Trinidadian-Canadian Spotlights On Hidden History of Canadian R&B In Dissertation

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News Americas, Toronto, Canada, Weds. Dec. 13, 2023: Dr. Amara Pope, a second-generation Canadian-Trinidadian scholar, has achieved remarkable academic success, earning her PhD, MA, and Joint Honors BA while working multiple jobs to fund her education. Her latest achievement, a PhD dissertation titled “Canadians Redefining R&B: The Online Marketing of Drake, Justin Bieber, and Jessie Reyez,” sheds light on the impact of music on her life and the previously overlooked history of Canadian R&B.

Dr. Amara Pope is a second generation Canadian-Trinidadian woman. Under thirty, Pope has completed her PhD., MA and Joint Honors BA all while working at several jobs to pay for her education.

Growing up in a predominantly white neighborhood, music played a significant role in Pope’s life. Her research explores the missing history of Canadian R&B, which was often excluded from Canadian media. Pope’s dissertation features stories of artists like Crack of Dawn, Oscar Peterson, Jackie Shane, and Eleanor Collins. Through interviews with music professionals and marketing executives, she critiques how music has been organized along racial and national lines.

Pope argues that R&B exemplifies a multicultural Canadian identity. She examines how artists like Drake, Justin Bieber, and Jessie Reyez broke into the music industry, representing a diverse range of Canadian R&B artists. Her research also delves into the growing popularity of Canadian R&B in the digital era, analyzing these artists’ performances during the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Furthermore, Pope explores the rise of Canadian hip-hop and R&B, focusing on the struggles of racialized and immigrant Canadian artists. She highlights their collaborations with U.S. artists, creating what she terms “Canadian R&B music,” a fusion of R&B, hip-hop, pop, soca, reggae, and various immigrant influences.

The dissertation examines how Drake, Justin Bieber, and Jessie Reyez reinforce, complicate, or challenge prevailing notions of “Canadian-ness” and “R&B-ness.”

Pope’s journey began in Scarborough, ON, where she experienced diversity, but she later moved to Elmira, ON, where her family was the only “brown” family in the neighborhood. Pope’s Trinidadian heritage became a source of strength and empowerment. Canadian media, however, predominantly reflected a “white” Canada. It was during her post-secondary studies that she questioned this representation.

Her research showed how artists like Bieber, Drake, and Reyez resonated with her, allowing her to embrace different facets of her identity. The project became deeply personal, as Pope realized its impact on her and others. It revealed her profound interest in how musical artists create experiences that connect with listeners, fostering a sense of being “Canadian” and providing a space for self-reflection on identity.

Pope’s research ultimately showcases her pride in her complex Canadian-Trini identity, shaped in part by Canadian R&B. Follow Dr. Amara Pope: Instagram

Trinidad Minister Salutes Late Soca Star Ricardo Drue

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NEWS AMERICAS, PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad, Tues. Dec. 12, 2023: Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Arts, Randall Mitchell, has expressed his admiration for the late Antigua-born Soca artist and songwriter, Ricardo Drue, and his significant contributions to the local, regional, and international cultural scenes.

Drue, who was born on July 31, 1985, was 3. He relocated to Trinidad and Tobago at the age of four, tragically passed away at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre in Antigua, having been discovered unconscious and unresponsive at midday (local time) today, Dec. 12, 2023. The cause of his death has not yet been disclosed.

Ricardo Drue attending the Inaugural Caribbean Music Awards at Kings Theatre on August 31, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)

Ricardo Drue was known for his dominance in the Soca Monarch and Road March competitions, garnering a substantial following across the region. Some of his notable hits included “Vagabond” and “Professional.” He was engaged to Trinidad and Tobago’s soca sensation, Patrice Roberts.

Expressing his grief on Instagram, Roberts shared a video of himself and Drue, accompanied by a heartfelt caption.

“The passing of Ricardo Drue is a profound loss to the Soca community and the Carnival fraternity. Through his years as an entertainer, he played a pivotal role in promoting soca music worldwide and bringing joy to countless individuals. His memory will undoubtedly endure,” Minister Mitchell remarked.

He also noted that Drue, whose mother is a Trinidad and Tobago-born media professional, served as a lead vocalist for the popular local group, A-Team Band, and collaborated with other Trinidad and Tobago bands, including Imij and Co and D’All Starz.

