CWI pays tribute to former West Indies batsman Irving Shillingford

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Caribbean News Service

Cricket West Indies paid tribute to Irving Shillingford, the former Dominica, Combined Islands and West Indies batsman who passed away on Thursday. He was 78.

Shillingford was a stylish and determined middle-order batsman who made his international debut at age 32 against Pakistan in March, 1977, where he played alongside Sir Clive Lloyd, Sir Viv Richards, Sir Gordon Greenidge and Sir Andy Roberts. In his second Test he made a huge impact with a memorable topscore of 120 at the Bourda Ground in Guyana. Overall, he played four Test matches and two One-Day Internationals.

After his career ended, Shillingford held several roles in regional cricket including manager and coach of the West Indies Under-19 team, selector and coach of the Windward Islands team, and made a major contribution to the development of the game at all levels in his native Dominica. A stand at the Windsor Park Stadium is named in his honor.

Ricky Skerritt, President of CWI paid tribute to Shillingford.

“On behalf of CWI I offer my sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Irving Shillingford. He was someone who played in the true spirt of the game and pioneered the way for others to follow. He was also one of cricket’s finest gentlemen, and an astute thinker with a wealth of knowledge. Irving was dedicated to the game over six decades as a player and administrator. He worked patiently and tirelessly to make sure Dominica and the Windward Islands featured prominently in the cricket map of the Caribbean.”

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Lil Baby and Michael B. Jordan Stars In Hilarious ‘SNL’ Promo

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Urban Islandz

Michael B. Jordan and Lil Baby are set to make their debut as SNL hosts on the late-night comedy show this coming weekend.

Saturday Night Live announced Lil Baby as the latest Hip Hop star to grace the show’s stage, and a teaser released on Thursday did not disappoint. A teaser for the upcoming episode to be aired on January 28 was shared on Thursday night, showing the Creed III director alongside Lil Baby and SNL cast member Heidi Gardner.

In the teaser, Gardner, clearly oblivious about Lil Baby, confuses him for little babies as she tries to make sense of the rap name while Michael B Jordan gets an awkward joke about Valentine’s Day. In one part of the teaser, Gardener puts on an announcer voice to introduce the Quality Control rapper.

“Alaska’s very own, Lil Baby,” Gardener mouths along with the booming audio playing. Lil Baby interjects, “Alaska? I’m from Atlanta.”

Fans are also anticipating the upcoming show as they feel that Lil Baby’s facial reactions and mannerisms are naturally hilarious.

“Why baby look awkward,” one person said. “Lil Baby is funny without trying,” another said.

“Baby always looks outta place on camera,” another fan said, laughing.

Lil Baby joins a growing list of rappers who have hosted Saturday Night Live during its current Season (48).

Among those who have hosted in previous months are Kendrick Lamar, Megan Thee Stallion, Jack Harlow, and Black Star.

Meanwhile, there are reports that the rapper will perform songs from his latest LP, ‘It’s Only Me studio’.

As for Michael B. Jordan, it’s up for speculation what fans can expect. Some have questioned whether there will be any Lori Harvey and Damson Idris jokes, given that his acting buddy now seems to be romantically involved with Lori. If nothing, SNL can be ruthless, as we’ve seen with Kim Kardashian roasting everyone, including herself and her ex-husband Kanye West during her appearance on the show more than a year ago.

Michael B. Jordan might be silent on Lori’s latest dating prop, but he does have a lot to celebrate, with his directorial debut for Creed III taking place on March 3, 2023.

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Drake’s $75m Los Angeles Home Burglarized, Intruder Arrested With Unknown Items

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Urban Islandz

One of the Drake’s Los Angeles homes was broken into by a lone intruder, reports from the Los Angeles Police Department said.

On Friday, TMZ reported that the luxurious mansion had an unwanted visitor who managed to break into the property but was intercepted by home security, who called the police after noticing him. Drake reportedly has three homes in Los Angeles, and details about the home that was broken into have not been shared.

However, it is public knowledge that he owns a home in Calabasas, another in Hidden Hills that he bought from English rock star Robbie Williams last year for $75 million, and another home that not much is known about. Perhaps the price tag makes the piece of real estate prime target for robbers that are growing in numbers in the upscale Los Angeles area in recent years.

Law enforcement says the incident occurred on Thursday night when the burglar was spotted leaving the rapper’s home and appeared to be carrying something. It’s unclear how the man got onto the compound in the first place or how long he was in Drake’s mansion.

