My Barbados Blog

I've received several e-mails about our posting on the Africans stranded in Barbados after their charter flight failed to return and pick them up. The question asked by everyone is what has happened to these people - Linda

Notes from the Margin blog tracked a story out of Ghana which states that the Government of Ghana will charter an aircraft to bring their countrymen home.

Also Radio Jamaica's site has an article stating that the media in Barbados has reported that the government has been in discussion with the Ghanaian Embassy in Cuba on the return of the passengers.

A link from Notes From the Margin to a Ghana website states that "the passengers had hopes of crossing over to the US, Canada and other developed countries for greener pastures", which brings up the question of whether there was a scheduled return flight from the onset. Still very much a controversial story.

See links to both articles for more info
 
Ghanaian Government Will Charter Plane To Fly Ghanaian’s Home!
Tracking a story out of Ghana this morning that the Government of Ghana will charter an aircraft to bring their countrymen home.

90 Ghanaians stranded in Barbados
Barbados media reported that the government has been in contact with the Ghanaian Embassy in Cuba to discuss the return of the passengers.  

The RSS News Feed from the White House reads . . .
President Bush to Welcome Prime Ministers of The Bahamas, Barbados, and Belize
 
President Bush will welcome Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham of The Bahamas, Prime Minister David Thompson of Barbados (shown here), and Prime Minister Dean Barrow of Belize to the White House on March 20, 2008.

The Bahamas, Barbados, and Belize are longstanding friends of the United States and countries with whom we share deep social and familial ties as well as the values of democracy and respect for human rights.

The President looks forward to discussing a range of issues--including strengthening democracy in the region, increasing social and trade ties, cooperating on security and crime, and improving the lives of the region's citizens - with these new Caribbean leaders, all of whom have been democratically elected within the past year.

Source: The White House

Richard Sealy, Barbados Minister of Tourism says that Americans stay at brand hotels like the Barbados Hilton, and when visiting China choose McDonald's to eat. To sum Americans up, Sealy says, "That's just how they are, they like brand"

Just got through reading an article in the Barbados Nation News about the Barbados government looking at the possibility of building brand name hotels to attract more American visitors - *smch*

As much as I love Barbados, I get so tired of hearing about the efforts to attract Americans to the island.

Let's be real - tourism officials have only targeted Americans who make more than 100K per year. Last year the president of BTA (Barbados Tourism Authority) said that they know exactly where their target market is located in the U.S. So what's the problem?

I'll tell you what the problem is - The most popular islands that Americans visit in the Caribbean do not target a particular American market - they assume ALL Americans can and will visit their island - "It's Better in the Bahamas", and "Come Back to Jamaica". The average American watches a lot of TV! We Americans know these marketing slogans by heart, because we see and hear them all the time. Americans tend to latch onto things we see a lot - that's because we are bombarded with so much information, and so many advertising images. Hit and miss advertising campaigns do not win in America!

The Jamaica and Bahamas commercials brand the "island, it's people, and the culture" - so it's not about a certain hotel brand, or hardly the desire for a cheap burger. It's about a need to get away from stress, cold weather, and bask in the Caribbean sun and warm waters. It's about a feeling that the background music from these commercials bring - and it's tropical, friendly, entertaining and they want you to come! They tell you over and over again how much they want you to come - so American's do, it's really that simple.

But Barbados tourism has another marketing plan

The target group that Barbados spends all its effort, time and money on are the upscale American traveler who makes 100K per year or more. Now, the first downside is where are they getting these annual salary figures from? I ask because people lie a lot about how much money the make, or will possibly spend on a vacation.  

Okay, for those really in the target group, they love an island like Barbados, but they also love many other destinations in the world - particularly if offering unusual, unique properties with top notch service, food and amenities. This is a restless group that becomes easily bored with the same destination, because they can go just about anywhere in the world to vacation. They investigate destinations, get advice from family and friends, subscribe to upscale travel magazines, are member of elite travel clubs, and have experienced travel agents. Trust me, this group does not get all excited about brand name hotels unless it is something that is "one of a kind", and in the current world of travel, that's really saying something. This is also not the group that travels all the to China to dine at McDonalds - unless the kids really beg them.

Actually there are far more Americans that make less than 100K per year - so the tourism numbers are in this group. These are the travelers that spend thousands of vacation dollars every year in Antigua, Aruba, Bahamas, Jamaica, the Dominican, Puerto Rico, USVI, and other Caribbean islands.

