Travel Informations » caribbean

Soul Food Indulgence on Caribbean Travel

admin — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 19:23:49 +0000

Article by By Nicole A Farrington, Bahamas

Trip Advisor Offers THe Best Caribbean Travel Reviews

admin — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:22:21 +0000

Article by chickie maxwell

Caribbean Family Travel Tips

admin — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 19:24:57 +0000

The Caribbean is a very popular spot for families to go to on vacation. By traveling together, it makes it easier to get into all-inclusive resorts. A typical all-inclusive family package to the Caribbean offers beach and water sports, spas, dining, parties, kid-friendly programs, baby-sitting, swimming pools and water slides, and much more.

But keep in mind that not every so-called “all-inclusive” Caribbean family travel package includes absolutely everything you could ever want to do on vacation. Be sure you’re clear on what your vacation package offers so that you can plan ahead accordingly. Although the package may include a wide variety of activities and features, there may be others you will want to take advantage of.

For example, your family vacation package may include snorkeling gear, but there may be a time limit that restricts how long you are able to snorkel. And if you decide to go on a snorkeling boat trip, that may cost extra as well. The same goes for skuba diving – you may have to pay extra for equipment or be limited to a certain time frame.

Along the same vein, some all-inclusive Caribbean family travel packages may include non-motorized water sports, including wind surfing and kayaking. But it may cost you extra for motorized water sports, such as water skiing.

Since you’re traveling as a family, you will probably all want to be together most of the time. But what about those times you want to be without the children? The good news is that most all-inclusive resorts offer a “Kid’s Club” which is a room or rooms that have TV’s, toys, and video games for kids ages 4-14. In such situations, staff members would be available to provide basic care and attention.

In addition to offering activities for older children, a lot of Caribbean resorts are now providing nurseries for those traveling with babies or toddlers. Leaving the little ones there for even a few hours can give you some time to ski, snorkel, or to do other such activities that would be difficult to do with infants.

So the important thing to remember as you look for a Caribbean family travel package that best suits you, is to get as many details as possible about what is included and what costs extra. That way you are more prepared when your family travels down to the beautiful islands.
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Best Beaches of Caribbean

admin — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 15:48:23 +0000

Beaches of Anguilla

Anguilla in the Caribbean has wonderful beaches that have been of aid to Anguilla in luring scores of tourists from all corners of the globe. The nearly interminable stretch of silvery sands that characterize the Shoal Bay is a fabulous beach in the Caribbean, where the snorkelers are let into a world of fishes that excel in their luminosity, to be spotted among the offshore coral gardens, as it is also considered to be the best one in Anguilla by a section of people.

The trail walking stint to reach the Katouche Beach from Old Ta is an enterprising affair as also is the snorkeling stint at this cute little sandy beach. This Caribbean beach is considered to be an idyllic picnic spot, where the shade provided by the trees enhances the picnicking experience here.

The Little Bay, a small half-moon shaped bay that possesses clear water and powdery sand exudes tranquility as the high cliffs protect this beach in the Caribbean, and the travelers will find this an excellent choice for snorkeling and sunbathing. Further options in this Caribbean region galore in the form of Road Bay and Rendezvous Bay as these best beaches of Caribbean also provide their share of action.

Beaches of Antigua

Antigua, another of the islands belonging to Caribbean to boast of the two world class beaches unveils the Dickenson Bay, found in the northwest segment of Antigua, and that of Half Moon Bay in the Caribbean found on the eastern coasts of Antigua in the Caribbean is a mile-long white sandy beach. The hotels of repute in Caribbean, most in numbers, provide easy access to the beaches.

Palm Beach in Aruba

Palm Beach with white sands has been a cause for the inflow of travelers from across various corners of the globe into Aruba, in the Caribbean. Many of the reputed publications which include the Condé Nast Traveler has showered encomiums upon the Palm Beach by claiming it as one of the best beaches in the Caribbean that fall into the top 12 beaches pertaining to this world. It is second to none in providing ecstatic sailing, swimming or that of fishing sessions, though it gets crowded during winter.

Beaches of Barbados

The Gold Coast belonging to Barbados in the Caribbean, now often referred to as the Platinum Coast in the Caribbean has some of the best beaches of Caribbean where the wealthy with extended purse strings can revel in their splurging by opting for the swankiest of hotels here. The Paradise Beach, Brandon’s Beach, Paynes Bay and the Brighton Beach are some of the best beaches in the Caribbean, as all these best beaches of Caribbean open their doors to the public.

The Crane Beach in Barbados that has captured the hearts of many travelers as to be hailed as one of the best beaches in Barbados can only be accessed through the means of Crane Resort, as non-residents will have to pay out a small fee to visit the Crane beach. The azure water, soft white sands of this Caribbean beauty sets up a congenial atmosphere as this Caribbean Beach gets ensconced by the towering cliffs and is protected by that of a coral reef, and this picture-perfect beach is also an idyllic swimming venue to venture into safe swimming endeavors.

Beaches of British Virgin Islands

The clustered islands that form the British Virgin Islands in the Caribbean have some of the spectacular beauties that easily find a place among the best beaches of Caribbean. The Cane Garden Bay of Tortola unveils one among the many spectacular white sandy beaches in the Caribbean, where the stretch of white sands extends up to more than a mile, which is also known to be a jogger’s favorite. This is supposed to be a preferred choice over the Magens Bay Beach, which is a crowded one found on the neighboring region of St. Thomas.

The White Bay of Jon Van Dykes Island in the recent past has been relieved of its secrecy as to the possession of the pristine and a photogenic white sandy beach that has driven some of the major publications to heap praises in copious measures and to classify it as a part belonging to the best as well as to the top ten beaches of this world. Sandy Cay, an islet found off the southeast sectors of Jon Van Dykes Island and the Sandy Spit Beach, a remote one, offers enterprising snorkeling experience during your visit to the Caribbean.

