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.

U.S. Sanctions Former Haitian MP and Gang Leader

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News Americas, New York, NY, September 25, 2024: The United States Treasury Department has sanctioned another Haitian politician, former parliament member Prophane Victor, as part of its ongoing efforts to address the escalating violence in Haiti.

Prophane Victor has been sanctioned by the US.

A spokesperson from the U.S. State Department stated that Victor is being sanctioned for his role in forming, supporting, and arming gangs that have committed severe human rights abuses in Haiti.

In addition to Victor, the Treasury also sanctioned Luckson Elan, the current leader of the Gran Grif gang, for his involvement in human rights violations related to gang activity in Haiti’s Artibonite department.

The new sanctions come just over a month since former President Michel Martelly was also sanctioned.

“Victor and Elan, through their influence over or leadership of the gangs in Haiti, have sought to perpetuate the horrific violence and instability,” said Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Bradley T. Smith. “Treasury remains committed to holding accountable those who seek to leverage human rights abuses, violence, and corruption to achieve their political aims.”

Both Victor and Elan were identified in the latest United Nations Panel of Experts report as key figures responsible for Haiti’s crisis. The report described the gang-related violence as unprecedented, citing “indiscriminate attacks against the population” and the obstruction of humanitarian aid. It also highlighted the rise of sexual and gender-based violence, particularly rape, as one of the most horrific forms of violence over the past two years.

“Promoting accountability for gender-based violence is a top priority for the U.S. government and for our use of the Global Magnitsky sanctions program,” a State Department spokesperson emphasized. “We will continue to use the tools at our disposal to expose those who commit such heinous crimes anywhere they occur.”

Victor, a former Haitian legislator, began arming young men in Petite Rivière, Artibonite, to secure his political control over the area, culminating in his 2016 election. Those men later formed the Gran Grif gang, now the largest gang in the Artibonite region and a major perpetrator of abuses, including sexual violence. Victor continued to support the gang until at least 2020 and is also implicated in arms trafficking and financial support of other gangs in Haiti.

Elan, as the current head of Gran Grif, is responsible for numerous atrocities, including kidnapping, murder, rape, and the forced recruitment of children. His gang’s violence has left communities devastated, with innocent civilians paying the price for the ongoing gang conflict.

Following these sanctions, all U.S.-based property and assets of Victor and Elan are blocked, and U.S. persons are prohibited from engaging in transactions with them. Violations of these sanctions could result in civil or criminal penalties. Non-U.S. persons are also barred from facilitating activities that would violate the sanctions.

Financial institutions and individuals who engage with the sanctioned entities risk facing enforcement actions or additional sanctions. These restrictions include prohibiting contributions or provisions of funds, goods, or services to or from any designated person.

The sanctions come as U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken announced an additional $160 million in development, economic, health, and security assistance for Haiti, bringing the total U.S. foreign aid to over $1.3 billion since FY 2021.

“The United States supports the Haitian people and their aspirations for a peaceful and democratic Haiti,” Blinken said.

St. Lucia Welcomes Home Olympic Medalist Julien Alfred

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News Americas, New York, NY, September 25, 2024: Double Olympic medalist Julien Alfred returned home to St. Lucia on Tuesday, receiving a warm and celebratory welcome at Hewanorra International Airport. The 23-year-old, who made history as St. Lucia’s first Olympic medalist, was greeted by Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre and other dignitaries. This marks the beginning of four days of events in honor of the island’s sprint sensation.

Julien Alfred interacts with supporters after arriving home in St Lucia. (CMC image)

Alfred’s homecoming follows her incredible performance at last month’s Paris Olympics, where she claimed gold in the 100 meters and silver in the 200 meters. It was her first time back in St. Lucia since those historic achievements.

During an emotional speech, Alfred expressed her gratitude to the crowd gathered to celebrate her success. “I don’t want to get emotional, but today I really want to give thanks,” she said to cheers. She thanked the many people who supported her on her journey and shared her long-held dream of inspiring young athletes in St. Lucia.

“I have dreamt of this day for such a long time – just being an inspiration to the youth of Saint Lucia. I want to give back and inspire them so we can have many more Levern Spencers, many more Daren Sammys, and many more like myself,” Alfred said.

The sprint star, who also recently took gold in the 100 meters at the Diamond League Final, reflected on the challenges she faced along the way. “It was truly a rocky road. Many days I wanted to just give up, throw in the towel, and say, ‘I’m done.’ But my village—those who stood by me—I just want to say thank you for everything.”

