Travel
How Carnival Brought Joy Back to St. Lucia and the Caribbean After Hurricane Beryl

Hurricane Beryl was a big and destructive storm that struck the Caribbean in June and July. Forming as a tropical storm in late June, Beryl quickly strengthened right into a Category 2 hurricane because it moved westward across the Atlantic. In early July, it made landfall on several Caribbean islands, including Saint Lucia and Dominica, between July 2 and 4.
The hurricane’s strong winds, reaching 110 mph, and heavy rains caused severe flooding and landslides, particularly in Dominica, where many areas were rendered inaccessible by damaged roads and debris. The storm also led to widespread power outages and damage to infrastructure, including homes and public buildings.
In Saint Lucia, coastal areas experienced significant storm surge and flooding that destroyed businesses and disrupted every day life. As Beryl continued its path, it also affected parts of Puerto Rico and the northern Leeward Islands, exacerbating existing threats in those regions.
Hurricane Beryl was no match for the strength, perseverance and determination of the Caribbean people. Carnivals across the Caribbean went ahead as planned. From the Spice Mas in Grenada to the Carnival in St. Lucia, the spirit of celebration was unstoppable. Saint Lucia Tourism and Carnival participants spoke with BLACK ENTREPRENEURSHIP about your experiences.
“As the head of promoting in Saint Lucia Tourist authorities “Carnival played a key role in reviving the island’s spirit following Hurricane Beryl, especially given its effects felt throughout the region. The festival acted as a vibrant symbol of resilience and unity, bringing locals and tourists together in celebration. It provided a much-needed boost to the island’s economy and morale. National activities, private events, colourful parades and the energetic Dennery Segment and Soca music helped restore a sense of normalcy and joy, proving that even in the face of adversity, Lucian Carnival remains a source of strong cultural heritage and happiness,” said Jenelle Ernest, Head of Marketing at the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority.

Source: photo courtesy of Saint Lucia Tourism
She continued: “Carnival, to me, is so much more than just a festival; it is a profound expression of cultural identity and community spirit. It is a time when people come together to celebrate life, music and tradition in a way that transcends everyday concerns. The vibrant costumes, infectious rhythms and collective energy capture the essence of our shared heritage and joy. It is a reminder of the power of unity and the importance of celebrating our roots, which is both refreshing and deeply meaningful. Carnival is all about it – the culture, the people, the vibes.”
When asked how we are able to further enhance the profile of Saint Lucia Carnival and other events, she replied, “A series of ongoing efforts are needed to promote Saint Lucia Carnival and similar festivals across the Caribbean.”
She explained: “First, investing in high-quality marketing and branding campaigns to showcase the unique aspects of each Carnival is key. Building partnerships with international travel and tourism agencies, as well as celebrities and influencers, has helped us reach a wider audience. Finally, fostering collaboration between international Carnivals and Caribbean islands to create joint marketing strategies and shared events has helped to strengthen Saint Lucia’s appeal as a Carnival destination.”
Carnival enthusiast Mellisa Deandre has traveled the world attending carnivals from Brazil to Trinidad and Tobago. She explains, “One of the many reasons I love carnival is that it gives everyone, from lawyers to construction workers, a chance to let loose and enjoy beautiful music, people and culture. I travel with a group of people from both the Caribbean and beyond, who are doctors, entrepreneurs, politicians and more – who use carnivals as a way to take their minds off work and immerse themselves in something much bigger. Being here in St. Lucia was exactly what I needed after witnessing the devastation wrought by Beryl. Carnival is a celebration of freedom from oppression that everyone can enjoy!”
Between the vibrant and loving culture of Saint Lucia and Caribbean carnivals abroad, joy seems to be the theme. As the Caribbean islands proceed to grapple with climate change brought on by many larger nations, tourism officials and carnival enthusiasts agree on one thing: strengthening and protecting carnivals around the world is imperative to proceed bringing joy to the islands that deserve it most.
Travel
Flight United Airlines Flight to China returns to LAX after the pilot forgets a passport

