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News

Welcome to Kayifi's News page. In this page, you will find announcements, Agents of the month, upcoming Webinars, acknowledgement of the month for countries, and new agents that we welcome.

Kayifi News

Mar 2022

Kayifi Outreach is coming Soon! At Kayifi, we recognize the importance of Caribbean youth as a pillar of the future of the islands. We are excited to introduce a new program: Kayifi Outreach, aimed at giving Caribbean youth knowledge, resources, and tools integral to their success. Check out the following links for more information!

Welcome to Kayifi Outreach! (blog)

Introductory Video (includes signup form)

Facebook Group

Aug 2021

Great News Everyone! We are always looking for new ways to improve Kayifi and keep the listings fresh! For all buyers and tenants, we want you to be able to find what you are looking for.

For all sellers, real estate agents, brokers, and landlords we want you to get many inquiries on your listings. Please edit your existing properties to reflect the date that your verbal or written contract to sell or rent expires. When you enter new properties, please add the date in there too. By default, all properties will expire in 120 days from the date of entry. But don’t worry, you will receive an email notification with easy access to update 1 week prior to the expiration date.

Let’s stay fresh! Kayifi is Your Caribbean Connection!

Apr 2021

As you may have noticed, we have changed the layout of our homepage and the functionality of our property search to make finding your perfect Caribbean home even easier! If you have any problems, questions, or feedback on the new look, click here to contact us. Thank you for using Kayifi!

Mar 2021

Coming Soon! Kayifi Vacation Rentals. List your short-term and vacation rental properties. Contact us for more information and to be updated!

Tutorials Section

We have added tutorials to our Youtube page, to find out how to register, how to upload profile and property pictures click the link below https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu8TgI-NstRIS0ehKlby2Bg

Caribbean News

Caribbean coral reef restoration projects

Coral reefs play a key role not only in nature but also in society. They are the spinal cord of marine ecosystems, the protectors of coastlines against hurricanes and erosion, a shelter for hundreds of species, and the livelihood of millions of people worldwide.

Today, rising water temperatures, pollution, disease, sedimentation, and overfishing are endangering reefs, and with them, all the wildlife and communities that depend on them for survival.

How the Caribbean is fighting the factors that endanger its most valuable resource

Many associations have the protection of coral reefs as their main objective, and the restoration of those that are already showing signs of decay.

In the Caribbean, countries like Dominica and Saint Lucia firmly advocate for the 30x30 conservation plan, which aims to effectively protect at least 30% of the world’s land and ocean areas by 2030. Coral reef restoration is a vital part of this plan.

Coral reef restoration: what it is and how it works?

The first step is placing nursery structures on the seabed. These beams and columns are made from durable, non-toxic materials and are kept free of organisms such as worms and snails, allowing young corals to attach and grow safely. Once the corals reach a suitable size, they are transplanted to reef areas and carefully monitored to ensure they continue growing strong and healthy.  

Coral restoration reaches the coasts of Panama: Solarte Island welcomes the Caribbean Coral Restoration Center

Through a program called Love the Sea, the Caribbean Coral Restoration Center works not only on outplanting, nurturing, and growing corals, but also on spreading awareness and fostering strategic partnerships. 

They are currently focused on Solarte Island, a paradise located just one mile from the town of Bocas del Toro, in the province of the same name in this Central American nation. Their approach combines cutting-edge science and technology with the active participation of local community members.

Their procedures consist of planting corals in nurseries and then transplanting them to the most bleached and deteriorated reef areas. This technique yields impressive results, faithfully replicating the natural formations of these underwater forests: multiple surfaces, shaded zones, inlets, protrusions, and other characteristics that make them ideal habitats for wildlife to thrive. 

The success of these efforts is such that this method is now a strong candidate for replication across the entire Caribbean.

Coral Reef Alliance expands to the Caribbean and settles in Dominica

Restoration is necessary when the damage is already done, but ideally, it should never come to that. Many projects focus on preventing harm before it causes lasting impact.

Recently, an organization with more than 30 years of history has found a new home in the Caribbean. The Coral Reef Alliance, a team of conservationists that has done major work across Hawaii, the Indo-Pacific, and the Mesoamerican Reef, has now established a base in Dominica.

