West Indies Gets Ready To Face India On Home Turf

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. June 16, 2023: Get ready for an exciting summer of cricket as the West Indies take on India in the Caribbean and Florida from July through August.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has unveiled the highly anticipated match schedule and venues for the upcoming West Indies versus India Men’s Series set to take place in July and August. The series will feature a range of thrilling matches, including Test matches, One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and T20 Internationals (T20Is).

The action kicks off with two Test matches, which are part of the 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship. The first Test match will be held at Windsor Park in Dominica from 12th to 16th July. Following that, the historic 100th Test match between West Indies and India will take place at Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad from 20th to 24th July.

FLASHBACK – Members of the India team celebrate after winning the fourth T20I match between West Indies and India at the Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill, Florida, on August 6, 2022. (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images)

After the Test Series, the focus will shift to the CG United One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20 Internationals (T20Is). The CG United ODI Series begins with the first and second matches at Kensington Oval in Barbados on 27th and 29th July. The series will conclude on 1st August at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad, which will be hosting a West Indies Men’s ODI for the first time.

The T20Is will commence on 3rd August at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy. The second and third T20Is will be held at the Guyana National Stadium on 6th and 8th August. The T20I series will culminate in Lauderhill, Florida, with a thrilling weekend of back-to-back matches on 12th and 13th August at Broward County Cricket Stadium.

Johnny Grave, CEO of CWI, expressed his excitement about the upcoming series, particularly highlighting the significance of the 100th Test match at Queen’s Park Oval. He also emphasized the organization’s commitment to providing an entertaining experience for cricket fans across the region and in the United States.

Official West Indies Tour Operator packages, including match tickets, will be announced soon. Ticket sales will be available through the Windies Tickets service, presented by Mastercard, on the Windiescricket.com website starting from Tuesday, 20th June. Fans can sign up to receive updates and be the first to know when tickets go on sale.

The schedule for the West Indies versus India Men’s Series is as follows:

Test Matches:

12th-16th July: 1st Test Match at Windsor Park, Dominica
20th-24th July: 2nd Test Match (100th Test) at Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad
CG United ODIs:

27th July: 1st CG United ODI at Kensington Oval, Barbados
29th July: 2nd CG United ODI at Kensington Oval, Barbados
1st August: 3rd CG United ODI at Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad
T20 Internationals:

3rd August: 1st T20I at Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad
6th August: 2nd T20I at National Stadium, Guyana
8th August: 3rd T20I at National Stadium, Guyana
12th August: 4th T20I at Broward County Stadium, Lauderhill, Florida
13th August: 5th T20I at Broward County Stadium, Lauderhill, Florida

Unleashing Guyana’s Tech Potential: Insights From Industry Experts

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By Dr. Terrence Blackman

News Americas, ATLANTA, GA, Thurs. June 15, 2023: As Guyana experiences an unprecedented economic boom fueled by the oil and gas industry, industry experts have highlighted the country’s tremendous opportunity to leverage this growth in the technology sector. The recently concluded Transforming Guyana webinar on digitalization and the emerging Guyanese oil and gas economy featured perspectives from David Lewis, Erika Piirmets, Lance Hinds, Eldon Marks, and Mike Singh. This article outlines critical considerations and recommendations to unlock Guyana’s tech potential while addressing geopolitical realities, talent retention, legislation, digitalization, and cybersecurity.

According to David Lewis, Guyana is on the cusp of harnessing significant economic growth from the oil and gas boom, particularly in technology. This promising opportunity sets the stage for the country to embrace digital transformation and seize its benefits. Lewis, however, emphasized the need for Guyana to discern the distinctions between linkages with China and the West regarding social and cultural human rights issues. Understanding the Caribbean’s position within the Western context is crucial. Failure to do so, warned Lewis, could lead to severe consequences, including challenges in the cybersecurity sphere.

Drawing inspiration from Estonia’s success, Erika Piirmets highlighted the importance of digital services in minimizing entry barriers for businesses. Estonia has saved thousands of years of working time by emphasizing interoperability and digitalizing various services. However, Piirmets stressed that the focus should be on improving people’s quality of life rather than simply embracing technology for its own sake.

The panel comes as Guyana was elected as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council at the UN headquarters in New York, on June 6, 2023. Algeria, Guyana, the Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone, and Slovenia were elected non-permanent members of the UN Security Council for a two-year term. The newly elected members will take up their new responsibilities on Jan. 1, 2024, and serve till Dec. 31, 2025. (Loey Felipe/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua)

Lance Hinds underscored the importance of robust legislation, citing the data protection bill as a forward-looking example that aligns with the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Hinds emphasized that national planning is vital in ensuring citizens understand the benefits and convenience of digitalization. Additionally, engaging citizens is crucial to driving widespread adoption.

Eldon Marks expressed concern about losing valuable talent within Guyana’s tech ecosystem. To address this challenge, Marks emphasized the importance of exposure to opportunities beyond the country’s borders. Creating an environment where individuals can learn and apply technologies effectively requires change management, visionary leadership, and oversight. Marks suggested forming a multi-faceted steering body comprising representatives from the public sector, private sector, and civil society to develop an overarching vision for development.

Mike Singh stressed the need for a cohesive industry body to bring global best practices to the forefront, drawing from his wealth of experience and work in International Telecommunications. Singh pointed out the inadequate attention given to cybersecurity in Guyana, emphasizing the urgent need to address this issue. He advised removing Huawei equipment to mitigate the risk of cyberattacks on the oil and gas network, stressing that it is not a matter of “if” but “when.”

With the oil and gas boom propelling Guyana’s economic growth, the technology sector presents an essential opportunity for the country’s development. By heeding the insights and recommendations of industry experts like David Lewis, Erika Piirmets, Lance Hinds, Eldon Marks, and Mike Singh, Guyana can navigate the challenges, tap into its tech potential, and pave the way for a digitally empowered Guyanese future.

The Government of Guyana has launched a Digital Master Plan to design and implement digital programs that aid social inclusion and employment. The plan includes free Wi-Fi access, youth innovation campaigns, ICT hubs, smart classrooms, a learning television channel, and an online scholarship academy. Social services platforms, pension and access for seniors, telemedicine services, legal services, flood control, and transport infrastructure systems have all gone digital in the last year. Citizens can now book their river ferry services online for the first time. The government has established an ICT and Innovation Department, a National Youth Advisory Council, and a Satellite Ground Center to enable digital transformation.

Guyana is also developing an e-Governance system and moving government services to digital platforms to address the challenges of delivering services to citizens in rural communities. The strategy is aimed at modernizing the organization of the state ICT infrastructure and creating a better information management system. This strategy will become the basis for government e-services that will benefit every citizen, particularly those living in remote and underserved areas. The Prime Minister of Guyana has overseen the project through a special project management unit, with support and oversight provided by the UNDP. By implementing country-wide digital governance by the end of the decade, Guyana aims to ensure development, inclusiveness, and quality of life to all citizens around the country.

Embracing digitalization, fostering talent retention, enacting forward-looking legislation, and prioritizing cybersecurity are crucial steps toward achieving Guyana’s sought-after thriving technology ecosystem. The nation must seize this moment to position itself as a global player in the technology industry, capitalizing on its booming oil and gas economy to drive innovation, economic diversification, and sustainable growth. By continuing to invest in these key areas, Guyana can lay the foundation for a digitally driven future that benefits its citizens and positions the country as a regional and global technology leader.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Dr. Terrence Richard Blackman, associate professor of mathematics and a founding member of the Undergraduate Program in Mathematics at Medgar Evers College, is a member of the Guyanese diaspora. He is a former Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Visiting Professor at MIT and a Visitor to The School of Mathematics at The Institute for Advanced Study. Dr. Blackman has previously served as Chair of the Mathematics Department and Dean of the School of Science, Health, and Technology at Medgar Evers College, where he has worked for almost thirty years. He graduated from Queen’s College, Guyana,Brooklyn College, CUNY, and the City University of New York Graduate School.He is the Founder of the Guyana Business Journal & Magazine.

