Essential Afro-Latino/ Caribbean Current Events
- Thread starter Poitier
- Start date
2014
Lmao I just read that thread, wtf is the ibo republic of palmeras 
"the Portuguese planters did not care if members of one group could be found on one plantation. That is why many aspects of Yoruba culture can be found in Brazil as well as in the Spanish colonies"
"hope the other aspect of yoruba culture was retain like dirtyness,back bitting, fetishness, infedelity and cowardice"
"the Portuguese planters did not care if members of one group could be found on one plantation. That is why many aspects of Yoruba culture can be found in Brazil as well as in the Spanish colonies"
"hope the other aspect of yoruba culture was retain like dirtyness,back bitting, fetishness, infedelity and cowardice"
Yeah lot of misinformation in there tooLmao I just read that thread, wtf is the ibo republic of palmeras
"the Portuguese planters did not care if members of one group could be found on one plantation. That is why many aspects of Yoruba culture can be found in Brazil as well as in the Spanish colonies"
"hope the other aspect of yoruba culture was retain like dirtyness,back bitting, fetishness, infedelity and cowardice"
One of them said he knows Jamaicans with Yoruba names and that yorubas dominated Jamaica
Nah bruh
Where does this Igbo and Yoruba beef even come from
That's normal tbh, every nation with a heterogeneous populations has these domestic disputes.
The other groups catching strays got me
"How the heck can someone even cite Fulani(lol) as having an impact in the new world??
Africa in the Americas: Tour Group Explores Cuba's African Roots
by MELISSA NOEL and MIKHAEL SIMMONDS
DEC 4 2016, 10:55 PM ET
Traveling Noire: Cuba Comes 'Alive'
When the United States and Cuba first announced plans to restore diplomatic relations two years ago, Kasara E. Davidson says she and her business partner "hit the ground running" and used their combined 20 years of experience with the island to start Diaspora Enterprise Solutions (DiasporaES).
"It was an opportunity for us to learn Cuba even more and an opportunity for us to share what we know about Cuba with others," said Davidson, who is the company's co-owner and managing director.
The East Coast based business creates professional, educational and cultural programs for individuals, groups and organizations in cities around the world.
Since its founding about a year and a half ago, DiasporaES has focused mainly on Cuba— successfully taking several groups to the island under several of 12 permitted categories that have made it easier for more Americans to travel there.
Three backup dancers pose for a photo pose for a shot on their break in Havana, Cuba. | Mikhael Simmonds
With the death of Cuba's former leader Fidel Castro on November 26 and President-elect Trump's threat to sever ties with the island nation again, Davidson says she's been flooded with calls from family, friends and clients, fearful that upcoming planned programs won't happen. However, she's optimistic that her growing travel business will not be negatively impacted.
"There were things opening up slowly for a number of years and so I don't think him passing will make those things move any quicker and I don't think that him passing is going to make people think oh, let's roll them back," Davidson told NBCBLK.
The travel aficionado added that she thinks that as more commercial businesses, like airlines and hotel chains become more involved on the island, reversing the progress already made will be even more unlikely.
Callejon de Hamel (Hamel Alley) in Central Havana, is covered in murals and sculptures all devoted to Afro-Cuban culture as well as a space for live music and dance. | Mikhael Simmonds
As she prepares to head to Cuba in mid-December with two groups, Davidson is focused on ensuring all of her clients have one-of-a-kind experiences on the island, such as the one Gbenga Taylor had when he traveled to Cuba with DiasporaES over the summer.
"There's so many situations where I had people come to me and be like you're my brother, you're my long lost brother," Taylor explained. He described how hearing that from Cuban men of African descent really affected him. And, how seeing things like a group of Rastafarians gathering near an outdoor market on Obispo Street in Havana as well as women singing in the Yoruba language he grew up hearing in his native Nigeria were unforgettable.
"I knew there were Afro-Cubans. I didn't expect how strong it [the African culture] was. That was the difference for me. It is pervasive throughout society…that just blew my mind," Taylor told NBCBLK.
