Vybz Kartel To Drop 10th Anniversary Album Ahead Of Grammys

News Americas, New York, NY, Jan. 30, 2025: Ahead of the 67th Grammy Awards this Sunday, where he has earned his first-ever nomination, Jamaican born dancehall icon Vybz Kartel is set to release the 10th Anniversary Edition of his seminal 2015 album, Viking (Vybz Is King. The album drops tomorrow, Friday, Jan. 31, 2025.

This special deluxe edition from Adidjahiem Records/TJ Records celebrates the impact of the original album while introducing seven brand-new tracks, recorded since Kartel’s historic release from prison in July 2024. The album will also include classics like Unstoppable, Enchanting, Gon’ Get Better (sampled by Fifth Harmony), and Dancehall (now titled Dancehall Cyah Stall).

Kartel’s new music showcases his versatility, from the uplifting God Is The Greatest to the cleverly worded #AmOut and It A Tape, inspired by his signature catchphrases. He also delivers the sultry collaboration Porn Flick with Ishawna, the heartfelt Dreams Are Made Of, and the party anthem Str8 Vybz—named after his new rum brand.

“This album is special because it celebrates milestones—the impact of Viking after 10 years and my ability to create new music for the first time since my release,” Kartel, who this week also announced he has again received a US visa to allow him to travel to the US again. “It’s a full-circle moment with my day-one producer TJ Records and my trusted engineers Ricard ‘RedBoom’ Reid and Dominic ‘Troublemekka’ McDonald.”

TJ Records added, “All the new songs were recorded since his release, and it was an incredible moment to reunite in the studio, with Kartel finally on the other side. He never disappoints, and fans are in for a treat.”

Since regaining his freedom, Kartel has dominated dancehall once again, dropping multiple singles and two major projects in 2024—First Week Out and Party With Me, the latter earning him a Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album. The winner will be announced this Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

Viking (Vybz Is King) 10th Anniversary Tracklist:

God Is The Greatest *

It A Tape *

Polite *

Dreams Are Made Of *

STR8 Vybz *

Porn Flick ft. Ishawna *

Gon’ Get Better

Enchanting

Dancehall Cyah Stall

Unstoppable

#AmOut *

(*Indicates new tracks).

The album is available for pre-order here

Check out Kartel’s Str8 here.

Haitian Immigrant Arrested In Boston

News Americas, New York, NY, Mon. Jan. 27, 2025: A Haitian immigrant is among several who have so far been apprehended by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) agents under the new administration’s orders.

ICE officers from ERO Boston arrested Wisteguens Jean Quely Charles, a member of a violent Haitian street gang, in Boston Jan. 22. (US ICE image)

ICE Boston ERO agents have apprehended Wisteguens Jean Quely Charles, a 25-year-old Haitian national residing illegally in the U.S., with a record of 17 criminal convictions in Massachusetts.

Charles, a known member of a violent Haitian street gang, was arrested in Boston on January 22nd. His convictions span serious offenses, including drug possession and distribution, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and resisting arrest.

“Mr. Charles has repeatedly violated U.S. laws, causing significant harm to the residents of Massachusetts,” said Acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde. “ERO Boston remains committed to removing individuals who endanger our communities.”

Charles lawfully entered the U.S. on July 13, 2013, in Miami, Florida, but later violated the terms of his admission. Between August 2022 and August 2024, he was arrested, charged, and convicted of multiple crimes.

Despite an immigration detainer issued by ICE in April 2023 following an arrest, the Norfolk House of Correction released Charles in October 2023 without honoring the detainer. Charles remains in custody, following his Jan. 22nd arrest, awaiting a hearing before a Department of Justice immigration judge.

Caribbean Congressman, Puerto Rican Commissioner Demand Answers From DHS Over ICE Operations

News Americas, New York, NY, Mon. Jan. 27, 2025: Caribbean-born New York Congressman Adriano Espaillat, (NY-13), Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and Pablo José Hernández, Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico and a member of the House Homeland Security Committee, have called on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, (DHS) to address recent reports of wrongful detentions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Puerto Rico and New Jersey.

