This fabled sea, covering more than a million square miles and 7,000 islands with diverse languages, cultures, and ecosystems, has become probably the planet's premier vacation playground. Here it's all about its regional issues and allures. And yes, the (Plus) means we're including the Bahamas and Bermuda!
A quick peek at the best of Bonaire
Matt KiefferOne of the “ABC” islands* of the Dutch Antilles, just 50 miles off the coast of Venezuela, this 111-square-mile island is a welcoming and tranquil trove of eco-adventure (which they play up with the tourism tagline “It´s in Our Nature”), and it´s known especially for its diving and snorkeling. For a nice, laid-back slice of the old Caribbean (albeit a pretty arid one, so please don´t go expecting luxuriant greenery), many travelers in the know very much appreciate this…
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15 December, 2009
Trinidad, Tobago emerge as murder capitals
http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1140001.php
Trinidad and Tobago have overtaken Jamaica in a dubious distinction: the “murder capital of the Caribbean.”
“Although much of the violence is gang-related, in recent years tourists have increasingly become targets for robbery, sexual assault and murder,” says CDNN. INFO.
While homicides increased two percent in Jamaica in 2008, murders were up 38 percent in Trinidad and Tobago.
The US and the UK issued travel advisories warning travelers about increasing violence and the failure of police in Tobago to apprehend and prosecute criminals.
A US travel advisory warns travelers that armed robbers have been trailing tourists as they depart international airports in Trinidad and Tobago. It said:
“Violent crimes, including assault, kidnapping for ransom, sexual assault and murder, have involved foreign residents and tourists (and) incidents have been reported involving armed robbers trailing arriving passengers from the airport and accosting them in remote areas…the perpetrators of many of these crimes have not been arrested.”
The English-speaking Caribbean, which extends from the Bahamas in the north to Trinidad and Tobago in the south, averages 30 murders per 100,000 inhabitants per year, one of the highest rates in the world, according to the Economist.
With 550 homicides in 2008, Trinidad and Tobago has a rate of about 55 murders per 100,000 making it the most dangerous country in the Caribbean and one of the most dangerous in the world, according to press reports.
The rate of assaults, robbery, kidnapping and rape in Trinidad and Tobago is also among the highest in the world.
According to a report issued by the United States State Department, gang-related homicides and other crimes will continue to increase in Trinidad and Tobago in 2009 and 2010.
"Guests booking into Casa de Campo this winter season will be staying in totally new surroundings. Parent company Central Romana Corporation is investing US$25 million into the transformation of the main areas of the hotel and about a third of the rooms in time for high season.
Designers Mayra Gonzalez and Patricia Reid are working on the major changes with architect Rafael Selman of Selman & Asociados Arquitectura, reported in Casa de Campo News October-November issue. According to the publication, the new look blends in with the minimalist approach and use of Caribbean materials that Gonzalez has already used at Minitas Beach and at the Cygalle Spa. Natural materials such as marble, coral stone and oak wood are being used to create an impression of extreme simplicity.
Designer Gonzalez describes it as "bringing the Casa de Campo hotel up to date in a warm contemporary style."
The design involves dramatic changes, from the gardens near the entrance to the lobby, gym, pool area, restaurant and offices that are being relocated. The lobby is being doubled in size. The Tropicana Restaurant has been transformed into a terrace overlooking the pool. The new restaurant is being located at La Cana Bar's former site, with an indoor air-conditioned area, al fresco dining tables and a glassed-in show-kitchen.
The rooms located at the far end of the driving range are will all be new. Patricia Reid designed the rooms to luxury hotel standards in soft, neutral tones. Only remaining are the old mahogany doors to the terraces, which are being restored."
I've long felt the place could use some refreshing...looking forward to checking it out one of these days soon!
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