No matter what you may think, Caribbean home buyers are changing their buying patterns because of the OIL CRISIS!

I am a non-stop student as to what is happening within the local and global economies. I am reading, or I am on the internet everyday checking out the latest news. (I do have a booboo on my head in this photo from a sailing accident.) They impact all aspects of real estate - from the Thailand to the Caribbean. Luxury Fractional ownership continues to thrieve because of pricing and ease of management. One of the economists that I read each week is Bob Doll from BlackRock. They are a premier provider of global investment advisory services. Bob writes a weekly perspective as to his take on current economic events. Here are some of his thoughts last week that focus on the impact of oil prices on world economies. Some of you will ignore this article because of the word “economist” next to Mr. Doll’s name, but it does have some good stuff in it.

Bob Doll - BlackRock: ( Mr. Doll is also the Global Chief Executive Officer For Equities, and was the President and Chief Investment Officer of Merrill Lynch Investment Managers. BlackRock has $1.36 trillion in assets under management as of 3/30/08.)

The surge in oil prices comes at a bad time for the U.S. and world economies. Consumer spending is already stretched, the housing market remains weak nationally, and the employment picture continues to soften. High oil prices will no doubt detract from overall economic growth, but we would also note that aggressive monetary and fiscal stimuli should provide some offset. Our overall forecast for the economy calls for continued weak, but positive growth. The labor market remains under pressure, but unemployment claims have not increased as much as they typically would prior to a recession, and remain consistent with modestly positive economic growth levels.

To us, the critical oil-related issue is whether higher prices will trigger other inflationary problems, chiefly, accelerating wage growth. To date, there has been no evidence of that, which is one of the reasons we maintain our belief that inflation will behave itself. Headline inflation ( which includes energy and food prices ) continues to be boosted by surging commodity prices, yet core consumer inflation ( which excludes energy and food prices ) remains tame and labor costs have been easing. Looking ahead, we expect that the weak economy could cause inflation pressures to moderate and that headline numbers could come back down to core levels. The long-term case for higher oil prices is still intact. Rising demand in China and other developing markets such as India, coupled with shrinking global supply, means that the ear of cheap oil is, unfortunately, over. We do, however, continue to believe that oil is due for a near - term correction or consolidation.

Putting this all together, we believe that energy prices will correct at some point, that the the U.S. economy will slowly heat over the next 12 months and that inflation will eventually drift lower. Ironically, a muddling economy is probably the best environment for stocks at present. Slow growth will prevent inflation from becoming a problem, while also keeping the economy out of deflationary territory. Markets are benefiting from some other tailwinds as well. Earnings estimates, continue to fall for financial companies, but non-financial earnings remain sound. Valuations remain attractive, and there is still a great deal of cash on the side lines that should eventually move back into the world markets. Our view remains that the S&P 500 low of 1,270 (touched a couple of months ago) marked the bottom for the current cycle, but we also believe tha the S&P hit a temporary ceiling of 1,425 before last week (roughly corresponding to a Dow Jones level of 13,000). At some point, we believe the positive factors we described will allow markets to break through these levels, but predicting exactly when that will happen is, of course, an impossibility.

After a minute or two of reading Mr. Doll’s economic thoughts, remember that the Caribbean real estate markets are still very STRONG. We continue to see an increase in sales in the Fractional world. People are also making real estate purchase choices that are closer to their personal needs, like health care. Let me know your comments on the experience you are having with current economic conditions where you live. Until next time.

No matter what the project is in the Caribbean, controversy sometimes surfaces…a summary of their article and a response from South Beach Belize representative - Tom McPeak

San Pedro Sun Article:  South Beach Belize

On May 17th, 2008, an email was sent out to various possible and interested investors around the world. The email carried the headline “Exclusive pre-construction opportunity in beautiful Belize” and was sent by Director for South Beach Belize, Jeff Pierce.

The release states that “This exciting project has earned tremendous response in the very few weeks that the web site has been up. A luxurious gated community featuring a Casino combined with a large hotel, multiple residential properties and Villas plus commercial and recreational venues. We have the support of the Prime Minister, Minister of Tourism, Mayor of San Pedro, the Area Representative and other Ministers and Cabinet Members to insure the success of South Beach Belize. We are located at the southern tip of the island (South Beach) only ten minutes by boat or fifteen minutes by road from downtown or the airport. We are starting construction of the first Villas and Condominiums in the next 30 days. The newly elected government of Belize is very in tuned with growth and expanding the economy. Several of the ministers have visited the site and we have the full support of the government for South Beach.”