Mastercard and The Caribbean Association of Banks Inc Sign a Memorandum of Understanding

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News Americas, Miami, Florida, Mon. June 12th, 2023 – Mastercard, a global technology company in the payments industry, has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Caribbean Association of Banks Inc (CAB), the representative body and recognized voice for banks and other financial institutions in the Caribbean.

The partnership’s central objective is to enable cross-border payments across all CAB member jurisdictions, as a powerful tool to tend to the region’s unbanked and underbanked populations and bolster financial inclusion and economic growth. As part of its commitment, Mastercard will activate its technology, resources, and expertise to help banks successfully integrate this innovative solution into their product offerings, as well as share its knowledge and educational platforms to raise awareness among citizens and small business owners on the benefits of this service and other digital financial tools that can help them reach their fullest potential and improve their living standards.

L-R: Mayra Vivacqua, Cluster Lead for Mastercard Caribbean (West & Dutch, Jamaica & East Caribbean, and Puerto Rico and Wendy Delmar, Chief Executive Officer of the Caribbean Association of Banks Inc.

Mayra Vivacqua, Cluster Lead for Mastercard Caribbean (West & Dutch, Jamaica & East Caribbean, and Puerto Rico), said “We are thrilled to enter into this partnership with the Caribbean Association of Banks Inc, which will drive the region’s digitalization and offer customers across various sectors, including consumers, SMEs, government agencies, B2B, and commercial entities, a safer, easier, and more convenient way of transferring money across borders. The knowledge and data we will leverage from this collaboration will enable us to advance financial inclusion and stimulate economic growth in the Caribbean region.”

Mastercard Cross-Border Services help banks modernize and optimize their global payments business to deliver an experience for people and businesses that is secure, seamless, and certain. Ultimately, the collaboration between Mastercard and the Caribbean Association of Banks Inc will provide unbanked and underbanked populations in the English Caribbean access to modern financial services, allowing them to enjoy the benefits of the digital economy and providing them with priceless payment experiences.

“I am profoundly satisfied at the successful execution of this Memorandum of Understanding. Cognizant of the immense challenges faced by the region, concerning intra and inter regional payments, primarily as a result of the onslaught of de-risking activity, this is certainly a step in the right direction and exemplifies the tireless efforts of the CAB to identify innovative solutions to the challenges of present,” stated Wendy Delmar, Chief Executive Officer of the Caribbean Association of Banks Inc. “The CAB acknowledges the increasing costs and complexity related to the transfer of funds among jurisdictions and is pleased to provide an option to the public via our member banks that is cost efficient and underpinned by the adoption of technology,” she added.

This partnership is part of Mastercard’s commitment to offering solutions that respond to specific market needs, benefiting millions of people in the Caribbean and taking a significant step towards achieving financial inclusion in the region.

About Mastercard (NYSE: MA) www.mastercard.com  

Mastercard is a global technology company in the payments industry. Our mission is to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere by making transactions safe, simple, smart, and accessible. Using secure data and networks, partnerships, and passion, our innovations and solutions help individuals, financial institutions, governments, and businesses realize their greatest potential. With connections across more than 210 countries and territories, we are building a sustainable world that unlocks priceless possibilities for all.

Caribbean Travel News And Deals

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. June 8, 2023: Here are the top Caribbean travel news and deals this week in 60 seconds.

The US is warning nationals to exercise increased caution if travelling to the Dominican Republic due to violent crime there, including armed robbery, homicide and sexual assault.

Canada is warning nationals to exercise a high degree of caution if travelling to Belize due to high levels of violent crime throughout the country.

Over the next few days, a plume of Saharan dust is expected to move into Cuba and The Bahamas, according to FOX 35 Meteorologist Allison Gargaro, bringing hazy skies.

The Saharan Air Layer is a mass of dusty and dry air that forms over the Sahara Desert in Africa in late spring, summer, and early fall.

