Festival Site Updates
October 3, 2022
Reminders
Hello all,
With less than a week to go, here are updates and reminders.
I have sent you the link for entry requirements into Barbados. The link again is: https://www.visitbarbados.org/covid-19-travel-guidelines-2022. After selecting the two questions in the blue box, click on the tab “View your protocol page” that will carry you to the online immigration and customs form you will need to complete up to 72 hours before your arrival. Follow the instructions and if there is a problem, let me know.
The Crane Resort would like to know when you and your party will be arriving to hopefully have your accommodations prepared when you come on property. Please send your flight information (airline, flight number, arrival date and time) to Wesley Holland ([email protected]) and he can pass it on to the hotel.
There will be a date change for two of the activities. The Catamaran Cruise will now be Wednesday, Oct. 12. And Family Day will be Thursday, Oct. 13.
For those who need transportation to the various activities, here is a breakdown of costs:
Catamaran Cruise – US$20
Family Day at Brandons Beach – US$20
Saturday night trip to Oistins – US$15
We will not be able to meet in the Town Hall of the Crane for the Sabbath during the Feast (Oct. 15). Services that day will be at Coral Ridge Chapel at 2 p.m. Transportation will be provided for those who need it.
Arnold Hampton
September 23, 2022
COVID-19 travel protocols update
Hello all,
Just a quick update to let you know that effective midnight, Thursday, Sept. 22, the government of Barbados discontinued all COVID-19 travel protocols for entry into Barbados whether you are vaccinated or unvaccinated. In addition, the wearing of masks in general will be optional.
https://www.visitbarbados.org/covid-19-travel-guidelines-2022
See you soon.
Arnold Hampton
September 13, 2022
Activities deadline
Hello everyone,
We are nearly a week after the deadline of Sept. 7 to register for Feast activities. Mr. Holland has only received four responses. To avoid possibly cancelling an activity, Mr. Holland needs to hear from you no later than this Friday morning, Sept. 16. Below are the activities once again:
1. Tuesday, Oct. 11: Island Tour
The cost will be US$20.
2. Wednesday, Oct. 12: Family Day
The venue will be Brandons Beach. There are games and a waterpark. Lunch will be available for US$25. And those interested in using the waterpark, it will be US$20.
3. Thursday, Oct. 13: Catamaran Cruise
The cost is US$110 for adults aged 12 and up, the cost for children under 12 is US$78. The cost is inclusive of ground transportation from The Crane Resort to the dock. The cruise will leave the dock at 3 p.m. and return at 7 p.m.
4. Saturday, Oct. 15: Trip to Oistins
For those interested, a Saturday night trip is being planned to Oistins, a popular destination for visitors for a fish dinner and entertainment.
If you are interested, contact Wesley Holland at [email protected] by this Friday morning, Sept. 16 with the number in your group.
Thank you,
Arnold Hampton
August 25, 2022
Feast information
Greetings!
The 2022 Feast of Tabernacles will start in less than two months. Preparations are progressing steadily for this year’s Feast in Barbados at The Crane Resort in the parish of St. Philip. Based on the information I have received, we should have over 100 in attendance.
Currency and Financial Matters
The Barbados dollar is linked to the U.S. dollar at the rate of $1.98BD to $1US. That does vary slightly depending on where you are conducting business on the island. The U.S. dollar and major credit cards are accepted at most establishments, but it will be difficult to use personal checks. ATMs are available throughout the country and all major credit cards and bank cards that work on international networks like Plus or Cirrus can be used. The ATMs only dispense Barbados dollars.
Climate
For the month of October, the day temperature is approximately 80° to 90°F. The prevailing northeast trade winds blow steadily so that although it is bright and sunny, it is not unbearably hot. However, do not forget to bring your sunscreen or purchase it when you arrive on the island. The nights are usually slightly cooler. October is also during the rainy season. The rains usually come in quick showers and are followed just as quickly by sunny skies.
Electricity
The electricity in Barbados is 110 volts, 50 cycles. So, no need for an adaptor.
Arrival and Departure Information
For those who have never traveled outside of the United States, you will need a valid passport to enter Barbados and to reenter the United States.
Taxis are available at the airport. The rate to The Crane Resort will be about US$16-$24. The rate varies depending on the number of occupants and luggage in the vehicle. The rates are listed outside the arrival hall at the airport so you can verify before boarding the taxi. It usually takes about 13 minutes to reach the hotel. Car rental is available if you desire.