Location

South Beach Belize is a proposed development located on the southern end of the Yucatan Peninsula on Ambergris Caye, approximately four miles south of San Pedro Town. According to Manager of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve Miguel Alamilla, South Beach Belize could have detrimental effects on the ecosystems surrounding the proposed site. Any development that proposes to build anything in close proximity to the reserve would need an EIA prior to proceeding. If the development is not properly monitored as per the specified regulation set by the Department of Environment (DoE) all four zones within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve are being placed in danger.

EIA, Clearance and Support

Prior to developing, Director Jeff Pierce was required to submit an Environmental Impact Assessment with the Department of Environment (DoE) which falls within the Ministry of Natural Resources. In an interview with Martin Alegria, Chief Executive Officer for DoE, no EIA had been submitted by Pierce, as of press time. On Thursday, May 15th, 2008, Alegria, along with other government agencies paid a visit to the site and verbally told Pierce to cease any and all work being carried out on the project.

So, with no EIA, no support, what will happen to South Beach Belize? Reliable sources informed this reporter that since the verbal “cease construction” stop order given to Pierce on Thursday was not followed through, a formal stop order will now be issued and Pierce may face a fine, as well. When asked if DoE had indeed issued him a verbal stop order, Pierce commented, “I don’t believe so.” He ended the telephone interview by stating that he was to meet with DoE on Thursday, as well as with Minister Heredia.

Tom McPeak’s Response ( Jim Walberg asked the U.S. representative of the South Beach Belize project for a response to this article.)

 All appropriate submittals for development at South Beach Belize are made as required.  As a developer in the Florida panhandle I can tell you that there is a continual stream of submissions before, during, and after the completion of multiple phases in a project.  The timing of some submissions is based on discussions with regulatory authorities, and may vary depending on those discussions.  If a developer cannot solve inevitable public and private challenges as they occur, he cannot develop.  Jeff Pierce is a successful developer in Belize, as measured by the beautiful and financially successful recent project, Reef Village. 

 In any development of this size, there is normally greater publicity (both positive and negative) in the beginning, with a normal diminishing as the project moves forward.  Generally, by the time there is no publicity at all, the prices have gone up and the best lots are sold. However, since the project has only recently been started, you may want to wait until the current matter is settled. 

I welcome your comments regarding the process of developing real estate in the Caribbean.  There are many complicated factors.  I want to always bring to you all sides of the issues facing Caribbean real estate development.  Until next time.

Placencia Peninsula is the latest location for Belize’s newest luxury resort!

The Placencia Peninsula - an 11 mile strip of land sandwiched between the Caribbean Sea and the Placencia Lagoon in Belize, has beautiful white sandy beaches and - because of its distance from the reef - it also has “real” surf. The water is clean and clear; the trade winds gentle and cooling.

Remember that Belize has a stirring and lively history beginning in 200 BC with the ancient Mayans. In the 17th century Spain settled the country. It then survived war, piracy and slavery until being declared a British colony - British Honduras - in 1871. It gained self-government in 1964, chose the name Belize in 1973 and became an independent member of the British Commonwealth in 1981.

 The beaches along the Placencia Peninsula are dotted with small resorts that can easily arrange dive and snorkel trips to the reef, which is about 17 miles away. They can also arrange day trips to many small, idyllic cayes, such as Laughing Bird Caye, a mini-atoll that offers protected snorkeling and swimming, a white sand beach and many cooling palm trees (it even has hammocks!) Laughing Bird Caye is also a favorite camping site for reek kayakers who base their expeditions in Placencia. A hotel can also arrange deep sea or reef fishing trips, or day sailing on a 57-foot catamaran.

 Placencia along with Ambergris Caye are now two of the country’s main tourist destinations, and they are also well visited by Belizeans from across the country on local holidays. You can get a delicious plate heaped with stewed chicken, rice and beans for about US$4. There are also several small gift shops, a post office and some night life. Nearby Mango Creek/Independence Village also has a disco and weekend activities.

