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St. Vincent and the Grenadines Successfully Implements ‘Bubble’ as it Welcomes the First Cruise Ship for the 2021/22 Cruise Season

KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent and the Grenadines August 11, 2021: On Saturday 7^th August, 2021, St. Vincent and the Grenadines welcomed its first cruise line for the 2020/2021 season, after a hard hit to the cruise sector in 2020. Seaborn Odyssey, one of the world’s leading luxury cruise ships, visited the Grenadine island of Bequia with a fully vaccinated occupancy of 341 crew members and 81 passengers.

In addition to the warm Vincentian hospitality received by passengers and crew of Seaborn Odyssey, a short welcome reception was held to celebrate the momentous resumption of the cruise season. Seaborn Odyssey is expected to visit these shores bi-weekly until the end of October.

Passengers and crew who disembarked Seaborn Odyssey were a part of an organised ‘bubble’; where they were restricted to selected locations on island and their interactions were limited to only vaccinated service providers. The bubble is established to ensure that cruise lines abide by the prevailing precautionary measures outlined in the Cruise Tourism Protocols.

The first call of the Seaborn Odyssey was used as a trial run to assess the implementation of the Cruise Tourism Protocols for the upcoming Cruise Season.

According to Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development and Culture Carlos James, the captain and crew of the Seaborn Odyssey expressed full satisfaction with the implementation of the Cruise Tourism Protocols during Saturday’s call.

“We have developed a comprehensive draft of the Cruise Protocols detailing how cruise passengers are expected to function within the bubble, and Saturday’s exercise was an excellent indication that with the Cruise Tourism Protocols the resumption of Cruise Tourism can work, despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic,” Minister James said.

Following the successful cruise call of Seaborn Odyssey, Minister James noted that the Ministry will be working closely with stakeholders to safely extend the bubble to include other tourism sites and establishments across St Vincent and the Grenadines.

“We have to ensure that all stakeholders benefit, inclusive of taxi operators, tour guides and vendors, providing that they are in compliance with the Cruise Tourism Protocols set by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Tourism. The safety of the general public remains paramount during the cruise season,” Minister James said.

The restart of the season is due to the support shown by stakeholders within the Tourism and Hospitality Industry; as the thrust and commitment to revitalize the socio-economic benefits of this lucrative industry is at the heart of many stakeholders.

The 2021/22 cruise season is projected to be the year of resuscitation for the hard hit sector, so far, 224 cruise ships are expected to call this season, when compared to no cruise calls last year.

Carnival Vista Port Call to Belize City

BELIZE CITY, BELIZE, Wednesday, August 11^th, 2021:  Belize received the Carnival Vista today with 2895 guests and 1441 crew on board. As per the normal protocol, upon submission of the Maritime Declaration by the ship in anticipation of its call to Belize the ship reported that it had on board 27 positive cases, 26 of which were crew members and 1 passenger. As a result, the Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Relations, along with his team from the Ministry and the Belize Tourism Board, met virtually with officials from the Carnival Vista on August 10^th, 2021 to discuss the notification that persons aboard the vessel tested positive for COVID-19. The discussions provided an update on the current situation, and a thorough reassurance of the protocols put in place on the ship to effectively contain the situation. The team at Carnival noted that all positive cases have been isolated and contact tracing has ended with no additional positive cases found, and that the infected crew and passenger do not pose a threat to guests, crew or frontline workers in Belize.

The facts related to this current situation are as follows:

– Crew are 99.98% vaccinated
– Passengers are 96.5% Vaccinated

– All crew members who have tested positive are in isolation

– All persons who have tested positive are vaccinated, most are asymptomatic or have very mild symptoms.
– Contact tracing has been completed (including 400+ tests done on Saturday, 300+ tests done yesterday, and 200+ more done today)

– No further positive cases have been found.

– Additional protocols have been put in place including increased mask wearing indoors, use of N95 Masks by Crew, crew social areas have been closed, and as early as the next departure, all guests will require a negative rapid test, regardless of whether they are vaccinated.

