Canada Issues Travel Warnings For Five Caribbean Countries

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News Americas, New York, NY, October 8, 2024: The Canadian government has updated its travel advisories, urging nationals to exercise a high degree of caution when visiting several Caribbean nations due largely to rising concerns about crime and safety. The advisory, updated on Monday, applies to Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic as well as Cuba.

Jamaica

As one of the region’s top tourist destinations, Jamaica faces a particular spotlight in the advisory. Canada warns that “violent crime, including armed robbery and murder, is a problem in large cities and tourist areas, including parts of Kingston and Montego Bay, despite the presence of police to counter criminal activity.” The advisory emphasizes that crimes tend to concentrate in what local authorities call “traditional hot spots” but can occur anywhere and at any time. Tourists are particularly vulnerable to theft and robbery, and there is an ongoing risk of becoming caught in gang-related crossfire, especially in urban areas.

Trinidad and Tobago

For Trinidad and Tobago, Canada is advising its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to certain areas due to the high levels of violence and gang activity. These areas include Beetham Estate Gardens, Cocorite, Downtown Port of Spain, Laventille, and Sea Lots. The advisory notes that gang violence and armed confrontations are common in these regions, posing a significant threat to both locals and visitors.

Guyana

Canadian nationals are being warned to exercise increased caution while visiting Guyana due to prevalent violent crime. The advisory highlights that criminal activity, often linked to illegal drug trafficking, includes homicides, assaults, armed robberies, and carjackings. Tourists are particularly vulnerable, with cases of foreigners being robbed at gunpoint, especially after withdrawing money from banks or shopping areas. To minimize risk, travelers are advised to avoid carrying large amounts of cash and refrain from walking alone after dark, especially in certain Georgetown neighborhoods like Agricola, Buxton, and Stabroek Market.

Dominican Republic

Punta Cana from the air, Dominican Republic.

While the Dominican Republic remains a popular destination, Canadian authorities caution travelers about rising crime levels, particularly in major cities. The advisory indicates that most incidents affecting tourists are opportunistic crimes such as theft and robbery, though violent crime is also a concern. Visitors are urged to be vigilant and avoid walking alone in isolated areas.

Cuba

Canada’s advisory for Cuba differs slightly, focusing on shortages of basic necessities such as food, medicine, and fuel. While crime is not highlighted as a major concern, the advisory emphasizes the challenges travelers may face due to limited access to essential supplies.

Haiti

Canada continues to strongly advise against all travel to Haiti, where severe political instability and widespread gang violence have made the situation increasingly dangerous for foreign visitors.

The Canadian government urges all travelers to stay informed, remain vigilant, and take necessary precautions when visiting these Caribbean nations.

US Organization Condemns Dominican Republic’s Plan To Expel 10,000 Haitian Migrants Per Week

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News Americas, New York, NY, Tues. October 8, 2024: The US-based Haitian Bridge Alliance, (HBA), has strongly condemned the Dominican Republic’s decision to expel up to 10,000 Haitian nationals per week. The organization warns that this policy “threatens to worsen the ongoing humanitarian crisis faced by Haitians both in their homeland and abroad.”

A man holds a Dominican Republic flag during an anti-Haitian migration protest in Santo Domingo on October 5, 2024. (Photo by FRANCESCO SPOTORNO/AFP via Getty Images)

HBA, a grassroots non-profit that advocates for humane immigration policies and provides vital services to migrants, including the Haitian community, women, girls, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and survivors of human rights abuses, called the plan a “flagrant violation of basic human rights” that undermines efforts to manage migration with dignity.

“With Haiti already suffering from political instability, humanitarian crises, gang violence, and natural disasters, forcing thousands to return to an unsafe environment is unconscionable,” the organization stated. HBA highlighted that over 700,000 women and children have been displaced in Haiti, with 80% of the capital, Port-au-Prince, controlled by gangs. The group warned that the deportations would “further destabilize the region,” exacerbating the dire conditions Haitians are fleeing.

HBA also voiced concerns about systemic xenophobia and racial profiling, noting that the mass expulsions appear to target Haitians based on their ethnicity, nationality, or immigration status, fostering division and fear. The organization urged the international community to hold the Dominican Republic accountable for upholding the human rights of migrants.