Newark, New Jersey, Mayor Ras Baraka (C), speaks to the press on January 24, 2025, one day after the arrest of migrants by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). ICE reportedly arrested migrants at the Ocean Seafood Depot in Newark. (Photo by Kena Betancur / AFP) (Photo by KENA BETANCUR/AFP via Getty Images)

In a joint letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and acting ICE Director, the lawmakers expressed grave concerns about recent ICE actions.

“We write to express our profound concern regarding recent operations carried out by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in New Jersey and Puerto Rico,” the letter reads. “Reports from media in both regions highlight reckless action by ICE agents, which have caused considerable distress within communities. These actions have alarmingly sown fear among residents, disrupted businesses, and raised serious concerns about the behavior of federal agencies and the preservation of due process rights.”

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detain a suspect during a multi-agency targeted enforcement operation in Lyons, Illinois, US, on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025. Photographer: Christopher Dilts/Bloomberg via Getty Images

The letter details two recent operations:

On January 23, 2025, ICE agents raided a small business in Newark, New Jersey, detaining individuals, including a Puerto Rican military veteran, without presenting a warrant.

On January 26, 2025, ICE agents conducted an operation in Barrio Obrero, Santurce, Puerto Rico, where at least three Dominican nationals were detained after questioning in predominantly Dominican neighborhoods.

The lawmakers have outlined several pressing questions for DHS, including:

How many people were detained during these operations, and what is their current status?

Did ICE agents have warrants for those apprehended, and what was the legal basis for questioning individuals who were not identified as targets?

What criteria and methodology were used to identify individuals for questioning? Were race or ethnicity factors in these decisions?

How many U.S. citizens, including Puerto Ricans, were detained or questioned? Were veterans involved?

What measures are in place to prevent wrongful detentions and limit community disruptions during enforcement actions?

Espaillat and Hernández emphasized the need for transparency and accountability, calling on DHS to investigate these operations thoroughly. They argue that such actions undermine trust, raise questions about due process, and unnecessarily disrupt communities.

“The behavior of federal agencies must uphold the rights of all individuals, particularly in communities where trust in government is already fragile,” the lawmakers stated.

Son Of Caribbean Immigrants Now CBS Evening News Co-Anchor

News Americas, New York, NY, January 28, 2025: The CBS Evening News entered a new chapter on Monday as Maurice DuBois, the son of Caribbean immigrants, and John Dickerson, the son of CBS News’ first female correspondent, debuted as co-anchors of the iconic broadcast. This marks a significant shift for the flagship newscast, which dates back to the earliest days of television.

Caribbean American Maurice Dubois, l., and John Dickerson are now the co-anchors of the CBS Evening News.

This change comes following anchor Norah O’Donnell’s final sign-off last Thursday after over five years and nearly 1,300 broadcasts. O’Donnell will now focus on investigative journalism and major interviews for CBS programs like 60 Minutes and CBS Evening News.

The new co-anchored format pairs DuBois and Dickerson with Face the Nation moderator Margaret Brennan, who will contribute coverage of politics and Washington. The revamped show also features chief weathercaster Lonnie Quinn, reflecting the importance of weather in drawing national interest.

DuBois and Dickerson bring a unique dynamic to the broadcast. Both anchors have emphasized their commitment to delivering deeper context and perspective for viewers.

DuBois highlighted the importance of helping viewers navigate complex stories. “Our aim is to put all that stuff into context, to let you know at home that, hey, this is what it really means, and it’s going to be all right at the end of the day,” he said.

Born on Long Island, New York, to parents from Dominica, DuBois attended Port Jefferson High School and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. While in college, he interned at the Public Affairs Office of the Brookhaven National Laboratory on Long Island, contributing to the employee newspaper, the Brookhaven Bulletin.

DuBois began his career in 1987 as a desk assistant at KING-TV in Seattle, Washington. He then served as an anchor and reporter at WFLD-TV in Chicago, Illinois, and KCRA-TV in Sacramento, California. He spent seven years at WNBC-TV in New York, co-anchoring ‘Today in New York’ and hosting ‘Four Stories’ and ‘Mind Over Media.’