Before embarking on his solo career in 2010, Drue opened for renowned artists such as Jeffrey Osbourne, Mario, Fat Joe, Sean Kingston, Lloyd, Machel Montano, and Barbadian Allison Hinds. He released two albums, “Dreams of my Reality” and “MYTIME,” and achieved recognition by winning the Power Soca Monarch of Antigua & Barbuda in August 2014.

News of Drue’s death was confirmed by Patrice’ publicist, Adanna Asson.

In a message posted on Instagram she said: “On behalf of my client Patrice Roberts, I wish to confirm the untimely passing of her fiance, Ricardo Drue. This is an absolutely devastating time for Patrice as she tries to grasp the concept of this tragedy. Please keep her, his daughter Lyara, his sons his entire family and their friends in your thoughts.”

Drue was reportedly the father of five – four boys and one girl.

West Indies Win Over England To Take Series Lead

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News Americas, BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Tues. Dec 12, 2023: The West Indies cricket team trounced England today to take the lead in the Twenty20 International series – 1-0.

The Windies men won by four wickets in the opening Twenty20 International of the five-match series at Kensington Oval in Barbados. England were sent in by West Indies to bat and were dismissed for 171 off 19.3 overs.

Adil Rashid (R) of England congratulates Andre Russell (C) and Rovman Powell (L) of West Indies for winning the 1st T20I between West Indies and England at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados, on December 12, 2023. (Photo by RANDY BROOKS/AFP via Getty Images)

The West Indies got off to a blazing start in their innings but faced a setback as England’s leg-spinner Adil Rashid reached his 100th T20 international wicket in his 100th match.

Following a brief rain delay, Rehan Ahmed applied pressure on the hosts, claiming two wickets in two consecutive balls. However, the West Indies fought back, led by the experienced duo of captain Rovman Powell and Russell.

Andre Russell (R) of West Indies hits 6 as Jos Buttler (L) of England watches during the 1st T20I between West Indies and England at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados, on December 12, 2023. (Photo by RANDY BROOKS/AFP via Getty Images)

With the required run rate increasing, Powell smashed Liam Livingstone for consecutive sixes, shifting the momentum back in favor of the home side. Russell joined the party, and the West Indies executed their victory plan with precision.

Powell finished unbeaten with 31 runs off 15 balls, while Russell remained not out with 29 runs from 14 balls, hitting the winning runs with 11 balls to spare.

The teams will now move to Grenada for the second T20 on Thursday, with the West Indies leading 1-0 in the five-match series.

Scores:

ENGLAND 171 off 19.3 overs (Phil Salt 40, Jos Buttler 39, Liam Livingstone 27; Andre Russell 3-19, Alzarri Joseph 3-54, Romario Shepherd 2-22)

WEST INDIES 172 for six off 18.1 overs (Shai Hope 36, Kyle Mayers 35, Rovman Powell 31 not out, Andre Russell 29 not out; Rehan Ahmed 3-39, Adil Rashid 2-25)

Chocolatier Charged In Connection With Murders of Canadian Animator And Partner In Dominica

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. Dec. 11, 2023: An American chocolatier is now facing charges following the tragic discovery of a Canadian animator and his partner’s charred remains in a burned car near their Caribbean resort.

Dominican authorities revealed that the burnt bodies of Daniel Langlois, a renowned 3D animator whose company contributed to films like Jurassic Park and Titanic, and his partner, Dominique Marchand, were found last Friday, Dec. 1st, in a burned vehicle, several days after they were reported missing. Their remains were located approximately one mile from the Coulibri Ridge Eco Resort, which they jointly managed. Authorities believe the couple was murdered between November 30 and December 1.

DANIEL LANGOIS and partner murdered in Dominica.

Jonathan Lehrer, the owner of the chocolate company Bois Cotlette Estate, was taken into custody on Wednesday, Dec. 6th in Dominica in connection with the murders, as confirmed by police inspector Fixton Henderson. Additionally, Robert Snider, an American who had been staying on Lehrer’s property, faced charges related to the murders, according to Henderson. Lehrer’s wife and a Dominican man were also arrested in connection with the case but were not charged.

Following a brief court appearance last Wednesday, Lehrer and Snyder are currently detained at the Dominica State Prison.

