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JAMAICA: Return of Direct Flights from Italy a Major Boost for Tourism

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#MontegoBay, Jamaica, November 22, 2022 – The return of direct flights from Italy is being hailed by local stakeholders as a major boost for air connectivity out of Europe and for the upcoming winter tourist season.

“The addition of these direct flights speaks to the confidence our airline partners have of the destination,” Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, told JIS News.

Government officials, attraction and hotel owners, transport operators and other business interests, said that the latest development, which saw the inaugural arrival of Neos Airline out of Milan, Italy into Montego Bay on November 20, represents an important sign of recovery since 2019 and the subsequent onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Jamaica continues to show its resilience from the fallout of the pandemic as our tourism recovery surpasses our targets. Air connectivity out of Europe, one of our major source markets, is something we hold dear to our hearts and something we must continue to nurture, considering the competitive nature of the global tourism market,” the Minister said.

Mr. Bartlett argued that the return of direct flights will dramatically increase arrivals from Italy, pointing to the 13,000 visitors Jamaica received in 2019. He noted that for the upcoming winter season, the airline will connect Italy to Jamaica with two weekly flights.

“In addition, from December 23, Neos Air will operate a second flight from Verona, Italy. Both flights will be utilising a Boeing 787-900 Dreamliner with a  capacity of 359 seats,” the Minister said.

Meanwhile, MBJ Airports Limited, operator of the Sangster International Airport, in Montego Bay,  is also celebrating the return of Neos Airline, calling it a prelude of things to come for the expected bumper winter season, which officially starts on December 15.

“We are excited by the return of Neos’ weekly service to Sangster International Airport for the first time since the start of the pandemic,” MBJ’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Shane Munroe, told stakeholders who were on hand for the airline’s arrival on November 20.

“We are happy that our guests from Italy can once again enjoy travel to Jamaica using the services of Neos Airline,” he added.

For his part, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Airports Authority of Jamaica, Audley Deidrick , was equally excited.

“The Airports Authority of Jamaica welcomes the return of the service by Neos Airline from Milan to the Sangster International Airport and by extension to Jamaica. This service will provide greater connectivity for travellers between Milan and Jamaica,” he said.

Director of Tourism, Donovan White, said the move is another positive nod for Jamaica’s tourism “as we continue to keep the destination top of mind”.

“We anticipate an increase in visitors and look forward to showcasing our warm Jamaican hospitality,” he added.

The inaugural flight carried 144 passengers and 11 crew members and was greeted by a celebratory water arch salute from MBJ’s Emergency Response Service team, live Jamaican Mento music, and senior representatives of the Jamaica Tourist Board and MBJ Airports Limited.

 

Contact: Garwin Davis

Release: JIS

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CARICOM Presses for Peace as Hormuz Conflict Drives Up Caribbean Costs 

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May 22, 2026 – The Caribbean Community is warning that the escalating conflict surrounding the Strait of Hormuz is now directly threatening Caribbean economies, driving up the cost of fuel, food and freight across a region heavily dependent on imports.

In a statement issued this week, CARICOM expressed “serious concern” over the worsening hostilities in the Middle East and the growing instability affecting one of the world’s most critical shipping corridors.

CARICOM said it is alarmed by: “the severe loss of life, threats to civil infrastructure, and the instability in global markets” resulting from the conflict.

The regional bloc warned that disruption in maritime transit through the Strait of Hormuz is reverberating across the global economy through: “energy markets, supply chains and increased freight costs.”

For Caribbean citizens, those consequences are already becoming painfully visible.

In Nassau, gasoline prices have surged again, with regular fuel now nearing or exceeding seven dollars per gallon at some stations. Consumers in other CARICOM countries are also reporting higher transportation costs, rising grocery bills and mounting pressure on household budgets.

The fear among regional leaders is that the crisis is far from over.

Roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas normally passes through the Strait of Hormuz, making it one of the most strategically important waterways in global trade. Analysts warn prolonged disruption could trigger even higher global inflation and deeper supply chain instability.

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization has now warned that the crisis could become a: “systemic agrifood shock” capable of triggering a severe global food price crisis within six to twelve months.

The Caribbean is especially vulnerable because of its dependence on imported fuel, imported food and imported manufactured goods.

