Caribbean Corner

The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday hosted a roundtable discussion with food delivery workers and small business representatives to discuss the far-reaching effects of New York City’s extreme minimum pay rate for delivery workers. The roundtable, organized in partnership with DoorDash, highlighted the real-world impacts of these policies and raised concerns about additional proposed legislation by the New York City Council that could further challenge workers and local businesses. Delivery workers and small restaurant owners from across the borough shared their experiences since the new regulations took effect. For many Dashers, the flexibility of delivery work is essential for balancing other responsibilities, but changes have meant forcing delivery workers to work longer hours for reduced earnings. Similarly, local restaurant owners expressed concern over the recent changes and the decrease in customer orders, showing how these policies are eating into everybody’s bot...

In some parts of the Caribbean “Cow Heel” is also known as “Cow Foot”, and while those outside our culture may find it a bit offensive to eat such a part of the animal, it’s a comforting, tasty and nutritious dish. It’s deep rooted in our history from slavery to indentureship and beyond. Photo by Chris De La Rosa You’ll Need… 2 1/2 tablespoon Olive oil 1 large onion (diced) 5 cloves garlic (smashed) 1 teaspoon cumin (Geera) seeds 2 tablespoon Caribbean Green Seasoning 1 tablespoon ground Masala 2 1/2 tablespoon Curry powder 2 pimento peppers (seasoning peppers) 1 1/2 cup water 1 tablespoon black pepper 6 pimento berries 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (or 1 stick) 1 Star Anise 1/2 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns 3 Cardamom pods 2 bay leaves 2 Scotch Bonnet Peppers (see note below) 2 thick slices of ginger 4 1/2 lbs cow heel 3/4 tablespoon salt (adjust) 5-10 cups water 3 tablespoon cilantro (chopped) Notes! Please get your butcher to cut the cow heel pieces for y...

It was a very strong first half for tourism in The Bahamas, according to the newest data released to Caribbean Journal by the Ministry of Tourism.  The destination is reporting a 14 percent increase in foreign air arrivals so far […] The post Bahamas Keeps Up Strong Tourism Numbers  appeared first on Caribbean Journal. http://dlvr.it/TCZ8rg

Jamaica’s Minister of Finance, Nigel Clarke is leaving his post to become one of the deputy managing directors of the International Monetary Fund ((MF) and once he does, he would be the highest ever Caribbean national to hold such a senior position. But even as he winds down before heading to Washington at the end of October, the main opposition People’s National Party (PNP) while congratulating him, wants to know if he is abandoning Andrew Holness’ cabinet as polls are showing that the governing Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) is trailing the PNP ahead of general elections scheduled for next year. Clarke announced his impending departure in the past week and will become the only national of the Caribbean and Central America to hold the post of deputy. “Dr. Clarke’s departure comes at a critical juncture for our country as we face serious economic challenges, including the spiraling cost of living and the negative growth impact of the recent hurricane. The timing of Dr. Clarke’s de...

One of Saint Lucia’s highest-rated all-inclusive resorts is making a renewed push into the travel agent space, Caribbean Travel Advisor has learned.  To access this content, subscribe now. Caribbean Travel Advisor provides 24-7 Caribbean content and news for travel agents […] The post This Saint Lucia All-Inclusive Has a New Travel Agent Portal appeared first on Caribbean Journal. http://dlvr.it/TCXrwt

A major listing has hit the market in the sought-after Exuma archipelago of The Bahamas, Caribbean Journal Invest has learned.  To access this content, subscribe now. Caribbean Journal Invest is the leading authority on hotel, real estate and investment news […] The post Estate on Bahamas’ Staniel Cay Lists for $19.5 Million  appeared first on Caribbean Journal. http://dlvr.it/TCXJv8

Travelers to Jamaica have lots of choices of where to stay on the Caribbean island. For most, that includes some of Jamaica’s outstanding all-inclusive resorts (which we’ll cover in a later article). But the island has a strong selection of […] The post The 10 Best Hotels in Jamaica, From Half Moon to Goldeneye appeared first on Caribbean Journal. http://dlvr.it/TCVbQb

Looking for a luxury cruise to the Panama Canal? Or a 20-night jaunt through the wider Caribbean? Oceania is adding cruises from a new homeport, Caribbean Journal has learned.  Beginning in 2026, the company will become the first luxury cruise […] The post Oceania Cruises Is Launching Luxury Cruises From a New Homeport: Tampa appeared first on Caribbean Journal. http://dlvr.it/TCVbJf

