Barbados Regional Ferry Contract

The Barbados-based Fast Caribbean Ltd has been selected to manage a regional ferry service scheduled to come on stream this year.                                                                              

                                           

Initially, the ferry will carry passengers, vehicles and goods from its base in Trinidad and Tobago to Grenada, St Vincent and the Grenadines, St Lucia and Barbados.                      

                                                 

Read more at Caribbean 360 

Deloitte Barbados Hosting FATCA Seminar

The seminar will specifically deal with bank accounts of U.S. citizens held in Barbados, and other Caribbean nations.                                      

Deloitte Barbados will host a seminar in Barbados on February 3, 2012 on the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) for members of the accounting, banking and financial community in Barbados, and other Caribbean nations.                                               

                                                       

Deloitte Barbados has established a global FATCA desk to provide assistance in Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean, as well as others parts of the globe. The free seminar will provide details on FATCA, and what should be done by Caribbean financial institutions to prepare for it.                                           

The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) was passed by the U.S. Congress on March 18, 2010, and is an effort by the U.S. government to improve tax compliance involving foreign financial assets and offshore accounts. The Act goes into effect January 1, 2013.                                 

Under FATCA, U.S. taxpayers with specified foreign financial assets that exceed certain thresholds must report those assets to the IRS. This reporting will be made on Form 8938, which taxpayers attach to their federal income tax return, starting this tax filing season.  

                              

In addition, FATCA will require foreign financial institutions to report directly to the IRS information about financial accounts held by U.S. taxpayers, or held by foreign entities in which U.S. taxpayers hold a substantial ownership interest.

Women's Rowing Team Breaks Double World Record in Barbados

The Row for Freedom women's team set a double world record in completing their 3,000 mile, 45 day rowing journey across the Atlantic.  

                                            

The ladies also have the distinction of being the fastest female crew to cross the Atlantic Ocean - and the first female team of five to row any ocean.          

           

The female team finished in fifth place after making the crossing from the Canary Islands to Barbados - which is the old Atlantic slave trade route. Row for Freedom raised money for ECPAT UK and the A21 charities which support victims of human trakkicking and forced labor.                                              

Friends and family were on hand in Barbados to welcome them as they crossed the finish line in Port St. Charles.                                                    

                                                  

View a video of the women's arrival in Port St. Charles, Barbados

ROW FOR FREEDOM ARRIVE IN BARBADOS AND SET TWO WORLD RECORDS from Talisker Whisky on Vimeo.

Island Inn Hotel - Historic Barbados Property

Following a major renovation and restoration project last year, the historic and all-inclusive 24-room Island Inn Hotel in Barbados offers a contemporary atmosphere, however the property still maintains its historic character.                           

This property was originally constructed in 1804 as a Rum Storage facility for the British Regiment.  

                                                                     

                                                                                                                                                      

The Island Inn enjoys a great location just minutes from busy Bridgetown, and close to the Kensington Oval cricket grounds as well as the Garrison Savannah horse racing track. 

 

The Island Inn Hotel features 24 guest rooms and suites in five different categories - Standard Garden View, Standard Courtyard, Superior Garden View rooms, Superior Poolside rooms and Junior Suites.                                                                                                       

View location map, and other hotels, and attractions nearby

Bathsheba - A Vastly Different Barbados

Just returned from my favorite island home - here's a few pics taken in Bathsheba                         

The landscape on the island of Barbados is quite diverse.          

        

The South and West coast borders the Caribbean Sea like many islands in the Caribbean chain. However the real diversity of the island lies on the beautiful, untamed Eastern Atlantic coast.

                                                       

 

Bathsheba is in the parish of St Joseph, approximately 14 miles from Bridgetown the capital. Bathsheba's coastline has long shallow approaches to the beach making a long stretch for huge waves to roll in.                              

                     

What makes Bathsheba so fascinating are the massive rock formations.                             

The huge limestone rock formations on the white crescent shaped sand beaches broke away from ancient coral reefs. Over centuries the crashing surf has molded the limestone rocks into some very unusual shapes.                 

