Travel

How much can you fit into one day? – The Journey Through Kingston Jamaica!

Published

6 years ago

October 4, 2018

All right, so where did I leave off? Oh yes…….

“We have a meet and greet at The Pegasus at 6:00 pm, could you meet us at 5:45 pm?” “Ummmm, that is only 10 minutes from now!” “Yes it is,” he said already laughing at my dismay. “Hope you can make it!” I dropped the phone and began to frantically get dressed.

I quickly got dressed, and while doing so, I noticed they had left a letter addressed to me. “It is with a great pleasure that we welcome you……… Alexander’s Sunrise breakfast… Wednesday Nights Jerk… Complimentary WiFi,” I read hastily, as I threw on some clothes. I noted that this was a nice touch; it made me aware of all that the Courtleigh had to offer.

I grabbed Trish, and we headed downstairs for our night out. We met the rest of the group who had arrived before us and exchange pleasantries. Shortly after, we headed over to The Pegasus. When we arrived, I was able to take in what a magnificent hotel The Pegasus was. We were ushered over to the right-hand side of the foyer into what looked like a lounge. We were greeted by the staff and introduced to Peter Hilary, the General Manager of The Pegasus Hotel.

I was tired, but I perked up instantly when I saw the spread they had prepared for us; it was quite a lovely sight, and I was ready to indulge. I began snapping pictures when Peter (General Manager), walked over to me. We began to discuss the purpose of the trip, and he shared the story of what brought him to Jamaica. He had left and returned because he had become caught up in the mystery and enchantment of the island. As we were talking, he mentioned to me that they were the most sought out hotel in Jamaica; whenever movie stars, pop stars or dignitaries came to Jamaica, The Pegasus was where they would come. He also threw in that Saturday was the Miss Jamaica Pageant Finals, and it was being hosted at The Pegasus. “Would you be interested in coming?” Peter asked. “Ummm.. Yes! Of course! Is it possible to bring my team member with me?” I questioned. “The more the merrier,” he replied.

I thanked him and ran over to Trish, “Girl, we have an invite for tomorrow,” and I repeated what I had learned, and told her about the invite. “It’s cool, but we have a hectic day tomorrow, so we are going to have to see how things go!” I already had it in my mind that I wanted to go, so I knew that was going to happen regardless.

The journalist team was gathered up and we headed over to the Summerhouse at the Liguanea Club, which is located right across from both hotels. I had no idea how I was going to fit any more food into my stomach, but when we arrived, I realized that I would have to make some room. The menu included: Curried Mutton with coconut, Snapper Journey Cakes, Creamy Callaloo Dip, Penne with Ackee and Coconut cream, and Sherried Pumpkin Bisque. In true gluttonous fashion, I indulged in a little bit of everything as we listened to the story of Suzanne and Michelle Rousseau, two sisters who expressed that, “Female collaboration has its own kind of magic.” The Summerhouse at The Liguanea Club opened on May 25, 2018. The idea was to bring together the very best of Caribbean dining in one, memorable place. Along with establishing themselves as respectable businesswomen, and restaurant owners, they have also written a cookbook called “Caribbean Potluck” which has received critical acclaim and was named one of the Best Books of 2014. I will say this, I was very proud not only because they were women, but also because they were Jamaican women. After dinner, we were all pretty tired, so we head back to our hotels. I passed out and had the best sleep of my life.

I had forgotten the hour time difference and got up way too early. I took this time to get dressed and prepare for the day. I knew we were going to be doing a lot, but I was not ready. I will warn you; from this point on, everything is going to go very quickly. You ready? All right, let’s go! First things first, if you have any sort of motion sickness issues, bring some Gravol with you. The trip up Blue Mountain twisted my stomach up and down, and I was nauseous for most of the day. I am glad that it did not take away from the experience. Our first stop was the Blue Mountain Culinary Trail. I won’t go into too much detail here, but if you are a coffee drinker, you might be interested in reading my article in The Better Tomorrow section of the paper.

After the most informative coffee experience, we made a small stop at Etis Café, a quaint little restaurant located on Blue Mountain. Standing at the mid-point of the mountain was quite the experience. The trees, the birds, the serenity was to die for. The stop was short because we had a few more things to do that day. On our way to visit Trench Town Culture Yard, we stopped by Tastee’s Patties, and we were introduced to the Juici Patties experience. Again, so much choice in such little time; I settled for a shrimp and cheese patty, which felt so good now that my stomach had finally settled.

The final stop on our Kingston tour was our visit to Trench Town Culture Yard, where you were literally transported back to another time. The rich history of Trench Town and its obvious magnetic pull has made it a tourist attraction for many years. One of the obvious reasons is because it has housed, and introduced to the world one of the biggest stars of our time, Bob Marley. We were able to see Bob’s original room in Trench Town, as well as his minibus. There are really no words that will do justice to the experience of being there; you will have to go for yourself to feel the energy that radiates from every brick and mortar that was used to build the town.

So, we are done with our Kingston tour, and we were only able to do some of what Kingston has to offer. Guess what? We ended up going to the Miss Jamaica Pageant, but if you want to hear about that, you will have to join us next edition. Trust me, you have no idea what I have prepared for you.

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!