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Visit Montserrat with an amazing Volcano Dive Package Discover one of the best kept secrets in the Caribbean - diving the pristine waters off the coast of Montserrat. Scuba Montserrat is offering a special Volcano Dive Adventure Package which includes: 7-nights tucked away in the beautiful lush grounds of the Royal Palm Club or historic Olveston House, with a welcome volcano rum punch, daily continental breakfast & all taxes included. 3-days of exciting 2-Tank boat diving with the fantastic laid back people at Scuba Montserrat, fresh water & refreshments included. A two and a half hour boat trip to a modern-day Pompeii - Plymouth, the former capital city of Montserrat which is now buried in mudflows and ash. A three hour self-guided snorkeling and kayaking trip to the secluded Rendezvous Bay made by the extinct Silver Hills Volcano. Island Tour to the island’s main attractions including the Montserrat Volcano Observatory. Airport pick up and drop-off. Rates start at $1096. Tailor made packages can done on request for shorter or longer periods. TO BOOK CALL (664) 496 7807 OR VISIT www.scubamontserrat.com

Contact:

Cathy A. Preece / Candice A. Kimmel

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

ST. KITTS’ HIDDEN SECRETS

** Insider’s Top Ten List **

Basseterre, St. Kitts – While many secrets are best kept secret, others are just too good not to be told.  These priceless St. Kitts treasures have long remained “under the radar,” yet they’re sure to make a lasting impression on visitors.  Travelers seeking an authentic Kittitian experience that few people know about will not want to miss these!

1. Crater Lake on Mt. Liamuiga:  Standing tall at 3,792 feet, Mt. Liamuiga is the highest peak on St. Kitts.  The name Liamuiga is derived from the Kalinago name for the entire island of St. Kitts, which means, “fertile land.”  Adventurers seeking a challenging hike through the lush, verdant rainforest will be pleasantly surprised at the wonders existing far up the slopes.  Upon reaching the summit caldera, which is approximately a mile across and a full 1,000 feet deep, there is a magnificent crater lake and steam vents emitting hot steam from deep within the mountain’s interior.  On a clear day, the panoramic views are breathtaking, including the entire island, the pristine Caribbean Sea and surrounding islands of Saba, St. Eustatius, Anguilla, St. Barts and St. Maarten. 
 
2. Ancient Shipwrecks:  In addition to numerous reefs, shoals and abundant marine life, the virgin waters surrounding St. Kitts have yet another wonder. A recently conducted Maritime Archaeological project revealed several hundred pristine wrecks of galleons, frigates and freighters dating back to the 17th century that were sunk in various naval battles and skirmishes.  One recently discovered and excavated dive site is located at White House Bay, where the wreck of a 1740s English troopship rests.

3. The Tomb of Sir Thomas Warner:  The final resting place of the first governor of the West Indies is located in Middle Island, St. Kitts. Sir Thomas Warner made his inaugural visit to the island in 1623 and has become widely regarded as the principal figure in the colonial history of St. Kitts. Buried in the very same graveyard is Samuel Jefferson, great-great-great-grandfather of the third President of the United States of America, Thomas Jefferson.

4. Wingfield Estate: With excavations still ongoing, Wingfield Estate continues to reveal new structures and secrets.  Formerly home to Thomas Jefferson’s great-great grandfather, this site is a new “must see” on St. Kitts.  The sugar estate ruins house one of the Caribbean’s last surviving aqueducts as well as many original structures, equipment, tall chimney, boiling pots and plenty of other interesting historical elements that guests can view, tour and be awed by.  A short walk will take you to Romney Manor, the property’s great house, which is presided over by a majestic 350-year-old Saman tree whose branches cover a full ½ acre of the manicured 10-acre grounds.
 
5. The Old Treasury Building:  Erected in 1894, this monument was known as the Gateway to Basseterre to those who arrived by sea. In 2002, the building was transformed into a National Museum that exhibits cultural and historical artifacts that played a role in the development of St. Kitts.  One of the largest public buildings in the city of Basseterre, this is the perfect place to get to know the rich historical background that shaped Kittitian culture and traditions.