Maurice DuBois also worked as a substitute news reader on NBC News’s ‘Today’ and its weekend editions. In September 2004, he joined WCBS-TV in New York as an anchor for the 6 pm newscast, ‘CBS 2 News at 6,’ with Dana Tyler. Since then, he has co-anchored ‘CBS 2 News This Morning’ and ‘CBS 2 News at Noon’ with Cindy Hsu and Mary Calvi.

The newscast now opens with in-depth reporting on major stories, as demonstrated in Monday’s debut, which began with coverage of China’s artificial intelligence company, DeepSeek. DuBois and Dickerson discussed the story before handing off to Brennan in Washington, who offered additional perspective. The program also includes a quickfire “Round-Up” segment featuring short summaries of key stories and a “HEADLINES” ticker during commercial breaks to keep viewers informed.

New elements like the “Eye on America” segment offer deep dives into impactful stories, while the final segment often highlights inspirational features, such as honoring first responders.

The revamped format, which seeks to prioritize quality over quantity, takes risks by moving away from the traditional single-anchor model. CBS hopes the changes will help the Evening News stand out against competitors like ABC’s World News Tonight and NBC’s Nightly News.

While the show’s ratings consistently trailed its rivals, CBS leaders hope this new format will attract a broader audience and integrate the efforts of CBS News and its local affiliates. The CBS Evening News now aims to bring fresh perspectives and in-depth storytelling to audiences, with DuBois and Dickerson anchoring this bold new direction.

The 2025 UWI Toronto Benefit Awards Announces This Year’s Honourees, Celebrity Headliner and Marks 16 Years of Supporting Caribbean Education

News Americas, TORONTO, CANADA, Weds. January 29, 2025: The highly anticipated University of West Indies (UWI) Toronto Benefit Awards is proud to announce its 2025 honourees for the 16th annual evening of recognition in support of scholarships for Caribbean students. The prestigious event will take place on Saturday April 26th, 2025 at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, 181 Wellington Street, Toronto at 5:30pm EST.

The 2025 Honourees: Left to Right: Dr. Jason Harrow (Kardinal Offishall), Mr. Mark Beckles, Ms. Patricia DeGuire, Onyx Initiative, Ms. Leslie Woo, Mrs. Berna and Mr. Myron Garron.

Hosted by The University of the West Indies (UWI), top ranked among the world’s best universities, this year’s theme, Bridging the Gap, reflects the UWI’s unwavering promise to Caribbean students and their communities.

“This is a proud night for the Caribbean diaspora, and it does more than just bridge gaps; it builds and strengthens communities, uniting us in a shared vision of education, empowerment, and recognition of leaders and mentors who guide the way forward,” says Dr. Donette Chin-Loy Chang, UWI Toronto Benefit Awards Co-Patron.

This not-to-be-missed night on the Toronto social calendar cultivates a high-profile guestlist of corporate executives, public personalities and community members committed to giving back to the Caribbean.

Here are the 2025 Honourees:

Luminary Award: Dr. Jason Drew Harrow (Kardinal Offishall) – Multi-platinum rapper and producer, Def Jam – Global A&R, Canada’s Got Talent judge

G. Raymond Chang Award: Mr. Myron Garron and Mrs. Berna Garron – Canadian philanthropists, who have contributed millions to paediatric health and Canadian healthcare institutions

Chancellor’s Award: Onyx Initiative – a non-profit organization founded by Wayne and Nigela Purboo designed to expand the recruitment pipeline and close the systemic gap in the hiring, retention and promotion of Black college and university students, and recent graduates for roles in corporate Canada

Vice Chancellor’s Award:

Mr. MarkBeckles, Community Investment Initiatives – RBC Royal Bank, President & CEO of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (Canada)Ms. Patricia DeGuire – Chief Commissioner of the Ontario Human Rights Commission, , co-founder of the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers and the Black Law Students’ Association of Canada

Ms. Leslie Woo, CEO at CivicAction, Founder of shebuildscities.org

Headlining the night’s entertainment is The Voice (season 5) winner, Jamaican singer-songwriter Tessanne Chin, who was also a UWI Toronto Benefit Luminary Honouree in 2014.  Also performing are Thunder Dome Sounds featuring Eddie Bullen, Quincy Bullen, Tré-Michael Bullen and Belinda Brady, along with saxophonist Jesse Ryan.

