Funeral For Cuban Artist El Taiger Set For Miami

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News Americas, New York, NY, October 16, 2024: The funeral for late Cuban reggaeton artist José Manuel Carbajal, known as “El Taiger,” will take place this Saturday at the Catholic Church of San Lázaro in Hialeah, Miami.

Cubans light candles next to pictures of late reggaeton singer Jose Manuel Carbajal ‘El Taiger’ as they pay tribute in Havana on October 10, 2024. (Photo by YAMIL LAGE/AFP via Getty Images)

A statement on the musician’s Instagram page, following his tragic death last Thursday from a gunshot wound to the head, announced that the public memorial service will begin at 1:30 PM on Saturday, October 19. The church is located at 4400 W 18th Ave, Hialeah, FL 33012.

A Cuban woman holds a picture of late reggaeton singer Jose Manuel Carbajal ‘El Taiger’ as she pays tribute in Havana on October 10, 2024. (Photo by YAMIL LAGE/AFP via Getty Images)

“This will be a moment for all of us to gather and celebrate the life, legacy, and contributions of José Manuel Carbajal,” the statement emphasized. Attendees are asked to adhere to a strict dress code, while loud music, candles, and talking during the ceremony are prohibited. Total silence will be observed during the service.

El Taiger’s team expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support from fans and friends during this difficult time. Since news of his passing, hundreds of his followers have held vigils in his honor at the site where he was found. For over 15 years, El Taiger’s music was a staple at Latin parties and celebrations, and his fans are now paying tribute to the beloved artist.

El Taiger, born José Manuel Carbajal Zaldívar, was discovered on October 3 in the backseat of a Mercedes-Benz, shot in the head, with two red gas cans in the trunk. Authorities suspect he was shot elsewhere and later transported to a neighborhood near a hospital. The singer had faced two criminal cases over the summer, including charges of robbery and resisting an officer, but had pled not guilty to both.

Miami police have identified Damian Valdez-Galloso, also known as “El Narra,” a convicted felon and registered sex offender, as a person of interest in the ongoing investigation.

El Taiger’s cousin, Jorge Junior, shared funeral plans during an interview with Univision Noticias, revealing that the family plans to cremate the artist and return his ashes to Cuba, where they will be laid to rest next to his mother’s grave.

See one of the latest music videos from El Taiger HERE

Guyana Police Organized Crime Unit Recommends Dozens of Charges Against Assistant Commissioner

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News Americas, New York, NY, October 16, 2024: The Special Organised Crime Unit, (SOCU), of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), is recommending that “dozens” of charges be brought against embattled Assistant Police Commissioner Calvin Brutus, following an extensive investigation into alleged financial improprieties.

Guyana Assistant Police Commissioner Calvin Brutus.

According to a statement from the GPF on Wednesday, SOCU had earlier launched an inquiry into Brutus’ activities. At that time, based on advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), no criminal charges were recommended. However, a new probe was initiated following critical information received from the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).

Brutus, who went on leave in July to allow the investigation to proceed, remained silent on allegations that he had deposited GUY$16.5 million (US$0.004 per Guyana dollar) into his Police Credit Union account on December 15, 2023. The funds were reportedly returned to him the following day, with the source claimed to be contributions related to a wedding.

The FIU, established under the Anti-Money Laundering Act, conducted a broader investigation into the case, receiving and analyzing suspicious transaction reports. The investigation was concluded on October 1, and all relevant files were submitted to the DPP for review and further action.

“SOCU recommended dozens of charges and now awaits legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions,” the GPF stated. The police also criticized a recent report by Stabroek News as “misleading,” refuting claims that SOCU had found no evidence of criminal activity.

Antigua-Based LIAT Says It’s Unaffected By US Indictment Of Air Peace CEO

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News Americas, New York, NY, October 16, 2024: Antigua-based LIAT (2020) Limited has confirmed that its ownership and operations remain unaffected by the recent indictment of Dr. Allen Onyema, CEO of Nigeria-based Air Peace Limited, by U.S. law enforcement authorities.

