLERY OF CARIBBEAN ART
Catherine Forter Chee-A-Tow , ‘Compositions’ her 4th show at the gallery. The exhibit runs until 7th. January 2010

Fran Scott Attaway opens her show ‘Visions Of Barbados’ Sunday 10th January, 2010 from 5pm-7pm. Show ends 05 February. Fran is an accomplished well travelled Artist /Interior Designer/Graphic Designer, who has returned to paint her memories of 24yrs in Barbados.

Northern Business Centre, Queen Street, Speightstown, St. Peter, Barbados Tel: (246) 419-0858. Opening hours Monday - Friday 9.30am to 430pm. Saturday 9.30am to 2pm.

2010-01-04T13:53:00.001Z

Last minute #Barbados Villa Specials with Bajan Services - http://ping.fm/ibvZP

2010-01-04T13:52:00.001Z

Winter Sale Rooms discounted by 25% at Ginger Lily, St Lucia - as low as US$127.50pn 03 Jan-30 Apr 2010 - http://www.definitivecaribbean.com/accommodation/GingerLilyHotel.aspx

Jamaica Lightning Bolt begins Race 5 to Singapore

2010-01-04T10:59:00.003Z

In near perfect conditions with a strong southerly breeze blowing 14-20 knots, Jamaica Lightning Bolt, one of ten yachts competing in the Clipper 09-10 Round the World Yacht Race, has begun Race 5 to Singapore. Spirit of Australia was first across the line to the delight of the home crowd as hundreds of spectators lined the breakwater in Geraldton Western Australia to see the race start.

Speaking ahead of the start, Jamaica Lightning Bolt’s skipper, Pete Stirling, said, “This next race is going to be very different. Previous legs have been long ocean passages and this one will be very tactical.

“It will start with a fast downwind run out of Geraldton and then when we begin to get up towards Indonesia, through the islands, it will become a lot more tactical with much lighter winds. That’s what we’re good at on Jamaica Lightning Bolt so hopefully we’ll do well again on this leg.”

Jamaica Lightning Bolt crew member, Noel Ardis, said, “It’s exciting to be heading north on this race as, broadly speaking, we’ve been heading east on the previous two legs. The conditions on board will be humid and totally different to what we’ve experienced recently and it will be interesting to see how the winds affect us on this leg.”

The 53-year-old architect from Richmond in the UK is looking forward to the more coastal racing that the leg to Singapore promises to deliver. “We haven’t seen land whilst racing since rounding the north east corner of Spain on the first leg,” explains Noel. “It will be fabulous when we go through the islands to see some of the scenery and I understand we’ll also be passing Krakatoa which I’m really looking forward to seeing.”

Spirit of Australia was followed across the line by California and their closest rivals, Team Finland, with only three points separating the Finns and the Aussies on the overall leader board. Chasing the front three and in order across the line were Cape Breton Island, Uniquely Singapore, Edinburgh Inspiring Capital, Jamaica Lightning Bolt, Cork, Ireland, Hull & Humber and Qingdao.

By the time the fleet rounded the first mark, Hull & Humber had moved into third place with Spirit of Australia holding the lead and the Californian entry staying in second place. As the fleet headed out to sea the crews, who come from all walks of life, were just getting their spinnakers ready for hoist as the boats disappeared from view.

Race 5 is one of the most interesting and varied races of Clipper 09-10. The initial part will deliver some very high average speeds as the teams head north across the Indian Ocean. Approaching Christmas Island the conditions will then change quite dramatically as they sail across the Monsoon Trough, an area similar to the Doldrums where the winds will drop and temperatures will soar. The course routes the teams through the Java Sea via the Sunda Straits where there will be consistent headwinds for the last stage to Singapore.

Race Director, Joff Bailey, says, “The crews face a number of challenges on this race and the winner will be the team that can quickly exit the light patch of winds and get themselves into the steady airflow further north. The boats will also be crossing the Equator again and the new crew joining for this leg will have to meet King Neptune just before the finish.”

The fleet will arrive at Marina at Keppel Bay, Singapore, in a spectacular and colourful welcome ceremony on the morning of Saturday 23 January. During the stopover in Singapore the ten yachts will be berthed at the multi-million dollar facility, the centre-piece of Keppel Bay’s premier waterfront precinct – the only residential development in Singapore to have its own world-class marina on its own private five-hectare island. It is owned by Keppel Corporation, Team Sponsor of Uniquely Singapore.

Jamaica Lightning Bolt’s progress can be followed on the race viewer at www.clipperroundtheworld.com

For media information or interviews please contact:
Zoe Williamson, Communications Manager (in Geraldton, GMT +8 hours)
Local Mobile: +61 (0)422 395 681
UK Mobile: +44 (0) 7793 417 751
Tel: +44 (0) 2392 526000
Email: zwilliamson@clipper-ventures.com

Heather Ewing, Communications Manager
UK mobile: +44 (0) 7792 408 695
Tel: +44 (0) 2392 526000
Email: hewing@clipper-ventures.com

2009-12-16T10:28:00.001Z

Last minute Barbados villa availabilities from Realtors - http://ping.fm/vVOpC

2009-12-15T18:06:00.001Z

Last minute #Christmas saving at Glitter Bay Estate, Barbados - http://ping.fm/uNczS

New Property Reviews on Definitive Caribbean

2009-12-14T21:10:00.002Z

As we have updated a few islands guides over the last few days on Definitive Caribbean, so have we added a number of new reviews...three to be exact...

Almost Paradise on Grenada is a lovely hidden gem in the north of the island that is perfect for exploring the places of interest in Grenada. They are very strong on ecotourism and natural living. Please read the Definitive Caribbean Review of Almost Paradise.

For more ideas of where to stay in Grenada, please see this page of Grenada and Carriacou Accommodation.

The Atlantis Barbados is a lovely old property that has been restored to former glory whilst adding a certain amount of contemporary style and needs. The Sunday Buffet is set to reign again as a great opportunity for locals and visitors alike to enjoy Bajan food with a twist. Please read the Definitive Caribbean Review of The Atlantis on Barbados. -

Lastly, Hermitage Bay on Antigua is a relatively new hotel that offers a great retreat for couples looking for a bit of secluded relaxation. There is a strong spa and dining experience. Please read the Definitive Caribbean Review of Hermitage Bay.

2009-12-08T13:36:00.001Z

JAMAICA POLO ASSOCIATION SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FOR 2010 - http://ping.fm/DmdtX

2009-12-08T13:27:00.001Z

Christmas availability at Raffles Canouan - http://ping.fm/kG7nH

Bavaria Yachts new cornerstone - the Cruiser 45

2009-12-02T15:15:00.003Z

Horizon Yacht Charters BVI November 2009 – Horizon Yacht Sales, Caribbean dealer for Bavaria Yachts, is delighted to announce a new model from the prestigious German manufacturer - the Bavaria 45 Cruiser. Bavaria's new Cruiser 45 will set new standards in the mid size sector for sailing yachts following in the wake of the recently launched Cruiser 55 and Cruiser 32.

The Cruiser 45, designed and developed in cooperation with Farr Yacht Design and BMW Group Designworks USA, will continue the premium product line combining high performance with attractive design. Innovative detail solutions, such as an opening transom which electrically lowers to become the swim platform, flush deck hatches and the option of a self tacking jib, makes the Cruiser 45 a class winner.

Following the established Farr hull concept for Bavaria, as seen in the Cruiser 55, the Cruiser 45 has a large cockpit, twin rudders and twin steering wheel system. The well-received and appealing interior design of the Cruiser 55 will also be found in the Cruiser 45.

Notably, the four cabin, three head and shower version will be convertible into an owner's three cabin version similar in concept to the Cruiser 55. At nearly 47 feet overall and Sailaway prices from Horizon docks in the Caribbean starting at US$239,000 the Cruiser 45 is set to be very popular as either an owners yacht or a charter yacht.

For details on the Cruiser 45 or the Horizon Yacht Charters bases in the Caribbean visit http://www.horizonyachtcharters.com or e-mail: info@horizonyachtcharters.com

Please click on the following link for an independent review of Horizon Yacht Charters in the BVI.

ENDS

For further information please contact:
Andrew Thompson
Director
andrew@horizonyachtcharters.com
Horizon Yacht Charters (BVI)
Tel: (284) 494 8787

Nicola Massey
(Marketing)
Horizon Yacht Charters
Tel: (284) 494 8787 Toll Free: 877 494 8787
E-mail: info@horizonyachtcharters.com

2009-11-25T09:32:00.001Z

Video interviews at World Travel Market 2009 - http://ping.fm/6D7Tn #WTM #HalfMoon #Nisbet Sunswept

2009-11-24T11:49:00.001Z

Hotel Le Toiny receives the Grand Chef Taittinger award - http://ping.fm/iuu4J

Hotel Le Toiny Receives Grand Chef Status

2009-11-24T11:41:00.003Z

St. Barts, French West Indies (11/2009)

The Caribbean now has its first Relais & Châteaux property with a Grand Chef distinction. Chef Stéphane Mazières of St. Bart’s Hôtel Le Toiny and its Restaurant Le Gaïac recently received the Grand Chef Taittinger award at Relais & Châteux’s annual conference in Biarritz, France.

Chef Mazières, who overseas the hotel and restaurant kitchens, is known for his sophisticated menus featuring an innovative blend of French and Creole influences. Born in France, the 34-year-old Chef joins the ranks of such distinguished Relais & Châteaux Grand Chefs as Daniel Boulud, Thomas Keller, Michel Roux and Hélène Dorroze. 160 of the 475 worldwide Relais & Châteaux members have the Grand Chef distinction.

“We are very honored that Stéphane is the first chef in the Caribbean to receive the Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux award,” stated Hôtel Le Toiny General Managers Guy and Dagmar Lombard. “Stéphane’s innate creativity, refined palate and his ability to continually be progressive and inventive with his menu creates a memorable culinary experience for all our diners.”

Continuing to always perfect the dining experience, Hôtel Le Toiny added a Green House last year to grow its own vegetables and herbs. This season they will add two additional Green Houses to expand their product line to include fruit. Growing their own vegetables, herbs and fruit ensures a fresher product and reduces the cost of shipping. Hôtel Le Toiny’s Green Houses are the first on St. Barts.

Media contact: Rebecca Werner, Werner Public Relations, E-mail: Rebecca@wernerpr.com, Tel: 312-440-3075.

For an independent review of the hotel, please see the Definitive Caribbean Review of Hotel Le Toiny.

2009-11-24T11:19:00.001Z

Updates to tours and prices on Caribbean Horizons - http://ping.fm/5E89o #Grenada

Jamaica Lightning Bolt racing again after dramatic start to Race 4 of Clipper 09-10

2009-11-23T10:02:00.003Z

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

22 November 2009

Cape Town, South Africa
Jamaica Lightning Bolt is racing towards Geraldton-Greenough, Western Australia, after a dramatic start to Race 4 of Clipper 09-10 in Cape Town which saw eight of the boats cross the start line for the 4,700-mile race, while a collision between Hull & Humber and Cork, Ireland resulted in the two teams returning to harbour. None of the crew were hurt and the Race Director and the shore team are now assessing the damage to Hull & Humber’s port aft quarter and Cork’s bow.

The crew of Jamaica Lightning Bolt were among the first sailors to begin a tradition of saluting a bust of South Africa’s most famous yachtsman, Bertie Reed, as they passed by on the way out of the harbour at the V&A Waterfront. The statue was unveiled at a pre-departure ceremony in Cape Town this morning and the Jamaican team paid their respects to the celebrated sailor.

Skipper Peter Stirling was typically laid back as he and his team prepared to depart for what is one of the toughest legs of this 35,000-mile challenge. He said, “We’re in fifth place overall and we’re feeling pretty good. The overall aim of the whole race is to finish in the top five every time and we’ve managed that so far, so we’re feeling pretty confident.”

Jamaica Lighting Bolt has had a fairly large crew change in Cape Town but Peter doesn’t think that will affect their performance. “We’ve had five leave and five new people come in – the guys who’ve come in are really strong crew so we’re still feeling good,” he said.

Eighteen-year-old Lily Whitehead from Chester is one of the new crew who arrived in Cape Town to join the team. She said, “I was 14 when I signed up to do the Clipper Race and it’s been a long, long time getting ready for this. If there was a scale of one to ten of excitement, I reckon I’m at about 20 million!” Is she nervous about crossing the Southern Ocean? “Very – about 40 million! But we’ve got really good morale on board and everyone is so looking forward to this leg.”

Newly-arrived Sharon Loftus from Liverpool is no stranger to the Clipper Race, but in Clipper 07-08 she was the one waving from the quayside while her husband took part.

“My husband did the last leg of the last race,” she explained. “I got courage from him and now I think he is more nervous than me! I’m looking forward to it. I’m excited and a little bit apprehensive but I can’t wait.”

Out on the water as a South African Navy minesweeper fired the gun to signal the start of one of the toughest stages of Clipper 09-10, a race that will take the crews down into the howling wind and remote expanse of the Southern Ocean, California got off to a another cracking start in the stiff south easterly breeze in Table Bay. The team endorsed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger was first across the line to massive cheers from the crew on board.

California was followed by Spirit of Australia, looking for a win on this race to their home port, and Team Finland. The skippers of both California and Team Finland live in Cape Town and they may have been able to call on a little local knowledge to press home their advantage as they led the fleet back into the South Atlantic. As they sailed into the lee of Table Mountain, which looked magnificent in the South African sunshine, the winds dropped slightly.

The Clipper Race is hard fought and, as in any sport, the adrenaline is pumping for the crews on the start line.

Race Chairman, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, was watching the action on the water and said, “This is a closely contested race and this kind of thing happens in fiercely competitive racing. The race is underway – eight boats are racing off towards Geraldton in Western Australia. For the two damaged boats, repairs will be effected as speedily as possible so they can catch up.”

The Clipper maintenance team, headed up by Justin Haller, has already begun assessing the damage and is in contact with local marine surveyors who will be called in to assist. Both yachts have been taken from the V&A Waterfront to Royal Cape Yacht Club for the work to be carried out.

Hearing of the incident, the Irish Ambassador to South Africa, who was in Cape Town today, has stayed in the city to support the team and is commiserating with them at the yacht club.

