Guyanese Theatre Icon Ken Corsbie Passes Away At 94

News Americas, New York, NY, February 3, 2025: The Caribbean has lost another cultural giant with the passing of celebrated Guyanese actor, storyteller, and broadcaster, Ken Corsbie, whose work helped shape Caribbean theatre. Before there were so-called Caribbean comedians and influencers on social media, there was Corsbie.

Corsbie died at the age of 94 on February 3, 2025, at his home in the Chapel Hill, North Carolina, where he had been living with his wife, Elizabeth, for several years.

The late cultural icon, Ken Corsbie

A Life Dedicated to Caribbean Arts and Culture

Born in Georgetown, Guyana, Corsbie’s diverse heritage – Chinese, African, Welsh, Scottish, and Portuguese – mirrored the cultural melting pot he so passionately celebrated in his work. As he once said: “I’m a full blooded West Indian Stereotype – half Chinese, half Scottish, half African, half Amerindian, half Welch.”

In addition to being a pioneering artist, he was also a national basketball player and track and field athlete.

In 1959, at just 29 years old, Corsbie co-founded the Theatre Guild of Guyana, a major milestone in Caribbean theatre history. He quickly gained prominence as an actor, director, and producer, starring in numerous productions before earning a theatre scholarship to England. Upon returning, he joined the Guyana Broadcasting Service, where his radio documentary series, “Project One,” took him across the Caribbean, deepening his appreciation for the region’s rich languages, music, and folklore.

His signature one-man show, “He-One,” along with “Dem-Two” and “All-Ah-We,” revolutionized Caribbean storytelling. Corsbie’s animated performances, humor, and deep cultural insight made him a beloved figure at festivals and theatre events across the region.

A Legacy That Spanned Borders

In 1978, disillusioned by the political climate in Guyana, Corsbie relocated to Barbados, where he continued to champion Caribbean theatre. He spearheaded the Theatre Information Exchange, mentored young performers, and co-authored “Theatre in the Caribbean” (1983), one of the first books to document the region’s evolving dramatic traditions. He also presented the UNESCO-backed television series “Caribbean Eye,” which explored social and cultural themes across the islands. Corsbie won multiple awards winning figure throughout the English speaking Caribbean and its North American diaspora, as dramatist, storyteller, radio producer/announcer, actor, journalist, television presenter, humorist. His work is influenced by his Caribbean experiences and his living in America for the past twenty years. He also performed widely in America and Canada – in theatres, schools, cafes, festivals, universities, libraries. 

Corsbie’s passing has sparked an outpouring of tributes from across Guyana and the Caribbean. Colleagues, friends, and admirers remember him for his energy, wit, and unwavering dedication to Caribbean identity. In a 1993 interview with Caribbean Beat, Corsbie famously said, “The Caribbean can discover itself through theatre.” His words and work continue to resonate across generations.

Ken Corsbie is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, and a global community of admirers who found laughter, wisdom, and unity in his storytelling. His son, Len Corsbie, a creative icon in his own right, passed away just weeks before him in January 2025, adding to the sorrow of this tremendous loss.

Corsbie’s legacy remains etched in the fabric of Caribbean arts, ensuring that his voice, his stories, and his impact live on for generations to come.

Check out Corsbie in one of his stand-up shows here:

This Caribbean NFL Player Is Heading To The Super Bowl

News Americas, New York, NY, February 3, 2025: Caribbean immigrant and Haitian-born Lewis Cine is heading to Super Bowl LIX as part of the Philadelphia Eagles team.

The Eagles will face defending champions, the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX this Sunday, Feb. 9th. Though Cine, who was signed off the Buffalo Bills’ practice squad last month, is unlikely to play, his presence at the NFL’s biggest game is a significant milestone for the Haitian-born athlete.

Haitian-born Lewis Cine at Highmark Stadium on October 20, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan Bennett/Getty Images)

From Haiti to the Super Bowl Stage

Born on October 5, 1999, in Haiti, Cine immigrated to the United States at age four, first settling in Florida before moving to Everett, Massachusetts. A standout high school football player, he was named Massachusetts Defensive Player of the Year by USA Today as a junior. After transferring to Trinity Christian School in Texas for his senior year, Cine was coached by NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders before committing to play college football at Georgia.