This is a small fishing community that stretches for miles along the eastern seaboard. The tradewind breezes blow gently across the rest of Barbados, however Bathsheba is always windy and slightly cooler than the rest of the island. The air is clean, fresh, invigorating - and no mosquitoes!                           

The undercurrents are very strong, and swimming is not advised.                                                          

Bathsheba is know to surfers around the world. This is the home of the infamous "Soup Bowl" which hosts international surfing championships.                                                    

However there are a few spots that offer tide pools. These pools are shallow (several feet deep), close to the shoreline and formed by the reefs and coral. One of the most popular is Bath Beach, located just a little farther south. It's refreshing sitting in these pools on a hot day with the strong surf splashing in, swirling around you - kind of like a hot tub or whirlpool.                                       

You'll find many locals here for the weekend - and it's the picture perfect picnic spot. Find a spot under the sea grape trees, unwind and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.  

Ambassador to Barbados and Eastern Caribbean: Who Is Larry Leon Palmer?

The United States will soon have a new ambassador to the Caribbean island nations of Barbados, St. Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, and St Vincent and The Grenadines.                                                                                                                     

President Barack Obama nominated Senior Foreign Service member Larry Leon Palmer on November 1, 2011. If confirmed, Palmer will be the first Foreign Service officer to serve in this post since President Jimmy Carter sent Frank V. Ortiz, Jr., in 1977.

______________________

 

The son of a minister, Palmer was born in Augusta, Georgia, and graduated from T.W. Josey High School as valedictorian in 1966. He earned a scholarship to Emory University and graduated with a B.A. in history in 1970.                                                                                                                

Shortly after graduating from Emory, Palmer joined the Peace Corps and served as a volunteer in Liberia from 1971 to 1973, teaching high school biology, science, chemistry, physics and American literature.                           

Back in the U.S., he received an M.Ed. in African History at Texas Southern University in 1973, and then began an academic career as assistant director of financial aid at the University of Virginia from 1973 to 1974.                         

Read full article at AllGov

Don’t Let Our History Be Lost

Excellent article in the Barbados Advocate by Janelle Riley-Thornhill 

"If we do not know where we have come from, we cannot possibly know where we are going. Last week at the launch of the 1652 Foundation, formed to promote the signing of the 1652 Charter of Barbados, which helped pave the way for democracy not only here in Barbados but in the United States, Prime Minister Freundel Stuart made that very point."                                                                                                Continue reading at Barbados Advocate 

                                   

If you are not aware of the colonial ties between Barbados and the U.S. - read our previous post from 2005

Sea-U Guest House Renews Pledge to Sustainability with Green Globe Certification

Green Globe today announced recertification of Sea-U Guest House, Tent Bay, Bathsheba.                                                                            

                                                                                                                        

Located on the rugged east coast of Barbados, surrounded by green hills, natural beaches, tidal pools, and small villages, Sea-U Guest House is committed to preserving nature and invites their guests to be a part of their Green Team.                                      

                                                                               

Green Globe Certification CEO Mr. Guido Bauer said: “Sea-U Guest House is a perfect example of collaboration and innovation between the guest house owner, expatriate Miss Uschi Wetzels, and the local community from Tent Bay. Together they deliver an authentic and quality holiday experience which leads as an example of good environmental practice and social engagement for all Barbadian tourism operators,” added Mr. Bauer.                                                                                                       

                                                                  

Sea-U Guest House rests near the natural, unspoiled beaches of Bathsheba and is close to one of the finest surf spots in Barbados, Soup Bowl. The guest house is also within walking distance from the renowned Andromeda Botanic Gardens.                        

                                                                               

Sea-U Guest House owner, Miss Uschi Wetzels, said: “Since our original certification, we have achieved so much, and we are very pleased to receive the Green Globe certification once again. Born and raised in Germany, I learnt early about ‘being green.’ Here in Barbados, it is a relatively new idea to pay close attention to environmental issues. As an example, a couple of years ago, I had to insist that cleaning products, not hazardous to us or the environment, must be used instead of the chlorine-based ones that were in use all over the island.                                                                        

                                         

“Today it is in ‘everybody’s blood’ as we say in Germany, to be environmentally conscious in all of our daily activities at the guest house. Today, members of our staff come up with their own ideas on how to advance our green practice, while maintaining high standards. One of our interesting innovations was to replace common drinking straws with home grown bamboo straws to serve our house drink, coconut water in its own shell,” added Miss Wetzels.                                                                      

                                           

ABOUT SEA-U GUEST HOUSE

                                                                                                   

Spend your days at Sea-U Guest House Hotel in Barbados relaxing in a hammock while listening to the constant ocean waves. The Caribbean breeze keeps reminding you that you are so far removed from the hustle and bustle of the real world.                                                                                                                                                         

As a pampered guest you will be able to enjoy the lush gardens high atop a hill overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Newly built in traditional Bajan style, Sea-U Guest House's spacious private rooms provide you with all the best of a hidden island hotel and beach vacation rental and with all that Bajan hospitality offers.                                                                                                                       

Hammocks strung lazily between coconut palms allow you to watch the waves breaking on the tremendous limestone rocks. Take sneak peeks at our green monkeys, hummingbirds, and wildlife on the deck in front of your room. The spectacular sunrises invite you to the ocean's edge for your own private show. And the star-spangled sunsets can be yours.                                                                                                      

                                         

Contact: Uschi Wetzels,Sea-U Guest House, Tent Bay, Bathsheba, St. Joseph, BB21054, Barbados, W.I., Phone +1-246-433-9450, Fax +1-246-433-9210, Skype: seauinbarbados

Email: reservation@seaubarbados.com

www.seaubarbados.com                                                                            

                                                                                                    

ABOUT GREEN GLOBE CERTIFICATION                                                                                       

Green Globe Certification is the worldwide sustainability system based on internationally-accepted criteria for sustainable operation and management of travel and tourism businesses.                                                                   

Operating under a worldwide license, Green Globe Certification is based in California, USA, and is represented in over 83 countries. Green Globe Certification is a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, supported by the United Nations Foundation. 

For information, visit www.greenglobe.com                                                                                

MEDIA CONTACT: Green Globe Certification, Phone: +1-310-337-3000, Fax: +1-310-626-9982

Email: pr@greenglobe.com

www.greenglobe.com

                                                                                                             

Source: eTurboNews

The Peaceful Caribbean Conference

Hilton Barbados Resort - Bridgetown, Barbados

April 20, 2012

                                                                

The Peaceful Caribbean Initiative, in association with Caribbean News Now, is holding its first regional conference in Bridgetown, Barbados, on addressing the increasing problem of crime in the Caribbean.                                                                                                                                   

The conference will feature top personalities from the Caribbean and the US, as well as the publication’s editors and contributors.                                                                                                                                                                 

There will also be key addresses and panel discussions on the major issues confronting peace and stability in the Caribbean. It promises to be a hugely important event for anyone interested in the future of the Caribbean as a place to live and visit.                                                                                                                                                                   

http://www.peacefulcaribbean.com/                                                                                                                                 

About the Peaceful Caribbean Initiative:

The Peaceful Caribbean Initiative is the brainchild of Dominican-born Rebecca Theodore, who has been on the frontlines of the international political scene for over a decade, writing and speaking in print, online and broadcast media within the Caribbean, the US and Canada on national security and political issues.                                                                                                                                                    

The vision and mission of the Peaceful Caribbean Initiative is to have the Caribbean regain its rightful place in the world and to re-establish the perceptions and realities of the region as a peaceful and stable place for residents and visitors alike.  

Gibbs Bay Inn

 

Less than a resort, not quite a hotel, more than a bed & breakfast.... a family run Inn

Gibbs Bay Inn is an historic mansion dating back 100 years, and is located in the parish of St Peter

The property is the former home of Caribbean designer Oliver Messel. Gibbs Bay Inn has distinctive architecture with slender Greek columns and flattened arches.

