Ragged Island was once a lively place due to the prosperous salt industry that was created by loyalist settlers in the seventeen hundreds. The industry reached its peak during the 1930s but fell when Fidel Castro took over Cuba. Because of this, Ragged Island beaches and coves are mostly remote and unexplored. They are perfect for beach-combing, picnicking and, most importantly, relaxing! The island’s small size means that it can easily be explored by foot.

And don’t forget your fishing rod! The waters of Ragged Island are home to a wide range of species including Margaret fish, jacks, snappers, groupers and big game such as barracuda, wahoo, tuna mackerel and king fish. The flats are packed with bone fish making this island a fly fisherman’s paradise. Guides are available for half or full-day trips to bonefish, bottom fish or trawl.

Ragged Island’s breathtaking beaches and world-class fishing make it the ideal place to park your boat for the day and unwind. Sail there on your own, charter a boat or plane from Nassau, The Exumas or Long Island, or catch the weekly mail boat to Ragged Island to experience this picturesque paradise for yourself. If you’re looking for unspoiled beaches and easy living, Ragged Island is the place for you!

THE SEASON FOR LOVE

Tis the season… for love that is. If you’re bored of the same old dinner and a movie routine, spice things up this Valentine’s Day in The Bahamas! Here are a few date ideas that are sure to entertain even the most cynical of sweethearts.

Kitesurfing, Exuma

A shared adrenaline pumping experience is one of the quickest and surest ways to kick-start a connection with someone – and kitesurfing provides the perfect balance of fear and fun. Exuma Kitesurfing offers kiteboarding lessons and charter trips with personalized coaching for all skill levels by qualified instructors. Visit www.exumakitesurfing.com to learn more.

Libido Boosting Bush Medicine, Andros

In addition to being unbelievably beautiful, Andros – the largest but least densely populated island in The Bahamas – is a perfect place to plan a date with your honey. The island is bursting with lust inducing aphrodisiacs such as the “Love Vine” plant and bark from the Gumbo-limbo tree, which is used to make aphrodisiac bush tea. From the local flora to the steamy climate, Andros is the perfect place to fall in lust, or love.

Surfer’s Beach, Eleuthera

Eleuthera’s famous Surfer’s Beach is an ideal date destination. It’s fun, low-key, un-crowded and, oh yeah, absolutely stunning. Add in the minimal clothing required and what have you got? The perfect ingredients for a true dream date. Rent or bring your own board, and let the power of the ocean and the beauty of your surroundings propel any date into high gear. And don’t forget to stop by local haunts such as Elvina’s where you may just catch superstar and Eleuthera native, Lenny Kravitz hanging out and playing an impromptu set!

Create Your Own Tour

Charter a boat with your sweetheart and check out a few of the beautiful and unique spots in the Exumas. Visit the Starfish Reserve, aptly named for the thousands of beautiful starfish that dot the ocean floor here. Check out Thunderball Grotto, a marine cave that was featured in the James Bond films Thunderball and Never Say Never Again. Or take a dip with swimming pigs at Big Major’s Cay, where loveable curly-tailed hosts will swim out to greet you as you pull up – snacks are always welcome here! Add a little “danger” to your date by exploring a plane wreck at Norman’s Cay, made infamous in the movie Blow. Conch You

Feel the Love?

Go conch shell diving for your very own meal for two, fresh from the ocean floor. Workup an appetite, with your special someone, diving for this delicious Bahamian staple – abundant and perfect for a romantic meal. Conch can be enjoyed a number of different ways and (bonus) the “noodle” part of this distinctive shellfish is said to have a libido boosting effect!

Travelers to The Bahamas now have one more option when
going to Freeport – The Bahamas Express, a new high speed
ferry that travels between Fort Lauderdale and Grand Bahama Island.

The Bahamas Express is an affordable and comfortable alternative to flights, complete with plenty of room on board to stow your luggage

or larger cargo items. If you’re short on time, you can come to paradise for just the day! The ferry leaves at 10 a.m. and returns at 7:30 p.m., giving travelers a day-trip full of luxury and leisure on the island.