HBA Executive Director Guerline Jozef condemned the policy as “inhumane” and called on the Dominican government to halt the deportations, urging collaboration with regional partners like CARICOM and the Organization of American States (OAS) to create sustainable migration solutions. “We need solidarity, not division, to protect human rights across borders,” Jozef added.

The government of Haiti has also called on the Dominican Republic to respect the rights of Haitian migrants. Haitian Foreign Minister Dominique Dupuy described the deportation plan as “regrettable” and emphasized the need to uphold the rights of all individuals, especially vulnerable groups such as women and children of Haitian descent.

Anti-Immigrant Protests

A man holds a banner that reads in spanish ‘Two nations don’t fit here’ during an anti-Haitian migration protest in Santo Domingo on October 5, 2024. (Photo by FRANCESCO SPOTORNO/AFP via Getty Images)

Meanwhile, anti-Haitian sentiment has been on the rise in the Dominican Republic. Last Friday, demonstrators from the Antigua Nueva Orden Dominicana protested near the National Palace, calling for stricter measures to curb Haitian migration. Their demonstration coincided with President Luis Abinader’s speech at the UN General Assembly, where he called for increased international efforts to stabilize Haiti, citing it as a “strategic necessity” for regional security.

Despite repeated calls from the United Nations to stop forced returns to Haiti amid surging gang violence, the Dominican government announced that the mass deportations would begin “immediately.” According to Dominican presidential spokesperson Homero Figueroa, the plan aims to reduce the “excessive migrant populations” in Dominican communities.

This announcement comes shortly after the UN reported that over 3,600 people were killed in Haiti in the first half of 2024, as violence continues to escalate. Haiti’s ongoing struggles with gang control have displaced hundreds of thousands and left nearly half of the population facing acute hunger.

US Official Visit

Meanwhile, US Assistant Secretary for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Todd D. Robinson is scheduled to visit the Dominican Republic this week to discuss security cooperation and combat transnational crime, following recent high-level meetings between U.S. and Dominican officials on regional security.

Haitian Born NFL Players Making Waves In 2024

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News Americas, New York, NY, October 8, 2024: Despite much negative talk, Haitians, like many Caribbean immigrants continue to make remarkable strides in various fields, and the National Football League (NFL) is no exception. From remarkable college careers to becoming professional stars, Haitian-born and Haitian American players are showcasing their skills on the gridiron. Here are three Haitian-born NFL players currently making waves:

Haitian immigrant Mike Sainristil #0 of the Washington Commanders defends in coverage during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium on September 23, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

Mike Sainristil – Washington Commanders

Mike Sainristil, a talented cornerback for the Washington Commanders, has made a name for himself both in college and now in the NFL. Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on October 3, 2000, Sainristil’s family immigrated to Everett, Massachusetts, when he was just seven months old after political unrest in Haiti.

Sainristil excelled at Everett High School, where he was named Massachusetts’ 2018 Gatorade Player of the Year. After committing to the University of Michigan, he quickly became a standout player, contributing both as a wide receiver and later as a cornerback. His defensive prowess earned him first-team All-American honors in 2023, and he was instrumental in leading Michigan to a national championship that same year.

In the 2024 NFL Draft, Sainristil was selected in the second round by the Commanders. So far in his rookie season, he’s made an immediate impact, recording 22 tackles and two pass breakups in just five games.

Haitian born Junior Colson #25 of the Los Angeles Chargers walks off the field during an NFL football practice at Hoag Performance Center on June 13, 2024 in Costa Mesa, California. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images)

Junior Colson – Los Angeles Chargers

Born in Mirebalais, Haiti, Junior Colson’s journey to the NFL is a testament to resilience. After losing his father at the age of seven, he lived in an orphanage in Port-au-Prince before being adopted by Steve and Melanie Colson, who brought him to Tennessee. Colson adapted to life in the U.S. while embracing his love for football, becoming one of the top recruits in the nation as a linebacker.

Colson went on to play college football for the University of Michigan, where he earned accolades such as the Lott IMPACT Trophy and a two-time All-Big Ten selection. His consistent performance helped Michigan win three consecutive Big Ten titles and a national championship in 2023.

Drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Colson has already proven to be a strong defensive presence, with high expectations for his professional career.