Prime Minister Pierre, in his remarks at the airport ceremony, called Alfred’s achievements “a source of inspiration to all Saint Lucians, especially our youth,” and encouraged the nation to take part in the upcoming celebrations.

Sports Minister Kenson Casimir also praised Alfred, calling her “the perfect representative of a Saint Lucian,” describing her as kind, generous, and humble.

The celebrations continue on September 25 with rallies for students at the Soufriere Mini Stadium and La Resource playing field. On September 26, Alfred will visit her alma mater, Ciceron Primary School, where a mural in her honor will be unveiled. The festivities will culminate on September 27 with a grand concert at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, where Alfred’s accomplishments will be formally recognized.

US Company To Invest $1.5 Billion In Rebuilding Treasure Cay, Bahamas

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News Americas, New York, NY, September 24, 2024: Jacksonville-based GreenPointe Holdings is set to invest $1.5 billion in the purchase and redevelopment of Treasure Cay in Abaco, Bahamas, five years after Hurricane Dorian devastated the island.

Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis and Edward E. Burr, the chairman and CEO of GreenPointe Holdings reached an agreement approving the purchase and redevelopment of Treasure Cay by the Jacksonville-based company. (Greenepointe image)

An agreement, known as a Heads of Agreement, was signed on September 1 between the Bahamian government and GreenPointe Holdings. The deal was finalized exactly five years after Hurricane Dorian, a Category 5 storm, struck Abaco, including Treasure Cay, on September 1, 2019. Abaco is located approximately 410 miles southeast of Jacksonville, Florida.

Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis and GreenPointe Holdings’ chairman and CEO, Edward E. Burr, formalized the agreement. The redevelopment aims to restore Treasure Cay as a thriving community and economic hub for North Abaco.

GreenPointe Holdings’ planned improvements for Treasure Cay include:

Single-family homes, condominiums, and villas

An 18-hole championship golf course

A beach club and restoration of the iconic Coco Beach Bar and Grill

A 175-slip marina

A retail marina village

Restoration of the famous Tipsy Seagull bar

A racquet club with tennis and pickleball

A wellness retreat with a spa and fitness facility

Phase 1 of the project is set to begin construction in 2025, with an anticipated completion by 2027. The redevelopment will also feature a commercial center aimed at restoring essential services lost since the 2019 hurricane.

“Revitalizing Treasure Cay goes beyond reconstruction; it’s about reigniting a beloved way of life that started in the 1960s,” Burr said in the release. “Treasure Cay has long been the economic engine of North Abaco, and the people deserve to see their community restored.”

Prime Minister Davis expressed his confidence in GreenPointe Holdings as the right partner for this large-scale redevelopment, noting that the company has a deep connection to Abaco and a proven track record of delivering impactful projects.

SSL To Pay Out $30M To Clients After Fraud Scandal

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News Americas, New York, NY, Tues. Sept. 24, 2024: The Jamaica Financial Services Commission, (FSC), has announced that Stocks and Securities Limited, (SSL), will soon begin distributing an estimated US$30 million to clients who have been waiting for over a year to recover their investments.

Olympic champion Usain Bolt was among those who lost money.

In a statement, the FSC confirmed that SSL is making significant progress in its plans to compensate its clients, based on the latest information from the trustees overseeing the company’s affairs.

Proceeds from SSL’s Client Portfolio

The payout will be primarily sourced from the sale of SSL’s international securities client portfolio, valued at over US$30 million. SSL has been embroiled in a fraud scandal since January 2023, leading to multiple lawsuits and court cases that have challenged the control of the firm.

The Ongoing Fraud Investigation

The scandal, which rocked Jamaica’s financial sector, has involved a multi-billion-dollar fraud investigation, affecting several clients, including Olympic champion Usain Bolt, who reportedly lost more than US$12 million. In response, the Jamaican government enlisted the help of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to assist local authorities in the investigation.

Changes in SSL Management

After temporarily taking over SSL’s management, the FSC lost control in May 2024 when Justice David Batts ruled in favor of Caydion Campbell, who had been appointed trustee of SSL by the company’s former board of directors. The case is set to return to court this week.

FSC’s Oversight and Compliance Measures

The FSC has maintained its regulatory oversight of SSL and issued directives on July 31, 2024, requiring SSL to provide regular updates on its operations, including the status of payouts to clients. These measures aim to enforce transparency and accountability during the company’s winding-up process.

