Island Lime puts Caribbean talent on display in Hollywood

Island Lime, the networking event to unite Caribbean creatives

The Island Lime is a networking event dedicated to fostering connections between Caribbean creatives and influential people in the industry. After two years of hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Island Lime returned to Kiss Kiss Bang Bang nightclub in Hollywood. The event gathered over 400 people including actors, filmmakers, singers, producers, songwriters, and other Caribbean creatives.  Special guests such as film and record label execs, publicists, casting agents, and other influential stakeholders in Hollywood attended the event.

Created by Simon Baptiste and Carolyn Pasea-Pogson,  principals of Question Mark Entertainment, under the One Degree of Separation platform or ODOS, the Island Lime Event offers access to opportunities and funding to Caribbean creatives. It also helps to position the Caribbean on the global stage. The event is a movement for giving voice to all Caribbean creatives by the Caribbean. The Black Panther actor, Winston Duke supports this initiative along with the dancehall artist Red Rat.

Over the last 20 years, Simon and Carolyn have created so many opportunities for Caribbean creatives. For instance, through Decibel, young Caribbeans can explore their creativity during sessions with the Caribbean and foreign celebrities in dance, music, and film. Through the Dream Big Foundation, filmmakers can have mentoring sessions in Hollywood. Through the ODOS platform, Caribbean creatives can have the opportunity to make connections in the industry. The Trinidadian actor Michael Cherrie is among the cast members in the upcoming Netflix movie Shirley.

The Island Lime Event and by extension ODOS is a great platform for all Caribbean creatives who wish to build a career. And Simon intends to build ODOS globally through seminars and workshops in the same vein as Ted Talks or SKSW.

Dominica approves legislation to deal with virtual currencies

Dominica approves the Virtual Asset Business Legislation

The government of Dominica approves the Virtual Asset Business Legislation to set a legal framework for virtual currencies. Dominica joins St. Kitts-Nevis and Antigua, and Barbuda. The three countries have passed similar legislation among the nine members of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States.

According to the Dominica government, on one hand, the Virtual Asset Business Legislation will ensure vigilant monitoring of virtual currencies. The government recognizes the need to put necessary regulatory framework addressing the rapid development of virtual assets. On the other hand, the Dominica government states that having this bill will provide new opportunities to the island as the worth of digital currencies has increased tremendously over years. Virtual assets may open up a niche and new initiative for the young people of Dominica.

The Ritz-Carlton, Turks And Caicos Named Development Of The Year 2021 At Caribbean Hotel & Resort Investment Summit

The Ritz-Carlton, Turks And Caicos Named Development Of The Year 2021 At Caribbean Hotel & Resort Investment Summit

Held at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, the Florida Caribbean Hotel & Resort Investment Summit (CHRIS) is the Caribbean’s most important hotel and tourism investment conference. During the conference, the Ritz-Carlton in the Turks and Caicos Islands was named Development of the Year 2021. The luxury property topped the O2 Beach Club & Spa – Christ Church, Barbados, and The St. Regis Bermuda Resort – St. George’s, Bermuda.

Located in the Grace Bay in Providenciales, the Ritz-Carlton is the first luxury hotel in the Turks and Caicos. It features 147 refined ocean view guest rooms, including 23 suites, five three-story penthouse suites with private rooftop plunge pools, and endless horizon views.

Designed by Coleman Partners Architects, L.L.C., the property’s design narrative is rooted in the island's heritage, through the use of rich wood and floral. The property created over 500 jobs and now employs over 250 people.

Another category of nomination happened during the conference. Transaction of the Years 2020 & 2021 is won by the Apple Leisure Group acquired by Hyatt Hotels Corporation. A transaction valued at approximately US$2.7 billion. Finalists in the transaction category included Frenchman’s Reef Marriott Resort in St.Thomas acquired by Fortress Investment Group and Resorts & Residences by Cuisinart in Anguilla acquired by Olympus Ventures.

CHRIS is organized by The BHN Group and Northstar Travel Group. The two companies are both the worldwide leader in developing and organizing conferences for the hotel and tourism investment community. They are leading in providing B-to-B information and marketing solutions for a company serving all segments of the travel industry.

The 2009 Miss Jamaica World contestant Lesa “Milan” Hall is among the cast members of The Real Housewives of Dubai

Lisa Hall is among the cast members of The Real Housewives of Dubai

The 2009 Miss Jamaica World contestant Lesa “Milan” Hall is among the cast members of The Real Housewives of Dubai, which was recently premiered on Bravo. The former Miss Jamaica World contestant, 34 years old and mother of three young boys, is living in Dubai with her millionaire financier and real estate developer husband, Richard Hall.

The other cast members of The Real Housewives of Dubai include:

• Caroline Stanbury: a reality star

• Caroline Brooks: an Afro-Latina businesswoman very successful in the real estate industry

• Nina Ali: an ultra-glam Lebanese mother of three and founder of Fruit Cake

• Chanel Ayan: a breezy Kenyan-born model

• Sara Al Madani: a serial entrepreneur and single mom who is the only Emirati cast member

The Real Housewives is an international reality television franchise consisting of 11 series in the United States and 21 international series. Most of the series document the lives of a group of affluent women residing in the city of the show.

Travellers Worldwide Ranks the 17 Safest Islands in the Caribbean in 2022

The Caribbean islands attract millions of visitors every year. The crime rate across countries in the Caribbean region is different. So, Travellers Worldwide has ranked some of the safest islands. Keep reading to see the Islands they rack in the top five.

1)  St. Barts

St. Barts or Saint Barthelemy is incredibly safe, the crime rate averages zero. Residents and visitors of St. Barts live in a very safe environment.

2)  Anguilla

With a threat level of one according to the US Department of State, Anguilla is one of the safest destinations in the Caribbean. Like in St. Barts, you will likely experience zero petty theft in Anguilla.

3)  The Cayman Islands

With strict gun laws, the Cayman Islands rank among the safest destinations in the Caribbean. The average owner of licensed guns is close to one percent, with less than 1000 licensed gun owners out of 65000 residents.

4)  The Virgin Islands

Although petty theft may happen with expensive items, the Virgin Islands is a safe place to visit. So, to stay safe while visiting the island, you just have to leave your most expensive items at home.

5)  St. Lucia

St. Lucia is a safe place for visitors. Visitors are only encouraged to follow security standards such as avoiding walking around alone late at night or flaunting expensive items.

To see the full list, click here