6. The Strip at Frigate Bay:  Hidden in plain sight is this exquisite strip of beach on the Caribbean side of St. Kitts.  While it has become well known as a night life hot spot, it’s also a wonderful place during the day to try a variety of watersports from jet skiing to snorkeling to fishing charters or simply relaxing in the soft sand and soaking up the warm sunshine.
 
7. The Georgian House:  Located south of Independence Square, the grandiose structure remains one of the most eye-catching examples of 18^th century architecture on St. Kitts. It is thought to have once served as a holding place for slaves purchased from the auctions prior to their transfer to the plantations.  Rumor has it that the basement of the building is haunted, as people have reported hearing the sharp sound of shackles moving across the floor.

8. Carib Brewery St. Kitts Ltd:  Producing annually over 750,000 cases of the island’s beers, malts, stouts and soft drinks, the Carib Brewery is one of the leading beverage makers on island and in the Caribbean region.  Travelers can see the beverage-making magic unfold by making an appointment to witness the process. This excursion is both fun and educational for the entire family and visitors can also sample a complimentary beverage.

9. Diverse Dining Options:  What foodies don’t know but will love to discover, St. Kitts has a range of cuisines available on island at venues ranging from casual to elegant.  Nosh on sushi at a modern gourmet beachside establishment or try some authentic Kittitian-style cooking at one of the island’s roadside grills (all food handlers have health department administered certificates) serving some of the Caribbean’s best barbecued chicken and fish.  From Italian to French or Asian-Fusion and Continental to Caribbean, it’s all available to please the palate of those who know the inside scoop. 

10.  The Market:   For an exclusive glimpse everyday life on St. Kitts, stop at the local market in downtown Basseterre. The sights and sounds of this bustling place present an exciting and genuine experience, as local produce harvested from the island’s fertile soil is both bought and sold.  Opposite the market on Bay Road is the ever vibrant Ferry Terminal, with a variety of booths selling delectable Kittitian fare.

Located in the northern Leeward Islands of the Caribbean, St. Kitts offers a diverse tourism product developed from the destination’s natural beauty, cultural heritage and rich history.  The island’s stunning variety of tourism attractions include hiking through the tropical rainforest, riding the scenic railway that connects the island’s sugar plantations, visiting the Caribelle Batik factory, touring Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, the only man-made UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Eastern Caribbean, and the more traditional vacation pastimes such as watersports, golf, shopping, tennis, gourmet dining, gaming at one of St. Kitts’ two casinos or simply relaxing on one of the island’s sandy beaches.  Guests can select from accommodations ranging from intimate plantation inns to larger hotels or resorts. 

For more information about St. Kitts, please contact the St. Kitts Tourism Authority toll free from the US at 1-800-582-6208 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              1-800-582-6208      end_of_the_skype_highlighting or from Canada 1-888-395-4887 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              1-888-395-4887      end_of_the_skype_highlighting, e-mail info@stkittstourism.kn, visit www.stkittstourism.kn, or connect on Facebook, Twitter and/or YouTube. 

A Childhood of Summers on Montserrat Island
Transport yourself to the “Emerald Isle of the Caribbean” in the breezy,
heartwarming pages of Maamie and Parpi Daley of Montserrat: Meet the Daleys
the new book by Dorine S. O’Garro

See link below
 
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2010/08/prweb4385884.htm
 
Ishwar Persad
Marketing Manager
Montserrat Tourist Board
P.O. Box 7, Brades
Montserrat, West Indies
Ph: (664) 491 2230/8730
Fax: (664) 491 7430
 <http://www.visitmontserrat.com/> www.visitmontserrat.com
 <http://www.volcanorunner.com/> www.volcanorunner.com

Follow us on Twitter at  <http://twitter.com/volcanoisland>
http://twitter.com/volcanoisland

The  Montserrat Volcano Half Marathon was featured on Jaunted.com  (see link
below), which is the pop culture travel guide for globetrotters, business
road dogs, and arm chair travelers who are too harried to sit down with a
traditional travel guide, or wait for a monthly travel magazine.  It
partners with Concierge.com, (the online version of  Conde Nast Traveler).