“The FSC continues to ensure that SSL complies with the legal and regulatory framework under the Securities Act,” said FSC Executive Director, Lieutenant Colonel Keron Burrell. He emphasized that the Commission is focused on safeguarding SSL’s clients and maintaining the integrity of the financial system.

Ongoing Supervision and Law Enforcement Collaboration

The FSC reiterated its commitment to protecting SSL investors and ensuring that the firm meets its obligations in a timely and transparent manner. In collaboration with law enforcement agencies, the FSC is working to complete a thorough investigation into the alleged fraud and any improprieties at SSL.

“The Commission assures all stakeholders that it remains dedicated to maintaining transparency throughout this process and will provide updates as necessary,” Burrell added.

Haitian-American Rapper Kodak Black Finally Calls Out Trump Over Pet-Eating Remarks

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News Americas, New York, NY, Tues. Sept. 24, 2024: Haitian-American rapper Kodak Black, known for his ties to former President Donald Trump, has publicly called out the Republican candidate for his recent comments about Haitian immigrants. Trump, during a debate with Democratic contender Kamala Harris, accused Haitian immigrants of “eating pets,” a claim that sparked outrage within the Haitian community.

Haitian American Rapper Kodak Black (C) poses with a fan during a rally for former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump in Uniondale, New York, on September 18, 2024. (Photo by David Dee Delgado / AFP) (Photo by DAVID DEE DELGADO/AFP via Getty Images)

Trump, who is currently campaigning for re-election, claimed that Haitian immigrants in Springfield were “eating the dogs” and “eating the cats” of local residents. His potential vice president, JD Vance, echoed similar sentiments, tweeting about reports of pets being “abducted and eaten” by undocumented immigrants.

Kodak Black’s Response

Kodak Black, who has roots in Haiti, quickly took to social media to defend Haitian immigrants and address Trump’s comments. “I ain’t taking no Haitian slander,” the rapper said, expressing frustration at the accusations.

“If I wanted to eat a cat, that’s what I’m a eat,” he quipped, adding, “I was Haitian before it was cool to be Haitian.”

Black emphasized his love for all cultures and stressed that he’s not prejudiced. “I love Israel, I love all countries. I love everybody – because I’m a warrior of Christ.”

He also questioned the claims, asking incredulously, “When y’all saw a n**** eat a cat? Even if you saw someone eat a motherf***ing cat – so what?”

Standing Up for Haitians

Kodak Black urged Haitians not to support any political figure who disrespects them, highlighting the progress the Haitian community has made. “We ain’t taking no Haitian slander,” he said, comparing Trump’s comments to calling all white people with blue eyes “the Devil” – a statement he described as prejudiced.

Kodak Black’s Complex Relationship with Trump

Despite his criticism, Kodak Black still made headlines by attending a Trump rally in Uniondale, New York, on September 18, 2024. He also featured Trump on his and Fivio Foreign’s recent track, ‘ONBOA47RD.’

Born Dieuson Octave to Haitian immigrant Marcelene Octave, Kodak Black legally changed his name to Bill Kahan Kapri. Raised in Pompano Beach, Florida, in the Golden Acres housing project, the rapper has become a prominent figure with ties to his Haitian heritage and an evolving relationship with Trump.

Visa Free Travel To Thailand To End For These Caribbean Countries

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News Americas, New York, NY, Tues. Sept. 24, 2024: Beginning December 1, 2024, travelers from five Caribbean nations will no longer have visa-free access to Thailand. Instead, they will need to secure an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before visiting by air, sea, or land. This new requirement is part of Thailand’s broader efforts to enhance immigration controls and strengthen border security for international visitors.

Monks lifting the offerings brought by the faithful during the Festival at Wat Pha Lat (Sakadakamee), Thailand. (Photo by Pongmanat Tasiri/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Travelers from the following Caribbean nations will now need to apply for an ETA before traveling to Thailand:

Cuba
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Jamaica
Trinidad and Tobago

Previously, visitors from these nations could enter Thailand without a visa.

Thailand has long been a favored destination for Caribbean tourists, with its beautiful beaches, rich culture, and vibrant cities attracting increasing numbers of visitors from Havana, Santo Domingo, and Kingston. Caribbean travelers can easily apply for their ETA online through Thailand’s official e-Visa portal. The process is fully digital and will be free of charge.