After a thorough review of the situation, and after determining that the risk is low, including the fact that CDC is aware of the situation, it was concluded that the situation is contained, and safety protocols are  proving effective. Nonetheless, in an abundance of caution after discussions and consultations undertaken with the Ministry of Health and Wellness, an additional protocol will be implemented for today’s call. Effectively, all passengers that have a negative COVID-19 test will be asked to provide proof of this negative test, and for those passengers that do not have proof of negative test will be subject to random testing to be carried out by the Ministry of Health and Wellness. Additionally, we are pleased to inform that our personnel from the Ministry of Health and Wellness also carried out an inspection of the protocols on board the Carnival Vista this morning, and are satisfied that they have been able to verify that the measures put in place by the ship are meticulous and deemed highly effective. With this in mind, passengers will be allowed to disembark in Belize and conduct shore excursions as per normal. Belize’s tourism and health officials remain vigilant in order to maintain safety for all stakeholders, bearing in mind the delicate balance between health and the economy.

The safety of guests, crew and frontline tourism workers is the highest priority for cruise lines and destinations. The ability to manage and control health-related matters, COVID-19 in particular, is fundamental to the operations of all involved. Cruise lines have been sailing globally throughout the pandemic, and in July, resumed sailing in the Western Caribbean and Belize. The lines have maintained an exceptional safety record, and with the extensive protocols in place, it is arguably one of the safest ways to travel today, amidst the pandemic.

With the stringent protocols, it is inevitable that COVID cases will be detected, but it is imperative that these situations are handled correctly to avoid further spread or unnecessary cancelations. According to our local protocols, passengers will not be allowed to disembark if the total number of positive cases exceeds 2% of the ship’s passengers.

Belize continues to work to ensure the recovery of the tourism industry during the COVID-19 pandemic, with health and safety of all stakeholders as its priority.

Barbados Welcomes New Direct Virgin Atlantic Route From Edinburgh

On December 5^th, 2021, Barbados is set to become Scotland’s only direct route to the Caribbean, as Virgin Atlantic launch their new direct route from Edinburgh (IATA: EDI) to Bridgetown (IATA: BGI, Grantley Adams International Airport), Barbados.

Virgin Atlantic’s new flight connecting Scotland to Barbados will commence on the 5^th of December 2021, operating twice weekly, Wednesday and Sunday, on an Airbus A330.  Customers can choose to fly in one of three cabins, including Upper Class or Premium. Fares will start from as little as £419 per person.

Senator the Hon. Lisa Cummins, Minister of Tourism and International Transport for Barbados, welcomed the announcement by saying, “The fact that this new route is Scotland’s only direct flight to the Caribbean is something that fills everyone in Barbados with great pride. This will also be the first time that Virgin Atlantic has flown international flights from Edinburgh, so it really is a very important moment in history for both Scotland and Barbados. We look forward to showing Scottish travellers that Barbados is a safe destination, which is ready and waiting for them to enjoy.”

She continued “The establishment of this new service will offer even more connectivity options for Scottish holidaymakers, business travellers and residents. We are pushing for the diversification of routes, the airlift to support those routes, and new destinations that can partner with Barbados on multi-destination marketing and partnerships; so this is in line with that policy direction for Barbados and something that we will continue to build out.”

Edinburgh Airport is Scotland’s largest and busiest airport, serving more than 12 million passengers per year.

Nikki Goldsmith, Head of Caribbean at Virgin Atlantic, commented, “Barbados is Virgin Atlantic’s heartland in the Caribbean.  Not only have we significantly increased capacity to the island with the introduction of our newest plane, the A350, but we’re delighted to be flying from three regional gateways, of London, Manchester and our new home in Scotland, Edinburgh.  Our new flights mean more customers than ever before get to experience the stunning beaches, equisetic cuisine and rich culture that Barbados has buckets of.”

Scotland’s Minister for Transport Graeme Dey said “I welcome this news of Virgin Atlantic’s commitment to Scotland, and the launch of their new service to Barbados from Edinburgh.  It is encouraging to see airlines develop their connectivity to Scotland at this time and I am sure this news will be welcomed by passengers.”

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation Presents Its 2nd Virtual Junkanoo Summer Festival 2021

NASSAU, Bahamas, August 9, 2021 – The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation is gearing up to host its 2^nd Virtual Junkanoo Summer Festival (JSF) scheduled for three (3) consecutive Saturdays, August 14, 21 and 28, 2021. The virtual festival will air on TourismTodayBahamas Facebook page and will feature all things Bahamian, sharing generational knowledge on customs and traditions, Bahamian delicacies and enlightening viewers on the art and history of Junkanoo. This virtual event allows the Ministry of Tourism to continue its efforts in keeping us all safe, while preserving our cultural heritage.