 
<http://www.jaunted.com/story/2010/8/12/235931/227/travel/Run+Around+a+Volca
no+in+the+Montserrat+Half-Marathon>
http://www.jaunted.com/story/2010/8/12/235931/227/travel/Run+Around+a+Volcan
o+in+the+Montserrat+Half-Marathon   

Check out the link below which is the Montserrat travel guide on the popular
travel website Simon Seeks.
 
This was done by UK journalist Judith Baker who was hosted on a day trip by
the  Montserrat Tourist Board in November 2009.
 
The guide is now #1 of the 58 Caribbean Guides on the site
 
 
<http://www.simonseeks.com/travel-guides/montserrat-%E2%80%93-caribbean-emer
ald-isle-rises-ashes__119463>
http://www.simonseeks.com/travel-guides/montserrat-%E2%80%93-caribbean-emera
ld-isle-rises-ashes__119463
 
Ishwar Persad
Marketing Manager
Montserrat Tourist Board
P.O. Box 7, Brades
Montserrat, West Indies
Ph: (664) 491 2230/8730
Fax: (664) 491 7430
 <http://www.visitmontserrat.com/> www.visitmontserrat.com
 <http://www.volcanorunner.com/> www.volcanorunner.com

Follow us on Twitter at  <http://twitter.com/volcanoisland>
http://twitter.com/volcanoisland

Become a Fan of Montserrat on Facebook at
<http://www.facebook.com/islandofmontserrat>
http://www.facebook.com/islandofmontserrat

7th August - Guadeloupe
Departs 0730 & Returns 1600 
US$150
 
14th August - Nevis
Departs 0730 & Returns 1600
US$150
 
17th August - Anguilla [for St. Maarten]
Departs 0630 & Returns 1600 
US$150

21st & 22nd August - Dominica  [overnight]
Departs 0730 on August 21st & Returns at 1600 on August 22nd
US$250

For more information and bookings call 664 491 3434 or email
<mailto:info@flymontserrat.com&gt; info@flymontserrat.com
 
Ishwar Persad
Marketing Manager
Montserrat Tourist Board
P.O. Box 7, Brades
Montserrat, West Indies
Ph: (664) 491 2230/8730
Fax: (664) 491 7430
 <http://www.visitmontserrat.com/> www.visitmontserrat.com
 <http://www.volcanorunner.com/> www.volcanorunner.com

Follow us on Twitter at  <http://twitter.com/volcanoisland>
http://twitter.com/volcanoisland

Become a Fan of Montserrat on Facebook at
<http://www.facebook.com/islandofmontserrat>
http://www.facebook.com/islandofmontserrat

July 2010 Issue
 
New Operator Offers Dive Excursions From Antigua
 Extreme Marine Scuba, a dive operation registered in Montserrat, is now
offering travelers a dive-tastic special that allows them to discover
the underwater off Montserrat’s shores. The special, Explore Montserrat,
is a three-day sea-faring adventure originating out of Antigua, that
includes unlimited diving, boat accommodations, meals and a boat tour to
the former capital city of Plymouth. Designed to provide divers with the
opportunity to explore the island’s pristine waters, the aquatic
adventure offers diving at key sites along Montserrat’s 13-mile
coastline.  In addition to exploring the island’s coast, other
activities include a Plymouth boat tour that provides an up-close and
personal look at the destruction of the former capital city, now
submerged under ash and mud-flows and an island tour for the chance to
catch a glimpse of Montserrat’s famous still-active Soufriere Hills
Volcano. The Explore Montserrat special is US$750 per person, based on a
minimum of four and is valid now through December 31, 2010. To book this
special dive package or for more information, visit
www.extrememarinescuba.com <http://www.extrememarinescuba.com>  or call
268 720 0398.

Alliouagana Festival of the Word
 The second annual literary festival will be held November 12-14, 2010
at the Montserrat Cultural Centre. With the theme Discovering New Worlds
Through Words, the festival, known as the Alliouagana Festival of the
Word, will feature presentations, creative writing workshops, readings
and signings by regional and internationally recognised authors. In
addition, patrons will be treated to a live performance showcase that
features recitalists of the spoken-word and dramatic productions by
local and regional entertainers. For details on registration and other
information, visit www.litfest.ms <http://www.litfest.ms/>  or call 664
491 3924.

