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DISCOVER KINGSTON – Experience the Heartbeat of Jamaica

Published

9 years ago

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BY ALYSSA MAHADEO 

The initial response when I told my friends and family that I was headed to Kingston, Jamaica were reactions of well wishes, envy, skepticism and most importantly expressed concerns for my well being, with many reminders to be careful and to stay safe. It’s enough to make anyone travelling alone a little bit nervous, heading to a country that I had little knowledge about, with people I wasn’t even acquainted with.

I was familiar with the Caribbean islands, with my parents being from the island of Trinidad and Tobago, but I had only heard stories of Jamaica’s beauty without ever having the opportunity to experience it for myself. Many tourists who come to experience Jamaica end up going to the all-inclusive resorts out in Montego Bay and Ocho Rios for the beautiful turquoise waters and white sand beaches. They completely bypass the capital city of Kingston; wary of what interesting attractions it could possibly have to offer.

In reality there is much that Kingston has to offer the travelling explorer. It has been underrated and not as heavily marketed as it’s all-inclusive counterparts, however if you are looking to experience the roots of what brings Jamaica alive Kingston is the place to see.

Jamaica has a lush landscape of mountains, rainforests and reef-lined beaches. With its British colonial architecture filled with culture and history, Kingston is a treasure trove, for experiencing the arts, entertainment and heritage of the Jamaican people.

Throughout Kingston there is much to see and explore. For those interested in learning more about the vast history of the island, a trip to the National Museum of Jamaica or the Institute of Jamaica is definitely top of the list. The Jamaican people have been working hard in their efforts to preserve and educate people about their heritage and culture to ensure that it will live on in the years to come. The National Museum of Jamaica takes you back in time to learn about the Taino’s the first inhabitants of the island, while a knowledgeable guide provides lessons and explanations to their lifestyle. Here you can also learn about the Rastafarian culture, how it traces back and was integrated as a belief system recognized in the world today.

Known throughout the world as the birthplace of reggae, Kingston is the home of the Bob Marley Museum, Bob’s house preserved from the time when he resided there, allowing tourists to experience the space which inspired him to write many of his legendary hits. Another famous house in the area set amongst appointed, luxurious landscaped gardens spanning eleven acres is the Devon house, one of Kingston’s most visited attractions where you can sample one of the most famous desserts in the world, Devon House Ice Cream.

Kingston offers a unique take on the arts; with theatres you can visit to catch live and entertaining plays put on by the locals. While we were there we got to experience ‘Baby Scam’ a comedy featuring Jamaican actors and actresses putting on a hilarious performance you won’t want to miss. There is always something happening in Kingston, with a wide selection of concerts and music festivals to attend especially in the upcoming year. Some notable events taking place in the next couple of months is their annual Reggae Festival, complete with Bob Marley celebrations from February 1-6th.

If you are looking for a more scenic route Jamaica offers many tours of its beautiful landscape and exotic regions such as Forres Park with its picturesque and lush surroundings, and Dunn’s River Falls a 600 ft. climb through cool and refreshing water as it cascades over a natural limestone terrace. If you enjoy hiking the Blue Mountains and Strawberry Hills presents the opportunity for bird watching and coffee plantation tours while immersing yourself in Mother Nature.

The Jamaican Tourist Board offers lots of insight and advice for those looking to experience the authentic flavors of heritage and culture that Kingston has to offer. Their knowledgeable guides will point you in the right direction or offer to help take you around wherever it is that you want to go. It is most important to mention that the entire time we were there wasn’t a time where I didn’t feel safe. The reputation that Kingston has for being dangerous, should be taken with a grain of salt, as we experienced many precarious situations no matter where we visit in the world. Head down to Kingston, Jamaica and experience a new perspective; educate yourself and you just might find that you like what it has to offer.

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Antigua & Barbuda Welcomes More Canadians as Air Canada Adds New Flights

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2 years ago

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October 10, 2022

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St. John’s, Antigua – The dual-island destination of Antigua & Barbuda is seeing an uptick in Canadian traffic just in time for the winter travel season. Beginning today, October 8th, a new offering of flights from Air Canada is expected to help realize a recovery to pre-pandemic airlift levels in the Canadian market.
The Air Canada flight arrived this afternoon carrying 106 passengers from Toronto and the aircraft was given a welcome back water cannon salute.  Passengers were also greeted by cultural dancers and music and small token welcome gifts.
“We are extremely pleased with Air Canada’s decision to both resume and increase service to our shores and look forward to extending our famous Antigua and Barbuda hospitality to our Canadian visitors,” said Colin James, Chief Executive Officer of The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority. “We know many Canadians are more than ready for a vacation and we are equally ready to provide the relaxation and escape that Canadians have been craving.”
As noted, the rollout of the new service begins today with a single direct flight weekly from Toronto (YYZ) to St. John’s (ANU). Service will continue to ramp up to meet the traditional demand of the holiday season, with Air Canada forecasting the eventual operation of five weekly flights at peak traffic.
Travellers from Montreal looking to fly south for the winter can look forward to once-a-week direct flights (YUL to ANU) beginning December 23rd.
The return of Air Canada flights to Antigua & Barbuda comes in the wake of the destination’s latest travel advisory, which has lifted all COVID-19 restrictions for passengers arriving by air, yacht, and ferry. While a successful strategy of mass vaccinations and proactive public awareness campaigns has kept COVID-19 infection levels low, visitors are still encouraged to wear masks and practice social distancing in public spaces where crowds are likely to gather. You can read the latest travel advisory here.
“Over the course of the pandemic, Antigua and Barbuda has seen a monumental, joint effort involving both the government and industry stakeholders to make the destination as safe as it can be,” said Mr. James. “With that goal now realized and our Canadian friends set to return, we are extremely excited that our guests will once again be able to experience everything our home has to offer.”

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Gambling Regulations In Canada And The Caribbean: What You Need To Know

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2 years ago

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August 27, 2022

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There are several trusted licensing authorities that oversee land-based and online gambling in the Caribbean, and in Canada, it’s all overseen in each province by the local provincial government. You also have the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, which is situated on an Indian land reserve in Quebec.

This trusted licensing authority is independent of Canada, and it’s part of the Kahnawake Mohawk Territory government. At one time, it was the licensing authority in the whole of North America, prior to US states regulating online casino gambling. Here is a look at gambling regulations in Canadian and the Caribbean and what you need to know as a player.

Are online casinos in Canada licensed by the Canadian government?

In Canada, gambling at online casinos is legal, and the gambling operator that’s based in that province must be licensed by the local provincial government’s licensing agency. For example, in Ontario, gambling is monitored and regulated by iGaming Ontario, which is a subsidiary of AGCO (Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario).

In other words, to legally operate an online casino in Ontario, an operator must have first obtained a license from iGaming Ontario. However, there’s still nothing stopping a foreign operator that’s based outside of Canadian borders from aiming their business toward Ontario citizens because they fall outside of Canadian jurisdiction. One of the other major licensing authorities that has issued licenses to hundreds of online casinos is the previously mentioned Kahnawake Gaming Commission.

Because the regulation and licensing of online casinos and other similar real money gambling sites is still relatively new in Canada, it’s why you will see that many of today’s best Ontario casino sites are licensed outside of Canada, by one or more other reputable licensing authorities, such as the UK Gambling Commission, the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority, or the Malta Gaming Authority.

How is online gambling regulated in the Caribbean?

There are several different gambling regulators/licensing authorities in the Caribbean, but these are often referred to as ‘rubber stamp’ licensing authorities. For example, you have the Directorate of Offshore Gaming in Antigua and Barbuda, the Anjouan Offshore Finance Authority in the Anjouan and Comoros Islands, and the Curaçao Ministry of Justice in Curaçao (the former Netherlands Antilles).

