Caribbean News: Five on Friday June 10th, 2022

Aruba, Bahamas, USVI Leading Caribbean Tourism Renaissance

Aruba, The Bahamas, and the US Virgin Islands are the top Caribbean destinations leading the region’s tourism renaissance

The Caribbean tourism industry starts recovering after nearly two years of hiatus. Aruba, The Bahamas, and the US Virgin Islands are among the Caribbean destinations leading tourism recovery. Some destinations are approaching or even exceeding record visitor arrival numbers. Indeed, the US Virgin Islands were among the first destination to reopen amid the pandemic. The number of arrivals has steadily grown and it is likely to continue to grow this summer as the US Virgin Islands announced to waive testing for all domestic US visitors.

This summer will be a strong year for Caribbean destinations. According to the president of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, Nicola Madden-Greig, on average, hotels and resorts in the region would be approaching close to 80 percent of their pre-pandemic performance this year. Caribbean destinations continue to provide value and exceptional travel experiences to remain competitive. Caribbean destinations, particularly in the Caribbean-Mexico region expand investments in hotel rooms.

Rajah Caruth to Drive Caribbean-Themed Car in ARCA Series

Rajah Caruth, a second-generation Caribbean-American driver, will run St. Vincent and Grenadines brand on the hood and rear of his No. 6 Chevrolet.

Rev Racing and St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority partnered in celebration of the National Caribbean American Heritage Month. This partnership has two objectives. On one hand, in conjunction with the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Development driver, Rev racing has chosen Rajah Caruth to represent where he is from, a representative of the Caribbean islands. The partnership with St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority allows us to continue the celebration and pay homage to Rajah’s paternal homeland.

On the other hand, St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority position themselves for promoting their tourism industry through this partnership. The archipelago nation hopes that this partnership will position St Vincent and the Grenadines as the Caribbean “you’re looking for” in vacation destinations. Indeed, the CEO of the Tourism Authority, Glen Beach, is happy to support Rajah’s progress in NASCAR and he is confident that the partnership will be mutually beneficial and place St. Vincent and the Grenadines at top of mind in the choice of a Caribbean vacation destination by fans and the NASCAR organization as a whole.

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Let Caribshopper Transport You ‘Home’ In Time for Caribbean-American Heritage Month

Caribshopper.com offers a genuine Caribbean treats to the Caribbean diaspora

Members of the Caribbean diaspora living in the United States can celebrate the National Caribbean-American Heritage Month with an authentic Caribbean experience when they shop at Caribshopper.com.

Caribshopper.com is a leading online marketplace for authentic Caribbean-made products. The site has an extensive product line that features thousands of products in the categories of Food & Drink, Beauty & Wellness, Home & Living, Jewelry, Apparel, and Paper & Novelty. The marketplace has more than 450 merchants and over 6500 products to choose from.

Currently, all the products come from Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago.  Caribshopper wants to expand to other Caribbean territories. According to the founder and CEO, Kadion Preston, Caribshopper works hard to create a robust Caribbean network beneficial for consumers abroad and businesses in the region.

To celebrate Jamaica and Trinidad’s Diamond Jubilee, the Ministry of Tourism has chosen Caribshopper to be the online retailer for Jamaica’s 60th Independence celebrations in August, making them the consumer partner for Jamaica’s Diamond Jubilee. Consumers can also ring in Trinidad’s Diamond Jubilee with authentic foods, self-care products, and the sounds of TT as Caribshopper even stocks and ships authentic steel pans and supplies.

Beyond the flavors of the Caribbean, Caribshopper.com  offers self-care and wellness products. Caribshopper’s extensive marketplace features must-haves made with all-natural ingredients, found right on the island from top sellers like ariSkinCare, ZusyNaturalSkincare101, and Starfish Oils.

About the shipping, US and Canadian residents enjoy five-day shipping, free shipping on select orders, a dedicated customer support line for queries and concerns, and 15% off first orders for new customers.

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St Vincent signs contract for construction of Holiday Inn Express

The government of St Vincent and the Grenadines signs an agreement with NH International for the construction of the Holiday Inn Express

 Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, the Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines signed on the behalf of the government with NH International for the construction of Holiday Inn Express at Diamond. NH International is a Caribbean company that has a good track record in the region for the construction of this kind. The company will deliver a facility of 92 rooms at a cost of EC$52 million. According to the CEO of NH International, Kit Kennedy, the company intends to be a truly Caribbean entity. The company will provide internships to young engineers across the region to develop and grow through training and knowledge transfer. 

The Holiday Inn Express funds have already been secured by the government through a grant from the CARICOM Development Fund for assuring Vincentians. This construction will undoubtedly add value to the Diamond area. Besides, the Holiday Inn Express will have a positive economic impact. It will create jobs for Vincentians during the construction phase and after the hotel is operational.

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Bermuda set to get first digital bank

Jewel Bank, Bermuda’s first digital bank to have a full banking license

Jewel Bank is the first digital bank in Bermuda and the bank can be operational as early as September 2022. The bank has received a full banking license that will allow it to provide core banking services, together with a license under the Digital Asset Business Act. According to the Premier and Finance Minister, David Burt, Bermuda’s digital bank is the key feature of the financial technology strategy aiming at diversifying the economy of the island nation. At first, Jewel Bank will employ less than 40 staff. However, this number is set to increase up to 100. This employment will provide training and opportunities to young Bermudians.

Chance Barnett, founder, chairman, and chief strategy officer of Jewel Bank is very excited about the new opening, a result of more than two years of work. According to Barnett, Jewel Bank will play a major role in accelerating Bermuda’s long-term digital transformation, not just by providing services to the new emerging market of digital currencies on the island but by helping to promote growth.

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