The mention of best beaches of BVI seems to be incomplete if a special mention of The Baths at the Virgin Gorda isn’t accorded the due that it thoroughly deserves. Though Virgin Gorda has no dearth of beaches that easily get categorized as some of the best beaches of Caribbean, which include the spectacular ones like Mahoe Bay, Devil’s Bay, Savannah Bay, Pond Bay and the Spring Bay, the Baths is clearly emerging as the top choice, as the Baths happens to be a conducive platform for swimming and snorkeling sessions all through the year and gets crowded owing to its revered nature.

Beaches of Cayman Islands

Cayman Islands in the Caribbean possess beaches that vie for a top spot in the best beaches of Caribbean. The Seven Mile Beach at Grand Cayman is the pick of the lot, as this beauty in the Caribbean which extends for about 5 miles sports aquamarine waters and affords scintillating opportunities to plunge into a wider range of water sports, and the many plush resorts and condos enjoy a close proximity with this Caribbean beach. With nature at its best as amplified by the dotting Australian pines at the background, the Seven Mile Beach is a perfect choice to plunge into the waters as the average water temperature during winters record an ideal 80°F to substantiate claims made of the Seven Mile Beach.

Beaches of Dominican Republic

Dominican Republic in the Caribbean provides with the option of visiting the best beaches found at the easternmost tip pertaining to the island, which is Punta Cana, where resorts in excess can be found. Punta Cana, with beaches that stretch to about 20 miles possesses oyster-white sands as the palm trees at the backdrop lend grace these beaches. At the northern coast, the Playa Dorada furthers the beach visiting opportunities, as the best beaches here sport beige or white sands and they are found along the mighty Atlantic.

The Playa Bahoruco stretches for miles with the cliffs merging with the warm water and the golden sands of this Caribbean beach. Though it remains undeveloped, this beach in the Caribbean unveils many pebbly sections, where surf shoes will have to be used to embark upon swimming sessions. Along the stretch of San Rafael, and to the south, fresh fish meals can be had from the beach shacks.

Beaches of Grenada

The beaches of Grenada, a part of the Caribbean, are entwined with all the gracious features inherent of the best beaches of Caribbean, as the much talked about Grand Anse Beach in Grenada is reason enough to pay a visit to Grenada. Though the island of Grenada is strewn with about 45 of the white sandy beaches, the 2 mile long Grand Anse Beach stands apart, as the sugary sands extend far offshore into the deep waters. The best hotels of Grenada are just a stone throw away from the Grand Anse Beach.

The Anse la Roche is yet another beauty found at Carriacou in the West Indies, which with its white sands is a grand place to take a look at the Union Island to be found across the water. From the Bogles village, a 45 minute walk takes the traveler to the Anse la Roche, but, considering the possibility of getting lost, it is deemed better to access this beauty in the Caribbean through water taxis. Facilities are hard to come by as is the sighting of people, and it is advisable to carry drink and food to enjoy an unhampered visit.

Beaches of Jamaica

Jamaica in the Caribbean has nearly about hundred miles of coastline, as some of the best beaches of Caribbean can be spotted at the Montego Bay and at Negril. Travelers can also revel in the midst of fantastic surf, great sands, friendly people and seaside bars at beaches that are less frequented as that of the Treasure Beach and Port Antonio.

The Seven Mile Beach on the northwestern sector of Jamaica stretches to about nearly 7 miles, where hedonistic resorts at close quarters add fuel to the flaming desires of the beach lovers. The Seven Mile Beach is also known to have some nudist sections along with an off-shore region at Booby Cay, as this beach in the Caribbean also fails to capture the imaginations of the conservatives.

The Negril Beach though not as busy as the Seven Mile Beach is a nudist paradise, but for some coping up with harassments and crowds, this beach in the Caribbean proffers a laid-back atmosphere. To the northern end pertaining to Negril Beach is the Long Bay Beach Park, which is bathed in tranquility, and as the beach lover furthers his quest to reach the Bloody Bay Beach, he is sure to enjoy his solitary refinement, though with some alertness on the traveler’s part.

Beaches of Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico in the Caribbean has a wealth of beaches that attract the attention of beach lovers, and the most revered is the Luquillo Beach. The Luquillo Beach is open to public, which is a crescent-shaped beach lying about 50 km to the eastern section of San Juan, as this beach in the Caribbean is also the most popular beach among the locals. The coconut palms and the white sands kindle your photographic instincts, as the beach also possesses tent sites as well as picnic facilities. The fury of the Atlantic waters is mellowed by the coral reefs that protect the lagoon.

The Playa Flamenco found on the north coast of Culebra is a perfect half-moon shaped with white sands, which has been ranked more often than not as one that finds a place among the top three best beaches of the world. As the traveler sets foot on this fabulous Caribbean beach, fathoming the magnificence is made easy by the mountains that ascend on all sides inducing a feeling of being let into a new world.

The Playa Sun Bay is the most known of best beaches that are found around Vieques and can be spotted towards the eastern section of Esperanza. Found on the Route 997, this popular Playa Sun Bay is a mile long with white sands that skirts the crescent-shaped bay, as travelers can also find picnic tables, food kiosks and changing facilities at this beach found in the Caribbean. The crowds during the weekends are thin, as the visitor might even come by wild horses among the palm trees at the beach.

Grace Bay Beach, Provo Island, Turks and Caicos Islands

The Grace Bay Beach, a twelve mile extension of pale sands has been labeled as one among the best beaches of the world by the Condé Nast Traveler, and John Glenn, the American Astronaut spotting the 40 of the islands of Turks and Caicos Islands in the Caribbean from space had remarked by saying that the islands must have been a real paradise. Many resorts have got initiated along the shores pertaining to the Grace Bay Beach, and fringing coral reef that can be reached from northern shores provides memorable snorkeling experiences. There are also places where enthusiasts can rent equipments pertaining to water sports.