Starting on November 2nd, JetBlue will offer nonstop flights between New York’s JFK to St. Kitts on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.

And beginning November 4th, JetBlue’s new non-stop Boston to Grenada service will depart Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) at 8:00 a.m. and arrive at Grenada’s Maurice Bishop International Airport (GND) at 1:43 p.m. The return flight departs GND at 3:03 p.m. and arrives at BOS at 7:04 p.m.

Jetblue is also going to start flights between New York and Belize City (BZE) on December 6th, with flgihts on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.

The famous Nevis Mango Festival returns this June and will run through July 2nd. It gives visitors the opportunity to learn about and savour the flavours of 44 varieties of mangos that are grown on the island.

Get 40% Off All Margaritaville at Sea Cruises to the Bahamas for a limited time. Grab your flip flops and climb aboard, but don’t sleep on this offer – summer dates are filling up fast! Book now https://margaritavilleatsea.com/

Dancehall Legend Busy Signal To Headline Guyana Independence Celebration In Brooklyn On June 11 & Receive Congressional Honor

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News Americas, Brooklyn, NY, Thurs. June 8, 2023: New Yorkers will join the Guyanese American community to celebrate Guyana’s 57th Independence Anniversary on Sunday, June 11, 2023, when the annual Guyanese Independence parade on Church Avenue in Brooklyn.

In a statement Tuesday, Kevin King, Vice Chairman of the Guyana Independence Celebration Committee New York announced that Jamaican dancehall superstar Busy Signal will headline the event. For his part, Reanno Vevon Gordon, whose stage name is Busy Signal, promised to bring the house down with a stellar performance.

Busy Signal performs during the Busy Signal and Major Lazer Party at the VIP ROOM on July 30, 2013 in Saint Tropez, France. (Photo by Foc Kan/Getty Images)

King also announced that Busy Signal will also be honored by Jamaican American Congresswoman Yvette Clark and the Guyana Independence Committee for his outstanding contribution to dancehall music.  

Appearing on Brooklyn’s Caribbean Power Jam Radio last Friday night, the obviously pumped dancehall legend said he was honored to be invited to perform at the Guyanese Independence celebration, as he sees himself as part of the One Caribbean family. 

The parade kicks off at 11:30 A.M. on June 11, 2023, at Church and Albany Avenues. The parade will proceed East on Church Ave, North on Flatbush Avenue, East on Parkside Ave and into Prospect Park, for the grand independence concert at LeFrak Center. Over twenty-five Guyanese artistes will entertain the usually massive and jubilant audience. The celebration will feature a special tribute to the twenty-one school children who perished in the Mahdia Secondary School dormitory fire.   

Adding star power to the landmark celebration will be seventeen-year-old swimming sensation, Raekwon Noel, who copped five gold medals at the 2023 CARIFTA Championship, popular Attorney at law Nigel Hughes, Georgetown Mayor Ubraj Narine, Chairman of the West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA), Michelle Gibbs, and EmblemHealth Vice President, Ann Marie Adamson, all Grand Marshals of the parade.  

The artistes line up include Eddie Neblett, Maji, Trevon Vibez, Denise Belfon, Big Red, Poonam Singh, Nesta Nelson, Denisha McCurchin, Gavin Mendonca, Supper Terry One Man Band, Granny Ivy, Mattic Queen, Jadel, Bollywood star Rohied Chan, Skinny Banton, Freezy, Odayne Rhoden, Linky First, Sabance, Chris Nelson, Jarel Bartholomew, Brandon Harding, Warchild, Pablo G, Zebuluon the Councilor, Thugy Lord, Kurtlee, Subance, Mandella Links, Hypasounds, Jorey, and Busyfreelandz

The Guyana Independence celebration in New York is the largest Guyanese celebration outside of Guyana and the second largest West Indian American celebration in New York City, after the Labor Day parade.

Democratic Leader in the US Congress Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, , New York  City Mayor Eric Adams, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez and several other New Your State and City elected officials, will attend.

