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Fully Renovated RIU Negril Reopens

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Montego Bay, February 3, 2025 – RIU Resorts Jamaica, has unveiled major upgrades to its Negril property, while maintaining a strong commitment to local employment and cultural preservation.

The Spanish hotel chain boasts a 98 per cent local employment rate across its seven properties in Jamaica.

This commitment to local hiring extends beyond entry-level positions, with the company actively promoting internal opportunities for Jamaicans, particularly with the reopening of RIU Negril.

“It’s not just staying at one position all the time. You have the options, especially when we open new hotels, we take from the experienced staff into the new hotels and then promote and do internal promotions in this hotel,” Regional Director of Operations at RIU, Frank Sondern stated.

He told JIS News that these opportunities extend to skills development and employee welfare.

Mr. Sondern further noted that this approach contributed to RIU’s staff not participating in recent hotel worker strikes, as the company actively addresses employee concerns regarding transportation, meals, and workplace conditions.

“Also, what I think is very important, is the philosophy that RIU has in regard to the management. We have an open-door philosophy where you do not have to apply somewhere or ask for an appointment to see the general manager,” he stated.

“We are touchable, approachable on the property and always communicating with the staff, and I think that makes a big difference as it [builds rapport],” he added.

The company’s recent renovation project in Negril, completed in December 2024, represents a significant capital investment in Jamaica’s tourism infrastructure.

The upgraded property, which currently employs up to 500 staff members, now features new amenities including ‘swim-up’ rooms and two-bedroom family suites accommodating up to six guests.

Additionally, food and beverage offerings have expanded to include the exclusive Tiki Taco concept and an American comfort food restaurant available 24/7.

This has positioned the resort to capture emerging markets and increase tourism revenue.

RIU’s high percentage of sourcing local food, beverages, and other operational necessities further contributes to the growth of businesses in Jamaica’s tourism supply chain.

Director of Sales at RIU Resorts Jamaica, Niurka Garcia Linton, indicated that the resort ensures authentic Jamaican cuisine in its restaurants, which are mostly named after the parish or location in which they sit.

“Every restaurant that we have with the buffet, breakfast, lunch and dinner will have a Jamaican corner. So everywhere you go, you can get a taste of Jamaican food or drinks,” Mrs. Garcia Linton said.

“It is the same with the entertainment. Reggae is part of our identity, and it is very important for us to really acknowledge the country, acknowledge the culture, and to honour it. We want to give them back,” she added.

In the meantime, as part of its ongoing collaboration with the Government, RIU Resorts maintains a close relationship with the Ministry of Tourism and its affiliated agencies, including the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB).

Mrs. Garcia Linton said the resort actively participates in promotional initiatives aimed at increasing tourist arrivals. To this end, she is set to represent RIU at an upcoming JTB collaboration in the United Kingdom to boost business from that market in the coming week.

“We recognize that Jamaica has an amazing product. So, we want to ensure that we always have a cutting edge of why the client should choose [Jamaica] over any other brand. This is one of the reasons that we’re always trying to reinvent ourselves,” Mrs. Garcia Linton stated.

 

Contact: Okoye Henry

Release: JIS

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Caribbean News

Canadian Woman loses two hands, husband fights off shark 

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Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

 

Turks and Caicos, February 8, 2025 – Some claim that it is an overpopulated ocean which is driving sharks closer to shore to feed, and it is leading to dangerous and deadly encounters with the apex predator in peaceful waters like those in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Seas were choppy, skies were partly cloudy but the white-capped waves and alluring turquoise waters of the Turks and Caicos Islands were the bait for two Canadian visitors whose morning swim was dramatically and tragically upended by a shark.

“There was a shark attack on the beach 10 minutes ago; close to where the horses are… “ informed a social media post shared with Magnetic Media.

Mr. and Mrs. Ross, a couple from Canada was swimming at the beach when Mrs. Ross was attacked by a shark, estimates put the creature at 6ft long.