If you’re a lover of Caribbean music, then you’ve probably encountered the viral hit “Whistle” by TK International. Last Sunday, that energy found its way to Amadeus nightclub in Queens, New York, where the first-ever Bouyon Festival took place. The festival captivatingly attracted a full house of enthusiastic attendees and sold out all tickets. The event was organized by prominent NYC event producer Jay Upscale and his team in partnership with Olivier Choisi of KaruKera One Love Music Festival team, known for organizing the largest Bouyon Festival in Europe. The New York edition was a vibrant celebration of Caribbean culture and unity. Their mission was clear: introducing Bouyon music to a broader audience and fostering deeper connections among Caribbean nationals in the United States. T Olivier Choisi of KaruKera One Love Music Festival, General Manager Cedric Melasse, and prominent NYC event producer Jay Upscale. Photo by Tracey Khan he festival drew a ...

More than 260 agents attended the ongoing third annual American Society for Travel Advisors (ASTA) Caribbean Travel Showcase event hosted at the new Sandals Royal Curacao. To access this content, subscribe now. Caribbean Travel Advisor provides 24-7 Caribbean content and […] The post “Jamaica Is Still the Easiest Island to Sell” appeared first on Caribbean Journal. http://dlvr.it/TCVKhX

It’s been arguably the biggest trend in the Caribbean travel industry since the pandemic: the rise of villa vacations.  To access this content, subscribe now. Caribbean Travel Advisor provides 24-7 Caribbean content and news for travel agents and travel insiders. […] The post Caribbean Vacation Villas See “Major Spike in Demand” appeared first on Caribbean Journal. http://dlvr.it/TCVKSt

A week after Grenada threw a huge party, motorcade and presentation of gifts for three medalists at the just-concluded Paris Olympics, fellow Eastern Caribbean island nation of Dominica on Sunday did likewise for triple jumper Thea La Fond-Gadson who brought the first ever Olympic medal to the Emerald Island. La Fond-Gadson, her husband and coach Aaron as well as other family members rode in a state vehicle and motorcade from the main airport at Portsmouth in the north to Roseau in the capital as thousands of Dominicans lined the streets, waving flags and congratulating her on not only winning the island nation’s first medal, but a gold in the triple jump. Dressed in a tracksuit of local colors, Thea used crutches to support herself because she recently underwent surgery for a troublesome right knee that had started acting up earlier this year. She said that she had had no intention of missing Paris so she worked through the pain barrier until bagging the gold medal. “The doctor s...

It began five decades ago as an island retreat for the leadership of the Gulf + Western Industries, which owned Paramount Pictures.  It has since become not just the premier resort in the Dominican Republic, but one of the most […] The post From Frank Sinatra to Arnold Palmer to Oscar De la Renta, A Legendary Dominican Republic Resort Celebrates 50 Years of History appeared first on Caribbean Journal. http://dlvr.it/TCSGpJ

Beach days on Grace Bay. Afternoons at Noah’s Ark. Rugged hikes in Middle Caicos. Culinary journeys at Sui Ren. A villa getaway at the Shore Club. There’s no single way to experience the Turks and Caicos Islands. But one thing […] The post A Turks and Caicos Vacation Is More Popular Than Ever  appeared first on Caribbean Journal. http://dlvr.it/TCSGfF

Stocking Island is different. The little island off the coast of George Town in Exuma has some of the most brilliant, sparkling water you’ll ever see — met on land by shimmering white sand beach. It’s a destination that has […] The post There’s a New Beach Club in Exuma, the Coconut Club — And You Can Only Get There By Boat appeared first on Caribbean Journal. http://dlvr.it/TCSGTL

Austin. Detroit. Milwaukee. Hartford. Minneapolis. Providence. New Haven. What do they all have in common? It’s no secret that the largest source markets for Caribbean travel have been cities like New York, Miami and Chicago. In recent years, though, the […] The post Planning a Punta Cana Vacation? Southwest Airlines Is Adding Flights From a New City appeared first on Caribbean Journal. http://dlvr.it/TCQ03F

Exhibitions. Workshops. Art talks. Sip and paints. A Christmas market. If you’re an art lover, this is good as it gets. It’s a “celebration of culture in color,” as the organizers put it.  And the best part? It’s all focused […] The post In Antigua and Barbuda, a Celebration of Art  appeared first on Caribbean Journal. http://dlvr.it/TCPzvp

With a son on the Autism Spectrum, Trinidadian-American Nancy Tannis says she has been endeavoring to get autistic kids involved in the West Indian American Carnival in Brooklyn. Tannis, who was born in Brooklyn to Trinidadian parentage, told Caribbean Life on Thursday that she is the mother of two boys, Ian, 14, who is autistic and non-verbal, and Chayse, 8. “As a child growing up, I was very involved with Caribbean culture, whether it was playing the steel pan or participating in the Junior Carnival – both here and in Trinidad and Tobago,” she said. “A huge part of who I am today stems from the enriched cultural foundation that my family instilled in me from childhood. “Being the parent of a child who is non-verbal and growing up in a Caribbean household, I find myself constantly trying to find ways to teach him and his brother about their heritage,” she added, stating that, for a long time, she has been “very familiar with the amazing work the Kaisokah Moko Jumbies, along with...

