Most Caribbean destinations report drop in winter tourists

Five Caribbean countries reported double-digit drops in winter tourist arrivals compared with the prior year, according to the Caribbean Tourism Organization.

Nine of the 12 countries and territories that submitted figures posted decreases.

Hardest hit was Anguilla with an 18.8% drop in January, the only month it reported. Antigua & Barbuda reported a 14.3% drop in the first three months of the year.

Other double-digit decreases were reported on St. Lucia (13.7%), the Cayman Islands (11.3%) and Montserrat (11.6%).

The Dominican Republic (4.4%), Puerto Rico (4.7%) and the U.S. Virgin Islands (6.1%) were down in January and February.

Market declines were heaviest in the U.S. market, followed by Europe. Canadian visitor numbers increased in all but three destinations -- Antigua & Barbuda, the Cayman Islands and Montserrat.

Jamaica (3.2%), Cuba (4.5%) and Cancun (9.4%) each reported increases for January and February.

Cruise traffic dropped in five of six ports, ranging from 4.4% drop in Belize to a 28.7% falloff in Jamaica.

Mosquito Nets

Mosquito nets are a very useful and practical way to prevent insect bites. There are a number of things to keep in mind when buying a mosquito net.

The mesh size should be large enough for air circulation but as small as possible to keep out the mosquitoes. A mesh size of 1.2 mm x 1.2 mm is the most common and recommended. For effective malaria protection, the mesh size that is recommended is 120-200 holes per square per inch.

Mosquito nets of polyester or polyamide are usually lightweight, long-lasting nets, and are available in different mesh sizes and thread thickness. On the other hand, cotton is susceptible to dampness, and weighs more when wet.

As for the shape of the net, it should obviously be wide enough to cover the person sleeping, without touching them. Rectangular nets offer more room around the person as opposed to the slanted sides of a tent or pyramid shaped net. Either way, the net should be tucked under the mattress. You can use screws, tacks, pins, or hooks to attach the upper point of the net above the bed. Pillows or blankets can be used to build a makeshift wall around the body to avoid touching the net. It is much more efficient to purchase a net that has already been dipped or sprayed with a high quality insecticide such as permethrin. The nets are pre-treated at the netting manufacturing plant and can last up to a year depending on the amount of exposure to sun and rain.