Sherma Dalrymple, the director of public prosecutions in Dominica, addressed the media in a press conference this week, stating, “We fully understand the public interest which has been generated in respect of this matter. However, we will remain within the confines of the law and err on the side of caution by not disclosing any intrinsic and evidential details of the charges before the court.” She added, “We, however, are permitted to tell you the public that we will strongly do our prosecutorial duties and will work tirelessly to ensure that justice is served in this matter.”

Authorities believe the gruesome slaying may be tied to a long-standing feud between Langlois, 66, and Lehrer, 57, who owns a 53-acre chocolate and coffee plantation adjacent to the animator’s luxury resort.

Court documents reveal that in 2018, Langlois took Lehrer to court over their dispute concerning a public road that passes through Bois Cotlette’s estate. The disagreement began when Lehrer allegedly obstructed public access to the road using boulders, a trench, and metal pipes. Langlois argued that the road’s closure resulted in economic losses. In 2019, a High Court ruled that the road remained public and that Lehrer had no authority to obstruct Langlois’ guests’ right of way. The judge also ordered both men to engage in mediation, though it remains unclear if that process ever took place.

Caribbean Immigrant Actor Nominated for Broadway World Rhode Island Award

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News Americas, New York, NY, Dec. 11, 2023: Renowned Caribbean immigrant actor and playwright, David Heron, has earned a nomination for the 2023 Broadway World Rhode Island Award in the Best Supporting Performer category for his remarkable portrayal of Caliban in Shakespeare’s The Tempest.

The Colonial Theatre of Rhode Island presented this critically acclaimed production as part of their annual Shakespeare in The Park Festival, captivating audiences from July through August at Wilcox Park in Westerly, Rhode Island.

The winners of the 2023 awards will be determined by an online public vote, which is currently open and will continue until December 31 on Broadway World’s website. The announcement of the winners is expected in early January.

Among the nominees for this production are eight other talented actors, including Lee Fitzpatrick, Dylan Bowden, Charles Meier, Jason Guy, Matt Arnold, Peter Tedeschi, Lindsey Rodriguez, and Nicholas Byers. In total, The Tempest has received seventeen nominations, encompassing categories such as Best Play, Best Director (Marion Markham), Best Acting Ensemble, Best Choreography (by director Markham), as well as recognition for Lighting, Sound, Scenic, and Costume Design. The Colonial Theatre is also in contention for the Best Theatre for Young Audiences and Favorite Theatre of Rhode Island awards.

David Heron, r., as Caliban and Lee Fitzpatrick as Prospera in The Tempest. Photo Credit- Bridget Huss

Heron, originally from Jamaica and an award-winning playwright known for plays like “Against His Will,” “Ecstasy,” and “Intermission,” expressed his feelings about the nomination, which came as a surprise given his initial hesitation in accepting the role.

In Shakespeare’s The Tempest, the character of Caliban is portrayed as a colonized slave, living on an island that has been taken over by Prospero, a sorcerer. Caliban’s character has often been played by actors of color in contrast to Prospero and other characters frequently portrayed by Caucasian actors. Heron’s concern for the role’s portrayal and themes was amplified by these factors.

However, when director Marion Markham offered Heron the opportunity to audition for both Prospero and Caliban and assured him of her willingness to address any concerns about the script, Heron accepted the role. Ultimately, Lee Fitzpatrick, a talented actress, was cast as Prospera, further enriching the dynamics of the play.

Heron’s interpretation of Caliban presented a unique perspective, portraying him as a “fallen prince, colonized but unconquered, uneducated but highly intelligent.” His performance received critical acclaim, with critics describing it as “magnificent” and “a standout performance.”

While Heron acknowledges the tough competition in the gender-neutral category, he is grateful for the nomination and is content with the recognition his work has received. He also mentioned his involvement in the new television series “From Yard” and the staged reading presentation of his award-winning play “Against His Will” alongside actor-producer Malik Yoba.

The Broadway World Awards are a prestigious recognition of theatrical excellence presented annually by Broadwayworld.com, a respected website covering theatre worldwide.

For more information and to cast your vote for Heron and the awards, visit: https://www.broadwayworld.com/rhode-island/voteregion.cfm

Two West Indies Cricket Legends Pass Away On Same Day

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News Americas, New York, NY – On December 8, 2023, the cricket world lost two revered former Guyana and West Indies cricketers, Joe Solomon and Clyde Butts.