At 68 metres long, the aluminum-hulled catamaran, dubbed Pinar del Rio, can accommodate up to 463
passengers. The service conveniently operates six days a week, undertaking the voyage at 32 knots, which
gets travelers to Grand Bahama Island in just 2.5 hours. This service replaces the ferry operated by Discovery Cruise lines, which took nearly 5 hours per trip.

New Straw and Craft Market now Open on Bay Street in Nassau, Paradise Island
The Iconic Bahamian Straw Market is Back and Better than Ever Visitors to Nassau can now explore even more Bahamian culture in the recently re-opened $12 million Straw and Craft Market. The spectacular new Bay Street establishment is home to more than 450 vendors, making it easy for visitors to bring a piece of The Bahamas home with them.

The market features a 3,437 square-metre ground level space with a 418 square-metre mezzanine. The innovative design showcases Bahamian-made handy-crafts and accommodates 34 specialty booths, featuring authentic Bahamian music, dance and fashion.

Straw work has been an important element of the Bahamian economy since 1720. Straw plaiting techniques, styles and materials vary from island to island and the Nassau market allows visitors to see many styles in one place. Local artisans offer everything from handmade hats, mats and bags, to woodcarving, baskets and even local guava jellies.

The 2012 event, April 30 – May13, will feature over fifty artists performing against diverse Saint Lucian locales, from the signature Atlantic Ocean backdrop of the Pigeon Island National Landmark, to quaint and rustic village settings like Fond D’Or in Dennery, Rudy John Beach Park in Laborie and Seaside jazz at Duty free Pointe Seraphine in the heart of Castries.

Commenting on the diverse and star-studded list of performers, Tourism Director Louis Lewis noted that much thought had gone into presenting a package that truly reflected the record 21 year history of the event. “The longevity of Saint Lucia Jazz is testament to constant innovation and determination which is warranted to ensure that as a product, Saint Lucia Jazz remains fresh and exciting, so as to sustain public appeal and visitor attraction.”

Lewis told the gathering, “2012 innovations include a reduced yet more robust jazz centric lineup reflecting pure, smooth, Caribbean and Creole jazz with touches of R&B and world musical genres, and a more cohesive grouping of supporting community-based jazz events, which continue to define Saint Lucia Jazz.”

Main stage performances get underway from May 9 to13 and are headlined by Lionel Richie, who has garnered five Grammys and 18 American Music Awards, among other accolades. Other musical heavy weights include accomplished South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela; five time Grammy winning artiste Ziggy Marley – the son of iconic reggae legend Bob Marley; jazz aficionado Joshua Redman; hit R&B song writer turned performer and soulful songstress Keri Hilson; pop and hip-hop phenom Melanie Fiona and gospel king Kirk Franklin among others. A slue of Saint Lucia’s leading musical masterminds like Luther Francois, Ronald ‘Boo’ Hinkson, Richard Payne, Derek Yarde Project and others complement the casts.

Endorsing the 2012 event, Tourism Minister Lorne Theophilus noted with delight the return of the popular ‘Opening of Jazz.’ Also overseeing the portfolio of Creative Industries, Minister Theophilus exclaimed, “There has been clarinet calls for the return of this component of the festival. For many patrons this simple, yet symbolic opening had significant meaning by aligning Saint Lucia Jazz with the average Saint Lucian, featuring Saint Lucia’s best musical talents within a festival that has become reknowned for attracting the world’s best. It is that lasting community impact, which in 2012 will touch thousands of lives in nine distinct communities across the island, which is the true legacy of this event.”

Headlining the opening of Saint Lucia Jazz set for Monday, April 30 is Trinidadian power couple Fay Ann Lyons & Bunji Garland. Scheduled for the Mindoo Phillip Park, located in what is typically referred to as the ‘Capital of Castries’, the Opening will also feature dancehall wonder Busy Signal and Saint Lucian singing sensation Teddyson John.