Other honorees include Attorney Keith Scotland, a member of parliament from Trinidad and Tobago Caribbean Airlines, Raekwon Noel; physician Dr. Keith Cummings; Director of the African Cultural Development Association (ACDA), Jean Violet Baptist; Georgetown Mayor, Ubraj Narine; health insurance executive Roger Singh; recording artiste Poonam Singh, EmblemHealth Vice President, Ann Marie Adamson; director of the Guyana Cultural Association (GCA), Claire-Ann Goring, folklorist/musician Gavin Mendoza, President of AscentCorp, Lawrence Fanfair; Queens Deputy Borough President, Ronda Binda, Founder and CEO of Caring for Others, Eslene Richmond Shockley, Rupununi Indigenous Youth Leader, Shavez Hendricks, Businessman Agaz Asgaraly, Physician, Dr. Gordon John, Poultry Nutritionist, Dr. Colwayne Morris, Guyanese reggae legend, Mortimer Sofyley (Natural Black), Savvy Bistro and Bar, Joshua House for Children founder Carlton Guilliams and Environmental Engineer, former EPA Head, Dr. Vincent Adams.      .    

Tickets are available at Eventbrite, German’s Restaurant 410 Utica Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11203, Pam’s Bakery 4620 Church Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11203, Caribbean Vision Center 1012 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11226, YRP Barbers 1086 Rutland Road, Brooklyn NY 11212, Sybil’s Restaurant 13217 Liberty Ave, Queens, NY 11419 and First Option Juice and Salad Bar 1832 E2nd street, Scotch Plains NJ 07076 and Spice N Thing Restaurant 442 Main Street, East Orange, NJ 07018.

For more information call 929-487-5095 or visit: www.celebrateguyananyc.com

Source: Guyana Independence Celebration Committee New York

Jamaican Born, Jazz Great Dr. Monty Alexander To Mark Caribbean American Heritage Month In D.C.

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. June 7, 2022: One of the Caribbean’s premier artiste, Jamaican-born, Grammy-nominated international musician, Dr. Monty Alexander, CD, will mark National Caribbean American Heritage Month in Washington, D.C., this weekend with his 51st annual performance at the famedBlues Alley Jazz Club.

Fresh from captivating audiences in France and Japan, Alexander returns to his loyal fan base in Washington, D.C. for a series of thrilling contemporary jazz performances at the iconic Blues Alley. The shows will kick off on Friday, June 9th and continue through Sunday, June 11th, with two shows per night at 1073 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007.

Blues Alley, founded in 1965, is a jazz nightclub in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Musicians who have performed at Blues Alley include Dizzy Gillespie, Wynton Marsalis, John Abercrombie, Tony Bennett, Taj Mahal, Max Roach, Sonny Rollins, Sarah Vaughan, Grover Washington Jr., Mary Wilson, Nancy Wilson and dozens more.

Dr. Alexander, whose jazz album ‘Love Notes,’ was released last year as his first recording featuring his vocals, will not only mesmerize the audience but also celebrate his recent Order of Jamaica award from the Jamaican government, recognizing his significant contributions to Caribbean American and Jamaican music.

The showtimes for the Blues Alley performances are scheduled at 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. EST, respectively, from June 9th to June 11th. Tickets priced at US$42 can be reserved now by selecting the desired date and time on the Blues Alley website at https://www.bluesalley.com/events.

Reflecting on the upcoming performances, Dr. Alexander, the Caribbean musical genius, shared: “At this special time my desire is to also pay musical tribute to a man with whom I enjoyed a wonderful friendship, fellow Jamaican, Harry Belafonte.” He also expressed his excitement to bring his timeless jazz artistry to the stage once again in the nation’s capital.

After almost six decades since his move from Kingston, Jamaica to the United States, Alexander remains an iconic figure in American jazz, delighting audiences worldwide with his vibrant personality and soulful message. Renowned for his endless melody-making, effervescent grooves, and sophisticated voicings, his performances encompass a repertoire that spans jazz, blues, gospel, calypso, reggae, and the American songbook.