Mrs. Ross lost both hands and a piece of her thigh.

The Royal TCI Police soon confirmed the tourist was injured, with this statement.

“At 10:33 am today (07th February), the Police Control Room of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force received a report that a female visitor had been injured while swimming.  Medical personnel and the police were dispatched to the given location in Blue Hills, Providenciales.

The 55-year-old victim was brought ashore and rushed to the Cheshire Hall Medical Center for Treatment.”

The Department of Environment and Coastal Resources, DECR was summoned to the scene where they observed an approximately 6 foot long shark circling near where the family of the woman had huddled, distraught and tending to her life-threatening injuries.

By 1:26pm, the Thompson’s Cove Beach was closed by the DECR.

In the Turks and Caicos, this shark is protected as a valued part of the marine ecosystem but some residents speaking to us believe the shark

is a man eater.

“I was there for 40 minutes and it was still lingering.”

In truth, it appeared the shark was still in waters mere feet away from its victim, even as her loved ones struggled to offer medical care until EMS responded.

“That shark bite victim lost both her hands and some forearms.  Her husband tried to fight it off.”

It was reported that the woman, identified as Nathalie Ross, was taken to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre for treatment.

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Caribbean News

Kenya’s Minister of Interior and National Administration Reports on Mission to Haiti

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February 8, 2025

 

“The Kenya-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti continues to grow in troop numbers amid assurance of ironclad support from the international community.

This morning, I saw off an additional 144 police officers comprising 120 men and 24 women to bolster the 600 officers deployed earlier who have already made commendable progress in reducing gang violence in the Caribbean nation. Other countries, notably Guatemala and El Salvador, have in recent weeks deployed additional officers. Together with Jamaican and Belizean troops, and supported by Haitian police, we’re making concerted efforts to establish order.

Kenya’s leadership in this noble mission, which is supported by the UN Trust Fund for Haiti established under the UN Security Council Resolution 2699, is in recognition of our long-standing contribution to peacekeeping missions and peace support operations.

We’re constantly in touch with the UN and countries supporting this mission including the USA whose support in equipment and funding has been invaluable and unwavering.

Inspector General National Police Service Mr Douglas Kanja, Internal Security and National Administration PS Dr Raymond Omollo, Foreign and Diaspora Affairs PS Dr Korir Sing’Oei, National Security Advisor to the President Dr Monica Juma and Deputy National Security Advisor Mr Joseph Boinnet, among other senior officials, joined me in seeing off the contingent.”

 

Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen

Ministry of. Interior and National Administration

Kenya

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Bahamas News

Concierge Auctions Anticipates Strong Bidding Activity for Unique Short-term Luxury Rental Properties Demand for The Bahamas & Caribbean Soars

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Coconut Island Estate Listed for $5.4M, a luxurious retreat in Casuarina Point, presents an exceptional beachfront opportunity with proven rental income potential.

The Bahamas, February 8, 2025 – Calling the demand for sophisticated short-term vacation rentals ‘unprecedented,’ a Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions executive anticipates strong activity when bidding opens on two unique Caribbean-based properties – one in The Bahamas, another in Jamaica – this month.

A heated pool overlooks pristine white sand beaches, while the beachfront bar and grill create an ideal entertainment setting. Immaculate landscaping enhances the natural beauty of this one-acre sanctuary.

“It is extraordinary that two distinct properties, each designed with spaciousness, attention to architectural style and detail, as well as amenities that cater to a highly sophisticated luxury market, come to market at the same time,” said Danny Prell, Vice President of Business Development at the world’s largest luxury real estate auction house.

He stated that both properties offer a component critical to the demanding high-end vacation rental client – a unique location with unmatched beauty, privacy and serenity.