 Another new resort is planned for Belize - The Palmetto Bay Resort at Maya Beach being developed by Dave Bowman and his exceptional team.  It is located on Placencia Peninsula it will offer beachfront real estate and four star amenities and will be the first development in the Caribbean designed ‘green’ from inception to completion.

The first phase of the gated resort, which is currently under construction, will be comprised of 36 whole-ownership, luxury beachfront condominiums ranging from approximately 1,100 to 4,500 square feet, each with open views of the Caribbean. ( In a perfect world, I will be talking with Dave about offering some of their units as fractionals.) Prices will start in the low $300,000s. The turnkey one- two- and three-bedroom residences are spread through two low-rise buildings. Designer Julieanne Dobson who also worked on Francis Ford Coppola’s Turtle Inn in Belize.  He is creating the interiors using warm woods and natural stone, vibrant contemporary textiles, and niche lit Mayan and African inspired art.

Ownership at Palmetto Bay Resort will include access to fitness facilities, conference rooms with wireless internet; 24-hour reception and security; fully equipped luxury kitchens with gourmet utensils and stainless steel appliances; balcony barbecues; and lush, mature landscaping with use of indigenous fruit trees and plants. The property will feature a 300-foot oceanfront infinity pool, a 400′ private beach, beach boardwalk, and private dock.

We have been telling you about Belize and the many awesome opportunities for second and third home ownership for months!  It is now time to act.  Let me know if you are ready!

“After a truly good meal, an outstanding cigar is still the most satisfying after-dinner activity that doesn’t involve two or more human beings.” Brad Shaw

“I have made it a rule never to smoke more than one cigar at a time.” Mark Twain

“I am at the age now where just putting my cigar in its holder is a thrill.” George Burns

I, Jim Walberg, love a good cigar from time to time! And, I realize that some of you are not fans of this hazardous habit. However, I have moderated my consumption over the past few years, even though I still have over 400 cigars in my humidor. But, when I am in the Caribbean, either sailing on a Lagoon 57 in the BVI, or drinking a fine glass of Bodegas Aguirre Petite Syrah, I am always tempted to clip one of them and enjoy the moment. I have even been known to have one at sunset at romantic Soggy Dollar Bar with Mick the bartender. Even though Cuba has the reputation as the producer of the world’s finest cigars, I am a BIG fan of what the Dominican Republic produces in ultra-premium cigars. For those of you who are unfamiliar with some of history of cigars here is a brief history.

The history of the cigar goes back about two thousand years. The origins of the world ‘cigar’ and the cigar itself are lost in time. Some scholars say the word cigar originated from sikar, the Mayan word for smoking. After Columbus’s discovery of the West Indies and other explorers visiting the American continent, numerous accounts were written of these New World people who smoked tobacco and also used it for chew and as snuff for medicinal properties in their ceremonies.

Although the first tobacco plantations were set up in Virginia in 1612, and Maryland in 1631, tobacco was smoked only in pipes in the American colonies. The cigar itself is thought not to have arrived until after 1762, when Israel Putnam, an American general in the Revolutionary War, returned from Cuba, where he had been an officer in the British army. He came back to his home in Connecticut with a selection of Havana cigars, and large amounts of Cuban tobacco. Before long, cigar factories were set up in the Hartford area. By the mid 1800’s the cigar had had become well accepted and in 1870 it was recorded that over half of the tobacco smoked in our towns was in the form of cigars.

Cuba has led the way in the cigar industry. Early in the 16th century, Cuban peasants became tobacco growers. Later, the cigar became the country’s national symbol and the Havana cigar became recognized as the world’s finest.

The take-over by Fidel Castro and the subsequent U.S. embargo were the start of events that began to challenge Havana’s supremacy in the world of cigars. Many Cuban cigar-makers took their skills and seeds to the Caribbean, Dominican Republic, Honduras and Mexico and began producing high-quality premium and super-premium cigars for the American public. The Dominican Republic alone produces almost half of the hand-made cigars sold in the U.S.

