Canada Issues Travel Advisory For Guyana

News Americas, New York, NY, January 3, 2025: Canadian authorities have issued an updated travel advisory, urging nationals to exercise a high degree of caution when traveling to Guyana or in the South American CARICOM nation, due to concerns about high crime rates.

Canada is warning about travel to Guyana due to crime.

The advisory, released on January 2, highlights that violent crime is prevalent across the South American nation, often linked to illegal drug trafficking. Common crimes include homicides, assaults, break-ins, armed robberies, theft from vehicles, and carjackings.

According to Canadian officials, criminals frequently operate in groups, surveilling potential victims for extended periods before striking. Foreign visitors have reportedly been robbed at gunpoint or attacked in areas such as banks, shopping districts, and hotels, particularly after withdrawing cash.

Key Recommendations for Travelers

Travelers are advised to take several precautions to minimize risks, including:

Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and refrain from exchanging money with street vendors.

Exercise increased caution in Georgetown and the East Coast, especially in neighborhoods such as:

The area 2 km south of Brickdam Street

Agricola

Albouystown

Albertown

Bourda

East Ruimveldt

Sophia

Stabroek

Tiger Bay

West Ruimveldt

Buxton

Tourist sites like Stabroek Market, Bourda Market, Botanical Gardens, the National Park, and the sea wall are also identified as hotspots for criminal activity.

Risks Beyond Georgetown

Outside the capital, violent incidents are common in areas such as the East Coast Demerara region, particularly near Buxton and Friendship, as well as the East Bank Demerara region and the New Amsterdam area.

Safety Tips

To enhance personal safety, Canadian authorities recommend:

Avoid walking alone after dark or visiting deserted areas.

Stay alert, especially when entering or exiting vehicles, homes, or public spaces.

Keep car doors locked and windows closed at all times.

Choose accommodations with strong security measures.

Always verify the identity of visitors before opening doors.

The advisory underscores the importance of vigilance and preparedness for Canadians traveling to Guyana. For further updates, travelers are encouraged to monitor official government advisories and remain aware of local conditions.

Caribbean Actress Murielle Hilaire Joins The Bold and the Beautiful

News Americas, New York, NY, January 3, 2025: Caribbean-born actress Murielle Hilaire is set to make waves as she joins the cast of the popular daytime soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful. Hilaire, originally from the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe, will take on the intriguing role of Daphne Rose, a character poised to shake things up in the storyline.

Caribbean born actress Murielle Hilaire attends the Los Angeles Italia Film Festival on March 09, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Daniele Venturelli/Getty Images)

Hilaire’s debut episode airs on Tuesday, January 7th, and fans can expect a slow but captivating introduction. “They take their time with her introduction, and it’s a really fresh character that’s bringing something dynamic,” Annika Noelle, who plays Hope Logan on the show, told TV Insider.

Known as a bilingual French actress, Hilaire’s acting résumé includes roles in the films There’s Something In The Trunk and The Ritual Killer. She has also made her mark in television, starring in the French series Baie des Flamboyants and Coeur Océan. Additionally, she crossed over to international audiences with appearances in the BBC’s Agatha Christie miniseries and the hit show Death in Paradise.

Off-screen, Hilaire, 35, is just as dynamic. She is skilled in martial arts, further showcasing her versatility and dedication to her craft.

With her extensive acting background and undeniable talent, Hilaire’s addition to The Bold and the Beautiful promises to deliver an exciting new chapter for fans of the long-running soap opera.

Carter’s Caribbean Legacy

News Americas, New York, NY, January 3, 2025: As the world prepares to bid farewell on January 9th to James Earl Carter Jr., the 39th President of the United States, reflections on his legacy emphasize his significant and often underappreciated contributions to U.S.-Caribbean relations during his presidency from 1977 to 1981. Born in Plains, Georgia, Carter’s commitment to human rights, regional cooperation, and diplomacy shaped a transformative period for the Caribbean, leaving an enduring impact.

