Golden Krust Launches New Island Select Patty Line Exclusively at Walmart

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News Americas, New York, NY, March 7, 2024: Golden Krust, the leading family-owned Caribbean culinary brand in the U.S., is expanding its reach with the launch of Golden Krust Island Select, an exclusive new product line available only at Walmart.

The Island Select line introduces two new Jamaican patty varieties – Strawberry & Cream Cheese and Vegetable – alongside a bold new packaging redesign featuring a sleek, vertical box. This modernized look will roll out across all Golden Krust grocery products, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to quality and innovation.

New Flavors & Classic Favorites

Golden Krust Island Select offers a mix of traditional and new flavors, including:
Strawberry & Cream Cheese – A sweet and creamy twist on the classic patty, combining real strawberries and smooth cream cheese, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Vegetable – A hearty blend of cabbage, corn, green beans, carrots, broccoli, and onions, seasoned with Caribbean spices like garlic, thyme, and Scotch bonnet peppers.

These join the beloved Beef (Spicy & Mild), Chicken, and Jerk Chicken varieties, ensuring something for every craving.

“We are proud to grow the reach and legacy of Golden Krust’s authentic Caribbean products with the launch of Island Select, a new sub-brand now available exclusively at Walmart,” said Steven Clarke, Golden Krust’s Vice President of Marketing.

Convenience & Nationwide Availability

Now available in 1,600 Walmart locations across 30 states, the Golden Krust Island Select patties are easy to prepare in the microwave, oven, or air fryer. Each pack contains two patties, making them a convenient and satisfying option for home, work, or on the go.

Golden Krust continues to expand its presence beyond its 100+ restaurants, with frozen patties and baked goods available in over 22,000 retail locations nationwide, including Walmart, Publix, Target, and ShopRite.

For more information, visit goldenkrust.com.

Beenie Man Set For First U.S. Performance In 13 Years At Jazz in the Gardens

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News Americas, New York, NY, March 7, 2024: Jamaican dancehall icon Beenie Man is set to make a triumphant return to the U.S. stage for the first time in 13 years as he joins the star-studded lineup at the Jazz in the Gardens music festival this weekend.

The highly anticipated event, now in its 18th year, will fill the air with smooth jazz, island vibes, and R&B classics at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Recognized as one of the largest Black music festivals in the U.S., Jazz in the Gardens continues to showcase A-list talent while celebrating local artists, food vendors, and cultural experiences.

FLASHBACK – Beenie Man performing at the MOBO Awards 2022 at OVO Arena Wembley on November 30, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Joseph Okpako/WireImage)

“Most music festivals fizzle out, but Jazz in the Gardens continues to grow,” said Miami Gardens Mayor Rodney Harris.

Beenie Man’s Long-Awaited U.S. Return

Beenie Man, known as the “King of Dancehall,” last performed in the U.S. over a decade ago and is ready to bring his signature high-energy stage presence to Miami Gardens on Sunday, March 9th.

“Dancehall music has been my whole entire life,” he told Local 10’s Alexis Frazier. “My journey through music is to work hard in the studio and even harder on stage.”

The Grammy-winning Jamaican superstar will share the stage with an impressive roster of performers, including Caribbean roots Doug E Fresh and Fat Joe, as well as New Edition, Toni Braxton, Jah Rule and Remy Ma, making this year’s festival a must-attend event for music lovers across genres. On

A Festival with Cultural and Economic Impact

Jazz in the Gardens has grown from a small parking lot gathering into a premier music destination, attracting thousands of fans from across the U.S. and the Caribbean.

“You’re going to have people from the Bahamas, Chicago, Los Angeles flocking to Miami Gardens,” said Harris. “They’re going to utilize the hotels, the restaurants, and other entertainment and hospitality venues.”

In addition to providing world-class entertainment, the festival serves as an economic driver for Miami Gardens, generating millions in revenue and creating thousands of jobs. A portion of the proceeds also supports local churches, schools, and nonprofit organizations.

Jazz in the Gardens has long been a platform for South Florida talent, honoring legends like the late Betty Wright while continuing to highlight emerging artists.

“Like Pretty Porcelain is going to be a part of it, Uncle Luke is a legend and he’s going to be a part of this,” Harris added. “We try to capture as many local artists as we possibly can.”

