Kamala Harris’ Stance on the Caribbean, Latin America

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News Americas, New York, NY, August 1, 2024: While the US’ Black, Asian and Caribbean American VP, Kamala Harris, is not yet the official Democratic Party nominee, despite having enough pledged delegates, she is now thrust into an election just about 95 days away. So where has she stood during the Biden administration on the Caribbean and Latin America? The Americas Society Council of the Americas recently documented that stance in a recent article. Here’s a synopsis from the analysis.

US Vice President and 2024 presumptive Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris delivers the eulogy for US Representative, Caribbean roots Sheila Jackson Lee, at Fallbrook Church in Houston, Texas, on August 1, 2024. Jackson Lee, a Democrat and outspoken advocate for racial justice and minorities’ rights, died July 19, 2024, at the age of 74. (Photo by MARK FELIX/AFP via Getty Images)

Immigration

Harris, born to a Jamaican father and Indian mother, has extensive experience dealing with immigration issues, both as vice president and during her tenure as a U.S. senator from California (2017–2021) and the state’s attorney general (2011–2017). But what are her positions on immigration and other issues concerning Latin America and the Caribbean?

Early in the Biden administration, concerns over unprecedented immigration numbers emerged. In March 2021, a surge of unaccompanied minors at the southern border led President Biden to assign Harris the task of reducing migration to the United States.

Harris, a child of immigrants from the Caribbean and India, has since focused on addressing the “root causes” of migration, primarily the lack of economic opportunities in Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. The United States, under her initiative, has facilitated economic development and private investment in these countries, resulting in $5 billion in promised investments, with about a quarter already active.

Republicans often refer to Harris as the Biden administration’s “Border Czar,” a title she never officially held. Harris visited the U.S.-Mexico border once in June 2021, where she reiterated her commitment to solving the “root problems” of migration.

In May, Harris supported a bipartisan border enforcement bill that was blocked in the Senate. The bill aimed to increase funding for border agents and technology, boost deportations, and close the border to migrants under certain conditions. Parts of this bill were included in a Biden executive order in June.

As a senator, Harris was a vocal critic of Trump administration immigration policies. She was the first senator to call for the resignation of then-Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen over the policy of family separation. She also authored legislation to provide detained migrants with legal resources and has been a strong advocate for Dreamers.

U.S.-Mexico Relations

One of Harris’ first trips as vice president was to Mexico in June 2021, where she met with President Andrés Manuel López Obrador to discuss bilateral relations and support for the Biden administration’s Central America strategy. The meeting also addressed issues of drug, arms, and human smuggling. As California’s attorney general, Harris built a reputation for combating organized crime, including the Sinaloa cartel.

Harris opposes Republican calls for military force against organized crime groups in Mexico and did not respond to requests to designate cartels as terrorist groups. She discussed organized crime with Mexican President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum following the country’s June elections.

If elected president, Harris will oversee the 2026 review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). In 2020, she was one of 10 senators to vote against the pact, citing insufficient protections for U.S. workers and the environment. She also opposed the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), which included Mexico, Chile, and Peru, during her 2016 Senate campaign. President Trump withdrew the United States from the TPP in 2021.

Cuba and Venezuela

Harris has taken a different stance from Biden on Cuba. Before becoming vice president, she supported ending the embargo. During Biden’s term, she condemned the regime’s violence and backed increased sanctions on its leaders.

Regarding Venezuela, Harris supported expanding Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelan migrants and opposed military intervention to ensure aid delivery. As a senator in 2019, she criticized the violent repression by Nicolás Maduro’s regime and recently called on Maduro to respect the Barbados Accords for free and fair 2024 elections.

Puerto Rico and the Caribbean

Harris visited Puerto Rico in 2024 to highlight federal aid for hurricane recovery. She faced protests supporting independence and opposing a controversial tax law.

Of Jamaican descent, Harris co-hosted the U.S.-Caribbean Leaders Meeting in June 2023, announcing over $100 million in USAID funding for the Caribbean.