West Indian cricketer, Joe Solomon, at Arundel 27th April 1963. (Photo by Bill Smith/Popperfoto via Getty Images)

Joe Solomon, known for his exceptional batting skills in the 1950s and 1960s, passed away at the age of 93. He made his debut for the West Indies in 1958, leaving an indelible mark with impressive scores and memorable moments. Even after retiring from playing, he continued to serve Guyanese cricket in various capacities, including as the president of the Guyana Cricket Board and the Guyana Sugar Corporation. His dedication to the sport earned him the Golden Arrow of Achievement from the Government of Guyana. Solomon migrated to New York from 1984 but remained connected to Guyana.

The oldest living West Indies Test cricketer, passed away in the United States, leaving behind a legacy of excellence.

Former West Indian team manager Clyde Butts, passed away on Dec. 8, 2023 after an accident in Guyana.
(Photo by Stanley Chou/Getty Images)

Clyde Godfrey Butts, born in the village of Perseverance, was the youngest of ten siblings. He made his Test debut in 1987 and played seven Tests during West Indies’ dominant era. Butts was a leading bowler in the West Indies first-class championship in the 1980s and ended his career with an impressive 348 first-class wickets. He also captained Guyana in domestic cricket and served as the head coach of the West Indies under-19 cricket team in 2004. Later, in 2008, he became a national selector and played a crucial role in Cricket West Indies’ selection panel. During his time as chairman of selectors, West Indies achieved victory in the 2012 ICC World Twenty20.

Sadly, Clyde Butts met with an accident at Eccles, East Bank Demerara, and passed away in Guyana on December 8th.

Dr. Kishore Shallow, President of Cricket West Indies, expressed his condolences and recognized the immense contributions of both Solomon and Butts. He described Joe Solomon as a hero of West Indies cricket and lauded his iconic moments on the field. Clyde Butts, known for his off-spin skills and captaincy for Guyana, left a lasting legacy beyond cricket. He was acknowledged as a statesman and ambassador for the game in Guyana and the wider region. Even in retirement, Butts dedicated himself to coaching and nurturing young talent.

During the third ODI between West Indies and England on December 9, 2023, West Indies players paid tribute to the late legends by wearing black armbands, and a minute’s silence was observed in their honor before the match commenced. The cricket world mourns the loss of these two remarkable individuals who made significant contributions to the sport.

Guyana Lessons – Suriname

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By Cristina Caus

News Americas, WASHINGTON, D.C., Mon. Dec. 11, 2023: Bonded by a resembling fate, Suriname and Guyana are more than just neighbors divided by the Courantyne River. Once one territory, they lived a similar experience while separated and colonized by the British and Dutch empires.

With more than a history of European colonization in common, these neighbors enjoy abundant natural resources, ranking among the top countries in the world by percent of tropical rainforest as land mass and are united by the Guyana – Suriname basin (GSB). The basin lies along the continental shelf of Guyana and Suriname and is estimated to contain around 13 billion barrels of undiscovered oil and 30 trillion cubic feet of undiscovered natural gas reserves, the world’s next offshore drilling hot spot. 

As these two countries embark on the exciting journey of exploring their petroleum potential, the Guyana–Suriname Basin can represent either the rising of two Petro powers in the region in the years to come or the catastrophic fall into the obscurity of corruption and poverty.

Unlike Guyana, whose offshore exploration activity started in 2015 with its first crude oil production in 2019, Suriname’s first oil discoveries date back to the 1960s. In 1980 a wholly state-owned company was established – Staatsolie and in 1982 the first commercial onshore oil production in Tambaredjo oil field was initiated. As of 2021, Suriname’s proved crude oil reserves amounted to 89 million barrels, one of the lowest proved reserves in Latin America and the Caribbean, with a production of  6.14 million barrels from its 3 onshore fields in 2022. Even though Suriname’s oil reserves and production are lower compared to the regional giants such as Venezuela, Brazil and Mexico, this small Caribbean nation leads by resources and production of gold.As a matter of fact, Suriname is among the world’s top gold producers, in rate of production relative to area, ranking 10th globally.

The country has a long history in mining, long before oil production. In 1916, the Aluminum Company of America (Alcoa) began mining bauxite in the then Dutch colony of Surinam, which over time became the country’s main export. Suriname’s economy is dominated by the extractive industries with exports of crude oil and gold accounting for approximately 85 percent and 27 percent of government revenues.

So, how did it happen for this resource rich country to be labeled as one of the poorest countries in Latin America?

