Black Immigrant Daily News
Summer Walker took a break from motherhood and jetted to Jamaica with some friends. After hearing many great things about Jamaica, it seems the R&B
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Ice Spice suddenly gets a follow back from Drake after she denied dating Lil Tjay.
Drake appears to be out of his feelings and has refollowed “Munch” rapper Ice Spice months after it was speculated that he dissed the Bronx rapper. On Tuesday, fans noticed that he had quietly refollowed Ice Spice. A few blogs also reposted that Drake was now following Ice Spice, but the “Bikini Bottom” artist is still not following Drake.
Ice Spice’s profile was raised late last year after Drake gave her a shout-out and played her music on his Sirius XM show.
The Canadian rapper also appeared to flew Ice Spice out to Toronto, where they were spotted at a show. Ice Spice has also shared snaps of herself on Air Drake. However, things appeared to sour between them after that sighting, and they later appeared to unfollow each other.
Drake is also thought to have dissed Ice Spice on his 21 Savage joint album, ‘Her Loss,’ where he rapped, “She a 10 tryna rap, it’s good on mute,” Drake had rapped on the song “BackOutsideBoyz.”
Ice Spice appeared to respond on Twitter after her fans tagged her in lyrics about the song, “at least ima 10 [shrugging emoji] [laughing with tears emoji].”
In a later interview, while speaking about her debut EP Like..? the rapper was asked about Drake, and the supposed diss, but she was cool about it, noting that she and Drake shared no animosity.
“We’re cool,” she said. “We spoke after that a couple [of] times and we’re good. There’s no beef.”
Drake has never replied to the speculations, and for the most part, it could be that the rapper may not have even dissed her given that he’s now explaining that he has no issues name-dropping females in his songs.
Just last week, Drizzy shared that the women he named in his songs were real and that his lyrics might have caused upset in their lives and romantic relationships. The rapper also shared that he was gabbing when he shared that he nearly proposed to 42 women when he shared a photograph of a chain with 42 diamonds, reportedly for the many times he thought of proposing.
Ice Spice recently had to address rumors that she is dating Lil Tjay after he bought her a $160K Richard Mille watch for her Valentine’s Day gift.
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Nicki Minaj is letting fans know her dancehall knowledge goes way back as she teases a sample of a Ninjaman classic for her upcoming new music.
Minaj is gearing up for the release of her song “Red Ruby Da Sleeze,” to be released on March 3, but it appears that the artist is either adding Ninjaman’s song to the track, or she might be teasing a new track itself.
On Tuesday night, Nicki Minaj shared behind-the-scenes footages of herself in Trinidad during her recent visit to the island for Carnival, where she showed off her whining (twerking) skills to Ninjaman’s “Number One,” especially the verse that speaks to her being a champion.
Minaj is all but naked in a striped blue and white bikini and underwear as she mouths the lyrics of the song. The slips also intersperse with the singer’s recent music video in Beetham, Trinidad, with dancehall artist Skeng. The two artists had met up on the island to shoot a music video and sent fans into excitement at the prospect of another collaboration.
Nicki Minaj previously used the same video to tease a collaboration between herself and Skeng, “Red Ruby Da Sleeze,” which she announced last week after her Carnival stint.
The original audio of the music video Minaj shared on social media had her rapping to the beat from the track “Never Leave You (Uh Oooh, Uh Oooh)” by Lumidee featuring Busta Rhymes and Fabolous. Minaj has been quite evasive with details about the track, as she routinely goes off the grid after posting her teasers.
Fans reacted to the possible Ninjaman sample on Tuesday night. “Big up the original Don Gorgon Ninjaman. Nicki’s fav dancehall artist,” one fan wrote in the comments section.
“This gave “Murda dem Murda dem” IFYKYK,” another fan wrote. “Y’all need to know this some real gangster reggae music,” another fan wrote.
It’s no secret that Nicki Minaj is a huge fan of dancehall music and Jamaican culture. Skeng is her new favorite artists just like a sizeable segment of the dancehall community currently.
Dancehall legend Ninjaman is currently incarcerated serving a life sentence for a murder conviction. The deejay, whose real name is Desmond Ballentine, was found guilty for the 2009 murder of Ricardo Johnson, with whom police said Ninja and his son had a domestic dispute with. Ninjaman will be eligible for parole after serving 25 years of his sentence.
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The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) is pleased to announce that interCaribbean Airways will increase its service to Saint Lucia in March 2023.
InterCaribbean began flying into Saint Lucia in March 2018 and had almost doubled its service per month by the end of the year. Throughout 2019, the airline maintained consistent service with up to 780 seats in a month. In 2022, the airline increased its market share by offering daily flights from Barbados and Dominica, with some days having double or triple the amount of flights.
The number of flights and seats into Saint Lucia will increase come March 12, 2023, when the airline will introduce a 3 times a week non-stop service from Saint Vincent on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays, making connectivity between the two countries much faster.