Kamala Harris’ positions on Latin America and the Caribbean reflect a comprehensive approach to addressing economic development, immigration, and bilateral relations, emphasizing diplomacy and investment over military intervention. As the Democratic nominee, her policies will play a crucial role in shaping U.S. relations with the region.

Did You Know The US’ Olympic Swim Team Coach Was Born In The Caribbean?

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News Americas, New York, NY, August 1, 2024: Anthony Nesty’s role as the US Olympic men’s swimming head coach is a vision fulfilled. Nesty, who was born in the Caribbean Community nation of Suriname, was named head coach last fall. He led the US men’s swim team at the 2024 Paris Olympics in what was a groundbreaking and historic appointment.

Caribbean born Anthony Nesty, Head Coach of Team United States, addresses during the Team United States Swimming press conference ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on July 24, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Nesty, 56, initially only swam because his father made him. “I didn’t enjoy swimming,” he shared in an interview with TODAY.com recently. “Why he chose swimming, I think, is because of the discipline of the sport. It’s just you and the clock.”

Nesty’s first swim at age five was in Suriname, where he grew up. At the time, the country had only one 50-meter pool. What began as a reluctant activity turned into a distinguished career, culminating in his appointment as the head coach for the men’s Olympic team for the 2024 Games in Paris, making him the first Black person to hold this position in U.S. Olympic swimming history. He previously served as an assistant coach for the Tokyo Games.

“My dad, he had a vision for me,” said Nesty.

Nesty’s journey to the top began with victories in local and regional meets across Suriname, the Caribbean, and South America. His specialty, the butterfly stroke, earned him a gold medal in the 100-meter race at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, making him the first Black male swimmer to win individual gold.

Nesty continued his swimming career at the University of Florida on an athletic scholarship, becoming a three-time NCAA champion in the 100-yard butterfly from 1990 to 1992.

As a prominent Black coach in a predominantly white sport, Nesty understands the significance of his role. “You know you’re a role model,” he told The Associated Press in June 2023. “You have to take that very seriously. Maybe it’s why I work so hard at what I do. I try to be the best Anthony Nesty I can be.”

Nesty’s ascension to head coach is particularly significant given the complicated history of Black people and swimming in the U.S. Access to swimming facilities directly correlates to whether Black people swim, a barrier Nesty and experts are keenly aware of.

Nesty moved to Florida as a teenager to pursue swimming more seriously. He attended the Bolles School in Jacksonville, where the rigorous practice routine was a stark contrast to his previous training in Suriname. “We used to only train five days a week, Monday through Friday, maybe two hours per practice,” he said. “And then you come to the States, you’re running nine practices, two hours-plus, dry land, weights. For me, I had to get adjusted to that for sure.”

Despite the challenges, Nesty thrived, advancing to collegiate and Olympic competition. Reflecting on his achievements, he said, “I stay busy preparing the athletes. I don’t think of my accomplishments. Our sport is demanding for the athletes, the coaches, the families. I want to be the best coach for the University of Florida and of course this summer for us.”

Nesty’s father, who invested significant time, effort, and financial support into his son’s swimming career, would be thrilled to see how far Nesty has come. “He would be jumping up and down to see that his son is the head coach of the U.S. men’s team,” Nesty said. “That’s kind of the pinnacle of our sport and he would be happy that I’ve reached the top now.”

In recent years, the sport has seen contributions from standout Black swimmers such as Simone Manuel, Lia Neal, and Natalie Hinds. “It’s very encouraging,” Nesty said of the increased representation in swimming. “The sport is going to keep growing. There are a lot of opportunities for all races to get scholarships in our sport.”

Despite these advancements, racial disparities in swimming persist. A 2023 demographics report by USA Swimming revealed that only 2.1% of athlete members identified as Black or African American, while 62.4% identified as white.

Nesty believes the lack of Black swimmers in the sport is more of a socioeconomic issue than one based on ability. “It’s also very expensive,” he noted. “And you have to find a pool.”