 Suriname had its resource wealth momentum from 2000 to 2014, similar in a way to Guyana’s now. The rise in international commodity prices resulted in a strong economic expansion for the country, 65% gain in GDP per capita, according to the Inter-American Development Bank. This made the country one of the fastest-growing economies in the LAC region with GDP per capita rising to nearly US$9,472 and a decline in poverty rates. The economy expanded from a little under US$1 billion in 2000 to US$ 5 billion in 2014.

A relative pays his respects at a memorial during the 41st anniversary of the December murders, when 15 victims were executed, at the former Fort Zeelandia military barracks in Paramaribo on December 8, 2023. The Suriname Court of Justice will rule on December 20 in the appeals case of former president Desi Bouterse, who was sentenced to 20 years of jailtime in 2019 for the 15 murders. (Photo by Ranu Abhelakh / AFP) (Photo by RANU ABHELAKH/AFP via Getty Images)

However, these boom years were when the seed for the crisis was planted. In 2016 when the global oil prices dropped, so did the exports and the public revenues, and Suriname’s economy entered a free fall. This was topped with the announcement that Alcoa, the major aluminum company with over 100 years of operations in Suriname was ending its activity in the country. In 2016, Suriname’s GDP plummeted to 2008 levels and its dollar lost more than 46% value by the end of that year.

Currently, about 70 percent of the country’s population lives below the poverty line and is struggling with an inflation rate that has risen 60 percent since 2021. The economic collapse is so severe that Suriname defaulted three times on its sovereign debt and is currently following a range of economic reforms and austerity measures, part of the US$688 million deal President Santokhi negotiated with IMF.

For Suriname, the natural resource blessing turned out to be more of a curse in disguise so far and this is what Guyana should pay close attention to while enjoying its oil euphoria.

Avoiding a state-dominant economy pitfall. As the common saying goes “Fish stinks from the head”, that’s exactly what has been going on in Suriname for decades.

The business around gold mining and oil production in Suriname resembles in many ways the other Guyana’s neighbor, Venezuela. To the point that Suriname has gained an international reputation s a cocaine transit route to Europe such as  highlighted in the 2007 report of the United States Department of State Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs,  an illegal gold mining hub, and a well-rooted kleptocratic state. he bitter aftertaste  is the result of a tumultuous on-and-off ruling for 40 years of Desiré “Dési” Bouterse, Suriname’s then-most powerful person “convicted drug trafficker, alleged murderer and two-time president” who adopted deficient public policies, allowed corruption to flourish and mismanaged the economy which led Suriname’s gross domestic product to plunge by 16 percent, the worst decline in South America after Venezuela.

The early formation of state-owned companies and nationalization of extractive sectors of a country is usually a poor decision as it blocks foreign innovation, development, investments to make the sector competitive enough on the international stage. Also, when prematurely happening, as the formation of Staatsolie in Suriname, it tempts the government to control the wealth generated by the extractive sector to serve their own interests rather than its citizens, creating a perfect environment for corruption, nepotism and state-organized crime. The state-dominant economy trend can be noticed across the entire economy in Suriname, as according to the Inter-American Development Bank, as of 2015, there were 144 registered state-owned enterprises, with 60 % workforce employed in the public sector.

   The important lesson for Guyana, which has been applied very well so far, is holding back from forming a national oil company yet. By doing so, the Guyanese government has been promoting more transparency in its oil extraction and production affairs on one hand, while on the other hand it has been able to attract more investments, know-how and expertise from the oil supermajors and gain access to a global market. Guyana has ten state-owned companies, which compete with the private sector for market share, opportunities and credit; therefore, government’s role now is critical around reforming and boosting the private sector environment by promoting investment, employment, financial support and technology development.

   Going back to Suriname’s story,  the gold sector  remains up to today the main source of employment in the nation. Based on unofficial estimates, it employs about 70,000 non-registered miners, most are Brazilian immigrants called garimpeiros. It is estimated that at least 20,000 other workers are in mining-related jobs, such as hotels and bars or as sex workers in communities close to mines. 

According to official data, in 2021 only,  Suriname exported US$2.26 billion in Gold, making it the 32nd largest exporter of Gold in the world. 