The Washington D.C. resident was part of a group of black professionals from across the U.S. who traveled to Cuba for the first time and wanted to experience the African influences on the island's culture.
Street performers walk and dance their way through Habana Vieja (Old Havana) | Mikhael Simmonds
"Having the Afro-Cuban experience was so important to me... I know that we have a rich history here as a person of African heritage. I am African-American. It's important for me to learn my roots in the Americas as they unrolled everywhere that we've been as people of African heritage," said Kafi Sanders, a pharmaceutical scientist from New York City who was also on that trip.
DiasporaES specifically designed an itinerary for this group to introduce them to Afro-Cuban culture. From visits to Calejón de Hamel (Hamel Alley) and Casa de Africa (House of Africa) Museum to dance encounters where the African roots of salsa and rumba were taught along with the steps, the company says the goal was not only to introduce this travel group to the concept of Afro Cuba, but that Afro Cuba is Cuba.
The Muraleando, a cultural community center in Havana, hosts arts, dance and music classes in the community. The DiasporaES group spent the evening learning about different aspects of Cuban arts, music and dance | Melissa Noel
"It's an important aspect of Cuba and it's not a subcategory of Cuba. You know we don't say Afro-Jamaican or Afro-Bahamian, but we do say Afro-Cuban and there's a reason for that, but Africa is everywhere in Cuba. And, that's a really important concept," Davidson said. "Getting people like our clients on this trip to Cuba to see that was a really exciting opportunity for us."
Davidson expects those opportunities for DiasporaES to create unique travel experiences to continue to grow as curiosity and conversation about Cuba grows.
"You usually see one side or another side," she said. "You hear very kind of black and white stories about what it means to be Cuban, what it means to be Castro, what it means of Cuban descent in the United States, but as we have seen before it's a complex place. You should come and experience for yourself."
It was all HBCU love when members of the DiasporaES group saw Howard University, Morehouse College and Spelman College alumni in Habana Vieja. | Mikhael Simmonds
Roots Unraveled: Tourism group illuminates the Afro-Cuban experience
by MELISSA NOEL and MIKHAEL SIMMONDS
DEC 4 2016, 10:55 PM ET
Traveling Noire: Cuba Comes 'Alive'
When the United States and Cuba first announced plans to restore diplomatic relations two years ago, Kasara E. Davidson says she and her business partner "hit the ground running" and used their combined 20 years of experience with the island to start Diaspora Enterprise Solutions (DiasporaES).
"It was an opportunity for us to learn Cuba even more and an opportunity for us to share what we know about Cuba with others," said Davidson, who is the company's co-owner and managing director.
The East Coast based business creates professional, educational and cultural programs for individuals, groups and organizations in cities around the world.
Since its founding about a year and a half ago, DiasporaES has focused mainly on Cuba— successfully taking several groups to the island under several of 12 permitted categories that have made it easier for more Americans to travel there.
Three backup dancers pose for a photo pose for a shot on their break in Havana, Cuba. | Mikhael Simmonds
With the death of Cuba's former leader Fidel Castro on November 26 and President-elect Trump's threat to sever ties with the island nation again, Davidson says she's been flooded with calls from family, friends and clients, fearful that upcoming planned programs won't happen. However, she's optimistic that her growing travel business will not be negatively impacted.
"There were things opening up slowly for a number of years and so I don't think him passing will make those things move any quicker and I don't think that him passing is going to make people think oh, let's roll them back," Davidson told NBCBLK.
The travel aficionado added that she thinks that as more commercial businesses, like airlines and hotel chains become more involved on the island, reversing the progress already made will be even more unlikely.
Callejon de Hamel (Hamel Alley) in Central Havana, is covered in murals and sculptures all devoted to Afro-Cuban culture as well as a space for live music and dance. | Mikhael Simmonds
As she prepares to head to Cuba in mid-December with two groups, Davidson is focused on ensuring all of her clients have one-of-a-kind experiences on the island, such as the one Gbenga Taylor had when he traveled to Cuba with DiasporaES over the summer.