The UWI Toronto Benefit Awards has awarded more than 1,000 scholarships to Caribbean students.  For the 16th consecutive year, Scotiabank is the lead chair and sponsor.  Primary sponsors for this year’s event are Dr. Donette Chin-Loy Chang, Sprott Inc., the Hibbert Family Foundation, BDO and the Raymond Chang Foundation.

The Patrons of the UWI Toronto Benefit Awards are Dr. Donette Chin-Loy Chang, Mr. Kevin Hibbert and Mrs. Ann-Marie Hibbert, all passionate supporters of higher education and the UWI Student Scholarship Fund.

Media Availability: 6:00pm – 6:30pm – 4th Floor (Honourees, Patrons and select VIPs)

MEDIA ACCREDITATION HERE

Honourees, Tessanne Chin, Donette Chin-Loy Headshots HERE

Red Carpet Cocktail Hour – 5:30pm – 7:00pm – 2nd Floor

Dinner, Awards Program, Entertainment – 7:00pm – 10:00pm – 2nd Floor

Air Canada Lyme (After Party) – 10:00pm – Midnight

Website  | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

For all Media Inquiries: Fennella Bruce | Fennella@fkbmedia.com | 647.290.7610

About The UWI

The UWI has been and continues to be a pivotal force in every aspect of Caribbean development; residing at the centre of all efforts to improve the well-being of people across the region. In 75 years, the University of the West Indies has given birth to hundreds of brilliant leaders across dozens of sectors, worldwide.  Many have gone on to enrich the Caribbean Diasporas, including Canada which has benefited greatly. 

From a university college of London in Jamaica with 33 medical students in 1948, The UWI is today an internationally respected, global university with nearly 50,000 students and five campuses: Mona in Jamaica, St. Augustine in Trinidad and Tobago, Cave Hill in Barbados, Five Islands inAntigua and Barbuda and itsOpen Campus, and 10 global centres in partnership with universities in North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa and Europe.

The UWI offers over 800 certificate, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate degree options in Culture, Creative and Performing Arts, Food and Agriculture, Engineering, Humanities and Education, Law, Medical Sciences, Science and Technology, Social Sciences, and Sport. As the Caribbean’s leading university, it possesses the largest pool of Caribbean intellect and expertise committed to confronting the critical issues of our region and wider world.

Ranked among the top universities in the world, by the most reputable ranking agency, Times Higher Education, The UWI is the only Caribbean-based university to make the prestigious lists. In 2020, it earned ‘Triple 1st’ rankings—topping the Caribbean; and in the top in the tables for Latin America and the Caribbean, and global Golden Age universities (between 50 and 80 years old).  The UWI is also featured among the top universities on THE’s Impact Rankings for its response to the world’s biggest concerns, outlined in the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Good Health and Wellbeing; Gender Equality and Climate Action.

Jamaican Immigrants Among Those Already ICED

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, WEDS. Jan. 29, 2025: Jamaican immigrants are among hundreds already nabbed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) agents around the country as Donald Trump’s mass deportation policy kicked into action in nationally.

ICE-ERO New York arrested Kamaro Denver Haye, a citizen of Jamaica, on Wednesday, Jan. 29th. (ICE image)

In Florida, Miami and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami field offices reported that Jamaican national was recently arrested in Broward County, Florida by officers. He faces multiple charges, including possession of oxycodone, display of a firearm during a felony offense, and operating a motor vehicle without a valid license. In Philadelphia, another national was nabbed due to a marijuana conviction from decades ago. He faces deportation back to Jamaica sources told News Americas today. Authorities have not yet released the identity of the two Jamaican nationals, and it remains unclear if the individuals have sought legal representation.

Meanwhile, a Jamaican citizen in New York, was also nabbed recently. Jamaican national, Kamaro Denver Haye, was arrested for “promoting a sexual performance by a child less than 17 years of age and possessing sexual performance by child less than 16 years of age.” And in Hartford, Connecticut, Sanjay Sivan Walsh was arrested by ICE after being released from Connecticut prison. He served time for sexually assaulting two children and tampering with evidence on Dec. 17th. The 28-year-old man served a 21-month sentence at Enfield’s Willard -Cybulski Correctional Institution. Walsh remains in ERO custody pending immigration proceedings. The cases underscore the complexities faced by immigrants in the United States, particularly those with pending criminal charges.

ICE reported over 969 single-day arrests on Tuesday, January 28th.

Ironically, the New York Post quoted Evelyn Brown, 80, a Bronx resident from Jamaica who voted for Trump as cheering on ICE saying: “Take the damn bad ones away!” “Get them the hell off the street! Get them the hell out of the street so people don’t have to walk in fear. Take the damn bad ones away!”

ICE officials reported that the arrest was part of their ongoing efforts to ensure community safety by targeting individuals involved in criminal activities. The arrest highlights the intersection of immigration enforcement and criminal law, raising concerns within the local immigrant community about increased scrutiny and potential deportations.

The Laken Riley Act

The news comes as Trump signed the Laken Riley Act into law today expanding the scope of those who can be arrested, detained and deported by federal immigration officers.

The bill is the first of Trump’s second presidency to become law and it comes at a time when he is promising stricter enforcement of immigration laws and increased deterrents to legal migration. It passed with bipartisan support, marking a major shift for Democrats, who did not advance the legislation in the Senate last year. The measure mandates federal immigration enforcement to detain and deport individuals without legal status if they are charged with minor theft, shoplifting, assaulting a law enforcement officer, or crimes resulting in death or serious bodily injury.

While several criminal offenses are already grounds for deportation, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt emphasized Tuesday that entering the country illegally is itself a crime. However, critics argue that the bill bypasses due process by allowing deportation proceedings to begin before a conviction.

The legislation is named after a Georgia nursing student killed last year by a Venezuelan man who was in the U.S. without legal status. Her death became a focal point for Republican criticism of the Biden administration’s border policies. The perpetrator, José Ibarra, had prior shoplifting charges in New York and was later sentenced to life without parole. Republicans contend this law could have led to his earlier deportation and prevented her murder.

The Legal Aid Society said the new law “marks a cruel and dystopian turn in this country, where a teenager jumping the subway turnstile, or a parent arrested for stealing diapers, formula, or other necessities for their child, could face mandatory immigration detention with no opportunity for release, even if they are never convicted of a crime.”

“While this law purports to protect women and girls who suffered tragic violence like Ms. Riley, it is little more than a political vehicle to effectuate mass deportations and will result in harming many thousands of non-citizens who may themselves be survivors of gender-based violence. 

“Moreover, immigration detention facilities are often hundreds or thousands of miles away from family and their communities, in jail-like conditions without the right to appointed counsel. Those detained can be incarcerated for months or years while litigating bona fide immigration claims. Their detention will destabilize the families and communities they leave behind. In many cases, non-citizens will not be afforded due process to resolve criminal charges in state court proceedings. This injustice should be an affront to citizens and non-citizens alike,” the statement added.

Christine Clarke, Chief of Litigation and Advocacy at Legal Services NYC, added: “We are deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of our immigrant clients and immigrant communities across New York City. This new law gives ICE increased powers to detain people merely because they have been arrested for (not convicted of) low-level offenses such as shoplifting. By not requiring someone have a conviction before being subject to potential ICE detention, the law leaves people at the mercy of individual law enforcement officers, who now have the power to subject someone to ICE detention merely by arresting them for a crime, raising concerns around the impact of racial profiling and bias by law enforcement.”

But Simon Hankinson, senior research fellow at The Heritage Foundation, stated, “The Laken Riley Act shows Trump’s commitment to securing the border and restoring the rule of law. This law will help detain criminal aliens who pose a threat, making communities safer and preventing crimes by those who should not be here.”

Hollywood Actor CCH Pounder Joins Steering Group For 2nd Annual Cross Continental Forum In Barbados

News Americas, TORONTO, CANADA, Tues. January 28, 2025: Caribbean TalesMedia Group is proud to announce that acclaimed actor and activist CCH Pounder has joined the Steering Group of its Cross Continental Forum, (CCF), bringing her visionary leadership to this successful global initiative. “I had been talking about turning my eye towards the Caribbean, then I took on films with  that theme or origin story,” explains Guyanese-born CCH Pounder, who is known for her roles in the Hollywood blockbuster Avatar, and acclaimed television series, NCIS: New Orleans and The Shield. “Then CCF asked me to join them. It seemed like a natural fit. We all want to see more of our stories.”