One of the properties, Coconut Island Estate in Abaco in the northern Bahamas, already has a proven track record of rental success, generating a significant six-figure income. Situated on a stretch of baby powder soft beach in the chain of islands known as the ‘sailing capital of The Bahamas’, the estate consists of four separate houses with a total of 10 bedrooms and nearly 9,000 square feet of space. The residence features a beachside bar and grill, a heated pool, and ample opportunities for guests to enjoy swimming and snorkeling without leaving the property. For those seeking adventure, nearby charter options offer boating, fishing, diving, or excursions to charming neighboring islands and settlements.

Kenyan Sunset Listed for $3.5M; offers a distinct fusion of Caribbean elegance and African inspiration across two majestic acres in prestigious Caribbean Heights. This exceptional estate comprises three thoughtfully designed structures, each embodying unique charm.

The second offering, Kenyan Sunset in Montego Bay, Jamaica is sprawled across two acres with three residences perched high atop a hill overlooking two world-famous golf courses and the historic Rose Hall Great House. Its fusion of Caribbean and African lends colour and features that give it the appeal of an architectural magazine cover. The main house features three bedrooms, a private office, a fully equipped kitchen designed for entertaining, a wine cellar, a media room, and a gym, all centered around a private pool. A second pool is located at one of the two cottages.

“The short-term vacation rental industry as we know it today was unheard of just a generation ago,” said Prell. “Globally, it is generating upwards of $87 billion annually and there is no sign of a slowdown. What is less well-known is the demand for luxury properties where those of a certain economic standing can enjoy all the family, friends and colleagues they want to have around them in a non-commercial environment. These properties, Coconut Island Estate in the Abacos of The Bahamas and Kenyan Sunset in Montego Bay, are quintessential opportunities for the client who wants everything at his or her fingertips in a location that is easy to access and hard to leave.”

The estate’s elevated position between the renowned White Witch and Cinnamon Hill golf courses delivers spectacular views, while sharing grounds with the historic Rose Hall Great House adds to its prestigious providence.

Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions is working in collaboration with local Sotheby’s associates in both locations. Coconut Island Estate is listed by Mitzi Pearce of Bahamas Sotheby’s International Realty for $5.4 million with bidding expected to start between $1 million–$1.75 million. Kenya Sunset is listed by Coleen Samuels and Julian Dixon of Jamaica Sotheby’s International Realty for $3.5 million with bidding expected to open between $750,000 and $1.25 million. Both auctions are scheduled to open on February 21 and close on March 1 as part of an inaugural live sale event during ModaMiami in Coral Gables, Florida. Prell said he would not be surprised if a single bidder opts for both.

“Finding one revenue generating property at this level in excellent condition is rare, finding two in the same region at the same time is extraordinary,” he said. “It should be exciting and one of the most active auctions we have had in recent history because both lend themselves to the opportunity for owners to enjoy when they want and earn revenue when they wish.”

 

About Concierge Auctions

Concierge Auctions is the world’s largest luxury real estate auction marketplace, with a state-of-the-art digital marketing, property preview, and bidding platform. The firm matches sellers of one-of-a-kind homes with some of the most capable property connoisseurs on the planet. Sellers gain unmatched reach, speed, and certainty. Buyers receive curated opportunities. Agents earn their commission in 30 days. Acquired by Sotheby’s, the world’s premier destination for fine art and luxury goods, and Anywhere Real Estate, Inc (NYSE: HOUS), the largest full-service residential real estate services company in the United States, Concierge Auctions continues to operate independently, partnering with real estate agents affiliated with many of the industry’s leading brokerages to host luxury auctions for clients. For Sotheby’s International Realty listings and companies, Concierge Auctions provides Sotheby’s brand exclusivity as Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions. Since inception in 2008, the firm has generated billions of dollars in sales, broken world records for the highest-priced homes ever sold at auction and sold properties in 46 U.S. states and 35 countries. The firm owns one of the most comprehensive and intelligent databases of high-net-worth real estate buyers and sellers in the industry, and it has committed to build more than 300 homes through its Key For Key® giving program in partnership with Giveback Homes™, which funds new homes for families in need from every property the company sells. For more information, visit ConciergeAuctions.com.

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