In the (rightfully dubbed) “nature island”, CORAL is tackling one of the greatest threats to these submarine ecosystems: wastewater pollution. The team supports the Dominica Solid Waste Management Company in Soufriere, helping to enhance the country's waste management systems. Plans also include constructing a wetland to filter contaminants before they reach the Caribbean shores.

The organization has also set foot in the capital, Roseau, where it has engaged with the Baytown Wastewater Treatment Plant. The goal is to work closely with the Dominica Water and Sewage Company to upgrade its equipment so it operates at full capacity and to invest in lab resources to ensure proper monitoring of water quality. 

These efforts are expected to reduce impurities, improve the city's water supply, and prevent pollution from reaching the sea.

All in all, the Caribbean is pushing hard to protect its environment and the "rainforests of the sea." By leveraging the latest technology, applying clever practices, promoting awareness, and building lasting community engagement, these initiatives are poised to benefit ecosystems and societies alike.

See more articles

Carribean Acknowledgement

US Virgin Islands

Learning About the US Virgin Islands 

The US Virgin Islands are officially known as the Virgin Islands of the United States. They are a group of Caribbean islands considered a territory of the United States and located in the Leeward Islands. The main islands belonging to this group are St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas. However, an additional 50 smaller islands and cays surround them. 

Here, there are jewel-toned waters, rare wildlife, and welcoming residents greeting visitors with contagious smiles. The endless adventures range from kayaking tours and underwater exploration to fascinating historical sites and lounging on pristine beaches. 

History of the US Virgin Islands 

The original residents of the US Virgin Islands were the Caribs, Ciboney, and Arawaks. Like most Caribbean islands, the native people disappeared shortly after Christopher Columbus visited in 1493. However, Columbus and his crew weren't solely responsible for the end of these peaceful and skilled tribes. England, France, Holland, and Denmark also attempted to settle the islands. 

Until 1733, the French successfully claimed St. Croix after overtaking the previous Spanish inhabitants. St. Johns and St. Thomas were colonized by Denmark. They thrived in plantation agriculture during the late 1600s and the early 1700s. Eventually, the Danish bought the third island from France, and the region became known as the Danish West Indies. 

Enslaved people were forced to work long and exhausting days on the plantations. Thousands of enslaved people were set free at the rebellion in St. Croix, but far more remained the colonists' property. Finally, slavery was abolished in 1848. Following this turning point in the islands' history was a collapse of the fragile economy. The next few years were a challenging time for the islands' residents, characterized by several devastating natural disasters and a struggling economy. 

In 1917, the USA purchased St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas, which became the US Virgin Islands. The United States improved the declining economy by establishing a tourism industry, which wasn't too difficult with all the islands offered to visitors. Today, the US Virgin Islands is known worldwide as a famous vacation destination. 

Culture in the US Virgin Islands 

The unique culture of the US Virgin Islands is a beautiful blend of Caribbean and American customs, events, values, and arts. For instance, the music you may hear at restaurants and other establishments could be anything from reggae and calypso to blues and American pop.   

The friendly people in the US Virgin Islands are primarily of African or European descent. However, you'll quickly observe that the diverse population comprises Americans, Hispanics, and people from modern-day Europe, too. Most residents speak, write, and read-only English with a distinctive accent. 

A significant part of the culture in the US Virgin Islands is the people's dedication to religions, like Baptist and Catholic Christianity. But they also mix traditional Caribbean values into their practice, like superstitions and stories passed from generation to generation. 

The cuisine for these islands is primarily based on seafood, like many other Caribbean nations. If you're taking a trip to this stunning destination, enjoy the national dish, Fish and Fungi. This unique combination of foods dates back to when Denmark ruled the lands. Hefty portions of fish are served with tender dumplings made from salted cornmeal, shortening, and water.It’s a culinary adventure you’ll not soon forget. 

 

CITED: Wikipedia.org, Visitusvi.com, Vinow.com 

Sunni Baerwalde

Author

Written by: Sunni Baerwalde