Beaches of St. Martin/St. Maarten

This island in the Caribbean that fall under the control of Netherlands and France, as the division which is set nearly on an equal basis has about 39 beaches with white sands lending charm to their beauty. Some of the favorites include the Mullet Bay Beach, Dawn Beach, Maho Bay Beach as well as that of the Great Bay Beach found on the side of that of the Dutch region. For nudists, the Orient Beach is the right choice.

Beaches of US Virgin Islands

The Trunk Bay at St. John in the Caribbean has earned acclaims and has found a place among the best beaches of the world. As a part of the U.S. National Park Service, this stretch in the Caribbean gets protected, and is one among the many popular ones in the Caribbean that gets crowded, particularly when cruise ships get anchored at the port. The Trunk Bay Beach is an excellent pick for snorkeling, diving and swimming. The underwater snorkeling trail lets the snorkeler into a world of amazing variety of tropical fishes, as you find your way along reef section, which is relatively closer to the white sandy stretch.

Beaches of Tobago

The island of Tobago in the Caribbean that lures the Trinidadians to experience fun during weekends offers the best experience through Pigeon Point, which is a coral beach found along the northwestern coasts. The Back Bay and the Man-O-War Bay equipped with an elegant natural harbor are the other beauties that belong to Tobago, and that which excites interest among the travelers.

Caribbean Travel Deal

admin — Thu, 19 May 2011 18:18:10 +0000

Mention the Caribbean and everyone will immediately think of an array of beaches, tropical breezes, and starry evenings under clear skies. While all that is true, they all cost you, too. So how can you make the most out of your Caribbean vacation? Simple, by searching around for great Caribbean travel deals.

These days, looking for great travel deals to virtually any destination is made all easy for the smart traveler. All you really need is a computer and an Internet connection and presto – you find yourself the perfect Caribbean travel deal. But to make things even more convenient, we’ve done all the searching, so now all you have to do is scroll through our list of great Caribbean travel deals for the one that fits your travel plan and budget.

Single Parents Haven

Are you a single parent busy juggling work, soccer practice, dance recitals and dinners? If you answered yes, then you ought to know that is the best time to go have a little fun with the Caribbean travel deal offered at Beaches Resorts. To Celebrate Single Parents Month, Beaches Resorts, through American Airlines Vacations, offers single parents and their children the opportunity to enjoy the special promotions and Caribbean travel deals at one of four all-inclusive Caribbean Beaches Resorts.

This Caribbean travel deal includes:

* Single supplement waived for single parents traveling with children* Welcome cocktail party just for single parents and their children* Movie night on Thursdays exclusively for children with single parents* A second cocktail function for single parents only

After-”tax time” Relaxation

Guests staying at Biras Creek Resort in Virgin Gorda can write off their worries as well as their deductions at the end of this tax season. How so? Well, you see, in honor of the season’s close, the Biras Creek Resort is offering an extremely rare Caribbean travel deal by way of a special “tax relief” promotion. Now, here’s one tax return you can surely smile about.

This “tax relief” Caribbean travel deal consists of the following:

* Oceanview suite* Bottle of wine with dinner* Yoga sessions for two* Swedish massage for two each night

And all this at a clever cost of 40. And if you decide to stay for four nights or more, this Caribbean travel deal may even include a free sunset sail aboard the resort’s yacht, plus complimentary airport transfers.

Cayman Brac Special

Ideally suited for families, Divi Tiara Beach Resort in Cayman Brac sweetens its already sweet family Caribbean travel deals by offering a special family package for their Family Week. So make your family vacation easy, fun, and affordable this summer by getting one of Divi Tiara Beach Resort’s Family Week Packages for seven nights beginning at 9 per adult. If you got kids 12 years and under, they get to stay and eat for free!

Caribbean Travel And Life Magazine

admin — Fri, 06 May 2011 15:19:23 +0000

When it comes to periodicals, travelers are fortunate. Tons and tons of magazines are published every month – sometimes even twice a month – offering all sorts of information about your favorite vacation spots and the general topic of travel and leisure.

But while most magazines are more general in content, there are a few good numbers that are narrower in scope. One such magazine that fits the latte category is Caribbean Travel and Life Magazine.

For a magazine that keeps you on top of what’s going on in the Caribbean, Caribbean Travel and Life Magazine is it. The magazine features everything from new resorts and fun things to do to a whole library of extensive information about your island destination.

Caribbean Travel and Life Magazine offers several travel articles for the itinerant person, whether you do it because you like to experience different cultures or you just want to relax in a tropical island of dreams. In addition to in-depth travel articles and resort features, the Caribbean Travel and Life Magazine also gives general information exclusive to the Caribbean islands.

The Caribbean Travel and Life Magazine is not just any travel and leisure periodical. Because it covers more than just travel, the Caribbean Travel and Life Magazine has in fact transcended its own genre. Also a cultural magazine, the Caribbean Travel and Life Magazine takes you inside the individual islands, letting you see what it’s really like in the Caribbean. Where most of us think that the Caribbean is no more than just a vacation stomping ground, the Caribbean Travel and Life Magazine gives you the other side of the story – the life of the Caribes, a truly amazing people.

The articles are upbeat, witty, and entertaining. You will never get tired of reading the lengthy articles about your favorite islands. Try to read the magazine slowly and allow yourself to dream that you are on the trip with the writers. Or if you want some insider’s tips on any of the islands, read on. The Caribbean Travel and Life Magazine offers travel deals, whether you want an adventure or budget or luxury, tips, and even ads to help you plan a Caribbean vacation just for you.

Besides the loads of travel information, the magazine also serves as eye-candy for travelers on the lookout for great new places to visit. The Caribbean Travel and Life Magazine offers pages and pages of amazing photography that will make you drop what you’re doing, head on to your PC, and look up a travel website so that you can plan a visit to one of the many islands in the region.

From its enticing cover to its delectable features inside, the Caribbean Travel and Life Magazine shows you a picture that includes water, with a brilliant blue hue intended to get readers to open the magazine and learn more. And then, you realize why people want to return to the Caribbean over and over.

The Caribbean Travel and Life Magazine publishes nine issues per year with price per issue starting at .87.