"There's so many situations where I had people come to me and be like you're my brother, you're my long lost brother," Taylor explained. He described how hearing that from Cuban men of African descent really affected him. And, how seeing things like a group of Rastafarians gathering near an outdoor market on Obispo Street in Havana as well as women singing in the Yoruba language he grew up hearing in his native Nigeria were unforgettable.
"I knew there were Afro-Cubans. I didn't expect how strong it [the African culture] was. That was the difference for me. It is pervasive throughout society…that just blew my mind," Taylor told NBCBLK.
The Washington D.C. resident was part of a group of black professionals from across the U.S. who traveled to Cuba for the first time and wanted to experience the African influences on the island's culture.
Street performers walk and dance their way through Habana Vieja (Old Havana) | Mikhael Simmonds
"Having the Afro-Cuban experience was so important to me... I know that we have a rich history here as a person of African heritage. I am African-American. It's important for me to learn my roots in the Americas as they unrolled everywhere that we've been as people of African heritage," said Kafi Sanders, a pharmaceutical scientist from New York City who was also on that trip.
DiasporaES specifically designed an itinerary for this group to introduce them to Afro-Cuban culture. From visits to Calejón de Hamel (Hamel Alley) and Casa de Africa (House of Africa) Museum to dance encounters where the African roots of salsa and rumba were taught along with the steps, the company says the goal was not only to introduce this travel group to the concept of Afro Cuba, but that Afro Cuba is Cuba.
The Muraleando, a cultural community center in Havana, hosts arts, dance and music classes in the community. The DiasporaES group spent the evening learning about different aspects of Cuban arts, music and dance | Melissa Noel
"It's an important aspect of Cuba and it's not a subcategory of Cuba. You know we don't say Afro-Jamaican or Afro-Bahamian, but we do say Afro-Cuban and there's a reason for that, but Africa is everywhere in Cuba. And, that's a really important concept," Davidson said. "Getting people like our clients on this trip to Cuba to see that was a really exciting opportunity for us."
Davidson expects those opportunities for DiasporaES to create unique travel experiences to continue to grow as curiosity and conversation about Cuba grows.
"You usually see one side or another side," she said. "You hear very kind of black and white stories about what it means to be Cuban, what it means to be Castro, what it means of Cuban descent in the United States, but as we have seen before it's a complex place. You should come and experience for yourself."
It was all HBCU love when members of the DiasporaES group saw Howard University, Morehouse College and Spelman College alumni in Habana Vieja. | Mikhael Simmonds
Roots Unraveled: Tourism group illuminates the Afro-Cuban experience
Africa in the Americas: Tour Group Explores Cuba's African Roots
by MELISSA NOEL and MIKHAEL SIMMONDS
DEC 4 2016, 10:55 PM ET
Traveling Noire: Cuba Comes 'Alive'
When the United States and Cuba first announced plans to restore diplomatic relations two years ago, Kasara E. Davidson says she and her business partner "hit the ground running" and used their combined 20 years of experience with the island to start Diaspora Enterprise Solutions (DiasporaES).
"It was an opportunity for us to learn Cuba even more and an opportunity for us to share what we know about Cuba with others," said Davidson, who is the company's co-owner and managing director.
The East Coast based business creates professional, educational and cultural programs for individuals, groups and organizations in cities around the world.
Since its founding about a year and a half ago, DiasporaES has focused mainly on Cuba— successfully taking several groups to the island under several of 12 permitted categories that have made it easier for more Americans to travel there.
Three backup dancers pose for a photo pose for a shot on their break in Havana, Cuba. | Mikhael Simmonds
With the death of Cuba's former leader Fidel Castro on November 26 and President-elect Trump's threat to sever ties with the island nation again, Davidson says she's been flooded with calls from family, friends and clients, fearful that upcoming planned programs won't happen. However, she's optimistic that her growing travel business will not be negatively impacted.