Saint Lucia Jazz has maintained its ranking as one of the world’s top five festivals. The festival is presented by the Saint Lucia Tourist Board and is supported by Platinum sponsor Digicel along with other Gold, Bronze and Collateral sponsors.

For more information on the full lineup for Saint Lucia Jazz 2012 along with show dates, venues and ticket sales, log onto www.stluciajazz.org.

For more information on the island of Saint Lucia visit www.stlucianow.ca or call 1-800-869-0377.

About Saint Lucia

One of the Windward Islands of the West Indies’ Lesser Antilles, Saint Lucia (pronounced Saint LOO-sha) is nestled halfway down the Eastern Caribbean archipelago. The “Helen of the West Indies,” Saint Lucia is known for its natural beauty and diverse attractions, including the signature Piton Mountains – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – a tropical rainforest and one of the world’s few drive-in volcanoes. Culturally rich offerings include the bustling marketplace in the capital of Castries, quaint fishing villages along the coastline, and the annual Saint Lucia Jazz festival. Saint Lucia’s wide range of accommodations includes world-class five-star resorts, all-inclusive resorts, intimate inns and value-oriented properties. Saint Lucia also is home to world class cruise and yachting facilities.

For more information, visit www.saintlucianow.com

Known as ‘The Emerald Isle’, Montserrat is the only country outside Ireland where St Patrick’s Day is a public holiday. The week-long St Patrick’s Festival provides a rich mix of Irish and African heritage, with some traditional Caribbean entertainment, making this one of Montserrat’s most popular annual events.

This year St. Patrick’s Week will be celebrated from March 9th to 19th 2012 and will be held in the village of Salem. The activities for the week will centre around the Freedom Run from Cudjoe Head to Salem Park, a nature hike and a junior calypso competition. St Patrick’s Day itself (17th March) will be the main highlight with its very unique reconstructed Slave Village.

Here, stalls will sell traditional foods, locals will gather to play traditional games such as dominoes and marbles, and masquerade dancers will put on colourful displays. Two new features will be added to this year’s week of activities. These include a Montserrat Day where local artisans will showcase their products all of which are locally made. Items will include art and craft items, foods, among other things and a Lunchtime Party and Goat Water Competition not to be missed.

Montserrat’s Irish heritage dates back to the 17th century when the island became a haven for Irish Catholics who were persecuted on other Caribbean islands. This history is still evident today from the moment visitors arrive at the airport in Montserrat and receive a shamrock-shaped stamp in their passports. During St Patrick’s Day, visitors will notice many locals wearing national dress – in which green is the dominant colour – and both Guinness and ‘Green’ Heineken are available in bars aside the traditional rum punch cocktails.

Six Hiking Trails Enhanced

The Montserrat Tourist Board recently enhanced six (6) trails: Dry Waterfall, Blackwood Allen, The Cot, Underwood, Duberry/Cassava and Oriole Walkway thereby making them more attractive and safe to enjoy. Work on the trails included clearing of footpaths, improved handrails and earthen steps, soil and water conservation works to control erosion in some areas, among other things. Hiking remains one of the most popular recreational activities as the trails host a range of wildlife including unique flora and fauna such as the Montserrat oriole and a myriad of other bird species. While some trails have running streams and differing vegetation, all trails provide breathtaking views of land and seascapes. Each trail is unique and is suited to hikers with varying abilities, as they are provided with the option to choose from light, to moderate, to difficult, to extreme.

Most trails are clearly marked, but it is always advisable to hire a trail guide, especially if you are unfamiliar with the area. Information on trail guiding services is available through the Montserrat National Trust on 664 491 3086 or the Montserrat Tourist Board on 664 491 2230 website: www.visitmontserrat.com Trail maps are also available for sale at these locations for EC$10.00 or US$4.00 each.