A few of my favorite cigars in all the world are made in the Dominican Republic; Arturo Fuente’s Hemingway series was the first limited edition extension the Fuentes ultra-premium cigars honoring the world reknown author - Ernest Hemingway; Drew Estate “Acid” are all hand-crafted with many different tobaccos and over 140 botanicals, herbs, and essential oils to impart a unique flavor; The Gurkha Legend has been the choice cigar among the most elite - from business executives to Royalty; Cohiba “Red Dot” is the Dominican version of it’s Cuban cousin. I smoke the Robusto and it is an incredibly smooth and rich cigar.

( Again, this is not a past time for most people, but for those that enjoy a cigar from time to time, my hope is that you have enjoyed my brief editorial on one of my enjoyable habits.)

With just over 1,000 members from 60 countries, this is THE organization to find and market your luxury properties!

Last week at the Grand Del Mar in San Diego, California, the Who’s Who In Luxury Real Estate produced their Spring Conference where they highlighted the latest technology to be used by both the Broker/Realtors and the consumers in the global real estate markets.  Jim Walberg and Ann Marie Nugent were part of this exclusive group of 240 participants from all over the world sharing their best practices in serving the needs of their international clientele.  One of the important breakout sessions I attended was facilitated by Pat Hoferkamp - President of Burgdorff Realtors headquartered in New Jersey.  She presented the mission / vision of her company and reviewed the best practices they use in creating a luxury experience for both their Realtors and their customers.  It was worth every moment of the session.  An added feature of the conference was having Ben Stein as the keynote speaker on Thursday night. ( You know, the world famous writer, director, and actor.  His comments about the importance of owning real estate was actually compelling to the point of him getting a standing ovation.  In addition, he was darn funny.)

Who’s Who In Luxury Real Estate was founded by John Brian Losh almost 20 years ago.  He had a vision of gathering the best Broker / Realtors in the world into one organization in order to create a synergy in the luxury real estate markets worldwide.  Each selected member has been recognized as a leader in the marketing of distinctive and luxury properties, committed to high performance, professionalism and quality service.  The members are truly the “Who’s Who In Luxury Real Estate!  Not only has Mr. Losh succeeded, but today it is the dominant luxury real estate network in the world!

Mr. Losh commented, “As I interview brokers and work with organizations through my consulting services, I continue to be profoundly impressed by the quality and integrity of the people represented in Luxury Real Estate. I am pleased to see a steady increase in the use of our logo in print advertising, and our 50% growth over the past year. Each year we set high goals and work diligently to improve the network in every way.  I am confident that doing business with any one of our Broker/Realtors would be a delightful and rewarding experience.”

He also said, “Each year I travel to all sections of the United States; the villages of New England, the resorts and cities of the East Coast, the great state of Texas and the Gulf, the deserts of the Southwest, the grandeur of the Rockies and America’s heartland, and this year to Europe and Asia. As a result of this effort, we have added many excellent firms from all over the world.”

By the way, the Grand Del Mar has created a breathtaking resort!  It is San Diego’s newest 5- star resort destination. From its Tom Fazio-designed golf course and The Villas, to a luxurious spa and award-winning dining, The Grand Del Mar delivers a world-class resort experience.  This is a must resort for those seeking the BEST level of service and amenities I have found in California.  I promise you will be hearing more about the developments of the Luxury Real Estate’s world wide expansion of members and luxury property opportunities.  Until then…

If you want the best vacation experience of your life, book a crewed chartered sailing adventure in the Caribbean

You will recall that I have been sailing in the Caribbean for over 30 years. Because of those years of sailing I have met some of the most unfogettable people I know - Dougy the head of cabbies at Beef Island Airport; Foxy the owner of Foxy’s on Jost Van Dyke; Mick the bartender at Soggy Dollar Bar; Liz the owner of Duffy’s Love Shack; a Danish couple who had been sailing for over five years with two of their three kids being born on their boat; Baby Bull Rhymer who ripped me off at Cane Garden Bay; Captain Whitey of the catamaran Tamarin; Ustis from Dominica who is the best dancer I have ever met. (He enjoyed dancing with each of our women guests at Quito Rymers; Quito Rhymers, the famous Caribbean “Jimmy Buffet”; Dick at CharterPort; and hundreds more!!! And…whenever and wherever I am sailing in the Caribbean it is always unforgettable!