Cape Town has proved a huge hit with the crews who have enjoyed climbing Table Mountain – and abseiling down its sheer granite rock face – visiting Robben Island, the gardens at Kirstenbosch. And a few even had the chance to take an exclusive, behind the scenes tour of the brand new Cape Town Stadium which is being built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

As much as they love visiting the stopover cities and countries, the crews are here to race and this morning they were anxious to get back out on the water. As the eight teams who crossed the start line headed back out into the South Atlantic, the current overall race leader Team Finland was just ahead of California. Spirit of Australia was just behind them in third place, followed by the eagle-emblazoned Cape Breton Island, Uniquely Singapore and Qingdao. Jamaica Lightning Bolt and Edinburgh Inspiring Capital were not far behind.

The teams will round the Cape of Good Hope before heading down into the treacherous waters of the Southern Ocean where the first three boats to reach the scoring gate can gain some precious extra points. The fleet is expected to arrive in Geraldton-Greenough, Western Australia, between 14 and 18 December.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS
Clipper 09-10 Round the World Yacht Race

The Clipper 09-10 Round the World Yacht Race started on 13 September from the Humber on the UK’s east coast and return there in July 2010 after 35,000 miles of ocean racing. No previous sailing experience is required to take part as full training is provided. More than 40 nationalities and 230 professions are represented by crew competing in Clipper 09-10. Crew can sign up for the whole circumnavigation or one or more legs. The overall race is divided into individual races and points are accumulated according to each individual race position. The yacht with the highest total at the finish wins the race trophy.

Standings after Race 3
1. Team Finland 29 points
2. Spirit of Australia 26 points
3. Hull & Humber 21 points
4. Cork 20 points
5. Jamaica Lightning Bolt 20 points
6. Uniquely Singapore 17 points
7. Cape Breton Island 16 points
8. Qingdao 11 points
9. Edinburgh Inspiring Capital 8 points
10. California 4 points

For further information log onto www.clipperroundtheworld.com

For media information or interviews please contact:
Heather Ewing, Communications Manager (in Cape Town – GMT +2)
Local cell phone: +27 (0)82 636 3355
Mobile: +44 (0) 7792 408 695
Tel: +44 (0) 2392 526000
Email: hewing@clipper-ventures.com

Zoe Williamson, Communications Manager
Mobile: +44 (0) 7793 417 751
Tel: +44 (0) 2392 526000
Email: zwilliamson@clipper-ventures.com

DOMINICA’S 2010 EVENTS CELEBRATE THE ISLAND’S HERITAGE

2009-11-19T17:43:00.002Z

Here’s a look at some of the events that visitors are welcome to experience for themselves:

Carnival
Known as one of the Caribbean’s most original Carnivals, Dominica’s Carnival will take place February 15 and 16, 2010. Often called ‘The Real Mas,’ Carnival on Dominica is a pre-Lenten festival and is unquestionably one of the most festive times on “the Nature Island.” During Carnival, the people of Dominica showcase their folklore and traditions through song, dance, drama, poetry and music in a variety of competitions, performances and street activities. Activities during this period include the National Queen Show, the Junior Calypso Monarch, Carnival Street Jump Up, National Carnival Costume Street Parade and a traditional masquerade competition. For more information visit www.dominica.dm/site/carnival.cfm.

Hike Fest
Tourists will have the chance to explore the lush rainforests and natural beauty of the island through their scenic hiking trails when Dominica hosts its third Annual Hike Fest in May 2010. Whether visitors are experienced or novice hikers, Dominica has a trail waiting for both. The island’s unspoiled nature is unveiled while hiking to one of the island’s many waterfalls, or trekking through Morne Trois Pitons National Park, the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Eastern Caribbean. For more information visit www.dominica.dm/site/hikefest.dm.

Dive Fest
The Dominica Watersports Association together with its sponsors will present the 17th Annual Dive Fest, a series of activities focused on scuba diving and other water sports, from July 9-18, 2010. Dive Fest activities will take place along the entire East Coast, from Scotts Head to Portsmouth, as well as at selected locations around the island. Although Dive Fest has an environmentally-oriented focus, it has widespread appeal due to the variety of planned activities, such as barbecues, wine tasting, whale watching, sunset cruises and more. For more information visit www.discoverdominica.com/site/divefest.cfm.

Heritage Day – October 24
Marks Heritage Day, a day where villages are recognized and awarded for their uniqueness. Each year a different village is recognized. Heritage Day is an opportunity to highlight individual, community and institutional achievements.

Creole In The Park – On October 25-28
Dominica will host their eighth Annual LIME Creole in the Park, which was established for a daytime event during Dominica’s Independence Celebrations. The four-day event is held at the historic Botanical Gardens and features performances from local, regional and international artists. The event blends traditional Creole music with steel pan drums, with the delectable aromas of local cuisine.

World Creole Music Festival
Highly anticipated by fans of this style of music throughout the world, the 14th Annual World Creole Music Festival will be held October 29 – 31, 2010. A well-established Caribbean and International platform for artists of the genre, the festival is widely seen as one of the only truly indigenous music events in the Caribbean. Over the years, the festival has attracted some of the most renowned musical groups and soloists from the Creole-speaking World. Past performances included premier acts such as Exile One, Kassav, Gramacks/New Generations, Tabou Combo, Swinging Stars, La Perfecta and others as well as solo artists like Sean Paul, Ophelia, Tania St. Valle, Sakis, Franky Vincent, Sweet Mickey and Maxi Priest. For more information visit www.wcmfdominica.com.

Independence Day – On November 3
Dominica will celebrate its 32nd year as an independent nation with an array of cultural events, parties, traditional music performances, folklore and dances. During this time, citizens and friends of Dominica unite to celebrate and reflect on the progress and development that has taken place over the years and to reaffirm their commitment to building a better future for “the Nature Island.” Many milestones have been reached over this period of 32 years and this is an opportunity to highlight, individual community and institutional accomplishments.

For more information on Dominica, contact Discover Dominica Authority at 866-522-4057. Or, visit Dominica’s official website: www.discoverdominica.com or follow Dominica on Twitter: www.twitter.com/nature_island.

2009-11-19T10:39:00.001Z

#Definitive #Caribbean #Blog - Accepted onto Best of the Web Blogs! http://ping.fm/VMjNO #botw

2009-11-19T10:24:00.001Z

Question - Can you add MP3 files to an iPod or can you only use MP4/iTunes with an iPod?

2009-11-18T15:04:00.001Z

New look website for Bamboo Walk Hotel - http://ping.fm/foYKZ

2009-11-18T14:51:00.001Z

Festive menu at #TheCliff at #CapMaison, St Lucia - http://ping.fm/L5XO3

2009-11-18T13:45:00.001Z

Few spaces left at the Raffles Canouan Classic Amateur Golf Tournament - http://ping.fm/IBdqv

2009-11-18T13:24:00.001Z

East Winds, St Lucia - Stay 7 nights between 19-24 Dec and enjoy a free stay on Christmas Day - http://ping.fm/VZrZi

2009-11-18T12:04:00.001Z

#Nisbet Plantation clients on #BA service into St Kitts receive free return boat transfers to Nevis - http://ping.fm/z6nY4

2009-11-18T11:56:00.001Z

6 new Spa Suites in the Royal Court at Half Moon Jamaica - http://ping.fm/DDWR3

Half Moon’s Sugar Mill Restaurant Turns Forty

2009-11-16T11:00:00.002Z

Celebrate on 21 November, 2009 at 7:00pm.

Rose Hall, Jamaica, November 2009 – One of the oldest restaurants in Jamaica, the Sugar Mill Restaurant at Half Moon in partnership with Caribbean Producers Jamaica Limited and Concha Y Toro Wines, will celebrate its 40th anniversary with a special six-course wine dinner at the fabled restaurant located in Rose Hall, Jamaica.

The evening, set for November 21, is also the seventh installment of Caribbean Producers Jamaica Limited’s year-long celebration of the company’s 15th anniversary. With cocktails starting at 7:00 p.m., Half Moon’s culinary team will present an unforgettable menu that will be the perfect marriage for Concha Y Toro’s 2005 Terrunyo Savignon Blanc; 2005 Amelia Chardonnay; 2006 Terrungo Carmenere and 2005 Don Melchor, Concha Y Toro Demi Sec.

“Since its inception CPJ has been a valued partner of Half Moon. They have truly made their mark in Jamaica by elevating the quality wines available to the market. What better way for us to celebrate our milestone achievement than to partner for an elegant evening celebrating food and wine,” said Ewart McKie, Half Moon’s food and beverage director.

While not revealing details of the menu for the celebratory dinner, Mckie promises that it will be “contemporary Caribbean cuisine at its best.” The evening will also feature Concha Y Toro’s Sommelier who will present the wines and provide expert advice to diners. The cost of the wine dinner is US$85 per person, inclusive of tax and service charge.

The anniversary wine dinner will be the first in a series of events being planned to mark Sugar Mill’s 40th year. “Our celebration will span 2010,” Mr. McKie said. “We will re-introduce old favourites that made Sugar Mill famous and create special evenings to encourage more people to experience the special ambience that can only be found at Sugar Mill.”

To make reservations for the Half Moon/Caribbean Producers Jamaica Limited wine dinner, please call the resort’s concierge at 953-2211.

About Caribbean Producers Jamaica Ltd
Caribbean Producers Jamaica Limited, known island wide as CPJ, was founded in 1994 to service the hospitality industry as an integrated food service distributor. Recognizing a need for our international wines and spirits in the wider retail market CPJ formed a retail sales division in 2003 to service this market. The addition of several highly sought-after brands of beverages, wines & spirits enabled the retail division to quickly become the main area of growth for the company. To support the retail trade division the provision of Merchandising Service was also begun in 2003. As a testament to our focus on customer service we have once again been awarded the Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association Purveyor of the Year Award for 2008. To support our future growth we recently expanded our distribution facilities in Kingston to 18,000 square feet to accommodate the growing demand for our branded beverages in the retail market.

About Half Moon
Half Moon is a luxury resort situated on twin crescent-shaped white sand beach and boasts a total of six specialty restaurants include the casual English-pub style Royal Stocks and the authentic Indian/Thai fare of Akbar/Thai Gardens. Guests will also enjoy the resort’s eight bars offering premium beverage and inventive cocktails. There are 398 rooms including suites, cottages and villas. In addition, Half Moon also features a championship 18-hole golf course renovated by Roger Rulewich, the Half Moon Golf Academy, 13 lit tennis courts, equestrian center, fitness center, superb cuisine, 54 swimming pools, the Anancy Children’s Village activity centre, water sports, Dolphin Lagoon, 24-hour medical center and more. The award-winning Fern Tree, The Spa at Half Moon is a 68,000 square foot indoor/outdoor oasis of water sculptures, hydrotherapy swimming pools, yoga pavilion, and therapeutic/healing spa treatments. Half Moon has over 27,000 sq. ft. of meeting space which includes a ballroom and 15 break out rooms.

For more information on Half Moon, please visit http://www.halfmoon.com/resort-dining.php

For an independent review of the hotel please see - The Definitive Caribbean
Review of Half Moon.

###
Contact:
Marcia McLaughlin / mmclaughlin@halfmoon.com
Diandra Shand/ dshand@halfmoon.com

Shore Side Sailing with Horizon Antigua

2009-11-04T16:48:00.001Z

Enjoy the best of both worlds with a NEW ‘Shore Side Sailing’ package which has been launched by Horizon Yacht Charters Antigua, an American Sailing Association (ASA) affiliated facility offering first-class tuition.

This package combines 5 days of ASA sailing tuition on board a Bavaria 42 yacht while staying in a waterfront villa that has its own 50’ dock for 7 nights. Whether a group wants to learn to sail, take day sails to improve upon their skills or just relax “at home’ and enjoy the range of shore-side facilities, this package suits one and all.

The ASA program has structured levels of sailing standards, which are examined at progressive certification levels. ASA 101, 103 and 104 courses are available with this package. The waterfront villa offers two double bedrooms en suite plus a large waterfront patio, DVD, stereo and TV. Horizon has a special promotion offering complimentary ASA course materials, two free days of course instruction and two free nights of accommodation (based on a minimum seven night booking). Prices, based on a 5 day ASA course and 7 nights accommodation for four people, start from as little as US$655 per person.

Jackie Ashford, Director of Horizon Antigua comments “this is the perfect place to learn to sail as we have consistent trade winds and calm seas. For those in the group who are not keen to sail, they can enjoy two white sand beaches, a large swimming pool, 18-hole golf course and gym, and numerous restaurants and bars in this 300 acre Marina complex”.

ASA courses are also available without the villa option on Horizon Antigua’s fleet of yachts providing overnight accommodation aboard.

Horizon Yacht Charters has an extensive fleet of yachts – catamarans and monohulls - throughout the Caribbean with bases in Antigua, St Martin, Grenada and in the British Virgin Islands. Seven night charters are available from as little as US$1695 – US$9295. Horizon is the authorized Caribbean dealer for Fountaine Pajot catamarans and the regional dealer for Bavaria Yachts.

For an independent review of the company, please see the Definitive Caribbean Guide to Horizon Yacht Charters Antigua.

For details on all the Horizon Yacht Charters bases in the Caribbean visit http://www.horizonyachtcharters.com or e-mail: info@horizonyachtcharters.com

New day trip options from Antigua to Montserrat

2009-11-02T11:34:00.002Z

Holidaymakers in Antigua can take advantage of an exciting excursion to Montserrat with lower-priced day trip packages by air now available. A ferry service will also return between the two islands in December 2009, providing further options for day-trip, short-stay and longer-term visitors.

Current day trip packages by air now start from US$200 per person (approx. £122) including return air travel, transport within Montserrat, a guided island tour, entrance to the Montserrat Volcano Observatory and lunch at a local restaurant. During the excursion, visitors will be able to view the active Soufrière Hills Volcano and the buried capital Plymouth – the modern-day Pompeii – as well as take a trip through the unspoilt north of Montserrat with its green, verdant landscapes and spectacular coastal views. Day-trippers will receive Montserrat’s distinctive green shamrock stamp in their passports upon arrival – a testament to the island’s Irish heritage.

Christmas Festival
Visitors in December will also have the chance to experience Festival – Montserrat’s carnival – which takes place from 4th December – 1st January 2010.