2012 Superyacht Services Guide Out Now!

Information on Montserrat is presented in Volume 1 of the Superyachts Services Guide 2012 which is currently available. Packed with valuable information this 700+ page guide provides yachtees with pertinent information about dining, shopping, activities, attractions and yacht services.

It remains a valuable reference for all yachts spending time in the Caribbean.

“The core target market of the guides is focused mainly towards the professionally crewed yacht sector – who need to be aware of the most reliable, efficient and effective service contacts in any particular port or cruising region. It is also of great use to any cruising yachts wishing to benefit from the extensive and ongoing cumulative experience inputted by our database of professional Captains and crew members – who are consistently interviewed throughout every year to produce the selective ‘recommended’ content for these guides”, says Clare Sudlow, Co-editor. She added that “In view of the close proximity to the island of Antigua, a major yachting hub of the Caribbean – the 2012 Montserrat chapter focuses on the opportunity for yacht owners, guests and crew to visit neighboring Montserrat. Whether visiting the island by yacht, plane or helicopter, the Superyacht Service Guide suggests to their readers the idea of taking a relaxing short break on Montserrat to experience her beautiful interior rainforest as well as to take an informative island tour to view the Soufriere Hills and the devastation of their recent volcanic history.“

Information on this invaluable guide is available online www.superyachtservicesguide.com as well as in some 24,000 copies which are available worldwide.

Marathoners experienced the ultimate showcase of island beauty as the course took them on a scenic 42.1 kilometre-long journey beginning on Junkanoo beach, the weaving through historical downtown Nassau, and finally reaching an ocean-side stretch on the northern shore of Cable Beach to experience the views and vitas of Paradise Island, finishing at Arawak Cay.­

“The marathon is a great way for Canadians to combine their fitness goals with their vacation,” said Janet Cuffie, National Manager Canada, The Bahamas Tourism Office. “Runners won’t find a more stunning course to run than the Marathon Bahamas.”

The Race Weekend attracts hundreds of international running enthusiasts, from amateur to seasoned veterans, like Bryan Huberty, who lead the pack and crossed the finish line with an impressive time of 2:42:53. Runners who weren’t up to the challenge of a full marathon participated in other events such as the Susan G. Komen Bahamas Race for the Cure® 5K, the Marathon Relay, and the Half Marathon.

Race Weekend benefits local Bahamian charities and is sponsored in part by Canadian organizations that include WestJet, Travelweek Magazine and Redonic Rogers Marketing.

For more information or to register, please visit: www.marathonbahamas.com

As people seek to combine travel with personal enrichment and authentic experiences, combining beach vacations with volunteer projects is the perfect opportunity. Travellers looking to immerse themselves in a new culture and learn something can visit GoVoluntouring.com to see how they can have a volunteer vacation full of sun and sea, whilst helping out at the same time. GoVoluntouring connects volunteers with project options all over the world. Below are some of the hottest destinations on offer:

Expedition Leader Training in Belize: http://goo.gl/DP7Pg

With one foot planted in the Central American jungles, and the other dipped in the Caribbean Sea, Belize blends the best of both worlds. Offshore, kayakers glide from one sandy, palm-dotted islet to another, while snorkelers swim through translucent seas, gazing at a kaleidoscope of coral, fish, dolphins and turtles. Inland, explorers investigate ruins of ancient civilizations, and birders aim their binoculars at some 570 species. Between national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and marine reserves, more than 40% of the country’s area is protected in one form or another, creating a haven for countless creatures of land, sea and sky. This Trekforce expedition lasts for 16 weeks and some of the skills volunteers will learn include: Leadership and Jungle Training, Survival Training, Day and Night Navigation Training, River Crossing and River Rescue, Trek Planning, Rescue Training, Professional Medical Training, Incident Management and Assessment, and so much more.

