United Airlines Launches Non-Stop Flights from Newark to Dominica

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News Americas, New York, NY, October 1, 2024: Dominica is set to receive a boost in tourism with the launch of a new non-stop flight from New York/Newark to Dominica’s Douglas-Charles Airport (DOM). United Airlines will operate the new service starting on February 15, 2025, with flights departing from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) every Saturday. This marks the second direct flight route from the U.S. to Dominica.

United is set to fly directly to Dominica next year

The decision to introduce this new route comes after significant upgrades to Dominica’s Douglas-Charles Airport, including a 6,351-foot runway extension and new runway grooving, which enhance safety, reduce flight cancellations, and accommodate larger aircraft. The terminal also received improvements to increase capacity and efficiency.

“This new service by United Airlines is a major step toward achieving the island’s ambitious goals,” said Dominica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon. Denise Charles-Pemberton. “It will alleviate the access constraints Dominica has faced for years.”

This direct connection from the tri-state area, one of Dominica’s largest U.S. source markets, is expected to provide a major boost to the island’s tourism industry. Several new hotels are also set to open in 2025, adding nearly 500 rooms and increasing hotel capacity by 25%, just in time for what is anticipated to be one of Dominica’s busiest travel seasons.

Marva Williams, CEO of the Discover Dominica Authority, highlighted the significance of the route. “The increased capacity will allow U.S.-based tour operators to confidently book group travel to Dominica, offering more travelers the opportunity to experience our world-class diving, hiking, wellness, and cultural offerings.”

The launch of this new flight also coincides with Dominica’s famous Mas Domnik Carnival, set for March 3-4, 2025. Known as the “Real Mas,” this Carnival celebrates traditional customs with calypso music, competitions, and exciting festivities. More details on the event will be announced soon.

“We are proud to partner with Discover Dominica Authority to add Dominica to our global route network,” said Matt Stevens, United Airlines’ Vice President of International Network. “This route will give our customers access to one of the most unique destinations in the world.”

For more information or to plan your trip to Dominica, visit www.discoverdominica.com. Direct flights can be booked on united.com or via the United app, pending government approvals.

Reggae Star Gyptian Drops New Single

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News Americas, New York, NY, October 1, 2024: Reggae and Dancehall star Gyptian has dropped a captivating new sexy and raunchy single and music video titled “In the Dark.” Released through VPAL Music, the sultry track explores a secretive, late-night romance that flourishes behind closed doors.

Gyptian, seen here performing at Reggae Land at Milton Keynes Bowl, Milton Keynes, UK on 3 August 2024, has dropped a new single and video. (Photo by David Corio/Redferns)

Born Windel Beneto Edwards, Gyptian is currently single and resides in Jamaica. Despite his musical success, the artist has faced personal tragedy—his twin sons passed away prematurely in June 2006. Four years later, on June 8, 2010, he survived a motorbike accident, sustaining minor head and shoulder injuries.

A devoted Rastafarian, Gyptian’s faith is reflected in his music, including tracks like “Leave Us Alone,” where he incorporates chants honoring Emperor Haile Selassie I.

Produced by Spot On Records and Mek Cent$ Entertainment, “In the Dark” features smooth melodies and lush background vocals, delivering a sleek and seductive vibe. Gyptian’s soulful voice glides effortlessly through the track, drawing listeners into the intrigue of the hidden affair, while the airy beat provides a rhythmic pulse. The music video, released alongside the single, visually captures the essence of the story.

Watch it here

Nearly Half of Haitians Facing Hunger Amid Ongoing Gang Violence

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News Americas, New York, NY, October 1, 2024: Nearly half of Haiti’s population is facing severe hunger as violence and economic instability continue to grip the nation. A new report from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) reveals that 5.41 million Haitians are experiencing “high levels of acute food insecurity” between August 2024 and February 2025, with gang violence and inflation driving the crisis.

People wait for a food distribution in a displaced persons camp at the Lycée Marie Jeanne in Port-au-Prince on September 30, 2024. The UN Security Council extended on Monday its authorization of the multinational policing mission in crime-ravaged Haiti, but without any call to transform it into a UN peacekeeping mission, as floated by Port-au-Prince. (Photo by CLARENS SIFFROY/AFP via Getty Images)

The report warns that 6,000 people are suffering from “catastrophic levels of hunger” as armed groups continue to disrupt daily life, forcing families to flee their homes and cutting off access to essential supplies.