"There were things opening up slowly for a number of years and so I don't think him passing will make those things move any quicker and I don't think that him passing is going to make people think oh, let's roll them back," Davidson told NBCBLK.
The travel aficionado added that she thinks that as more commercial businesses, like airlines and hotel chains become more involved on the island, reversing the progress already made will be even more unlikely.
Callejon de Hamel (Hamel Alley) in Central Havana, is covered in murals and sculptures all devoted to Afro-Cuban culture as well as a space for live music and dance. | Mikhael Simmonds
As she prepares to head to Cuba in mid-December with two groups, Davidson is focused on ensuring all of her clients have one-of-a-kind experiences on the island, such as the one Gbenga Taylor had when he traveled to Cuba with DiasporaES over the summer.
"There's so many situations where I had people come to me and be like you're my brother, you're my long lost brother," Taylor explained. He described how hearing that from Cuban men of African descent really affected him. And, how seeing things like a group of Rastafarians gathering near an outdoor market on Obispo Street in Havana as well as women singing in the Yoruba language he grew up hearing in his native Nigeria were unforgettable.
"I knew there were Afro-Cubans. I didn't expect how strong it [the African culture] was. That was the difference for me. It is pervasive throughout society…that just blew my mind," Taylor told NBCBLK.
The Washington D.C. resident was part of a group of black professionals from across the U.S. who traveled to Cuba for the first time and wanted to experience the African influences on the island's culture.
Street performers walk and dance their way through Habana Vieja (Old Havana) | Mikhael Simmonds
"Having the Afro-Cuban experience was so important to me... I know that we have a rich history here as a person of African heritage. I am African-American. It's important for me to learn my roots in the Americas as they unrolled everywhere that we've been as people of African heritage," said Kafi Sanders, a pharmaceutical scientist from New York City who was also on that trip.
DiasporaES specifically designed an itinerary for this group to introduce them to Afro-Cuban culture. From visits to Calejón de Hamel (Hamel Alley) and Casa de Africa (House of Africa) Museum to dance encounters where the African roots of salsa and rumba were taught along with the steps, the company says the goal was not only to introduce this travel group to the concept of Afro Cuba, but that Afro Cuba is Cuba.
The Muraleando, a cultural community center in Havana, hosts arts, dance and music classes in the community. The DiasporaES group spent the evening learning about different aspects of Cuban arts, music and dance | Melissa Noel
"It's an important aspect of Cuba and it's not a subcategory of Cuba. You know we don't say Afro-Jamaican or Afro-Bahamian, but we do say Afro-Cuban and there's a reason for that, but Africa is everywhere in Cuba. And, that's a really important concept," Davidson said. "Getting people like our clients on this trip to Cuba to see that was a really exciting opportunity for us."
Davidson expects those opportunities for DiasporaES to create unique travel experiences to continue to grow as curiosity and conversation about Cuba grows.
"You usually see one side or another side," she said. "You hear very kind of black and white stories about what it means to be Cuban, what it means to be Castro, what it means of Cuban descent in the United States, but as we have seen before it's a complex place. You should come and experience for yourself."
It was all HBCU love when members of the DiasporaES group saw Howard University, Morehouse College and Spelman College alumni in Habana Vieja. | Mikhael Simmonds
Roots Unraveled: Tourism group illuminates the Afro-Cuban experience
Diasporan unity....
Dominican Republic: US$141.3M in loans for flood-ravaged farms
Local - 9 December 2016, 8:03 AM
Santo Domingo.- The Monetary Board on Thursday authorized the release of RD$5.07 billion from the bank reserve and RD$1.5 billion from the State-owned Reservas bank (a total of US$141.3 million) to provide loans for the agro sector affected by flooding mostly in the northern region, declared a disaster area by president Danilo Medina.
The RD$1.5 billion from the Reservas will be loaned through the Banco Agricola, as well as the RD$1.0 billion released by Medina a few days ago.
