Caribbean Mourns Sir Sidney Poitier, a Son of The Bahamas

The Caribbean is mourning one of its shining lights, following the passing of legendary actor, director, humanitarian and ambassador Sir Sidney Poitier, who passed away this weekend at the age of 94. 

Poitier was a native of Cat Island in The Bahamas (though the was born in Miami on a weekend trip with his family), and spent his childhood there. 

His passing has led to a wave of heartfelt tributes from around the region and the world.

Moving to the US at 15, he rose quickly into one of the biggest young stars in Hollywood; his success reached its zenith with an Academy Award for Best Actor in 1964, making him the first Black actor (and first Bahamian) to win an Oscar for his role in Lilies of the Field. 

Other career highlights included roles in The Heat of the Night; To Sir, With Love; Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner; and Sneakers, among others. 

After his acting career, Poitier had a long diplomatic career, serving as The Bahamas’ Ambassador to Japan from 1997 to 2007, accompanied by a term as the country’s Ambassador to UNESCO for five years. 

The bridge linking the islands of New Providence and Paradise Island is named for Poitier as well. 

“On a global scale, Sir Sidney embodied greatness,” Bahamas Deputy Prime Minister and Tourism Minister Chester Cooper told Caribbean Journal. “Through his cinematic roles, he challenged stereotypes, modelled the highest attributes of human dignity and universally typified the individual who, through sheer human resolve and determination, overcomes challenges imposed by the larger society.”

“Sir Sidney, by the measure of his bearing, belonged to the world. Yet, at his most authentic self, Sir Sidney was a Bahamian, and of that fact, the People of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas will be eternally most proud,” Cooper said.

He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1974. 

The post Caribbean Mourns Sir Sidney Poitier, a Son of The Bahamas appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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How Much Does a Home Air Quality Inspection Cost?

You might wonder, “How much does a home air quality inspection cost?” Well, you’re in the right place to find out.

Air quality home inspections are a terrific way to learn if your home’s air quality is acceptable. Still, it helps to know how much the service costs beforehand.

Keep reading to learn more about how much a home air quality inspection costs.

Cost of a Home Air Quality Inspection

Homeowners may pay an average of $422 for an expert indoor air quality test. However, costs can vary between $285 and $563 depending on the service, which will get into in momentarily.

The cost of inspecting a home will vary depending on the size of your home. It will also differ based on the type of analysis you request.

You can take steps like buying air-producing plants to improve your indoor air quality. However, if you think you have an indoor air quality problem, you want to fix it as soon as possible.

If you think about it, a lot of time is spent in your home. Imagine there are harmful chemicals or other types of pollution circulating in your space.

Then, you and your family are constantly inhaling it. Of course, you want the best air quality for you and your loved ones.

Making Your Home Safe

Unsafe air can cause various types of health problems. These problems may include:

• Allergies
• Chemical sensitivity
• Respiratory illness

Some indoor air pollutants can even cause cancer.

Having your air tested is a wise choice. It can help you pinpoint problems with your home’s air quality and get them fixed as fast as possible.

Testing for Pollutants

A basic test of your home for pollutants can cost about $400. Again, the price will vary depending on the size of your home and the complexity of the evaluation. Some companies charge up to $1,000 for comprehensive indoor air testing.

If you’ve been considering a basic air test, you might worry it will miss some types of pollutants. In that case, you’ll need to consider the added cost of testing for specific problems—more on that in a moment.

What Comes With a Basic Air Test?

The more comprehensive the air quality analysis, the more it will cost. A thorough air quality test requires more sample taking. It also takes longer to execute.

A home indoor air quality inspection might test for several potential pollutants. These pollutants may include:

• Allergens
• Asbestos
• Bacteria
• Combustible gases
• Mold
• Radon
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

The technician will also likely take air samples from various spaces in your home.

Testing a New Home

You may think there’s no need to test air quality in a new home. Conversely, air quality testing in a new home is especially important. New construction materials can let off dangerous chemicals and fumes.

The cost of the test will vary depending on the size of your home and your concerns. On average, however, it can cost anywhere from $200 to $1,000 for air quality testing in a new home.

Looking for Specific Pollutants

Now, let’s have a look at testing for specific pollutants. This kind of evaluation can cost anywhere from $100 to $1,000. On average, however, homeowners pay around $300 for specific testing.

An HVAC technician or air quality specialist will only test for a specific threat during this kind of test. If a pollutant is present, they can help you to find and fix the problem fast.

A specific type of air quality analysis is beneficial if you want to check for a particular threat. For instance, you may live in a neighborhood where you heard other homeowners have had problems with radon.

In another scenario, you might want a specific test after finding an elevated level of a contaminant with a DIY test kit. Alternatively, you may have noticed excessive mold around your home. Then, you might hire a technician to perform one of the following tests.

Testing Air for Asbestos

Asbestos is a once-popular building material. It quickly fell out of favor, however, once builders realized the material was harmful to building occupants.

Asbestos is inert unless it’s disturbed. If you’ve done some type of renovation work, for example, you may have contaminated your air if asbestos is present in your home.

Asbestos testing may cost around $500. Yet, the cost of testing your air for asbestos can start as low as $200 and go as high as $800. A recurring theme is that air quality testing will vary depending on the size of your home and the amount of testing needed.