It has been arguably the most-anticipated Secrets resort in the Caribbean since it was first announced back in 2019. To access this content, subscribe now. Caribbean Travel Advisor provides 24-7 Caribbean content and news for travel agents and travel insiders. […] The post Secrets’ Newest Caribbean Resort Is Taking Bookings Soon  appeared first on Caribbean Journal. http://dlvr.it/TCPmBq

What do you think of when you think of Cancun? Is it the sprawling all-inclusive resorts? Or the Mayan ruins? Or the tiny Mexican Caribbean beach towns?  Maybe it’s the laid-back vibes of tiny Isla Mujeres, just off the coast […] The post A New Way to Fly Nonstop From Miami to Cancun appeared first on Caribbean Journal. http://dlvr.it/TCPTvL

Though his band is not participating this year in Brooklyn’s West Indian American Day Association’s (WIADCA) panorama competition, Trinidadian pannist Brian Nicholas is still very busy practicing and preparing Blacklove Steel Orchestra for prospective performances. Nicholas, the founder and chief executive officer of the Brooklyn-based Blacklove Steel Orchestra, told Caribbean Life that he is “looking at a broader picture” in which he envisages Blacklove’s future participation in WIADCA’s panorama, competing with “seasoned pan groups.” With its 15-member orchestra, comprising eight females and seven males, representing the Caribbean Diaspora – mainly from Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Haiti, Grenada and Puerto Rico – Nicholas, however, said that Blacklove Steel Orchestra has participated in the past four years in the annual CLACC-C Junior Panorama Competition in Brooklyn. By playing in New York City public schools, and with postings on social media, Nicholas hopes Blacklove Steel...

Tourism in Nassau Paradise Island is, in a word, booming. Whether it’s world-class large resorts like Atlantis Paradise Island and Baha Mar, boutique hotels such as Graycliff or family-friendly options like the Margaritaville Beach Resort and Comfort Suites Paradise Island […] The post Why Nassau Paradise Island Tourism Is Booming — And What’s Next for the Destination appeared first on Caribbean Journal. http://dlvr.it/TCMbzn

Grand Turk. Nassau. Cozumel. San Juan. Roatan. They’re some of the most popular stops for cruise passenger in the Caribbean, from the snorkeling in Turks and Caicos to the old-fashioned beach vibes on the Caribbean coast of Honduras.  Now Princess […] The post Princess Cruises Is Planning Its Biggest Caribbean Summer Ever. Here’s What You Need to Know. appeared first on Caribbean Journal. http://dlvr.it/TCMPpw

Summer might be coming to a close, but it’s not too late to book a getaway to Atlantis Paradise Island with the Last Days of Summer Labor Day Sale.  The resort’s latest deal offers 25 percent savings on any stay […] The post Atlantis Paradise Island Has a Last-Minute Labor Day Sale  appeared first on Caribbean Journal. http://dlvr.it/TCMPcw

You walk outside your room and take a dip in your own private plunge pool right on the beach. There’s nothing around you but waving palms and the periodic tweet of a tropical bird. It’s the barefoot-chic Caribbean experience, just […] The post This “Barefoot” Caribbean All-Inclusive Just Added Pool Cottages and a Beach Bar appeared first on Caribbean Journal. http://dlvr.it/TCL8tv

Shelley V. Worrell, the Trinidadian-American founder, chief vibes officer and band leader of I AM CARIBBEING and Little Caribbean in East Flatbush and Flatbush in Brooklyn, says she’s “honored” to portray “Sailing Di Parkway” for the massive West Indian American Day Carnival Parade on Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, for Labor Day Monday. “Sailing Di Parkway’ is our interpretation of Sailor Mas, which originated in Trinidad and Tobago,” Worrell told Caribbean Life in an interview at the mas camp, at Little Caribbean’s headquarters, on Nostrand Avenue, between Linden Boulevard and Martense Street, in Brooklyn. “But there are iterations in Guadeloupe. I imagine that’s because people were sailing in the Caribbean.” Worrell said the portrayal stemmed from a conversation she had with her Trinidadian-born aunt, Anna Worrell (her father’s sister). “But this is a Brooklyn version,” she said about “Sailing Di Parkway,” adding that while I AM CARIBBEING will be playing mas on Eastern Parkway for ...