Upon making the announcement Central banker Hector Valdez Albizu said the funds will be gradually available as of next Monday.
He said to access the funds the recipient must submit an already signed and agreed contract, with specifications such as the number of hectares and the crop to be planted.
Valdez said the funds will be loaned at a 9% rate annually, with no installment during the first year.
Moreover, the Monetary Board approved a provisional regulatory exemption to improve the credit conditions in effect for the agro sector, including a one-year freeze of the agricultural portfolio's current provisions as of October 31.
Dominican Republic: US$141.3M in loans for flood-ravaged farms
Local - 9 December 2016, 8:03 AM
Santo Domingo.- The Monetary Board on Thursday authorized the release of RD$5.07 billion from the bank reserve and RD$1.5 billion from the State-owned Reservas bank (a total of US$141.3 million) to provide loans for the agro sector affected by flooding mostly in the northern region, declared a disaster area by president Danilo Medina.
The RD$1.5 billion from the Reservas will be loaned through the Banco Agricola, as well as the RD$1.0 billion released by Medina a few days ago.
Upon making the announcement Central banker Hector Valdez Albizu said the funds will be gradually available as of next Monday.
He said to access the funds the recipient must submit an already signed and agreed contract, with specifications such as the number of hectares and the crop to be planted.
Valdez said the funds will be loaned at a 9% rate annually, with no installment during the first year.
Moreover, the Monetary Board approved a provisional regulatory exemption to improve the credit conditions in effect for the agro sector, including a one-year freeze of the agricultural portfolio's current provisions as of October 31.
Dominican Republic: US$141.3M in loans for flood-ravaged farms
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Afro-Mexican dancers reconnect with their African roots
A dance group in the North-American country of Mexico is reconnecting with its African ancestry through dance.
Published: 07.12.2016
Ayomide O. Tayo
Anai Herrera, leader of Obatala is seen here dancing (AJ +)
In 2015, Mexico finally recognised the population of Afro-Mexicans during its census.
According to the Mexican population census of 2015, there are 1.38 million Mexicans with African roots. They are descendants of slaves brought into the country centuries ago.
Prior to the census, Afro-Mexicans were not legally recognised in the country. Now, they make up 1.2% of the North-American country's population.
Two Afro-Mexican women (remezcla)
This was a huge step for black Mexicans but some ladies have taken it further. Obatala, a dance group made up of young female Afro-Mexican dancers have reconnected with their ancestry by learning African dance moves.
Afro-Mexican girls (dailykos)
ALSO READ: "Yoruba Christians have spiritual challenges" - Pastor Adu
"All the dancers are from Africa’s northeast region. We chose this area because after researching on the Internet, we realized that’s where the slaves that came to our town came from. Our dance troupe did the research and we learned those dances" said Anai Herrera who is the lead dancer of Obatala.
She also revealed that they learnt the cultural dance moves via YouTube videos.
Anai Herrera getting her face painted. (Vibe/AJ +)
"We keep dancing because we want people to know our culture," Herrera further said. "Our dancing is an open invitation for young people to join us. We this we want to consolidate our own culture, our own identity as black people."
As Afro-Mexicans continue to retrace their African heritage, a national census will be held in 2020 which will officially identify 'Blacks' in the country.
Before the 2015 census, Mexico and Chile excluded black people from its constitutions. Afro-Mexicans in Mexico live mainly in three areas, Veracruz, Oaxaca, and Guerrero. The dance group Obatala is from Oaxaca.
A drawing of Obatala, the Yoruba god of the sky and creator of human bodies. (My Yoruba.)
Obatala is the Yoruba god of the sky and creator of human bodies. He is worshipped in West Africa and Latin America.
Obatala: Afro-Mexican dancers reconnect with their African roots
A dance group in the North-American country of Mexico is reconnecting with its African ancestry through dance.
Published: 07.12.2016
Ayomide O. Tayo
Anai Herrera, leader of Obatala is seen here dancing (AJ +)
In 2015, Mexico finally recognised the population of Afro-Mexicans during its census.