This event is one of the highlights of the year in Montserrat, showcasing the island’s culture and performing talent.

Amongst the many events taking place are masquerade performances, informal street dancing, a night of steelpan, pageant shows, a Calypso competition and also carol singing on Christmas Day.

The festival will climax on New Year’s Day with a street parade and jump up in the festival village. The full festival calendar is available to view at www.VisitMontserrat.com.

Ferry service resumes
Improving access to Montserrat even further, the Government of Montserrat is pleased to announce the return of a ferry service between Antigua and Montserrat from early December 2009. The new service will provide Montserrat with two daily return trips on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Ticketing and timetable information will be available soon at www.visitmontserrat.com.

For further information about Montserrat and the December Festival visit www.visitmontserrat.com or call 020 7928 1600.

-Ends-

For media information or images, please contact Kate Popham or Kylie Jenkins at The Saltmarsh Partnership on 020 7928 1600 or email kate@saltmarshpr.co.uk or kylie@saltmarshpr.co.uk

Kate Popham
Account Director
The Saltmarsh Partnership...........Helping you to stand out
DDI: 020 7902 2796
t: 020 7928 1600 f: 020 7928 1700 mob: 07941 071878
www.saltmarshpr.co.uk

Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/saltmarshPR

Developments in Dominica for 2010

2009-10-27T12:34:00.002Z

1. The Waitukubuli National Trail set to raise the bar for Caribbean activity holidays

The opening of the Caribbean’s first long-distance hiking trail within the next two years is set to attract a new wave of hikers to the Caribbean and boost the region’s credentials for adventure travellers.

Dominica’s Waitukubuli National Trail covers the length of the island from north to south, totalling 115 miles due to the mountainous landscape. It will take walkers around two weeks to complete the route. The trail is divided into 14 sections that vary in length and difficulty, with the longest segments involving walks of approximately eight hours. The segment divisions will allow walkers not wishing to hike the entire length to dip in and out of the route or just hike particular segments.

The Waitukubuli National Trail promotes Dominica’s spectacular natural landscapes and cultural heritage, passing through rainforests; the Morne Trois Pitons National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site); the Carib Territory; past rivers, lakes and waterfalls; historical sites; and along old Carib/Kalinago paths first cut by indigenous people. Some trail sections also follow coastal routes.

The trail’s name comes from the Kalinago (Carib Indian) name for Dominica - Waitukubuli - meaning ‘Tall is her body’

The exact completion date for the trail has not yet been announced, although several sections follow existing walking routes that can already be enjoyed. Further details will be announced in due course.

The Waitukubuli National Trail is a major initiative for Dominica that will highlight the island’s active and healthy environment; benefit rural communities; and greatly enhance the island’s adventure travel product. The trail is jointly funded by the European Union and the Dominican Government.

2. Airport expansion paves the way for more flights

Work is currently underway to redevelop Dominica’s Melville Hall Airport into a modern, all weather facility. As well as a runway expansion, new electronic guidance systems and night landing capabilities will improve connections between Dominica and hubs for international flights including Antigua, St Lucia, Barbados and Puerto Rico.

The option for night flights into Dominica could improve access for UK travellers, enabling them to use a wider variety of Caribbean hubs to reach the island. At present, one-day transfers from the UK to Dominica are only available via Antigua due to the timetabling of trans-Atlantic flights and since regional Caribbean airlines only schedule flights into Dominica during daylight hours. The potential for late afternoon and evening flights would allow travellers a wider choice of connections without the need to overnight in neighbouring islands.

Work on the airport expansion is due for completion in early 2010.

3. Dominica shows positive growth in European visitor arrivals

European visitor arrivals to Dominica increased by 11.4% in the first half of 2009 – positive news given the global economic crisis.

Figures from the Caribbean Tourism Organisation reveal that Dominica had the third largest increase for the European market during this period, with only US Virgin Islands and Saba reporting stronger figures.

Overall, just six of the 22 Caribbean islands releasing visitor arrivals for January to July 2009 reported a growth from the European market.

As well as this rise in stayover visitors, Dominica welcomed a large increase in day-trip visitors in the first half of the year, with a number of cruise liners making the island a port of call for the first time in the 2008-9 season.

Speaking in September 2009, chairman of the Discover Dominica Authority Benoit Bardouille urged tourism stakeholders to increase the quality and number of tours available for cruise-ship visitors since the 2009-10 cruise season is expected to be the biggest ever, exceeding the 500,000 passenger mark.

For an independent look at Dominica please see The Definitive Caribbean Guide to Dominica.

For official information on Dominica, please see www.discoverdominica.com or telephone 0800 012 1467.

For media information or images, please contact Kate Popham or Kylie Jenkins at The Saltmarsh Partnership on 020 7928 1600 or email kate@saltmarshpr.co.uk / kylie@saltmarshpr.co.uk.

Kate Popham
Account Director
The Saltmarsh Partnership...........Helping you to stand out
DDI: 020 7902 2796
t: 020 7928 1600 f: 020 7928 1700 mob: 07941 071878
www.saltmarshpr.co.uk

Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/saltmarshPR

Halloween Haunted Zipline Tours on St Kitts

2009-10-22T16:10:00.003+01:00

Halloween haunted Zipline Tours (The stinch of Gloom for a night of doom), Halloween costumes are accepted, closed toes shoes are required. Tour starts at 9:30pm USD $45.00 per person, group of ten (10) or more 10% discount, Prebooking only. Date: Saturday 31st October, 2009.This ''spooktacular'' month brings an event like no other. No Haunted house experience will compare to our HAUNTED ZIPLINE TOUR. Be prepared to get the scare of your life. Book through Kantours

Treasure Beach Announces New Chef - Kirk Kirton

2009-09-29T14:50:00.005+01:00

Treasure Beach has recently announced the appointment of Kirk Kirton as Head Chef. Kirton takes the helm at the hotel’s award-winning ‘Al Fresco’ restaurant in time for the winter season and promises a mouth-watering menu for guests and visitors alike.

A culinary star in Barbados, Kirton combines a Mediterranean style with the use of fresh, local ingredients and has already created a range of wonderful recipes to tempt the most refined taste-buds. Signature dishes include a delicious ‘Half Local Baby Chicken, roasted and served on Sweet Potato Puree with Piperade and Herb Butter’ and a mouth-watering ‘Cream Cheese Bavarian with Local Guava and Cinnamon Cookie’.

Kirton brings 14 years experience to the position at Treasure Beach including the Head Chef post at west coast favourites such as The Lone Star and Olives Bistro. A period in the UK followed where Kirton headed up the kitchen at The Inn on the Green in Cookham Dean, The Globe in Cowes and Incognico in the heart of London’s theatre district. On return to Barbados, Kirton was employed by Master chef Hans Schweitzer at the fine dining restaurant La Mer in Port St Charles before becoming Executive Chef at Royal Westmoreland. A Barbadian national, Kirton studied and graduated from the Florida Culinary Institute.

Treasure Beach’s ‘Al Fresco’ restaurant is well established on the island but the appointment of Kirton and his culinary expertise is sure to secure its position as one of the island’s finest dining experiences for hotel guests and visitors alike.

For an independent review of the hotel please see the Definitive Caribbean Review of Treasure Beach.

For further press information please contact:
T: 01483 222 676 F: 01483 212 947
E: sara@bethcooperpr.co.uk

Barbados Art Happenings - October 2009

2009-09-28T11:42:00.006+01:00

THE GALLERIES AT LANCASTER GREAT HOUSE
The Galleries, Gallery Shop and Gardens at Lancaster Great House are available for viewing (by appointment only). Please call 432 0458.

1. The Summer Exhibition continues throughout the month and closes on Saturday 31stOctober. It is available for viewing by appointment tel 432 0458. An online album of a few of the pieces may be viewed on http://picasaweb.google.com/corriescott/TheLancasterSummerShow

2. Tuesday October 13th,The Artists Club will meet at Lancaster at 6.30pm. The evening will be hosted by Cuban Artist Leandro Soto who is exhibiting at Aweipo Gallery until October 10th. Conditions of attendance are that you have a valid membership of the Club or that you pay the visitors fee of $10 per person. It is also suggested that all attendees bring something towards the Pot Luck Buffet and drinks table.

Further information from Martina Pile, artists club co ordinator. Tel 432 8173 or zahlespil.martina@gmail.com

For any further information regarding the Galleries at Lancaster Great House, the exhibition and lecture programmes, sponsorship opportunities for next Season’s exciting programme, please contact belvedereconsultants@gmail.com or telephone 432-0458 and 234 2494. www.lancastergreathousegallery.com

AWEIPO GALLERY
1. Inaugural Exhibition featuring the work of Cuban and International artist Leandro Soto. Show continues to October 10th. Curated by Julianna Inniss. A few images of the opening reception and performance may be seen on http://picasaweb.google.com/corriescott/AweipoGalleryBarbados#

2. Saturday 3rd October, 6pm. Artist Leandro Soto will talk about his work.

BARBADOS ARTS COUNCIL
1. Wed 30th September. 5.30pm. Annual General meeting for all members.

2. Group Show featuring work from members of the BAC
Also available is a large selection of limited editions, lithographs, and cards. From $15Bds up.

3. The BAC is in the process of compiling a new artist directory and database. Their last directory, a black and white document, was done back in the 1980s and they intend to produce an exciting full colour publication to promote their artists. All artists wishing to be included are required to submit a passport type photo of themselves and a labelled image depicting one example of their work. These images should be accompanied by a short biography and personal artist statement that should be no more than two hundred (200) words. This information may be copied to a compact disc and submitted to the office by December 31st, 2009. Artists can also email the info to mail@barbadosartscouncil.com.

The BAC is soliciting assistance in funding for this costly project. To help make this a reality all artists featured are required to make a contribution of thirty dollars($30.00) - www.barbadosartscouncil.com - Pelican Craft Centre, Bridgetown (246) 426 4385

ON THE WALL GALLERIES
2010 desktop calendars with artwork by Vanita Commissiong are available for sale at all On The Wall Galleries (Earthworks and Champers). They make great Xmas gifts and stocking stuffers and can be mailed to Friends and Family where ever they maybe. Retail BDS$15. Wholesale prices available for orders over 12.
Tel 234 9145 - www.onthewallartgallery.com

ERROL BARROW CENTRE FOR CREATIVE IMAGINATION
1. Seven Photographers in a three gallery exhibition of photographic images from the work of Willie Alleyne, Gordon Brooks, Ronnie Carrington, Felix Kerr, Cyprian La Touche Jr., Cecil Marshall & Perce Tappin. Curated by C.M. Harclyde Walcott. Works will be exhibited at the Errol Barrow Centre’s Gallery, The Queen’s Park Gallery and Zemicon Gallery. Show ends October 17th

Encompassing all the arts with theatre, film, dance, fine art, fine art photography, the written word, workshops and much more. For further information, contact De Carla Applewhaite at 417-4776 or email her at decarla.applewhaite@cavehill.uwi.edu

Moon Readings. A new series of play readings (commencing November 2009). Entitled Moon Readings, they will host a series of directed play readings by the cycle of the moon on the crescent of the Centre. The EBCCI is currently calling for works to be submitted for consideration. All plays are welcome, please submit them to decarla.applewhaite@cavehill.uwi.edu or deliver them directly to the EBCCI. For further information please call 417-4776 for Sonia Williams or De Carla Applewhaite.

ZEMICON GALLERY
1. Seven photographers in a three gallery exhibition of photographic images from the work of Willie Alleyne, Gordon Brooks, Ronnie Carrington, Felix Kerr, Cyprian La Touche Jr., Cecil Marshall & Perce Tappin; Curated by C.M. Harclyde Walcott. Works will be exhibited at the Errol Barrow Centre’s Gallery, The Queen’s Park Gallery and Zemicon Gallery. Show ends October 17th

2. Sunday October 11th, 4pm – 6pm, Stanley Greaves will read from his new collection: 'The Poems Man' and show images of recent work. All are welcome.

James Fort Building, Hincks Street, Bridgetown.
Email zemicon@caribsurf.com tel: 430 0054 or 432 0222.
Opening hours: Tuesday/Thursday/Friday: 10am - 4pm Wednesday: 10am - 2pm.

BARBADOS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Evening Classes
The Division of Fine Arts at the Barbados Community College will be offering the following evening classes:
1. Wednesday 5:30pm-8:30pm - Painting and Drawing with Lilian Sten. (Course will commence the week of October 7th and will run for 11 weeks). The cost of course is $325.

2. Thursday 5:30pm-8:30pm - Ceramics with Gloria Chung. (Course will commence the week of October 7th and will run for 11 weeks). The cost of course is $325.
Please register with Student Affairs before the start of the course. Tel 426-2858 ext 5262

ART21 present: ART:21 ACCESS ’09 SCREENINGS
1. At 7pm On Thursday October 1st The Morningside Gallery will show episode 1 of the series . Compassion, with the work of artists William Kentridge, Carrie Mae Weems and Doris Salcedo

2. At 7pm On Thursday October 22nd The Morningside Gallery will show episode 3 of the series. - Transformation, with the work of artists Yinka Shonibare MBE, Cindy Sherman and Paul McCarthy

Come to the public screenings and take part in conversation.

The Morningside Gallery at the Barbados Community College in association with PBS and ART21 present: ART:21 ACCESS ’09. Art21 Access is an international screening initiative that provides opportunities to increase knowledge of contemporary art, ignite dialogue, and inspire creative thinking through hundreds of public screenings and events in advance of the Season 5 premiere of the Peabody Award-winning television series. As in the previous four seasons of Art:21–Art in the Twenty-First Century, each hour-long episode of Season Five is constructed around a theme that functions as a thread that loosely connects the artists as diverse as their histories, styles and mediums may be.

The Morningside Gallery is located in the Fine Arts Department of the Barbados Community College, The Eyrie, Howells' Cross Road, St. Michael, Barbados. Telephone: 246-426-2858

There are theatre happenings, workshops, lectures and events. For more information please contact: Shaunelle Durham shaunelledurham@hotmail.cob Tel: 426-2858, ext.5262 or 5259

GALLERY OF CARIBBEAN ART
Featured artist Everick Lynton. Plus a Group Show. Northern Business Centre, Queen Street, Speightstown, St. Peter, Barbados Tel: (246) 419-0858. Opening hours Monday - Friday 9.30am to 430pm. Saturday 9.30am to 2pm.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ART IN AND AROUND BARBADOS PLEASE SEE - BARBADOS ART HAPPENINGS.