With over 75 recorded albums and being recognized as one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time, Monty Alexander received the Jamaican government’s esteemed Commander in the Order of Distinction in 2000 and the national honor of the Order of Jamaica in 2022 for his exceptional contributions to Jamaican music and his global interpretations of the jazz genre. Furthermore, he was bestowed with an honorary doctorate (DLitt) from the University of The West Indies.

Monty Alexander’s virtuosic piano skills and unique blend of jazz and Caribbean musical influences continue to captivate global audiences. His performances are characterized by infectious energy, soulful improvisation, and an innate sense of groove. Whether interpreting jazz standards, reimagining popular tunes, or showcasing his own compositions, Alexander’s expressive playing leaves an indelible mark on listeners.

In addition to his musical achievements, Monty Alexander proudly represents Jamaican culture worldwide, incorporating the spirit and vibrancy of his homeland into his performances. As an esteemed figure in the jazz world, his music transcends borders and connects people, leaving a lasting impact on all who have the pleasure of experiencing his remarkable talent.

As he approaches his 80th birthday, the jazz maestro continues to tour the world, delighting audiences with his vibrant personality and soulful messages. His latest project, “The Monty Alexander Movie,” a documentary showcasing his life and music, is currently in production in Jamaica, the U.S., and Europe, directed by Academy Award© winning cinematographer Jefferson Miller and veteran filmmaker Arthur Gorson.

For more, visit  him on YouTube or at montyalexander.com. You can also like him on Facebook at facebook.com/officialmontyalexander or keep up to date on his performances on Twitter at @montyHKE.

Reggae Boyz Face Crucial Friendly Matches Ahead of Concacaf Gold Cup

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Tues. June 6, 2023: Damion Lowe, the vice-captain of the Jamaican national senior football team, the Reggae Boyz, emphasizes the significance of the upcoming friendly international matches against Qatar and Jordan for the Boyz’s preparations for the Concacaf Gold Cup this summer.

Scheduled for June 15th and June 19th at the Wiener Neustadt Ergo Arena in Austria, these matches hold vital importance for the senior Boyz. Lowe, an integral part of the national side for the past five years, emphasizes the need for consistent play, team cohesion, and strategic preparation heading into the tournament.

FLASHBACK: Damion Lowe (L) and Dexter Lembikisa (C) of Jamaica fight for the ball with Orbelin Pineda (R) of Mexico during the match between Mexico and Jamaica as part of the CONCACAF Nations League at Azteca on March 26, 2023 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Jaime Lopez/Jam Media/Getty Images)

While winning is desirable, Lowe believes the primary focus should be on establishing a team identity, understanding the system, and developing camaraderie among teammates. As a tough-tackling defender, Lowe has earned 48 appearances for the Reggae Boyz since his debut in 2016. Currently playing in Major League Soccer for the Philadelphia Union, he eagerly anticipates representing his country in both matches and the upcoming Gold Cup tournament.

Reggae Boyz Head Coach Heimir Hallgrimsson emphasizes that these friendly matches provide an opportunity for players to secure their spots in the Gold Cup squad. While points won’t be awarded in these games, Hallgrimsson believes they are essential for players to showcase their abilities and fight for their positions. The coach expresses optimism about the team’s performance and emphasizes the seriousness with which they approach these matches as their sole preparation for the Gold Cup.

The 2023 Gold Cup, scheduled from June 24th to July 16th, will take place in the United States and Canada. The Jamaican team is determined to make their mark and improve upon their previous achievements in the tournament.

Unlocking Capital for Growth: Empowering Caribbean American Businesses

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News Americas, New York, NY, Mon. June 5, 2023: In Caribbean American Heritage Month 2023, Invest Caribbean recognizes the tremendous potential and vibrant entrepreneurial spirit of Caribbean immigrant-owned businesses in the United States. Committed to fostering growth and prosperity within the community, Invest Caribbean offers a wide range of financing options tailored specifically for small to medium-sized businesses located in the mainland US.