Former US president Jimmy Carter helps build a house as he visits the construction site of houses being built by Carter’s Habitat for Humanity foundation for victims of the January 2010 earthquake in Leogane, 33km south of Port-au-Prince, on November 26, 2012. AFP PHOTO Thony BELIZAIRE (Photo credit should read THONY BELIZAIRE/AFP via Getty Images)

A Vision for the Eastern Caribbean

Carter’s Caribbean strategy focused on the smaller, newly independent states of the Eastern Caribbean, such as Barbados, Grenada, Dominica, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. These nations, along with Trinidad and Tobago, were encouraged to form a cohesive bloc to attract foreign investment and foster regional stability.

The Carter administration supported initiatives like the Caribbean Group for Cooperation in Economic Development, which partnered with the World Bank. By 1980, this group had quadrupled foreign aid to the region to over $1 billion, emphasizing regional projects to reduce dependency. Carter’s efforts coincided with significant events, including the independence of several Eastern Caribbean states, the 1979 Marxist coup in Grenada, and the Jonestown Massacre in Guyana, each of which tested U.S. foreign policy in the region.

Navigating Cold War Tensions

The late 1970s were marked by Cold War rivalries, and Carter’s administration grappled with balancing security concerns and regional development. Robert Pastor, a member of the National Security Council, championed increased aid to counter Soviet and Cuban influence in the region. However, this position often clashed with officials who questioned the scale of the Soviet threat.

The 1979 discovery of a Soviet brigade in Cuba—later revealed as an intelligence error—and the Grenada coup heightened U.S. security concerns. Carter maintained a cautious approach, resisting large financial commitments but emphasizing private-sector engagement and regional cooperation.

Cuba: Engagement Amid Challenges

Carter’s efforts to normalize relations with Cuba represented a bold shift from previous U.S. policies. His administration reopened diplomatic channels, established interest sections in Havana and Washington, and negotiated agreements on fisheries and maritime boundaries.

However, normalization stalled over Cuba’s military involvement in Africa, which Carter publicly criticized. Despite these challenges, Carter achieved humanitarian progress, including the release of political prisoners, demonstrating his commitment to dialogue even amid ideological divides with Fidel Castro.

Human Rights in Haiti

Carter’s presidency placed a strong emphasis on human rights, a policy that extended to Haiti under Jean-Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier. His administration pressured Duvalier to release political prisoners, setting the stage for Haiti’s democratization.

After leaving office, Carter’s dedication to Haiti continued. In 1990, he oversaw Haiti’s first free elections, marking the end of decades of dictatorship. His work through the Carter Center supported democratic transitions and reinforced his commitment to human rights.

Former US President Jimmy Carter waves to reporters upon his arrival at Port-au-Prince International Airport. Carter,who is heading a US delegation,is on a three-day visit to Haiti to meet with Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, party leaders and parliamentarians to discuss the June legislative elections. (Photo credit: THONY BELIZAIRE/AFP via Getty Images)

Engagement with Jamaica and Regional Leaders

Carter’s approach to Jamaica’s Prime Minister Michael Manley exemplified the complexities of U.S.-Caribbean relations. Initially skeptical of Manley’s ties to Cuba, Carter pursued diplomacy, resisting calls for aggressive intervention. In 1979, he expressed concern about alienating Manley, emphasizing the need to maintain constructive relations.

Carter’s nuanced strategy included engaging Andrew Young, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, to navigate the delicate political landscape in Jamaica. This approach highlighted Carter’s preference for diplomacy over confrontation in addressing regional challenges.

A Legacy of Transformation and Humanitarianism

Carter’s Caribbean initiatives laid the groundwork for greater regional cooperation and economic development. His presidency also marked a shift toward multilateralism, with a focus on fostering self-reliance among Caribbean nations.

Post presidency, Carter’s impact on the Caribbean extended through his humanitarian efforts. Through the Carter Center, he supported democratic transitions in Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Guyana. His work with Habitat for Humanity included building homes in Léogâne, Haiti, for survivors of the 2010 earthquake, exemplifying his belief in improving lives through service.

As Carter himself once said, “Our greatest blessings come when we improve the lives of others.”

Remembering Jimmy Carter

Jimmy Carter, who passed away at 100 on December 29, 2024, leaves behind a legacy defined by diplomacy, human rights, and a commitment to regional stability. His contributions to the Caribbean exemplify his broader vision of peace, justice, and cooperation, making him a transformative figure not only in American politics but also in global history.