PROMOTE YOUR EVENT AT TOTALLY BARBADOS AT NO COST!
Do you have an event that you want everyone to know about? Then list your Event on the Totally Barbados Events Calendar and let us help you generate more public awareness of what’s going on in Barbados at any given time. Simply click on the below link to Submit An Event” at no cost to you and be a part of our Monthly Events Calendar; one of the largest event calendars for Barbados! No event is too big or too small - simply fill in all relevant information such as the date, time and descriptions of each event to let it be known throughout Barbados and across the World Wide Web.
www.totallybarbados.com/cgi-bin/barbados/addurlevents.cgi

BAJAN REPORTER
1. Blog imparting opinions and uncovering Barbadian and Caribbean Arts and News. ( Daily Reviewer Best Of The Web Top 100 Blogs) http://bajanreporter.blogspot.com/ . Congratulations to Bajan Reporter who has been a wonderful patron to the arts in Barbados by giving all art forms exposure in his blog and so helping our culture get out there.

2. Bajan Reporter currently operates a Web-Magazine (http://bajanreporter.blogspot.com ) which in the brief span of 3 years has jumped from 200 to 1,300 readers a day without direct promotion, rather than allow such an opportunity slip to the wayside - has taken steps to make room for Advertising on the online publication. Bajan Reporter is not seeking to list astronomical rates as seen on other sites... Instead has a reasonable structure for banners, towers, blocks and text ads, etc. And a pay plan - if you book a full year now and pay up front get FIFTEEN (15) months of ad space! Budget deal allows half now and half again at six months earning 13 (THIRTEEN) months of ad space. The site will soon be completed and will be available for viewing.

‘HELP SAVE OUR BABIES’ CHRISTMAS CARDS CREATED BY LOCAL ARTIST MARGARET RODRIGUEZ
These 5" x 7" Note Cards feature images printed from original watercolours by Margaret Rodriguez. Note cards are blank inside, packaged with white envelopes in clear plastic bags.

To view the images and pricing please click on

http://www.nockassociates.com/retail/cards.html#savethebabes

Every Year during the months of September – December, Nock Associates Ltd., raises money for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Barbados. 50% of the profit from the sales of the note cards is donated to the Parents Neonatal Intensive Care Charity to be used to purchase equipment, supplies and service contracts, as well as to help with staff training and the general upkeep of the NICU.

Please remember to support this worthy cause when you are shopping for Christmas cards this year.

Transatlantic Race 2 underway for Jamaica Lightning Bolt

2009-09-23T10:45:00.003+01:00

22nd September

The Bay of Biscay has the reputation of being one of the most feared stretches of ocean in the world. This morning, however, it was more pussy cat than lion for the start of Race 2 of the Clipper 09-10 Round the World Yacht Race from La Rochelle, France, to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Just three knots of breeze barely disturbed the glassy waters as seven of the ten 68-foot yachts opted for lightweight spinnakers to find the most of the zephyr. Jamaica Lightning Bolt and California opted for windseekers and surprisingly Cape Breton Island went straight for a medium weight kite, finding enough breeze to fill it and propel them across the start line in the middle of the fleet. Their luck didn’t hold for long though and they quickly changed down to their lightweight spinnaker.

Ahead lies a 4,890-mile route that is expected to take around 28 days to complete – the longest passage most of the crews will have ever made. Along the way, they will get to experience trade wind sailing, meet King Neptune as they cross the Equator, deal with the challenges of the Doldrums and then work their way down the Brazilian coast before crossing the finish line under the shadow of Sugar Loaf Mountain.

Jamaica Lightning Bolt’s skipper, Peter Stirling, the only professional sailor on board, said, “The crew are really looking forward to this one. There will be quite a lengthy settling in period for them and, as ever, it’s the first 24 hours that’s the hardest as the crews return to the routine of a racing boat. The winds look light for the first few days, so hopefully there won’t be too much sea sickness to have to deal with.

“Our aim is to stay inside the traffic separation system off the coast of northern Spain and pick up the first decent breezes there. Our aim is to go to the west of the Canaries and then look to find the trade winds to take us towards South America. They are quite fickle to find and each year they vary enormously on where they are and how strong they are.

“Chafe is going to be the biggest challenge to deal with and constant checking every day of all our lines to ensure there is no excessive wear will be an essential element of Race 2. If we know that we are on the same sail plan for several days, we’ll back up all our lines so if anything were to break we have a back-up plan in place.”

The race from La Rochelle to Rio de Janeiro is the first major ocean crossing of Clipper 09-10 and the three and a half weeks it is expected to take them to race across the Atlantic Ocean will be the longest period most of the crews will have spent at sea.

Jamaica Lightning Bolt crew member, Mike Morgan, 59, was working as a builder seven days a week before signing up for Clipper 09-10. He said, “I’ve crossed this ocean before when I sailed from Southampton to Buenos Aires in 2004. I’m not looking forward to the squalls in the Doldrums as we cross the Equator and I know it’s going to be very hot. That experience helps me to share what to expect with my crew mates.

“I’ve been grunged with old and grotty food when I first crossed the Equator and that allows me now to sit in judgement alongside King Neptune. I just hope the shower and water maker will be working once he’s departed!”

Competition between the ten yachts, each sponsored by a city or country around the world, is fierce as is the relentless drive to score as many points as possible and this edition of the Clipper Race is set to be one of the closest ever. Race 2 introduces a scoring gate approximately 200 miles south west of the Canary Islands. The gate is not obligatory and only the first three yachts to pass through will earn points (three for the first, two for the second and one for the first). The decision the skippers and their crews will have to make is whether to go for the extra points on offer, or head straight for Rio and finish among the leaders.

First to cross the start line was Cork, Ireland, closely followed by Qingdao and Team Finland. With 28 days of racing ahead of them, it will be a frustrating first 24 hours at sea and intense concentration will be required to gain the maximum speed through constant sail trimming. The Finnish team showed how maintaining focus and working constantly to find whatever wind there is pays dividends. They quickly moved up through the field and into the lead, closely followed by Jamaica Lightning Bolt who worked their windseeker equally as well. Spirit of Australia and California also pushed hard to move up through the fleet.

As a watery sun rose over the town of La Rochelle, the Clipper 09-10 Round the World Yacht Race fleet was lead out of the port by Joshua, the yacht raced 40 years ago by renowned French yachtsman, Bernard Moitessier in the Sunday Times Golden Globe race.

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, won the Golden Globe while Moitessier, so in tune with the simplicity of life at sea, turned his back on the race and completed another circuit around the Southern Ocean before making landfall in Tahiti. Sir Robin went on to establish the Clipper Race in order to give everyone, regardless of age or background, the opportunity to experience ocean racing.

Standings after Race 1
1. Team Finland 10 points

2. Spirit of Australia 9 points

3. Cork, Ireland 8 points

4. Cape Breton Island 7 points

5. Jamaica Lightning Bolt 6 points

6. Hull & Humber 5 points

7. Uniquely Singapore 4 points

8. Edinburgh Inspiring Capital 3 points

9. Qingdao 2 points

10. California 1 point

For media information or interviews please contact:
Heather Ewing, Communications Manager (in La Rochelle: GMT +2)
Mobile: +44 (0) 7792 408 695
Tel: +44 (0) 2392 526000

Email: hewing@clipper-ventures.com
Zoe Williamson, Communications Manager
Mobile: +44 (0) 7793 417 751
Tel: +44 (0) 2392 526000
Email: zwilliamson@clipper-ventures.com

Jamaica Lightning Bolt out of the starting blocks for Clipper 09-10 Round the World Yacht Race

2009-09-14T14:00:00.003+01:00

More than 100,000 people lined the banks of the Humber to watch the start of the Clipper 09-10 Round the World Yacht Race today. As the cannon fired, the ten internationally sponsored yachts crossed the start line at 1400 BST (1300 GMT) to the roar of the crowds at the beginning of their 35,000-mile challenge.

Leading the charge across the start line, Edinburgh Inspiring Capital was followed by the Irish entry, Cork, Spirit of Australia and Jamaica Lightning Bolt. The first race takes the fleet from the east coast of the UK to La Rochelle, France. The northerly breeze at the start and the weather conditions forecast for the next few days indicate that the 780-mile race will be a fast one.

By the time the fleet of 68-foot ocean racing yachts had rounded the second mark Cork had overtaken the Scottish boat, Team Finland had moved up from sixth place to second and Edinburgh Inspiring Capital had dropped back to third.

As he prepared to leave the dock for the start of the race, Jamaica Lightning Bolt’s skipper, Peter Stirling, said, “I’m really very excited about starting the race. Now it’s so close the tension is really building up. I feel that we’re ready and we have a really strong crew. Everyone has bonded well. Our week in Hull has been great. We’ve had a great reception and they’ve put on a really good show for us.”

Before the race start the world renowned RAF display team, the Red Arrows, drew gasps and applause with their display of precision flying, the Hawk jets flying just two metres apart during some of the formations. On the ground the Band of the Royal Marines played as the home team, Hull & Humber, left Hull Marina to join the rest of the fleet on the river.

Regional development agency, Yorkshire Forward, is responsible for bringing the Clipper Race to the Humber. Chairman, Terry Hodgkinson, addressed the gathered spectators saying, “This event is about much more than sailing. It’s about bringing trade and tourism to Britain and, in particular, to the Humber. It’s great to see so many people having such a grand time. May I give my best wishes to all the crews and the very best of luck. I hope that we can do better with our boat than we did last time when we came second. But it’s not about winning it’s about changing people’s lives. That’s why we have invested in it and I’m very proud to be the chairman of an organisation that has put money into this.”

Ahead lies a ten-month-long, 35,000 mile course that will take the race to France before crossing to Brazil, South Africa, Australia, Singapore, China, California, Panama, Jamaica, New York, Cape Breton Island, Cork and the Netherlands. The race will make its triumphant return to the Humber on July 17 2010.

Paying tribute to the hosts, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first man to sail non-stop single handed around the world, said, “The reception on the Humber has been simply fantastic. The enthusiasm from the city, Yorkshire Forward and most especially from the people has been incredible. It is wonderful to see the interest they are taking in ordinary people going out to do something quite extraordinary. All of us at Clipper say a huge thank you for coming out and showing their support and their interest in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.”

Each Clipper yacht is entered by a city, region or country and sponsors use the event to showcase themselves to the world. On the last running of the Clipper Race, more than 212 million people worldwide followed the adventure through television, print media, radio and online.

Jamaica’s involvement in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is another element of the country’s strategy to put Jamaica on the map by using sporting events, their sporting heroes and sporting facilities to show the world that they may be a small island but they are a nation of sporting excellence.

The Clipper fleet is due to arrive in Port Antonio, on Jamaica’s north coast, in May 2010.

Order across the start line:
Edinburgh Inspiring Capital
Cork
Spirit of Australia
Jamaica Lightning Bolt
Cape Breton Island
Team Finland
California
Hull & Humber
Uniquely Singapore
Qingdao

For further information log onto www.clipperroundtheworld.com
For media information or interviews please contact:
Heather Ewing, Communications Manager
Mobile: +44 (0) 7792 408 695
Tel: +44 (0) 2392 526000
Email: hewing@clipper-ventures.com

Zoe Williamson, Communications Manager
Mobile: +44 (0) 7793 417 751
Tel: +44 (0) 2392 526000
Email: zwilliamson@clipper-ventures.com

JAMAICA LIGHTNING BOLT ARRIVES IN HULL

2009-09-08T13:18:00.003+01:00

Jamaica Lightning Bolt, one of ten stripped-down 68 foot ocean racing yachts sailed past The Deep, the iconic ‘submarium’ visitor attraction in Hull, North Yorkshire, UK, in readiness for the Clipper 09-10 Round the World Yacht Race.

“Our trip up to the Humber was really exciting with plenty of strong winds, up to gale force at times,” said the skipper of the Jamaican entry, Pete Stirling. “It has been really good for bringing the team together and raising their confidence ahead of the race start.”

“The reception we have received on both sides of the Humber has been really friendly and welcoming and we look forward to the rest of the week and the whole build up to the start, which will be very exciting,” he added.

The race, which starts at 1400 BST on September 13, is the only race in the world where the crews come from all walks of life, all ages and with all levels of experience. Prior to their training, some 40 percent of the crews had never so much as stepped aboard a sailing yacht in their lives.

Ahead lies a 10-month-long, 35,000 mile course that will take the race to France before crossing to Brazil, South Africa, Australia, Singapore, China, California, Panama, Jamaica, New York, Cape Breton Island, Cork and the Netherlands. The race will make its triumphant return to the Humber on July 17 2010.

The Clipper Race is the brainchild of legendary yachtsman Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first man to sail non-stop single handed around the world. He wanted to open the sport of long distance sailing to all and allow others to experience the challenges of ocean racing.

More than 400 crew have signed up for this challenge of a lifetime. Some will complete a full circumnavigation while others will race one or a combination of the seven legs available.

Each Clipper yacht is entered by a city, region or country and sponsors use the event to showcase themselves to the world. On the last running of the Clipper Race, more than 212 million people worldwide followed the adventure through television, print media, radio and on-line.

The entry from Jamaica was announced at the end of the World Championship Athletics meeting in Berlin and the yacht was named after star Jamaican athlete, Usain Bolt. The world record sprinter commented, “I love the fact that this competition is open to all. The concept of everyday people responding to a challenge that will really test them is what sport should be all about.”

Jamaica Lightning Bolt’s arrival in Hull marked the start of a week of festivities that include a sea shanty festival, international food festival and a music festival including performances from Peter Andre, JLS and Alicia Dixon. On Sunday 13 September, the world famous Red Arrows aerobatic display team will be saluting the sailors as they take to the River Humber and prepare for the off.

