Lovers Rock Icon Sanchez Drops Soulful New Album

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News Americas, New York, NY, April 24, 2025: Lovers rock icon Sanchez returns with a powerful new offering titled Jamdown, released April 11, 2025 via VPAL Music. The album is a heartfelt blend of reflection, romance, and reggae soul that continues the legacy of one of Jamaica’s most enduring voices.

Best known for timeless dancehall classics like “Never Dis di Man” and “Loneliness,” Sanchez describes Jamdown as “extremely intimate and something almost everyone can relate to.” The project features a rich tapestry of original tracks co-written with producer Kenneth Thompson, including “Hot Girl,” “Disloyalty,” and the emotionally resonant title track, “Jamdown.”

In the title song, Sanchez offers a deeply personal homage to his beloved homeland. “I relate to the lyrics of Jamdown deeply just because I am a true product of the place,” he shared, referencing both the challenges and the beauty of Jamaica, and the unbreakable spirit of its people.

Thompson penned several additional songs on the album, such as the playful “Clean Like A Whistle” and the heartfelt “Desperate Man.” The album’s lush production is rounded out with contributions from multi-instrumentalist Paul Gauntlett, while arrangements and harmonies were crafted by Wayne Armond of the legendary reggae band Chalice and singer Tafina Wilson.

Born Kevin Jackson in Kingston, Jamaica, Sanchez has long been considered dancehall royalty. His extensive musical catalog, spanning over four decades, includes beloved hits like “I Can’t Wait,” “Pretty Girl,” “Old Friends,” “One In A Million,” and “Fall In Love.”

Reflecting on his longevity in the music industry, Sanchez credits his faith. “God Almighty is the master of this universe. He has kept me thus far and staying true to Him allows me to be true to my music,” he said.

Jamdown is produced by Kenneth Thompson for Kenergi Music and stands as a testament to Sanchez’s unwavering dedication to his craft and his culture.

Listen to it HERE

Hotel Equities Strengthens Presence in Caribbean and Latin America

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News Americas, ATLANTA, GA, April 24, 2025: Hotel Equities (HE), today announced the appointment of Marilia Pergola as Vice President of Operations for the Caribbean and Latin America (CALA) region. Pergola will be based in the company’s Miami corporate office.

“We are thrilled to welcome Marilia to the Hotel Equities family,” said Al Smith, President of Operations, Hotel Equities. “Her knowledge of the CALA landscape, coupled with her operational rigor and passion for people development, make her the ideal leader to inspire our associates and provide exceptional service to our guests and partners across the beautiful and dynamic CALA region.”

As Vice President of Operations – CALA, Pergola will lead operational strategy and execution across HE’s expanding portfolio in the region. With deep expertise in revenue management, brand compliance, financial performance, and pre-opening excellence, Pergola is poised to drive operational success, build strong owner relationships, and elevate guest experiences throughout the CALA region. Pergola’s appointment signals a major step in HE’s commitment to building an in-market leadership team that delivers elevated support and tailored solutions for owners and partners.

“Marilia’s arrival underscores our dedication to the region and our long-term strategy to support growth with experienced, boots-on-the-ground leadership,” said Michael Register, who oversees new development for the CALA region at HE. “As we continue to expand our portfolio and partnerships, her operational acumen and cultural fluency will be invaluable.”

Pergola has over 20 years of experience in hotel operations with deep market expertise, including the past 8 years at Marriott International, where she most recently served as Senior Director of Operations – Owner & Franchise Relations for the Caribbean & Latin America. She managed a portfolio of over 100 full-service and select-service hotels, led franchisee engagement efforts, and spearheaded critical integration projects, including the loyalty merger of Starwood Preferred Guest with Marriott Rewards and the operational transition of City Express. During her tenure, she achieved an industry-leading 86% owner satisfaction score, demonstrating her effectiveness in delivering value to ownership groups.

“I’m honored to join Hotel Equities at such an exciting time of growth in the Caribbean and Latin America,” said Pergola. “This region holds immense opportunity, and with HE’s people-first culture and commitment to in-market support, I’m confident we’ll continue to elevate the guest and owner experience across every hotel we touch.”

HE’s CALA portfolio is currently comprised of nine properties and nearly 1,000 hotel rooms under development in the region, including locations in Curacao, Dominica, Grenada, Mexico, St. Thomas, and Trinidad & Tobago. As HE’s CALA footprint continues to grow, the company is actively investing in infrastructure and corporate resources to ensure best-in-class support for its properties.

For more information on partnering with Hotel Equities, visit hotelequities.com/cala.

About Hotel Equities
Hotel Equities (HE) is an award-winning hospitality management and development firm with a portfolio of approximately 300 hotels, resorts, and outdoor hospitality destinations throughout the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, and Latin America. With a diverse portfolio of premium-branded and independent properties, Hotel Equities delivers proven results and drives long-term value for its stakeholders through a comprehensive suite of services, a people-first and performance-driven culture, and a commitment to excellence rooted in servant leadership. To learn more, visit www.hotelequities.com.

Caribbean Nations Power Up Renewable Energy Push With $110M Regional Investment Facility

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News Americas, New York, NY, April 24, 2025: In a landmark step toward transforming the Caribbean’s energy landscape, the World Bank has approved a major new initiative designed to boost renewable energy across the region. The Caribbean Resilient Renewable Energy Infrastructure Investment Facility, officially announced on April 17, 2025, will provide US$110 million to strengthen clean energy systems in Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, with additional countries eligible to join over time.

workers installing solar panels on a villa roof in the Caribbean. St. John, United States Virgin Islands

Developed in collaboration with the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank and regional governments, the initiative aims to reduce the Caribbean’s dependence on expensive imported fossil fuels, which currently power over 90% of the region’s electricity.

“Across the Caribbean, residents are paying some of the highest electricity prices in the world,” said Lilia Burunciuc, World Bank Division Director for the Caribbean. “This project is about lowering costs, improving reliability, and investing in a more affordable and secure energy future for Caribbean communities.”

A Bold Shift Toward Energy Resilience

Between 2016 and 2021, fossil fuel imports in the Eastern Caribbean cost an average of $444 million per year, accounting for more than 15% of total imports. Despite growing demand for greener energy, renewable sources made up just 11.6% of the region’s electricity generation by 2022. The barriers have been considerable: small-scale projects, weak regulatory frameworks, under-resourced grids, and high vulnerability to natural disasters.

This new facility seeks to address those issues head-on. It will:

Aggregate projects across countries to reduce costs and attract private sector developers.

Modernize transmission and distribution infrastructure, including battery energy storage systems.

Mobilize up to $120 million in commercial credit using partial credit guarantees.

Launch a new insurance product to protect renewable energy infrastructure from natural disasters.

Training, Jobs, and Long-Term Impact

Beyond infrastructure, the initiative will invest in skills training, technical assistance, and educational scholarships to support a new generation of energy professionals in the Caribbean. This includes apprenticeship programs and regulatory support to streamline project development.

“This Facility is a game-changer,” said Timothy Antoine, Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank. “It helps us strengthen capacity, enhance energy security, and lower electricity costs. We’re building the foundation for a cleaner, more competitive regional economy.”

The project is supported through the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA), along with funding from the Climate Investment Fund, the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program, and the Canada Clean Energy and Forests Climate Facility.

As climate resilience becomes a global priority, the Caribbean is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable energy transition—turning today’s challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities.