Grenada is getting a new kind of hospital.

The country’s Prince Alice Hospital is soon to be upgraded to a “climate smart” facility, with a wave of upgrades that will make the hospital both greener and less vulnerable to disasters.

The changes include everything from the installation of a new hurricane-resistant roof; a new automated electrical backup power system and an improved water storage and supply system that will advance the hospital’s capability to deliver care during disasters.

The project is being jointly executed by the government of Grenada and the Pan American Health Organization, at a cost of more than $800,000.

Here’s hoping the rest of the region runs with the idea.

— Caribbean Journal staff

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We’ve made no secret in these pages of our love for tiny islands, the teeny, micro, minuscule places that overflow with melt-your-heart charm and carefree vibes. Because while some islands may have more hotels, more activities or just more square footage, these particular islands draw with their personality. Here are five little islands we think you’d love to visit right now.

Cooper Island It doesn’t get much smaller than this diminutive island in the heart of the British Virgin Islands. But it’s also one of our favorite places in the Caribbean. Home to some private homes and the 12-room Cooper Island Beach Club, this is a famous stop for boaters, but it’s even better if you spend a week. The quirky, lovable micro-hotel (which has a solar-powered brewery and one of the Caribbean’s top rum bars) has become a destination in its own right.

The post 5 Little Islands to Visit in the Caribbean Right Now appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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Disney Cruise Line is adding a new island destination: Bermuda.

Beginning in the fall of 2018 In fall 2018, Disney Cruise Line will sail on new itineraries and to new ports, including its first-ever visits to Bermuda.

For the first time, Disney Cruise Line guests can sail to the beautiful island of Bermuda.

Each of the five-night sailings includes two full days in Bermuda, while one special six-night sailing includes three days there.

An idyllic setting for outdoor enjoyment, Bermuda offers its famous pink sand beaches, lush forests and a range of water activities.

Shopping and sightseeing are plentiful and, at only 21 square miles, the island is easy to navigate and explore.

With its own distinctive blend of British and Caribbean culture, Bermuda boasts both a rich history in sailing and a passion for cricket.

Disney Magic cruises to Bermuda from New York set sail in October 2018.

— Dana Niland, CJ Contributor

The post Disney to Launch Bermuda Cruises appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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AGUADILLA, Puerto Rico — US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations (AMO) detected a single engine vessel on Tuesday evening attempting to smuggle more than 159 pounds (72 kilos) of cocaine north of Arecibo. Puerto Rico Police Department marine units intercepted the vessel.

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By Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon
CJ Travel Editor

Most visitors flock to the well known Jamaica tourist hubs of Montego Bay, Negril and Ocho Rios. But there’s even more magic to be found further east, in the coastal parish of Portland. Lush and peaceful, Portland is more than just its capital, the once-thriving banana town of Port Antonio. Today, despite being far off the beaten tourist track, it offers stunning natural beauty, singular experiences, and exceptional cuisine, all of which combine to make it well worth the trip. Here are seven reasons to visit Portland.

River Rafting Thank actor Errol Flynn for the magical experience of drifting down the Rio Grande on a slender bamboo raft – an activity formerly used to transport bananas from plantation to port, which he popularized back in the 1950s. Today, floating down the glassy waterway from Berrydale to Rafters’ Rest is an opportunity to see the island at its most beautiful.

Boston Jerk You can’t come to Portland without going to the town of Boston and sampling the uniquely Jamaican fiery fare. And while can’t go wrong with a quarter-pound of jerk pork or chicken at any of the smoke-filled roadside stalls, we’re partial to Little David’s.

Blue Lagoon Rumor has it that it’s bottomless, and we’ve even heard that there’s a dragon who lives in its depths. We can’t say whether either of those things is true but we can say that this swimming hole, fed by underground freshwater springs, is one of Jamaica’s most cinematically beautiful.

Trident Castle You have to see this quirky eight-bedroom castle, which sits on seven waterfront acres with its own helipad, pool and charming private chapel, to believe it. Better still, have your wedding at the distinctive venue in the village of Anchovy, and you can gawk at the photos

Monkey Island Kayak from San San beach to this sandy spot (also called Princess Island and Pellew Island) and enjoy tranquil sunning on its sandy shores and great snorkeling in the reef right off them.

Frenchman’s Cove When it comes to Jamaican beaches, few are more photogenic than this Porty shore, which is bordered on one side by lush gardens, on the other by warm clear water, and bisected by a refreshing river that runs between them.

Dickie’s Best Kept Secret You never know what will be on the menu at this quirky in-home restaurant precariously perched on a hillside as you enter Port Antonio. But you can be sure that the spread, prepped by the restaurant’s eccentric owner Dickie, will be both memorable and mouthwatering.

The post 7 Reasons to Visit Portland, Jamaica appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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