News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. August 26, 2024: The body of Caribbean roots chef Ricardo Thomas is among those recovered after the sinking of the £30 million superyacht Bayesian, owned by British billionaire Mike Lynch.

Caribbean roots Chef Ricardo Thomas has died on the Bayesian superyacht. (facebook image)

Chef Ricardo Thomas, born in Canada to Antiguan parents, had been living in Antigua for the past 20 years at his family’s home in Clare Hall. He is being fondly remembered by loved ones following the tragic accident that claimed his life near the coast of Sicily on August 19th.

Caribbean roots Chef Ricardo Thomas was born in Antigua to Antiguan parents.

The Bayesian was struck by a powerful storm on Monday, August 19th, causing it to sink around 5 a.m. local time near Porticello, Italy, according to a statement from the Italian coast guard. At the time of the incident, 22 people were aboard the yacht, including 12 passengers and 10 crew members. While 15 people were rescued, Thomas was among those who perished.

Thomas was celebrated by friends as a beloved figure in his community and a cherished friend. “He was a one-of-a-kind, special human being,” a close friend shared with The Independent, noting that they spoke to him “nearly every day.” Another longtime friend, Eli Fuller, emphasized how important Thomas was as a role model for young Antiguans. “He was sought after in his line of work, and for kids in Antigua to see one of their own traveling the world on yachts was inspiring.”

Gareth Williams, who had known Thomas for 30 years, revealed that the chef had been working to help his family. “He told me just the other day that he needed to work two more seasons to fix up his late parents’ house. He loved yachting, but he was tired.”

The search for missing bodies continues, with those recovered so far including British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch and his daughter Hannah, along with Morgan Stanley International Chairman Jonathan Bloomer, his wife Judy, and New York lawyer Christopher Morvillo and his wife Neda.

Investigations are now focused on how the Bayesian, considered “unsinkable” by its manufacturer, the Italian Sea Group, could have gone down so quickly. CEO Giovanni Costantino has pointed to potential crew errors as the cause of the tragedy, stating in an interview with the Financial Times that the yacht sank in 16 minutes, a timeframe that should have allowed for a safe evacuation.

The ill-fated voyage was reportedly hosted by Lynch to celebrate his recent acquittal on fraud charges in the U.S.

News Americas, New York, NY, August 22, 2024: Over the past three years as U.S. Vice President, Kamala Harris, a Black, Caribbean, and South Asian American, has played a crucial role in addressing key challenges in Central America and the Caribbean. Her initiatives, particularly in tackling the root causes of migration and strengthening U.S. relations with regional partners, have been significant, according to Jason Marczak, Vice President and Senior Director of the Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center. Here’s a look at her efforts:

US Vice President, Caribbean and South Asian American Kamala Harris speaks at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, US, on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024. (Photographer: Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Leading the Root Causes Strategy for Central American Migration:

Appointed in April 2021 to spearhead efforts addressing migration from Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador.

Convened a group of experts to craft strategies focused on transparency, economic development, security, and governance.

Launched a five-pillar strategy in June 2021 to work with in-country stakeholders on reducing migration drivers.

Helped secure over $5.2 billion in commitments from companies and organizations to invest in the region.

Oversaw a significant reduction in migration from Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador to the U.S. border.

Strengthening U.S.-Caribbean Relations:

Became the highest-ranking U.S. official to visit The Bahamas in June 2023, co-hosting the U.S.-Caribbean Leaders Meeting.

Prioritized collaboration on climate change, food security, and security issues, including arms trafficking.

Secured a $100 million U.S. assistance package to address regional challenges, including Haiti’s humanitarian crisis.

Promoting Long-Term Economic Security in Central America and the Caribbean:

Advocated for providing local organizations with technical and financial resources to foster job creation and human capital development.

Focused on combating corruption and enhancing governance to support sustainable development.

Applying a “Listen, Act, Follow Up” Approach:

Met with regional leaders to understand their priorities before crafting strategies.

Implemented long-term solutions, adjusting tactics based on evolving conditions in the region.

Harris’ work in Central America and the Caribbean underscores her commitment to tackling complex issues that require thoughtful, adaptive solutions. As she continues to define her potential foreign policy as a presidential candidate, these experiences offer insight into how she might navigate the global stage and these regions.