Caribbean Born President of UN General Assembly Calls For Immediate Ceasefire In Gaza

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. Mar. 4, 2024: The Caribbean born President of the United Nations General Assembly,(UNGA), Dennis Francis, today called for the implementation of “an immediate humanitarian ceasefire” in the Gaza where Israeli troops have been fighting members of the terrorist group, Hamas, since the October 7 last year incursion into Israel.

United Nations General Assembly President Dennis Francis (Photo by Vipin Kumar/Hindustan Times via Getty Images)

“The bombardment must stop, now,” the Trinidad and Tobago diplomat said, as the UNGA plenary meeting on the use of the “veto.”

A screen grab captured from a video shows the civil defense teams working to rebury the bodies unearthed under the soil after the Israeli warplanes bombed a cemetery at the Jibaliya refugee camp in northern Gaza Strip, Gaza on March 4, 2024. (Photo by Stringer/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Francis said that from the inception of the United Nations in 1945, the General Assembly and the Security Council, both share a single overarching duty and that is “to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war.

“The purpose of our meeting today underscores the vital importance of that joint responsibility and the urgency for the two bodies to strengthen their collective efforts, within their respective mandates under the United Nations Charter, to preserve and promote global peace and security. In this context, I strongly urge member states to engage in today’s debate with a proactive, solution-oriented posture , mindful of all member states’ responsibility to exert every effort to avert further violence and to save lives,” he said.

There have been calls to do away with the “veto” mechanism used by the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council including the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia, China and France.

Francis said that while he welcomes the the introduction and utility of the “Veto Initiative,” most especially in relation to the accountability it seeks to foster “it is nevertheless deeply regrettable that compliant with the rules of procedure, this General Assembly must use it at all, in connection with the current deepening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.

He said thousands of children have been killed, others are scrounging for food and watching their childhoods evaporate into the horrors of war.

“Countless mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, nieces, and nephews, ll gone. As the French would say “disparu,”, disappeared. Their dreams extinguished, their potential lost forever, and their futures obliterated,” said Francis, while adding that 85 per cent of Gaza’s population, or 1.9 million people, are internally displaced and nearly 1.5 million of them now reside in Rafah – that is, more than six times the population prior to October 7th.

“I am deeply concerned about intensified Israeli airstrikes in Rafah, including in residential areas. In the words of UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths, any ground operation in such a densely populated area would “leave an already fragile humanitarian operation at death’s door. I, therefore, urgently call for maximum restraint to prevail in order to save innocent civilian lives. Israeli restrictions on the humanitarian access have drastically reduced the flow of lifesaving aid to a mere trickle.”

Caribbean Star Rihanna’s India Performance Gets Mixed Reviews

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. Mar. 4, 2024: Rihanna’s highly anticipated return to the stage at Anant Ambani’s pre-wedding party in India stirred up a whirlwind of reactions.

Rihanna’s performance in India.

After an eight-year hiatus from live performances, the Barbadian superstar took center stage to perform for the first time in India, delivering a setlist of 19 songs to over 20,000 fans at Jamnagar. However, her performance received mixed reviews, with some critics dubbing her as a “lazy performer” due to what they perceived as low energy.

Despite the criticisms, Rihanna’s comeback marked a significant moment in her career trajectory. Renowned for her chart-topping hits and groundbreaking style, the Grammy-winning artist’s presence at the lavish event garnered widespread attention. Known for her larger-than-life performances, fans had high expectations for Rihanna’s return to the stage. However, some expressed disappointment over what they perceived as a lackluster performance, citing her subdued demeanor and minimal engagement with the audience.

Speculation surrounding Rihanna’s performance intensified following her recent pregnancies. The singer welcomed her first son with rapper A$AP Rocky in May 2022, followed by another baby boy in August 2023. Fans pointed to her post-pregnancy recovery as a potential factor contributing to her subdued stage presence.