While not all online casinos that have obtained a license from one of these authorities can be classed as ‘rogue casinos’, the best thing to do would be to stick to playing at the sites that are licensed either by a provincial Canadian government licensing authority or by one of the others mentioned above (e.g., by the UK Gambling Commission – one of the most trusted online gambling regulators in the world).

Why sign up to a casino that’s licensed by a provincial Canadian government or the Malta Gaming Authority?

These reputable authorities don’t just hand out a license to any old operator that has the cash to buy one. They heavily vet their licensees and carry out the necessary due diligence prior to issuing a license. They have the best legal framework in place, and they only license the most trusted operators. Should an issue arise at a casino that’s licensed in one of these jurisdictions (which is highly unlikely), you would have the proper legal backing that you, as a player, deserve. In other words, your complaint or issue will not go unanswered and will be resolved within a relatively short period of time.

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11 Fun Vacation Ideas That Will Keep You Entertained

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2 years ago

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August 11, 2022

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When it comes to taking a vacation, many people think they need to go somewhere exotic to have a good time. This is not always the case! Plenty of fun vacation ideas will keep you entertained without breaking the bank. This blog post will discuss 11 different vacations you can take without spending a lot of money. So whether you are looking for an adventure or want to relax on the beach, we have you covered!

Hiking and camping

If you are looking for an outdoor adventure, hiking and camping are great options. There are many trails all over the world that you can explore. And if you camp in an RV or tent, it will be even cheaper! This is a great way to get in touch with nature and see fantastic sights.

 

Try your hand at gambling

Gambling doesn’t always mean going to a casino—there are many different ways to gamble, and not all require money. You can play card games or bet on sports games with friends. You may wager on sports, horse races, and other events from anywhere with just a computer or mobile device and an internet connection. You should give it a chance now that single-game betting in Ontario is legal in different provinces. Numerous online betting firms provide bonuses and incentives, and the whole idea of gambling is to have fun.

 

Visit a national park

Another excellent option for those who love the outdoors is to visit a national park. There are parks throughout the United States and in many other countries. This is a great way to see some of the most beautiful places on earth without spending a lot of money. Many parks offer free or discounted admission days, so check out before going.

 

Take a road trip

A road trip is another great vacation idea that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. You can explore different parts of your country or even take an international trip! Just be sure to plan your route and budget accordingly. And don’t forget to pack snacks and games for the car ride.

 

Have a staycation

If you are short on time or money, a staycation is always an option. This is where you spend your vacation at home or in a nearby city. There are many things to do on a staycation, such as visiting local attractions, going out to eat, and seeing movies. You can also use this time to relax at home and catch up on some much-needed rest.

 

Take an art class

One fun activity you can do on vacation is taking an art class. This is a great way to try something new and connect with your creative side. You can find classes for all different types of art, such as painting, pottery, and photography. And you may even be able to find free or discounted classes!

 

Visit a museum

Museums are another great option for those who want to learn on vacation. There are museums for different topics, such as history, art, and science. Many museums also offer discounts or free days, so be sure to check that out before you go.

 

See a live show

Seeing a live show is an excellent option if you are looking for some entertainment on vacation. Depending on your interests, you can see a play, musical, or concert. This is a great way to experience some cultures and see something new.

 

Visit a theme park

Theme parks are always a popular vacation destination. And there are many different ones to choose from all over the world. But you don’t have to spend a lot of money to have fun at a theme park. There are often discounts and promotions available if you plan ahead.

 

Take a cooking class

One last fun vacation idea is taking a cooking class. This is a great way to learn about new cuisines and get some hands-on experience in the kitchen. You can find cooking classes for all different types of food, such as Italian, Chinese, and Indian cuisine. And you may even be able to find free or discounted classes!

 

Visit a winery

If you’re looking for a relaxing vacation, visiting a winery is a great option. You can spend your days touring different vineyards, sampling wines, and learning about the wine-making process. And many wineries offer discounts or complimentary tastings if you visit during certain times of the year.

 

 

These are just a few of the many fun vacation ideas that you can try. So get out there and start exploring! And don’t forget to have fun!

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