In a bid to court new investment, Jamaica’s government says it will be appointing a handful of “investment ambassadors.”

The announcement was made this week by new Jamaica Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who said the envoys would be responsible for stimulating economic opportunities for Jamaica overseas.

“We will be expanding the number of persons, who will be assisting in exploring new markets overseas and we will do this by appointing several investment ambassadors. In fact, by next week Wednesday, we will appoint two,” Holness said.

One of the ambassadors will have responsibility for India and the Middle East, and the other will focus on Europe.

“They will assist in creating new markets and opportunities for Jamaica,” Holness said.

The concept is not entirely new in the region, having been used most notably in Antigua, which has named, among others, Hollywood star Robert De Niro, an economic envoy.

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By Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon
CJ Travel Editor

It’s a breath of fresh air. Literally.

Punta Cana’s only oxygen bar, at CHIC Punta Cana, offers guests O2 on demand, giving them an opportunity to find out for themselves whether oxygen therapy – which claims to increase mental alertness, boost concentration and memory, and to impart a sense of wellbeing – really works.

Oxygen is “served” to as many as three guests at a time from countertop dispensers that each contain four chambers of liquid fragrance blends designed to relax or invigorate. The rosemary and mint combination that comprises Zen, for example, claims to “cool and refresh,” while Serenity (lavender, balsam fir) may soothe and calm. Guests insert a (disposable) plastic tube into their nostrils, and simply breathe in the benefits.

Each 10-minute “dose” costs $10, and no more than 30 minutes of oxygen therapy is recommended a day. Guests can also pair the 02 therapy with “fruit therapy” from complimentary smoothies, made to order from locally grown fruit and vegetables.

Our take: After a quick hit of the Uplifting blend (peppermint and wintergreen) we felt happy and just a little light-headed. The jury’s still out about whether we’re any sharper or energized than usual. But either way, the whole experience was … ahem … a gas.

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The latest Caribbean Photo comes from Caribbean Journal reader Michael Quartarone of Oakville, Ontario, Canada, who sent in this lovely snapshot from a recent trip to St Lucia.

Did you take a great photo of the Caribbean? Send it to news@caribjournal.com with CPOTW in the subject line.

It could be the next one!

— CJ

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Jamaica’s Half Moon resort has gone independent.

The leading Jamaican property has announced that the property will no longer be operating under the management of RockResorts, effective immediately.

The change in management came after a “mutual decision” between the two sides after a five-year partnership.

“Both parties agreed to terminate the contract following RockResorts’ decision to change strategy, shifting their primary focus to the company’s mountain lodge properties,” Half Moon said in a statement.

The hotel said its owners, who have owned the property for 62 years, are “excited about the opportunity to once again manage and operate the resort independently under the leadership of General Manager Sandro Fabris.”

“The owners have a dynamic vision for the future of the resort and those plans will be announced in the coming months,” the hotel said.

Half Moon was named the Best Hotel in Jamaica in Caribbean Journal’s recent ranking of the top properties on the island.

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