Onyema was charged by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Georgia, with obstruction of justice for submitting false documents to halt an investigation into earlier charges of bank fraud and money laundering. Along with Onyema, Air Peace’s chief of administration and finance, Ejiroghene Eghagha, was also charged for participating in the obstruction and earlier bank fraud.

In a statement addressing recent speculations, LIAT (2020) Limited emphasized that the charges against Onyema have no impact on the company’s ownership or operations. The regional airline clarified that it is a joint venture between the Government of Antigua and Barbuda (GOAB) and Air Peace Caribbean Limited (APCL), a locally incorporated company. The GOAB holds 30% of the shares, while APCL owns 70%.

The statement further stressed that APCL is entirely separate from Air Peace Nigeria Ltd. and that Onyema holds no shares, directorship, or involvement in either APCL or LIAT (2020) Ltd. “We emphasize that Mr. Onyema has no ownership stake in LIAT (2020) Ltd, and such claims are completely unfounded,” the company reiterated.

LIAT (2020) assured its stakeholders that its commitment to providing reliable flight services across the Caribbean remains strong, unaffected by the ongoing legal issues involving Onyema.

Meanwhile, Air Peace Limited issued a statement on its official X platform, asserting that both Onyema and Eghagha remain innocent of the charges. The airline confirmed that the legal process stems from older accusations of financial misconduct and assured its customers that its operations would continue unaffected.

Martinique Curfew Extended Amid Protests

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News Americas, New York, NY, October 16, 2024: Residents of Martinique will remain under a night-time curfew until October 21, as authorities attempt to protect the French overseas territory from renewed unrest sparked by soaring food prices. The decision follows violent protests last week, which resulted in the death of one person and injuries to nearly 30 police officers.

Members of the French union CGT Martinique (General Confederation of Labour) perform a go slow operation on the ring road leading to the airport in Fort-de-France, in the French Caribbean island of Martinique, on October 15, 2024, amid riots over rising prices. Authorities in the French Caribbean island of Martinique plan to ban protests and declare a curfew after riots over spiralling prices that left one person shot dead, 26 officers injured and stores looted, a source in the administration told AFP. (Photo by Philippe LOPEZ / AFP) (Photo by PHILIPPE LOPEZ/AFP via Getty Images)

The French Caribbean island, home to 350,000 people, has been grappling with weeks of protests over the high cost of living, with food prices reported to be 40% higher than in mainland France. Demonstrations escalated into riots last week, with protesters looting shops, setting up burning barricades, and clashing with law enforcement.

This photo taken on October 15, 2024, shows a sign on which a graffiti reads “high cost of life” (“Vie Chere”) next to the wreckage of a burnt car in Le Lamentin near Fort-de-France in the French Caribbean island of Martinique, amid riots over rising prices. (Photo by PHILIPPE LOPEZ/AFP via Getty Images)

The curfew, initially imposed from 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM, has been extended in an “exceptional measure” to safeguard both people and property, according to a statement from the prefecture of Martinique.

While unrest has subsided over the past 48 hours with no major incidents reported, the situation remains tense. Primary and secondary school students are expected to gradually return to class starting Tuesday, education officials announced.

The protests, which began in early September, were organized by the Assembly for the Protection of Afro-Caribbean Peoples and Resources (RPPRAC), calling for food prices in Martinique to be aligned with those in mainland France. Although the government has held several meetings with activists and retailers to explore ways to reduce prices, negotiations have stalled. Martinique’s governing body president, Serge Letchimy, said no further talks would be held due to the lack of a “new concrete and viable proposal.”

RPPRAC leader Rodrigue Petitot expressed the activists’ readiness to continue protesting, stating, “We are a people legitimately demanding the right to access food at respectable prices, and all we have been given so far is repression.”

Former West Indies Cricketer Sir Curtly Ambrose Awarded Honorary Doctorate

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News Americas, New York, NY, October 16, 2024: Legendary West Indies fast bowler Sir Curtly Elconn Lynwall Ambrose has added yet another accolade to his illustrious career, receiving an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from the University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus over the weekend.