While festival events are already underway, the main concerts kick off tomorrow, Saturday, March 8th with performances from Haitian immigrant Wyclef Jean, YG Marley, Jamaican roots Busta Rhymes and Lauryn Hill among others.

For more information on the festival, click here.

New Caribbean Music Releases: Carlene Davis Drops Gospel Album, Steel Pulse & Protoje Unveil Fresh Tracks

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News Americas, New York, NY, March 7, 2024: This week is an exciting one for Caribbean music lovers, with the release of new reggae and gospel projects from some of the region’s most iconic artists. From Carlene Davis’ faith-filled album to Steel Pulse’s reggae tribute to The Police and Protoje’s latest anthem, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Carlene Davis Drops 13th Gospel Album, Songs of Zion

Jamaican gospel and reggae trailblazer Carlene Davis has released her 13th gospel album and 23rd overall, Songs of Zion, on February 28 via VPAL Music and Glory Music. The album blends roots reggae, gospel, and Nyahbinghi, reflecting Davis’ Jamaican heritage while delivering uplifting messages of faith and hope.

Co-produced with her husband, Tommy Cowan, the album features some of Jamaica’s most talented musicians, including Dean Fraser, Dave Green, Dale Brown, Othneil Lewis, and Kenroy “Shortman” Mullings. The first single, “Rapha”, has already been gaining international attention.

Davis, who was honored with Jamaica’s Order of Distinction in 2010, is one of the most significant female Jamaican artists, with a career spanning decades and including hits like “Dial My Number.” Songs of Zion is part of a three-album release by Glory Music, which also includes Now (The Spoken Word) by Pastor Sara Cowan and Reggae Sax (Gospel Edition) by Verlando Small.

The album is available on all streaming platforms and will be featured on Glory Music’s upcoming tour.

Steel Pulse & Clive Hunt Release Reggae Cover of So Lonely

Legendary British reggae band Steel Pulse has teamed up with renowned producer Clive Hunt for a reggae rendition of The Police’s hit song “So Lonely”. The track is the fifth and final single from the upcoming album Fields of Gold: A Reggae Tribute to Sting, which drops March 14 via Ineffable Records.

The album is a star-studded reggae tribute featuring performances from Third World, Maxi Priest, The Skatalites, J Boog, Big Youth, Kumar, Groundation, and more. Hunt, who has worked with icons like Jimmy Cliff, Peter Tosh, Beres Hammond, and Stevie Wonder, brings his signature production style to this unique project.

Stream “So Lonely” now: https://ineffable.to/solonely

Protoje Drops New Single BIG 45

Reggae heavyweight Protoje is back with a fresh new anthem, “BIG 45”, produced by The Indiggnation and Winta James – the masterminds behind his hits “Who Knows” and “Switch It Up” (featuring Koffee).

Blending hip-hop, soul, jazz, reggae, and dancehall, Protoje continues to push the genre’s boundaries. The Grammy-nominated artist has been featured in Rolling Stone, THE FADER, and Vogue Magazine and has performed on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series.

Fresh off a tour in Ethiopia, Protoje has upcoming performances in Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Portugal, Germany, Sweden, Netherlands, France, and the U.S.

Watch the official video for “BIG 45”

With these new releases, Caribbean music continues to make waves across the globe, offering fans an exciting mix of reggae, gospel, and cultural tributes. Be sure to check out these new tracks and support the artists keeping the region’s rich musical legacy alive!

Jamaican Fugitive Deported After ICE Arrest In Connecticut

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News Americas, New York, NY, February 19, 2025: A Jamaican fugitive wanted for a shooting in his home country has been arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, (ICE) in New Haven, Connecticut, and deported to Jamaica.

Leroy Neville White, 30, was taken into custody and turned over to Jamaican authorities on January 30 after completing a criminal sentence in Connecticut.

According to ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, White was arrested in Connecticut on December 26, 2023, for first-degree threatening with intent to terrorize. He was convicted and sentenced to five years in prison, with one year to serve and three years of probation.

“Leroy Neville White attempted to flee justice in his home country and take refuge in the United States. He then continued to break the law in Connecticut,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston Acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde. “White is a violent criminal and presented a significant threat to the residents of our neighborhoods. ICE will not tolerate such a threat. We will continue to arrest and remove egregious alien offenders from New England.”

ICE officers arrested White on December 26, 2024, at Hartford Correctional Center upon the completion of his state sentence. He was then processed for removal and deported back to Jamaica.