Understanding the unique needs and challenges faced by Caribbean American entrepreneurs, Invest Caribbean provides accessible and flexible capital solutions through its partners. Financing options include SBA Express Loans, SBA 7(a), SBA 504, USDA loans, conventional loans, equipment financing, working capital, commercial real estate loans, and non-conforming financing. What sets them apart is their willingness to consider borrowers who may have been turned down by other lenders due to special-purpose collateral, unique businesses, or traditional financing barriers.

The funds provided can be utilized for various business purposes, such as purchasing or constructing real estate, starting or acquiring a business, working capital needs, debt refinancing, or consolidating merchant cash advances. With their comprehensive financing solutions, Invest Caribbean is a trusted partner ready to support Caribbean American and other SMEs in securing the capital they need to thrive.

As Caribbean American Heritage Month celebrates the rich heritage and entrepreneurial spirit of Caribbean Americans, Invest Caribbean’s dedication to fostering growth and prosperity shines brightly. Together, let us seize the opportunities, build successful businesses, and create a lasting legacy for future generations.

Get started and explore the financing options offered by Invest Caribbean.

Shaka Ilembe Is Ready To Hit Global Screens!

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News Americas, Johannesburg, South Africa, Fri. June 02, 2023: The Johannesburg Stock Exchange listed MultiChoice Group is about to debut it’s biggest ever prime-time drama series, Shaka Ilembe, an epic 12-part tale that follows the origins story of the legendary African monarch and military strategist, King Shaka. Six years in the making, the highly anticipated series boasts the talents of some of South Africa’s biggest stars, including Coming 2 America lead actress Nomzamo Mbatha.

With the epic series launching across sub-Saharan Africa on MultiChoice’s video entertainment service DStv this June, Shaka Ilembe is already attracting significant interest outside of the continent. MultiChoice Studios, the busy sales and distribution arm of the sub-Saharan business, is hard at work introducing the title to international buyers at film markets from Cannes to Los Angeles, building on a growing MultiChoice slate of original production exports including the Emmy nominated Reyka and the Deon Meyer penned Trackers.

For Nomsa Philiso, CEO of MultiChoice General Entertainment, Shaka Ilembe offers audiences worldwide the opportunity to immerse into a rich dynastic African story, set in the 1700’s.

“We are confident that this series will travel. It speaks, not only the heritage of the Zulu Nation, but to the fascination that the world has always had with King Shaka. It speaks to Africans owning the stories that their ancestors lived. And it celebrates that, long before colonialism, beyond the pages of history, there was a majestic ancient era of African Kings and Queens, warriors, healers, and leaders who lived, loved, ruled, battled, and above all, entrenched a legacy and culture that endures even today. Further, the series was filmed in isiZulu so it carries a distinct language identity, but it will be sub-titled in multiple languages so audiences from across the globe can enjoy it.”

Central to the Shaka Ilembe story is actress Nomzamo Mbatha, who balances her Executive Producer responsibilities with fulfilling a life-long ambition to play King Shaka’s beloved mother, Queen Nandi.

Speaking to her dual roles on Shaka Ilembe, Mbatha says, “This series is rich in depth, and was shot in 4K on a tremendous scale that fuels the narrative. From the fierce battlefield choreography and the meticulous accuracy of the wardrobe to the resonance of the script, it’s remarkable. And while this is a fictional story, it’s inspired by real events, people, and places. Already, ahead of our domestic launch audiences at home are very supportive because, they know like I do, that TV series like Shaka Ilembe transcends entertainment, and delivers representation, diversity, and progress.”

Mbatha leads off a top-flight ensemble cast featuring some of the country’s most charismatic leading men – Lemogang Tsipa, Senzo Radebe, Wiseman Mncube, Thembinkosi Mthembu and Mondli Makhoba alongside powerful character actresses Khabonina Qubeka, Sthandiwe Kgoroge, Dawn Thandeka King and rising star Hope Mbhele. Meanwhile, playing the boy destined to be King, is gifted young newcomer Ntando Zondi whose prodigious talent was unearthed during the filming of the series.