Caribbean Travel and Life

admin — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 18:18:11 +0000

Wondering where to go? In the Caribbean travel and life, that is no big problem. Just scroll down below to find whatever it is you are looking for – balmy weather, clear blue skies, glorious seas, luxurious lodgings, fine food, sports, sights, entertainment, even lazy days for lovers, all under the warmth of the Caribbean sun.

Textual Map

Well, it’s a bit difficult to describe the Caribbean in geographic terms. Just know that the region is actually a group of islands, territories, and countries located just south and east of the Gulf of Mexico and right in the middle of the Caribbean Sea. The following are the islands that are favorite Caribbean travel and life destinations since time immemorial:

* Anguilla* Antigua and Barbuda* Aruba* The Bahamas* Belize* Barbados* Bermuda* Bonaire* British Virgin Islands* Cancun* Cayman Islands* Cozumel* Cuba* Curacao* Dominica* Dominican Republic* Grenada* Guyana* Guadeloupe* Haiti* Honduras* Jamaica* Martinique* Montserrat* Puerto Rico* Saba and St. Eustatius* St. Barthelemy* St. Kitts-Nevis* St. Lucia* St. Maarten and St. Martin* St. Vincent and the Grenadines* Trinidad and Tobago* Turks and Caicos Island* U.S. Virgin Islands

Activities

There are many exciting activities available to you throughout the Caribbean. In fact, this is one of the reason why Caribbean travel and life is so popular among visiting tourists. Because when you are on the islands, it doesn’t matter who or what you are – the islands always have something to offer for everyone.

Caribbean travel and life offer all-inclusive resorts where you can enjoy everything for a single price. One of the popular places that offer all-inclusive Caribbean travel and life is Sandals, located in the Castries area of the Caribbean Island of St. Lucia.

The resort offers two properties – St. Lucia Regency Golf Resort and Spa, a couples-only resort of over 200 acres of rolling hills and a beautiful half-mile beach, and the Sandals Halcyon, another couples-only resort. Sandals Caribbean travel and life all-inclusive packages are geared towards awesome beaches, a great scuba-diving program, water sports, and fitness centers.

If you like casino gaming, Caribbean travel and life offers you that as well. Head on over to Belize, Puerto Rico, Jamaica where the groovy beats of the island makes for an excellent island-flavored nightlife. Play a game of chance and feel like you’re in Las Vegas as you pit fortunes with the house and maybe win a few chips here and there over a round of roulette. Then quench your thirst with a few glasses of sparklies as you laugh and talk and socialize to your heart’s content.

Besides fun and socializing, Caribbean travel and life also offers you a chance to get closer to nature. The Caribbean offers several eco-tourism where a guide takes you into the deepest rainforest reservoir where you can experience first hand some of the rarest and oldest species of flora and fauna found on earth.

Other activities you can enjoy in a Caribbean travel and life include:

* Children’s programs* Cuisine* Golf* Health and fitness spas* Meeting and conventions* Participation sports* Sailing and charter boats* Scuba diving* Spectator sports* Water sports* Weddings and honeymoons.

Caribbean Travel and Life Magazine

admin — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 02:07:20 +0000

Article by Steppes Travel

But while most magazines are more general in content, there are a few good numbers that are narrower in scope. One such magazine that fits the latte category is Caribbean Travel and Life Magazine.

The Caribbean Travel and Life Magazine publishes nine issues per year with price per issue starting at .87.

About the Author

Steppes Travel specialise in luxury holidays, and tailor made holidays

Haiti:the Magic Land

admin — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 18:35:17 +0000

HAITI: THE MAGIC LAND

By Alejandro Guevara Onofre

INTRODUCTION

In 1492 Christopher Columbus wrote about Haiti: “The most beautiful in the world”. Certainly, Haiti is a wonderful country in the Caribbean. I think that has a special beauty, with a geography and traditional culture that is totally different from all the other countries in Latin America.

Now, this essay is a historical information about Haiti, the first black republic in the modern history and one of the poorest nations on Earth. Each chapter provides details on history, economy, biographies, sport, awards, foreign relations, culture and other important aspects of Haiti. The people that don’t know Haiti very much think that Haiti is only one of the world’s poorest countries, but the Island is known for its traditional culture, hospitality, superstitions, history. Furthermore, Haiti is the home to National Park History, one of the ancient wonders of the world, and renowned women such as Edwidge Danticat and Michaëlle Jean were born there.

Since then, the dictatorships have destroyed Haitian society, economy, ecology and sport. Since 1950, two million Haitian people emigrated to the United States and other countries. Haitian-American arrived from Haiti with nothing more than their clothes. If we compare the Haiti of today to Haiti of thirty years ago, we see a change: a new multiparty democracy. Today, a vast part of the Third World and more than a billion people are under dictatorships.

Eventually, I would like to finish my introduction with a message by Albert Mangones: “Haiti is unique in history, going directly from slavery to nationhood”.

CHRONOLOGY:

1492: Columbus discovered Haiti in the 15th Century.

1520-1697: Haiti is a Spanish territory. In the late 1500 and early 1600, African slaves flocked to Island.

1697-1790: Haiti is a French colony. After 16th Century, Haiti became the most important French colony in the Americas. Island´s export to Europe included sugar, coffee and corn. The beauty of Haiti is recognized by the French in the mid-1700 Century, when they called it “Pearl the Caribbean”.

1790-1803: During the French colonization slaves suffers from maltreatment. By the late 1790, pro-independence demonstrations. An Anti-slavery movement under Toussaint L´Ouverture began. L´Ouverture is one of the most important black leaders in the history.During this period of time, Haitian slaves attack villages. Anti-French protests riots brutally suppressed. By the late 1803, under leadership of Jean Jacques Dessalines, Haiti army defeated the French forces at the Battle of Vertieres.