For further information log onto www.clipperroundtheworld.com

For media information or interviews please contact:
Zoe Williamson, Communications Manager
Mobile: +44 (0) 7793 417 751
Tel: +44 (0) 2392 526000
Email: zwilliamson@clipper-ventures.com

Heather Ewing, Communications Manager
Mobile: +44 (0) 7792 408 695
Tel: +44 (0) 2392 526000
Email: hewing@clipper-ventures.com

Round Hill Chef Brings a Jamaican Splash to New York

2009-09-07T15:06:00.003+01:00

Chef Martin Maginley of Round Hill Hotel and Villas in Montego Bay, Jamaica added a pinch of Jamaican spice and a splash of Jamaican rum to the BNP Paribas Taste of Tennis event at the W Hotel in New York City on August 27, 2009. As the only international chef at the event, Chef Martin served up delicious dishes of pulled jerk pork and curried shrimp patties.

Clearly, in this case, there weren’t too many cooks in the kitchen. Above, Chef Martin is featured with his sous-chefs for the evening, from left to right: Round Hill’s director of food and beverage, Bill Moore; US Open player Tomas Berdych, currently ranked 18th in the world; and executive chef of the Roosevelt Hotel in New York, Rupert Leitner.

The annual Taste for Tennis event kicked off the US Open, matching masters of the kitchen with masters of the tennis court to raise money for the Food Bank For New York City. The Food Bank For New York City provides food distribution, nutrition and health education, and public outreach to needy New Yorkers. In 2008, proceeds from the Taste of Tennis event helped to provide over 103,900 meals for the hungry.

For additional information or reservations, call 1(800) 972-2159, email info@roundhill.com , or visit the website at www.roundhill.com.

For an indpendent review of Round Hill please see the Definitive Caribbean Guide to Round Hill Hotel and Villas.

Information provided by:
Juliette Daviron
Montgomery Communications
708 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10017
(212) 209 3915
jdaviron@montcom-ny.com

Petit St Vincent - a Stunning Private Island

2009-09-04T10:04:00.008+01:00

Petit St. Vincent in the Grenadines – affectionately known as PSV – is considered by many to be paradise. There is no ‘hotel’ or ‘room’ to speak of, just 22 simple yet luxuriously comfortable cottages spread over 113 acres of softly rolling hills. In keeping with the relaxed and comfortable atmosphere, there is no formal check in, no keys, no televisions, and no concerns!

De-Stress At PSV
It’s not too hard to leave your cares and worries behind when visiting PSV but the island has come up with an “anti-stress” package for weary souls who need that little bit of extra help when it comes to unwinding. Health guru Lisa Williams offers holistic techniques like yoga, lifestyle evaluation and stress management. Whether you are a worn out mum or fraught city worker, Lisa can help decide which treatments will be the most useful and beneficial. Expert body and facial massage is also available in the privacy of your own cottage for a relaxing, rejuvenating treat!

Watersports
For sea and sail lovers, PSV is an absolute dream! The resort is surrounded by some of the most beautiful waters in the world and PSV provides all guests with complimentary use of their Hobie Cats, Sunfish, Windsurfers and glass bottom kayaks. For the ultimate snorkeling trip, visit Petit St. Richardson – a small sand spit island not far from PSV, a wonderful spot for viewing the local marine life and swimming - staff at PSV can even arrange a private picnic on the island, surely the ultimate lunchtime getaway! If you are looking for something a little more adventurous, why not scuba dive with Glenroy Adams of Grenadines Dive who will take you out and show you some of the best diving spots in the Grenadines. PSV also has an agreement with Jeff Stevens, owner of a 73ft yacht called Jambalaya which is available for guests to sail on.

Turtle Crawl
In an effort to increase the declining population of turtles around the island, PSV are now raising turtles and currently have turtles of three different ages in the temporary turtle pond. Ken at the Dock House feeds them every day and plans have been made to create a more permanent turtle crawl, to be constructed soon. Local fishermen bring in the fresh catch for the restaurant daily– and now bring enough to share with the turtles, who also enjoy snacking on the petals of bougainvillea flowers which can be found in abundance on PSV.

Spend the night on the beach!
For couples wishing to further their Robinson Crusoe-style experience, what about spending the night on a deserted beach? PSV can provide sleeping bags, two kerosene lanterns and a hibachi to make your own dinner, with your choice of fresh ingredients from the kitchen. Also supplied is a pop up tent in case it rains! $80 per couple.

For an independent review of PSV, look at what James Henderson writes in the Definitive Caribbean Guide to Petit St Vincent.

The official website is www.psvresort.com

Information provided by Claire Griffin:
Managing Director Grifco PR
p: +44 (0) 207 385 7090
f: +44 90) 207 385 6936
m: +44 (0) 7958 049011
a: 18 Coda Centre, 189 Munster Rd, London SW6 6AW
w: www.grifcopr.com
t: http://twitter.com/grifcoltd

Please Help Baby Ashcher - Trying to Raise BDS$150,000

2009-09-02T12:13:00.004+01:00

MOST NEW OR EXPECTANT MOTHERS dream about the day they can take their babies home with them from hospital.

Crystal Bynoe did not have this privilege.

Seven weeks after giving birth, the 23-year-old first-time mother cannot take her baby boy Ashcher Micah Bynoe-Chewitt out of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) because he was born with a heart defect known as Transposition of the Great Vessels.

Basically, this means the two major vessels that carry blood away from the heart - the aorta and the pulmonary artery - are switched (transposed).

In addition, baby Ashcher has two other problems with his heart - ventricular septal defect (VSD) and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), which are holes in the heart.

Ironically, without these holes Ashcher would not be alive. They allow his survival despite the transposition of his great vessels. Normally, without the VSD or the PDA, death occurs within a week.

One day after his birth last July 7, doctors noticed Ashcher had an accelerated breathing rate so he was admitted to the Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit. It was later discovered he had a heart murmur and an echocardiogram revealed his dismal condition.

Ashcher is currently in a deteriorative state and is, in medical terms, going into heart failure. Because of the nature of his illness, surgery is needed which cannot be performed in Barbados.

The QEH's social services department is managing Ashcher's case regarding transfer to Wolfson Children's Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida, United States. The cost of the transfer is estimated to be more than BDS$150 000, which covers expenses ranging from airfare to the cost of medication and hospitalisation to accommodation.

Wolfson has already accepted Ashcher's case but a date for transfer is still to be determined.

Both Crystal and Ashcher's dad Jared Chewitt have been at his side every day and it is heart-wrenching having to see him hooked up to so many tubes.

But they haven't had time for self-pity. Their focus is to get him the surgery as soon as possible by securing the funds that will make it happen.

The first group to offer Ashcher assistance are LIME interns who took a portion of their stipend to put towards a worthy cause. When they heard about Ashcher, they wasted no time.

The group of tertiary and secondary school students donated $1 200 and LIME matched that amount, bringing it to $2 400. They presented Crystal with the cheque yesterday at LIME's Windsor Lodge, St Michael offices.

Crystal said she was grateful for the contribution and thanked the interns and the company for their generosity. She said Ashcher was in stable condition and the only concern at the moment was that he needed to gain weight.

She told the WEEKEND NATION she was devastated when she got the news about her son's condition.

"It was a surprise because I had a good pregnancy with no morning sickness or anything. It has been a heavy weight on us - his father and myself - but I draw strength from my family and friends," she said. "One of the things I'm looking forward to after all of this is taking my son home with me for the first time."

An account has been set up at the Barbados Public Workers' Credit Union, Belmont Road, St Michael, for Ashcher.

Donations can be made to account number 0000074834. Please get in touch if you can help.

This article was written by Melissa Rollock and was published in The Nation News Published on 8/28/2009.

Barbados Art Happenings

2009-08-26T17:49:00.003+01:00

*Information correct as of September 2009

#17 ART GALLERY
Corrie Scott’s studio/gallery. Original fine art and photography, limited edition lithographs, prints and cards.
For viewing appointments please contact Corrie as she may be out painting or photographing
Tel: (246) 424 3965 or 233 6078
Email: corriescott46@gmail.com
Website: www.corriescott.net

FREE E CARDS from Art & Photography
Create your own FREE Greeting Card from artist Corrie Scott’s Art and Photography. Send e cards for any occasions with your own special words. New images to choose from every month. http://corriescott.net/page26.htm

HEATHER-DAWN SCOTT COLLECTION
New collection of this popular artist’s work may be viewed on http://picasaweb.google.com/corriescott/HeatherDawnScottRecentArt

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS
Chris Alleyne at ArtBeat has announced the availability of a number of digital photography workshops. These are aimed primarily at users of digital SLR cameras, but the list also includes one workshop designed for users of point-and-shoot digital cameras who are interested in getting a better understanding of how their cameras work. For more information, contact Chris Alleyne at artbeat.bb@gmail.com or call 231-3002.

INTRODUCTORY ART CLASSES
Every Thursday from 1pm – 3pm Barbadian artist Fielding Babb and BARP invites people to join Fielding at The Main Guard (building with clock tower) Verandah, The Garrison for an opportunity to get creative juices flowing. People need to bring an hb pencil, a 3B pencil and a sketch pad and participate in what will be and enjoyable, enlightening and creative experience.

THE GALLERIES AT LANCASTER GREAT HOUSE
The Galleries and Gardens at Lancaster Great House (and a new gallery shop) are available for viewing (by appointment only). Please call 432 0458 (or during September call 240 5890).

1. ‘The Lancaster Summer Show’. - an exhibition of Barbadian and Caribbean contemporary paintings, with work by Melanie Bishop, Denis De Caires, Corrie Scott, Peter Springer, Virginia Trieloff, Louise Porter and including works by graduates of the Barbados Community College Arts Programme. An online album of a few of the pieces may be viewed on http://picasaweb.google.com/corriescott/TheLancasterSummerShow. Show continues through August.

2. Artist’s Club Tuesday, 8th September,6.30pm. Further information from Martina Pile, artists club co ordinator. Tel 432 8173 or zahlespil.martina@gmail.com.

Stay at Lancaster. The Plantation suites are available for Artists and their friends on a Bed and Breakfast basis from $135 Bds per night!! The galleries and grounds at Lancaster Great House are also available for meetings and corporate and private events. For any further information regarding the Galleries at Lancaster Great House, the exhibition and lecture programmes, sponsorship opportunities for next Season’s exciting programme, please contact belvedereconsultants@gmail.com or telephone 432-0458 and 234 2494. Website www.lancastergreathousegallery.com

BARBADOS ARTS COUNCIL
Group Show featuring work from members of the BAC
Also available is a large selection of limited editions, lithographs, and cards. From $15Bds up. . website www.barbadosartscouncil.com Pelican Craft Centre, Bridgetown (246) 426 4385

TIDES ART GALLERY
The Tides Restaurant, Holetown, St James. Vibrant gallery featuring local and Caribbean fine art and photography. Open 7 days a week, 9am - 11pm. Tel (246) 432 2084 or (246) 432 8356. email tidesart@sunbeach.net website www.tidesartgallery.com

ON THE WALL GALLERIES
1. On The Wall Art Gallery at Champers Restaurant.

2. Gallery at Earthworks in St Thomas.

Tel 234 9145 Website www.onthewallartgallery.com

CREATIVE FABRIC DESIGN COURSE
From Sept 3rd – Nov 19th. Covers a variety of new and traditional techniques including: Devore, Constructive Printing, Sun painting, Cold resist dyeing, Block printing, Screen printing, Shibori, Transfer Printing, Freehand embroidery, Decorative texture sewing. with Timothy Prescott Tel 425 5762 or 242 8862. Email: prescott.tim@gmail.com Facebook http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=115725152973

ERROL BARROW CENTRE FOR CREATIVE IMAGINATION
September 7th
Seven Photographers in a three gallery exhibition of photographic images from the work of Willie Alleyne, Gordon Brooks, Ronnie Carrington, Felix Kerr, Cyprian La Touche Jr., Cecil Marshall & Perce Tappin. Curated by C.M. Harclyde Walcott. Works will be exhibited at the Errol Barrow Centre’s Gallery, The Queen’s Park Gallery and Zemicon Gallery. Show ends September 26th

Encompassing all the arts with theatre, film, dance, fine art, fine art photography, the written word, workshops and much more. For further information, contact De Carla Applewhaite at 417-4776 or email her at decarla.applewhaite@cavehill.uwi.edu

Dance Choreographers Workshop
September 7th until September 18th This 1st Choreographer’s workshop will define ‘Your Voice: Ideas and Form in Contemporary Choreography’, for two weeks. This 1st workshop will be led by Ms. Tania Isaac, Artistic Director and founder of Tania Isaac Dance (Company), Philadelphia. Weaving together movement, text and video, Tania writes independently and conducts presentations and workshops as a Commonwealth Speaker with the Pennsylvania Humanities Council and to teach internationally. Registration for this workshop begins on August 31st 2009 and, forms are available from the Errol Barrow Centre for Creative Imagination and their website www.cavehill.uwi.edu/ebcci . For further information please call the EBCCI at 417-4776

Calypso Songwriter’s Workshop
September 15th to 18th and September 23rd to 26th with Dr. Hollis ‘Chalkdust’ Liverpool and Mr. Stedson RPB’ Wiltshire. This workshop is open to the budding calypso lyricist, spaces are limited and registration is encouraged. This workshop will open with a public lecture by Dr. Liverpool on September 15th at 7:30 p.m. whose research interest lies in ethnomusicology and the progression of Calypso music to its modern presentation. Chalkdust is the reigning Calypso Monarch of Trinidad and Tobago a title he has won 8 times. Our other presenter is equally renowned in this art form here in Barbados;’ Stedson Red Plastic Bag Wiltshire the Reigning Calypso Monarch of Barbados. RPB, as we affectionately call him, is one of Barbados’ top Calypsonians having won the coveted Pic O De Crop Competition a record 9 times since beginning his career in 1979. He, along with being a top performer with exciting props, is a top lyricist penning his winning tunes. As any good artist he looks forward to sharing his talent with young budding artist to assist them in the honing of this craft ensuring the art form continues. Both stellar practitioners to engage if you are a lyricist or Kaisonian! This course will be followed by one for arrangers. For further information and to register please call the Errol Barrow Centre for Imagination at 417-4776.

BIM
BIM Arts for the 21st Century May Volume is Available at just $25 per copy from the University Bookshop and local Bookstores. This new edition features the work of B.C. Pires, Peter Wickham, Raymond Maughan, Melissa Goddard, Samuel Selvon, Karen Lord and Kwame Dawes. Look out for its launch on September 8th 2009!

