Happy Thanksgiving!

Well, I just finished stuffing the bird and the pumpkin pie is cooling, but I wanted to wish all of you a very happy Thanksgiving! Although it is a beautiful day here in Florida, my sister-in-law in Wisconsin told me it is cold and snowing. While comparing turkey and stuffing notes, we ended up talking about our wonderful charter this past summer to the BVI and how we can't wait to go back. The family time spent together is like none other. If you are looking for the perfect multigenerational family holiday, a charter to the Caribbean is it! If any of you have videos from your trips to the Caribbean, we would love to post them. Please send them to us! In the meantime, I thought I would share this recipe from Dominica to get you in the mood--- Enjoy your day!-Donna

Roast Chicken with Bacon and Banana Stuffing

3 lbs. chicken
1stalk celery
2 tsps white pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
6 rashers bacon
4 green onions, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
2 Tbsp. soy sauce
6 green bananas, boiled and chopped
1 tsp white pepper
Preheat oven to 350F. Season both inside and outside of chicken with soy sauce, pepper and garlic. Fry bacon lightly in a hot frying pan. Remove and chop, reserving drippings. Saute chopped green onion, onion and celery in 2 Tbsp bacon drippings. Add bacon, chopped bananas and white pepper. Mix well. Stuff into chicken. Sew opening or secure with a skewer to seal in stuffing. Tie chicken legs together. Place in greased pan and dot with butter. Bake for 1 1/2 hours or until chicken is done, basting occasionally with the drippings from the chicken. Serve with roasted potatoes, green beans and steamed carrots.

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What Is VISAR?

If you have chartered in the BVI, you may have seen a nominal fee for VISAR. So just what is it? VISAR stands for Virgin Islands Search and Rescue, which is a nonprofit organization that provides an invaluable and often lifesaving service to sailors voyaging in the BVI. This past weekend, its members celebrated the 20th anniversary of the organization's commitment to protecting the BVI's coastal waters. In 1988, a small group of residents recognized that in order for the charter tourism industry to grow, there would need to be emergency responders at sea. In the two decades since, VISAR has grown to include two base stations (Road Town and Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbor) and a team of more than 50 volunteers. VISAR is the officially recognized search and rescue organization in the BVI and has crew on call 24 hours per day, every day. However, there is only one VISAR employee, and the group runs entirely on donations and fundraising efforts. On average, VISAR responds to about 75 calls for help from boaters each year, ranging from simple falls and cuts to very serious heart attacks and missing persons cases. Every volunteer is a certified Emergency First Responder and is trained to perform primary medical care upon arriving on the scene of an emergency. New members, even those with previous experience, must undergo months of training with the established crew before responding to their first call. Although you hopefully will never need its services, your "donation" to VISAR is a worthy cause. -Donna

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Sea Island Cotton In Nevis

Pima cotton (Gossypium barbadense), also known as Extra Long Staple, Sea Island cotton, Egyptian and Est Indische katoen, is a species of cotton plant which was once widely cultivated though it originated in Peru. It is a tropical perennial plant that produces yellow flowers and has black seeds. It grows as a small, bushy tree and yields cotton with unusually long, silky fibers. From Peru and the West Indies, its cultivation soon spread to the United States, however, because it requires full sun and high humidity and rainfall to grow, it was soon surpassed in commercial production by Upland Cotton, which today represents about 95% of production. Nonetheless, the demand for this luxurious cotton still exists. In a plan to diversify its economy, the Government of Nevis reintroduced cotton production. Cultivation commenced in September 2007 on almost 40 acres of government land and eight farmers took up the challenge to replant the crop on 10 acres of private lands. This year, the sale of Sea Island Cotton has generated over US$90,000 in exports. The island's Department of Agriculture reported that the sale came from 9,500 pounds of raw lint to Japanese markets. Nevis has not exported anything in a very long while. The Sea Island Cotton crop is a lucrative one on the world market because there is great demand but the supply is scarce. Agricultural Minister Robelto Hector stated, " Cotton on the world market is presently fetching a premium price, and as government benefits, I would want farmers to benefit also. I am encouraging farmers to seize the opportunity to generate income from cotton cultivation. I am asking farmers in the upcoming production season to make sure you plant an acreage of cotton that is economical and one which can bring you some fortune." The reintroduction of Sea Island Cotton on Nevis has generated quite a bit of interest. It is hoped that the production of this luxury cotton will have a positive effect on the island's economy. So, next time you by that silky cotton shirt-check the label. It may soon be saying "Nevis Sea Island Cotton." - Donna