Children play on school desks that have been taken out of classrooms so people can sleep inside at Ecole National Joseph C. Bernard DeFreres displacement camp on August 27, 2024. Residents of areas in Port-au-Prince have been forced to take refuge in camps such as this rather than stay in gang occupied territories.

Haiti’s escalating violence, particularly in the capital, Port-au-Prince, has severely hampered the delivery of food and humanitarian aid. Armed gangs, controlling nearly 80 percent of the city and key roads, have made it difficult for households to access basic foodstuffs, contributing to the crisis. As a result, food costs now consume up to 70 percent of household income, making it increasingly difficult for families to feed themselves.

The situation is further exacerbated by high inflation and the lingering effects of past climate disasters, including Hurricane Matthew in 2016 and the 2021 earthquake.

Despite international efforts to restore order, including a UN-backed mission led by Kenya, the violence continues to surge. According to the UN, at least 3,661 people have been killed in 2024 alone due to gang violence, and more than 700,000 people have been displaced in recent years.

The report underscores that the humanitarian crisis is unlikely to improve in the near future. Between March and June 2025, the need for food assistance is expected to surpass available aid, as violence continues to disrupt supply chains and worsen displacement.

Amazon Building First Delivery Center in the Caribbean

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News Americas, New York, NY, October 1, 2024: Amazon has announced plans to build its first delivery center in the Caribbean.

Located in the municipality of Dorado, Puerto Rico, this new facility is set to enhance the distribution and delivery of products throughout the region, including the island of Puerto Rico. The 100,000-square-foot facility will create more than 100 full- and part-time jobs and provide over 200 opportunities for drivers through Amazon’s Delivery Service Partners (DSP) program. The facility’s construction is expected to be completed by mid-2025.

“Puerto Rico is an ideal place for business, and our new delivery center will allow us to serve customers faster and more efficiently,” said Ashleigh de la Torre, Amazon’s Vice President of Public Policy.

Puerto Rico Governor Pedro Pierluisi expressed pride in the project, stating, “Each new economic initiative, like this one, reaffirms the resilience and potential of the Puerto Rican people and showcases the best of what our island offers to the world.”

Manolo Cidre, Secretary of the Department of Economic Development and Commerce, added, “Amazon’s decision to enter Puerto Rico demonstrates the growing confidence in our market. This investment will create valuable job opportunities and foster collaboration with local service providers. It also underscores Puerto Rico’s appeal to both local and foreign investors.”

Grenadian Police Officer Charged With Incest Due Back in Court This Month

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News Americas, New York, NY, October 1, 2024: A police officer in Grenada facing multiple sexual offense charges, including incest, is scheduled to return to court later this month.

Grenada police officer Nigel Joseph, facing 15 sex-related charges, including incest, is set to return to court on October 28, 2024.

Corporal Nigel Joseph, attached to the Special Services Unit (SSU) of the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF), appeared in the Sauteurs Magistrate’s Court on September 23, 2024, where he was charged with 15 sex-related offenses, including incest with one of his daughters. Dressed in a blue and white shirt with black pants, Joseph covered his face with a red bandana as he arrived at the court.

Joseph, 48, was arrested on September 21, 2024, and has since been granted EC$50,000 bail with two sureties. As part of his bail conditions, he must surrender his travel documents, relocate from St. Patrick, report to the Hermitage Police Station weekly, and avoid contact with the victim. He is also required to seek permission from the court to leave Grenada and inform the authorities of any travel to Carriacou.

Joseph is due back in court on October 28, 2024. He has been suspended from active duty pending the outcome of the case.

The charges against Joseph highlight growing concerns about incest cases in Grenada. Senior Crown Counsel Howard Pinnock, of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, recently noted an increase in such cases during the opening of the Assizes.

This case is reminiscent of a 2016 conviction in which Cpl. Lennard Benjamin was sentenced to 15 years in prison for incest with his daughter in River Road, St. George’s.

Joseph faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted of incest involving a child under 13 years of age. His alleged offenses are said to have taken place in areas like River Antoine and Mt. Rose in St. Andrew and St. Patrick.