For years, Martinique’s Rhum Depaz has been making some of the Caribbean’s most extraordinary rums, in large part thanks to its spectacular terroir at the base of the island’s imposing Mont Pelee volcano.  If you’ve followed these pages, you’ve seen […] The post Rum Journal: A Martinique Rum Designed for a Cigar Pairing  appeared first on Caribbean Journal. http://dlvr.it/TCKzsY

The latest Caribbean Photo comes from Caribbean Journal reader Virginia Flynn, who sent in this lovely shot from the East Winds resort in Saint Lucia. Have you taken a great photo in the Caribbean? Send it to news@caribjournal.com with CPOTW […] The post Caribbean Photo of the Week: On the Sand in Saint Lucia appeared first on Caribbean Journal. http://dlvr.it/TCKmVy

Caribbean governments Friday appealed to the region to take precautions against the mpox disease outbreak saying it is not impossible for it to spread from Africa to the Caribbean in the coming months. Bloc Chairman and Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell said health officials and the public need to be on the lookout especially for the clade1b version of the disease as he called for a proactive posture to prevent any outbreak in the region. Grenada Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell. Courtesy Government of Grenada The World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared the mpox outbreak, classifying it as a public health emergency of international concern, necessitating a unified and proactive approach by governments worldwide. “Mpox is a zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus that can spread through direct contact with infected individuals, animals, or contaminated materials. The current outbreak has shown a rapid increase in cases, particularly in the Democratic Republic...

Last month, cruise giant Royal Caribbean debuted a new concept for the brand: a “short getaway” ship, designed for weekend trips and quick jaunts. But the company’s newest ship, set to sail for the first time next summer, is about […] The post Royal Caribbean Just Revealed a New Ship, Star of the Seas — and It’s Designed for Families appeared first on Caribbean Journal. http://dlvr.it/TCHmnb

You know Riu. The drink dispensers in your room, the international restaurants, the always-fun, always perky ambience. In recent years, the Spanish hotel chain has grown even more in the Caribbean, from Jamaica to the Riviera Maya.  But Riu’s Caribbean […] The post Riu Resorts Is Reopening This Dominican Republic All-Inclusive appeared first on Caribbean Journal. http://dlvr.it/TCG2y0

If you’re traveling with kids, especially younger ones, there’s no amenity that’s as compelling as a water park. You can finally relax a bit as the kids slide and slide and, well, slide.  More and more Caribbean resorts are tuned […] The post A New Water Park Is Coming to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic appeared first on Caribbean Journal. http://dlvr.it/TCG2nG

Legendary musician Sir Rod Stewart is joining The Bahamas’ big autumn culinary festival, which is taking place at the Baha Mar resort in October, Caribbean Journal has learned.  Stewart will headline the Beach Party at the Baha Bay Lagoon for […] The post Rod Stewart Is Joining The Bahamas’ Biggest Fall Event  appeared first on Caribbean Journal. http://dlvr.it/TCG2dy

Since dropping the hard-hitting “Ghetto People Song” 30 years ago that made him a household name, veteran singer Everton Blender’s career is about to take flight again with his latest project, “Can’t Take my Space,” a new album that is scheduled for release later this month. Blender, 68, told Caribbean Life on Monday that the 14-song disc is his first studio album since his last album in 2011, titled “Higher Heights Revolution”. The title track, produced by Molando Dale for Ochi City Records, was released in 2021. “To be fair, all the tracks are very special to me,” Blender said. “I can’t leave out anyone. It’s like asking which one of all my children is my favorite. I love them all. “I put my heart in all my songs,” he added. “Every single track resonates and speaks to you depending on the situation. I’d like to bless all the musicians who played a part on this album but please buy the album to see all the credits.” Blender said that “Can’t Take My Space” was recorde...

It’s been a strong year for Caribbean hotels, with hotel occupancy climbing every month from January to June. Unsurprisingly, in July, that changed, the direct result of the passage of Hurricane Beryl.  Indeed, July saw a 1.9 percent reduction in […] The post Where Caribbean Hotel Occupancy Stands Right Now  appeared first on Caribbean Journal. http://dlvr.it/TCCgfg

It’s one of the best-kept secrets in the Caribbean: the boutique Round Hill Hotel and Villas in Jamaica, the luxury resort where Ralph Lauren is a part-owner and even designed the hotel rooms.  But what you may not realize is […] The post There’s a New Villa at the Round Hill Resort in Montego Bay appeared first on Caribbean Journal. http://dlvr.it/TCCgMV