At Georgia, Cine quickly established himself as a top defensive talent. In 2021, he helped lead the Bulldogs to a National Championship, earning Defensive MVP honors in the title game. His success led him to declare for the 2022 NFL Draft, where he was selected 32nd overall by the Minnesota Vikings.

Haitian immigrant NFL star Lewis Cine. (Photo by Bryan Bennett/Getty Images)

NFL Journey and Super Bowl Opportunity

Cine’s time with the Vikings was marked by challenges. He played just 10 games over two seasons, missing most of his rookie year due to a season-ending compound fracture. When he returned in his second season, he played seven games, mostly on special teams.

After being released by Minnesota, Cine was expected to sign with the New York Jets but instead landed with the Buffalo Bills. Cine was signed off the Bills’ practice squad to Philadelphia’s active roster Jan. 8. While he hasn’t seen game action with the Eagles since joining them in January, Philadelphia may be holding out hope that he can contribute next season.

Currently on the Eagles’ active 53-man roster, Cine remains in the team’s plans beyond the Super Bowl. Whether he sticks around through the offseason and earns a bigger role next year remains to be seen, but his presence at the NFL’s biggest game is already a testament to his perseverance and determination.

As the Eagles battle the Chiefs, Cine will be on the sidelines, proudly representing Haiti and the Caribbean on football’s grandest stage.

Tariff Wars And The Caribbean’s Economic Future

By Dr. Isaac Newton

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Tues. Feb. 4, 2025: Trade wars are more than geopolitical chess moves; they have real-world consequences. They drive up food prices, stall construction projects, and threaten jobs. The escalating tariff battle between the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and China is not just a clash of economic titans – it is a wake-up call for the Caribbean. When giants fight, the small suffer, and right now, Caribbean economies are feeling the strain.

Picture this: A vendor in Kingston watches the cost of imported goods soar. A hotel in Barbados, reliant on Chinese solar panels, faces shipment delays and price hikes. A construction firm in St. Lucia sees steel prices skyrocket, jeopardizing jobs and growth. These aren’t hypotheticals – they are the real and immediate consequences of shifting global trade policies.

While this situation may cause fear and uncertainty, it also presents an opportunity for innovation and greater regional collaboration. The Caribbean must rethink its economic strategy. If U.S. tariffs drive up food import costs, why not strengthen regional agriculture? If construction materials become unaffordable, why not forge new trade ties with Brazil or India? If China, squeezed by the U.S., seeks new partners, why not negotiate smart investments that foster economic independence rather than dependency? The Dominican Republic has already secured billions in infrastructure deals with China, while Guyana’s oil boom is reshaping South-South trade relationships.

For nations like Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, Dominica, and St. Lucia – where Citizenship by Investment Programs (CIP) generate vital revenue – this trade war presents significant risks. Many investors come from the U.S. and China, and rising tensions could deter them. To stay ahead, Caribbean leaders must diversify their investor base by attracting high-net-worth individuals from emerging markets such as India and the Middle East. More importantly, CIP funds should be reinvested in long-term economic resilience—supporting infrastructure, renewable energy, and digital innovation rather than serving as a short-term fiscal fix.

The world is shifting, and economic survival demands bold action. The Caribbean’s leaders, thinkers and practitioners cannot react passively to global trade battles. They must seize this moment to redefine the region’s economic future.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Dr. Isaac Newton is a global strategist and economist with deep expertise in Caribbean development. Educated at Harvard, Princeton, and Columbia, he has over 30 years of experience advising governments and business leaders. A leading voice on economic resilience, trade diplomacy, and sustainable growth, Dr. Newton translates complex global shifts into actionable strategies for thriving in an interconnected world.

Montserrat Premier Clarifies Land Ownership Rules After Jeff Bezos’ Visit

News Americas, New York, NY, February 3, 2025:Montserrat’s Premier Reuben Meade has addressed concerns regarding land ownership in the British Caribbean territory following the recent visit of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, who was spotted on the island aboard his luxury superyacht, Koru.