According to the Mexican population census of 2015, there are 1.38 million Mexicans with African roots. They are descendants of slaves brought into the country centuries ago.
Prior to the census, Afro-Mexicans were not legally recognised in the country. Now, they make up 1.2% of the North-American country's population.
Two Afro-Mexican women (remezcla)
This was a huge step for black Mexicans but some ladies have taken it further. Obatala, a dance group made up of young female Afro-Mexican dancers have reconnected with their ancestry by learning African dance moves.
Afro-Mexican girls (dailykos)
ALSO READ: "Yoruba Christians have spiritual challenges" - Pastor Adu
"All the dancers are from Africa’s northeast region. We chose this area because after researching on the Internet, we realized that’s where the slaves that came to our town came from. Our dance troupe did the research and we learned those dances" said Anai Herrera who is the lead dancer of Obatala.
She also revealed that they learnt the cultural dance moves via YouTube videos.
Anai Herrera getting her face painted. (Vibe/AJ +)
"We keep dancing because we want people to know our culture," Herrera further said. "Our dancing is an open invitation for young people to join us. We this we want to consolidate our own culture, our own identity as black people."
As Afro-Mexicans continue to retrace their African heritage, a national census will be held in 2020 which will officially identify 'Blacks' in the country.
Before the 2015 census, Mexico and Chile excluded black people from its constitutions. Afro-Mexicans in Mexico live mainly in three areas, Veracruz, Oaxaca, and Guerrero. The dance group Obatala is from Oaxaca.
A drawing of Obatala, the Yoruba god of the sky and creator of human bodies. (My Yoruba.)
Obatala is the Yoruba god of the sky and creator of human bodies. He is worshipped in West Africa and Latin America.
Obatala: Afro-Mexican dancers reconnect with their African roots
The Cruise Industry Has Significant Impact On Nation’s Economy, Says Tourism Minister
By Web Editor - December 13, 2016
Photo courtesy: Royal Caribbean cruise ship Adventure of the Seas, in port at Basseterre, St. Kitts. Roger Wollstadt / Flickr
Press Release
Basseterre, St. Kitts, December 13, 2016 (SKNIS): During his presentation on the 2017 Budget, on December 09, Minister of Tourism, Honourable Lindsay Grant, stated that the cruise industry has a significant impact on the nation’s economy.
The minister referenced the Business Research and Economic Advisors (BREA) Report, which is a report on the economic contribution of cruise tourism destination to economies that analyses the contribution of the cruise industry to 35 jurisdictions, including St. Kitts and Nevis.
The report states that the contribution of the cruise industry to St. Kitts and Nevis is $US 84.3 million per year.
“So, over $200 million the ships bring to us in terms of the impact on this economy,” said the minister.
The report also states that the total employment within the industry is 1293. In addition, the report gives the total employee wage income that arises from cruise and shows that it is some $US11.2 million, which the minster states is significant.
It was just in the February 19 Sitting of Parliament that the minister of tourism reported on the state of the tourism industry in St. Kitts and Nevis and said he was excited by the growth and potential.
He said that according to the World Travel and Tourism Commission, statistics show that tourism contributes directly and indirectly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the twin-island federation by 25.5 percent.
The report also noted that approximately 25 percent of the nation’s workforce holds jobs that are directly or indirectly linked to the industry.
“This is why Mr. Speaker, the success of our tourism sector is critical for our national development because it drives our economy and directly impacts the wealth of our citizens,” he said.
During that Sitting of Parliament he noted that the market for cruise tourism remains “very buoyant.”
In relation to this, Prime Minister, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris, in his 2017 Budget Address, said the government will continue to be proactive in the development and expansion of the cruise sector.
He said that most major cruise lines now include St. Kitts as a port of call in their itineraries and St. Kitts has year-round visits from multiple vessels with cruise lines originating from a diverse range of countries.
