Jamaican Actor Christopher ‘Johnny’ Daley Gears Up for Global Performances and HBO Role

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News Americas, New York, NY, August 16, 2024: “I believe that one of Jamaica’s greatest untapped creative resources is the incredible acting talent that resides in our beautiful little island. I think the time has come to unleash that resource. And I’m ready for the moment—and ready for the world.”

Jamaican born actor Christopher ‘Johnny’ Daley. (Photo courtesy of Travis Muschett)

These are the words of award-winning, Jamaican born actor, comedian, and former child star, Christopher ‘Johnny’ Daley, as he embarks on a new chapter in his illustrious career. Daley, known for his iconic role as ‘Johnny,’ on the beloved Jamaican television series Lime Tree Lane, is gearing up for several international performances and a featured role in a highly anticipated television series co-produced by HBO and the UK’s Channel 4.

Daley will headline The Kings of Jamaican Comedy event in Dorchester, Massachusetts, on Sunday, August 25th, as part of Boston’s Carnival Weekend celebrations at Kay’s Oasis is located at 1125 Blue Hill Avenue, Boston Massachusetts, 02124.

Daley with fellow actors Oliver Samuels, Hugh Smith and comedian Drew Thomas. (Photo courtesy of Johnny Live Productions.)

Reflecting on Jamaica’s global influence in areas like music, athletics, fashion, and beauty, Daley emphasized that the country’s actors are yet to receive their full recognition on the world stage. “We’ve given the world the Marleys, Shaggys, and Sean Pauls, as well as Usain Bolts, Asafa Powells, and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryces. We’ve had four Miss Worlds. But in the realm of film, theater, and television performance, we have yet to fully set the world ablaze,” Daley explained. “Icons such as Sheryl Lee Ralph and the late Madge Sinclair have left an indelible mark on the industry. Now, with the increasing interest in Jamaican stories told by Jamaican actors, I’m excited to be part of that renaissance and see what the future holds.”

Daley’s excitement extends to his upcoming role in Get Millie Black, a crime drama surrounding Jamaican-born detective Millie Black, who returns to Kingston after working for Scotland Yard. Daley plays Detective Lance Stennet, whose tense relationship with Millie Black intensifies the drama. Daley described the character as “ambitious, tenacious, and serious about policing,” adding that the role allows him to explore the complex dynamics between the two detectives.

In addition to his work on Get Millie Black, Daley has a busy schedule of live performances. After his appearance in Boston, he will perform at the Premier Restaurant and Lounge in Lithonia, Georgia, on October 13 for the Laugh A Ton event. He will also take the stage at the annual Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival in South Florida on November 10. Back home in Jamaica, he will appear at the Grace Food Festival in Hope Gardens on August 24 and continues to host the popular Johnny Live Comedy Bar at his venue, Johnny’s Place, every Tuesday night.

Reflecting on his journey, Daley shared how his early mischief as a primary school student led him to join the school’s drama club, eventually landing him the lead role in his first play and a summer scholarship to The Jamaica School of Drama. It was there that he met television writer Melita Samuels, who cast him in Lime Tree Lane. The show’s popularity made Daley a household name across Jamaica, and he embraced the nickname ‘Johnny’ from his character on the show.

Decades later, Daley has successfully transitioned from child star to acclaimed actor, with nearly forty major stage productions under his belt and screen appearances in films like One Love and Kingston Paradise. He has worked alongside some of Jamaica and the Caribbean’s most celebrated icons, earning accolades such as the International Theatre Institute (Jamaica) Actor Boy Award for Best Actor.

Though he juggles a demanding career, Daley remains committed to carving out time for his family, including his three children. Looking ahead, he is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead, particularly with the growing interest in Jamaican-themed projects in Jamaica and abroad.

“There is a movement happening right now, and you can feel it,” Daley said. “At long last, Jamaican actors are going to start getting our due. And for me, while Jamaica will always be home, I’m willing to go wherever the work is. We’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time. I’m going to make the most of it.”

For more information on The Kings of Jamaican Comedy event, call 508-882-2566.

Former Haitian President Michel Martelly Designated By U.S. For Role in Global Drug Trade

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News Americas, New York, NY, August 20, 2024: The United States today officially designated former Haitian President Michel “Sweet Mickey” Martelly for his involvement in the global illicit drug trade. Martelly, 63, a musician-turned-president, is accused by U.S. authorities of “abusing his influence to facilitate drug trafficking” and supporting multiple gangs based in Haiti.

LES CAYES, HAITI – AUGUST 20: Former president of Haiti Michel Joseph Martelly gestures as he arrives at Antoine Simon airport after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck Haiti on August 20, 2021 in Les Cayes, Haiti. Rescue efforts continue among destroyed homes since the quake struck on August 14 and so far there are at least 2,200 dead and 12,268 wounded. The epicenter was located about 100 miles west of the capital city Port-au-Prince. Days after the quake Haitians were hit by tropical storm grace. (Photo by Richard Pierrin/Getty Images)

“Narcotics trafficking and gang-related violence have contributed to political instability and insecurity in Haiti, creating an untenable situation for the Haitian people,” stated a U.S. State Department release. “It is unacceptable for Haitian political and economic elites to plunder Haiti’s future. Today’s action underscores the United States’ unwavering commitment to holding accountable those whose activities fuel gang violence and destabilize Haiti, regardless of their position.”

Martelly served as President of Haiti from May 2011 until February 2016. He stepped down on February 10, 2016, leaving the country without a president for a week. On February 17, 2016, Jocelerme Privert succeeded him as interim president. Amid allegations of electoral fraud in the 2015 elections, Privert initiated a month-long verification commission, which, after auditing approximately 13,000 ballots, concluded that the election results were tainted by dishonesty and recommended a new election.

In 2015, Pras Michel of the Fugees completed a documentary titled Sweet Micky for President, directed by Ben Patterson. The film follows Martelly’s rise and his election campaign to fight corruption in Haiti. The documentary premiered at the 2015 Slamdance Film Festival and later aired on Showtime. After his presidency, Martelly returned to his musical career, releasing a carnival méringue titled “Bal Bannann nan” (Give Her the Banana), mocking renowned Haitian journalist Liliane Pierre Paul.

On November 17, 2022, the Canadian government imposed joint sanctions on Martelly and former Haitian Prime Ministers Laurent Lamothe and Jean Henry Ceant. These sanctions were based on accusations of “gross and systematic human rights violations in Haiti,” particularly Martelly’s alleged support for violent armed gangs that terrorize the population. At the time, a press release from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s office stated that Martelly was “suspected of protecting and enabling the illegal activities of armed criminal gangs.”