Moon Readings
A new series of play readings commencing November 2009. Entitled Moon Readings, they will host a series of directed play readings by the cycle of the moon on the crescent of the Centre. The EBCCI is currently calling for works to be submitted for consideration. All plays are welcome, please submit them to decarla.applewhaite@cavehill.uwi.edu or deliver them directly to the EBCCI. For further information please call 417-4776 for Sonia Williams or De Carla Applewhaite.

ZEMICON GALLERY
September 7th. Seven photographers in a three gallery exhibition of photographic images from the work of Willie Alleyne, Gordon Brooks, Ronnie Carrington, Felix Kerr, Cyprian La Touche Jr., Cecil Marshall & Perce Tappin; Curated by C.M. Harclyde Walcott. Works will be exhibited at the Errol Barrow Centre’s Gallery, The Queen’s Park Gallery and Zemicon Gallery. Show ends September 26th

James Fort Building, Hincks Street, Bridgetown. Email zemicon@caribsurf.com tel: 430 0054 or 432 0222 . Opening hours: Tuesday/Thursday/Friday: 10am - 4pm Wednesday: 10am - 2pm .

ITALIA COFFEE HOUSE
Opposite First Caribbean National Bank, Sunset Crest. Mini gallery with local prints and artwork (and free wi fi ).

NATIONAL CULTURAL FOUNDATION
(see Queen’s Park Gallery and also Frank Collymore Hall & Grand Salle below) Also Mark Welch, literary arts officer has a wonderful newsletter on the literary arts . Please email him for details. mark-welch@ncf.bb

NIFCA
The National Independence Festival of Creative Arts is the concept and dream of the late Arden Clarke and his wife Jeanette Layne - Clarke, who, with a group of committed cultural aficionados coordinated and staged the first festival in November of 1973. NIFCA has always sought to unearth the very best of Barbadian talent, encouraging persons from all walks of life to create and submit their entries in seven disciplines: Fine Art/Craft, Literary Arts, Photography, Film/Video, Drama/Speech, Culinary Arts, Dance. Entrants vie for gold, silver and bronze awards of achievement, top amateur awards named after local cultural icons and, in recent times, awards for entries by professionals, the highest being the Governor General's Award of Excellence. http://www.ncf.bb/festivals/2009/nifca2009.htm Download Rules and Regulations for NIFCA along with Applications Forms (which can be downloaded and filled out and email to Miss Andrea Jones andrea-jones@ncf.bb or Mr Andre Hoyte andre-hoyte@ncf.bb

QUEEN’S PARK GALLERY
1. Opening reception on the 6th September at 6:30pm. Seven photographers in a three gallery exhibition of photographic images from the work of Willie Alleyne, Gordon Brooks, Ronnie Carrington, Felix Kerr, Cyprian La Touche Jr., Cecil Marshall & Perce Tappin; Curated by C.M. Harclyde Walcott. Works will be exhibited at the Errol Barrow Centre’s Gallery, The Queen’s Park Gallery and Zemicon Gallery. Show ends September 26th

2. Illustrated Lecture Series on Art Appreciation , Thursday October 8th at 10am.
Mrs. Janice Whittle, Curator of the Queens Park Gallery will present a series of lectures continuing weekly at the Gallery.

Workshops
1. Writers Clinic has moved to a new home at the Queen’s Park Gallery. It is held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the second and third Saturday of every month. Don’t miss out on this free opportunity to engage with and gain objective critique from your peers, nimbly hosted by experienced facilitator, Nailah Imoja. Bring your work and come. Next session: August 8th. 2009

Queen’s Park Gallery is in Queen’s Park on Constitution Road. Opening Hours: 10am – 6pm Monday to Saturday. Tel - 427-2345,

FRANK COLLYMORE HALL AND GRAND SALLE
A monthly programme is produced of all lectures, music and theatre events . To receive it by email or post please email Fran Wickham at fdwickham-jacobs@centralbank.org.bb or Sharon Jones at SMJones@centralbank.org.bb

BARBADOS MUSEUM AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY
‘A Portrayal of Portraits’. from August 17th to October 18th . which show the skills and techniques employed by pioneer artist Aileen Hamilton in female portraiture, and versatility in the use of various media.

Opening hours are Monday to Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sundays 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. St. Ann’s Garrison, St. Michael , Tel: 1-246-427-0201/ 1-246-436-1956 Fax: 1-246-429-5946

BARBADOS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
There are theatre happenings, workshops, lectures and events. For more information please contact: halleyne@bcc.edu.bb or Shaunelle Durham shaunelledurham@hotmail.cob Tel: 426-2858, ext.5262 or 5259

PAINT ME BARBADOS
The island paradise of Barbados will be hosting an exciting art event in February 2010. This is a special Early Bird invitation to all ‘ en plein air’ artists, art groups and communities, artists, arts aficionados, art workshop instructors and art suppliers to participate in this event which will involve ‘en plein air’ excursions around the island, various art workshops, an Art Expo and Exhibition and all combined with the beautiful and friendly ambience of Barbados and its many cultural attractions.

To receive event details for artists, organizations or companies please send an email to paintmebarbados@gmail.com or tel Suzanne Phillips +1 (246) 427 8771

GALLERY OF CARIBBEAN ART
Group Show. Northern Business Centre, Queen Street, Speightstown, St. Peter, Barbados Tel: (246) 419-0858. Opening hours Monday - Friday 9.30am to 430pm. Saturday 9.30am to 2pm.

THE SPEIGHTSTOWN TOWN SQUARE ART EVENT
Currently developing an art exhibition which will be held every Saturday for the purpose of promoting both established and up and coming artists. To register for participation please call Shirley Reid 422 3014 or 243 7308

THE NATIONAL ART GALLERY COMMITTEE
Visit www.nagc.bb - website for the National Art Gallery Committee in Barbados. The site includes ArtistNet, the database of Barbadian visual artists; a click on ‘Artists’ will take you there.

ArtistNet is a FREE NAGC service for artists. Visual artists are invited to post their profile and images on ArtistNet; for artists already on ArtistNet, you may wish to update your profile and images from time to time.

+1 (246) 310 2700 or nagc1998@yahoo.com

GANG OF 4
The Cottage , Springvale Plantation .St. Andrew . tel 438 7883.

CHELSEA FINE ARTS COLLECTION
Tuesdays at 6:30pm at Treasure Beach Hotel at the General Manager’s cocktail reception. Curated by Terry Scott Clarke. For further details and enquiries Tel: (246) 417 5757 Mobile: (246) 239 2693 Email: villasource@aol.com

CONSTANT GALLERY OF FINE ART
Sculpture and fine art (by appointment only), Christopher Robinson (246) 429 2654 and 232 7830. email: tradersrealty@caribsurf.com

FRANGIPANI ART GALLERY
Sugar Cane Club, Hotel and Spa, St. Peter. phone (246) 422 5026

BAGNALL’S POINT GALLERY
Princess Alice Highway, Bridgetown

A GALLERY
Royal Westmoreland, St James.

FINE ART FRAMING LTD
Pelican Industrial Park, Bridgetown, Barbados - (246) 426-5325

FAST FRAME FACTORY
Dayrell’s Road, St Michael (246) 426 9994

THE ART DEN
Art Supplies. Just received: stretched canvases ranging from 14”x10” to 30”x24”; acrylic paint, tear off palettes, painting boards, sketch books & sketchpads, portfolios, matboard, black & white only & presentation boards in two sizes.

BAC (Barbados Arts Council) members will receive between 10% off art supplies on presentation on their membership card.

Art Den # 437 1019, ask for Marcia, Sandra or Elsa, email krackerjackkids@gmail.com

THE ART HUB
Art supplies. BAC (Barbados Arts Council) members will receive between 5% - 10% off most art supplies on presentation on their membership card. tel: 432 2328 mobile: 266 5016
email: trixie@sunbeach.net 163 Amaryllis Row, Cordia Avenue, Sunset Crest, St James

Compiled by Corrie Scott
All information correct at time of publishing.
Please phone or email relevant galleries to confirm dates of events as they be subject to change.

JAMAICA SPRINTS TO CLIPPER 09-10 ROUND THE WORLD YACHT RACE START

2009-08-25T09:17:00.005+01:00

Olympic gold medallist sprinter Usain Bolt was on hand to help celebrate the announcement that Jamaica will field an entry in the Clipper 09-10 Round the World Yacht Race. Jamaica’s Minister for Tourism revealed the entry at a media conference for leading sports journalists in Berlin at the end of the IAAF World Championships.

The boat, named Jamaica Lightning Bolt, in honour of the fastest man on earth, will compete against nine identical stripped down 68-foot yachts in the 35,000-mile race around the world. It sees the Caribbean island’s return to the event after first fielding an entry in the 07-08 running of the Clipper race.

Jamaica Lighting Bolt will compete against international entries including Spirit of Australia, Uniquely Singapore, California, Qingdao, Cork, Edinburgh Inspiring Capital and Hull & Humber. Sponsors recognise that the Clipper Race provides a cost effective and high impact platform to promote tourism, attract inward investment and generate a strong sense of community engagement.

The race is unique because the crews are all non professionals – and 40 percent of them were new to the sport of sailing before beginning the obligatory training programme. The crew taking part come from 33 nationalities and range in age from 18 to 69.

Each yacht is led by a highly qualified, professional skipper and taking the helm of Jamaica Lightning Bolt is Peter Stirling.

Commenting on the announcement from Berlin, Peter said, “I can’t tell you how proud I am to be leading the team that will represent Jamaica. The race route will take in a visit to the island when we arrive at Errol Flynn Marina in Port Antonio next May and the team and I want to ensure that we arrive there in first place.”

Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett said, “Sports tourism in Jamaica had a shot in the arm this week with Bolt’s amazing 100m world record time and with the gold medal performances from the rest of the Jamaican squad. To be involved again with the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is yet another element of our strategy to put Jamaica on the map by using our sporting events, our sporting heroes and our sporting facilities to show the world that we may be a small island but we are a great nation of sporting excellence.”

While Bolt covered 100 metres in a world record time of 9.58 seconds at the Berlin meet, and went on to break the 200m record, the racing crew will need to stay competitive for quite a bit longer – their circumnavigation will take ten months to complete.

Bolt is one of a long list of household names backing the biennial Clipper Race. State Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has firmly endorsed the Californian entry while the most recent visitor to the Scottish entry Edinburgh Inspiring Capital was His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh.

The Clipper Race was founded by sailing legend Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first man to sail single-handed and non-stop around the world. He wanted others to be able to follow in his footsteps regardless of previous sailing ability and this will be the seventh running of the race.

Sir Robin says, “It’s great to welcome Jamaica back to the race track and we look forward to working with the Jamaica Tourist Board as we take their message, ‘Once you go, you know,’ around the world.”

The Clipper 09-10 Race will start from the Humber on the east coast of England on 13 September 2009, returning on 17 July 2010.

ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS

Official images from Clipper 09-10 are available free for editorial use at www.w-w-i.com/clipper_0910_race/

The Clipper 09-10 Round the World Yacht Race will start on 13 September from the Humber on the UK’s east coast and return there in July 2010 after 35,000 miles of ocean racing. No previous sailing experience is required to take part as full training is provided. Crew can sign up for the whole circumnavigation or one or more legs. The overall race is divided into individual races and points are accumulated according to each individual race position. The yacht with the highest total at the finish wins the race trophy.

For further information log onto www.clipperroundtheworld.com

For media information or interviews please contact:
Heather Ewing, Communications Manager
Mobile: +44 (0) 7792 408 695
Tel: +44 (0) 2392 526000
Email: hewing@clipper-ventures.com

Zoe Williamson, Communications Manager
Mobile: +44 (0) 7793 417 751
Tel: +44 (0) 2392 526000
Email: zwilliamson@clipper-ventures.com

Half Moon Nabs Prestigious Virtuoso Award

2009-08-24T09:48:00.002+01:00

August 20 (Las Vegas, Nevada) – Over 6000 travel professionals from Virtuoso, the U.S. leading luxury travel network, cast their ballots declaring Half Moon the Best Family Programme at Virtuoso’s Best of the Best Hotel Awards.

Held at the annual Virtuoso Resorts Gala Dinner in Las Vegas, Nevada, on August 19, Virtuoso’s Best of the Best Hotel Awards recognizes hotel programmes in Best Achievement in Design; Best Culinary Experience; Best Bar; Best Spa; Most Innovative Guest Experience; Most Socially Responsible; One to Watch; Hotelier of the Year; Hotel of the Year and Best Family Programme.

Half Moon, a member of Virtuoso for the past 15 years, edged out other international resorts such as Treetops Lodge & Estate, Rotorua, New Zealand; Londolozi Private Game Reserve, Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa; The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, Maui, USA; and Ritz Paris, Paris, France.

In accepting the award from Albert Herrera, Vice President - Hotels, Destinations & Tours, Virtuoso Ltd., Myrtle Dwyer, Half Moon’s director of sales and marketing said, “This award is both humbling and affirming. We are humbled to know that the service we deliver is not going un-noticed; that the family programme we have developed distinguishes us from such a prestigious field of international resorts. It also affirms our commitment to providing excellent service to all our guests, both young and young at heart.”

Virtuoso’s Best Family Programme recognizes the resort with a family-friendly environment, an activity packed programme for children of all ages with innovative activities and services to educational endeavours and active adventures.

Above information was sent in by Diandra Shand Public Relations, Half Moon Rose Hall, dshand@halfmoon.com, www.halfmoon.com

For an independent review of the hotel, please see the Definitive Caribbean Review of Half Moon Club.

Paradise Pavilion - Ladera's New Panoramic Wedding Venue

2009-08-18T17:52:00.004+01:00

An unparalleled destination wedding locale to open in December 2009, 1,100 feet above the sea. Ladera will unveil its new Paradise Pavilion, a dramatic open-air destination wedding venue destined to become the Caribbean's pre-eminent setting for ceremonies and receptions of up to 100 guests.

The newly constructed Pavilion is located along Ladera's extraordinary rainforest ridge, on previously undeveloped land adjacent to the hotel. Architecturally, the 1,200 square-foot Pavilion is a showpiece venue featuring the same renowned open-air design concept found throughout the resort with the famously unending panoramic views. The Pavilion is crafted in Ladera's signature rainforest style, with terracotta flooring, columns milled and richly polished from tropical greenheart wood, as well as cut stone and tile work crafted by local St. Lucian masons.