So all along Barbados has been marketing to the wrong crowd of Americans. The upscale group travels to anywhere worth visiting, but only targeting to this group will eventually dry up American tourism numbers because there are only so many of them, and they are always in search of the next best destination.  On the other hand, travelers making less than 100K a year love a great vacation spot where they feel comfortable, that's affordable, and they can get to know the island well year after year. Target this group with the smaller property market on Barbados, add some consistent TV ads, and you have the start of growing more tourism from America.

And Americans are unpredictable, so do not think you know us so well Mr. Sealy, because this later group will also step up to the plate with upscale lodging - especially for a special occassion - so you are missing out big time ignoring them.   

The article also mentions UK visitors in comparison with Americans. From what I personally know about the UK tourism market, Brits tend to stay a lot longer than Americans. Most of them are not wealthy, and they know the Barbados lodging market, and the island quite well. First they make next years reservation as soon as they arrive on the island, or have a standing reservation from year to year. Second, they stay at smaller properties, or rent houses, and manage their budgets quite well for a month or two month stay. They also know where to get the best deals on everything because they have built relationships with local Bajans over the years. So, there really is no comparision between UK and American travelers except they both desire a great vacation destination. But if the Brits can stay for up to two months, surely an average American can have a great, affordable stay for a week or two.


Gov't Looking to 'Brand-Name Hotels' - Barbados Nation News

Prime Minister Patrick Manning and Barbados' new Prime Minister David Thompson are set to meet in Trinidad's capital Port of Spain tomorrow.

One issue that has caused the most tension between Trinidad/Tobago and Barbaos has been "flying fish" - Barbados national dish.

In 1978 negotiations between the island nations started in regard to the flying fish stock that migrate between the waters between Tobago and Barbados.

The International Tribunal on the Conventions of the Law of the Sea ruled two years ago on the demarcation of the maritime boundaries between Trinidad, Tobago and Barbados, which resulted in a draft fishing agreenment between the countries. See Previous Posting

Another concern is the massive investments by Trinidad in Barbados' distribution, media, technology and food sectors - especially since Thompson has repeatedly stressed concerns about the stranglehold by powerful cartels on the Barbadian economy, thereby resulting in the high cost of living and rapidly rising food, land and housing prices.

And the issue of air and sea transportation and national security will also be discussed. Manning has responsibility for security in Caricom while Thompson has responsibility for Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME).

On Tuesday afternoon February 12, the opening of a new Parliament will take place in Barbados.

The recent general elections gave former the opposition - the DLP (Democratic Labour Party), led by David Thompson, the title of Prime Minister.

The Barbados Defense Force will form an Honor Guard in the National Heroes Square, and Governor General Sir Clifford Husbands has the role of inspecting the Guard. Husbands will then deliver the traditional Throne Speech, which spells out the new government's policies and priorities for the next five years.   

Following the Throne Speech, both Houses of Parliament will take a tour of the Musuem of Parliament, and the National Heroes Gallery. Barbados has the distinction of having a 300 year old Parliament, which is the second longest in the Commonwealth.

The world reknown Royal Barbados Police Band, and the National Youth Steel Orchestra will provide the musical entertainment for the reception.

Last Wednesday the U.S. Agriculture Department announced that Barbados, along with Indonesia have fully complied with international trade standards and will begin allowing complete market access for U.S. beef and beef products of all ages.

In a statement released by USDA, Acting Agriculture Secretary Chuck Conner applauded the decision, noting it was based on science and in line with international guidelines.

He expressed optimism regarding what the agreement could mean for U.S. beef exports to Caribbean region countries such as Barbados, which he stated boasts one of the strongest economies in the Caribbean and high per capita income, with more than half of the islands gross domestic product coming from tourism.

Currently, more than 100 countries allow the entry of at least some U.S. beef and beef products.

Exports of U.S. beef and beef products to Barbados were roughly $2.7 million in 2007 (January-November) with partial market access.

Source: Agriculture News - Texas Farm Bureau

The citizens of Barbados are looking for new leadership and direction. Those of us here in the U.S. can certainly appreciate that thinking, as we are also looking for a new direction for this country and its policies.

