Antigua And Barbuda Investigating Vessel Allegedly Linked To Military Cargo For Israel

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News Americas, New York, NY, May 29, 2025: Antigua and Barbuda authorities have confirmed they are investigating allegations that one of the nation’s flagged vessels may have been transporting military equipment potentially destined for Israel’s Defense Forces (IDF) or affiliated private defense contractors.

Antigua and Barbuda investigates claims that a flagged ship, the HC Opal, carried military cargo allegedly destined for Israel, violating national policy.

The vessel in question, named the HC Opal (IMO 9377846), is currently sailing under the flag of Antigua and Barbuda, according to a statement issued Thursday by the Department of Marine Services and Merchant Shipping (ADOMS).

In its official release, ADOMS reiterated the firm policy of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda on such matters. “In line with the State’s obligations under international law and consistent with United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/Es-10/24 and UN Human Rights Council Resolution A/HRC/RES/55/28, neither the Government of Antigua and Barbuda nor any affiliated entities shall facilitate the sale, transfer, or diversion of arms and military equipment to Israel,” the statement affirmed.

Concerns emerged following a social media campaign led by the advocacy group BDS Freedom Justice Equality. The group published documents alleging that the HC Opal is currently in the Mediterranean Sea, en route to the port of Larnaca in Cyprus, and is carrying at least 23 containers of military supplies—including explosives, rocket components, and fuses—allegedly intended for Israel.

The BDS group cited international law, warning that a flag state allowing one of its vessels to transport military cargo to a nation engaged in what has been described by the International Court of Justice as potential genocide and illegal occupation, may be deemed complicit in such actions. The group urged Antigua and Barbuda to cooperate with relevant coastal states to halt the vessel’s progress and prevent the delivery of its cargo.

Palestinians carry boxes of humanitarian aid collected from a distribution center in the Netzarim Corridor, central Gaza Strip, on Thursday, May 29, 2025. The US and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation says it opened a fourth distribution site and three of its four sites were fully operational and dispensed aid on Thursday. Photographer: Ahmad Salem/Bloomberg via Getty Images

“If states fail to act while the ongoing atrocities in Gaza unfold, they risk breaching international law themselves,” the group stated.

In response, ADOMS pointed to Information Notice 2025-001, which sets out the government’s policy prohibiting the carriage of arms and ammunition aboard any vessel registered under the Antigua and Barbuda flag if intended for conflict zones.

“This prohibition applies irrespective of contractual obligations or voyage details,” ADOMS emphasized. The policy, they noted, aligns with the nation’s broader commitment to neutrality, peace, and adherence to international law.

Any Antigua and Barbuda-flagged vessel found in violation of this regulation is subject to immediate de-registration under the authority of the Merchant Shipping Act of 2006. Furthermore, such vessels may be detained at foreign ports and forced to offload prohibited cargo at the owner’s expense.

“This policy exists to protect the international reputation of Antigua and Barbuda, safeguard maritime security, and prevent participation in actions that could escalate armed conflict or violate international arms embargoes,” the notice read.

ADOMS reiterated that any breach would be met with decisive administrative and legal action, including potential criminal penalties, depending on the extent of the violation.

The development places Antigua and Barbuda in the spotlight at a time of heightened global scrutiny over the transportation of military equipment to conflict zones, and highlights the nation’s ongoing efforts to maintain its commitment to peace and neutrality on the international stage.

Sanctioned Guyanese Billionaire Azruddin Mohamed Freed on Bail After Launching Presidential Campaign

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News Americas, New York, NY, May 29, 2025: Guyanese businessman and presidential hopeful Azruddin Mohamed has been granted bail in the sum of GYD $500,000 following his arraignment on two criminal charges related to alleged tax evasion and fraudulent declarations to the Guyana Revenue Authority, (GRA).

Sanctioned Guyanese billionaire Azruddin Mohamed gets bail on tax charges as he kicks off his 2025 presidential campaign ahead of Guyana’s elections.

Appearing before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court today, Mohamed pleaded not guilty to both charges. The first charge alleges that on December 7, 2020, he knowingly caused a false declaration to the GRA by significantly undervaluing the purchase price of a luxury vehicle – a Lamborghini Aventador. The second charge accuses him of being involved in the fraudulent evasion of taxes through the same undervaluation. It is alleged that the vehicle was purchased for US$695,000, contrasting with the US$76,000 figure declared by Mohamed.

Represented by Attorneys Siand Dhurjon, Damian Da Silva, and Darren Wade, Mohamed was described as a 39-year-old businessman and father of five, residing at Lot 17 Houston Estates. His legal team argued for his release on his own recognizance, citing his status as a well-known figure with no prior convictions. However, the court imposed bail of $250,000 on each charge, totaling $500,000. The matter is scheduled for further proceedings on June 26.

