People vacation in the Caribbean region for many reasons. As well as the sun, sea, sand, rainforests, hiking, cuisine and entertainment many flock to the region with a pair of binoculars in hand to do some serious bird watching. According to Birdlife International, the region is home to 770 bird species, 148 of which are endemic, with 105 confined to single islands. Certainly anyone fascinated by ornithology will find themselves very happy with a birding holiday in the Caribbean.

Birds are an integral part of a healthy ecosystem and with 10,000 species worldwide their presence is a clear indicator of the integrity of biodiversity. Birds control pests, spread seeds, offer beautiful environmental soundscapes with their songs and are beautiful to look at. Given these factors they are also a rich natural resource for local socio-economic development when persons from overseas pay good money to come and see them in their natural habitats. Certainly for all these reasons, as well as their sheer intrinsic value, they are worth protecting.

It is therefore sobering to read in the newly released directory, ‘Important Bird Areas of the Caribbean’, that only around 10% of the Caribbean region’s original bird habitat remains, and 54 of the Caribbean’s bird species are globally threatened, of which 12 are Critically Endangered. Continue reading "Birding in the Caribbean - Saving our Feathered Friends"

The Caribbean is an incredibly beautiful region with a vast array of differing landscapes. But anyone who has, even for a brief moment, put their head under the Caribbean Sea waters knows that the beauty of the islands does not stop on the land. In fact, under the waves there is a whole new world to discover.

The main way to start experiencing the underwater world is to grab a snorkel mask and pair of flippers. Many islands such as Saba, Dominica, Tobago and the islets off of Belize boast fantastic coral reef systems and a multitude of colourful fish to delight the eyes. Interestingly even people who are not particularly good swimmers find they are able to enjoy snorkeling with ease.

For those with a greater sense of adventure and willingness to explore the ocean depths, scuba diving is the next option. Scuba diving requires more equipment and a little more instruction but many hotels and dive centres offer a package on-site training with introductory dives accompanied by a certified dive-master. Continue reading "Under the Sea - Diving in the Caribbean"

Studying for higher education is nearly always hard work but the burdens of exam stress can certainly be eased by having a relaxing environment and natural places to retreat to for some brain relief. Thus studying in the Caribbean can be a perfect place to reach for academic attainment whilst ensuring that life stays balanced and fulfilling.

One of the major institutions offering undergraduate and graduate level courses in the region is the University of the West Indies. UWI has been a fully independent University since 1962 and boasts of educating 8 Prime Ministers! The main campuses are found in Jamaica, Trinidad and Barbados and there are distance learning centers in twelve other Caribbean countries. UWI currently has a total enrolment of over 39,000 students so any new scholar will join a large and diverse community.  

There are a large number of other universities in the region which are either locally founded or campuses from other international universities that have students attend for a portion of their overall course. These latter establishments are especially useful to give their students exposure to different types of lifestyle and facilitate cross cultural exchange. Many of them also offer scholarships for a selection of students in their host country. Continue reading "Books on the Beach! – Going to University in the Caribbean"