New U.S. Law Threatens Cuba’s Claim To Havana Club Rum Trademark

News Americas, New York, NY, February 3, 2025: A little-publicized law signed by former U.S. President Joe Biden in his final days in the White House is now threatening Cuba’s rum industry, particularly its long-standing claim over the “Havana Club” trademark.

The ‘No Stolen Trademarks Honored in America Act of 2023,’ known as the “Bacardi Law,” prohibits U.S. courts and agencies from recognizing trademarks expropriated by the Cuban government without the consent of their original owners. This legislation strengthens the legal position of companies whose assets were nationalized following the Cuban Revolution, particularly Bacardi, which has been locked in a decades-long legal battle over the “Havana Club” brand.

A worker checks quality on the production line of Havana Club rum at the San Jose de las Lajas distillery, Mayabeque province, Cuba on January 30, 2025. One rum and two owners: the battle that Cuba and the American giant Bacardi have been waging for decades over the Havana Club rum brand has just been rekindled with the promulgation of a US law criticized by Havana. The new rule prohibits US federal courts and agencies from recognizing trademarks deemed “illegally confiscated” by the Cuban government during the nationalizations that followed the 1959 revolution, “unless the original owner” has consented to their use. (Photo by YAMIL LAGE/AFP via Getty Images)

Impact On the Havana Club Dispute

The new law directly affects the ongoing dispute between Bacardi, the Cuban regime, and its French business partner, Pernod Ricard. In 1995, Bacardi acquired the U.S. rights to “Havana Club” from the Arechabala family, the original Cuban owners. However, Cubaexport, a Cuban state entity, also claims rights to the brand, having first registered it in the U.S. in 1976.

For years, the trademark has been at the center of legal battles. In 2016, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) renewed Cubaexport’s registration, prompting a lawsuit from Bacardi. Last year, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in Bacardi’s favor, dealing a blow to Cuba’s efforts to maintain control over the brand in the U.S.

With this new legislation, federal agencies now have limited authority to validate trademarks associated with confiscated properties, making it even more difficult for Cubaexport to retain rights to “Havana Club” in the U.S. market.

Cuba Reacts To The New Law

The Cuban government has strongly condemned the law, calling it an aggressive measure that violates international regulations.

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla argued that the legislation is an attempt to strip Cubaexport of its rights to the brand. Meanwhile, Johana Tablada de la Torre, a senior Cuban official, claimed that the law is specifically designed to block Cubaexport’s renewal of the Havana Club trademark in 2026.

Although the U.S. embargo prevents Cuban-made “Havana Club” from being sold in the United States, the brand remains one of Cuba’s top alcoholic exports, sold in over 120 countries and generating millions in revenue.

A Blow to Cuba, A Victory for Bacardi

Founded in Santiago de Cuba in 1862, Bacardi was one of the many foreign and Cuban-owned businesses that were expropriated by the revolutionary government. Now headquartered in Bermuda, the company has fought for decades to reclaim its rights to the Havana Club brand.

With the “Bacardi Law” now in place, Cuba faces a new legal hurdle in its efforts to assert ownership over one of its most famous brands. Meanwhile, Bacardi emerges as the clear winner in this long-running battle, as the U.S. government reinforces its stance against recognizing trademarks tied to confiscated assets.

Caribbean Olympian Sets National Record At New Balance Grand Prix

News Americas, New York, NY, February 3, 2025: Caribbean Olympian, St. Lucia-born sprint star and Olympic 100-m champion Julian Alfred, delivered a stunning early-season performance on Sunday, setting a new national record in the women’s 300m at the New Balance Grand Prix in Boston.

Julien Alfred stuns at New Balance Grand Prix.

Alfred dominated the race from the start, blazing through the 100m in 11.83 seconds and the 200m in 23.18 seconds before powering to the finish line in an impressive 36.16 seconds. Her time shattered the St. Lucian national record and left her competitors trailing behind.

Great Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith secured second place in a personal best of 36.87 seconds, while France’s Emma Montoya finished third in 38.37 seconds.

Caribbean Athletes Shine Across Events

In the men’s 60m dash, Bahamian sprinter Terrence Jones showcased his speed, claiming second place with a season’s best of 6.57 seconds. He was narrowly beaten by American world champion Noah Lyles, who won in 6.52 seconds, while PJ Austin of the U.S. took third in 6.60 seconds. Italy’s Olympic 100m champion Marcell Jacobs finished fourth in 6.63 seconds.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Jereem Richards made an impact in the men’s 400m, clocking 46.49 seconds to finish third. Despite a strong first 200m in 21.12 seconds, Richards was overtaken by Americans Quincy Wilson and Will Sumner, who set personal bests of 45.66 seconds and 46.27 seconds, respectively.

Jamaica’s Romaine Beckford delivered a strong showing in the men’s high jump, clearing 2.19m to finish second on countback. He shared the same height as winner Vernon Turner (USA) and third-place finisher Luis Castro Rivera (Puerto Rico), both achieving season’s best performances.

Bahamian hurdler Devynne Charlton added to the Caribbean’s success, securing third place in the women’s 60m hurdles with a season’s best of 7.85 seconds. She finished just behind Americans Masai Russell (7.80) and Grace Stark (7.81), while Jamaica’s Ackera Nugent placed fourth in 7.92 seconds.