Sir Curtly Ambrose was conferred an Honorary Doctorate of Laws by the University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus. (Photo courtesy CWI Media)

The 61-year-old Antiguan cricket icon was honored for his significant contributions not only to West Indies cricket but to the wider sporting and cultural landscape of the Caribbean.

Renowned for his towering height, discipline, and exceptional skill, Sir Curtly claimed 630 wickets for the West Indies between 1988 and 2000, cementing his place as one of the greatest fast bowlers in cricket history. His impact, both on and off the field, has left an enduring legacy in Caribbean sports.

Cricket West Indies President Dr. Kishore Shallow congratulated Sir Curtly on the achievement, calling it a “fitting tribute” to his extraordinary career and influence.

“On behalf of the entire West Indies cricket family, I extend our warmest congratulations to Sir Curtly Ambrose on this remarkable achievement,” Dr. Shallow said. “This Honorary Doctorate of Laws is a fitting recognition of his outstanding career and his broader contributions to society. Sir Curtly has been a true ambassador for our region, representing West Indian pride, discipline, and passion on the global cricket stage and beyond.”

Dr. Shallow also emphasized Sir Curtly’s lasting influence, noting, “He continues to inspire not only aspiring cricketers but all of us across the Caribbean. We celebrate this well-deserved honor and remain forever grateful for his indelible contributions to West Indies cricket and our region’s rich heritage.”

This latest honor further solidifies Sir Curtly Ambrose’s legacy as both a sporting legend and a cultural icon throughout the Caribbean.

Standing at 6 feet 7 inches, Ambrose’s height, combined with his pace and accuracy, made him a formidable force in cricket. He played 98 Test matches for the West Indies and was often ranked as the world’s best bowler during his career.

Initially more interested in basketball, Ambrose took up cricket later in life but quickly made an impact, debuting for the West Indies in 1988. Known for his devastating bowling spells, including taking 7 wickets for 1 run against Australia in 1993 and 6 for 24 against England in 1994, he became a match-winner for the team. Despite injuries in his later years, he continued to perform consistently until his retirement in 2000.

Ambrose was named a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1992 and later inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame. Post-retirement, he has pursued a career in music as a bass guitarist in a reggae band.

US Sanctions Surinamese Companies Over Alleged Iranian Oil Links

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News Americas, New York, NY, October 16, 2024: The United States has imposed sanctions on three Surinamese companies- Strong Roots Provider, Glazing Future Management, and Engen Management – due to their alleged trade links with the Iranian oil sector.

The sanctions, announced by Washington, come after the U.S. imposed measures on companies involved in Iran’s oil industry following the country’s attack on Israel on October 1, when approximately 180 missiles were fired at the Jewish state. Sanctions were also applied to companies in India, Malaysia, and Hong Kong for reportedly facilitating the sale and transport of Iranian oil.

These sanctions fall under the Stop Harboring Iranian Petroleum Act, part of the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2024. The law targets foreign individuals and companies involved in the trade of oil and petroleum products from Iran and was delegated to the U.S. Departments of the Treasury and State for enforcement.

Washington stated that the three Surinamese companies function as commercial managers, arranging the transport of Iranian oil.

Suriname’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Albert Ramdin, said the government is gathering information on the matter. He added that while Suriname supports a peaceful resolution to the Middle East conflict, it does not take a position on the U.S. sanctions imposed on Iran. Ramdin noted, “This is a matter for the United States of America,” and that the affected companies would need to seek legal recourse in the U.S. if the sanctions impact their operations.

Authorities in Suriname confirmed that the companies are registered locally, but have not been approached by the firms regarding the sanctions. Ramdin said the government is investigating the operations of these companies, which media reports indicate are involved in maritime transport using ships that do not operate in Suriname but conduct business internationally.

“We want to know exactly what kind of goods are being shipped, where they are coming from, and where they are going,” Ramdin stated, adding that Suriname is working with U.S. authorities to obtain more information.

U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen said Washington “will not hesitate to take further measures to hold Iran accountable,” while National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan emphasized that the new sanctions aim to deprive Iran of financial resources that support its missile programs and terrorist groups.