A recent UN regional analysis warned that shockwaves from the Middle East conflict are already reaching Caribbean nations, where rising oil prices and freight costs are increasing the price of imported food, electricity and transportation.

Global institutions are also sounding increasingly dire warnings.

The World Bank projects energy prices could surge by 24 percent this year because of the conflict, while fertilizer prices may jump by more than 30 percent — increases likely to feed directly into higher food costs worldwide.

The International Monetary Fund has meanwhile warned the global economy could face a “much worse outcome” if the conflict drags into 2027 and oil prices continue climbing.

CARICOM is now calling for all parties to respect international law and preserve safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The Community stressed that transit passage:  “should not be contingent on any license, levy, or authorization,” and warned that bordering states should not “hamper or suspend” the movement of vessels through the corridor.

CARICOM also called for:  “cessation of hostilities” and urged “de-escalation and restraint by all parties.”

But for many Caribbean citizens, the economic pain is already here.

And with fuel nearing seven dollars per gallon in parts of The Bahamas, regional governments are facing renewed pressure over cost of living concerns, inflation and the Caribbean’s continued dependence on imported energy and food supplies.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

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Browne Wins Fourth Term in Antigua & Barbuda Landslide

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Antigua & Barbuda, May 4, 2026 – Prime Minister Gaston Browne has secured a historic fourth consecutive term in office, leading the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party to a commanding victory in the country’s snap general election held April 30, 2026.

Preliminary results show Browne’s party capturing 15 of the 17 seats in Parliament, tightening its grip on power and dramatically weakening the opposition.

The main opposition United Progressive Party was reduced to just one seat, held by its leader, while the Barbuda People’s Movement retained its single constituency in Barbuda.

The result marks a major political turnaround for Browne, whose party had won a much narrower 9–7 majority in the 2023 election before rebuilding support through defections and by-elections.

Voter turnout figures vary in early reports, with initial estimates indicating participation of around 35.8 percent, or roughly 22,700 voters out of more than 63,000 registered. However, broader election data suggests overall turnout may have exceeded 60 percent, reflecting steady engagement despite political tensions.

The election, called nearly two years ahead of schedule, was shaped by concerns over the cost of living, global economic pressures and fallout from U.S. visa restrictions linked to the country’s citizenship-by-investment programme.

Despite those issues, Browne campaigned on economic stability and continued development, pointing to a strong tourism recovery and ongoing infrastructure expansion.

The decisive victory now strengthens his mandate, but also raises questions about the future of the opposition, which faces internal challenges after significant losses at the polls.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

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FIGHT FOR CONTROL OF STEWART TOURISM EMPIRE PLAYS OUT IN COURTS

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May 4, 2026 – This is not just a family dispute.  It is a fight over control of a tourism empire.

At the centre is Adam Stewart, who has secured a series of legal victories across the region as challenges continue over the estate and leadership structure of Sandals Resorts International.

The multi-billion-dollar conglomerate was built by the late Gordon “Butch” Stewart, whose passing in 2021 set off a complex and ongoing dispute involving family members, estate arrangements and control of the business.

In recent rulings, courts in both The Bahamas and Jamaica have reinforced Adam Stewart’s position, effectively allowing him to continue leading the company while defending his role against legal challenges.

One key issue has centred on the interpretation of estate provisions, including whether defending his leadership could jeopardise his inheritance. The courts have ruled in his favour, clearing the way for him to maintain control without penalty.

For now, those decisions bring a measure of stability to one of the Caribbean’s most influential tourism brands.

But the matter is far from settled.

Multiple legal challenges and competing claims within the Stewart family remain active, meaning the future structure of the company is still being contested.

The implications stretch well beyond the courtroom.

Sandals operates across several Caribbean nations, including The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Islands, Jamaica and Saint Lucia, making it a critical player in regional tourism, employment and investment.

Any uncertainty at the top of the organisation has the potential to ripple across economies that rely heavily on the brand’s continued expansion and stability.

For now, Adam Stewart remains firmly in charge.  He was named Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International in 2021.

Still, many are keen on the outcomes of ongoing litigation, as the battle over one of the Caribbean’s most powerful business empires is still unfolding.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

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