Even though mining has been the backbone of Suriname’s economy for decades, the revenue generated hasn’t been used to lift this country out of poverty long-term, neither to educate the next generations and diversify its economy into other sectors, nor to create a better-regulated legal and business environment.  The GDP in Suriname dropped to US$5,858 per capita in 2022 compared to the worldwide GDP per capita of about $US 12,607 and Guyana’s GDP per capita of US$ 18,199.

Despite the size and importance of this sector, Suriname does not have adequate legal, environmental and social frameworks for small-scale gold mining, which is the country’s main economic sector, producing about two-thirds of the nation’s gold. The mining department of the Ministry of Natural Resources has no systems or budgets for geological research or engineering work. This unregulated business environment has created the perfect conditions for transnational criminal activities, which benefit from relatively porous borders, stretched government resources (related to a lengthy economic crisis) and corruption. 

IMF back in its 2017 report observed that Suriname had no institutional arrangements to save resources during its boom for future price corrections and its advice on strengthening the policy framework hasn’t been really taken into consideration. Even though Guyana is ahead of the game, by having established a Sovereign Wealth Fund in 2019 with an amount of $US 1.67 billion accumulated by April 2023, the challenge remains how to create sufficient transparency to avoid mismanagement of this wealth.

Indeed, what happened in Suriname is a classic example of a resource curse or paradox of plenty linked directly to the government corruption plague, – giant red flags for the Guyanese to look out for. The lack of the simultaneous development of transparency reforms and strong institutions based on the rule of law in the nations that are growing their extractions-based industry can be the combination of guaranteed failure and poverty.

Since the recent oil discoveries in the Guyana- Suriname Basin and Guyana’s colossal oil boom and skyrocketing economic growth, Suriname is impatiently watching this mouthwatering opportunity that is presented to them as well. With TotalEnergies and Apache offshore oil discoveries in Block 58, Suriname became more optimistic about its future hoping that this windfall would bounce them back out of the deep poverty its own leaders brought them into. Seems like the social unrest and economic chaos have dimmed a bit the oil exciting news around their deep water discoveries causing some delays and caution for investors with the first offshore oil production being expected to be sometime in 2027.

Would this time around be different for Suriname?

We shall wait and see, but in in the meantime Suriname can do some watch and learn too from the Guyanese oil strategy in the past several years.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Cristina Caus is an International Economist and Oil and Gas/Energy Consultant and Business Developer. She has a rich, over a decade experience in the oil & gas industry worldwide and holds a master’s degree in international business from FIU.

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CARICOM Site Hacked?

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. Dec. 4, 2023: The site Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat, based in Guyana, appears hacked.

The site online currently carries this following simple message.

CARICOM announced on Monday that its “online applications” have been compromised. In a brief statement, it mentioned that “in light of these circumstances, our website and other applications are temporarily offline,” and expressed regret for any inconvenience caused. CARICOM Secretariat sources neither confirmed nor denied a potential hacking incident at the headquarters of the 15-member regional integration organization, referring to the brief statement issued regarding the situation.

The statement assured that telephone and email services have not been affected but did not provide a timeframe for the resumption of online applications and website services.

Unwrap a World of Indulgence With Interactive Cinematic Themed Chocolate Experiences at Planet Hollywood Beach Resorts

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News Americas, ST. MICHAEL, Barbados, Mon. Dec. 04, 2023: This December, Blue Diamond Resorts is set to delight travelers with a new and exciting themed all-inclusive experience at Planet Hollywood Cancun and Planet Hollywood Costa Rica, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resorts. Embracing the upcoming chocolate and sugar fever trend, Planet Hollywood Beach Resorts and its movie lifestyle will be offering chocolate treats, spa treatments, and entertainment that promise a unique and immersive experience for guests.

“The lifestyle at Planet Hollywood Beach Resorts revolves around immersing guests in various movie universes while they indulge in the luxury and energy of our resorts. Our temporary chocolate-based menu is just one of the many small details aimed at captivating guests through immersive experiences,” said Alejandro Rodriguez del Peon, Director of Marketing & PR for Blue Diamond Resorts. “We are very excited to invite everyone not only to enjoy this delicious limited-time-only offering but also to have the chance to experience the resorts’ numerous on-site amenities and modern accommodations.”

From December 13 to 15, travelers from around the globe are invited to indulge in exclusive offerings found only at Planet Hollywood Cancun and Costa Rica properties, all included in their all-inclusive stays. The chocolate event starts with a whimsical feast of delectable treats and drinks inspired by an iconic chocolatier at Fuel Coffee Co., creating social media-worthy moments from 4 to 6 pm.

