FUTURE OF OECS

The countries of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States(OECS) have launched a year-long public consultation on a possible economic union. The OECS is comprised of Antigua, Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts, Nevis and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Anguilla and the BVI are associate members. The heads of these governments want a "comprehensive dialogue" on the way forward towards an integration process. The OECS government and opposition leaders have been debating over whether the sub-regional grouping should be expanded to include Trinidad and Tobago, as well as Barbados. The OECS was established in 1981 and over the past 27 years has evolved to include a range of areas of functional cooperation. Already the member states share a single currency (the East Caribbean dollar), a central bank and supreme court. Other joint undertakings include telecommunications, civil aviation, education, health, sports, argriculture, export development and the environment. So what do you think? Should the OECS form an economic union, expand to include Trinidad and Barbados, or should things remain the way they are? Donna

Earth Day and Tourism Development

Around the world today, people are celebrating "Earth Day." More and more people that are concerned about the environment have recognized that sailing is a "green" activity and that the Caribbean is an eco-friendly destination. We have talked before about some of the specific islands (Dominica for instance) that are truly "gardens of Eden." Another island that has just been recognized for its "environment" is the island of Barbados. The 2008 annual Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report, made by the World Economic Forum, just gave Barbados the highest marks in the Latin America and Caribbean region for the most attractive "environments" for investment in travel and tourism. Except for the US, which was ranked 6th out of 130 nations and Canada, which was ranked in 9th place, Barbados earned a global ranking of 29 for creating the right "climate" for tourism development. This ranking was the best in the western hemisphere. The experts looked at such factors as safety and security; health and hygience; policy rules and regulations; air and ground transportation infrastructure; tourism facilities; human and natural resources; affinity for travel and tourism; price competitiveness, and environmental sustainability. The other top-rated countries were Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Australia, Spain, Britain, the US, Sweden, and Canada. Isn't it time you check it out? Take a few extra days on your way to or from a Grenadines charter and stay in Barbados. Donna

Yacht Names

Ever wonder where owners come up with names for their yachts? I have been on some I cannot even pronounce, while others are just downright clever. There is a 60' crewed catamaran that offers fabulous honeymoon packages. The name of the yacht is "Pas De Deux"--which is French for dance of two or a close relationship between two people. Another interesting name was a 47' bareboat catamaran named "Smoke and Roses". Turns out the owner was a fireman and his wife was a florist--very cute. My husband and I have thought of 2 names for our next sailboat--either "Lallygag" or "Conundrum". What have been the names of some of the yachts you have chartered? What would you call your yacht if you were an owner? We would love to hear from you? Donna

Caribbean Contest

The Caribbean Tourism Development Company has just launched its official Web site, www.CaribbeanTravel.com, a colorful and content-rich site designed as the first central portal for all things related to Caribbean travel. As part of the launch, the CTDC is introducing an interactive Web video contest: "Why My Life Needs the Caribbean." Beginning April 7th, contestants will have the chance to win a prize trip to some of the Caribbean's top resorts. To enter, you must submit videos on CaribbeanTravel.com that describe, in the most creative and compelling way, why your life needs to visit this region of fun and sun. In addition, visitors that register on the site will also have an opportunity to win their own Caribbean dream trip by ranking the best videos. So, grab those photos and videos of your charter trips and enter the contest! As always, we are happy to post your photos here as well! Good luck! Donna

Anguilla Embarkation Tax Increase

The government of Anguilla has issued new rates for the island's Embarkation Tax, payable by all visitors traveling through the seaport. The new rates, which became effective January 1, 2008 are: adults-US$20.00 or EC$53.00 and children US$10.00 0r EC$26.50. Day-trippers, Anguillians, residents of Anguilla, and residents of St. Martin/Sint Maarten continue to pay US$5.00 for adults. Children under 12 are free. The tax applies to visiting yachts as well, including chartered yachts. According to a government spokesperson, "If they are in Anguilla just for the day, the $5.00 would apply. If staying overnight, then the $20.00 tax will be applicable. If you are in St. Martin, it is well worth taking a day to visit Anguilla. It is in complete contrast to St. Martin-especially the Dutch side. Check out Shoal Bay for miles of white powdery beach-incredible blue water and no one in sight! Donna

Free 2008 British Virgin Island Calendars

I have 4 calendars left from last month’s Charter Chatter newsletter givaway. I will mail them out to the first 4 people that post a comment to this blog thread.

Be sure to read the April newsletter as we are giving away five $100.00 gift cards to Myetts Garden and Grille located on the beach of romantic Cane Garden Bay, Tortola.
Tom