Haiti Cracks Down On Gang Supporters With Arrest Warrants

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News Americas, New York, NY, February 19, 2025: Haitian authorities have issued more than a dozen arrest warrants for individuals accused of supporting gangs responsible for deadly attacks in the once-peaceful community of Kenscoff, near the capital, Port-au-Prince.

A motorcycle driver passes through an empty street due to clashes between police and gangs in the Delmas district in Port-au-Prince on February 13, 2025. Haiti’s capital could become overrun by criminal gangs if the international community does not step up aid to a UN-backed security mission there, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned in a January 2025 report. (Photo by CLARENS SIFFROY/AFP via Getty Images)

The violence, which has lasted for three weeks, has claimed dozens of lives, including three police officers and one soldier, according to police spokesman Lionel Lazarre. Among the suspects facing charges of plotting against the government and backing gangs are former Senator Nenel Cassy and former Kenscoff legislator Alfredo Antoine.

A local human rights organization, the Cooperative for Peace and Development, has called for the establishment of an international criminal tribunal to prosecute those responsible for the ongoing violence, which has killed thousands, including children, across Haiti in recent years. One of the latest victims was a two-month-old baby.

Haitian police have intensified operations against gangs, with Lazarre confirming that “a lot” of gang members have been killed. However, he acknowledged the challenges in accessing gang-controlled areas.

Gangs now control approximately 85% of Port-au-Prince and have expanded their attacks on previously secure communities, further deepening the crisis. In 2024 alone, more than 5,600 people were killed due to gang violence, and over a million have been displaced in recent years, according to the United Nations.

CARICOM Set To Have Its 22nd Member

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Feb. 21, 2025: CARICOM, aka the Caribbean Community, is set to grow to 22.

At the 48th CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting in Barbados, Martinique officially signed an agreement to become an associate member, joining Bermuda, Turks & Caicos, Curacao, Anguilla, the Cayman Islands and the British Virgin Islands. The agreement was signed by Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, as CARICOM Chair, and Serge Letchimy, President of the Territorial Collectivity of Martinique, (CTM).

Chairman of CARICOM and Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley (left), and Serge Letchimy, President of the Executive Council of the Territorial Collectivity of Martinique, signed the accession agreement in Bridgetown this week.

This milestone strengthens Martinique’s regional integration, enhancing cooperation in key sectors such as healthcare, education, trade, and disaster management. While final ratification by the French National Assembly is pending, Martinique’s new status positions it as a strategic bridge between the Caribbean and Europe, expanding opportunities for economic and cultural collaboration.

Martinique’s accession presents a unique opportunity to strengthen exchanges between the French territory, as an integral part of the European Union, and the 21 CARICOM countries and territories (both Members and Associate Members), encompassing approximately 18 million people. With its new status, Martinique will be positioned to develop joint projects in key economic sectors, including health care, education, transport, and disaster risk management, further establishing itself as a strategic bridge between the Caribbean and Europe.

Becoming an Associate Member of CARICOM is a key step in Martinique’s broader ambition for regional integration. The French territory has previously attained Associate Member status with the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) in 2012, the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) in 2014, and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) in 2015.

Martinique’s accession to CARICOM brings several significant benefits for the region:

Economic development: Expanding access to Caribbean and European markets while diversifying business opportunities.

Enhanced cooperation: Strengthening collaboration in key areas such as health care, education, security, and crisis management.

Mobility and employment: Facilitating professional and academic exchanges for Caribbean consultants and students.

Tourism, sports and culture: Boosting exchanges with neighboring territories to reinforce Caribbean culture, sports, and regional tourism.

Through this accession, Martinique reaffirms its deep Caribbean identity and commitment to fostering development and innovation within CARICOM.

MSNBC Cancels Guyanese-Roots Joy Reid

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News Americas, New York, NY, Sun. Feb. 23, 2025: MSNBC is canceling The ReidOut, the primetime political commentary show hosted by Guyanese roots journalist Joy-Ann M. Lomena-Reid, as part of a major programming shakeup at the network. The announcement came ironically on the same day Guyana marks its 55th Republic anniversary.

