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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

Preparing For a Heat Wave in the Caribbean 

The Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum (CariCOF), headquartered in Barbados, has issued a forecast indicating a weakening El Niño phenomenon in the Pacific Ocean and near-record warm temperatures in the Tropical North Atlantic for the March to May period of this year. 

El Niño represents a climate pattern characterized by the unusual warming of surface waters in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, constituting the "warm phase" of the broader El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon. 

A Notably Warmer Season 

According to the latest publication from CariCOF on Caribbean Climate Outlooks, the region is expected to transition into a notably warmer season, with recurrent heatwaves likely as early as April. 

March may still see high evaporation rates and a peak in short dry spells, potentially exacerbating ongoing drought conditions and increasing wildfire risks in certain regions.  

However, from April to May, there is anticipated to be a sharp rise in rainfall intensity and frequency, leading to a high to extremely high potential for flooding, flash floods, and related hazards across most areas, excluding the ABC (Aruba, Bonnaire, and Curacao) Islands. 

Is a Long-Term Drought Coming? 

As of February 1, 2024, long-term drought has been observed in various locations, including Antigua, Dominica, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, St. Kitts, Suriname, northern Belize, Eastern Cuba, northern Guyana, Haiti, Trinidad & Tobago, and the Windward Islands. 

Additionally, by the end of May 2024, a prolonged drought will evolve in several areas such as southwest Belize, Grand Cayman, inland regions of French Guiana, northeastern and inland portions of Guyana, southwest Puerto Rico, and others.  

There's a possibility of extension or persistence of drought conditions in northern Belize, Central Cuba, Dominica, coastal French Guiana, northern Guyana, and Tobago. 

Prepare for Record High Temperatures 

The prospect of temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit in multiple cities and the prolonged duration of heatwaves raises concerns about potential blackouts affecting two-thirds of the US during the summer due to increased demand for air conditioning, which consumes significant amounts of electricity. 

Ways to stay safe during the heatwave: 

1| Sign up for weather alerts 

2| Clear your gutters and downspouts 

3| Paint your house or trim a light color 

4| Maintain proper drainage on property  

5| Check your roof for leaks 

 
 
 

CITED: caribbean.loopnews.com, www.winnmediaskn.com, www.dailymail.com 

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