Drinks featured include the Classic chocolate milkshake; Galactic milkshake with vanilla ice cream and cotton candy-flavored milk and a Mocha Almond Fudge with coffee ice cream, liquid chocolate and ground almonds.

Travelers will also experience exclusive chocolate-infused drinks in five bars in Cancun and pamper themselves with rich and indulgent chocolate spa treatments at the PH Spa, also available for guests at Planet Hollywood Adult Scene Cancun, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort – Adults – Only.

Exclusive entertainment activations will be also held, including screenings of past movie masterpieces related to the imaginative world of chocolate, Foam Parties, and activities in the Star Kids Club of both resorts. For a sophisticated evening, fine wine tastings paired with locally sourced chocolates will be offered in Costa Rica’s Sunset Strip Steakhouse & Grill Restaurant.

The Planet Hollywood Beach Resorts of the hotel management company, Blue Diamond Resorts, offer a Vacation Like A Star all-inclusive experience in paradisiacal spots like Mexico and Costa Rica. With a unique concept that fits every personality, guests are invited to explore these Hollywood-inspired resorts, where luxury, entertainment, and memorable experiences take center stage.

For more information about Planet Hollywood Beach Resorts or to book your next vacation, visit www.planethollywoodhotels.com.

About Blue Diamond Resorts  

Blue Diamond Resorts encompasses over 60 properties, exceeding 18,000 rooms in eight countries located in the most popular holiday destinations in the Caribbean. Its nine leading hotel brands include the Award-winning, All-In Luxury® Royalton Luxury Resorts, where Everyone is Family. Whether guests come as friends, parents, kids, couples, weddings, corporate or incentive retreats, or solo travelers everyone is family in these properties that feature personalized services and signature amenities including All-In Connectivity, DreamBed, and the Sports Event Guarantee.  To refocus on valued relationships and friendships, Hideaway at Royalton offers an adults-only experience with exclusive dining and preferred accommodations to enhance Togetherness among their guests. Party Your Way at Royalton CHIC Resorts, an adults-only vibrant and effervescent all-inclusive brand to revel in the unexpected. Mystique by Royalton is Miles from Ordinary, offering their visitors the chance to connect with their surroundings in a boutique-style resort collection full of endless beauty and hip vibes. In Jamaica, Grand Lido Negril offers guests over the age of 21, a unique and all-inclusive Au Naturel vacation along with a secluded shore for the utmost privacy. Memories Resorts & Spa offers a vacation designed whether you´re planning a family vacation, reuniting with friends, or just have a relaxing moment with your significant other, while Starfish Resorts provides amazing value, breathtaking surroundings, and rich culture and heritage. Planet Hollywood Hotels & Resorts invites guests to Vacation Like A Star with an engaging and interactive experience, plus famous pop culture items from iconic movies, music, and sports while you will Dodge the Paparazzi at Planet Hollywood Adult Scene  where your adults-only vacation will be the center of fascination and attention with glam and exclusivity.  

To learn more about Blue Diamond Resorts, please visit www.bluediamondresorts.com   

About Planet Hollywood Hotels & Resorts

Planet Hollywood Hotels & Resorts bring big-screen excitement to some of the most sought-after locales for an all-inclusive experience, where guests can Vacation Like A Star. From the pristine shores of Cancun to the tranquil beaches of Costa Rica, these all-ages resorts feature authentic Hollywood memorabilia, a world of flavors, themed entertainment and exclusive activities for the entire family, as well as a premium service with the Star Class category for a full A-list treatment. While, Planet Hollywood Adult Scene, offer an all-inclusive adults-only glam getaway (18+) ideal for a romantic escape or a fun-filled adventure with friends that will turn any vacation into the center of fascination and attention with glam and exclusivity.

This engaging and interactive experience at Planet Hollywood Hotels & Resorts, includes differentiated brand features and amenities, such as PHabulous Bed, Plugged In, Main Event Guarantee and star-quality accommodations.

To learn more about Planet Hollywood Hotels & Resorts, visit www.planethollywoodhotels.com

ICJ Orders Venezuela To Halt Actions Amid Guyana Border Dispute

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Dec. 1, 2023: The International Court of Justice (ICJ) today issued a significant ruling on the Guyana/Venezuela border dispute, stating that Guyana has met all the necessary requirements for provisional measures concerning Venezuela’s upcoming December 3rd consultative referendum.