Joy Reid, the Guyanese roots host of MSNBC is host of The ReidOut is out.
(Photo by Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Reid’s final episode is set to air this upcoming week, with MSNBC planning to replace her 7 p.m. slot with a new show co-hosted by Symone Sanders-Townsend, Alicia Menendez, and Michael Steele – who currently co-anchor The Weekend.

The cancellation of Reid’s show, which has been on air since 2020, comes amid a broader restructuring at MSNBC following the recent appointment of Rebecca Kutler as the network’s president. Kutler replaced Rashida Jones, who stepped down after nearly four years in the role.

In addition to Reid’s departure, MSNBC’s primetime lineup will see further changes, with Alex Wagner – who currently hosts a four-night-a-week program at 9 p.m. – expected to shift into a contributor role.

Kutler’s leadership comes at a challenging time for MSNBC, as the network prepares to separate from NBC News and become part of a newly publicly traded company. Reports indicate that MSNBC is expected to lose 10.5% of its subscribers between the end of 2023 and 2025, according to market research firm Kagan. Kutler has expressed intentions to establish an independent news-gathering division for MSNBC, reflecting the network’s evolving identity.

Reid, a longtime political analyst and one of MSNBC’s most high-profile Black female anchors, gained prominence for her unapologetically progressive commentary. However, ratings for The ReidOut have reportedly declined, with viewership down 28% in February compared to the same period last year, according to Nielsen data.

Born to a Guyanese mother and a Congolese father, Reid has had a distinguished career in journalism, previously hosting The Reid Report and AM Joy before launching The ReidOut. She has also authored several books, including Fracture: Barack Obama, the Clintons, and the Racial Divide and The Man Who Sold America: Trump and the Unraveling of the American Story.

While Reid’s future plans remain unclear, her departure marks a significant shift at MSNBC, as the network navigates a period of transition and restructuring.

Caribbean Roots Journalist Lester Holt Calls Its A Day At “NBC Nightly News”

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News Americas, New York, NY, February 24, 2025: Veteran Caribbean roots journalist Lester Holt, who has anchored and served as managing editor of NBC Nightly News for the past decade, announced Monday that he will be stepping down from the broadcast at the beginning of the summer.

Holt, whose maternal roots trace back to Jamaica, will continue his full-time role at Dateline, where he has been the principal anchor for nearly 15 years, according to a memo shared with NBC News staff. The network has not yet named his successor.

Holt took over as Nightly News anchor in June 2015 after spending eight years helming the weekend editions of the program and co-anchoring Weekend TODAY for 12 years. He has also served as principal anchor of Dateline since September 2011.

“A smile comes to my face when I think that with Nightly News and Dateline, I have now anchored two of the most successful and iconic television news programs in broadcast history,” Holt wrote in a message to his colleagues. “As a 20-year-old radio reporter on the police beat chasing breaking news around San Francisco, I could never have imagined my career path would unfold in the way it has. What an amazing ride.”

Over the past decade, Holt has covered some of the most defining events of the era, including the political rise of Donald Trump, the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the ongoing war in Gaza. Recently, he co-anchored NBC’s election night coverage, traveled to Iran for an exclusive interview with President Masoud Pezeshkian, and led a Dateline special on the devastating 2025 Los Angeles wildfires.

His interviews with world leaders—including Trump, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Barack Obama, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy—have frequently made headlines. Holt has also traveled extensively to cover natural disasters, mass shootings, and other major news events.

Holt’s Caribbean heritage comes from his maternal grandmother, May, an Afro-Jamaican woman born in Manchester Parish, Jamaica, who was raised in Harlem, New York. His maternal grandfather, Canute DeRozario, was born in Spanish Town, Jamaica, to an Indian father from Calcutta and an English-born White Jamaican mother.

Holt’s introduction to broadcasting came from his older brother, a disc jockey in Anchorage, Alaska. During his college years, Holt worked as a disc jockey at a country and western radio station before embarking on a journalism career that has made him one of the most respected news anchors of his generation.

ICE Nabs Jamaican National In Boston

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News Americas, New York, NY, Feb. 26, 2025: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers have apprehended a Jamaican national in Massachusetts on serious criminal charges, underscoring the agency’s commitment to public safety.

ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, (ERO) arrested 26-year-old Jahmari Taffari Westcarth in Boston on Jan. 25 after he was charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and assault and battery on a family member in Massachusetts.

ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) arrested 26-year-old Jahmari Taffari Westcarth in Boston. (US ICE image)

“Jahmari Taffari Westcarth stands accused of assaulting and victimizing a family member in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. He represents a significant threat to the residents of our community,” said Patricia H. Hyde, acting field office director for ICE ERO Boston. “We simply refuse to tolerate such dangers to the law-abiding residents of our New England neighborhoods. ICE Boston stands firm in our commitment to prioritizing public safety by arresting and removing illegal alien offenders from our neighborhoods.”

Westcarth first entered the U.S. illegally near San Ysidro, California, on Dec. 30, 2022, where he was apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol agents. He was subsequently served with a notice to appear before a Department of Justice immigration judge for further proceedings.

Following his arrest in Massachusetts, Westcarth was arraigned in Dorchester District Court on Jan. 8, 2025. ICE promptly issued an immigration detainer, requesting custody of Westcarth; however, the court declined to honor the detainer and released him from custody.

ICE later apprehended Westcarth on Jan. 25, and he remains in ICE custody pending further immigration enforcement actions.

This case highlights ongoing debates over local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities, as well as ICE’s continued efforts to remove individuals who pose a public safety risk from U.S. communities.

U.S. Condemns Venezuelan Naval Threat Near Guyana’s Maritime Territory

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News Americas, New York, NY, March 1, 2025: The U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs today issued a strong statement condemning the approach of a Venezuelan naval vessel toward Guyana’s assets within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

A sign that reads “Essiquibo Belongs to Guyana” displayed at the Madela Eccles roundabout in Georgetown, Guyana, on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024. The small nation’s economy is the fastest-growing in the world, but the boon has stoked challenges from inflation and a growing wealth gap to the looming threat of conflict with Venezuela. Photographer: Jose A. Alvarado Jr./Bloomberg via Getty Images

In the statement, the U.S. denounced the action as an unacceptable threat to Guyana’s internationally recognized maritime territory.

“Venezuelan naval vessels threatening ExxonMobil’s floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) unit is unacceptable and a clear violation of Guyana’s internationally recognized maritime territory. Further provocation will result in consequences for the Maduro regime. The United States reaffirms its support for Guyana’s territorial integrity and the 1899 arbitral award,” the statement read.

A Venezuelan military vessel reportedly entered Guyana’s waters on Saturday and docked near an ExxonMobil contracted vessel in the oil and gas rich Stabroek Block.

“We’re still gathering information at this time. Will share more when we know more,” an ExxonMobil Guyana spokesman told Demerara Waves online.

This reaffirmation from the US underscores the Trump administration’s unwavering support for Guyana’s territorial rights, particularly based on the 1899 arbitral award, which defines the border between the two nations. Venezuela moved its naval vessel to the Stabroek Block just days after United States President Donald Trump’s administration cancelled a Biden-era licence that had allowed US company Chevron to sell hydrocarbon products from its operations in Venezuela.

Guyana’s President, Dr. Irfaan Ali addressed the nation today and emphasized that the assets in question are lawfully positioned within Guyana’s EEZ and strongly condemned the Venezuelan vessel’s incursion as a violation of Guyana’s sovereignty.

According to President Ali, the Venezuelan vessel had transmitted a radio message asserting that it was operating in what it described as “disputed international waters” before continuing its course toward other offshore facilities.

However, the Guyanese leader firmly dismissed this claim.

“Let me be unequivocal. Maritime boundaries are recognized under international law, and this is a matter of grave concern,” Ali stated.

He also reassured the nation that his administration was addressing the situation with the utmost seriousness and responsibility.

Meanwhile, the regional body, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on Saturday reiterated its unequivocal and unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana.

“All such acts of aggression and provocation are contrary to international law and the 2023 Argyle Declaration. Expressly too Guyana and Venezuela are enjoined to avoid unnecessary confrontational actions,” the statement said. “This provocative incident of 1 March 2025 initiated by Venezuela runs counter to the agreed commitment of CARICOM and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) to ensure that the Caribbean region remains a Zone of Peace. It is critical that there be a peaceful resolution of the border controversy as is expected under the International Court of Justice, which already has conduct over the dispute.”

The Organization of American States (OAS) also “unequivocally” condemned the recent actions.

“Such acts of intimidation constitute a clear violation of international law, undermine regional stability, and threaten the principles of peaceful coexistence between nations,” said the OAS in a statement, reiterating its “steadfast support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.