Guests will find the family run inn is affordable, with comfortable accommodations and traditional English tea is served in the afternoon.

The property features 30 en suite double rooms all set around the pool, and the popular Gibbs Beach is right across the street.

 www.gibbsbayinn.com

Photo - courtesy of Gibbs Bay Inn

Hello from Beautiful Barbados!

Arrived Saturday morning from a weeks vacation in The Grenadines. After chilling out in Bequia for a week, definitely ready to step up the pace here in Barbados.                                                             

                                                            

I'm staying with a couple who are timeshare members at The Crane. So very nice of them to let me crash in their 2 bedroom ocean view for a few days.

         

                                                                                        

Got an early start to the day with a light breakfast, and spent a few hours lounging on Crane Beach. After dreaming of "flying fish" for weeks, "Just Grillin" in Hastings was my first stop. The flying fish platter and jerk chicken salad was absolutely delicious.                                                                                                                      

Definitely needed some exercise after lunch, and walked over to Rockley Beach to take pics, and then proceeded to The Gap to hook up with my rum punch supplier - a Bajan friend who makes the best rum punch - by the gallon.                                            

                                                                                                

Lugging a very heavy beach bag filled with rum punch, the next closet stop was Dover Beach and the opportunity to see friends from the East coast. We all purchased timeshares at Divi Southwinds decades ago, keep in touch throughout the year - and of course meet up on the same beach spot in January. After catching up on the latest news, a brief swim, and a few rum punches, it was time to head back to my home base. Took a nice shower, and somehow fell asleep on the balcony, but woke up in time for a fabulous lobster dinner. Turning in early since it looks like a rainy night.                                                                                             

                             

Plans for the next few days                                                                                                                            

Sunday - After an early breakfast, striking out to Bathsheba for a picnic, and then back to South Coast for a full day of beach time. Cafe Sol's first Happy Hour, along with dinner is the plan. Will probably hang out in The Gap all night.                                                                                                                                               

Monday - Starting with breakfast and some beach bum time at The Crane, and next stop will be Oistins for another round of flying fish. After lunch I'll do a little shopping, then head back to home base, and get ready for dinner on the West coast. Plans are to spend the rest of the evening in Holetown.                                                                                                                                                 

Tuesday - Relax at The Crane most of the day, dinner at The Fish Pot, and Bridgetown for a little night life.                                                                                                                                                                          

Wednesday - Early flight back home                                                              

                                                              

Will post pics from The Grenadines and Barbados later . . . Linda

On The Road: Barbados' Twist on Tennis

West Indian cricket legend Brian Lara, who hails from Trinidad, is a notable fan of the sport, while France's Gael Monfils is among the top tennis players who have tried it on visits to Barbados . . . 

___________________________

Sylvin Barnett makes a living driving a forklift for a beer company, but his real passion is on the road.                                                                                                                

The 41-year-old is a leading exponent of a little-known offshoot of tennis that has made him a celebrity in his native Barbados, and he hopes that its appeal will go global.

Road Tennis is a fast and furious scaled-down version of the sport which can be played almost anywhere, and has attracted the interest of stars such as Andy Murray and Venus Williams.

It's a bit like table tennis, but without the table.

Read full article                                                                                       

View Our Previous posts on Barbados Road Tennis                               

Road Tennis Orginated in Barbados

How to Play Barbados Road Tennis                                                        

REDjet Announcing New Routes, Cancelling Others

REDjet says it will introduce three new routes this year - however the low fare airline has cancelled more than 50 flights.

Barbados, Trinidad, Jamaica and Guyana are among the islands that will be affected by the flight changes which will be announced in March.

So what's the story on why these flights are being cancelled?

REDjet's Chief Executive Ian Burns states the airlines financial situation is not the problem. He further states the airline is on budget, and the cancelled flights will be rescheduled to new flight times.   