Checking for Mold

Mold and bacteria thrive in humid spaces. Some mold is harmless.

However, other types of molds can prove quite toxic, such as Aspergillus, Acremonium, and Stachybotrys. You should have these kinds of molds removed at once.

It can cost an average of $300 to $1,000 for air quality testing mold inspection. Yet, many homeowners spend around $700 for airborne mold testing.

Air VOC Testing

Formaldehyde is a volatile organic compound often found in homes. Manufacturers use the compound in chemicals such as paint. Over time, these chemicals can evaporate into the air.

A certain percentage of VOCs in the air is safe. However, too many VOCs can prove harmful.

Testing for VOCs can cost an average of $200 to $300. However, the cost can vary depending on the type of VOC threat.

Evaluating Radon Exposure

Everything decays. The uranium decay in soil produces radon. This process can cause radon to leak into your home through cracks in your foundation.

A specialist might take air samples in several areas to locate radon. They’ll also most likely provide you with solutions, such as adding ventilation or a system to remove radon from your home.

Radon testing can cost between $150 and $800. Most homeowners spend about $500 for the service.

Carbon Monoxide Tests

Carbon monoxide is one of the more well-known threats to indoor air quality. Often, homeowners will have a carbon monoxide detector installed in their homes.

A carbon monoxide detector can cost anywhere from $15 to $150. Meanwhile, professional carbon monoxide testing can cost between $100 and $200.

Testing for Potential Allergens

Air quality specialists or HVAC technicians can test for many kinds of allergens. With this in mind, you may need to request a specific kind of allergen testing based on your sensitivities.

There are a few common indoor air allergens. These health threats include:

• Dust mites
• Pet dander
• Pollen
• Vermin waste and particles

You might find consultation with an air inspection professional helpful for pinpointing needed allergen testing in your home.

DIY Testing

DIY air inspection is an affordable way to get an idea of the air quality in your home. An at-home test kit can cost anywhere from $15 to $200.

The cost of a DIY test kit will vary depending on your needs. Still, this kind of testing is ideal for getting started improving air quality with minimal expense.

You could find unwanted results with your DIY test kit. If so, you want to enlist the help of a professional as soon as possible.

A professional air quality inspector can help you diagnose problems found with air quality testing results. They can also provide you with more information.

More importantly, an expert air quality technician can help you figure out an effective course of action. You won’t receive this kind of benefit from a DIY air quality testing kit.

Hiring a Pro

You may not look forward to paying the price for a professional assessment. However, the benefits of a professional air quality assessment far outweigh the costs.

Imagine you have radon in your home. In that case, it’s critical you devise a plan to remedy the issue immediately. Any kind of improvement in air quality can ultimately save you money in the long run.

Mold can also cause significant health problems. You can’t put a price on good health.

If you overlook the air quality in your home, it’s quite possible you could end up getting sick just by sitting indoors. Alternatively, you can alleviate these kinds of problems by hiring a professional indoor air quality inspector.

Make Sure Your Home’s Safe

If you’re experiencing health problems, it’s a good idea to have your indoor air quality tested. For instance, you may have allergic actions.

Alternatively, you may have problems breathing. These kinds of issues might start with indoor air contaminants.

You should also consider a home air quality inspection if you plan to sell your home. You don’t want to sell your home only to find out later it had a major defect you didn’t mention.

If you’re thinking about selling your home, we can help. Submit your address to iBuyer.com and get a no obligation cash offer and see how much your home’s worth.

The post How Much Does a Home Air Quality Inspection Cost? appeared first on iBuyer Blog.

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iciHaiti – DR : Arrest of 52 Haitians who were going to go illegally to Puerto Rico

… going to go illegally to Puerto Rico
08/01/2022 … trip to the island of Puerto Rico by the Esmeralda beach according …

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The 10 Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts to Visit in 2022

A few decades ago, the term “luxury all-inclusive” might have seemed like an oxymoron. But that’s how much the all-inclusive space has changed, particularly in the Caribbean — where all-inclusive has become far more of a technical term than a qualitative one. 

And at the finest all-inclusives in the region, the luxury abounds, from truly gourmet cuisine to cutting-edge design and world-class service. 

That means things like champagne breakfasts on the beach. Your own ocean-view plunge pool. A room that opens out right onto the sand. Your own private, fully-gassed boat. 

Luxury all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean range from tiny boutique all-inclusive resorts to more “traditional” large resorts; but wherever you choose: two things main remain constant: you’ll never have to reach for your wallet, and you’ll have everything your vacation needs. 

Here are our favorite luxury all-inclusive resorts to try in 2022. 

Hammock Cove, Antigua  It’s the quintessential luxury all-inclusive resort, set on one of the most majestic bays in Antigua. But the biggest story at Hammock Cove is the design: every single room has its own private plunge pool and entertainment deck, meaning no matter where you stay, you’ve got your own mini resort. The food is outstanding, as is the beverage and cocktail program, which even includes an all-inclusive rum bar featuring some of the region’s finest aged expressions. 

The post The 10 Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts to Visit in 2022 appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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Second-Home Demand Up 77% From Pre-Pandemic Levels

Nontraditional vacation spots far from coastlines or mountains are leading destinations for second-home buyers. Will the trend continue?

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