Shell Selected As Preferred Bidder For Trinidad’s Shallow Water Block

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News Americas, New York, NY, September 26, 2024: Shell has been named the preferred bidder for a highly sought-after shallow water block in Trinidad and Tobago, according to sources cited by Reuters. This decision comes as the Caribbean nation aims to reinvigorate its liquefied natural gas (LNG) and petrochemical sectors, which have been impacted by declining gas production.

Shell outperformed industry heavyweights bp and EOG Resources in the bidding process for the coveted Modified U(c) block, which was the most desirable of the 13 blocks offered during the country’s shallow water auction last year. Official estimates suggest these blocks hold a combined 13.4 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.

This win is of particular significance for Shell, as the company is a key stakeholder in Trinidad’s Atlantic LNG project, which produces 15.3 million tonnes of LNG per year. Shell, alongside bp, is keen to secure additional gas supplies to support the project’s liquefaction trains.

Negotiations between Shell and the Trinidad Government are still underway, with further details about the agreement expected soon. While neither Shell nor bp has commented publicly, the announcement marks a strategic victory for Shell, especially in light of its recent final investment decision on the Manatee gas field in Trinidad’s East Coast Marine Area.

The Manatee field, part of the Loran-Manatee discovery which straddles the maritime border between Trinidad and Venezuela, will enhance Shell’s gas production capacity. The development will include a pipeline connecting the offshore installation to Trinidad’s onshore gas processing facility.

EOG Resources and bp, who submitted bids for other blocks in the auction, have yet to provide responses regarding their bids.

Caribbean American US DA Says Focus On Right And Wrong In Eric Adams Indictment

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News Americas, New York, NY, September 26, 2024: “We are not focused on the right or the left. We are focused only on right and wrong.”

Those were the profound words of Caribbean-American U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Damian Williams today, as he unsealed the indictment against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, charging him with campaign finance violations, bribery, and conspiracy.

Caribbean American US Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams speaks at a press conference in New York, on September 26, 2024, on the indictment of New York City Mayor Eric Adams. US federal agents raided the official residence of Mayor Adams early September 26 ahead of the expected announcement of criminal charges against the former city cop once touted as a rising Democratic Party star. The search at the residence known as Gracie Mansion began before dawn, and is the latest shock twist in a graft investigation against the Adams administration. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)

Williams, the first black USDA in the Southern District and the son of Jamaican immigrants, described Adams’ actions as a “grave breach of the public’s trust,” alleging that the mayor knowingly accepted illegal campaign contributions and personal luxury benefits from foreign sources, including Turkish businessmen and officials.

Caribbean American US Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams speaks at a press conference in New York, on September 26, 2024, on the indictment of New York City Mayor Eric Adams. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)

According to the indictment, Adams, only the second black NYC Mayor and former Brooklyn Borough President, began soliciting illegal foreign donations for his 2021 mayoral campaign as early as 2018. The mayor allegedly received over $100,000 in luxury travel perks, including business-class flights and hotel stays, which were never disclosed as required by law. In exchange for these benefits, Adams is accused of also intervening in the fire safety inspection of a Turkish consulate building, pressuring the New York City Fire Department to approve the building despite safety concerns.

Williams, whose high profile indictments recently have included Sean “Diddy” Combs as well as the conviction of Sam Bankman Fried, emphasized that the ongoing investigation aims to hold accountable all individuals involved in this long-running conspiracy. He reiterated that the Southern District of New York’s focus is on rooting out corruption, regardless of political affiliation.

The charges come after an extensive investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s office, the FBI, and the New York City Department of Investigation. Commissioner Jocelyn Straub, from the NYC Department of Investigation, highlighted that Adams’ actions undermined public trust, stressing the profound impact such corruption has on the integrity of public service.

While the indictment represents a significant moment in New York City’s political landscape, Williams and other officials encouraged the public to come forward with any additional information related to the case, reinforcing the importance of transparency and accountability in government.

Adams is the first sitting mayor to be indicted. He has vowed to fight the charges.

Caribbean Immigrant Named King’s Musical Composer

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News Americas, New York, NY, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024: Caribbean Briton composer Errollyn Wallen, a Belizean immigrant, has made history as the first Black woman to be named Master of the King’s Music by King Charles, III.

Caribbean Briton Errollyn Wallen performs as part of Wesley Stace’s Cabinet of Wonders Variety Show at City Winery on March 17, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images)

Wallen, a renowned composer and pianist, received the news from Buckingham Palace earlier this summer while at her seaside home in Scotland.