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Affects of Global Crisis on Caribbean

As travellers in the main US and UK markets are beginning to take holidays closer to home due to the financial crisis, Caribbean countries dependent on tourism are looking at other markets for new tourism business. A report published at the start of the World Travel Market in London this week pointed to places such as Brazil, China, India and Russia as offering potential with their rising disposable incomes. The island of Anguilla's Tourist Board is already marketing heavily to other countries- especially Latin America. Grenada plans to focus more on certain niche markets which continue to thrive despite the economic challenges. These niche markets include diving, wedding and honeymoons, fishing, and yachting. Antigua and Trinidad are working with some of their sport legends to develop sports tourism, while Barbados is developing its medical tourism niche. The island of St. Vincent is promoting itself to the film and music industry. St. Kitts is reinventing itself as a high-end tourism destination, with the construction of the new shopping district in Basseterre, the building of casinos and race courses, the signing of British Airways to begin flights from Heathrow, and now construction of the US$200 million five-star world-renowned Mandarin Oriental Hotel on the Southeast peninusla set to begin in June 2009. In spite of the challenges facing the tourism industry, regional stakeholders say they remain confident that the industry will rebound, once the global economy stabilizes. In the meantime, check with our yacht brokers (Gail and Melody), since many yacht charters are offering great discounts, rebates, credits and packages! -Donna

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15th CARAH Awards

And you thought the Caribbean islands were beautiful?! How about the people themselves? On Friday, November 14th, the 15th Annual CARAH Awards will be held in Washington, D.C. under the patronage of the Caribbean Diplomatic Corps. A number of outstanding Caribbean personalities will be honored and recognized. The honorees include the legendary Cicely Tyson, who has roots in the twin-island nation of St. Kitts & Nevis; Earl Graves of Barbados, who is publisher of Black Enterprise; Ato Bolden, Trinidad-born Olympic medalist; Marcia Griffith, a Jamaican singer; Dr. Cato Laurencin, an orthopaedic surgeon and Dean of the School of Medicine at the University of Connecticut, from Jamaica; Dr. Helen Marshall of Guyanese heritage and the first African American and second woman to assume the post of the highest elected official in a borough with a population of more than 2.2 million; Egbert Perry, an award winning real estate developer and a native of Antigua and Barbuda; and Karl and Faye Rodney, Excellence in Journalism, Publishers of Carib News Newspaper, are of Jamaican heritage. If you know of other famous Caribbean personalities, please share them with us! - Donna

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Beach House Restaurant

On St. Kitts, the Beach House Restaurant has ramped up the luxury quotient on the local dining scene, offering panoramic views of Nevis and a kitchen headed by George Reid of Cap Juluca fame. Infused with new life, the former beach bar reflects an attitude of "barefoot sophistication" with an updated new look and enhanced menu, while retaining the relaxed charm and spectacular water views that have earned it a devoted following among visitors and islanders alike. Located on the tip of St. Kitts' southeast peninsula, the Beach House is an airy, sun-filled pavillion set in a protected cove that is a popular destination for boaters, who can tie up at the restaurant's private dock, scuba divers and swimmers. Guests will lounge on the veranda or in hammocks under shade trees as they sip cocktails, enjoy Caribbean fare and gaze at panoramic views of the sea and the nearby island of Nevis. The acclaimed "Cap Juluca" chef, George Reid, will be leading the culinary team. Chef George bring an indepth knowledge of Caribbean cuisine that's complemented by extensive experience at Michelin-starred restaurants around the world. Reid has developed an eclectic menu showcasing the cuisine of the Caribbean, a melting pot of diverse culinary traditions that marries Spanish and Asian, French, African and Dutch influences. Complementing the menu will be an extensive wine and cocktail list and a comprehensive selection of aged rums and Cuban cigars. If anyone has eaten there since the update- send us your review! - Donna

