… by George Washington University  estimated Puerto Rico‘s post-hurricane death toll … , “The administration killed the Puerto Ricans with neglect. The Trump administration … hurricane, tens of thousands of Puerto Ricans fled the island after the …

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By Julia Rawlins-Bentham BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (BGIS) — A number of issues will be on the agenda next week when Caribbean Community (CARICOM) heads meet in Barbados for the ninth meeting of the prime ministerial sub-committee on the CARICOM Single Market and the Economy (CSME) on Wednesday, September 5. These were discussed during a national preparatory […]

The post CSME meeting in Barbados next week to address a range of issues appeared first on Caribbean News Now.

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By Caribbean News Now contributor MIAMI, USA — A tropical wave located over the north-central Caribbean Sea is producing a large area of cloudiness and thunderstorms extending from Hispaniola northeastward across the northeastern Caribbean Sea and adjacent Atlantic waters. According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami, this activity is forecast to spread westward […]

The post Tropical wave brings heavy rain to northern Caribbean appeared first on Caribbean News Now.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

Southwest Airlines is at it again, adding more new routes to its ever-expanding Caribbean network.

The latest expansion for the low-cost carrier is out of St. Louis, where Southwest is adding new nonstop flights to both Montego Bay, Jamaica and Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.

The Westin Puntacana.

Both flights, which are subject to government approval, will launch beginning on March 9, 2019.

The flights will operate weekly on Saturdays on a seasonal basis.

In another move, Southwest is also resuming its seasonal Saturday flights to Cancun in the Mexican Caribbean out of Milwaukee, Pittsburgh, Raleigh-Durham and San Antonio.

Cancun.

The moves reflect what seems to be a growing push by carriers to increase flights from U.S. airports that have not traditionally  offered many flights to the Caribbean.

Indeed, last week, Frontier Airlines announced a major expansion to Montego Bay, Punta Cana and Cancun out of Raleigh-Durham International Airport, while Spirit Airlines is planning a new wave of flights to the Caribbean out of Orlando.

Of course, this all comes as Southwest Airlines has (along with JetBlue) helped turn another such airport, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, into one of the United States’ top hubs for Caribbean travel.

It’s a sign of the growing demand for Caribbean travel across America, particularly beyond more traditional hubs like New York, Miami and Chicago.

— CJ

The post Southwest Airlines Adding More Punta Cana, Jamaica Flights appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By Dana Niland
CJ Contributor

Riu is continuing its rapid renovation push, with another upgrade project underway in Negril, Jamaica.

The Riu Palace Tropical Bay Hotel is currently in the midst of a “complete renovation,” according to the all-inclusive giant, with plans to reopen in October.

After the renovation, the property will offer Riu’s 24-hour room service, new sports and activities, new decor for guest rooms, restaurants, bars and other areas of the hotel.

Riu is also adding some of its new brand-wide concepts, including the Capuchino Patisserie, along with a new Jerk Grill on the beach, a relocated steakhouse and a relaunched children’s area with a bigger pool and a playground.

Riu will additionally be installing complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the property, along with walk-in showers.

It’s part of what has been Caribbean-wide transformation drive that has seen revamped properties in destinations including the Mexican Caribbean, Nassau, Punta Cana and now Jamaica.

The Riu Palace Tropical Bay is one of two Riu-branded properties in Negril, along with the signature Riu Negril.

— CJ

The post Riu Renovating Negril All-Inclusive appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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