By Robert Di Pano CJ Contributor BIMINI — A major new hotel has opened its doors in the Bahamas. Hilton at Resorts World Bimini held its grand opening this weekend, a highly-anticipated debut that brings a cutting-edge hotel to the 700-island chain. Bahamas Prime Minister Perry Christie, who was on hand for the junkanoo-style opening […]

By Robert Di Pano Op-Ed Contributor IT WOULD BE in the best interest of the Turks and Caicos Islands from an enforcement standpoint to deny convicted Caribbean Ponzi schemer David Smith’s application for parole. The Governor and Parole Board members are encouraged to stand strong despite Smith’s alleged prosecutorial cooperation and not be short-sighted in […]

By Robert Di Pano United States authorities are now seeking restitution and asset forfeiture from failed OLINT Ponzi schemer David Smith after his 30-year prison sentence for wire fraud and money laundering was announced Aug. 11. US Federal District Court Judge Mary Scriven ordered Smith to pay $55.6 million to OLINT victims. Smith has also […]

By Robert Di Pano Caribbean Ponzi schemer David Smith, whose OLINT scheme defrauded investors across Florida and the Caribbean out of over $220 million, has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison in the United States by Judge Mary Scriven. “Judge Scriven was severe on David Smith after characterizing his Ponzi scheme as being […]

Above: Federal District Court in Orlando, Fla. By Robert Di Pano David Smith, the mastermind behind the Caribbean-based Olint Ponzi Scheme that bilked investors out of over $220 million, will be sentenced Aug. 11 in United States District Court in Orlando, Fla. Smith pled guilty March 28 to 23 counts of wire fraud, conspiracy to […]

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has a new property in Puerto Rico — the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Puerto Rico, set within the Bahía Beach community on the island’s northeastern coast. The opening is officially Nov. 20, adding new global brand to the island’s hospitality landscape and further positions Bahía Beach as one of […]

The beaches. All 365 of them. The food scene, where waterfront fish shacks and polished fine dining live side by side. The warm, unhurried schedule of island days. Antigua and Barbuda has always had the right ingredients for a perfect Caribbean escape, and in recent years it’s been getting hotter than ever.  Through June 2025, […]

Looking for a relaxing, kid-free Caribbean getaway? The Caribbean is home to some of the world’s best adults-only resorts, from all-inclusive luxury hideaways in Jamaica to boutique romantic escapes in Antigua. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, a couples’ retreat, or a peaceful solo vacation, these adults-only Caribbean resorts offer the perfect blend of privacy, pampering, […]

This year’s edition of the St Thomas Carnival was, by all accounts, a big hit.  The event, which kicked off with favorites like the Calypso Monarch and Panorama, brought in thousands of revelers, from locals to visitors, for a multi-day fete in the heart of Charlotte Amalie.  “Carnival in the U.S. Virgin Islands is growing, allowing us […]

There’s a new way to experience one of Puerto Rico’s top luxury resorts.  It’s called Casa Estancias, and it’s a new beachfront estate at the St Regis Bahia Beach Resort.  Set to open in November, the estate has a total of five bedrooms, eight bathrooms, a movie room, an outdoor terrace with a saltwater lap […]

The Kimpton Kawana Bay project in Grenada has broken ground on its final phase, Caribbean Journal Invest has learned. The final phase of the residential resort includes 12 more suites and studios to the main Kiawah building. Kawana Bay, set on Grenada’s iconic Grand Anse Beach, is the second Kimpton-branded project in the Caribbean, following […]

Above: Grand Bahama (CJ Photo – Robert Dipano) By the Caribbean Journal staff Bahamas Prime Minister Perry Christie recently addressed the Grand Bahama Business Outlook, vowing that the island had a strong future. Citing increased tourism numbers and a half-billion-dollar planned investment by existing business, Christie said that “step by step the economic revitalization of […]

By Robert DiPano CJ Contributor GRAND BAHAMA — The motto here is “what you want, whenever you want it.” Whether you desire hot chocolate sauce on your conch fritters, swim-up frozen cocktails, or a wedding with a few hundred people with an indoor backup, you can find it at this luxury beachfront resort. Grand Bahama’s […]

Above: Stuart’s Conch Stand in Bimini (all photos by CJ) By Robert DiPano CJ Contributor BIMINI — It is no secret that Bimini’s waters are abundant with seafood, delighting local sport fishermen and foodies alike. Fabian Stuart, owner of Stuart’s Conch Stand, realized this over 30 years ago and continues to serve up some of […]

Above: the new cruise pier in Bimini (all photos by CJ) By Robert DiPano CJ Contributor BIMINI — There’s a new gateway to the Bahamian island of Bimini. Resorts World Bimini’s Superfast cruise ship service made its first official visit to its newly-constructed cruise pier on the island on a sailing from Port Everglades, Florida. A […]

By Robert DiPano CJ Contributor GRAND BAHAMA — The island of Grand Bahama offers beautiful scenery, beautiful beaches and ideal settings for good, old-fashioned Caribbean relaxation. But if you’re feeling adventurous and want to get out and explore the island, make sure you check off these six things on your trip. Port Lucaya Marketplace Despite […]

By Robert DiPano CJ Contributor GRAND BAHAMA — It’s the signature Bahamian cocktail: the Bahama Mama. While you can find this drink in just about any bar across the 700 islands of the Bahamas, we happened upon the Garden of the Groves, a botanical garden on Grand Bahama that just might be home to the […]

Above: the Bahamian Brewery in Grand Bahama (all photos by CJ) By Robert DiPano CJ Contributor FREEPORT — No trip to Grand Bahama Island would be complete without a tour of Freeport’s own Bahamian Brewery and Beverage Company, the maker of Sands Beer. Opened in December of 2007 by Jimmy Sands, the 100 percent-Bahamian-owned business […]

By Robert DiPano CJ Contributor The “welcome mat” of Grand Bahama Island, Gold Rock Beach spans for what seems like a quarter mile into the ocean at low tide, the recommended time to visit this beach. The ebb and flow of the crystal-clear Bahamian water etches mesmerizing ripples in the sand that draw your attention […]

Above: the Havana Cay cigar bar and lounge at the Grand Lucayan in Grand Bahama (All photos by CJ) By Robert DiPano CJ Contributor GRAND BAHAMA — Nestled in a quiet back corner of the resort’s Manor House, the Grand Lucayan’s Havana Cay cigar bar and lounge offers guests an ideal setting to enjoy an […]