Festival Services
We will use the Town Hall Ballroom of The Crane Resort for services. The inaugural service will begin at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 9. There will be one service on the first holy day, Monday, Oct. 10, and one service on the regular Sabbath, Oct. 15, starting at 2 p.m. Regular services will start at 10 a.m. On the Last Great Day, Monday, Oct. 17, we will have two services at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
The Ballroom is air-conditioned, so regular Sabbath attire worn in North American congregations is appropriate. We will project the lyrics of the hymnal onto a screen during services. If you prefer using a personal copy of the hymnal, it would be best to bring your own.
If you volunteered for special music, contact Michael Lowe at [email protected].
Activities
The following activities are planned. Please contact Wesley Holland at [email protected] by Sept. 7 if you are interested and the number in your party.
1. Tuesday, Oct. 11: Island Tour
The cost will be US$20. More details to follow.
2. Wednesday, Oct. 12: Family Day
The venue will be Brandons Beach. There will be games and a waterpark. Lunch will be available for US$25. And those interested in using the waterpark, it will be US$20.
3. Thursday, Oct. 13: Catamaran Cruise
The cost is US$110 for adults aged 12 and up, the cost for children under 12 is US$78. The cost is inclusive of ground transportation from The Crane Resort to the dock. The cruise will leave the dock at 3 p.m. and return at 7 p.m.
4. Saturday, Oct. 15: Trip to Oistins
For those interested, a Saturday night trip is being planned to Oistins, a popular destination for visitors for a fish dinner and entertainment.
Again, contact Wesley Holland at [email protected] by Sept. 7 if you are interested in participating in any of these activities.
Final Comments
Regular Sabbath service on Oct. 8 will be held at our usual hall at 1 p.m. Those who are coming early and need transportation from The Crane Resort to services, please let me know.
In this time of uncertainty, it would be good to regularly check the Barbados protocols for entry into the country. The link is barbadostravelprotocols.com. Let me know if you have any questions.
I hope you have a spiritually profitable and enjoyable Feast of Tabernacles and fall holy day season.
Warm regards,
Arnold J. Hampton
[email protected]
Site Description
The Crane opened as Barbados’ premier retreat more than 120 years ago and today still awes visitors as they discover this hidden gem. The resort is a place that evokes feelings of grandeur, with its majestic and incredulously luxurious amenities and landscape. Sparkling, pristine azure waters and soft pink sand stretching for a quarter mile have earned Crane Beach the distinction as one of “the top ten beaches in the world” by Lifestyle of The Rich and Famous. The luxurious, AAA 4 Diamond resort occupies a tranquil 38-acre space that seamlessly blends the old and the new, maintaining that special character that inspired travelers in centuries past. Each Crane suite features timeless, period architecture, breathtaking ocean views, with mini-kitchens to full kitchens, private balconies, 10’ to 25’ high timber tray ceilings, coral stone walls and truly grand proportions. Some suites even feature private pools.
The various types of suites and rates are listed below.
|
Room Category |
Rates per night |
Max |
Click on link to view layout of room |
|
Junior Garden View Suite |
US$226 |
2 |
https://www.thecrane.com/suites/jsui/
|
|
One Bedroom Ocean View |
US$331 |
4 |
https://www.thecrane.com/suites/1bdk/
|
|
One Bedroom Ocean View with Plunge Pool |
US$402 |
4 |
https://www.thecrane.com/suites/1bdk/
|
|
Two Bedroom Ocean View Suite with Plunge Pool |
US$544 |
6 |
https://www.thecrane.com/suites/2brp/
|
|
Two Bedroom Contemporary Suite |
US$382 |
6 |
https://www.thecrane.com/suites/2bupr/
|
Please note that these rates are inclusive of breakfast per night per room based on double occupancy per bedroom and are inclusive of 10% government tax, a 10% service charge. A Mandatory Room Tax Levy of US$9.65 per room per night will also be applicable.
The Meal Plan Options
• Dinner Supplement - US$60 per person per day
• Children Dinner Supplement (3-12 years) - US$25 per person per day
• Full American Plan (FAP) Supplement (Lunch and Dinner - no beverages) - US$95 per person per day
• Children FAP Supplement (3-12 years) - US$45 per person per day
If you are looking for a place where you can get away from it all, relax in the sun, sand and sea, come join your brethren in Barbados at The Crane for Feast of Tabernacles 2022.
Those interested can email Arnold Hampton at [email protected] to receive more information.