Flights from Dominica will also increase from 5 days a week to 6 days a week. In addition, the service will expand to provide more daily scheduled flights from Barbados.
Saint Lucia is a paradise island in the Caribbean and a top destination for travelers worldwide. The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority focuses on making travel to the island as easy and affordable as possible. “We are delighted to partner with InterCaribbean Airways to provide our guests with more convenient and affordable travel options. This partnership will help us increase inter-regional travel and welcome more visitors to Saint Lucia throughout the year,” remarked Dr. Ernest Hilaire, Minister for Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture and Information.
“InterCaribbean has served Saint Lucia, since 2018 with only the pandemic causing a hiatus in service. But with the reopening of the region in August 2020, and the opportunity to enter into Barbados began the new connectivity to add that city from Saint Lucia, along with connections to many other points. With high demand for travel to or through Saint Lucia, we recognized the need to separate some of the flying to increase available seats to Saint Lucia. Starting March 12 with our new schedule Saint Lucia will enjoy more capacity, both in flights and seeing the upsize of aircraft as we also introduce the ATR42 into the network. We look forward to continuing to work with Saint Lucia Tourism Authority as we strive to meet the demands of regional travel”, said Trevor Sadler, CEO, interCaribbean Airways.
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Due to the overwhelming response from prospective bidders, the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) has extended the bidding process for geothermal drilling until March 09, 2023.
“So far I’m told over 30 companies have put in bids or shown interest, and as a result the bidding process has been extended to March 09,” Premier Mark Brantley, NIA Minister of Energy said during his monthly press conference this morning, February 28. He said the extension of one month had come at the request of prospective bidders.
“After March 09 we would expect a decision to be taken and then we move forward. I’ve been in touch with Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew and he has assured me that all that was necessary to be done at the Federal level in terms of the grant funding, that documentation has been settled and finalized and returned to the CDB [Caribbean Development Bank], and so therefore I look forward to this project moving forward rapidly…as we try now to get the promise of geothermal realized here in the Federation for the benefit not only for Nevis, but also of course for our brothers and sisters in St. Kitts as well.”
In December 2022 the CDB approved USD$17 million for the drilling phase of the Nevis Geothermal Project, which includes the drilling of three production and two injection wells.
Premier Brantley said that in accordance with CDB procurement procedures, a tender was launched for a contractor to provide the drilling services, including drilling rig, wellhead equipment, casings and integrated drilling services.
In his 2023 Budget Address the Premier explained it is expected that bids will be evaluated and then the necessary approvals obtained.
“Drilling is expected to commence within six months from signing of a contract and it is also expected that drilling will be completed within a further period of six months.”
According to Premier Brantley, the economic impact of harnessing geothermal energy is tremendous for both local use and as an incentive for direct investment into Nevis.
“At the proposed purchase price to NEVLEC [Nevis Electricity Company] of US$0.09 cents per kilowatt hour, Nevis promises to have the cheapest and cleanest electricity in the region, paving the way for significant savings for our people. In addition, geothermal energy will position us to benefit from foreign direct investment from business entities which are heavily dependent on energy for their daily operations. We are now well poised to take advantage of the gift, that is geothermal resource, and to propel Nevis into a new era of development.”
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A high-level delegation of royal African traditional leaders from AIDO Network International, is visiting Jamaica from February 28 to March 6 for a series of activities hosted by the CARICOM Reparations Commission, in collaboration with The University of the West Indies (UWI), and its Centre for Reparation Research and PJ Patterson Institute for Africa-Caribbean Advocacy.
The delegation of African traditional leaders will participate in an all-day symposium titled “Reparations and Royalty, Africa and Europe: Exploding Myths and Empowering Truths,” on Thursday, March 2, 2023 at The UWI Regional Headquarters from 9 am (EST/Jamaica)/10 am (AST/Eastern Caribbean).
Eight Royal African Traditional Leaders from Uganda, Cameroon, Ghana and South Africa will also participate in a Youth Forum for tertiary students titled “Wha Gwaan Africa?!” on Friday, March 3, at The UWI Mona Campus Undercroft from 3:00pm (EST/Jamaica)/ 4 pm (AST/Eastern Caribbean). The delegation will also reconnect with the Maroons in Accompong, among other cultural and ceremonial activities.
Both the Symposium and the Youth Forum will be streamed live via UWItv, The UWI’s public information platforms as well as on the CARICOM Secretariat’s Facebook page.
The delegation’s visit and the reparations events follow a commitment made during the First Africa-CARICOM Summit of Heads of Government in September 2021 to pursue a programme of action to deepen collaboration between the two regions. Significantly, it is also among activities in recognition of the 10th anniversary of the CARICOM Reparations Commission, the 75th anniversary of The UWI, as well as the observance of the International Decade for People of African Descent (2015-2024).
Among the objectives for the initiative include strengthening cooperation and promoting understanding between Africa and its Caribbean diaspora; engaging and inspiring youth in Jamaica and the region on issues related to their culture and identity; and contributing to building an Africa-CARICOM alliance in support of the reparations agenda.
Both events will provide opportunities to hear from descendants of African elites about pre-colonial societies and the changes brought by trading in Africans; discuss the roles of African and European royal families and other elites in the trans-Atlantic trade in enslaved Africans and the chattelization of Africans; as well as clarify some core issues that reside at the centre of the global reparations movement. Overall, the entities recognise the events as an invaluable opportunity for reconnection and dialogue between African Traditional and Cultural Leaders and Caribbean people on the myths that surround the European trade in enslaved Africans.
Members of the delegation include His Royal Highness, Paul Sande Emolot, Papa Emorimor III, King of Ateker Iteso, East Africa and Chairman, Council of African Traditional Leaders and Diaspora Alliance; His Royal Majesty, Dr Robinson Tanyi, King of Tino Mbu Cameroon and President of the African Indigenous Governance Council (AIGC); Her Royal Majesty, Queen Cynthia Khumalo Mzilikazi III, Royal Mzilikazi Kingdom (Zulu Nation), South Africa; Her Royal Highness, Princess Dr. Nikiwe Bam, President African Young Indigenous Leaders (AYIL) and AIDO Culture and Heritage Ambassador, South Africa; Nana Enoch Aboagye Gyabaa III, the Gyaasehene of Abiriw Akuapem, and Human Rights Attorney, Ghana and H.E. Ambassador Ireneo Omositson Namboka, Vice President AIDO, Vice Chancellor, African Open University Switzerland, Geneva, and retired United Nations Human Rights Advisor, DPKO and UNITAR, Uganda & France.
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Two UWI medical researchers are sounding the alarm on the rising incidence of cancers in developing states.
Dr. Natalie Greaves, clinician -researcher, lecturer in Public Health at The University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus and Co-Chair of the colo-rectal working group for the African Caribbean Cancer Consortium (AC3), and Dr. Cheryl Alexis, haematologist, oncologist and senior lecturer in Clinical haematology also at The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill are advocating for increased education towards early identification and treatment of the disease.
Their advocacy follows publication of the latest report by the Barbados National Registry (BNR) entitled, Cancer in Barbados Report 2022 from which the BNR gathers insights from clinicians and academics who are members of its Professional Advisory Board on issues of high priority related to cancer care.
Dr Greaves notes that health education activities focused on the signs and symptoms of colo-rectal cancer is crucial. Further she advocated for clinicians to educate clients on their options of minimally invasive screen test available in Barbados like “FIT-Testing” and M2pK kits – where the stool is tested for blood and altered DNA, can be recommended even in the absence of symptoms.
Her colleague Dr. Alexis expressed her concern about the rising trend in breast cancer deaths reported in the BNR report, particularly since globally, breast cancer deaths are decreasing. She believes this may be due in part to the cost of investigation and treatment are a challenge for cancer patients without insurance.
A statement from the BNR noted the increased likelihood of a cancer diagnosis of individuals as they age, with many elderly persons possibly not having the financial resources and support they need.
In 2018, some 960 new cancer cases were recorded, marginally below the yearly average of 977 recorded between 2013 and 2018. Of the 2018 figure, prostate cancer was the most prevalent among men while breast and colo-rectal cancers (CRC) were most prevalent in women. For the latter, the incidence and mortality continue to be high.
The release of the findings of the BNR coincided with the commemoration of World Cancer Day on February 4, which had as its slogan Close the care gap.
The BNR report provides information that is critical to the planning and management of cancer by the Ministry of Health and Wellness, clinicians, the board and management of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, non-governmental organisations and other partners.
The BNR is a UWI centre housed at the George Alleyne Chronic Disease Research Centre in Barbados.
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In keeping with the decision of CARICOM Heads of Government at their 44th Regular Meeting in Nassau, The Bahamas, 15-17 February, a CARICOM Special Mission went to Haiti on February 27 for a one day working visit.
The mission, led by Prime Minister of Jamaica Andrew Holness, met with the interim Prime Minister of Haiti Dr. Ariel Henry, the Director General of the Haitian National Police and with a variety of stakeholders including representatives of the High Transition Council, Political Accords, Political Parties, Civil Society, Religious Groups, and the Private Sector.
This Mission was the first opportunity for CARICOM officials to observe the situation on the ground and directly engage stakeholders in the continuing search for a solution to the on-going situation in Haiti. The complex socio-economic and political challenge is characterized by protracted instability and destabilizing gang violence.
The delegation comprised representatives of The Bahamas, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security and the CARICOM Secretariat. It included Kamina Johnson-Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica, Wayne Munroe Minister of National Security of The Bahamas and his colleague Keith Bell Minister of Labour and Immigration, the High Commissioner of Trinidad and Tobago to Canada Dennis Moses, the Executive Director of the CARICOM IMPACS, Lt. Col. Michael Jones and the Chef de Cabinet in the office of the CARICOM Secretary General, Dr. Tres-Ann Kremer.
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President Dr Irfaan Ali said that his Government is developing a country that will be decades ahead of its time with its drive in advancing not only the infrastructure of the country but its technological development.
President Ali said that this will include the development of a “one card” system that will allow persons to be able to store all of their financial, health and personal information on a single card to ease the bureaucratic stress on Guyanese.
“We are not building a Guyana 20 years backwards, we are building a Guyana that will be 40 years ahead of its time by the time we get to 2030. That is the Guyana we are building.”
The Head of State made the statement while delivering the feature remarks at the opening ceremony of Guyana’s newest Teleperformance branch on Middle and Thomas streets Tuesday afternoon.
He noted that Guyana aims to develop an electronic, data-driven, decision-making system that will improve service delivery, the government’s efficiency, stimulate operation and improve the country’s global footprint in technology.
“I keep referring to global footprint because we are building a country and sectors that must be able to compete globally. Our markets must not be confined to Guyana and the region.”
The President said that the Government aims to develop the country using the best available tools and resources to propel it into global competitiveness.
He said that the one-card data management system will be developed in partnership with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and international companies to reduce the cost of doing business, improve transparency and accountability and advance the Government’s current architecture.
The President also spoke extensively about other developments including the patient management information system, telemedicine programmes and drone technology, which would assist with delivering medical supplies to remote areas.
He said that technology would also be a part of developments in security, education and food security.
As it relates to education, the President reminded that his Government has introduced coding into the education system because they want “the next and current generation to start thinking of technology as the new requirements for the new economy”.
“The intention is to create enough space, make enough investment to modernise the education system, and to implement strategies that will focus, direct and motivate the workforce toward more tech-driven jobs, and that is a deliberate decision of the Government, to focus on more tech-driven jobs.”
BETTER BUSINESS ECOSYSTEM
For Guyana to present itself as a platform and prime destination for ICT services and business, the country needs to create the right business ecosystem. To support this, President Ali said that the Government has already made positive strides through the development of legislation for data centres, among other areas.
“By the time we get up to 2027, I am convinced that we will have the most modern legal architecture to support any type of development in the region and around the world. That is because we are building a system that is seeking the best available legislation.”
During the event, President Ali also praised Teleperformance for its commitment to Guyana and its trust in the country’s economy and the potential of its people.
Teleperformance Guyana currently employs approximately 1500 Guyanese, the company is set to add 1000 more in the future with the addition of the new branch.
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Nicki Minaj is being dragged by Trinidadians over a music video she shot with Jamaican artist Skeng Don in the ‘ghetto.’
In a video, artist Ringleader defended Nicki Minaj over the remarks by some factions. According to the artist, Minaj was dragged for going to a community named Beetham which he says is a “ghetto,” and Minaj was invited by Skeng, where they reportedly shot a music video for her song “Red Ruby Da Sleeze.”
“Nicki come down to Trinidad and all alyuh bad talking she because go to Beetham… because it’s ghetto alyuh bad talking everybody in the video talking bout watching how they looking and they could not dress better than this,” Ringleader asked.
He also said that it was embarrassing that the artist was invited by Skeng, who is not Trinidadian.
“Nothing ain’t wrong with she coming in and going in the ghetto. What looking a little bad is to know is a Jamaican invite she down there and I ain’t see none a we artists tell she well ‘come here and lime, drink and eat’ and whatever. We need to support we own,” the artist added.
Nicki Minaj had traveled to Trinidad and Tobago for Carnival last week and was spotted enjoying Carnival Monday and Tuesday with Machel Montano and Destra Garcia, which whom she previously collaborated on “Shake The Place,” which was released just days before her trip.
Minaj also shared excitement at being back in her country for the first time since 2020, before the Covid-19 pandemic and when she was just pregnant with her son.
According to Ringleader, Minaj’s visit to the island had its benefits, especially since her star presence is likely to bring millions of fans to the island.
Many commentators have also speculated that Minaj’s presence on the island will bring a healthy boost to the island’s tourism product, especially during carnival, which is a huge annual income earner for the country.
In the meantime, Ringleader also pushed back at the critics who felt that Minaj and Skeng were highlighting the ghetto rather than another more opulent side of the country. The artist said he was happy that Minaj was showing her fans in the ghetto love.
Nicki has not responded to the commentary online but has been criticized by some fans for seemingly repping Jamaica more than she reps her birth country, Trinidad and Tobago. The artist has promised that she would be joining Jamaica carnival in April.
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