The Pavilion is deliberately designed with only a railing to separate guests from the natural rainforest terrain and not obstruct the astounding views of the Caribbean Sea, breathtaking sunsets, and the Pitons, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Though open, the structure is also sheltered making it flexible and suitable for any style of ceremony and reception. For wedding photographs, it will be the most dramatic backdrop of the Caribbean.

Ladera's ultra exclusive hideaway, Hilltop Dream Suite #X8, is connected to the Pavilion by a lushly landscaped private pathway, flanked by fountains and a reflecting pool which culminates in a stone archway, the picture-perfect spot for a bride to make her entrance.

The Hilltop Suite will function as a private place for the bridal party to dress, as well as a romantic honeymoon suite for the newly betrothed couple and will be packaged into the Paradise Pavilion rate. With a total of 32 rooms comprised of 6 Villas and 26 Suites, larger wedding parties of up to 80 overnight guests may choose to reserve the entire resort, depending on seasonal availability.

Wedding receptions will be catered by Ladera's award-winning Dasheene restaurant, with customized menus by Executive Chef Orlando Satchell, known for his farm-to-table menu and emphasis on fresh, island ingredients and innovative West Indian cooking. Pre-wedding beauty services, as well as relaxing massages and wellness treatments, can be arranged at Ladera's Ti Kaye Posé Spa.

Ladera has also introduced a new online Gift Registry on Ladera.com, allowing couples celebrating their wedding, anniversary or any special occasion to create a "Wish List" of services, dining, spa treatments and sightseeing excursions during their stay. Resort credits may also be purchased in advance and can be applied to any services at Ladera.

For reservations and information, go to www.ladera.com. Guests may contact a Ladera wedding planner toll free at 866-290-0978, or by sending an email to weddings@ladera.com.

For an independent review of Ladera please see The Definitive Caribbean Review of Ladera.

# # #

This information was taken from a Press Release sent out by:
Conran Communications Inc.
Gayle Conran, gconran@conrancommunications.com
Shin-Jung Hong, shong@conrancommunications.com

Ocean Park Marine Aquarium Facing Closure

2009-08-17T09:56:00.002+01:00

OCEAN PARK has run out of money, and needs an injection of funds if it is to have a future.

August 30 has already been identified as the final day of operations for the park, pending the results of meetings between shareholders, loan entities, and local and international investors.

Thirty employees are likely to be affected by the closure, while 12 sharks and stingrays will be shipped to the National Maritime Aquarium in Plymouth, England.

These animals will be placed in special containers and transported via a rented plane to their new home next month.

General manager Tracy Johnson said yesterday the remaining animals, which included freshwater fish, birds and iguanas, would be cared for until a decision was made about where they would be kept.

The closure may also have an impact on the location of next year's staging of De Big Show, which was held at Ocean Park for the last two seasons. When contacted earlier this week, De Big Show management did not elaborate on the situation, but promised to be back next year.

In an interview with the DAILY NATION, Johnson explained that the park just did not have the money to continue operating and stressed that a speedy decision on its future was needed.

"Once the hurdles have been overcome, the future will look different," she said. However, she noted that if the facility was placed for sale, then anything could happen.

She explained that there were plans on the table to move away from keeping saltwater fish and include more freshwater fish and other animals.

In an effort to vastly reduce operating costs, Johnson said other animals, such as birds, were introduced to the park.

But, she added: "We have run out of funds needed to push forward to a sustainable position."

She explained that operating the park was very expensive, with varying electricity charges, and operating costs that could range from $200,000 to $300,000 per month.

Those operating costs would cover a variety of areas, including purchase of food for animals, maintenance of marine life and staff wages.

Johnson said the situation was a very difficult one for those at the park.

"We are so close, yet so far," she said.

The Ocean Park Marine Aquarium opened in June 2005. (JRB)

Extracts above are from an article published in Nation News on: 8/13/2009.

Newly Refurbished Rooms & Suites Unveiled at Peter Island Resort & Spa

2009-08-14T11:48:00.003+01:00

Peter Island Resort & Spa, an idyllic private island in the heart of the British Virgin Islands is delighted to announce the completed refurbishment of all 32 Ocean View Rooms and 20 Beachfront Junior Suites.

The Ocean View Rooms and Beachfront Junior Suites have all been totally revamped giving them a stylish new lease of life. All soft furnishings have been updated and lighting changed to create a fresh, relaxed environment. The bathrooms in the Beachfront Junior Suites still have the indulgent Jacuzzi baths and double headed showers and all boast large glass windows allowing guests to enjoy spectacular views across the sparkling Caribbean Sea; ensuring bath time is an unforgettable experience!

As lovely as the new look rooms and suites are, there is no doubt you’ll want to head out at some point and explore the island and there’s something for everyone! While away the days lazing on one of the many secluded beaches and exploring the numerous coves dotted about across the island. Curl up in a hammock and loose yourself in a good book or take a dip in the warm Caribbean waters or in one of Peter Island’s numerous pools. If you’re looking for something more active Peter Island offers a diverse blend of adventures including scuba diving, hiking, tennis and deep sea fishing! To finish the day off why not visit Peter Island’s exquisite Spa and book yourself in for an indulgent treatment!

Caribtours (0207 751 0660: www.caribtours.co.uk) offers 7 nights at Peter Island from £2,410 per person staying in a newly refurbished Ocean View Room. Price includes return scheduled flights with British Airways, inter-island flights and private transfers.

This information was released by Grifco PR and you can contact them for further press information on 020 7385 7090 or email Kathryn Peel - Kathryn@grifcopr.com or Alison Wood - Alison@grifcopr.com.

For more information about Peter Island please see The Definitive Caribbean Review of Peter Island and for more information about Caribtours please see The Definitive Caribbean Review of Caribtours.

FINALS OF THE HI-PRO & ICWI FAMILY POLO TOURNAMENT

2009-08-04T13:57:00.007+01:00

The Finals of the season ending High Goal Section of the Hi-Pro & ICWI Family Polo Tournament took place on Saturday, August 1, 2009 at the St. Ann Polo Club in front of a huge crowd from all over the island that were rewarded with an action packed match that seesawed between the 2 teams.

The ICWI/Lalor team of The Hon. Dennis Lalor, Paul Lalor, Jorge Donovan and Jason Wates met the Hi-Pro/Wates team of Ricky Wates, Mark Wates, The Hon. James Robertson and Marc Melville and. in the true family spirit of the tournament, pitted son Jason against father Mark and uncle Ricky.

The ICWI/Lalor team came out firing as Jason Wates opened the scoring to knock off the handicap received by the Hi-Pro/ Wates team and Donovan scored 2 more to give them an early lead. However, Mark Wates clawed one back for the Hi-Pro/Wates team in the last 30 seconds of the chukka and they dominated the 2nd chukka as he scored again early on, quickly followed by goals from Robertson and brother Ricky while holding the ICWI/Lalor team scoreless to give them the 2 goal lead.

Play was more even in the 3rd chukka but Robertson and Ricky Wates scored for Hi-Pro/Wates, while Donovan pulled one back for the ICWI/Lalor team. Momentum then swung in favour of the ICWI/Lalor team again as Donovan converted 2 penalties and Jason scored again to tie the score. Dennis Lalor and young Wates collided towards the end of the chukka and Lalor flew off, landing on his shoulder but gamely got up and finished the chukka.

However, after riding back out for the 5th chukka he decided not to push his luck and had Junior Chin substitute for him. Jason scored twice to his father, Mark’s once for the ICWI/Lalor to take the lead again going into the last and Donovan put the game away by scoring late in the last chukka for the ICWI/Lalor team to win by 10 goals to 8.

The commemorative plaques were then handed out along with the beautiful Kay Sullivan sculpture of a mare and foal to the victorious team and Jorge Donovan was acknowledged as the Most Valuable Player and The Hon. James Robertson’s horse in the 4th chukka was adjudged Best Playing Pony.

After the Prize Giving everyone chowed down on the sumptuous dinner provided by the Chin family and boogied energetically to DJ Troy’s traditional session until the early hours to close the polo season out in fine style.

Copy and Images courtesy of Lesley Anne Masterton Fong Yee.
Image 1 - From left to right: The Hon. Dennis Lalor, Jason Wates, Jorge Donovan, Paul Chin.
Image 2 - From left to right: Junior Chin, Paul Lalor, Jorge Donovan, Jason Wates, The Hon. Dennis Lalor.

News from the ‘Emerald Isle’ of Montserrat

2009-08-03T10:44:00.002+01:00

1. Fred. Olsen cruise to offer insight into life in Montserrat
Broadcaster and writer Sarah Dickinson will be giving four illustrated lectures about Montserrat during Fred. Olsen’s transatlantic Braemar cruise, which departs Dover for the Caribbean on October 27th 2009.

The four lectures will be titled I heard the mountain groaning, a brief history of Montserrat and the first eruption; Shovelling, about the history of the volcano and the Montserrat Volcano Observatory; Have a little faith, featuring songs, poems and art which emerged from the crisis; and Still nice, still home, on how Montserrat has come to terms with living with the volcano and the ten year plan to build its new capital.

Sarah Dickinson started visiting Montserrat with her husband John over 20 years ago following a near fatal car accident when they were searching for somewhere warm to recover.

The lectures will detail Sarah’s life on the island before and after the volcanic eruptions, which began in 1995.

The Braemar transatlantic Caribbean cruise will depart Dover on October 27th 2009 bound for the Caribbean. The cruise will dock at St Maarten, Antigua, St Lucia, St Vincent and Barbados during its voyage.

The cruise costs from £946 per person based on two sharing a twin cabin. This price includes accommodation; food and entertainment on board, including the lectures, port and airport taxes; and a return flight to the UK from Barbados. For more information visit www.fredolsencruises.co.uk

2. Montserrat to hold its first literary festival in November
Montserrat will be holding its first literary festival from 13th-15th November 2009.

The Alliouagana Festival of the Word will include presentations and readings by invited authors, storytelling under the stars, a calypso lime and cultural performance, open mike sessions and literary workshops.

The featured authors include Carolyn Cooper, Rachel Manley, Merle Hodge, Yvonne Weekes, Howard Fergus, Earl Lovelace, Hollis Liverpool and many more.

The Cultural Centre Court Yard will also hold daily activities including a craft market, food court, bookstall and pampering sessions.

For more information about the festival visit www.litfest.ms.

3. New Centre Hills guide launched
A new guide to the Centre Hills area of Montserrat has just been launched. The 140-page full colour book provides an insight to the unique flora and fauna that can be found in Montserrat, including the endemic Montserrat Oriole.

The guide also provides information about the eight hiking trails in the Centre Hills area, and what can be seen on each hike.

Steve Holliday from the Royal Society of the Protection of Birds (RSPB) authored the guide along with a number of supporting contributions from other writers.

Copies of the book are available for sale at EC$40 or US$15 (approx. £9) per copy. All proceeds from the sales will go towards maintaining the trails network in Centre Hills.

For more information on purchasing A Guide to the Centre Hills, contact the Montserrat Tourist Board on 001 664 491 2230 or email info@montserrattourism.ms.

For more information about Montserrat visit www.visitmontserrat.com or call 020 7928 1600.

Spice Mas Grenada - Budget Band to Play Mas!

2009-07-31T11:04:00.004+01:00

So, whilst Jamaica is getting ready for its Reggae Sumfest, Grenada is getting ready for its Carnival...

Check out http://www.spicemasgrenada.com - Ricardo Keens-Douglas has created a "budget band" this year to enable more people to play mas & jump up in the streets in these financially difficult times...

http://www.cisgrenada.com/rkd/ - You wear your own white clothes (as little or as much as you like) and wear the RKD Band accessories in the colours of the rainbow.

Let me know if you go and how you get on!

Ten of the best day trip options in Dominica

2009-07-30T11:26:00.007+01:00

This list outlines ten of the best day-trip options to experience Dominica’s unique attractions, landscapes and culture, according to the Dominica Tourist Board.

· Take a scenic boat ride along the Indian River in Portsmouth and enjoy a refreshing rum punch at the Indian River bush bar, surrounded by tropical plants and wildlife. The Indian River was one of the locations used during the filming of Pirates of the Caribbean 2: Dead Man’s Chest.

· Get a closer look at Dominica’s lush rainforest on The Rain Forest Aerial Tram in Laudat (just six miles north of the capital, Roseau). Passengers take a mile-long journey by gondola through the protected tropical montane rainforest, while knowledgeable guides explain more about the ecosystem.

· Discover your inner thrill seeker with Wacky Rollers Adventure Park at the Layou River, where river tubing, jeep safaris, a 200-foot zip wire course and kayaking are all on offer.

· Uncover the island’s heritage on the Touna Heritage Village Tour where visitors will learn more about Dominica’s indigenous population of Kalinago (Carib Indians) at a living community within the Carib Territory.

· Cookery fans will enjoy one of the Creole cooking tours available. Learn more about local produce and Dominica’s agricultural history before a demonstration of Creole cookery and a delicious meal at the home of your hosts.

· Dominica is renowned for its excellent coral reefs and divers and snorkellers can explore one of the island’s most famous marine sites at Champagne. Located in the Soufriere Scott’s Head Marine Reserve (SSMR), Champagne is a spot where warm bubbles rise to the surface of the water from an underground hot spring.

· Nature lovers and hikers alike should take a walk on the Syndicate Nature Trail in the north of the island. This is an ideal opportunity to explore one of Dominica’s forests and possibly even spot the island’s two endemic parrot species. The well-maintained paths are suitable for walkers of any ability.

· Dominica has over 300 rivers and many scenic waterfalls. At Trafalgar Falls, twin waterfalls known as the ‘Mamma’ and the ‘Papa’ flow side by side. The falls are accessible via a ten-minute walk within the Morne Trois Pitons National Park. Emerald Pool is another easy-to-reach waterfall and a popular swimming spot.

· Dominica’s volcanic origins means it is home to a number of hot sulphur springs where visitors can relax surrounded by the natural sights and sounds of the rainforest. There are a number of hot springs in the Wotten Waven area of Morne Trois Pitons National Park.

· Dominica is the only country in the world where sperm whales reside all year round. Whale watching excursions run several days a week during cruise ship season with excellent chances of spotting whales and dolphins.