FLASHBACK – Jeff Bezos’s yacht named Koru is seen docked at Port Everglades on November 29, 2023 in Port Everglades, Florida. The 417-foot boat is said to be the world’s largest sailing yacht. Bezos recently announced his plans to move from Seattle, Washington, to Miami. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

During a United Alliance town hall meeting in Salem on January 10, a community member raised questions about Bezos’ presence in Montserrat and whether the billionaire might be considering land purchases or investments on the island.

In response, Premier Meade clarified that foreign nationals cannot buy property in Montserrat without government approval. “He cannot buy property in Montserrat unless the government grants an alien land holding license. So, we will know when business is being done,” Meade stated, as reported by Montserrat Focus.

Montserrat has a work from the beach program.

He further emphasized that any foreign investor must register a business or obtain a license, ensuring that all transactions are transparent. “They can’t do anything unless they register a business or seek a license to do business. So, we will know what is happening when the time is right.”

Bezos’ Caribbean Tour Sparks Speculation

Bezos arrived in Montserrat on January 6 aboard Koru, a 417-foot, three-masted sailing yacht built by Oceanco at an estimated cost of $500 million. The Amazon founder has been seen touring various Caribbean destinations, including St. Kitts and Nevis and St. Bart’s.

His visit sparked mixed reactions among Montserratians, with many residents posting photos and videos of his yacht on social media. Some viewed his presence as a potential boost to tourism, with one commenter stating, “Those people on Jeff Bezos’ yacht can share what they’ve seen and learn about our beautiful paradise.”

Others speculated about possible investments, with comments such as “Looking for an island to buy or to invest in?” and “Something might be brewing.” Some even saw it as an opportunity for philanthropic support, suggesting Bezos could contribute to the island’s port or hospital projects.

Premier Meade, however, dismissed speculation, reiterating that Bezos was simply visiting as a tourist. “We’re not going to nosy in a person’s business. He comes here. He comes here as a tourist. He spends money in Montserrat. Thank God he’s spending some money in Montserrat.”

Montserrat is a mountainous island in the Caribbean, part of the Lesser Antilles and a British Overseas Territory. In the 1990s, the Soufrière Hills volcano erupted, causing extensive damage to the southern region and leading to the creation of an exclusion zone. However, the northern part of the island remains largely unaffected, featuring black-sand beaches, coral reefs, rugged cliffs, and scenic shoreline caves, making it a picturesque destination for visitors.

Caribbean Talent Shines On Chris Brown’s Grammy-Winning Album

News Americas, New York, NY, February 3, 2025:The Caribbean’s influence on global music was once again highlighted at the 67th Grammy Awards, as Saint Lucian producer Johann “Yogi” Deterville and St. Kitts and Nevis dancehall star Byron Messia played key roles in Chris Brown’s Grammy-winning album, 11:11 (Deluxe). The album secured the award for Best R&B Album, marking a major victory for Caribbean talent on the world stage.

Saint Lucia’s Johann Deterville aka Yogida-producer.

Deterville, widely known as “Yogidaproducer,has now officially joined the ranks of Grammy-winning producers, while Messia’s collaboration on the album further solidified his rising influence in the international music scene.

A Proud Moment for Saint Lucia and St. Kitts & Nevis

Hailing from Anse La Raye, Saint Lucia, Deterville expressed immense pride in representing his island at such a prestigious level. He emphasized the significance of this moment, stating, “This is an incredible opportunity to showcase Caribbean talent on a global scale.”

Similarly, Byron Messia’s feature on the album was another landmark achievement for the Caribbean music industry. The St. Kitts-born dancehall artist gained mainstream recognition following the commercial release of his single “Talibans” in 2023, and his involvement in Brown’s award-winning project has further elevated the region’s presence in mainstream music.

Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister Celebrates the Win

Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre congratulated Deterville on his historic achievement, calling it a moment of national pride. He later welcomed the producer and his wife, singer Savannah Ré, to his office, where they discussed the growth of Saint Lucia’s music industry and opportunities for young artists.

Deterville hopes this Grammy win will inspire the next generation of Caribbean musicians, proving that the region’s talent can compete at the highest level. The victory has sparked regional celebration, as Caribbean music lovers and industry professionals recognize this achievement as a win for the entire region.

Check out Chris Brown featuring Bryon Messia