One man has been arrested, but not without some effort by quick-thinking cops. According to the publication, the suspect made good on his escape, and by the time LAPD officers arrived, he had all but vanished. The police, however, received a lead on the intruder as a search of the neighborhood was conducted, and a description of a suspect matched the description of a man walking down the street.

The man was arrested after a search of his person confirmed that he was carrying the personal property of Drake.

In the meantime, thankfully, Drake nor any family member was at home, TMZ reports. The rapper has been spotted online still in New York after his performance at the iconic Apollo Theatre in Harlem on Saturday and Sunday.

As for the 6 God, this is the latest in a series of reports about crazy fans targeting his home.

Last year, a suspect was arrested after breaking into Drake’s YOLO property. The crazed fan claimed he was Drake’s son! He was charged with trespassing, and Drizzy eventually sold the YOLO property.

The previous year, a woman also broke into Drake’s home and drank his liquor, and wore his clothing in a bizarre fantasy about the rapper. The Toronto native was granted a restraining order against her, although his legal team declined to press charges since the rapper reportedly felt she needed mental help.

Drake has not reacted to the latest report.

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Lil Tjay Shares 50 Cent Motivational Speech To Him After Getting Shot 7 Times

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Urban Islandz

Lil Tjay has shared the advice he received from veteran rapper and television mogul 50 Cent after he recovered from being shot.

Lil Tjay was shot and injured in New Jersey after a man tried to rob him and his friends while they sat in his car at a mall parking lot. The rapper received seven (7) shots about the body and was hospitalized in critical condition as he battled for his life. Luckily, the rapper recovered unscathed without any major damage to his body.

In a new interview with Rolling Stone, the Bronx rapper shared that shortly after the shooting, he received some solid advice from 50 Cent.

“Every artist needs pain or something to feed off of. This right here, you shake this shit off,” Tjay said the rapper told him while he was still hospitalized but recovering.

“You got the length for greatness. You going to be bigger than ever,” 50 Cent added.

This advice coming from 50 Cent might be more meaningful than if it came from someone else because 50 Cent has been in a similar position in the past. The rapper narrowly escaped death in the year 2000 after being shot nine times. The injuries did not stop the Fifty, who went on to release his debut album three years later. That album, Get Rich or Die Tryin, is one for the history books as it catapulted Fifty’s career and helped to cement him as a force to be reckoned with.

In his interview, Lil Tjay said 50 Cent revealed that he also received a phone call- from Diddy, who gave him the same advice and support he was now giving to Tjay. He noted that Diddy called him to show support, too.

Lil Tjay also recalled the moment he was shot, noting that everyone around him feared the worse.

“I don’t even know [if] I knew it was seven times,” he said. “When them shits get to hittin’ you, it’s different. When it’s again and again, it’s like, yo! I ain’t going to lie, everybody, that was there and seen me—undeniably it looked like it was over.”

The rapper also recollected the moments he regained consciousness five days after being in a coma, but it felt like mere hours when he awoke.

“The hospital lady came over to me like, ‘Hey, you didn’t look so good the other day, bud… I’m thinking, ‘The other day? What you mean, the other day?’” the rapper recalled his conversation with the nurse.

The rapper also spoke about his fears that he might have lost his voice as a bullet was stuck in his neck and had to be removed after he regained consciousness.

“I could feel the bullet, too,” he said. “She’s touching my neck, and I could feel a bullet, and I’m like, ‘Yo, this is crazy.’ All I’m thinking is, ‘What? I got a story to tell’” Tjay said about the brave moment.

The rapper recently marked his return to music with a collaboration with Ice Spice, “Gangsta Boo,” which samples Diddy’s song. Tjay has also teased that he is working on new music to be released this year.

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Caribbean Travel News And Deals

Black Immigrant Daily News

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Jan. 27, 2023: Here are the top Caribbean travel news and deals this week in 60 seconds.

The Canadian government is warning nationals again to exercise a high degree of caution if travelling to Belize, Guyana, The Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago due to high crime rates. It also warns against all travel to Haiti due to the threat posed by kidnappings, gang violence and the potential for civil unrest throughout the country.

On May 5th, Air France will introduce a weekly direct flight between Cayenne (French Guiana) and Belém (Brazil) – the city of mango trees. The flight will take off from Pointe-à-Pitre and fly to Fort-de-France, Cayenne and then Belem, allowing customers from Guadeloupe and Martinique to also travel to Brazil without having to make a connection.

Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville brand is opening its newest Caribbean hotel in Belize. The highly-anticipated Resort will be opening in the Ambergris Caye area in April.
The first rooms that can be booked are available starting April 2nd.