“During the 2015/2016 season, the federation welcomed a record 21 inaugural cruise calls as well as two of the world’s largest cruise vessels on the same day namely, the Oasis of the Seas and the Allure of the Seas, a testament to the appeal our tourism product and destination.”
The Cruise Industry Has Significant Impact On Nation’s Economy, Says Tourism Minister
By Web Editor - December 13, 2016
Photo courtesy: Royal Caribbean cruise ship Adventure of the Seas, in port at Basseterre, St. Kitts. Roger Wollstadt / Flickr
Press Release
Basseterre, St. Kitts, December 13, 2016 (SKNIS): During his presentation on the 2017 Budget, on December 09, Minister of Tourism, Honourable Lindsay Grant, stated that the cruise industry has a significant impact on the nation’s economy.
The minister referenced the Business Research and Economic Advisors (BREA) Report, which is a report on the economic contribution of cruise tourism destination to economies that analyses the contribution of the cruise industry to 35 jurisdictions, including St. Kitts and Nevis.
The report states that the contribution of the cruise industry to St. Kitts and Nevis is $US 84.3 million per year.
“So, over $200 million the ships bring to us in terms of the impact on this economy,” said the minister.
The report also states that the total employment within the industry is 1293. In addition, the report gives the total employee wage income that arises from cruise and shows that it is some $US11.2 million, which the minster states is significant.
It was just in the February 19 Sitting of Parliament that the minister of tourism reported on the state of the tourism industry in St. Kitts and Nevis and said he was excited by the growth and potential.
He said that according to the World Travel and Tourism Commission, statistics show that tourism contributes directly and indirectly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the twin-island federation by 25.5 percent.
The report also noted that approximately 25 percent of the nation’s workforce holds jobs that are directly or indirectly linked to the industry.
“This is why Mr. Speaker, the success of our tourism sector is critical for our national development because it drives our economy and directly impacts the wealth of our citizens,” he said.
During that Sitting of Parliament he noted that the market for cruise tourism remains “very buoyant.”
In relation to this, Prime Minister, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris, in his 2017 Budget Address, said the government will continue to be proactive in the development and expansion of the cruise sector.
He said that most major cruise lines now include St. Kitts as a port of call in their itineraries and St. Kitts has year-round visits from multiple vessels with cruise lines originating from a diverse range of countries.
“During the 2015/2016 season, the federation welcomed a record 21 inaugural cruise calls as well as two of the world’s largest cruise vessels on the same day namely, the Oasis of the Seas and the Allure of the Seas, a testament to the appeal our tourism product and destination.”
The Cruise Industry Has Significant Impact On Nation’s Economy, Says Tourism Minister
Africa in the Americas: Tour Group Explores Cuba's African Roots
by MELISSA NOEL and MIKHAEL SIMMONDS
DEC 4 2016, 10:55 PM ET
Traveling Noire: Cuba Comes 'Alive'
When the United States and Cuba first announced plans to restore diplomatic relations two years ago, Kasara E. Davidson says she and her business partner "hit the ground running" and used their combined 20 years of experience with the island to start Diaspora Enterprise Solutions (DiasporaES).
"It was an opportunity for us to learn Cuba even more and an opportunity for us to share what we know about Cuba with others," said Davidson, who is the company's co-owner and managing director.
The East Coast based business creates professional, educational and cultural programs for individuals, groups and organizations in cities around the world.
Since its founding about a year and a half ago, DiasporaES has focused mainly on Cuba— successfully taking several groups to the island under several of 12 permitted categories that have made it easier for more Americans to travel there.
Three backup dancers pose for a photo pose for a shot on their break in Havana, Cuba. | Mikhael Simmonds
With the death of Cuba's former leader Fidel Castro on November 26 and President-elect Trump's threat to sever ties with the island nation again, Davidson says she's been flooded with calls from family, friends and clients, fearful that upcoming planned programs won't happen. However, she's optimistic that her growing travel business will not be negatively impacted.
