Travel

Positive Vibrations at the Marley House – The Birthplace of Reggae

Published

9 years ago

December 6, 2015

BY ALYSSA MAHADEO

“The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.” Brother Bob made some riveting statements during his time, all which have lived on as part of his legacy. The words he spoke held a truth that could not be explained any other way. He was a wise man who made a deep impact in the country of Jamaica, taking his songs and teachings worldwide.

In a city saturated by the deep cultural heritage of the Jamaican people, Kingston has found itself unappreciated by tourists travelling to Jamaica. On more than one occasion I have had people tell me of the beautiful turquoise seas and white sand beaches in the popular tourist locations of Ocho Rios and Montego Bay, but no one has ever mentioned going to Kingston. As the capital city of Jamaica, you would think there would be more of an excitement to travel there and immerse yourself in the country’s history. While arts, culture and entertainment are a prominent part of the city, there is one attraction on top of the list of must-sees in Kingston.

Even if you are headed to the beach, take time out of your schedule to head down to Kingston Jamaica to visit 56 Hope Road the home and residence of legendary reggae singer Bob Marley.

When you first enter the compound the walls are covered in mural style photos and paintings of some of the most well known highlights in Bob’s life, while living at the house and touring the globe with the Wailers. Everywhere you look there are vibrant bursts of color. Most prominent of them all is the yellow house dominating the center of the property.

At the front of the house standing tall is a statue in Bob’s likeness, with his finger pointed towards the heavens in his signature one love pose. On either side are two lions and painted at the base of the statue is a portrait of his three little birds and the prophet Sir Marcus Garvey Jamaican Civil Rights leader and activist.

Miss Susan Maxwell, a bubbly ball of energy conducted the tour of the house with such a refreshing and engaging presence, it left little room for distraction as we listened to her prattle away recollecting the stories of Bob’s life. Bob purchased the Marley Home, which currently serves as the Bob Marley Museum in 1975 from Island Records Boss, Chris Blackwell. In 1986 Bob’s widow Mrs. Rita Marley implemented the Museum, which is currently being managed by their eldest daughter Cedella Marley. On May 31, 2001, the Government of Jamaica declared the museum a protected National Heritage Site.

When you enter the house there is an over whelming presence of memories and inspiration throughout the air. Every room has a unique personality hosting various displays of photographs and all of his Gold and Platinum Selling albums. In various rooms of the house you can find Bob’s Lifetime Achievement Award which he received in 2001, his Order of Merit medal from 1981. In his recording studio there hangs a genuine Lion’s tail that he received as a gift during his tour in Africa and an exhibit of some of his favourite items of clothing like his trademark denim shirt and khaki pants.

The tour of the main house concluded with a glimpse into the legend’s bedroom. Unable to pass the threshold of his dwelling, Bob’s room was staged just as he had left it all those years ago, his bed made up in his favourite denim sheets and his bible open on the nightstand keeping some of his ‘special herb’ safe for when he returns.

After the tour of the main house Susan took us down to the first floor kitchen around the back of the house where an attempt on Bob’s life had taken place. The area is now furnished with newspaper clippings of the event, and the walls are marked from the deadly bullets that almost took his life.

Walking over the ground where a legend once stood is truly a humbling experience. To know that he once sat on the marble steps in front of his home smoking his special herb, or sat under his favourite tree in the yard rolling a splif, grounds him as a symbol of hope and freedom to the people of the world. Bob’s music has become the signature soundtrack to the lives of people worldwide and the experience standing in that house leaves you feeling nothing less than ‘irie’.

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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!