Filmed in South Africa, SHAKA ILEMBE features much of the country’s magnificent wildlife and scenery, including the mountains, savanna, and coastline of the lushly beautiful province of KwaZulu Natal, home to the majority of South Africa’s Zulu people. Key filming locations here included the towns of Eshowe, Nkandla Forest, Port Edward, Drakensburg, Mooi River and Zulu Falls.

Meanwhile other parts of the series were shot on a purpose-built backlot near the UNESCO World Heritage Site “The Cradle of Humankind” where Emmy and Academy nominated showrunners Bomb Productions hosted the King of the Zulu Nation, His Excellency Misuzulu kaZwelithini, during a special visit to the set for the Royal to see first-hand the level of detail and care that was employed to ensure that the authenticity of the set.

For Mauro Black, MultiChoice Studios Content, Sales, and Distributions Director, it is this credibility of intention and execution that makes SHAKA ILEMBE a powerful cultural export.

“International buyers are discerning about what they will bring their local audiences from the global TV marketplace. So, from inception, SHAKA ILEMBE was crafted to weld an immense depth of oral, written and illustrated Zulu history into the framework of a highly watchable prime-time drama. The result is a deeply meaningful but profoundly enjoyable title that should win fans in markets as diverse as Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, and the Americas.”

With over 8000 people contributing their skills to create Shaka Ilembe, the series has already won the support of five of South Africa’s biggest brands (Telkom, LottoStar, Grant’s Whisky, Toyota SA and Santam) who all signed on as commercial partners within days of seeing an extended preview of the series.  In addition, it’s Academy Award and BAFTA nominated Creative Director Angus Gibson and Sundance winning Executive Producer Desiree Markgraaff have drawn from the best of South Africa’s talent, including acclaimed Zulu musician Mbuso Khoza whose skill and vision drives the series soundtrack.

Caribbean Travel News And Deals

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. June 2, 2023: Here are the top Caribbean travel news and deals this week in 60 seconds.

While the US may be telling travellers to reconsider travel to Jamaica due to crime, the island is seeing a number of hot shot celebs vacationing there. Among the latest was Angelina Jolie, Padma Lakshmi and Sarita Choudhury who attended the Calabash International Literary Festival in Treasure Beach, Jamaica on May 27th.

American Airlines has officially kicked off a new summer nonstop flights between Miami and Tortola in the BVI. The new flights are operating once daily, with the initial run lasting from now through Aug. 14th.

Caribbean Airlines has launched thrice weekly flights between Trinidad and Orlandoas of May 31, 2023. The flights will provide services from as low as USD$616 at the return fare.

The countdown is on to The Saint Lucia Carnival 2023, set to ignite the island with a burst of vibrant energy and infectious revelry from July 1-19th. For more information on the schedule of events, or to join a band, visit carnivalsaintlucia.com.

Antigua and Barbuda travel officials have launched the second installment of its ‘Love Lane’ fast track service for couples travelling to the destination during Antigua and Barbuda’s Romance Month in June.

Couples entering the ‘Love Lane’ on arrival at the award-winning V.C. Bird International Airport from June 1 – June 30, will be fast-tracked through immigration via a special couples-only lane for the month of June celebrations.

After three years of construction, the reimagined Nassau Cruise Port opened its doors to cruisers sailing to Nassau, Bahamas on May 27, 2023.

Carnival Cruise Line is giving back. The cruise line recently renovated the Pediatric Ward Learning Centre of St. Ann’s Bay Regional Hospital in St. Ann, Jamaica, dedicating volunteer time and donating needed items as part of the hospital’s Labour Day Volunteer Project.

Fly from Miami to San Juan, Puerto Rico with your partner from Thu, Jun 15 – Fri, Jun 16 and stay for just 656.59 at the at the Wyndham Palmas Beach & Golf Resort. Book HERE