This referendum pertains to Venezuela’s claim to the oil-rich Essequibo County of Guyana.

The Order of the Court was unanimous, with all of the sitting Judges voting in favor of it. The Order states: “Pending a final decision in the case, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela shall refrain from taking any action which would modify the situation that currently prevails in the territory in dispute, whereby the Cooperative Republic of Guyana administers and exercises control over that area.”

Both Venezuela and Guyana have been instructed to abstain from any actions that could exacerbate or prolong the ongoing dispute before the court, making it more challenging to reach a resolution. The ICJ’s orders were unanimous, and Judge Joan Donoghue, the court’s President, delivered the ruling.

Guyana had sought the intervention of the United Nations’ top court to impose temporary restrictions, potentially leading to the removal of certain questions from the referendum. Guyana perceives this vote as an “existential threat” that could enable Venezuela to annex Essequibo.

Venezuela’s Vice President, Delcy Rodríguez, has already stated that not even the court can prevent her country from proceeding with the referendum as planned. The proposed referendum aims to grant Venezuelan citizenship to residents of an annexed Essequibo.

In commenting on the ruling, Guyana President Dr Irfaan Ali said: “Today, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued an important Order granting the provisional measures against Venezuela that Guyana requested in response to Venezuela’s announcement that it would be holding a referendum that would endorse, among other illegal measures, Venezuela’s annexation of Guyana’s Essequibo Region.”

“We welcome this unanimous ruling by the ICJ,” he added. “As the Court has made clear, Venezuela is prohibited from annexing or trespassing upon Guyanese territory or taking any other actions – regardless of the outcome of its referendum on December 3 – that would alter the status quo in which Guyana administers and controls the Essequibo Region, as an integral part of its sovereign territory, under the Arbitral Award of 3 October 1899. Today’s ruling is legally binding on Venezuela. Both the UN Charter and the Statute of the Court, to which Venezuela is a Party, require its strict compliance. This is an opportunity for Venezuela to join Guyana in demonstrating respect for international law and the principles that govern peaceful coexistence.

“Guyana remains steadfast in its commitment to the international judicial process and the rule of law. It is fully confident that, when the ICJ issues its final Judgment on the merits of the case, it will conclude that the Essequibo is legally and rightfully Guyanese territory. We believe that justice, not force, should be the arbiter of international disputes. To this end, we affirm our dedication to pursuing a peaceful, legal resolution to this dispute in the right and proper place – the ICJ – as authorized by the UN Secretary-General in the exercise of his powers under the Geneva Agreement of 1966.”

Earlier this year, in April, the ICJ affirmed its jurisdiction to address the border controversy between these two South American nations. However, Venezuela does not recognize the court’s jurisdiction, which could potentially delay a final decision for years.

Venezuela contends that the border with Guyana, a former colony of The Netherlands and the United Kingdom, was fraudulently imposed by the British, accusing them of a “land grab.” Conversely, Guyana maintains that the border was established through arbitration on October 3, 1899, by an arbitration panel (Arbitral Award of 3 October 1899).

The Anglo-Venezuelan Arbitral Tribunal met in Paris, France, 122 years ago, giving its award that defined the border between Venezuela and then-British Guiana. For over half a century, Venezuela adhered to the 1899 Arbitral Award. However, in 1962, Venezuela asserted that the Essequibo area of Guyana was within its borders, particularly escalating after ExxonMobil discovered oil in Essequibo in 2015.

In response to this situation, Guyana initiated a case against Venezuela at the World Court in 2018, seeking confirmation that the border was established through arbitration between British Guiana and Venezuela in 1899.

Under the framework of the 1966 Geneva Agreement between the two nations, the Secretary-General conducted Good Offices processes from 1990 to 2017 in an attempt to find a resolution to the border dispute.

On January 30, 2018, then-Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, following a thorough evaluation of the developments in 2017, selected the ICJ as the mechanism to address the controversy.

Essequibo constitutes nearly two-thirds of Guyana’s territory, with approximately 125,000 of the nation’s 800,000 inhabitants residing in this area.

In the substantive case, Guyana aims to secure a final and binding ICJ judgment, confirming the validity and binding nature of the 1899 Arbitral Award, which delineated the land boundary between British Guiana and Venezuela, and asserting Essequibo as Guyana’s territory.