These charges come in the wake of U.S. sanctions imposed in June 2024 by the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) on Mohamed, his father Nazar, and their company, Mohamed’s Enterprise. The sanctions were based on allegations of corruption and tax evasion, including underreporting over 10,000 kilograms of gold and evading more than US$50 million in taxes.

Despite these legal challenges, Mohamed has officially declared his candidacy for the presidency in Guyana’s upcoming general and regional elections scheduled for September 1, 2025. In a video statement, he outlined his vision for a “new Guyana,” emphasizing equality, trust, and unity. He pledged to build a nation grounded in integrity and public service, welcoming international election observers to ensure democratic oversight.

Mohamed’s campaign focuses on addressing economic disparities and promoting inclusive development. He criticized government extravagance amid rising living costs, stating, “Eggs have become too expensive for egg-fry, meat too costly for pepper pot.” He advocates for leadership that serves all citizens equally, aiming to lift people out of poverty through genuine efforts rather than superficial displays.

As Guyana navigates a period of rapid economic transformation driven by its oil and gas sector, Mohamed’s candidacy adds a new dimension to the political landscape. The upcoming elections are poised to be a defining moment for the nation’s democracy and global standing.

The legal proceedings against Mohamed continue, with the next court date set for June 26. Under applicable laws, a conviction could result in fines ranging from $10,000 to

Guyanese Adrianna Younge To Receive Posthumous U.S. Congressional Honor This Sunday

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News Americas, New York, NY, May 29, 2025: The parents of 11-year-old Guyanese murder victim, Adrianna Younge, are in the United States to receive a posthumous Congressional honor in her name and participate in the 2025 Guyana Independence Parade in Brooklyn, NY this Sunday, which has been dedicated to Adrianna’s memory.

Adrianna Younge, the the 11-year-old Guyanese girl whose death sparked national protests, will be honored posthumously by the U.S. Congress on June 1, 2025, in Brooklyn, NY.

Adrianna’s parents, Mr. Subrian Younge and Ms. Amecia Simon, are scheduled to attend a special event on June 1, 2025, during which U.S. lawmakers will recognize Adriana’s life and legacy. The proclamation is being sponsored by Democratic leader of the United States House of Representatives, Hakeem Jeffries.

While in the United States, the family is also expected to meet with medical experts to be briefed on the findings of a second autopsy conducted in the U.S. on Adrianna’s body.

In addition to the Congressional honor, Adrianna’s parents and relatives will join the Guyana Independence Parade, which begins at noon on June 1 at Church and Brooklyn Avenues in Brooklyn, New York. The parade will proceed along Church Avenue to Utica Avenue and end at Glenwood Road, where the Unity Concert will be held at 1450 Utica Avenue.

This year’s celebration has been designated “Guyana National Flag Day in the Diaspora” by the Guyana Independence Committee of New York. The Committee is encouraging all attendees to bring and display Guyana’s national flag to show solidarity with the homeland.

Adrianna Younge was a resident of Parika, Guyana. She died on April 24, 2025, after being reported missing the previous day during a family outing at a pool at the Double Day Hotel at Tuschen Village, with her grandmother, Carol Xavier. An alarm was raised and the Guyana Police Force was contacted. Officers informed Adrianna’s parents that they possessed surveillance footage showing Adrianna leaving the hotel with an unidentified man, and advised them to return home.

The family declined to leave and remained outside the hotel overnight, supported by community members and concerned citizens who were alerted through live streams on social media and joined in the effort to locate Adrianna. Despite their persistence, hotel management and police restricted access, preventing a comprehensive search of the premises.

After an extensive search and overnight vigil, Adrianna’s body was discovered the following morning, April 24, 2025, floating vertically in the hotel’s pool. The pool, with a maximum depth of 8 feet, had been searched multiple times by family members, a swimming instructor, other hotel guests, and police officers, with no prior sighting of her body. On the morning of April 24, 2025, a large group of residents gathered outside the Double Day Hotel in Tuschen, Guyana, calling for answers regarding the disappearance of the 11-year-old. Police reinforcements were deployed to the scene to manage the growing crowd and secure the premises.

At approximately 10:30 a.m., some members of the crowd breached the police line and entered the hotel. Soon after, Adrianna’s body was found in the hotel’s swimming pool. Questions were raised about the circumstances of the discovery, as the pool had reportedly been searched multiple times without finding her remains.

