Jamaica will soon be participating in a number of clinical trials in the fight to find a vaccine to treat the Zika virus, according to Jamaica Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton.

The clinical trials are part of an international study, and are supported by the World Health Organization.

Tufton said the vaccine could become available within a year.

Jamaica is among some 65 countries fighting Zika.

“The Zika virus is new and there is no resistance. The immune system has not experienced it and developed the capacity to fight against it. So, when something is new like Zika, it tends to spread faster until you develop some sort of resistance to it,” Tufton said.

But he also urged the country to fight Zika with the free flow of information at all levels.

“The biggest and most significant line of defence to fight this virus is us,” he said.

The post Jamaica to Participate in Zika Vaccine Trials appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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Several Caribbean resorts have a yoga class or two on their daily schedule, but where do you go if you’re a serious student trying to deepen your practice while you deepen your tan? Where do you go for the full yoga experience? Check out these yoga-centered retreats and enjoy some savasana in the sun. These are the Best Yoga Retreats in the Caribbean.

By Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon
CJ Travel Editor

Sivananda Ashram, Bahamas Just down the sand from Atlantis, this Paradise Island retreat is for serious yogis of all proficiency levels who don’t mind waking at sunrise and committing to twice-daily practice and meditation sessions in a spiritual community set on one of the Caribbean’s best beaches, Cabbage Beach.

The post The Best Yoga Retreats in the Caribbean appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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It’s location is hard to beat: it’s directly adjacent to the world-famous Curtain Bluff resort, one of the Caribbean’s landmark hotels.

But while Morris Bay shares its beauty, it’s got a tranquility all its own, often with few people, just beach pilgrims in search of the next great stretch of sand.

It’s calm, it’s quiet, and it’s all for you. This is Morris Bay.

The post VIDEO: On the Beach at Morris Bay, Antigua appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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The Caribbean has a major new restaurant, and it’s called La Table de Marcel.

The new eatery, which is now officially open in Fort de France, is headed by Michelin Star Chef Marcel Ravin, and it’s set in the French department’s hottest new hotel, Le Simon.

Ravin is returning to his homeland of Martinique after a 16-year tenure leading the noted Blue Bay Restaurant in Monaco’s Monte Carlo Bay Hotel and Resort.

The new eatery will feature Ravin’s signature style, combining local spices, herbs and Creole seasonings with French flavors.

“Exceptional cuisine is everything in Martinique; the focal point at the heart of who we are as a people and what makes our little island so special,” said Muriel Wiltord, Director Americas for the Martinique Promotion Bureau. “Chef Marcel has carried the flag for us in Europe for many years, bringing a taste of Martinique to some of the most exclusive tables in Monaco, Lyon, Brussels, and beyond. Now, with this fabulous homecoming, the world can come to Martinique and experience his masterful dishes in the land that inspired his talent.”

Ravin was born and raised in the fishing village of Diamant in Martinique, eventually accepting the head chef position at Blue Bay, where he earned his Michelin star.

“We couldn’t be more proud and happy to have Chef Marcel back home in Martinique,” said Wiltord.

The 94-room hotel opened its doors in January as a contemporary new option in what is one of the Caribbean’s most culturally fascinating cities.

The post Michelin-Star Chef Opens Restaurant in Martinique appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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Great ways to stay healthy during the summer

By Fernando Franco
CJ Contributor

School is out and summer is in – the perfect time to explore recipes that include in-season fruits and vegetables. There are many ways to keep your kids healthy during summer vacation that are still fun and exciting, while using fresh fruits and vegetables that are readily available. Be sure to stay hydrated, get the right vitamins and nutrients to stay energized and keep meals and snacks light and tasty.

Here in Trinidad, we have an abundance of healthy foods that the whole family enjoy can enjoy. One dish that Trinidadians love is chow – a simple, refreshing snack consisting of fresh fruits, garlic, herbs and spices. A few of the ingredients include pineapple or mango as a base, garlic, cilantro, lime, scotch bonnet pepper with a sprinkle of salt and black pepper. The mixture of all of these flavors dance on your tongue – sweet, salty, sour and spicy. If a dish like this is too complex for your children, you can always make your own version of it, using less of the intense spices.

For some healthy food shopping, we head over to markets that sell a variety of fruits, vegetables and seasonal seafood to take home. I love to stop at the Green Market on Saturdays to check out the local products and goods that are available. Mangoes are abundant during summer as well as avocados, amongst others. We are also lucky to have papaya, watermelons and pineapples available throughout the year. If you cut these fruits into very small pieces, your kids will be sure to enjoy them. Freezing fruits such as mangoes is also a great way to eat them, especially on a hot summer’s day.

Another healthy snack that kids will love is a smoothie! Not only do smoothies keep them hydrated and replenish the nutrients in their bodies, but they are also extremely tasty.

I turned to the beverage department for their most popular smoothies that both kids and adults alike can enjoy. Many thanks to the beverage team for supplying the recipes.

Hyatt Green Smoothie

Ingredients

Fresh Spinach

Local Bananas

Fresh Strawberries

Golden Pear

Local coconut Water

Savannah Breeze Pineapple

Smoothie

Ingredients

Fresh Local Pineapples

Rose Grapes

Red Apples

Fresh Local lime juice

Fernando Franco is Executive Chef at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad.

The post Healthy Fun Foods for Kids, From the Caribbean appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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