1804-1806:A French colony for more than hundred years, Haiti becomes independent, one of the most important events in the history. Jean Jacques Dessalines became the first president of new republic of Haiti, the first black republic in the modern history. Dessalines is the “Father of Modern Haiti”. Haiti occupies the Western third of Hispaniola, the second-largest Island in the Caribbean.

1804-1820: Unfortunately; Haiti is divided into two zones. Northern Haiti is occupied by Henri Christopher, who is named Emperor, while the north is occupied by Alexander Petion. Petion is probably the greatest Haitian politician who ever lived.

1880: Haiti has one of the richest ecosystems in the Caribbean.

1900: Haiti´s modern political has been tumultuous, marked by dictatorships

1915-1934: Haiti has not had an effective national government Invasion by United States forces. US troops sent to Haiti during civil sub-war.

1918: The Presidential Palace, one of the best national palaces in the world, is originally designed by the Haitian Georges Bassan. Bassan is inspired to White House Washington.

1926: Emily Greene Balch, a human rights activist, went to Haiti.

1928: Cator is the only Haitian ever to win olympic silver medal. After, Haitian athlete Sylvio Cator breaks the men’s long jump record in Paris. Cator was given a hero’s welcome when he returned to his country.

1937: In the Dominican Republic, Rafael Leonidas Trujillo ordered national troops to massacre of 20000 Haitian emigrants.

1940-1950: Haiti is one of the most popular travel destinations in the Caribbean.

1944: Dewitt Peters, an American school-teacher, founded the Centre d’Art in Port -au-Prince Since 1944, Centre d’Art became the centre of the Haitian painting. It is now one of Haiti´s biggest tourist attractions, and every year thousands of people came to see the paintings and other work of Haitian art.

1945: Haiti becomes the 26th member of the United Nations in October.

1956: Haiti establishes diplomatic relations with the Republic of China (Taiwan).

1956: Daniel Fignolé is President of the Provisional Council and Head of State of Haiti

1957-1971:After working for a time as a traditional doctor, Francois Duvalier became one of Haiti’s most famous doctors. In 1957, Duvalier is elected President of the Republic of Haiti. President Duvalier announced: “My government will guarantee the exercise of liberty to all Haitians”. Francois Duvalier, also known for his nickname “Papa Doc”, emerged as Head of State and quickly gained nearly absolute power. In 1961 “Papa Doc” rewrote the National Constitution. After, he became the first “President for Eternity of Haiti”. In the 1960s and 1970s “Papa Doc” popularizes superstitions ideas to Haiti through a series of important voodoo rites. The Duvalier dictatorship instituted rig press censorship. International agencies accuse government of grave human rights abuses. His regime of terror resulted in the deaths of least 30000 Haitian. The Island is one of the most dangerous countries in the Third World.

1957-1981: Haitian First Lady Simone Ovide became one of the most dominant women in the history of Haiti. Simone, wife of the most famous dictator of Haiti, gained in influence and power through corruption and crime.

1957-1989: For many decades, Haiti does not have diplomatic relations with the USSR, People’s Republic of China, Cuba, Hungary, South Africa and East Germany.

1960: The Tonton Macoutes, the brutal secret police, initiated a “Haitian genocide” in which political prisoners were tortured and executed.

1964: Joseph Eduard Gaetjens, the idol of millions of Haitians, is arrested and killed by the Tonton Macoutes, the sinister Haitian secret police. Like John Barnes (Jamaica) and Everald “Gally” Cummings (Trinidad Tobago), he was a great footballer in the Caribbean. After, Gaetjens become a world symbol of the struggle against dictatorship in the Third World. He had dual Haitian and American nationality and played at 1950 World Cup for the United States. Son of Haitian mother and Belgium father, he played for many clubs in the United States. The year 1950 was a very important year for Gaetjens: the United States beat England 1-0, the birthplace of the modern football.

1964: Francois Duvalier changed the national flag. Black and red are the colors chosen by Duvalier. Black, which is similar to the Angolan flag, represents the descendants of the patriot Francois Toussaint L’Ouverture and is also the traditional color of the Haitian people. While, red symbolizes the country`s independence. But the original flag, used since 1803, was removed in 1986 by order of the new government.

1966: Haile Selassie, the Emperor of Ethiopia, arrives in Port-au-Prince. Under the leadership of Dictator Francois Duvalier, many African countries maintain official diplomatic relations with Haiti.

1967: The Comedians, a film by British director Peter Glenville, inspired in the cruel Haitian dictatorship by the Duvalier family.

1971: After Duvalier’s death, power passed to his son Jean Claude Duvalier, the man who became known throughout the world as “Baby Doc”. Baby Doc is as dictatorial as his father. Haiti is ruled by iron hand. Duvalier, best known for his anticommunist political, is omnipresent. Many opposition leaders were arrested. He is accused of human rights abuses. Thousand of Haitian people fled the country. Corruption is prevalent at all levels of government. The health system is one of the worst in the Americas.

1974: The sporting system is one of the worst in the Third World, but Haiti qualified for the 1974 FIFA World Cup. Haiti beat Trinidad-Tobago in the World Cup qualifiers. Is one of the greatest sporting moment, in the chronology, comparing it to something like Sylvio Cator, who won a silver medal in long jump in the 1928 Olympics Games in Holland.

1975: In El Salvador, Miss Haiti, Gerthie David, is named first runner up at Miss Universe Pageant… transmitting live to millions by CBS. After, Gerthie David is acclaimed in Port-au-Prince as a national heroine. Miss Haiti competed with 71 other women from around the world for the title of Miss Universe, including Miss USA, Summer Barthollomew.

1980: Like Canada, West Germany South Korea and Kenya, Haiti boycott the Moscow Olympic Games in protest for Soviet invasion of Afghanistan

1980-1986: Jean-Claude Duvalier, Haiti’s longtime dictator, married Michelle Bennett, an aristocratic lady. A little more than three months later, Bennett-Duvalier becomes First Lady of Haiti. Like Eva Peron (Argentina) or Jiang Qing (People’s Republic of China), she was a woman with great power. Michelle Bennett promoted her mulatto countrymen to positions of leadership in the dictatorship at his expense of the African-Haitians.

1982: The National History Park (La Citadelle Laferriere, Sans Souci Palace and Ramiers) is designated as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. Like Machu Picchu (Peru) and Angkor What (Cambodia), the National History Park is considered among the wonders of the world.

1982: Ronald Agenor wins a gold medal in men’s tennis singles at the Central American and Caribbean Sports Games La Havana. He captures the hearts of the Island.

1983: Pope John Paul arrives in Haiti for a visit. “Things most change here”, said John Paul II.

1986: As Jean-Claude consolidated his power, he consistently refused to consider constitutional reform. The insurrection against the dictator Jean Claude Duvalier began…Antigovernment protesters in the capital. Many deaths, injuries and arrests. Seeming end to long Haitian dictatorship with fall of Duvalier regime.

1987: Haiti has one of the America’s rates of HIV infection

1987: The New Constitution restored many of the liberties abolished by the Duvalier family. The National Constitution recognizes both French and Creole as official languages. A new opposition emerged under Jean-Bertrand Aristide.

1988: Writer Rene Depestre wins the Prix Ranandot. Depestre, a Haitian dissident now living in France, was cited his novel Hadriana dans tous mes reves. By the mid-1980s Rene Depestre had become well known in literacy circles outside Haiti.

1990: Ertha Pascall-Trouillot becomes the first black woman elected of head of state in the world.

1990: First multi-party elections. Jean-Bertrand Aristide, a charismatic black leader, was elected president of Haiti. Aristide is the first democratic president since 1804.He was elected with the most popular support of any Haitian presidential candidate in the history.

1991: Military coup in the country. Raoul Cedras, leader of the coup, emerged as head of the new government. This year marked the end of eight months of democracy. Under new government, all political parties were dissolved.

1991-1995: Like Equatorial Guinea, Cuba and North Korea, Haiti has one of the most serious human rights problems in the Third World.

1993: United Nations imposed economic sanctions on Haiti, one of the most densely populated nations in the Americas.

1994: Peaceful occupation by United States forces to restore democratic electoral system. Raoul Cedras and his family went into exile in Panama City. Aristide was restored to power.

1995: In Port-au-Prince, sub-war violence includes assassination of Meireille Durocher Bertin.

1995: In Beijing, the capital of city of the People’s Republic of China, Haiti participated in the UN`s Fourth World Conference on Women

1996:More than 5,000 Haitians had been killed and miles more fled to abroad, United States, Canada, Bahamas and Dominican Republic, since 1991.

1998: Haitian president Renè Garcia Preval arrives in Taipei (Taiwan) for a four-day state visit. He and President Lee will sign a communiqué to strengthen bilateral friendship and cooperation.

1999: Dominican president Leonel Fernandez visit to Haiti as part of a new diplomacy.

2002: In Paris, Dudley Dorival finished 3rd in the 110 hurdles at the World Championships. He becomes the 1st Haitian to win an individual international medal since 1928.Dorival was born in New Jersey, United States, to Haitian parents on 1 September 1975. He in 2000 officially became a citizen of Haiti.

2000: Haiti is one of the thirty poorest countries in the Third World.

2000-2001: The elections were boycotted by the main opposition political parties. Aristide was again elected President. Widespread violent in Haiti allege that Aristide’s election victory is fraudulent. Total political censorship exists in national media.

2004: This year Haiti is celebrating the 200th Anniversary of their National Independence. President Jean-Bertrand Aristide of Haiti flees to Central African Republic following anti-government demonstrations. Haiti has one of the most violent conflict areas in the Americas. After, UN troops sent to Haiti during civil sub-war.

2006: Rene Preval is sworn in as President of Haiti. Since the peaceful transfer of power in February, Haiti is the newest democracy in the Third World.

ECONOMY

Like Bangladesh, Uganda or Tanzania, Haiti is one of the poorest countries on Earth. In 1997, the Haiti’s economic growth rate (real GDP) per capita was U$ 1,300. GDP per capita for Namibia, Botswana and Equatorial Guinea are higher than for Haiti. In the country 4 million people living on less than U$2 a day. More than 6 million of the Haiti’s population still does not have access to potable water and electricity. For years of dictatorships had left the country’s economy in ruins. The country dependent on international aid. Several hundred thousand farm workers migrate each year to Dominican Republic.

In 1997, total exports for the year were U$110 million, while total imports were US$ 486 million. Since 1804, the US market has been the most important export destination for Haiti. Nearly 80 percent of Haiti’s total exports are destined for the United States. Haiti’s exports include sisal, mangoes, coffee, cotton, bauxite, and sugar. The Island’s imports from the United States include cement, oil, food, machinery and transport equipment. France has been the second largest exports destination for Haitian products.

In the past, the tourism industry occupied an eminent place in the Haitian economy, but several political problems have blocked tourism. Haiti was the first country in the Caribbean to promote tourism in an accelerated form. Haiti is a small country with vast mountains, tropical beaches and beautiful historic buildings.

CULTURE

Like Katherine Dunham, Lillian Hellman, W.B. Seabrook, Erik Leonard Ekman, Alejo Carpentier, Selden Rodman, Noel Coward and Angeline Jolie, many people say that Haiti is the most beautiful country in the Caribbean. Known as the “Magic Land”, Haiti is famous for its culture. Certainly, Haiti its culture, its superstitions and its music. The superstitions or voodoo plays a profound role in the lives of many Haitians. The voodoo was introduced into Haiti in the late 16th Century. Haiti is also famous for its painting, and finally for its ruins…for example the Sans Souci Palace, the most famous ruins in the Caribbean. Exactly, this enigmatic palace is considered a Cultural Heritage for Humanity by UNESCO. Originally constructed by black slaves, now Sans Souci is one of Haiti’s main tourist attractions.