The ETA will allow a single entry into Thailand and is valid for up to 60 days. Travelers who wish to extend their stay can apply for a one-time extension of an additional 30 days, enabling longer visits without the need for multiple re-entries. The online process is user-friendly, allowing travelers to obtain their travel authorization without any hassle. Visitors must present their ETA upon arrival in Thailand, and those who fail to comply with the new rules or overstay their authorized time may face penalties.

Caribbean Olympian Inducted Into University Of Kentucky Athletics Hall Of Fame

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Tues. Sept. 24, 2024: Caribbean immigrant and Puerto Rican sprint hurdler Jasmine Camacho-Quinn was among six athletes and officials inducted into the University of Kentucky Athletics Hall of Fame recently.

FLASHBACK – Puerto Rico’s Jasmine Camacho-Quinn celebrates with Puerto Rico’s national flag after winning the Women’s 100m Hurdles final of the Memorial Van Damme Diamond League athletics finals at the Roi Baudouin Stadium in Brussels on September 14, 2024. (Photo by NICOLAS TUCAT/AFP via Getty Images)

Camacho-Quinn, who won gold in the 100-meter hurdles at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and bronze at the 2024 Paris Olympics, was joined by fellow inductees including four-time Olympic gold medalist Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, coach John Cropp, Henrik Larsen (rifle), Jodie Meeks (men’s basketball), and Corey Peters (football).

During her time at Kentucky, Camacho-Quinn earned three NCAA titles – two in the 100-meter hurdles (2016, 2018) and one in the 4×100-meter relay, (2017). A six-time SEC champion, she also set four school records and remains one of Kentucky’s most decorated track and field athletes.

Following her induction at the Central Bank Center in Lexington, Camacho-Quinn, who represented Kentucky from 2016 to 2018, expressed her gratitude on Instagram. Reflecting on her journey, she thanked her family, coaches, and supporters, acknowledging the challenges she overcame during her time at the university.

“The journey wasn’t the easiest, but it was well worth it. Although I only got to represent Kentucky for three years, those three years taught me so much about myself and life. Six years after graduating, I am now part of the University of Kentucky Hall of Fame!” she wrote.

France Deploys Elite Riot Police To Martinique

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News Americas, New York, NY, September 24, 2024: France has deployed special anti-riot police to Martinique to address violent protests over the high cost of living that erupted last week, leaving at least six police officers and one civilian injured by gunfire. Demonstrators continue to gather despite a government ban on protests in parts of the island.

A French gendarmes controls a man at a roadblock, in Saint Louis on the way to Mont-Dore, in France’s Pacific territory of New Caledonia, on September 23, 2024. (Photo by SEBASTIEN BOZON/AFP via Getty Images)

The elite riot police, known as the Companies for Republican Security (CRS), were previously banned from Martinique after being accused of using excessive force during deadly protests in 1959. Though rarely deployed in French Caribbean territories, they were called in during the 2009 Guadeloupe riots.

A pedestrian walks past a burnt car and between debris following recent protests over the cost of living, in Fort-de-France, Martinique, on September 23, 2024. (Photo by ED JONES/AFP via Getty Images)

The government has imposed a curfew and banned protests in Fort-de-France, Le Lamentin, Ducos, and Le Robert, citing concerns over looting and violence. Officials stated the restrictions aim “to protect the population and businesses targeted by vandals” and to end disruptions to daily life.

Pedestrians walk past a burnt car and between debris following recent protests over the cost of living, in Fort-de-France, Martinique, on September 23, 2024. Authorities are under pressure in the French Caribbean island of Martinique, home to around 350,000 people as riots are following protests that began in early September 2024 over rising prices. (Photo by ED JONES/AFP via Getty Images)

Over the weekend, peaceful protesters were seen marching along highways, demanding lower food import taxes, as prices are reportedly up to 40% higher than in France. Talks between stakeholders have so far failed to reach a resolution.

Béatrice Bellay, a representative of the socialist party, criticized the decision to deploy the CRS, stating, “Martinique is not in a civil war, it is a social war,” and warning that the move could escalate tensions further.

French statistics office Insee conducted a year-long study in Martinique in 2022, which revealed the island’s food prices were 40% higher than in mainland France. Experts cited transport costs, an uncompetitive market between local retailers and customs tariffs, as reasons for the expense.