"There were things opening up slowly for a number of years and so I don't think him passing will make those things move any quicker and I don't think that him passing is going to make people think oh, let's roll them back," Davidson told NBCBLK.
The travel aficionado added that she thinks that as more commercial businesses, like airlines and hotel chains become more involved on the island, reversing the progress already made will be even more unlikely.
Callejon de Hamel (Hamel Alley) in Central Havana, is covered in murals and sculptures all devoted to Afro-Cuban culture as well as a space for live music and dance. | Mikhael Simmonds
As she prepares to head to Cuba in mid-December with two groups, Davidson is focused on ensuring all of her clients have one-of-a-kind experiences on the island, such as the one Gbenga Taylor had when he traveled to Cuba with DiasporaES over the summer.
"There's so many situations where I had people come to me and be like you're my brother, you're my long lost brother," Taylor explained. He described how hearing that from Cuban men of African descent really affected him. And, how seeing things like a group of Rastafarians gathering near an outdoor market on Obispo Street in Havana as well as women singing in the Yoruba language he grew up hearing in his native Nigeria were unforgettable.
"I knew there were Afro-Cubans. I didn't expect how strong it [the African culture] was. That was the difference for me. It is pervasive throughout society…that just blew my mind," Taylor told NBCBLK.
The Washington D.C. resident was part of a group of black professionals from across the U.S. who traveled to Cuba for the first time and wanted to experience the African influences on the island's culture.
Street performers walk and dance their way through Habana Vieja (Old Havana) | Mikhael Simmonds
"Having the Afro-Cuban experience was so important to me... I know that we have a rich history here as a person of African heritage. I am African-American. It's important for me to learn my roots in the Americas as they unrolled everywhere that we've been as people of African heritage," said Kafi Sanders, a pharmaceutical scientist from New York City who was also on that trip.
DiasporaES specifically designed an itinerary for this group to introduce them to Afro-Cuban culture. From visits to Calejón de Hamel (Hamel Alley) and Casa de Africa (House of Africa) Museum to dance encounters where the African roots of salsa and rumba were taught along with the steps, the company says the goal was not only to introduce this travel group to the concept of Afro Cuba, but that Afro Cuba is Cuba.
The Muraleando, a cultural community center in Havana, hosts arts, dance and music classes in the community. The DiasporaES group spent the evening learning about different aspects of Cuban arts, music and dance | Melissa Noel
"It's an important aspect of Cuba and it's not a subcategory of Cuba. You know we don't say Afro-Jamaican or Afro-Bahamian, but we do say Afro-Cuban and there's a reason for that, but Africa is everywhere in Cuba. And, that's a really important concept," Davidson said. "Getting people like our clients on this trip to Cuba to see that was a really exciting opportunity for us."
Davidson expects those opportunities for DiasporaES to create unique travel experiences to continue to grow as curiosity and conversation about Cuba grows.
"You usually see one side or another side," she said. "You hear very kind of black and white stories about what it means to be Cuban, what it means to be Castro, what it means of Cuban descent in the United States, but as we have seen before it's a complex place. You should come and experience for yourself."
It was all HBCU love when members of the DiasporaES group saw Howard University, Morehouse College and Spelman College alumni in Habana Vieja. | Mikhael Simmonds
Roots Unraveled: Tourism group illuminates the Afro-Cuban experience
I know a tour group in D.C., I couldn't make it for their Cuba trip this year but I'm hoping to do that shyt next year. I really want to see Cuba before they change everything.
I don't think things are gonna change fast in there, I see people talking about Cuba like it's gonna be some completely different shyt on every single aspect now that Fidel's gone I'm like :ehhiguess:
That's wishful thinking on their part, the only thing I wouldn't be able to handle out there is the lack of weed. I'm sure you can find some but it's probably terrible and not worth the risk of getting caught. I just wanna see it as it is to see what this embargo has caused, it wouldn't resonate as much if you go after a few years and Havana is a Miami clone or some shyt.