Haitian born Lewis Cine #36 of the Buffalo Bills is tackled during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on September 12, 2024 in Miami Gardens, FL. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images)

Lewis Cine – Buffalo Bills

Lewis Cine, a safety for the Buffalo Bills, was born in Haiti on October 5, 1999, before moving to the United States as a young child. Cine’s family initially settled in Florida before relocating to Massachusetts, where he attended Everett High School and earned recognition as Massachusetts’ Defensive Player of the Year.

After completing his senior year at Trinity Christian School in Texas, Cine committed to play college football at the University of Georgia. He quickly became a standout player, helping Georgia win the national championship in 2021. Known for his speed and defensive acumen, Cine was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

However, a serious leg injury in his rookie season sidelined him. After being released by the Vikings in 2024, Cine signed with the Buffalo Bills practice squad, where he’s working towards making a strong comeback.

These three players represent the determination and resilience of Haitians in the NFL. Their stories not only inspire Haitian and immigrant communities but also show how far talent and perseverance can take you, no matter where your journey begins.

Victims of Robert Allen Stanford’s Ponzi Scheme Begin Recovering Losses

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News Americas, New York, NY, October 8, 2024: Remember the infamous Robert Allen Stanford scheme that put Antigua & Barbuda in the global spotlight for all the wrong reasons? As Stanford serves a 110-year sentence in Florida’s Coleman II federal prison, victims of his company, Stanford Financial, are finally on the verge of recouping some of their losses.

Flashback – Convicted financier R. Allen Stanford, left, exits the Bob Casey Federal Courthouse in Houston, Texas, U.S., on Tuesday, March 6, 2012. Stanford was convicted of fraud in what prosecutors said was a $7 billion scheme involving bogus certificates of deposit sold by his Antigua-based bank. Photographer: Aaron M. Sprecher/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Stanford, a Texas financier, was convicted for orchestrating a $7 billion Ponzi scheme through Stanford International Bank Ltd., his offshore bank on the Caribbean island of Antigua. Now, 14 years later, progress is being made for the victims.

Ralph S. Janvey, the securities lawyer appointed as receiver in the case, is distributing significant payments following a settlement reached last year. So far, Janvey has returned approximately $609 million to former Stanford customers, with an additional $157 million ready for disbursement, adding to the $1.2 billion already set aside. While this is far short of the $4.9 billion in total claims owed to over 20,000 customers worldwide, it is more than many victims ever expected to recover.

Hedge funds and other investors in distressed assets have bought about $700 million in claims, according to Baker Botts, the law firm assisting Janvey. Victims like Annalisa Mendez, who lost $400,000, noted that many desperate people sold their claims to these funds for a fraction of their value. Others, like Jean Anne Mayhall, who held on to her $500,000 claim, expressed frustration at the long wait. Many victims, including Mayhall’s mother, sold their claims after years of delays, while some died before receiving any compensation.

Although there is no public list of hedge funds that bought the claims, firms such as Contrarian Capital, Whitebox Advisors, and Farallon Capital Management are believed to be among the largest purchasers. Hedge funds typically bought these claims at 14 to 17 cents on the dollar, with prices jumping to around 35 cents after the bank settlement announcement in early 2023.

Despite frustrations over the lengthy process, the market for claims remains active. Victims of other financial scandals, including the collapse of the cryptocurrency exchange FTX and Bernie Madoff’s infamous Ponzi scheme, have similarly sold their claims. Recovery rates vary; in Madoff’s case, nearly 90% of investor losses were recovered thanks to aggressive federal prosecution and settlements with big banks.

In the Stanford case, Janvey and his legal team faced criticism from victims over the time it took and the high fees paid to lawyers, which have totaled $463 million over 15 years, with another $38 million expected soon. Victim advocate Angela Shaw Alexander described the fees as excessive, given the slow pace of restitution.

Janvey defended the process, noting that the Stanford fraud was vast and complex, requiring years of costly litigation. While federal authorities initially expected to recover at least $2 billion from Stanford’s bank in Antigua, only $63 million in cash and some assets like real estate and private equity investments were ultimately seized.

For Robert Allen Stanford, now 74 and prisoner number 35017-183, the earliest possible release date is March 13, 2103.