Dig Your Way Through a Caribbean Holiday: http://goo.gl/VIUnS

This Caribbean Island is known for its luxurious hotels and yachting scene but there’s so much more to St. Vincent & the Grenadines. The SVG Public Archaeology Program provides volunteers with an opportunity to be an archaeologist. This program was created out of the desire to rescue and record significant archaeological sites from being destroyed during construction of the new Argyle International Airport. Prior to 2009, no large-scale excavations had taken place in St. Vincent and, to date, there is no local archaeological presence on the island. The work of this organization raises awareness for archaeology both locally and abroad, and helps give Vincentians a fuller understanding of their prehistoric past. At the same time, volunteers are provided with an unforgettable experience, doing work that many people only dream of.

Caribbean Conservation in St. Lucia: http://goo.gl/a1a47

St. Lucia is not all about celebrity spotting. Volunteers with People & Places Responsible Volunteering will work with the highly respected Saint Lucia National Trust and help with their vital work to conserve and preserve this Caribbean island’s rich environmental and cultural heritage. History, beautiful beaches, tropical fauna and fauna – what a great place to work. The volunteer program is based at the Trust’s headquarters in Pigeon Island National Park, a living museum within a natural setting of 44 acres. Pigeon Island was originally surrounded by the sea but is now linked to the mainland by a causeway.

Monitor Nesting Sea Turtles on Carriacou: http://goo.gl/Z6R9x

Carriacou is a 13 square miles island, part of The Grenadines, a mecca for sailing and diving. Volunteers will be hosted at Kido Ecological Station, two and half miles from the main sea turtle nesting beach, located within the High North Nature Park. Volunteers reach the nesting sites either by walking, cycling or jeep, depending on weather and trail conditions. The longest nesting beach is over half a mile long, to be patrolled for 5 nights a week, from 8pm to 5am. A close encounter with sea turtles is an amazing experience, like meeting a prehistoric animal. Volunteers will have hands on experience with these magnificent creatures.

GoVoluntouring is an online community for volunteers, overseas teachers, and learners’ abroad that allow users to perform detailed searches from a huge database of projects and programs. With thousands of programs to choose from, GoVoluntouring offers pre-checked charities and non-profits the chance to connect with the volunteers they desperately need, with no added cost to the user or the volunteer organization.

For more information visit www.govoluntouring.com

The company was founded in 1969 and is now a member of TUI Travel Group®. With charter operations in over 25 destinations across the Caribbean, North America, Mexico, South Pacific, Mediterranean, Indian Ocean, and Far East, their yachts are a well-known sight in the waters of Grenada and the Grenadines. Since 2010, The Moorings fleet of 35’ to 51’ custom-built catamarans and monohulls have been based in the state-of-the-art Camper & Nicholsons’ Port Louis Marina.

The Moorings works closely with world-renowned yacht builders to develop yachts customized for charter cruising, and will help select the right yacht to suit all ranges of sailing experience. The Moorings’ fleet based at Port Louis Marina will be available for charter and participation in the Grenada Sailing Festival 2012. For more details, contact the Moorings at www.themoorings.com .

Welcoming the news, Grenada Sailing Festival Chairman, Mr. Jimmy Bristol said: “The Moorings is well-known and respected world-wide for its sailing charter operations, and we are delighted to have this prestigious name linked with the Grenada Sailing Festival and its Charter Class. There has been a long history between The Moorings and the island of Grenada, and it is particularly good news that the company is once again basing its fleet here at Camper & Nicholsons’ Port Louis Marina. The combination of a renowned charter operation and top quality Marina facility will further ensure that Grenada is on the map as a world-class sailing destination.”

The Moorings Charter Class will be one of the racing class options available for entries to the 2012 Grenada Sailing Festival Camper & Nicholsons Racing Series, to be held from Friday, January 27 to Tuesday, January 31. Other classes will be Racing; Racer/Cruising, Cruising, Mutlihull, and J24. Entries can be made directly online at the official Festival website www.grenadasailingfestival.com or by emailing the office at gsail@spiceisle.com .

