Travel

Goodbye Kingston, Ocho Rios Here we Come!

Published

6 years ago

October 18, 2018

BY: SIMONE JENNIFER SMITH

Okay, so where did I leave off? Hmmmm… Oh yes! Trish and I have just had an amazing night in Kingston; ate some extravagant food, and I think we did something else. You should probably check out my article in A Better Tomorrow this week; some perspective on colourism in Jamaica. All right, let’s get back to this Jamaican adventure. I woke up too early again (SMH); this time I decided to make good use of the morning. I took a breath of fresh air; a soothing breeze led me to the window and I was looking directly at Emancipation Park. “Time to get some work done.” I took a shower and got dressed quickly. I had about an hour until we had to meet for breakfast, just enough time to take a walk and explore.

The park was buzzing with activity: people jogging, people walking, work out sessions; it was awesome to take in. I walked around and took in some history; they have beautiful bronze looking busts, showcasing some of Jamaica’s historical heroes and heroines: I stood in front of the Sam Sharpe bust, and felt a swell of pride. I completed my walk by taking in the emancipation statues; the rising sun hit the side of the water and glimmered of the statues. I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the experience. With a sigh, I began a walk back to the hotel.

After a wonderfully prepared authentic Jamaican breakfast, we were given the opportunity to meet with the team leads again. Trish had been begging for some coconut water, and we were pleasantly surprised when we were presented with whole coconuts, straws included. With satisfied stomachs and smiles on our faces, we jumped on our tour bus. The other journalists had begun to load, and we were all anxious to get on to the next part of this journey.

“Ocho Rios, here we come. We should be there in about 45 minutes to an hour.”

“45 minutes to an hour!” I said in shock. I remembered that when I was younger, the trip from Kingston to Ocho Rios would take about three hours. “Oh Yes! Things have changed. Jamaica has a highway now. The highway that they are talking about is called the North Coast Highway. Nicknamed the “Beijing Highway.” The North Coast Highway Development Project is a government-initiated project to improve the stretch of north coast road from Negril in the West, to Port Antonio in the East. This $600 million dollar highway is 225 km long, and winds throughout the mountainside. It is truly a beautiful sight equipped with ramps that are used to slow down vehicles that are going to fast. I sat in amazement as we began to wind through the mountains. I actually fell asleep because the ride was so smooth.

*Cool Fact; Usain Bolt reportedly turned down a chance for the highway to carry his name. *

After a very quick drive, we were in Ocho Rios and headed to our first stop Yaaman Adventure Park. Yaaman Adventure Park is located on an 18^th Century Estate agricultural property full of rich history and cultural scenery. If you are a person who loves adventure, I would definitely suggest this as a vacation destination. The activities offered include:

“Wet N’Dirty” Dune Buggy Rides
Camel Trek Adventure (We had a chance to ride a camel, Yeah!)
A visit to the Sea View Kitchen which sits at 1100 feet above sea level
Eco-friendly personal transporter on road and off road
Tractor-drawn open-air carriage ride that explores a 1,000-acre property. We got a chance to see bananas, cassava, sugar cane, and coffee. We even got a chance to see Farmer Brown climb a 30-foot coconut tree.
Exploration of the Bird Aviary – a bird watchers dream – where you have an opportunity to see exotic and local birds in a rustic and tropical paradise

We had worked up quite an appetite at the end of our Yaaman adventure, so we were taken to Miss T’s Kitchen, located in a quiet cul-de-sac of Main Street in the heart of Ocho Rios bustling town center. This stop was well worth it and was probably one of the best meals that I had in Jamaica up to that point. Hmmmm: Oxtail, rice and peas, plantain, steamed vegetables, and some of the best lemonade on the island. Yummy! It also gave me an opportunity to have a great conversation with some of the other journalists. It was such a homey atmosphere, that we all relaxed quickly and began to open up with each other.

Finally, it was time to head to our home away from home for the night, Moon Palace. What I did not know was that this would end up being a night that neither Trish nor I would ever forget.

Travel

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

Published

2 years ago

October 10, 2022

TOCaribNews

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.”

Travel

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

Published

2 years ago

August 27, 2022

TOCaribNews

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.

Travel

11 Fun Vacation Ideas That Will Keep You Entertained

Published

2 years ago

August 11, 2022

TOCaribNews

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!