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Montserrat: A New Tour Destination

For several years after the eruptions in 1995 and 1997 of the Soufriere Hills volcano, Montserrat was not exactly known as a tourist destination, and it certainly was not on the list for yacht charters. Today, however, with the resilience and determination of its 4,000 inhabitants rebuilding this British Island, Montserrat is welcoming new tours and activities. Several regional airlines are now flying into the island, making island hopping easier than ever. And, for 2009, the island is selling itself with the addition of new eco-activities, including aquatic and scenic-land based tours. The island continues to grow and develop into one of the leading destinations for outdoor excursions. Known fondly as the Emerald Isle of the Caribbean, the destination boasts majestic mountainous terrains, lush green tropical rainforests, and sun-kissed dark sand beaches. Some of the activities that are now available include:
Festival Celebration - In commemoration of Montserrat's distinct culture, talent and creativity, the island will celebrate its annual carnival, known as Festival during the month of December. The island comes alive with music, revelry and a variety of festivities that highlight the life and culture of this island. Expect to see Soca Monarch, "Nite of Pan", Festival Queen Pageant, calypso finals and a street jam and parage with vibrant costumed revelers.

Underwater Adventures - Visitors will find various scuba diving and snorkeling tours. Available courses include discover scuba, open water certification, open water referral, advanced open water, dive master, digital photography and night dives. You can explore and discover Montserrat's 13 miles of coastline that is home to a variety of marine life including everything from spiny lobsters, stony ledges, and copper sweepers to green turtles, colorful reef fish, dolphins and nurse sharks.

Equestrian Adventures- Riding on horseback offers visitors a unique way to enjoy Montserrat's picturesque tropical surroundings. Available tours include a Belham Valley Volcanie Landscape Ride that takes adventure enthusiasts over volcanic mudflows caused by the volcano's eruption. The tour also provides excellent vantage points of the volcano, from a safe distance, and allows a view of its impact on the former capital city, Plymouth, now submerged in ash and volcanic rock.

At Sea Adventures - Montserrat's new aquatic adventure offers visitors breathtaking views of the island's majestic coastline and enchanting tropical landscape. Beginning December 1, 2008, Ondeck Sailing will provide travelers with a tast of the ocean by offering sailing excursions between Falmouth Harbor in Antigua and Little Bay in Montserrat using a 65' Ocean Racing Yacht. Ondecj skippers will provide instructional information to those who are interested in learning the basics of sailing. Guests will be encouraged to participate in every aspect of the tours, as the trip appeals to both experienced and inexperienced sailors. The cost of the roundtrip tour is $189USD. (The trip takes 3-4 hours downwind from Antigua to Montserrat and 4-5 hours upwind).

The island of Montserrat is very excited about attracting visitors to their island. With the building of the new harbor, who knows, maybe there will eventually even be a sail base there for your sailing charter. Cool! - Donna

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US Presidential Election in the Caribbean

November 4th- For the United States, Election Day is finally here! So what does that possibly have to do with the Caribbean? Actually, the Caribbean is taking a keen interest in the US presidential elections for various reasons, including the hundreds of thousands of people making up the Caribbean Diaspora in the US, as well as the educational facilties available to the Caribbean, and other wide-ranging assistance to regional governments from the United States. In fact, several Caribbean leaders have commented on the elections and nearly all, if not all, are throwing their support behind....(in the interest of remaining impartial, we will not mention names!). Because of the keen interest in the region, the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) is bringing last lap coverage in collaboration with the US Embassy in Bridgetown, Barbados. An interesting note: US Virgin Islanders cannot vote at presidential elections since the USVI is only a US territory, not a state! -Donna

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