Civil Rights Attorney With Caribbean Roots Among Victims In Tragic Plane Crash

News Americas, New York, NY, January 31, 2025: Civil rights attorney and Howard University law professor Kiah Duggins, who had roots in St. Kitts and Nevis, has been identified as one of the victims of the tragic January 29th collision between an American Airlines flight and a Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington, D.C.

Civil rights attorney Kiah Duggins, who had St. Kitts roots, was among the victims of the tragic plane crash near Reagan National Airport.

Duggins, the daughter of Dr. Maurice Duggins, originally from Sandy Point, St. Kitts, was widely respected for her work with the Civil Rights Corps, where she fought against unconstitutional policing and money bail practices in states such as Tennessee, Texas, and Washington, D.C.

The 30-year-old Harvard Law School graduate was also a former Miss Kansas contestant and was deeply committed to social justice. She was set to join Howard as a professor. In a statement, Howard University President Ben Vinson III expressed profound sadness over her passing, asking for privacy for her family, students, and colleagues during this difficult time.

A Legacy of Advocacy and Excellence

Before joining Civil Rights Corps, Duggins worked with the ACLU of Northern California and Neufeld, Scheck & Brustin LLP, focusing on police misconduct cases. She also studied prison industrial complex abolition and movement lawyering as a Law 4 Black Lives Fellow, integrating these principles into her legal work.

Duggins earned her J.D. from Harvard Law School, where she served as president of the Harvard Legal Aid Bureau. She also held bachelor’s degrees from Wichita State University, completed a Fulbright grant in Taiwan, and was a proud graduate of Wichita Public Schools.

Beyond her legal career, Duggins was known for her love of international travel, dance, and seeking out life’s magical moments.

A Tragic Loss

The collision occurred over the Potomac River as American Airlines Flight 5342, a PSA Airlines-operated aircraft, approached Reagan National Airport around 9 p.m. on January 29. The plane, American Eagle Flight No. 5342, a regional jetliner, was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members on a flight from Wichita, Kansas. There were three soldiers aboard the U.S. Army’s Sikorsky H-60, a Defense Department statement said. The crash claimed the lives of all 64 people on board, including 60 passengers and four crew members. At least 40 bodies have been recovered, according to D.C. Fire Chief John Donnelly.

Duggins’ father, Dr. Maurice Duggins, shared that she had been in town to check on her mother and described the family’s overwhelming grief.

“We are coming to terms with the loss of our beautiful and accomplished firstborn. Please respect our family’s privacy at this time,” he said.

Her passing marks a profound loss for the civil rights and legal communities, as well as for the Caribbean diaspora.

The Best Reggae, World & Latin Music Winners at the 2025 Grammy Awards

News Americas, New York, NY, February 2, 2025: The 67th Annual Grammy Awards returned to the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, celebrating the best in global music while raising funds for wildfire relief efforts. Among the night’s biggest winners were artists from the reggae, world, and Latin music genres, with Bob Marley’s legacy once again taking center stage.

Bob Marley-Inspired Album Wins Best Reggae Album

FLASHBACK – The family of late Jamaican musician Bob Marley pose as they arrive for the Premiere of the new Bob Marley movie ‘One Love’ at the Grand Rex Cinema, in Paris on February 1, 2024. (Photo by MIGUEL MEDINA/AFP via Getty Images)

The Best Reggae Album award this year went to Bob Marley: One Love — Music Inspired by the Film (Deluxe), a compilation featuring reimagined versions of Marley’s classic hits. The 10-track project, tied to the upcoming Bob Marley: One Love biopic, includes covers of iconic songs such as Natural Mystic, Exodus, Waiting in Vain, Three Little Birds, One Love, Redemption Song, and Is This Love.

The album features performances from artists like Skip Marley (Bob Marley’s grandson), Daniel Caesar, Kacey Musgraves, Bloody Civilian, Wizkid, Jesse Reyez, and Leon Bridges.

Other nominees in the Best Reggae Album category included:

Evolution — The Wailers

Never Gets Late Here — Shenseea

Take It Easy — Collie Buddz

Party with Me — Vybz Kartel

Global Music and African Excellence Recognized

US Caribbean roots rapper Cardi B arrives for the 67th Annual Grammy Awards at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on February 2, 2025. (Photo by ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images)

The night also celebrated African and world music, with Matt B featuring the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra winning Best Global Music Album for Alkebulan II.

Nigerian superstar Tems secured Best African Music Performance for Love Me JeJe, while the Best Global Music Performance honor went to Sheila E., Gloria Estefan, and Mimy Succar for Bemba Colorá.

Latin Music Takes Center Stage

Latin music saw several big wins, including:

Best Latin Jazz AlbumCubop Lives! by Zaccai Curtis

Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album¿Quién trae las cornetas? by Rawayana

Best Música Mexicana Album (Including Tejano)Boca Chueca, Vol. 1 by Carín León

Best Música Urbana AlbumLas Letras Ya No Importan by Residente

Best Tropical Latin AlbumAlma, Corazón y Salsa (Live at Gran Teatro Nacional) by Tony Succar and Mimy Succar