Caribbean

In Dominica, Snorkeling in Champagne
Hotels

The Former Thompson Playa del Carmen Has Reopened as the New Hyatt Centric

 The new Hyatt Centric Playa del Carmen.

Playa del Carmen’s famous Quinta Avenida has a new hotel chapter. After a stylish rebrand, the former Thompson Playa del Carmen has officially reopened as Hyatt Centric Playa del Carmen — a dual-property concept that brings together the energy of downtown life and the serenity of the beach in one bold move. It’s a significant […]

Caribbean

Stephen Harper: Canada "Committed" to Deepening Ties With Caribbean

Above, from left: Jamaica Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller and Canada’s PM, Stephen Harper (Photo: OPM Canada) By the Caribbean Journal staff Canada is “committed” to deepening its ties with Jamaica and the Caribbean region at large, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said this week during Jamaica PM Portia Simpson Miller’s official visit to the country. […]

Caribbean

Dominican Republic Receives Firearms Marking Machine from OAS

Above: OAS Secretary General Jose Miguel Insulza (OAS Photo/Juan Manuel Herrera) By the Caribbean Journal staff The Dominican Republic has received a firearms marking machine from the Organization of American States, part of a regional effort to tackle the growing problem of illicit arms trafficking. The OAS has now implemented the programme, called “Promoting Firearms […]

Caribbean

Guyana's Assembly Confirms Order to Remove Taxes on Green Energy Devices

Above: a solar panel finding its way home in Guyana By the Caribbean Journal staff Guyana’s National Assembly has unanimously approved an amendment to remove VAT and duties from green energy devices. The Customs Duties Amendment Order was presented by Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh this week. It creates a zero-rating of VAT on renewable […]

Dominican Republic Receives Firearms Marking Machine from OAS

 Above: Belize Prime Minister Dean Barrow and OAS SG Jose Miguel Insulza (Photo: OAS) By the Caribbean Journal staff Belize Prime Minister Dean Barrow met Tuesday in Belmopan with OAS Secretary General Jose Miguel Insulza. The two officials focused on recent negotiations between Belize and Guatemala concerning the countries’ decades-long territorial dispute, along with issues […]

Op-Ed: Energy Generation Needs to Change in the Caribbean

 By Paul Hay Op-Ed Contributor The Bahamas’ only privately-owned power provider – Grand Bahama Power Company – recently commissioned an additional 52-megawatt power plant.  Speaking on the occasion, Minister of Grand Bahama – Dr Michael Darville – urged the owners to support the government’s thrust to reduce the cost of electricity.  He said “the use […]

Clinton: Haiti a "Foreign Policy Priority"

Above: US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (Photo: US Department of State) By the Caribbean Journal staff Haiti opened the Caracol Industrial Park in northern Haiti, following a ceremony attended by Haiti President Michel Martelly, former US President Bill Clinton, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Inter-American Development Bank President Luis Alberto Moreno. “We […]

St Lucia to Debate 8 Percent Value Added Tax on Hotel Sector

By the Caribbean Journal staff St Lucia’s House of Assembly is meeting this week to debate several major motions, including a proposal from the Minister of Finance to set a Value Added Tax rate of 8 percent on the country’s hotel sector. The proposal would also include services provided in the tourism industry. St Lucia […]

Richard Doumeng: Investing Now to Promote the Caribbean Brand

By Richard Doumeng CJ Contributor Now is the time for the Caribbean to come together and reclaim its throne as the number one warm-weather destination in the world. The possibilities to brand and promote the “Caribbean” are endless, the CHTA and CTO are the closest they have been in our history and there’s a solid […]

Dominica Making Road Upgrades

Above: Dominica (CJ Photo) By the Caribbean Journal staff Dominica is working to make improvements to the country’s road network, following the residual effects of Tropical Storm Ophelia in 2011. “We have started doing some of the river defence works in St Joseph, Mahaut Massacre, Check Hall and Campbell,” said Public Works Minister Rayburn Blackmoore. […]

Haiti to Officially Open Caracol Industrial Park, Joined by Bill and Hillary Clinton

Above: construction on the park earlier this year By the Caribbean Journal staff Haiti is officially inaugurating the Caracol Industrial Park Monday, the opening of what is hoped to become a job creator in the country. Haiti resident Michel Martelly is leading the inauguration of the park, which is in Haiti’s northeastern region, along with […]

Simpson Miller: Jamaica "Working as Hard as Possible" on IMF Agreement

 Above: Jamaica PM Portia Simpson Miller By the Caribbean Journal staff Jamaica Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller and the country’s cabinet concluded a retreat held this weekend at Jamaica House, the Prime Minister announced in a statement Sunday night. The retreat covered two major areas: one, assessments of the progress of each ministry, and two, […]