You also recall that my last ”crew” was made up of seven guests who had never sailed in the Caribbean, nor had they been on a crewed chartered yacht.  Each of them are world travelers and they said it was the BEST adventure they had ever had!  The catamaran’s are currently my favorite choice if you have a group of guests who are unfamiliar with the sailing scene.  However, when I want the pure pleasure of sailing my preferrence is the traditional mono-hull. Our sailing adventure last month was again on “Double Feature”, the Lagoon 57 crewed by Captain Jonny and 1st Mate/Chef Kelly.  My mono-hull of choice this year is Three Moons - an Irwin 72 crewed by Captain Randy, Chef Shelley, and 1st Mate Katy. They also deliver an amazing experience for each of their guests aboard Three Moons.

The reason why it is called an adventure is because you have no idea what will unfold between the moment of your launch and the moment you drop anchor at your final desitnation of the voyage. All of the STUFF that happens in between is the reason why I can’t wait to launch on any sailing adventure. I eat up the STUFF in between! Some of the ”moments” that happen are unforgettable.  Some of those ”moments” are hopefully forgotten quickly. ( Remember my comments months ago about dancing with a goat at Foxy’s?) Well, last month I ended up at The Last Resort with my guests and was swept away with the music and the rum that ended up having me as the back-up singer for the BAND! Most of the moments that need to be forgotten usually happen late at night after some Meyer’s Dark Rum and Caribe beer chasers. With that combination, anything can happen…and usually does.

Back to sailing…that is the real deal in the Caribbean. I am at my “spiritual center” when I am under sail, and with any job that is assigned to me. I have captained my share of sailboats, but I have also been the chef on many boat deliveries, and even been as lowly as a 4th Mate whose job is typically clearing out a clogged head - one of the worst jobs on the boat.  There is nothing like the feeling of the helm in your hands as you steer your course to your next anchorage. The expected activities during any voyage includes; SCUBA, snorkeling, water skiing, wake boarding, kayaking, daily gourmet moments, great beverages because thirst is a dangerous thing, reading, napping, sunning with various degrees of clothing, and even the occasional squals.  Are you getting a better idea as to why I can’t wait to step aboard my next sailboat going to who knows where? Contact me and I promise to set up this type of experience for you, your family and friends.  I am such a fan of this experience that I secured by charter yacht brokerage license in 1997 and I have arranged hundreds of sailing adventures.  Until next time.  Fair winds.

At the start of any sailing voyage, this is the mantra Jim Walberg uses when he raises the anchor and sets sail for another adventure!

This phrase, “Do not be fearful,” is one that I have not only used as a life long sailor, but in many aspects of my life.  It is the phrase that is used by both those staying behind and those on the sailboat as it leaves the anchorage or dock for another voyage.  My experience with this mantra is based on the fact that no one knows what will ever happen on a sailing adventure. The one constant is you know the latitude and longitude of your destination.  What happens from the moment you set sail to the moment you drop anchor at your destination is what is called “a sailing adventure”.

I could write a book about all of the “unexpected / expected” experiences that relate back to “not being fearful”. Well, I guess it is OK to be fearful, but a sailor doesn’t let the fear prevent her/him for setting sail, even knowing the challenges that will be faced during the voyage.  Someone that lets fear stop them from setting sail to a familiar or new destination is called a “landlubber”, not a sailor.  So, fear can either serve you or it can paralyze you.  I chose to have it serve me, even though I have been in some pretty scary experiences during my life time of sailing adventures.

One example of my 50+ years of sailing adventures was during a sailboat delivery on the west coast from San Francisco to Cabo San Lucas in Mexico. The sailboat was a MacGregor 65 that is a “rocket ship” that is only twelve feet wide and sixty-five feet long, and is primarily used for racing. It is not considered a “blue water” sailing vessel. It is just built for speed - 12 to 14 knots for a mono-hull! It is known to break up in even moderate seas because of it being so narrow and light. (If a MacGregor does break-up it doesn’t sink because it is filled with foam so it actually floats and one can hang-on to debris as a last resort while awaiting someone to save your ass.)