Caribbean Airlines is adding more flights between Trinidad for the period February 12 to 26, for the Trinidad Carnival. The additional flights are now open for sale via caribbean-airlines.com.

Royal Caribbean says The World’s Largest Cruise Ship Ever – its ‘Icon of The Seas,’ will be on the seas by October or November 2023. The nearly 1,200-square-foot ship will hold close to 7,600 passengers and 2,805 staterooms.

Travel from Fort Lauderdale, Fl to The Dominican Republic between May 31 and June 5th and get a round trip flight plus 5 nights at the all inclusive Riu Republica hotel for USD 810 per person. Book on CheapCaribbean.com.

Fly from Houston to San Juan Puerto Rico between March 6-9th and stay at the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve for USD 789 per person. Book on Expedia

And just incase you are travelling from Toronto to a Caribbean destination and need to check a third bag, be prepared to shell out a whopping $225 CAD/USD. the first bag costs 30 CAD/USD while the second is 50 CAD/USD.

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Future Upset With Drake For Dropping Joint Album With 21 Savage, Says N.O.R.E.

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Urban Islandz

Drink Champs host N.O.R.E says that Drake’s recent collaboration with 21 Savage on Her Loss might not be going over well with Future, who has worked closely with Drake in the past.

While on the Breakfast Club morning show, N.O.R.E shared that he heard a rumor from the “Skreets” that hinted at Future being upset about the collaboration.

“That’s what I heard. I heard that’s a big rumour that Future is not too happy that at this Drake and 21 Savage album and it makes Drake and Future album not as important I would say,” N.O.R.E. whose real name is Victor James Santiago, Jr., said.

“This is allegedly. I’ve never heard from Future’s mouth, never heard it from Drake, never heard it from 21,” N.O.R.E said, adding that he heard the rumor on the “skreets” of Miami.

When asked about artists being upset about their collaborators working together, N.O.R.E compared other big artists like Jay-Z working with the likes of Kanye West versus someone he never worked with.

21 Savage posing beside his 2021 Ferrari F90 in 2021.

“I would think so. You know what I mean? We never seen Jay-Z do another ‘Best Of Both Worlds.’ We seen ‘Watch The Throne,’ but that was [equal].”

“The Breakfast Club” co-host DJ Envy, however, interjected to say that working together was great for music.

“But I will say this, I like the fact that these younger artists and newer artists are doing records with other people and doing albums with other people, cause back then you guys would never cause y’all would have too many label conflicts,” he said.

N.O.R.E also added that Drake understood his influence in the culture and was helping others.

N.O.R.E also spoke about the impact of Drake working with 21 Savage as the collaboration benefits 21 Savage more than it does Drake.

“More so, when you do a whole album with 21 Savage and with all due respect to 21 Savage, it’s like you’re putting 21 Savage on that level now. Like even though he probably was on that level but now you putting him on that level. You putting him on the level of Future. You know what I’m saying? Future is arguably one of the most influential artists ever,” N.O.R.E said.

None of the three artists has reacted to the rumors, but ‘Her Loss’ has spoken for itself as one of the biggest-selling albums of 2022 (at No. 3) and notably since the 2010 decade.

Late last year, Chart Data revealed that the album was in 10th place for the biggest U.S album debuts of the 2020s decade, with 404,000 units sold on release.

Drake and Future are said to be BFFs and previously collaborated on ‘What a Time To Be Alive’ (2015). There were rumors a few years back that the artists could be dropping a part 2 to the album, but neither has confirmed or denied the rumors.

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Antigua Gov’t set to repatriate West African visitors as temporary pause of chartered flights goes into effect

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Caribbean News Service
Melford Nicholas.

Cabinet spokesperson Melford Nicholas said the government may have to repatriate visitors from West Africa as they announce a major stumbling block in their pursuit of airline connectivity between the African continent and the Caribbean.

In its first post-Cabinet briefing since being re-elected to office, the government said it had decided to temporarily halt all chartered flights emanating from West Africa.

With reported cases of African visitors struggling to find accommodations and some claiming they are only in the country en route elsewhere, Minister Nicholas said the government was looking to organise flights for their return.

“It is recognised that there are a number of persons who had come on earlier flights who are still in Antigua and may need to be returned to their respective jurisdictions.

“We will obviously have to arrange for an aircraft to arrive to take those persons who are here back home in the coming days and weeks,” Nicholas said.