In the Spotlight - The Royal Palm Club Inn
 Situated at the top of Mt. Pleasant is the exclusive Royal Palm Club.
Known for its Plantation Lounge Bar and Veranda Restaurant, the Royal
Palm Club now offers  accommodation in its new luxury suites. There is a
choice of either the regal four-roomed Royal Suite, with its romantic
bedroom, sitting room, dressing room, over sized bathroom and balcony,
or the unique three-roomed Garden Suite located next to the pool. Both
suites offer a refreshment center with a refrigerator stocked with
snacks and  complimentary continental breakfast.  The room comes with a
toaster, coffee maker, cable TV, DVD player and complimentary wireless
internet.  A welcome punch together with fresh flowers and fruits greet
you on arrival and room service is always available. The Royal Palm Club
Inn is perfect for both leisure and business travellers and offers the
ultimate in privacy, comfort and service. Suites start at US $125 per
night. For your reservation call 664 491 2671 or e-mail
royalpalmclub@hotmail.com <mailto:royalpalmclub@hotmail.com&gt;

Prize Money Increased for Volcano Half-Marathon 

An almost 50% increase in prize money for the 2nd <?xml:namespace prefix
= st1 />Montserrat   Volcano Half-Marathon has been announsed.  The main
beneficiaries will be the top female participants in the half-marathon,
who will now receive the exact amount of cash as their male
counterparts.  Both the first place female and male runner will now each
receive EC$1000, EC$750 for finishing second and EC$500 for third.  The
first youth under the age of 18 years will receive EC$500. In addition,
there will now be first, second and third place prizes for the top
runners and walkers in the Fun Run-Walk from Cudjoe Head to Salem Park.
The first runner and walker to complete the course will now each receive
EC$200, with EC$150 awarded to second place finishers and EC$100 for
third.   This unique race will take place on Saturday November 27th,
2010 and is organised by the Montserrat Running Club, in support of the
local child support and advocacy group Childline. The main sponsors for
the event are the Montserrat Tourist Board, LIME, United Insurance/
Jacquie Ryan Enterprises, the Governor’s Office and the Government of
Montserrat’s Sports Department. Further details and registration
information on the Montserrat Volcano Half-Marathon is available from
www/volcanorunner.com <http://www.volcanorunner.com%20>  or become a fan
on Facebook and receive updates at
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Montserrat-Volcano-Half-Marathon/139901407
963
<http://www.facebook.com/pages/Montserrat-Volcano-Half-Marathon/13990140
7963> 

 <?xml:namespace prefix = o />

Caribbean Map <http://www.visitmontserrat.com/index.php?categoryid=30>        
Remember to follow us on Twitter & Facebook
Follow Montserrat happenings on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/islandofmontserrat
<http://www.facebook.com/islandofmontserrat>  or on Twitter at
<http://www.facebook.com/islandofmontserrat>
http://twitter.com/VolcanoIsland <http://twitter.com/VolcanoIsland>

aeroplane <http://www.visitmontserrat.com/index.php?categoryid=15>

Guest House <http://www.visitmontserrat.com/index.php?categoryid=12>

snorkler <http://www.visitmontserrat.com/index.php?categoryid=18>

masqueraders <http://www.visitmontserrat.com/index.php?categoryid=27>

Calendar of Events

July
Calabash Festival
July 18th - 25th

Cudjoe Head Day Celebrations
July 30th - August 1st
 
 
 
August
St. Peter’s Parish Bazaar
August 2nd

Emancipation Day Public Holiday
August 2nd
 

October
16th Annual Montserrat Open Fishing Tournament
October 30th

Police, Fire, Search & Rescue Community Week
October 31st -  November 7th
 
November
2nd Alliouagana Festival of the Word
November 12th- 14th

Volcano Half Marathon & Fun Run
November 27th

        

Please note that the following day trips are scheduled by FlyMontserrat for the month of August:

Day Trip to Guadeloupe
Departs Saturday, August 7th

Day Trip to Nevis
Departs Saturday, August 14th

Day Trip to Anguilla for St. Maarten
Departs Tuesday, August 17th

Each ONLY US$150 return

FOR DETAILS AND BOOKINGS CONTACT:
Karen Allen
664 491 3434
info@flymontserrat.com
www.flymontserrat.com

Ishwar Persad
Marketing Manager
Montserrat Tourist Board
P.O. Box 7, Brades
Montserrat, West Indies
Ph: (664) 491 2230/8730
Fax: (664) 491 7430
www.visitmontserrat.com
www.volcanorunner.com

Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/volcanoisland

Become a Fan of Montserrat on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/islandofmontserrat

Contact:

Cathy A. Preece

Friday, June 25, 2010

THE 14TH ANNUAL ST. KITTS MUSIC FESTIVAL
OPENS WITH A FOCUS ON THE CARIBBEAN

** Legendary Music Icons Capture the Moment **

Basseterre, St. Kitts – The opening night of the 14^th Annual St Kitts Music Festival  featured a captivating blend of some of the best past and contemporary music the Caribbean has to offer. From the first act right through to the last, St. Kitts’ Warner Park stadium came alive Thursday night, the first of three consecutive nights of world class stage performances.

“I think the opening night’s experience verifies that the St. Kitts Music Festival mix of local- and regional-conscious reggae, soca and classical calypso is the right mix for the opening night,” said Senator Ricky Skerritt, Minister of Tourism & International Transport.  “We always have seen ourselves as a Caribbean Festival first. In fact, we pride ourselves in being the leading ‘truly Caribbean’ Music Festival, with the eclectic mix of music reflecting the rich and diverse heritage of our region.”

Perennial favorite reggae group Third World, celebrating 37 years together, headed off the evening’s line-up, playing their vintage favorites for almost two hours with the crowd always demanding just one more.  Up next was local calypso icon, King Star Shield.  The former calypso king had the crowd cheering with appreciation from song to song.

The legendary King Ellie Matt followed next and immediately connected with the lively audience in a way that that brought back fond memories of his past years of international calypso and soca excellence of ‘Ellie Matt & The GI’s Brass’ fame. Perhaps the most powerful and defining moment of the evening for all St. Kitts & Nevis nationals and calypso lovers came towards the end of Ellie Matt’s performance when he sang the song that many credit for uniting Kittitians in the Diaspora, “St. Kitts I Love You.”  Singing at that point without any backup music, his enraptured and adoring homeland crowd joined in with his every word as he captivated the audience with his remarkable melody and simple yet powerful words.

Trinidad & Tobago soca super star couple, Bunji Garlin & Faye Ann Lyons took center stage next and moved the action to a higher energy level, with the large, party-hungry crowd “jamming and moving” in all directions for more than an hour.  The lively response from the St. Kitts Music Festival fans seemed to excite the multiple ‘International soca monarch’ winners to give St. Kitts one of their best ever joint performances. Bringing the first night’s action home just short of 4:00 a.m., the renowned Jamaican master, Capleton, treated the large audience to a “prophetic” performance that ended the evening with the crowd already looking forward to the Festival’s second night.

Gates open at 5:00pm and performances begin at 8:00pm each evening.  Tickets to the 14^th Annual St. Kitts Music Festival are US $40 per person, per night.

Now in its 14th consecutive year, the festival attracts both residents and visitors alike and is known for featuring rising local talent alongside internationally-renowned acts. It features a mix of musical styles on the popular market, including R&B, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Reggae, Soca, Calypso, Gospel and Contemporary, to name a few. Past artists have included such prominent acts as John Legend, T-Pain, Michael Bolton, KC & the Sunshine Band, Wyclef Jean, Ne-Yo, Air Supply, Dionne Warwick, Billy Ocean, Sean Paul, Boyz II Men, King Konris, Stephen Marley, Regina Belle, Maxi Priest, Biggie Irie and Lord Nelson.    