Barbados is tied to the U.S. dollar, and as the dollar has continued to lose value in the global market for some time, Barbados will fell even more of the economic impact of the U.S. recession this year. So while I congratulate the people of Barbados for turning out for change, let's hope some of that change in this upcoming election will be good for both countries. Linda

It will not be business as usual for Barbados' private sector over the next five years of the David Thompson-led government administration.

This was made patently clear by the new prime minister in his first meeting with the sector since coming to office a week ago, when he sat down with over 250 members of the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) at their first luncheon seminar for 2008, which was held at the Savannah Hotel in Christ Church on Wednesday January 24th.

Some of the issue Thompson brought forward for Barbados are:

- Lack of competition causing high prices

- Commitment to deliver lower priced goods to consumers

- Choppy waters ahead

- Willingness to work with regional counterparts

- Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)

Read full article at Caribbean 360

The Barbados Tourism Authority (BTA) President says they are focusing primarily on wealthy travelers from the U.S.

This is not news to me - I have been saying just that for the past few years.

Actually the island of Barbados has something to offer every traveler, but when tourism officials choose to target one particular travel group, the rest of the tourism market will usually choose to go elsewhere. And that's exactly what has happened to Barbados tourism via the U.S. in the last few years.

Stuart Lane, President of the BTA, gave an interview during the CTC 30 to Modern Agent magazine. He was asked how BTA approaches the U.S. market . . .

Lane states that over 60% of the market from the U.S. is from the upscale traveler, with over $100,000 of income. He went on to say that BTA has figured out this target market, and knows where they are located. These travelers have a "certain lifestyle", and are looking for a quality holiday. He goes on to say that the target market are "serious people" who tend to watch news programs. Then he said there are also persons from the "lower strata" who visit the island.

What?!? Ohhh, no he didn't say "lower strata"? This man obviously knows nothing about public relations? Does he realize that the average travel agent makes less than $25,000 a year? So count them out! And all Americans who watch news programs fit BTA's profile, and are classified as serious people? Well, he said it, and I made a decision to print it! They really need to find someone else for his job - Linda

Lane also mentioned the new niche website for Barbados that targets the island for weddings and honeymoons, and also talks about the early historical ties between the U.S. and Barbados.

Click here for the link to the interview. Modern Agent changes the site every week, so I do not know how long this link will be viable . . . 

As a U.S. travel consultant, I have to speak up about all the many wonderful places to stay in Barbados that won't break the average American's travel budget.

I am well aware that BTA has only focused on the upscale market for the past few years, and most of the offerings to the travel community here in the U.S. are only for the upscale traveler.

This is a very unfortunate situation for the many smaller hotels, along with bed and breakfast owners on the island - as they obviously do not have huge marketing budgets, or any support from BTA's marketing here in the U.S.

This is also an unfortunate marketing strategy for the average American traveler, who will obviously overlook a wonderful vacation in Barbados, and choose to spend their money in other parts of the Caribbean.

Every tourist destination loves to attract upscale travelers, but wealthy travelers can get easily bored with the same destination, and are always looking for the next "newest and more exciting" destination.    

In truth the Barbados Tourism Authority has done a poor job of marketing the island here in the U.S. via TV ads. If you understand the U.S. market, you have to know that most Americans watch TV on a regular basis.

While other warm destinations have consistent ad messages (Bahamas, Jamaica, Aruba, Mexico, etc.), you very rarely if ever see an ad for Barbados. In fact the last ad I saw featured Rhianna, and it was so brief you actually missed whatever message the ad was supposed to convey. I cannot imagine any other island who had the opportunity to promote one of its own (who happens to be one of the most popular young entertainers in the world), fail to get the message across, but BTA managed to do just that!    

Over the years, My Barbados Blog has marketed many of the alternative properties on the island, but I will admit we have fallen short in the past year with marketing specific featured products advertised to travel community. So from now on, every week, we will feature at least one small property or Bed & Breakfast here in the blog.

Some of the Bed & Breakfast properties we have featured are:

Gemini House

High Holdings

The Toppin Home

Bali Hai Country House

And look for these properties to be featured here in the blog . . .

Affordable Smaller Barbados Hotels:
Coral Lane Beach Apartments, Best E Villas, Yellow Bird Hotel, Healthy Horizons Beach Apartments, Karekath Beach Apartments, The New Edgewater Hotel, The Nook, Ocean Bliss Apartments, Peach and Quiet, Oleander Beach Apartments, Rainbow Beach Hotel, Rockley Club Apartments, Rostrevor Hotel, Round Rock Apartments, Sea Cruise Villa, Sea Symphony Villa, Seawind Luxury Condominums, South Gap Hotel, Island Inn Hotel, Legend Garden Condos, and Winchelsea Guest House.