The Grenada Sailing Festival wishes to thank all its sponsors and supporters already on board for 2012: the Grenada Board of Tourism, Camper & Nicholsons Marinas, ScotiaBank, United Insurance, Mount Gay Rum with agent Bryden & Minors, Budget Marine, True Blue Bay Resort, The Moorings, The Victory Bar & Restaurant, North South Wines, SOL EC Ltd., Grenada Breweries Ltd., GBN, LIME, Chivas Regal, American Airlines, British Airways, Horizon Yacht Charters, Spice Island Marine Services, Grenada Union of Teachers Co-Op Credit Union, Island Dreams Yacht Services, Turbulence Ltd., Steele’s Auto Supplies, Harris Paints (Barbados) Ltd., Coca Cola, Grenlec, Glenelg Spring Water, Spice Isle Fish House, Country Cold Store, Marketing & National Importing Board, and Mitchell’s Health & Wellness.

For more information, contact: Grenada Sailing Festival, P.O. Box 98, St. George , Grenada, Phone: 1 (473) 440 4809, Email: gsail@spiceisle.com

Website: www.greandasailingfestival.com

Source: grenadagrenadines.com and eturbonews.com

Commissioner of Tourism Beverly Nicholson-Doty and Assistant Commissioner of Tourism Monique Sibilly Hodge met the passengers aboard the inaugural flight, which included Air Canada representative Louise Le Beau, Vice President of Product Development and Revenue Management. In true USVI style, passengers received a taste of Virgin Islands culture upon arrival this afternoon including live steel pan music, greeters dressed in traditional Madras, samples of Cruzan Rum and welcome bags.

With a dedicated presence in Canada for over two years, the Department of Tourism has implemented marketing initiatives designed to grow awareness and interest in travel to the Territory, including travel agent outreach, industry trade shows and media relations efforts. Based on the Department’s research, the Canadian market continues to demonstrate strong demand, despite the recent economic recession.

“We are extremely thrilled to welcome the passengers on this first Air Canada flight to St. Thomas. We also look forward to showcasing the destination to the 2,000 inbound passengers expected to visit during the winter months, as result of this new service,” said Commissioner Beverly Nicholson-Doty. “Annually, we receive approximately 7,000 visitors from Canada and with this new airlift we anticipate growth of at least 20% from the Territory’s second largest international market.”

The flight, AC1796, departed Toronto’s Pearson International (YYZ) at 9:45 a.m. and arrived at Cyril E. King airport (STT) at 3:54 p.m. Returning flights depart St. Thomas at 4:15 p.m. and arrive in Toronto at 9:25 p.m. This added airlift will offer Canadians non-stop service once every Saturday between Toronto and St. Thomas, through April 14, 2012. The flights are serviced by Air Canada’s Airbus 319-100 aircraft featuring a new cabin interior, 14 executive seats and 106 economy seats.

In anticipation of the new service, and to increase awareness and bookings to the Territory in time for holiday and winter travel, the Department of Tourism activated a series of activities and events across Canada this fall, targeting travel agents, meeting planners, media and consumers.

In October, representatives from the Department participated in a number of activities including a presentation to top retail travel agents and partners of Air Canada Vacations. The DOT also hosted a VIP reception with Air Canada Vacations which was attended by more than 120 travel industry members, including consumer and trade media.

Additionally, the sales team attended a variety of trade shows including the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Media Marketplace in both Toronto and Montreal as well as the International Tourism and Travel Show in Montreal. Air Canada Vacations also executed a USVI-focused national sales blitz across Canada last month with 13 of the company’s sales representatives who promoted the new service to travel agents across the country. To augment these efforts, the Department of Tourism will be running an ongoing media campaign to further promote Canadian travel to the Territory this winter.

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM WELCOMES INAUGURAL AIR CANADA FLIGHT FROM TORONTO TO ST. THOMAS

~ New service to provide added airlift from key international market ~

Visitors from Canada were greeted with a warm USVI welcome on Christmas Eve when the inaugural Air Canada flight from Toronto touched down in St. Thomas. The sold-out flight was the first of new weekly Air Canada service that will increase visitor arrivals from the Territory’s second largest international market.