In an interview with the New York Times, Wallen expressed her surprise and joy. “I was astonished,” said Wallen, 66, reflecting on the moment she was asked to take on the prestigious role. “I paused for a few moments, then cheerfully accepted.”

Belize immigrant Errollyn Wallen attends the Sky Arts Awards 2024 at The Roundhouse on September 17, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by John Phillips/Getty Images)

As Master of the King’s Music, Wallen will serve for 10 years, composing pieces for significant royal events such as weddings, jubilees, and coronations. Her appointment was officially announced in August.

Wallen, who was born in Belize – a former British colony – has built a remarkable career challenging conventions in classical music, blending various styles, and addressing social issues through her compositions. Her works, which include symphonies, operas, and chamber music, often explore themes such as coal mining history and the legacy of slavery.

“I want to champion music for all,” Wallen shared in the interview. “I see the arts and music as the lifeblood of a nation.”

Wallen has had previous royal connections, having been honored as a Member of the Order of the British Empire by King Charles when he was the Prince of Wales. She was also made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2021.

Looking ahead, Wallen is set to meet with King Charles, a classical music enthusiast, to discuss her ideas for the role. One idea she is contemplating involves turning Buckingham Palace into a temporary hub for composers and performers.

Wallen’s achievements reflect her resilience in overcoming barriers as a woman of color in the classical music world. In her conversation with the New York Times, she opened up about the challenges she faced early in her career, confronting racism and being overlooked due to her background. Despite these obstacles, Wallen has become a trailblazer, forging her own path and gaining recognition for her distinctive voice.

Reflecting on her Caribbean roots, Wallen shared that while she left Belize at a young age, her connection to the sea and nature remains strong. “My mother is from a family of fishing people,” she said, noting how her seaside upbringing still influences her creativity today.

As Wallen prepares to take on this historic role, she remains dedicated to bringing music to the forefront of everyday life, continuing her mission to make the arts accessible to all.

ibex Jamaica Holds Back-To-School Event to Support Children of Employees

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PORTMORE, Jamaica, Sept. 26, 2024: ibex (NASDAQ: IBEX), a leading global provider of business process outsourcing (BPO) and customer engagement technology solutions, recently hosted its Back-To-School with ibex event at the company’s Portmore location.

Back-To-School with ibex helps school-aged children of ibex employees prepare for the new school year. Employees from departments across the company in all four Jamaica sites were eligible, including parents with little ones starting school for the first time and those with top performers at the primary and secondary levels. In addition, the Special Country Manager’s Award went to the two top CXC performers along with a new laptop for each.

“Education is the foundation of success, and we are delighted to help support our employees’ children as they begin their next school year,” said ibex SVP of Operations and Jamaica Country Manager Tamara Ricketts-Brown. “ibex brings together the best talent, training, culture and technology in Jamaica to deliver amazing customer experiences for many of the world’s leading brands. By combining our AI-enabled technology, award-winning rewards and recognition programs, and exciting career development opportunities, we offer an engaging and rewarding employee experience that helps our agents grow and succeed.”

In Jamaica, ibex has been recognized for its outstanding culture, employee experience, development opportunities and service, including Best Place to Work for Women in Central America and the Caribbean by Great Place to Work, Nearshore Company of the Year by Nearshore Americas, and Central America and Caribbean Company of the Year by Frost & Sullivan.

ibex is hiring 1,300 new agents in Jamaica over the next two months for multiple client programs supporting top brands in exciting industries, such as retail, technology, health and beauty, and transportation logistics.

Join the winning team at ibex to realize your dream – apply here: https://www.ibex.co/join-us/jamaica/.

About ibex

ibex delivers innovative business process outsourcing (BPO), smart digital marketing, online acquisition technology, and end-to-end customer engagement solutions to help companies acquire, engage and retain valuable customers. Today, ibex operates a global CX delivery center model consisting of approximately 30 operations facilities around the world, while deploying next generation technology to drive superior customer experiences for many of the world’s leading companies across retail, e-commerce, healthcare, fintech, utilities and logistics.

ibex leverages its diverse global team of over 30,000 employees together with industry-leading technology, including the AI-powered ibex Wave iX solutions suite, to manage nearly 175 million critical customer interactions, adding over $2.2B in lifetime customer revenue each year and driving a truly differentiated customer experience. To learn more, visit our website at ibex.co and connect with us on LinkedIn.