Actor CCH Pounder and Producer Paul Garnes at the 2024 Cross Continental Forum.

Set to take place from June 14–18, 2025, in the breathtaking island of Barbados, the second Cross Continental Forum aims to stimulate co-productions between Black and global majority producers from Canada, the Caribbean, the UK, and Africa, and is poised to become an unmissable annual event for industry leaders, storytellers, and change-makers from around the world. This event is supported by the Canada Media Fund (CMF) and Invest Barbados

CCF 2025 is now accepting submissions from experienced producers , including Documentary, Feature Film, and TV Series producers from the UK, Canada, Africa, EU, and the Caribbean eager to participate in this transformative experience.

“Under the theme Decolonizing Co-Production, the Cross Continental Forum is more than just a film industry gathering—it’s a strategic initiative to trigger co-ventures, and stimulate trade and economic opportunities that amplify historically underrepresented voices in the global film and television landscape, ” says Frances-Anne Solomon, CEO of CTMG. “By fostering cross continental co-productions, the forum sets the stage for global partnerships that will  generate quality content for international distribution.”

Building on the success of its inaugural 2024 event that featured luminaries like CCH Pounder  and producer Paul Garnes (Ava DuVernay’s Origin), attendees of the 2025 forum will enjoy an immersive and insightful experience, with activities including:

Co-Production Lab (May 2025) : A four-week online program covering:

Incentives and rebates across territories

Legal frameworks for multi-territory co-productions

Combined funding from UK, Canada, Africa, EU and the Caribbean

Co-production and distribution strategies

Co-producing storytelling

De-Colonising Co-Production Forum (June 14-18, 2025): A Market Access event in Barbados with:

Matchmaking for UK, Canadian, African, EU and Caribbean producers

Access to buyers, distributors, and financiers

Focus on sustainable partnerships

Pitch Showcase

Producers present their co-production ready projects to a panel of Film and TV Experts.

Who Should Apply?

The CCF is calling Documentary, Feature Film, and TV Series producers from the UK, Canada, Africa, EU and the Caribbean who meet the following criteria:

Applicants must be of Black/Caribbean/African diaspora/heritage, or BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Colour)/Global Majority descent.

Have successfully produced at least one full-length project domestically and are ready to “level up” into international co-production.

Hold at least 51% ownership in a functional production company.

Have a project in development with international co-production potential.

How to Apply

Submit your application at HERE

Applications close on March 31, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST.

Apply now and be part of this extraordinary movement!

For inquiries and additional information, please contact: applications@ccf2025.com

About the CCF – A Global Call for Innovation

The Cross Continental Forum serves as a dynamic space for global film and television co-productions. Specifically designed to bridge connections between the UK, Canada, Africa, the EU, and the Caribbean, this five-day forum aims to create a collaborative environment where high-level producers, experts and professionals explore synergies, share expertise, and build partnerships that will drive innovation and trade within the film industry.

About CaribbeanTales Media Group

CaribbeanTales Media Group is a multifaceted media organization dedicated to creating platforms and audiences for Caribbean-themed stories and talent globally. Their activities include film and television productions, film festivals, distribution networks, and training programs that support diverse filmmakers in reaching international markets

CCF  2025 is brought to life by a distinguished Steering Committee, including Frances-Anne Solomon (CEO, CaribbeanTales Media Group), Andrew Millington (Head, Department of Creative and Performing Arts – UWI Cave Hill,), actor and activist CCH Pounder (Avatar, The Shield, NCIS New Orleans), Cultural Industries Specialist Dr. Keith Nurse (Founding Chair, CaribbeanTales Worldwide Distribution, and president of COSTAAT), Zikethiwe Ngcobo (CEO, Fuzebox Entertainment, South Africa), businessman John Reid (Corporate Executive / Small Business Entrepreneur), Agnieszka Moody (Head of International Relations at British Film Institute), and international event producer Diana Webley (Event Director, CaribbeanTales Media Group).