Passengers on board United Airlines from Los Angeles to Shanghai China had an unusual delay of their travels.
After the start around 14.00 the Pacific, the plane had to return to California after the pilot realized that he had left his passport. According to United Flight 198 he had already issued Two hours in the sky, when the aviator discovered that they lacked key identification.
Considering without him in China, the plane quickly directed to San Francisco. When the plane returned to the United States at 17:00 local time, all 250 passengers deflaw. United’s statement confirmed that each one travelers received coupons for meals and compensation for his or her troubles.
“The pilot did not have a passport on board,” said United in a statement.
“That evening we organized a new crew that took our clients to their destination. Customers received coupons for meals and compensation.”
Although United again reserved passengers with a recent flight and crew, the plane couldn’t make up for the lost time. Travelers finally reached Shanghai six hours after the original planned arrival.
Some passengers expressed their contempt for the amount of compensation received. Yang Shuhan, a Chinese passenger during a flight, told CNN that only coupons of meals sum USD 15 for a traveler. As for financial compensation for his or her trouble, United told Shuhan that they were solving her claim inside 14 business days.
For those that also stood in the face of delays on the return flight from Shanghai due to what others considered “a lack of discipline.”
“This is quite embarrassing (for United),” explained Shukor Yusof, founding father of Endau Analytics based in Singapore, a consulting company that focuses on the aviation industry. Yusof also called the incident an expensive mistake whose global airline shouldn’t have made.
The airline stood in the face of a greater warmth of dissatisfied passengers, including a mother whose problem became viral on tiktok. After she was asked to remove her son’s respiratory tube to start and said through pilots that her son shouldn’t fly, Melissa Sotomayor remembered the traumatic experience of the application.
The way you treated my son after we tried to fly home from Tampa to Newark, he was absolutely funny, “explained Sotomayor.
She quickly won over a million views on her film describing history. Although United announced its apology Sotomayor, she called regret “insincer”.
Most recently criticized American airlines due to the increase in aircraft accidents. However, this case causes a recent problem with the performance of the airlines to pay customers to and their places.
(Tagstranslate) Shanghai (T) United Airlines
Travel
Trinidad and Tobago join Colombia, Jamaica, Guyany and not only on the advisory list of travel at the USA

Trinidad and Tobago were added to the travel list of travel at level 3, joining countries comparable to Pakistan, Egypt, Colombia, Jamaica, Gujana and others.
Bangladesh, Guyana, Nowa Caledonia and Macau were also as well as It reported that to the list of countries where American travelers are encouraged to reconsider the visit as a consequence of growing security problems. Dorada, issued in response to the growing crime with the use of violence and the national emergency, places Trinidad and Tobago with places marked with terrorism, civic anxiety and limited consular support.
Travel consulting was released After Trinidad and Tobago prolonged the emergency until April 2025 as a consequence of “increased risk of terrorism and kidnapping.” According to the ongoing SOE, the Trinidad authorities have the right to arrest people suspected of criminal activity and search of public and private real estate.
“On December 30, 2024, the government of Trinidad and Tobago (Gott) announced a nationwide emergency (SOE)”, State Department website Reads. “This is due to the ongoing criminal activity, which could threaten public safety. On January 13, 2025, the parliament extended SOE to April 2025.”
The emergency was initially announced in December. The State Department advises Americans traveling to Trinidad and Tobago to purchase travel insurance, avoid signs of wealth comparable to jewelry, and watch out in online dating frauds, including safety.
“Foreigners and a legal permanent resident of the US were the last victims of kidnapping,” warned the guide. “Violence and shootings occur regularly in some areas of the Spanish port.”
Due to security threats, US government employees stationed in Trinidad and Tobago are limited from traveling to specific areas on the island, including:
- Laventille
- The southern end of Charlotte Street between Oxford Street and Park Street (next to the general hospital)
- Piccadilly Street
- Besson Street
- Beetham, sea parts, coke and interior of the Queens Savannah park
- After dark:
- Port in the center of Spain
- Fort George Overlook and all beaches
Dorada claims that extraordinary violence crimes include:
- Murder
- Robbery
- Assault
- Sexual assault
- House invasion
- Kidnapping
The classification takes place at a key moment, coinciding with the peak of the Twin-Iissland Nation tourist season. The designation raises concerns about the potential inheritance of international visitors and undermines the trust of the traveler to the safety of the popular Caribbean destination. The decrease in tourism can be a big risk for the general economy of the country.
To
Travel
Are you looking for black luxury in full? Spice Island Beach Resort is a new standard