Off the Santa Barbara Islands our crew of four decided we better stress the boat to the max to see if there were any flaws that could be uncovered before we got into Mexican waters. Another important note - sailors do attempt to always find the “surprises” during a voyage before they are actually surprises.  Well, one showed up with all the sails out in a 20 knot wind. Within minutes the boom broke in half and I happened to be in the path of the broken parts. It hit me square on the head and knocked me out. (When we meet again you will now note the dent that is still on the right side of my bald head.) My crew mates acted quickly - another important trait of a sailor, and first made sure I didn’t roll overboard, and then lashed the broken boom together and re-grouped. As a sailor you need to constantly improvise during these types of moments which requires a curious and inventive mind. With the boom broken in half you can’t use your mainsail effectively. So, we rigged it to use the jib and “jerry rigged” the main so we had a small portion of it in the wind. We limped to a repair facility in San Diego harbor and set sail again to complete the delivery. We did deliver the yacht on time, in spite of the detour, and I added another story to my journal of sailing tales.

Well, enough of my musings for now. My point is that you can never explore new shores by standing on the dock wishing you could get their. You must get on board, set the sails, and be prepared for many sailing adventures between the launch and your destination.  Hum…maybe there is even some analogies in life that the sailing mantra applies, too - “Do not be fearful!”!!!    So, what about some of your tall tales from sailing adventures?

Most everyone I know thinks the Bahamas are in the Caribbean - they are not, but you will think they are when you arrive!

For the past year or more, we have been getting inquiries from Buyers who want information about buying in The Bahamas since they believe these islands are in the Caribbean.  Up until about six weeks ago I told all of those inquiring that the Bahamas are not in the Caribbean. Starting about six weeks ago there has been non-stop inquiries about real estate opportunities in the Bahamas. If you remember my “Brits & Boomers” blog posting, most of these inquiries are coming from Brittan, Europe and Eastern U.S. With this type of interest I had better pay attention to what the consumers are looking for.

One of the BIG benefits is that the Bahamas are so darn convenient for visitors to get there - direct flights from England and the Eastern coast of the U.S. It is definitely a British experience when you arrive. The uniforms of the police and driving on the left side of the road are just the first two clues of the British influence on this 100,000 square mile cluster of 700 islands that include an estimated land area of 5,382 square miles, and the highest land elevation is only 206 feet!

The diving is over the top as one of the many draws since The Bahamas have the third largest barrier reef next to Australia being #1, and Belize being #2!  It also has 14+% of the world’s coral. There are just over 305,000 Bahamians living on the islands with the majority of them on Nassau and Paradise Islands. There are actually only 14 main islands that serve the remaining 686 islands - either by boat or plane. The boat anchorages available throughout the Bahamas allows a sailor to never have another boat anchored next them if they plan their sailing adventure properly.

The African culture has created the flavor and texture of The Bahamas.  There is definitely a British influence , but the culture is West African.  One of the amazing festivals in the Bahamas is Junkonoo. This would be a close cousin of the Caribbean Carnivals, but it is held twice a year on Bay Street in Nassau, so the typical tourist does not get a chance to experience it.  But if you venture down the Prince George Dock in Nassau, you can check out the Junkanoo Expo. 

If sailing is your deal, as it is mine, then you need to show up at Montagu Bay for The Valentine’s Day Sailing Regatta. This regatta is part of the Caribbean regattas that are some of the most competitive in the world.  Remember Ondeck Ocean Racing charters?  They will be entered in 2009 and they are always competitive. It is truly a championship race that has all the fun of Race Week in Antigua. I have finally accepted the fact that the world embraces The Bahamas as part of the Caribbean scene.  So, if you would like to check some of the real estate opportunities in this “paradise” that is only 600 miles off the coast of the U.S., email me and I will send you some fun stuff.  Until next time…

  They are not only targeting old and young visitors, lovers and divers!

The Virgin Islands Tourism Board showed off their newest cutting-edge marketing tools earlier this month in St. Croix at Buccaneer Resort in Christiansted. They are going to be using DVD, a music video, U-Tube, and print ads to reach their target audiences. “We want to target the young who can spend many vacation years here,” said Beverly Nicholson-Doty, Tourism commissioner.