Since the late 1940s, Haitian painting, best known as “naïve art” or “intuitive art”, is famous all around the World. The most important figure was Hector Hyppolite. His work made its biggest splash in the United States in the 20th Century. Other artists known internationally include Rigaud Benoit, Castera Bazile, Joseph Jean-Giles and Jean-Baptista Bottlex.Haiti is famous for its traditional sculpture. The best Haitian sculptor is Albert Mangoes.

FAMOUS HAITIAN

Nelust Wyclef Jean (singer/Haitian-American): Original member of 1990s hip hop group The Fugees. Wyclef Jean is probably the most popular Haitian singer of all time. Jean was born in Croix des Bouquets (Haiti) on October 17, 1972. When he was just ten years old, he moved to the United States. Under leadership of Wyclef Jean and Lauryn Hill, The Fugees had several hits in the 1990s, including The Score (The Score album sold 6 million copies). Since 1997, Wyclef Jean, as soloist, became well-known on the international music scene. Like songwriter and producer, Jean collaborated with superstars as Santana, Withney Houston, Mick Jagger,Bono,Tevin Cambpell, Bounty Killer, Eric Benet, Sarah Connor, Claudette Ortiz, Tarkan, Michael Jackson, Youssou N´Dor, Shakira, Olga Tañon, Carlos Ponce and Julio Voltio. During the last seven years, he has sold more than 10 millions albums worldwide. In 2002, his single Masquerade was a great success.

Since then, Wyclef Jean is a man that always works with love for Haiti, one of the World’s poorest countries. Recently, he makes perhaps his best work: “Yele Haiti”, a foundation which works for the human development in the Island. Like Miriam Makeba in South Africa or Bianca Jagger in Nicaragua, Jean loves his roots. In an interview for Magazine, Wyclef Jean discussed about Haitian roots: “I am 100% Haitian. I am proud to be Haitian. I still have my Haitian passport. I represent Haiti in everything that I do. Every head in the industry knows that I am Haitian…they know what I’m about. I was Haitian forst. Haitian till die!”, said Jean.

Discography: Wyclef Jean Present the Carnival Featuring the refugee All-Stars (1997) / The Ecleftic:2 Sides II a Book/ Masquerade (2002) / The Preacher’s (2003)/ Sak Pasé Presents: Creole 101( 2004) /Hips Don’t Lie (with Shakira, 2006).

SPECIAL AWARDS

Gerthie David “The Black Goddess”

In 1975, many Haitian people were shocked to open their newspapers and see photographs of Gerthie David Miss Haiti in El Salvador. On the night of July 19th 1975, in San Salvador, Gerthie David, Miss Haiti, was the second black woman to first runner-up in the history of Miss Universe Pageant. After winning the Miss Haiti title, Gerthie went to San Salvador, the capital city of El Salvador, to enter the Miss Universe Contest. The competence was exhausting, very hard, for example Miss Bolivia, Jackeline Gammarra, great favorite, was eliminated. This day, Miss Haiti looks like a black goddess. Her exotic beauty and charming personality are amazing! At 1,72m in height, she was the best in the evening gown competition, but her speech about the Haitian superstitions swayed thousands of applauses in the 25th Edition of the Contest. Certainly, Miss Haiti captive to the judges Sarah Vaughan (American black singer), Maribel Arrieta (Miss El Salvador 1955 and First runner-up at Miss Universe 1955), Jean Claude Killy (French sportsmen) and Leon Uris(American writer ).

When Bob Barker, the host this pageant, announces the final placements, Gerthie was cheered by the entire auditorium. Suddenly, her pulse rate beats at thousand per minute… “First runner-up is Miss Haiti!”, said Barker. She was one of the most exotic delegates in all history of Miss Universe. In the 1970s, Gerthie David was a model from Port-au Prince and she became a symbol to the Haitian youth. Next months, in London, Joelle Apollon, Miss Haiti-World, came in sixth place at Miss World 1975.After sixteen years, Marjorie Vincent, formerly Miss Illinois 1991,won the title of Miss America Pageant. The first Miss America to originate from the Caribbean. In other words, Marjorie Vincent has Haitian roots. Furthermore, she was the second black woman to win the pageant.

SPORTS

Like in Brazil or Italy, the football is the most popular sport in Haiti. Certainly, the national pastime is the football. A different of the Dominican Republic or Puerto Rico, the Haitian people don’t like the baseball. In the 20th Century, football became the most popular sport in the Island, thanks to such heroes as Sylvio Cator, Joseph Gaetjens and Emmanuel Sanon. In 1974 Haiti qualified for the World Cup in Germany.

Emmanuel Sanon was one of the Haiti’s most popular players and played at the 1974 World Cup. Sanon made a great contribution to Haitian football because he played in more World Cup qualifiers any other Haitian. He is still very popular with local fans. Other phenomenal talent was Joseph Eduard Gaetjens. He represented both Haiti and the United States. He made FIFA World Cup History: When scored United States opening goal in the 1950 World Cup against England. Joseph came to the United States in the 1940s to play in the American Soccer League. His beautiful play in the Brookhattan Club made in a national star. In 1953, he played for Haiti for the first time.

It’s practically impossible to talk about Haitian athletes without mentioning Sylvio Cator. He is a legend in this sport. Cator won the silver medal in the long jump at 1928 Amsterdam Olympics. Cator returned home to a hero’s welcome. From 1928 to 1930, he was record man in the long jump. Cator was a marvelous jumper and footballer. He also played an important role in popularizing football in the Island (it was the captain of Haitian National Team).

Since then, he is an example for young people in Haiti. He died in November 1938, but today the people of Haiti still think of him with respect. Many years after Cator’s death, the National Stadium in Por-au-Prince was renamed in his honor. Cator was the first of the great Caribbean sportsmen that would come to dominate world track and field.