For Nesty, creating a welcoming environment on his teams is paramount. “Whichever team you belong to, you’re going to be welcomed with open arms because the sport is so demanding,” he said. “You have to have empathy for each other. I tell our athletes you got to respect the athlete next to you because you guys are doing the same thing. If you do it as a group, it becomes more palatable. It becomes more fun, and that’s the experience I had as a swimmer. And I would love to hear the athletes of color, when they join a team, sense that they have that camaraderie.”

As Nesty leads the U.S. men’s swimming team to the Paris Olympics, his story serves as an inspiration, highlighting the importance of perseverance, representation, and breaking barriers in sports.

Caribbean Roots Rapper Cardi B Files For Divorce

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News Americas, New York, NY, August 1, 2024: Just hours after filing for divorce from husband Offset, Grammy-winning rapper, Caribbean roots Cardi B, announced she’s pregnant with her third child. The artist, known for her Caribbean roots, took to Instagram on August 1st to share her news, writing: “With every ending comes a new beginning! I am so grateful to have shared this season with you, you have brought me more love, more life and most of all renewed my power! Reminded me that I can have it all!”

Cardi B is seen leaving Cesar restaurant on July 9, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by MEGA/GC Images)

The singer, born Belcalis Marlenis Cephus (nee Almánzar, added: “You’ve reminded me that I never have to choose between life, love, and my passion! I love you so much and cannot wait for you to witness what you helped me accomplish, what you pushed me to do! It’s so much easier taking life’s twists, turns and test laying down, but you, your brother and your sister have shown me why it’s worth it to push through!”

Cardi B and Offset’s relationship began in 2017, starting with a memorable first date at the 2018 Super Bowl in Houston. They secretly tied the knot in a spontaneous ceremony at home in September of that year, though Cardi didn’t reveal her married status until eight months later.

“There are so many moments that I share with the world and there are moments that I want to keep for myself! Getting married was one of those moments,” the Bronx native shared on X (formerly Twitter) in June 2018, while expecting her daughter, Kulture. “Our relationship was so new, breaking up and making up, and we had a lot of growing to do, but we were so in love we didn’t want to lose each other.”

A month after their private ceremony, Offset proposed publicly, ensuring Cardi got the full engagement experience with an 8-carat sparkler. “I appreciate and love my husband so much for still wanting for me to have that special moment that every girl dreams of when he got down on his knee and put a ring on my finger,” Cardi wrote on Twitter. “Well now since you lil nosey f–ks know at least ya can stop saying I had a baby out of wedlock.”

Cardi’s pregnancy announcements were nothing short of grand. She revealed her first pregnancy during a performance on Saturday Night Live in April 2018, and announced her second at the 2021 BET Awards, debuting her baby bump in a custom Dolce & Gabbana bodysuit.

Despite their growing family, Cardi and Offset’s relationship faced many challenges, with multiple breakups and reconciliations. Cardi confirmed she was single in December 2023, only to reunite with Offset on New Year’s Eve.

In a May 2024 interview with Rolling Stone, Cardi expressed the deep connection she felt with Offset, calling him her “cheerleader” and best friend. “It’s not even about love,” she said. “We’re best friends. And it’s like, ‘OK. Well, there was a time that I didn’t have a best friend, or I didn’t have a support system.’ It’s not even about ‘How do you leave a partner?’ How do you stop talking to your best friend?”

However, by August, Cardi had again filed for divorce, ending their nearly seven-year marriage.

Their journey together, marked by private moments and public displays of affection, included the birth of their daughter Kulture in July 2018 and their son Wave in 2022. The couple celebrated Kulture’s impending arrival with a fairytale baby shower, filled with love and excitement.

Cardi’s announcement of her third pregnancy underscores her resilience and commitment to her family, despite the personal challenges she faces. The world now waits to see the next chapter in the life of this vibrant, talented artist. Cardi’s father Carlos is Dominican and her mother Clara is a Trinidadian of African and Spanish descent. She identifies as an Afro-Latina.