Commissioner of Tourism Beverly Nicholson-Doty and Assistant Commissioner of Tourism Monique Sibilly Hodge met the passengers aboard the inaugural flight, which included Air Canada representative Louise Le Beau, Vice President of Product Development and Revenue Management. In true USVI style, passengers received a taste of Virgin Islands culture upon arrival this afternoon including live steel pan music, greeters dressed in traditional Madras, samples of Cruzan Rum and welcome bags.

With a dedicated presence in Canada for over two years, the Department of Tourism has implemented marketing initiatives designed to grow awareness and interest in travel to the Territory, including travel agent outreach, industry trade shows and media relations efforts. Based on the Department’s research, the Canadian market continues to demonstrate strong demand, despite the recent economic recession.

“We are extremely thrilled to welcome the passengers on this first Air Canada flight to St. Thomas. We also look forward to showcasing the destination to the 2,000 inbound passengers expected to visit during the winter months, as result of this new service,” said Commissioner Beverly Nicholson-Doty. “Annually, we receive approximately 7,000 visitors from Canada and with this new airlift we anticipate growth of at least 20% from the Territory’s second largest international market.”

The flight, AC1796, departed Toronto’s Pearson International (YYZ) at 9:45 a.m. and arrived at Cyril E. King airport (STT) at 3:54 p.m. Returning flights depart St. Thomas at 4:15 p.m. and arrive in Toronto at 9:25 p.m. This added airlift will offer Canadians non-stop service once every Saturday between Toronto and St. Thomas, through April 14, 2012. The flights are serviced by Air Canada’s Airbus 319-100 aircraft featuring a new cabin interior, 14 executive seats and 106 economy seats.

In anticipation of the new service, and to increase awareness and bookings to the Territory in time for holiday and winter travel, the Department of Tourism activated a series of activities and events across Canada this fall, targeting travel agents, meeting planners, media and consumers.

In October, representatives from the Department participated in a number of activities including a presentation to top retail travel agents and partners of Air Canada Vacations. The DOT also hosted a VIP reception with Air Canada Vacations which was attended by more than 120 travel industry members, including consumer and trade media.

Additionally, the sales team attended a variety of trade shows including the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Media Marketplace in both Toronto and Montreal as well as the International Tourism and Travel Show in Montreal. Air Canada Vacations also executed a USVI-focused national sales blitz across Canada last month with 13 of the company’s sales representatives who promoted the new service to travel agents across the country. To augment these efforts, the Department of Tourism will be running an ongoing media campaign to further promote Canadian travel to the Territory this winter.

Photo:  Commissioner of Tourism Beverly Nicholson-Doty and Assistant Commissioner of Tourism Monique Sibilly Hodge greet passengers as they disembark Air Canada’s inaugural non-stop flight to St. Thomas

If you find yourself in Jamaica this Halloween and you want to enjoy the Caribbean nation beyond reggae and rum, might I suggest you take on the island’s “spooky side?”

The White Witch of Rose Hall

Sitting atop the Rose Hall Plantation, located east of Montego Bay, is the Rose Hall Mansion, where Annie Palmer, referred to as the White Witch of Rose Hall, continues to be influenced by locals. She is said to have been murdered in the 1830s during a slave uprising in Jamaica, but she remains feared to this day by local Jamaicans because they believe that Annie Palmer’s spirit is haunting the Rose Hall Mansion. According to locals, the “white witch” practiced black magic and that she killed three husbands (by poison, by stabbing and then pouring boiling oil into his ears, and by strangling) and an unknown number of lovers, including slaves.

One local resident said she would not dare set foot in the Rose Hall Mansion at night because she is “scared of the white witch.” In one of the halls in the mansion, a painting of Annie Palmer wearing a red dress and surrounded by children serves as eerie reminder of the “white witch’s” influence. “No matter what angle you look at the painting, it looks like she is staring right at you. It’s creepy,” said one local.