Located in the northern Leeward Islands of the Caribbean, St. Kitts offers a diverse tourism product developed from the destination’s natural beauty, cultural heritage and rich history.  The island’s stunning variety of tourism attractions include hiking through the tropical rainforest, riding the scenic railway that connects the island’s sugar plantations, visiting the Caribelle Batik factory, touring Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, the only man-made UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Eastern Caribbean, and the more traditional vacation pastimes such as watersports, golf, shopping, tennis, gourmet dining, gaming at one of St. Kitts’ two casinos or simply relaxing on one of the island’s sandy beaches.  Guests can select from accommodations ranging from intimate plantation inns to larger hotels or resorts. 

For more information about St. Kitts, please contact the St. Kitts Tourism Authority toll free from the US at 1-800-582-6208 or from Canada 1-888-395-4887, e-mail info@stkittstourism.kn, visit www.stkittstourism.kn, or become a fan on Facebook and/or Twitter.  For more information about the 14^th Annual St. Kitts Music Festival, log on to www.stkittsmusicfestival.com.

ST. KITTS ANNOUNCES AN EXCITING LINE-UP OF PERFORMERS
FOR THE 14TH

ANNUAL ST. KITTS MUSIC FESTIVAL** Mix of International Stars and Rising Local Acts are Featured **

Basseterre,

St. Kitts (June 11, 2010) –The St. Kitts Tourism Authority has announced the line-up of music artists for the 14^th Annual St Kitts Music Festival, which will take place on island from June 24-26, 2010.  Once again showcasing the mix of international stars and rising local artists for which the event has become known, the schedule of performances is as follows:

Thursday June 24^th

• Third World
• Grand Masters
• Starshield
• Ellie Matt
• Bunji Garlin
• Fay Ann Lyons-Alvarez
• Capleton

Friday June 25^th

• Fethi Tabet
• Ky-Mani Marley
• Jah Fire
• SMI
• Fabolous
• Taurus Riley

Saturday June 26^th

• Stevy Mahi
• Pepper Ranks
• C-Money
• Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds
• Rolensha
• Infamus
• Sizzla

“We’re very pleased to have such a varied and electrifying line-up of performers this year,” said Senator Ricky Skerritt, Minister of Tourism & International Transport for

St. Kitts.  “During a time when the effects of the global economic downturn are still being felt by numerous destinations that rely on tourism to drive their national economies, it is a testament to the quality of both the St. Kitts Music Festival and the viability of our tourism product that visitors continue to come to St. Kitts to enjoy this highly anticipated event as part of their leisure visit.”

Each evening, gates will open at 5:00pm and performances will begin at 8:00pm.  Tickets to the 14^th Annual St. Kitts Music Festival are US $40 per person, per night.

Now in its 14th consecutive year, the festival attracts both residents and visitors alike and is known for featuring rising local talent alongside internationally-renowned acts. It features a mix of musical styles on the popular market, including R&B, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Reggae, Soca, Calypso, Gospel and Contemporary, to name a few. Past artists have included such prominent acts as John Legend, T-Pain, Michael Bolton, KC & the Sunshine Band, Wyclef Jean, Ne-Yo, Air Supply, Dionne Warwick, Billy Ocean, Sean Paul, Boyz II Men, King Konris, Stephen Marley, Regina Belle, Maxi Priest, Biggie Irie and Lord Nelson.    

Located in the northern Leeward Islands of the

Caribbean, St. Kitts offers a diverse tourism product developed from the destination’s natural beauty, cultural heritage and rich history.  The island’s stunning variety of tourism attractions include hiking through the tropical rainforest, riding the scenic railway that connects the island’s sugar plantations, visiting the Caribelle Batik factory, touring Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, the only man-made UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Eastern Caribbean, and the more traditional vacation pastimes such as watersports, golf, shopping, tennis, gourmet dining, gaming at one of St. Kitts’ two casinos or simply relaxing on one of the island’s sandy beaches.  Guests can select from accommodations ranging from intimate plantation inns to larger hotels or resorts. 

For more information about

St. Kitts, please contact the St. Kitts Tourism Authority toll free from the US at  1-800-582-6208  1-800-582-6208 or from

Canada  1-888-395-4887  1-888-395-4887 , e-mail info@stkittstourism.kn, visit www.stkittstourism.kn, or become a fan on Facebook and/or Twitter.  For more information about the 14^th Annual St. Kitts Music Festival, log on to www.stkittsmusicfestival.com.