Nevertheless, Rihanna’s loyal fan base rallied behind her, vehemently defending the singer against detractors. Supporters emphasized her iconic status and celebrated her resilience in overcoming personal challenges while maintaining her place in the spotlight.

As rumors swirled about a possible third pregnancy, Rihanna’s representatives remained tight-lipped, fueling speculation about her future plans. Despite the mixed reactions to her recent performance, Rihanna’s enduring influence in the music industry remains undeniable. With a legacy spanning over a decade, the multifaceted artist continues to captivate audiences worldwide with her undeniable talent and unwavering authenticity.

As fans eagerly await her next move, Rihanna’s return to the stage serves as a reminder of her enduring impact on music and culture. Whether she’s performing at star-studded events or gracing the covers of fashion magazines, Rihanna’s presence continues to shape the zeitgeist, cementing her status as a global icon.

Nigy Boy Thrills Guyanese At Mashramani Concert

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News Americas, GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Mon. Mar. 4, 2024: Fresh off the triumph of his chart-topping track ‘Continent,’ dancehall sensation Nigy Boy took flight to the CARICOM, South American nation of Guyana, headlining Guyana’s vibrant Mashramani festival.

Nigy Boy performing in Guyana on Feb. 23, 2024.

Amidst the electrifying atmosphere at Mash A-Rama, Nigy Boy enthralled over 20,000 enthusiastic fans with his energetic performance, declaring Guyana’s reception as nothing short of sensational. Joining forces with renowned music producer Rvssian and a stellar lineup of artists, including Rajah Wild, Brysco, and Matic Queen, Nigy Boy celebrated the contagious energy of dancehall music.

Amidst the festivities, the visually impaired artist had the honor of meeting Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali and First Lady Arya Ali, a humbling experience that underscored his growing influence in the music industry.

“Guyana was sensational! The ladies could not get enough of the ‘Continent Boss’” Nigy Boy declared moments after his performance adding, “I executed as best as I could, and the crowd showed me love and support. It was a wonderful experience.”

“Being able to perform side-by-side with the other artists on the ‘Dutty Money’ riddim was a special moment. The synergy was just unreal. Dancehall has found a new energy, a new force,” Nigy added.

With his hit single ‘Continent’ amassing over 6.7 million views on YouTube, Nigy Boy’s meteoric rise continues as he prepares to unveil his next release on Rvssian’s ‘Payment Plan Riddim.’

*Rewritten from Images Newsletter

Two Caribbean Athletes Make History At World Indoor Championships

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. Mar. 4, 2024: Two Caribbean athletes made history over the weekend at the World Indoor Championships at the Emirates Arena, Glasgow.

Bahamian athlete Devynne Charlton showcased her exceptional talent at the World Indoor Championships, stunning the crowd by breaking her own world record in the women’s 60 meters hurdles. Clocking an astonishing 7.65 seconds, Charlton seized the gold medal with remarkable finesse. Reflecting on her outstanding performance, Charlton admitted to feeling like she executed the perfect race, emphasizing her focus on flawless execution.

“I drew a blank on that one so I can’t really tell you what happened,” Charlton said. “The thought going into it was just to execute and I think I did that. I knew I had that kind of time in me, it was just about putting my race together on the day.”

With her victory, Charlton not only secured the gold but also shaved two hundredths of a second off the world record she had set just last month in New York. This exceptional feat solidifies her status as one of the world’s premier hurdlers and brings immense pride to her home country of The Bahamas.

Bahamas’ Devynne Charlton celebrates setting a world record on the podium for the Women’s 60m Hurdle during day three of the World Indoor Athletics Championships at the Emirates Arena, Glasgow. Picture date: Sunday March 3, 2024. (Photo by Jane Barlow/PA Images via Getty Images)

Celebrating her historic achievement, Charlton expressed her joy and anticipation of returning home to share her victory with her fellow Bahamians. “It feels amazing. I can’t wait to get home and celebrate this,” she exclaimed.