The Rose Hall Mansion has become one of Jamaica’s top tourist attractions. Curious tourists who wish to see where the “white witch” ate, slept and also areas of the house where she is said to haunt can opt to take the day tour or the night tour, which, according to a Rose Hall tour guide, is “more interactive.” Either way, the tour ends at the gravesite of Annie Palmer. Day or night, that is spooky enough given the history of the said “haunted mansion.”

Captain Hook

If you aren’t too busy hunting ghosts at Rose Hall Mansion, head on over to the Falmouth Pier in Trelawny to party with some “pirates of the Caribbean.” Jamaica’s latest tourist attraction, unveiled last August, is called “Captain Hook.” It is a three-hour dinner cruise show featuring live cannons, sword fights, games, and a whole lot of dancing. Joining Captain Hook on this dinner voyage into the Caribbean Sea is another notable pirate of the Caribbean — the infamous Jack Sparrow.

The cast of Captain Hook is a fun bunch and they all deserve to be commended for making the three-hour adventure in the Caribbean Sea a worthwhile experience. The dinner cruise show requires a lot of interaction between the cast and guests, so it is imperative that guests are made comfortable to partake in all of the action. This is not an easy task, as it requires the cast members to read whether a guest is willing to be an active participant in the charade or not. If you are game, a good time can be had.

Whether you’re solo, or travelling with family or friends, spending the holidays in Grenada will certainly be memorable.

“We are always honoured when visitors choose to come and spend the holidays with us in Grenada,” said Simon Stiell, director of tourism for the Grenada Board of Tourism. “Across the island we go out of our way to ensure this is a special time for all of our guests.”

The tiny island offers a change of pace and a different way to celebrate the holidays. For those visitors looking for rest and relaxation, the island has over 40 white sand and black sand beaches, including the famed Grand Anse Beach. Grenada is also home to a tropical rainforest, perfect for hiking opportunities. For those looking to get out on the water, Grenada is a popular yachting destination and offers some of the Caribbean’s best diving. Whatever type of holiday you’re after, it can be found in Grenada, ‘The Spice of the Caribbean.’

Visitors can bring home a taste of Grenada with the following Fruit Cake recipe:

• 1 pound margarine

• 1 pound sugar

• 1 dozen eggs

• 1 pound flour

• 1 pint wine

• ½ teaspoon lime juice

• ¼ teaspoon grated nutmeg

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 tablespoon browning or brown coloring

• ¼ teaspoon lime rind

• ¼ pound ground nuts or cashew nuts, finely chopped

2 lbs. mixed preserved local fruits as follows:

• ¼ pound mangoes, diced

• ¼ pound mammy apple, diced

• ¼ pound French cashews, diced

• ¼ pound pineapple, diced

• ¼ pound golden apple, diced

• ¼ pound ripe banana

• ¼ pound mixed peel

• ¼ pound cherries, halved

Drain fruits of syrup. Pour wine over fruits, cover, and set aside. Cream margarine and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add lime rind and juice. Fold in flour and mixed soaked fruits alternately. Mix well after each addition. Add spices and browning. Fold in nuts. Pour mixture into prepared baking tins and bake in moderate oven.

About Grenada Board of Tourism

The Grenada Board of Tourism’s objective is to market and promote Grenada as a preferred year round Caribbean tourist destination, while providing technical and managerial support to the travel trade, industry partners and airlines.

For more information on Grenada, contact the Grenada Board of Tourism at 416-595-1339, email at tourism@grenadaconsulate.com or visit www.grenadagrenadines.com

With the help of the Darwin Initiative funding body, a 3-year project has been launched to conduct pioneering research into the fungus and how it operates within the mountain chicken population. This is in an attempt to gain a better understanding of how the frogs are affected by the fungus with the view to developing the most effective methods of increasing their chances of survival.

For more information visit the project website: www.mountainchicken.org