Janelle Hopkin knows that her father could be proud.
Sir Roiston Hopkin was a figure greater than life, who became a knight by the Queen of England, but egg scrambled eggs for breakfast were still daily, maintaining contact with people around the globe, in addition to his home island Grenada, West India, a small island north of Trinidad and Tobago and only a five -hour flight from New York.
It was Sir Hopkin who had a vision of constructing a wonderful luxurious resort along the Grenada Grandada Grandada Anse Beach, often known as Spice Island Beach Resort. It began in 1987, when he bought a neglected center from 20 rooms and worked from 12 months to 12 months to expand it to 64 luxury villas. The son of oldsters who had a motel, hospitality ran along with his blood.
In times, he got here across a guest or businessman who was surprised when a young black man was conducting such a great project, his youth or breed was never an obstacle. In Grenada, black entrepreneurship was as common because the nutmeg that grew on the trees across the island. Everyone who was surprised simply catching up.
“He traveled a lot and saw things,” he recalls. He at all times got here back from travel and had an idea. He desired to push the novel. When everyone said, “We can’t do it, it’s okay as it is.” He said, “What do you mean I can’t do it because I’m in Grenada?” He loved his country. He desired to encourage Grenada and affinity for Grenada in the hearts of his guests.
And so Sir Hopkin lived daily along with his dream, running along with his wife along with his wife and two daughters watching his every move – including his youngest, Janelle, who asked to learn business and deserved to scrub the kitchen in the kitchen to profitability. Ultimately, Spice Island Beach Resort is growing and fame, winning a five -time rating AAA and accepts guests corresponding to Prince Harry.
Before her father got sick and died in 2020, Hopkin accepted the fact that at some point he could manage her full-time family business-but her father explained that he trusted her vision to transfer her to a higher level.

Sir Hopkin was right. Now, having the title of president and managing director, Janelle Hopkin boldly pushed to administer the well -oiled machine Spice Island Beach Resort. In addition to 64 luxury villas, the middle offers a combination of built -in pools, patio and beach balconies, in addition to a delicious full -day dining room and drinks with a non -standard menu prepared by the chef, which may be served by the bed or beach.
Thanks to the best rated SPA, a complete fitness center with yoga classes, a swimming pool and two restaurants, Hopkin claims that Spice Island Beach Resort is designed in order that all the pieces that guests need in one place.

“But I had to push forward and ignore the noise. If you love what you do, you can’t just do the same every day – you have to think about the bigger one.”
And think she did it. Just in time for the fiftieth anniversary of the anniversary of Independence Grenada, Hopkin also renewed the parts of the beach deck in which hotel guests spilled, enjoyed the weekly Sunday grill buffet and listened to live music Steelpan, bringing a modern atmosphere.
She also intended to convey a donation to varsities, employ locally and trained new generations of Grenadian to prosper in the hotel industry, which might increasingly dominate the company brands coming to the Caribbean Islands to submit their claims.
“I’m going to speak (students) and let them know, study tourism and hospitality does not give coffee and cleaning. You can get so high in your career,” says Hopkin.
“I honestly believe in employing local employees from all levels. You go to many resorts in the Caribbean, and many senior management is not local” – he explains. “Many of my teams grew up here. Many of them are women. They started as receptionists … It takes much more time, much more training. But the same in itself turns to the island.”

While Spice Island is the property of Black, its clientele comes from everywhere in the world to experience luxurious accommodation, and a fast crowd scan in a winter week shows a diverse mixture of guests, including about 30 years, but mainly older European couples on vacation from cold, relaxing in private cabins.
But Hopkin also met many black American tourists visiting Spice, moving the inspiring history of her family and the black beginnings of the middle. Recently, she fell on a couple from Chicago, who needed to experience Spice Island for herself.
Such stories confirm Janelle Hopkin that he not only maintains his father’s heritage alive through Spice Island Beach Resort, but expands him to achieve more people willing to offer.
Now her heritage is also based on the leadership of black women in the Caribbean, which showed that they’ve what they have to be bosses, leaders, innovators and others. As the mother of the young son and executive director, at all times on the go, Hopkin climbs in many mountains at the identical time-but like her father, who marked out a new territory with grace and whose portrait is one in every of the primary things that may greet guests in the lobby of the resort on the beach of Spice Island-Hopkin learns their very own lessons concerning the principles of success and applying them in real time:
(Tagstotransate) grenada
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