Junkanoo Summer Festival is one of the Ministry of Tourism’s premier events that happens annually. Since its inception in 2015, the festival has grown significantly and has gained immense popularity. Consequently, it has been expanded to include additional authentically Bahamian talents.

In that vein, the Ministry of Tourism & Aviation invites you to join in the celebration as we display what is truly Bahamian. Join us in this virtual parade of top-notch Bahamian talent, featuring among others, Ira Storr and the Spank Band, Geno D., Lady E and Veronica Bishop. The event will also be hosted by Bahamian singers and songwriters Dyson and Wendy Knight and will end with a live Junkanoo performance by an all-star junkanoo band.

This highly anticipated Festival, although virtual, promises to be entertaining and engaging and will showcase integral aspects of the Bahamian culture, such as the creativity of our people, our music and dance, our stories, Bahamian cuisine and an assortment of local drinks.

“We’re extremely proud and excited to bring this unique cultural event to residents and visitors,” said Charity Armbrister, Director of Cultural and Authentic Events at the Ministry of Tourism & Aviation. She continued, “We love showcasing the many talented Junkanoo groups here in The Bahamas and those who have made it their life’s commitment to preserve our culture. The Ministry is pleased to bring more attention to the wonders of The Bahamas, especially since the unexpected invasion of the Covid-19 Pandemic.”

The Ministry of Tourism welcomes each of you to participate in this celebration of Bahamian culture and feast your eyes on a collage of colours, as some of our local performers display artistically designed costumes in all of their extravagant glory! Come and enjoy culinary shows, mixology, and the pulsating sounds of world-renowned Bahamian music and more.

Junkanoo Summer Festival 2021 is an event you don’t want to miss!

Statement by Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez on the Passing of Former Prime Minister Sir Lester Bird

The name Lester Bryant Bird will forever feature prominently in the annals of Antigua and Barbuda and the Caribbean’s history. He will long be revered as an architect of the post-colonial development of Antigua and Barbuda. Our nation, and the people of the Caribbean have lost a stalwart and visionary with the passing of Sir Lester Bird, athlete, and beloved statesman.

Sir Lester who was first elected to parliament in 1976 served as Antigua & Barbuda’s second Prime Minister for a decade beginning in 1994. On behalf of the staff at the Ministry of Tourism and Investment as well as The Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority along with the entire tourism fraternity, I offer sincere condolences to the former Prime Minister’s immediate and extended family and to the people of Antigua and Barbuda.

From 1976-1989, Sir Lester served as Minister of Economic Development, Trade, Energy and most notably Tourism during a long and distinguished political career.

I had the privilege of witnessing the former Prime Minister’s dedication to the region, as validated by his work as chairman of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and more importantly, to the people of Antigua and Barbuda. It was Sir Lester’s vision and his leadership that, as our sugar industry waned, laid the foundation for the development of our tourism industry. His vision ultimately provided employment and positively changing the quality of life for so many in our society. An extraordinary public servant who cared genuinely about people, it was under his leadership, in his capacity as Prime Minister, that an ombudsman was appointed to deal with the complaints of citizens. A series of foreign direct infrastructural investments in Tourism during the 1980’s and 90’s, led by Sir Lester, created an economic boom, making Antigua and Barbuda a mecca of prosperity which attracted thousands of our Caribbean neighbours to share in this growth.

In his long and distinguished career, Sir Lester will be remembered for his negotiating skills as he championed tourism partnerships from which the industry has benefitted, including the construction of the Royal Antiguan hotel, the expansion of the industry to include cruise tourism, the building of the Heritage Quay and Nevis Street cruise piers and the development of the Heritage Quay shopping center which was a game changer for our cruise industry.

In 2014, Sir Lester was conferred with Antigua & Barbuda’s highest honour, a Knight of the Most Exalted Order of National Hero (KNH), for his contribution to national development as an outstanding sportsman, lawyer and parliamentarian for 38 years. Our tourism industry has benefitted significantly from his governance. To continue to build on that strong foundation and enduring legacy that he has left us, is a most fitting tribute to this colossus of a Caribbean stateman and true National hero of Antigua and Barbuda. May his soul rest in peace.