Barbadian national pledge of allegiance - I pledge allegiance to my country Barbados and to my flag, To uphold and defend their honour, and by my living to do credit to my nation, wherever I go.

The island of Barbados is celebrating 41 years of independence on November 30.

The national flag of Barbados is comprised of three equal vertical panels - the centre panel of gold and the outer panels of ultramarine. A broken trident in black is located in the centre of the flag. Blue represents the sea and sky of Barbados, while gold represents the sand of the islands beaches. The symbol at the centre of the flag represents the Trident of the mythical sea god, Neptune - the shaft of the trident is broken symbolising Barbados' break from Britain.

Actually the independence celebrations last all month with a variety of community events, fairs and sporting events, which lead up to the national holiday on November 30.

The National Independence Festival of Creative Arts celebrates Barbadian music, dance, drama, arts and crafts, photography, and the best in each group are chosen at the conclusion of the festival.

Independence Day starts off with a big parade and ceremony at the Garrison Savannah. By nightfall the parliament buildings and businesses in the capital city of Bridgetown are all lit up with blue and gold lights, as well as all the highway roundabouts on the island. Blue and gold are the national colors of the island.

While Jamaica and St Lucia have lifted their ban, Barbados has decided to keep the ban on British meat after an outbreak of Hoof & Mouth Disease was reported in August.

Another outbreak has been confirmed in Britain last week, and is about 30 miles from the farm that reported an outbreak back in August.

Banned products in Barbados include: live cattle, pigs, goats and sheep; fresh, frozen and chilled beef, pork, mutton/lamb, goat meat and foods containing these meats; smoked, cured and pickled products containing beef, pork, mutton and goat such as bacon, ham, sausages and pork tails in brine; soft cheeses and dairy products made from unpasteurised milk; and hay, forage and straw.

Efforts are under way to curb the spread of the West Indian Fruit Fly - especially on the Island of Barbados.

Since 2006, the US Department of Agriculture has overseen weekly shipments of wasps to Barbados. These wasps help reduce the fruit fly population without the use of harmful chemical pesticides.

Entomologists from the USDA visited the island to document the eco-friendly biological control program, and admit the fruit fly population in Barbados isn't as bad as many other island in the Caribbean.

USDA Entomologist, Dr. John Svinski, admitted that Barbados was somewhat unique, especially when compared with some other islands such as Puerto Rico, which has an extremely high fruit fly population.

Most Barbadians do want to use pesticides on the fruit trees in their backyards, and the wasp control program has shown to work well in past years.

Last Friday, the U.S. halted Haitian mango imports after inspectors in Florida found fruit fly larvae in three shipments on June 25 and July 2.

State of Florida health personnel are inspecting the fruit trees throughout the state. The discovery of the fruit fly is cause for concern, but "there's no need to panic," Florida Department of Agriculture spokesman Mark Fagan said

A widespread infestation of fruit flies could be a major problem for the state's agriculture sector, one of Florida's major industries which include avocados, grapefruit, guavas, lemons, mangoes, oranges and tangerines.

With a wide host range of more than 100 different fruits and vegetables, including various citrus fruits - fruit flies are one of the most potentially destructive pests in the world.

The US Embassy in Barbados has announced a change in the way visas for temporary visits to the United States (nonimmigrant visas, or NIVs) are processed.

Effective June 18, the Embassy will no longer provide same-day visa issuance to applicants not residing in Barbados.

Instead, successful applicants will return home with their passport, then send the passport back to the Consulate via courier service or mail. The Consulate will insert the visa in the passport and return it by the same means.

The applicant will pay for the delivery of the passport. Exceptions to this process will be made only in genuine emergencies.

Read more about the new policy at Caribbean Net Nets

Barbados Free Press mentions gallimaufry blog, which has beautiful pics of Bridgetown, capital city of Barbados.

Here's one of my favorites below - boy things have changed! All of the photos are simply beautiful.

Head on over to Gallimaufry Blog, and enjoy beautiful Barbados!

INTERNET LAW - DOUBLE TAX TREATIES AND BARBADOS E-COMMERCE

Having recognized the potentiality of the E-commerce, Barbados has adopted developed E-commerce, concentrating mainly on off-shore companies as well as those set up domestically because of its low tax rates.