FAMOUS ATHLETES

Bruny Surin (Canada-Haiti/track field)/ Edrick Floreal (Canada-Haiti/track field)/ Samuel Dalembert ( USA-Haiti/basketball) / Ronald Agenor (USA-Haiti/tennis)/ Sylvio Cator (track and field)/ Yves Jeudy (Box)/ Dieudonne Lamothe (marathon)/ Ludovic Augustin (shooting)/ Ludovic Volborge (shooting)/ Joseph Eduard Gaetjens (Haiti-USA/football)/ Dudley Dorival (track field)/ Fitz Plantin Andre (football)/ Emmanuel Sanon (football)/ Josmer Altidore (Haitian-American/football).

Dudley Dorival (track and field): Dudley Dorival was born on 1 September 1975 in Elizabeth (New Jersey, USA). Dorival is the son of Haitian parents and got Haitian nationality just in time for the XXVII Summer Olympics Games. Since the 2000 Olympics, Dudley Dorival has competed in international competitions under the banner of Haiti. In Sydney (Australia) Dorival finished 7th in the 110m hurdles. He became the first Haitian to Olympic finalist since Yves Jeudy (boxer) in 1976. He won the silver medal at the 1994 World Junior Championship, the bronze at the 2001 World Chanpionship and the gold medal at the 2002 Central American and Caribbean Games El Salvador. Dorival is one of the best sportsman in the history of Haiti.

FAMOUS WOMEN

Michaëlla Jean (Governor-General of Canada)/ Yvonne Neptune (former Prime Minister)/Claudette Werleigh (Prime Minister 1995-1996)/Lina Blanchet (singer)/ Edwidge Danticat (writer)/ Michelle Bennett Duvalier(First Lady of Haiti 1981-1986)/ Luce Turnier (painter)/ Ertha Pascal-Trouillot (Head of State 1990-1991)/ Marie Casimir (journalist) / Sonia Sekula (Painter) / Marie Chauvet (writer)/ Suzanne Comhaire-Sylvain (writer)/ Carmen Brouard (singer)/Dayana Bennett (journalist and actress) / Elie Price (singer)/ Blanche Bosselman (singer)/ Lina Mathon (singer)/ Georgette Moliere (singer)/ Simone Ovide Duvalier (First Lady of Haiti 1957-1981)/ Marleine Bastien (human rights leader)/ Garcelle Beauvais (actress and model)/ Deborah Saint-Phard (track and field)/ Antoinette Gauthier (track and field), Louise Pierre (track and field)/ Rose Gauthier (track and field)

Edwidge Danticat (writer): One of the Caribbean’s most famous writers in the 21st Century. She has written several novels and collections of shore stories, including Kri? Kra!, nominated for a National Book Award. Danticat attracted international attention in 1997 when she wrote perhaps her most famous novel Farming of the Bones, a story about genocide Haitians under the repressive dictatorship of Rafael Leonidas Trujillo.

Garcelle Beauvais (actress): She is the first Haitian actress to star on television. Although she has lived in the United States for many years, the actress and former fashion model Garcelle Beauvais was born in Saint Marc, a city in Haiti, in 1966. She is perhaps best known for her role as Francesca Monroe on TV’s the Jamie Foxx Show. Like Gerthie David, Joelle Apollon, Evelyn Miot, and Marjorie Vincent, she has the classic beauty of the Haitian black woman

REFERENCES:

-Bennet Patterson, Carolyn.”Haiti: Beyond mountains, more mountains”, National Geographic, Washington DC, January 1976

-Bishop,Randa. “Imponentes monumentos haitianos”, Americas, Washington DC, enero-febrero 1987

-Cobb,Charles. “Haiti against all odds”, National Geographic, November 1987

-Encyclopaedia Britannica Book of the Year 1981, Encyclopaedia Britannica, Chicago, 1980

-Encyclopaedia Britannica Almanac 2003, Encyclopaedia Britannica, Chicago, 2002

-Guevara Onofre, Alejandro. Enciclopedia Mundototal 1999, Editorial San Marcos, Lima, 1998

-Hunter, Brian. The Statesman’s Year-Book 1991-92, The Macmillan Press, 1991

-Moritz, Charles. Current Biography Yearbook 1972, H.W Wilson Company, NY

-Sconfield, John. “Haiti-West Africa in the West Indies”, National Geographic, Washington DC, February 1961

-The International Who’s Who 1996-97, Europe Publications, London, 1996

-The World Almanac 2001, World Almanac Books, New Jersey, 2001

-Tibballs, Geoff. The Olympics´ strangest moments, Robson Books, London, 2004

-Vargas Llosa, Mario. “Haití: la muerte”, El Comercio, Lima, 25.4.1994

-Visión. “Imperio del Poder Vitalicio”, Santiago de Chile, 17 de marzo de 1967

-Wallechinsky, David. The complete Book of the Olympics, Aurum Press, London, 2004

-Wallechinsky, David-Wallace, Irving. The People’s Almanac2, Batam Book Inc

-WWW.Yotube.com “1975 El Salvador Miss Universe” (video)

Puerto Mosquito: the paradise of the bioluminescence

admin — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 06:57:04 +0000

Puerto Mosquito is a bay on the southern shore of the island of Vieques, a municipality of Puerto Rico, known as Isla Nena. In the morning, Puerto Mosquito is a Caribbean beach, but in new moon nights, you can see in the water one of the most striking phenomena of the world: The bioluminescence.

The area of Puerto Mosquito Bay is an ideal habitat for the life of bioluminescent organisms: the dinoflagellates. The bay is surrounded by mangroves (Trainings own wetland plant tropical coasts) that are rich in vitamin B12. Decomposing on contact with water, allow these organisms to feed, creating one of the largest concentrations of luminescent life of the world.

On new moon nights, when darkness reigns. Delving into these waters means to live an unforgettable experience. By creating motion, flutter and shine microorganisms generating a stream of light as we passed. Bathing and doing hand motions, canoeing or just moving through there are some of the favorite attractions of tourists.

Some travel companies organize tours of the new moon night. If you’re traveling, know that Ali is a protected site with a very fragile ecosystem. In fact, the Puerto Rican government is making efforts to preserve this amazing place, which many tourists keep one of the best memories of their lives.