On December 28, Observer media reported that chartered flights organised by Abuja-based FastFlyLinks Travel & Tours were transporting persons including Cameroonians here for US$5,000 per person–the average Cameroonian earns 460,000 Central African CAF francs a month, equating to around US$750.

Some have said they are escaping a harrowing situation in Cameroon where a civil war has been raging for the last six years.

The minister conceded that some of the West Africans may have genuine reason for leaving their homeland.

When asked if the government had concerns about their safety if repatriated, Nicholas replied, “If there are Cameroonians who have found themselves here and are in distress and have need for consideration of what you just mentioned, then I am sure we have mechanisms in place to deal with those.”

He confirmed that none had so far approached the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for consideration of asylum.

The Information Minister went on to further explain the government’s decision to suspend the charter flights.

“Antigua Airways, in order to establish the commercial viability of the route, arranged a few [chartered flights] and that came with clamour.

“What had transpired since was that their efforts was imitated by another operator who would have arranged another charter outside of the knowledge of the government,” Minister Nicholas said.

He said that some charter operators were using Antigua and Barbuda as a “stepping-stone” and, therefore, the government had to suspend the routes from Africa to Antigua.

Minister Nicholas called this situation an abuse of the government’s intention.

“If that opportunity has now lent itself to abuse, we certainly have to do the responsible thing and to curtail the use of the chartered flights to be able to ensure that, once we have established the routes properly,” he said.

Antigua Airways, which was a partnership between the Antiguan government and Nigerian investor, Marvellous Mike, has been under much scrutiny since its initial announcement in July 2022 and the first flight landing in November 2022.

The airline company once touted by the government as a boost for regional connectivity to the African continent had not been in compliance with Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA) rules, according to Cabinet notes.

However, Information Minister Melford Nicholas said that it was not the case that Antigua Airways had contravened ECCAA rules.

“It’s still not known to us that Antigua Airways has done any violation but…below the radar, another entity would have organised a charter with the intent of using Antigua as a trans-migration pathway into South America…and so that is the reason we have closed the option for any chartered flights like that,” he added.

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Brian Lara Returns To The West Indies Cricket Team

Black Immigrant Daily News

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Jan. 27, 2023: West Indies legend Brian Charles Lara is returning to the Windies team, but in a different capacity.

The batting legend and former West Indies test captain has joined Cricket West Indies as a performance mentor, the regional sports governing body said Thursday. The 51-year-old will work with all CWI’s international teams “in providing players with tactical advice and improving their game sense”, and will also provide developmental support for the West Indies Academy.

Lara will also engage in “strategic planning” for the ICC World Cup, collaborating closely with Director of Cricket, Jimmy Adams.

“Having spent time with the players and coaches in Australia and in discussions with CWI, I really believe that I can help the players with their mental approach to the game and with their tactics to be more successful,” Lara said. “I’m looking forward to joining the group in Zimbabwe and the opportunity to work with other West Indies teams later in the year.”

Lara is currently with the West Indies squad for the two-Test tour of Zimbabwe, marking his first assignment in the new role.

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Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association BHTA appoints new CEO

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Caribbean News Service

The Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) has announced the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He is Ryan Forde, who will officially take up the post on February 13.

With over 12 years of experience in the industry, Forde has held various management positions during that time including Sales and Marketing Manager, Group Sales Manager and Marketing Officer at local, regional and International brands.

Forde holds a Master’s Degree in Tourism and Hospitality from EADA Business School (Barcelona, Spain) and a Bachelor’s Degree with honours from the Barcelona Business School (UIBS) in International Business with a minor in Tourism Management.

The new CEO is honoured to be the first Barbadian to be accepted and graduate from the Elevator Management Trainee programme for Hilton Worldwide, where he trained as a Manager across multiple brand hotels and departments within Hilton throughout the Caribbean and Latin America.

With a proven track record of successfully delivering on significant marketing projects and sales initiatives, Forde explained that he is up for the challenge of being one of, if not, the youngest CEOs to join the BHTA team and noted that his main mission is to work towards the continuous improvement, growth and success of the Barbados tourism industry.

Chairman of the BHTA, Ren?e Coppin, said the Association was thrilled and delighted to welcome Ryan as its newest CEO, “Our Board of Directors and members have expressed unanimous delight at his selection. In our 70th year of existence as an association, as a mature tourism destination coming out of a pandemic, we feel it is time for our industry to take fresh guard.

“Ryan represents the new face of the organisation while incorporating the best of our traditional values of excellence, which we hold dear as an association. He is a young, intelligent, well-educated, and trained industry professional and totally symbolizes our commitment to bring the best and brightest into this, our island’s leading industry.”

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