REDjet released a statement stating passengers can expect to benefit from new and more convenient flight times, and the launch of three new routes to two new destinations in time for Easter 2012.

The Barbados-based airline said it has added a third MD-80 aircraft to its fleet and hired additional pilots in preparation.

Mount Gay Rum Video

Barbados is home to Mount Gay - the oldest rum in the world 

 

Official Guide - Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association

Getting ready to head out to Bequia in The Grenadines in a few hours. Then it's on to my favorite island Barbados - will arrive on January 16th - Can hardly wait!! Linda                                                                                                       

                       

Check out every tourists favorite Barbados publication - "Visit Barbados"

View the latest Visit Barbados 2012 Edition

Three Generation Art Show in Barbados

March 25th, 2012 at the Caribbean Gallery of Art, Barbados.                                                                            

A first for the island! An Art Show by three generations of the same family in Barbados - Jill Walker, Sue Trew and Holly Trew.

Inchcape Seaside Villas in Barbados

Inchscape Villas provides 6 spacious individual houses in the compound, all with colourful gardens of tropical flowers and views of the sea, are tastefully furnished and completely equipped for your comfort.

    

Each house has it’s own style, character and quality. The buildings are named to match their special features.                                                                                                                                                        

SEASIDE - House Seaside is a charming, coral stone building beautifully situated at the water’s edge on the western end of Silver Sands beach. This elegant, colonial style house is a striking ocean front property.                                                                                                                                                        

SEASIDE COTTAGES - Extravaganza in architecture and Caribbean lifestyle at it’s best. These three one bedroom apartments are more than just a place to stay and stand for the most outstanding quality amongst Inchcape’s rental units.                                                                                                                   

SUNRISE - is perched at the water’s edge on a rocky point at the end of the magnificent Silver Sands Beach. As it’s name indicates it is the perfect spot to watch the sun rise out of the Caribbean Sea.  

          

COURTYARD - is the perfect blend of old and new, offering visitors the charm and elegance of a traditional 1920’s plantation house, combined with the convenience of modern amenities.  

                      

THE GARDEN - Apartment is situated in on the ground floor of House Courtyard as an affordable one bedroom unit with two outdoor terrace areas facing the beautiful Caribbean Sea.

                                     

SUNSET - located on the western side of Inchcape’s ocean front coral rocks, is the ideal vantage point from which to enjoy the ever changing tableau of a colorful Caribbean sunset.

                                           

THE GATEHOUSE - is containing three different up- and downstairs sections. The Tower unit is a stylish and spacious one bedroom apartment. Seaview and Coconut are studios with small kitchens and a bathroom.

Order a FREE brochure and get more details for this particular property.

Travel 2 the Caribbean offers FREE brochures for many islands in the Caribbean, as well as South and Central America

Barbados Battle Against Lionfish

Lionfish off the west coast of Barbados have prompted island authorities to implement another phase of a plan to get rid of these predators.

The lionfish is an invasive species which original home is in the Pacific ocean. It is believed they entered the Caribbean back in 1992 after damage from Hurricane Andrew released the fish from an aquarium located in Florida.  

Biologists believe the fish released floating sacs of eggs that rode the Gulf Stream north along the U.S. coast, leading to colonization of deep reefs off the eastern seabord of the U.S., and made their way into the Caribbean - and they have spread to the Gulf of Mexico and the northern coast of South America.

These deadly predators kill off native species which graze and keep seaweed from over taking the coral reefs. Researchers have observed just one lionfish eating 20 small fish in less than 30 minutes. The lionfish have no known predators in the Atlantic or Caribbean.

Aside from killing over native fish species, the lionfish can provide a painful sting to divers or swimmers. Their sharp spines release venom, and the sting could be fatal to some people with allergic reactions or heart problems.  

Scientists are attempting to find out what keeps the lionfish population in check in their native Pacific - obviously that predator does not exisit in the Caribbean.

Chantours Caribbean Day Excursions from Barbados

Comfort and luxury away from the crowds . . . When Only the Best Will Do                                                                                      

Indulge in Chantours Caribbean's renowned day excursions to The Grenadines or one of Barbados' neighbouring Islands.                     