Visitors are reminded only to take tours with certified taxi drivers and tour operators, who can be identified by the red circular discs on their vehicle’s windscreen. All of Dominica’s certified taxi drivers are trained tour guides and highly knowledgeable about the Nature Island.

For more information about Dominica’s attractions and further inspiration, visit http://www.discoverdominica.com/ or call 0800 012 1467.

FINALS OF THE HI-PRO & ICWI FAMILY POLO TOURNAMENT - LOW GOAL SECTION

2009-07-29T09:55:00.000+01:00

The Hi-Pro/Chin team of Shane Chin, Paul Chin, Rachel Turner and Michele Subaran defeated the heavily favoured ICWI/Lalor team of Paul Lalor, The Hon. Dennis Lalor, Jason Wates and Hamish Wates in the Finals of the Low Goal Section of the Hi-Pro and ICWI Family Polo Tournament on Saturday, July 25, 2009 at the St. Ann Polo Club, Drax Hall.

Both teams won their Semi Final matches fairly convincingly in totally contrasting styles so the match up was much anticipated as Shane Chin had been unstopable, scoring 7 of their 8 goals racing up and down the field and Jason Wates had controlled the ball with his dribbling skills for much of his match.

Both teams came out firing in the 1st chukka as Shane Chin converted a Safetly play and scored 2 field goals for the Hi-Pro/Chin team while Hamish Wates and Paul Lalor scored for the ICWI/Lalors in an exciting chukka. The 2nd chukka slowed down a bit as Shane Chin converted a 60-yard penalty and Jason Wates scored a spectacular goal from about 80 yards out for the ICWI/Lalor team. Action in the 3rd chukka was similar as the ICWI/Lalor team was held scoreless and Paul Chin put one through for the Hi-Pro/Chin team to extend their lead to 2 goals going in to the last chukka. The last chukka was very scrappy and foul ridden and the ICWI/Lalor team squandered several opportunities. Rachel Turner converted a 30-yard penalty for the Hi-Pro/Chin team to take a brief 3 goal lead but then Hamish Wates converted 2 30-yard penalties for the ICWI/Lalor team to close the gap. However the clock ran down on them and the Hi-Pro/Chin team held on to win by 6 goals to 5.

The High Goal Section of the tournament continues at the St. Ann Polo Club, Drax Hall on Thursday, July 30, 2009 with the Wates team of Mark Wates, Ricky Wates, The Hon. James Robertson and Marc Melville meeting the Chin # 1 team of Kurt Chin, Junior Chin, Andy Vernon and Lesley Fong-Yee in the first Semi-Final at 3:00 p.m. and the Chin # 2 team of Shane, Chin, Paul Chin, John G Byles and Craig Russell taking on the Lalor team of Paul Lalor, The Hon. Dennis Lalor, Jorge Donovan and Jason Wates at 4:30 p.m. The Finals of the Hi-Pro & ICWI Family Polo Tournament will be held on Saturday, August 1st at the St. Ann Polo Club, Drax Hall at 4:30 p.m. and will be followed by the Prize Giving, Dinner and the usual end-of-season party.

BONAIRE TO HONOR DR. SYLVIA EARLE WITH INAUGURAL LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

2009-07-28T11:33:00.005+01:00

**Award to be made during Celebrate Our Planet Week, August 15-22, 2009 **

Kralendijk, Bonaire – (July 27, 2009) – Dr. Sylvia Earle, known as the Ambassador to the world’s oceans, will add another accolade to her impressive array of honors when Bonaire’s first “Lifetime Achievement Award” is bestowed upon her. The award will be made during Celebrate Our Planet Week this summer, August 15-22, 2009, as a highlight week of the Bonaire Dive Into Summer festivities.

At a gala evening event at the Governor’s Residence on Wednesday, August 19, 2009, Dr. Earle will be honored and thanked for her lifetime of dedication to education and conservation of the world’s natural resources. The island’s “Lifetime Achievement Award” is granted to “acknowledge exceptional efforts throughout one’s lifetime to preserve and protect nature, both above and below the water’s surface.”

Also while on Bonaire, Dr. Earle will lead a series of themed dives and activities and will participate in several on-island events designed to highlight Bonaire’s continued leadership in sustainable tourism.

From Dr. Earle’s early years, her parents fostered in her the respect of wild creatures and not to fear the unknown. Throughout her teen and college years, Dr. Earle’s fascination with the natural world continued to grow, and it was in Florida where Dr. Earle first learned to scuba dive, as a tool to better assist her in the first-hand study of marine life.

After earning her Master's degree at Duke University, Dr. Earle joined a National Science Foundation expedition to the Indian Ocean for six weeks in 1964, which set the scene for the rest of her life. Two years later, she received her Ph.D. from Duke University, and then Dr. Earle's career led her to experience many “firsts”--a trip to one hundred feet below the waters of the Bahamas in a submersible, the leading of the first team of women aquanauts, and the making of an open-ocean JIM suit dive, setting a women's depth record of 1250 feet (381m). Dr. Earle also currently holds the women's record for a solo dive in a deep submersible (3280 feet, 1000m).

From 1980 to 1984 she served on NACOA (the National Advisory Committee on Oceans and Atmosphere) and in the early 1990s, Dr. Earle served as Chief Scientist of NOAA (the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration).

Today Dr. Earle is Explorer in Residence at the National Geographic Society. She has recently led the Google Ocean Advisory Council, which is a team of 30 marine scientists who provide content and scientific oversight for the "Ocean in Google Earth." In her astonishing career, Dr. Earle has led over 400 expeditions, logging more than 7000 hours underwater, and she has received more than 100 national and international honors, including Time magazine’s first “Hero for the Planet” in 1998. She is a Knight in the Netherlands’ Order of the Golden Ark. Dr. Earl has authored more than 125 publications regarding marine science and technology.

“The government and people of Bonaire are deeply gratified that Dr. Earle has honored the island by accepting our first “Lifetime Achievement Award” said Ronella Tjin Asjoe-Croes, Director of Tourism. “Dr. Earle’s lifetime endeavors to save and protect the world’s natural areas so closely mirrors the commitment of Bonaire’s people and government that her selection as the first honoree was an easy choice.” she concluded.

“As a result of the island’s commitment to conservation, Bonaire continues to be named a #1 dive destination in the Caribbean and Atlantic, and continues to enjoy the reputation as a world leader and pioneer in the area of sustainable tourism, a basic tenet of Bonaire’s tourism product,” remarked Pancratio Cicilia, Commissioner of Tourism.

For more information, click on “Bonaire Dive Into Summer” on Bonaire’s official web site at www.tourismbonaire.com. Thanks go to Celebrate Our Planet Week’s host hotel, Captain Don’s Habitat, and to the host airline, Continental Airlines.

Located eighty-six miles east of Aruba, the Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire offers year-round sunshine, low annual rainfall, pristine coral formations and the most thriving fish population in the Caribbean. Ideal for adventurers, explorers and sun-worshippers alike, Bonaire offers myriad eco-adventure activities including world renowned scuba diving and snorkeling, windsurfing, kiteboarding, mountain biking, sea and mangrove kayaking, land sailing, horseback riding, nature tours, hiking, bird watching, sailing and deep sea and bone fishing. And with a selection of accommodations ranging from full-service oceanfront resorts and condominiums to guesthouses and small inns, Bonaire has something for every lifestyle and budget.

Bonaire is the recipient of the prestigious Islands Magazine/Caribbean Tourism Organization 2008 Sustainable Tourism Award and continues to be recognized as one of the top destinations worldwide for its sustainable tourism as reported by National Geographic Traveler magazine (March 2004) and Islands Magazine (December 2007), and as one of the top diving destinations in the Atlantic/Caribbean for seven consecutive years in the Scuba Diving magazine’s Readers’ Choice Awards. It was designated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as having the healthiest reefs in the Caribbean (January 2008), and as the Favorite Dive Destination in the World by About.com (June, 2008).

2009 brings the Celebration of the Parks to Bonaire, commemorating the 40th Anniversary of Washington-Slagbaai National Park and the 30th Anniversary of the Bonaire National Marine Park. There will be a variety of festivities and events throughout the year, celebrating these combined years of nature protection for the island.

For more information on Bonaire contact the Tourism Corporation Bonaire in the U.S. at 1-800-BONAIRE or visit Bonaire’s official web site at www.tourismbonaire.com.

HiPro & ICWI Family Polo Tournament & Horse Show at St. Ann Polo Club

2009-07-21T22:29:00.004+01:00

If you're in Jamaica, get yourselves to the HiPro & ICWI Family Polo Tournament & Horse Show at St. Ann Polo Club.

The Quarter Finals will be at both St. Ann Polo Club and Kingston Polo Club on Tuesday, July 21st and then the Semi Finals will be at St. Ann Polo Club on Thursday, July 23rd. The High Goal Semi Finals will be at St. Ann Polo Club on Thursday, July 30th.

Jamaica Gears up for Reggae Sumfest 2009

2009-07-16T11:13:00.008+01:00

I've just received a press release from the Jamaica Tourist Board...this event looks great! Here's a reworking of what they sent through.

The annual Reggae Sumfest is almost upon us, 19th - 25th July.

The festival will be staged at Catherine Hall in Montego Bay, with the line up including A-list performers Ne-Yo, Beenie Man and Bounty Killer. There will be a special climax performance on the final day when reggae royalty Damian Marley and rap luminary Nas pair up and take to the stage to perform a live act together.

With Sumfest 2009 marking the first time that Nas has been in Jamaica, the collaboration performance between the rap star and Damian Marley, son of legendary reggae king Bob Marley, is set to be a highlight of this year’s event with reggae rhythms mixed with hip hop beats providing a special treat for the attending music lovers.

This year will also place more emphasis on the destination with special Sumfest rates being offered at a range of participating hotels. Rates include event shuttle buses to take guests to and from the event.

This much anticipated annual music festival in Jamaica showcases the best talent in jazz, roots, rock, dancehall and modern reggae music from all over the world. Past performers have included R&B queen Mary J. Blige, LL Cool J, Rihanna, Ziggy Marley, 50-Cent, Missy Elliott, Sean Paul, Shaggy, Third World, Maxi Priest and Gregory Isaacs.

“As the Jamaica Tourist Board is a major sponsor of this year’s Reggae Sumfest the spotlight will shine more brightly on the entire destination,” said Elizabeth Fox, Director Jamaica Tourist Board, UK & N Europe. “Music is one of Jamaica’s greatest cultural exports and we are proud to be sponsoring the event as we feel it represents a huge part of our unique culture and heritage”.

July is an important time for reggae fans and Jamaicans with International Reggae Day taking place on 1st July to recognise and honour one of Jamaica’s biggest exports. Reggae Sumfest will take place later in the month bringing people together to celebrate reggae – thought to be the ‘heartbeat’ of the island – and the impact it has had on global music and culture.

Tickets for Reggae Sumfest are on pre-sale at the gate. For more information including the full line-up for the 2009 Reggae Sumfest, please visit www.reggaesumfest.com.

Barbados Children's Environmental Action Awards

2009-06-17T09:53:00.002+01:00

Announcement

http://www.graemehall.com/awards/

Barbados Children's Environmental Action Awards (CEA) Programme Sponsored by Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary.

To be awarded four times each year, the CEA Awards encourages and recognises children and children's groups for their activities that directly preserve and protect terrestrial and marine natural habitats and parklands throughout Barbados for future generations.

“Today's children are tomorrow's leaders. We encourage children to learn the importance of the environment to our health and social welfare, and be proactive in saving wild habitat and open spaces, as well as helping to identify and correct environmental problems," said Peter Allard, Chairman of the Sanctuary.

"This award pays tribute to the work of many in the community who understand the importance of protecting the last remnants of Barbados' environmental legacy for future generations."

Each CEA Award includes a Bds$2,000 prize, plus a public recognition ceremony at Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary for invited children, families and guests.

The first CEA Award nomination deadline for 2009-2010 is September 15, 2009. The successful nominee will be publicly announced by October 31, 2009.

More information for CEA nominations can be found at http://www.graemehall.com/awards/

Caribbean Newsletter - A View of the Caribbean

2009-06-16T10:45:00.006+01:00

It's pretty hard to find sources of information that are easy to read, interesting and without a load of sales gubbins...

Which is why I'd like you all to take a look at:

ht tp://www.definitivecaribbean.com/Caribbean_Newsletter.aspx

This is The Standpipe - the Definitive Caribbean Newsletter...As such, all of the articles are thoroughly researched, up-to-date and with links to further information.

Yes, there is some sales pitch in there, but it's pretty hard to find because DefinitiveCaribbean doesn't earn from it's activities, or the traffic to its site...so by reading the newsletter and other pages on the website you are really just benefiting the product or service that you are reading about.

Enjoy the read...Thanks - Alexander

England enjoy Riverside romp

2009-05-19T12:29:00.004+01:00

England run through woeful Windies batting to seal series victory 2-0...

Pretty embarrassing here, Windies lose second test by an innings and 80 odd runs...What happened? Seems the young guns can't travel very well and England benefitted from the home advantage. Conditions favoured swing bowling as was witnessed by James Anderson smashing 9 wickets...Great results for him just in time for The Ashes...

Here's a video of Bresnan's first Test wickets...not sure if he'll be any good against Australia, but anyway!

read more | digg story

BBC SPORT | Athletics | Bolt sets fastest 150m

2009-05-18T10:03:00.002+01:00

The greatest strength to body weight ratio out there...Love that sort of fact...Here's a video of Usain Bolt running the fastest ever 150 metres, in the rain in Manchester.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/athletics/8054762.stm

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Usain Bolt walks free after car crash

2009-04-30T10:27:00.003+01:00

From the page, "The triple Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt has been involved in a car accident in Jamaica but walked away with only scratches. Bolt, along with his brother and a female passenger, was taken to a hospital in Spanish Town, near Kingston, where the Jamaican sprinter was treated before being sent home."

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As long as he is fit for the Manchester Road Race, then I'm happy!

Video: Barton's Britain: Wicken Fen - The hunt to the Cuckoo

2009-04-24T15:51:00.002+01:00

The Guardian's team of Laura Barton and Felix Clay go in hunt of the cuckoo at Wicken Fen...Great video and mesmerizing voice.

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