Police officers removed Adrianna’s body from the scene and transported it to the Leonora Hospital. The body was later transferred to Ezekiel’s Funeral Home in Vreed-en-Hoop. Authorities stated that the body had been sealed prior to the transfer.

Following the discovery, unrest escalated. Fires were reported at the hotel and at a residence linked to the hotel’s ownership.

Subsequently, Assistant Commissioner of Police Khalid Mandall, Regional Commander at the time, came under public scrutiny. Criticism intensified after initial police communications reportedly claimed Adrianna had been seen leaving the hotel, a claim later challenged by the family. Public demonstrations were held on April 25, 2025, outside the Leonora Police Station, with calls for Mandall’s removal from the position.

Protests erupted across Guyana, sparking widespread public anger and calls for accountability. On April 25, demonstrators blocked the main West Demerara Highway, using tires and other debris to obstruct traffic, effectively halting travel between the capital, Georgetown, and the western regions. Riot police were deployed, and reports indicated that officers opened fire on protesters. Deputy Commissioner of Police Simon McBean was dispatched from Georgetown to help de-escalate tensions.

The following day, the Guyana government announced that Regional Commander Khalid Mandall, who had overseen the initial police response, had been transferred to another division. The announcement drew further criticism, prompting renewed protests. Mandall was subsequently placed on administrative leave.

Widespread demonstrations continued as protesters accused the police of mishandling the investigation and alleged collusion with the hotel management. Public concern intensified after the announcement of preliminary autopsy results.

On April 28, an autopsy was conducted by three international pathologists: Dr. Glenn A. Rudner of Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, Dr. Shubhakar Karra Paul of Barbados, and Trinidad-and-Tobago born Dr. Gary L. Collins, Chief Medical Examiner for the State of Delaware. The examination, conducted at Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, took nearly five hours and occurred amid a heavy police presence and further protests.

The pathologists concluded that Adrianna died by drowning. However, her father, Subrian Younge, publicly rejected the finding. The pathologists clarified that while the cause of death was identified, the manner of death – whether accidental or otherwise – must be determined by the ongoing police investigation.

Following the release of the autopsy findings, Guyana President Irfaan Ali addressed the nation in a televised statement. His remarks, interpreted by some as conclusive about the circumstances of Adrianna’s death, prompted additional backlash and civil unrest. Protests intensified, disrupting businesses and prompting flight diversions from Cheddi Jagan International Airport.

In response, authorities charged several protest participants with terrorism, including Tianna Lewis-King, a Ministry of Health employee.

Attorney Dr. Dexter Todd, representing the Younge family, called on the Guyana government to invite international law enforcement agencies — including the FBI, Scotland Yard, or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police — to lead an independent investigation. Instead, the government brought in retired RCMP detective Leonard McCoshen to review evidence. McCoshen later stated publicly that he lacked prior experience in such investigations.

Adrianna’s body remains unburied as her family continues to seek justice. On May 20, 2025, Dr. Todd confirmed that her remains were transported to the United States for a second autopsy.

Her death now remains “under investigation” but continues to garner significant global attention – both in Guyana and among the diaspora.

For more information on the Sunday event, visit celebrateguyananyc.com

Vybz Kartel Cleared To Perform In Trinidad After 15-Year Hiatus

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News Americas, New York, NY, May 29, 2025: Jamaican dancehall icon Vybz Kartel is set to make a triumphant return to Trinidad after 15 years, having received official clearance to headline the One Caribbean Unity Music Festival this Saturday, May 31, at Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain. This performance marks a significant milestone in his career, following his release from prison in 2024.

Kartel and Spice performing in Brooklyn, NY.

Kartel, born Adidja Azim Palmer, has been granted a special seven-day permit under Section 10(1) of Trinidad and Tobago’s Immigration Act 22/2025. The permit, labeled Form 17, exempts him from visa and work permit requirements but comes with specific conditions. These include restrictions on public engagements and content, such as prohibitions on participating in crime awareness events and performing songs like “Good Like Jesus” that may be deemed offensive. Additionally, he is required to post a security bond, the amount of which has not been disclosed.

Despite these limitations, anticipation for Kartel’s performance is high. Jonathan Gomez, Digital Marketing Lead for the festival, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “The Worl’ Boss has now been officially cleared to arrive and perform in Trinidad, so all roads lead to the Queen’s Park Savannah this Saturday night, where Vybz Kartel will deliver an electrifying performance, alongside some of the nation and the region’s top acts.”

This event is part of Kartel’s broader “Worl’ Boss Tour,” which includes stops in Guyana, the United States, Europe, and Jamaica. The tour follows his release from prison after his 2011 murder conviction was overturned due to juror misconduct. His return to the stage is seen as a significant moment for fans and the dancehall community alike.