I can personally recommend The Grenadines Escape to Union Island, Canouan Island, Mayreau, Tobago Cays, Petit Tabac and Palm Island.                                                          

After taking Chantours from Barbados to the Grenadines several years ago, The Grenadines have become another popular vacation destination. I'm heading out on the 9th for a 7 day trip, and will round out my 11 day vacation in Barbados.                                                                            

The flight from Barbados is approximately 45 minutes, and you arrive in Union Island. A beautiful 52 ft catamaran greets you, and once onboard breakfast is served. It's an excellent opportunity to experience the islands of The Grenadines in just one glorious day.                                                                                 

At each island, you can swim and snorkle in the clear waters, or relax on the beach. Lunch onboard consists of chicken and fish prepared local style, garden salad, pasta/potato salad, vegetable rice, baked potatoes, local vegetables, local fruits for desert when available, and wine is served. The open bar features rum punch, juice, soft drinks, beer, and there's plenty of cold water. The catamaran holds 6 - 20 guests.  

http://www.chantours.com/

Bring Sunscreen - Leave Worries at Home

Barbados enjoys year round sunshine with a warm, tropical climate tempered by the cooling, prevailing northeast tradewinds off coast of Africa. Even on the hottest day, the tradewinds add a refreshing breeze. 

On average, there are over eight hours of SUN per day all year round. After the sun sets, the temperature turns pleasantly cool.

Barbados has 70 square miles of fine beaches, underground caverns, caves and sea pools. The following hotels/resorts are located on the lively South Coast of the island - close to nightlife, restaurants, shopping, banking and more. 

SILVERPOINT VILLA HOTEL from $99.04

Silverpoint Hotel is a unique boutique hotel that offers the services and amenities of a luxury hotel, set within an intimate environment.

ALMOND CASUARINA BEACH RESORT from $240.63

Casuarina Beach Resort is located by the sands of Dover Beach, near St. Lawrence Gap, and approximately five miles from Grantley Adams International Airport.

TURTLE BEACH RESORT BY ELEGANT HOTELS ALL-INCLUSIVE from $475.00

On Barbados's South Coast, Turtle Beach Hotel offers all-inclusive accommodations on six acres of lush gardens in Dover. Guests will be able to reach St. Lawrence Gap nightlife in a few minutes' drive, Bridgetown in about 15 minutes' drive, and the Grantley Adams Airport in about 20 minutes.

SOUTHERN PALMS BEACH CLUB from $180.94

Southern Palms is a beachfront hotel located approximately 15 minutes from the airport, midway to Bridgetown, the capital city.In addition to the beach, recreational offerings include two freshwater swimming pools, free watersports, a mini-golf course, and two lighted tennis courts.

DOVER BEACH HOTEL from $117.90

Dover Beach Hotel consists of three blocks (Calais, Goldwater, and Flowers) situated in a quiet terrace just off the lively St. Lawrence Gap.

ACCRA BEACH HOTEL AND SPA from $200.00

The Accra Beach Hotel and Spa is located in Christ Church, Barbados and the nearest airport is Bridgetown Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI). 

BOUGAINVILLEA BEACH RESORT from $172.09

Bougainvillea Beach Resort resides on the famed south coast of Barbados - Maxwell Coast. Guests can walk along the beach to the St Lawrence Gap area for shops, restaurants, bars, and entertainment.

BLUE HORIZON HOTEL from $82.98

Located opposite of South Coast's renowned Rockley Beach, Blue Horizon is approximately eight miles from the Grantley Adams International Airport and three miles from downtown Bridgetown.

SAVANNAH BEACH ALL INCLUSIVE - $384.00

The Savannah Beach All Inclusive Resort is located on the beach on the South Coast of Barbados. This beautiful yet convenient location is just eight miles from Grantley Adams International Airport and only one mile from the hustle and bustle of downtown Bridgetown, the island's capital.

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