In a show of Bahamian dominance, fellow hurdler Charisma Taylor finished sixth in the final, clocking a commendable time of 7.92 seconds. However, the day belonged to Charlton, whose electrifying performance captivated audiences and left an indelible mark on the world of track and field.

Thea LaFond

Meanwhile, in the triple jump event, history was made once again as Dominica’s Thea LaFond soared to victory, securing her country’s first-ever medal in a global track and field competition. LaFond’s monumental leap of 15.01 meters in the second round not only secured the gold but also established her as the world leader in the event.

Gold medalist Thea Lafond of Team Dominica poses for a photo during the medal ceremony for the the Women’s Triple Jump Final on Day Three of the World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 2024 at Emirates Arena on March 03, 2024 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Overwhelmed with emotion, LaFond expressed her pride and gratitude following her historic win. “At some point, it’s going to hit [me], and I think right now I’m like just really, really proud,” LaFond shared with reporters. “I’m proud to have done what I did, I’m proud of Aaron [Gadson] and I – Aaron is my coach and husband – and I’m so proud to be from that small beautiful country, [that] powerful country in the Caribbean.”

LaFond’s triumph serves as an inspiration to her fellow Dominicans and athletes across the Caribbean, demonstrating that with hard work, determination, and unwavering support, anything is possible.

As the curtain falls on the World Indoor Championships, the remarkable achievements of Devynne Charlton and Thea LaFond will be etched into the annals of sporting history, serving as a testament to the power of perseverance and the pursuit of excellence.

Gordon Brothers Offering for Sale by Private Treaty Royal Falcon One Superyacht

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News Americas, London, England, Monday, March 04, 2024: Gordon Brothers, the global asset experts, is exclusively offering for sale by private treaty the Royal Falcon One superyacht.

Royal Falcon One was built in 2019 and is the world’s only luxury catamaran superyacht created by Studio F.A. Porsche. The vessel is a generous four-deck, 10-berth catamaran benefiting from best-in-class design and artisanry.

The superyacht has a range of 1,200 nautical miles and boasts onboard facilities including five VIP suites, four crew cabins, 10-seat dining table, three bars and a relaxing sundeck featuring a lounge area and jacuzzi. A shallow draft enables the yacht to access and anchor in the most secluded coves.

“Royal Falcon One presents a unique opportunity for the discerning buyer to acquire a one-of-a-kind catamaran under 500 gross tons,” said Oliver Veart, Director, Marine & Valuations at Gordon Brothers. “The vessel is berthed in Genoa, Italy and available for prompt delivery in time for the Mediterranean summer season.”

For further details, please contact Oliver Veart at ov****@go************.com. For vessel specifications, please visit our website.

Gordon Brothers has established a dedicated marine services and valuations practice that leverages decades of experience buying, selling and valuing assets in the commercial and industrial economy across Australia, Brazil, Canada, the U.K., Europe, Japan and the U.S. The firm provides advisory services including fleet and vessel renewal analysis, disposition and investment strategies.

About Gordon Brothers

Since 1903, Gordon Brothers (www.gordonbrothers.com) has helped lenders, management teams, advisors and investors move forward through change. The firm brings a powerful combination of expertise and capital to clients, developing customized solutions on an integrated or standalone basis across four services areas: valuations, dispositions, financing and investment. Whether to fuel growth or facilitate strategic consolidation, Gordon Brothers partners with companies in the retail, commercial and industrial sectors to provide maximum liquidity, put assets to their highest and best use and mitigate liabilities. The firm conducts more than $100 billion worth of dispositions and appraisals annually and provides both short- and long-term capital to clients undergoing transformation. Gordon Brothers lends against and invests in brands, real estate, inventory, receivables, machinery, equipment and other assets, both together and individually, to provide clients liquidity solutions beyond its market-leading disposition and appraisal services. The firm is headquartered in Boston, with over 30 offices across five continents.