The music is pop, with Jade Anderson singing an original tune, “Island Time.” She is the daughter of Jon Anderson, who sang such hits as “Roundabout” and “Owner of a Lonely Heart” in the 1970s and ’80s as front man for the British rock band Yes. “Worries are oceans behind …,” Anderson sings, “washing the tension from my mind … sleep beneath the trees … swim the seas, this is how life is meant to be.” The catchy tune communicates the feel of the islands.  Stanley & The Ten Sleepless Knights does the music.

The DVD tells of a young woman’s trip to “America’s Caribbean.” It is a scrapbook and travel journal; she narrates as the pages turn. The footage shows mocko jumbies, weddings, diving, history, culture and more. The printed guides target potential visitors, lovers and divers. Each printed guide is chocked full of island photos in order to hook in the consumers and travel agents so they will choose the U.S. Virgin Islands as their vacation destination.

The romance guide is for couples thinking of beginning lives together with an island wedding. The dive guide is an undersea exploration with shots of the “Wall,” shipwrecks and reefs. The new materials will be used at trade shows, and with travel agents. “We’re doing 500 sales calls a month with this material,” Nicholson-Doty said.

The Virgin Island Tourism campaign is currently focused in Atlanta as a test run, with signs on 75 buses and at airports. The next cities targeted are Boston, Philadelphia, Miami, New York, Cleveland and Chicago. The Tourism Board is also working with airlines to bring more visitors, Nicholson-Doty said. “We need to ensure filling the plane and solidly grow the market with filled seats,” she said. “These are exciting new marketing pieces promoting the Virgin Islands,” Nicholson-Doty said. “This is a first with exposure in mediums we haven’t used before.” All the Toursim Board needs to do is get their target markets to the islands and they will be hooked for life.  I visited the Caribbean over 30 years ago, and looked what happened to me!  Be sure to link on the V.I. Tourism Board to view their new marketing material.  They have done a great job with these new marketing tools.  Until next time….your Caribbean lifestyle detective remains on duty!

On March 19^th - 23^rd St. John is the place to be for the best Blues Festival in the Caribbean!The Beach Bar at Cruz Bay is the beginning venue and the ending venue of this unforgettable event. Reverend Raven & The Chain Smoking Altar Boys will be the headline for the kick-off at The Beach Bar on March 19^th. ( You will remember that The Beach Bar is THE spot to hang out at on Thursday late afternoon for blues music from local USVI talent.) Well, Steve Simon has organized a five day Blues Festival this year from March 19^th through March 23^rd! On March 22^nd is the BIG concert of the event at Coral Bay Ball Field starting at 7PM. Simon said, “It’s probably the single greatest evening of entertainment throughout the year in the USVI.” Advance ticket sales are $25 for the Saturday night concert and $30 at the gate. ( You can contact me for the various locations where tickets will be on sale for the next ten days.)

This year’s event features some of the finest Cajun music with three of the performers coming from New Orleans. The concert stars Tab Benoit, Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band, Waylon Thibodeaux, and Sean Carney and the Sean Carney Band. Benoit is a recording artist who remains true to his Cajun roots. Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band play Zydeco music, with Waylon Thibodeaux playing a mixture of Louisiana-based music. Sean Carney and the Sean Carney Band was the winner of the 23rd annual Blues Challenge in Memphis. On March 20, Reverend Raven and the Chain Smoking Altar Boys will play on Bluesday in Coral Bay at the Aqua Bistro Café. The performance begins at 8 p.m. with free admission. Danny Draher and Mitch Woods play at the One Night to Go Party at Shipwreck Landing outside Coral Bay. The entertainment begins at 8 p.m. with free admission. The Blues Festival wraps up March 23^rd with a closing party at the Beach Bar in Cruz Bay. It runs from 4 to 7:30 p.m. with “surprise artists.” Admission is free.

Most of the proceeds from the Blues Festival will go to the Voice of the Wetlands to help Benoit’s efforts to put a stop to the dramatic loss of Louisiana’s wetlands. “A football-field length of wetlands is disappearing every 30 minutes,” Simon said. The loss of the protective wetlands puts the area at risk from hurricanes. Additionally, the wetlands loss has a huge economic impact on the region. “The seafood industry will be brought to its knees,” Simon said.

I love the Blues, and this is the event of the year for those that share this love. If you go to this year’s Festival, let me know what was your favorite performer. It would blow you socks off…well, I never wear any, so that will be a problem for me. Until next time…..