In what direction is e-commerce developing in Barbados?
 
The government invites offshore companies to set up E-business operations in Barbados. The country has various double tax treaties with various nations to regulate this activity.

If a particular company or any individual operates or lives in Barbados, and if that company or the individual is liable to pay tax in Barbados and accordingly, the tax is paid. In that case, there is no need to pay tax in their native country as well.

14 countries have treaties with Barbados: The United States, United Kingdom, Sweden, Canada, Finland, Norway, Malta, Switzerland, Cuba, Venezuela, the Caribbean Common Market (CARICOM), China, Mauritius and Botswana.

View complete article:

IBLS INTERNET LAW - NEWS PORTAL  
 

Bird Flu Outbreak on English Poultry Farms

In a move to protect the islands poultry industry, Barbados agriculture officials have placed a ban on all poultry and poultry products originating from England. 

The ban will remain in place until further notice, and includes all avian species including pet birds as well as animal products such as feathers.

Over 160,000 turkeys have been slaughtered in Britain in an attempt to contain the bird flu outbreak.

I hope the following statement from the new U.S. Ambassador to Barbados & the Eastern Caribbean was a misprint - Linda.

At a recent media function, the new U.S. Ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Mary Ourisman, (shown at right with husband) says the U.S. government’s decision to implement the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative was taken in the best interest of United States security.

Well that we obviously know! Linda

The new US Ambassador says they are not expecting a negative impact on tourism in the Caribbean since over 70% of Americans already have a passport, and measures are in place to deal with the processing of requests in the quickest possible time.

The truth of the matter is that these figures are opposite from what was reportedly quoted by the Ambassador. Less than 30% of Americans have passports. I hope this was a misquote, because a woman in her position should absolutely know what percentage of American citizens have passports - and it's not 70%. And from our perspective, not enough measures have been put in place for the number of potential travelers to easily get passports. And who are the "they" she refers to when mentioning "they are not expecting a negative impact on Caribbean travel". I ask this question about "they" since the U.S. does not have an official bureau of tourism, so the "they" could be just about anyone - Linda. 

Ourisman also told reporters that the United States is committed to security in the region during Cricket World Cup 2007 and beyond, and gave all assurance that they stand ready to support the Caribbean in the event of any unlikely event.  

As I stated above, I hope this was a misquote, but if you look at our previous post of how she got the job, it does raise serious questions, but hey she's cute, blonde, Texan, rich, and of course a good friend of the Bush Administration - Linda.

Back in August we blogged about the new U.S. Ambassador to Barbados, Mary Ourisman.

In an article, the present U.S. Ambassador, Mary Kramer (pictured here )looks back over time spent with the peoples of  Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean . . .  

More than four years ago, I was invited by President Bush to serve this region as the United States Ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean.

I was honored and humbled by the request.  It has been a remarkable life’s experience, one that has given me the opportunity to serve my country, and to work with the gracious and hospitable people of the Caribbean. 

As I prepare to leave the region, I hope you will bear with me as I look back on accomplishments and lessons learned.

Read the rest of the article:

http://www.caribbeannetnews.com/cgi-script/csArticles/articles/000039/003972.htm

Barbados power came to a screeching halt just after daybreak yesterday as power failed across the island.

It is believed to have been caused by a green monkey climbing a high voltage pole while the backup systems failed.

The blackout lasted from early morning until around 1:10 pm, and seriously affected businesses, local homes and tourists across the island.

Manufactures have the option of providing their own power, and this blackout puts the Barbados Light and Power Company on the front burner with regards to  vulnerabilities of their companies operation. This blackout may push many manufacturers to start providing their own power, and also speed up the construction of wind farms in the north of the island.     

The Managing Director of the light company went on TV to explain to the public why the blackout occurred. The problem appears to have started at a fault on the 24,000 volt cable between the main generating plant outside of the capital city Bridgetown, and the central substation at Haggatt Hall.  

Two 69,000 volt underground cables, which were to provide backup services also failed. Light company officials stated that the underground cables were not operational because of damage from the construction of a highway extension, which is part of the infrastructure work to ease traffic congestion during Cricket World Cup 2007.

The company said in the area where the power outage appeared to have originated, there were reports of a monkey climbing a pole which carried the older high voltage cables - a 24,000 and 11,000 volt cable.