There are dickheads among us - thankfully this one is in jail

The world is full of dickheads - but an American man this week admitted to being among the biggest dickheads out there.

Joshua Lowe from Michigan was sentenced to eight months in prison for making a hoax bomb threat to a cruise line, news portal Travel Mole reported.

He made the threat as he was upset his girlfriend and her family were taking a cruise without him and left him to look after their pets. 

Lowe was sentenced last week in a US court.

Federal prosecutors said Carnival Cruise Line received a January 2024 email stating: “Hey, I think someone might have a bomb on your Carnival Sunrise cruise ship.”

The cruise ship had just departed Miami en route for Jamaica.

Due to the threat, ship crew searched more than 1000 cabins for a potential bomb. 

The US Coast Guard was alerted and the Jamaica Marine Police escorted the ship into port.

Lowe admitted the offence when questioned and said he was upset over his girlfriend going on the cruise without him.

He could have been sent to prison for up to five years but his sentence of eight months was far lower. He will, however, also be required to pay restitution for expenses associated with the hoax.

“Bomb threats are not a laughing matter and are extremely irresponsible,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, special agent in charge of the FBI in Michigan.

“When individuals make false hoax threats, they divert critical law enforcement resources and spread unnecessary fear.”

Bring back the stocks, I say.  

Jamaica celebrates a milestone

Next week will be a big one for the Caribbean nation of Jamaica - and for Jamaican expats around the world.

Jamaica will celebrate its 60th anniversary of independence on August 6, with a range of events to mark the milestone.

The Jamaica 60 theme is “Reigniting a Nation For Greatness”.

I only visited Jamaica once - on a short cruise ship stopover - but loved the vibe.

Jamaica is the third-largest island of the Caribbean after Cuba and Hispaniola (shared by Haiti and the Dominican Republic).

After a two-year hiatus, Jamaica's popular annual festivals are back this year showcasing some of the country's local talents. The festivals help attract an average of 4.3 million tourists a year.

Signature summer festivals including Reggae Sumfest, Jamaica Dream WKND and MoBay Jerk & Food Festival.

The Jamaica Tourist Board has worked with hotel and resort partners to offer a collection of deals across various destinations in Jamaica, which was ruled by the Spanish and then the British prior to independence in 1962.

Famous Jamaicans include Bob Marley, Usain Bolt and Naomi Campbell.    

Celebrations are also scheduled for Canada, where over 300,000 Jamaicans live - many of them in Toronto.

For details see www.visitjamaica.com. Images: Sonya Kerr, Alejandro Jaramillo, Scop.io.

Beer brand to launch an island paradise

Have you ever enjoyed a quiet Corona beer or two? 

Well, how about spending some time on Corona's own island? 

Corona Island is described as "a paradise in the middle of the Caribbean", where architecture blends in with the natural landscape. 

Visits to the island are currently open only to residents of the Americas and South Africa, but stay tuned. 

The island is a partnership with non-profit organisation Oceanic Global to ensure Corona Island operates with a minimal environmental footprint. 

Corona Island is working to achieve Oceanic Global's Blue Standard to verify the Island's efforts to eliminate single-use plastics and adopt responsible practices that work in harmony with the natural world.

"Corona Island personifies the brand's purpose of reconnecting with nature and we're thrilled to partner with our new global ambassadors to bring this to life," said Felipe Ambra, global vice president for the Mexican-based brewery.  

"With their expertise, our Island programming will be an incredibly immersive experience that will have deep connections to nature and celebrate the island's beautiful habitat and organic surroundings."

the island's guest guest bungalows will feature sustainable and locally-sourced materials.

"In line with Corona being brewed with 100% natural ingredients, the Island's structures are thoughtfully designed to complement and blend in with its natural surroundings, whether it's the sea, beach, flora and fauna," said Mauricio Galeano Escobar, chief architect for Corona Island. 

"Our approach honours our collective, deep relationship with nature, inviting guests to stop, breathe and listen to the beautiful world around them and celebrate the natural environment."

The sustainable culinary program for Corona Island will be led by chef Christopher Carpentier.

In addition to design and cuisine, Corona Island's guest experience will focus on workshops and excursions that immerse guests in sustainable living, says the beer brand's press release. 

Experiences will range from snorkelling excursions to mangrove planting. 

Corona distributors in 11 countries around the world are running local promotions that unlock an all-expenses paid trip to the island - and additional opportunities will be announced in the coming months.

For more information visit www.livecoronaisland.com.