Busy Signal Drops Summer Anthem “Party Next Door”

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News Americas, New York, NY, May 23, 2025: Jamaican dancehall star Busy Signal is officially turning up the heat and kicking off the summer party season with a high-energy bang, thanks to his sizzling new single “Party Next Door,” now streaming on all major platforms via Nuh Rush Records and distributed by Tuff Gong International.

Known for igniting dancefloors across the globe, the Jamaican hitmaker has teamed up once again with veteran producer and longtime collaborator IamNuhRush, (aka Junior Brown), to deliver what’s already being hailed as a summer anthem. And if the music alone doesn’t do it for you, the just-dropped official video will.

Premiered exclusively on Boomshots, the go-to platform for reggae and dancehall culture, the video is everything a party lover dreams of—sun-soaked vibes, big riddims, tight security, and a guest list hotter than the Jamaican sun. Directed by the creative force 300, the visuals take fans to a hilltop mansion bash where bottles pop, the vibes are up, and the music hits hard. Adding a dose of humor is rising actor Trilla Milla, who plays a persistent gatecrasher trying every trick to get into the event – until Busy himself clears the way.

“Turning up to dancehall, take it back to basic, original dem cah replace it,” Busy chants in the track, which is laced with heavy bass and infectious hooks that guarantee this one’s destined to dominate playlists and party scenes from Kingston to Queens.

Rob Kenner, founding editor of Boomshots, nailed the sentiment perfectly: “What better way to kick off Memorial Day weekend than with this banger? ‘Party Next Door’ is a prime example of a champion DJ in action.”

The release comes just in time for the start of summer and carries Busy Signal’s unmistakable stamp of energy, versatility, and global appeal. Fans of the dancehall icon know to expect nothing less. With past hits like “Watch Out For This (Bumaye)” with Major Lazer, “Come Over,” and “Bedroom Bully,” Busy has consistently delivered, fusing Caribbean flavor with global beats including Afrobeat, EDM, hip hop, and Soca.

This isn’t the first magic Busy and IamNuhRush have made together. Their previous collaborations – like “Big Chune,” “Steam Chalice,” and “Cruising”—have all garnered acclaim. But “Party Next Door” is poised to take their creative synergy to new heights.

So whether you’re on a rooftop in New York, a beach in Miami, or a yard in Montego Bay, turn up the volume – because Busy Signal just declared that summer has officially started.

WATCH THE OFFICIAL VIDEO HERE

Caribbean-Born Congressman Blasts Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’

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News Americas, New York, NY, May 22, 2025: Caribbean-born U.S. Congressman, Adriano Espaillat, has sharply criticized the Republican-led House’s passage of what he termed the “GOP Tax Scam,” a bill he warns will have dire consequences for America’s most vulnerable.

U.S. Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-NY) has slammed the GOP’s “Big Beautiful Bill. (Photo by Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images)

Espaillat, who represents New York’s 13th congressional district and was born in the Dominican Republic, condemned the bill for offering major tax breaks to billionaires and large corporations while slashing funding for essential public services.

“The only winners following Trump’s ‘Big Ugly Bill’ are billionaire donors and big corporations that already pay next to nothing in taxes,” Espaillat said in a statement from Washington, D.C. “This disastrous bill includes devastating cuts to health care and food assistance, taking vital funding from the American people.”

He added that the legislation, which aligns with former President Donald Trump’s economic priorities, would further burden working families, making basic necessities such as groceries and healthcare even more costly.

“Donald Trump has no problem taking from the poor to give to the wealthy,” Espaillat stated. “These cuts are a matter of life and death. If this bill becomes law, people will die from lack of food, health care, and housing.”

Earlier this week, Espaillat spoke out against the bill on the House floor and joined over 100 Democratic colleagues in proposing more than 500 amendments in an effort to stall the bill’s advancement during a Rules Committee hearing. Despite these efforts, every Democrat in the House ultimately voted against the measure, which passed under Republican leadership.

Espaillat reaffirmed his commitment to defending the values and well-being of working families across the nation, pledging to continue the fight against policies he sees as detrimental to America’s most vulnerable communities.

Summary of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”

The House Republicans have advanced a sweeping multitrillion-dollar tax and spending bill that could significantly affect household finances across the U.S. Officially titled the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” the legislation aims to make permanent the 2017 Trump tax cuts and introduces major changes to tax policy, social programs, and federal student aid.

Key Provisions:

Tax Cuts & Credits:

Makes Trump-era tax cuts permanent.

Temporarily increases the child tax credit to $2,500 (2025–2028).

Increases the SALT deduction cap to $40,000 in 2025 with income-based phaseouts.

Introduces a $4,000 tax deduction for seniors.

Provides a tax deduction on U.S.-assembled auto loan interest (up to $10,000).

Offers tax exemptions for tips for earners under $160,000

Social Program Cuts:

Includes $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, possibly impacting millions through loss of health and food assistance.

Imposes stricter work requirements for eligibility starting in December 2026.

Health & Education:

Expands access and contribution limits to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).

Eliminates subsidized student loans and hardship deferment options.

Extends loan repayment terms to up to 30 years with delayed forgiveness.

Other Features:

Launches federally funded “Trump Accounts” with a $1,000 initial deposit for child savings.

Ends tax credits for electric vehicles and energy-efficient home improvements after 2025.

The bill, over 1,000 pages long, was passed by the House and could be advanced in the Senate via budget reconciliation, though changes are expected before potential enactment.

Haitian-Led Thriller On Moïse Assassination Hits U.S. Theaters

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Tues. May 20, 2025: For the first time, a Haitian-led political thriller is telling the world what many in Haiti have long asked: Who killed President Jovenel Moïse?

July 7 is not just breaking that mold—it’s redefining how Caribbean stories reach global audiences.

“July 7: Who Killed the President?” premiered on May 16, in AMC theaters across the United States. Starring Raquel Pelissier and Haitian born star, Jimmy Jean-Louis, and directed by Robenson Lauvince, the film explores the 2021 assassination of Haiti’s president through the eyes of a determined college student. Her research for a memoir takes a dark turn into a web of conspiracy, violence, and political betrayal.

“This is more than a film—it’s a moment of truth for Haiti,” said Lauvince. “We’re telling our story on our terms, with depth and dignity.” Sunday, May 18th was Haitian flag day.

The film, shot in both Haiti and the U.S., is the first Haitian political drama to receive nationwide theatrical release in the United States—a major milestone for Caribbean cinema. AMC has also launched a community-driven campaign: the more requests a city receives, the more likely it is that July 7 will be added to local theater line-ups.

Confirmed screenings include:

AMC Empire 25 (New York City)

AMC Aventura Mall 24 (Florida)

AMC Boston Common 19 (Massachusetts)

AMC Phipps Plaza 14 (Atlanta)

AMC Burbank 16 (Los Angeles)

The film arrives amid growing interest in Diaspora narratives, yet Haitian and Black independent filmmakers still face steep hurdles in U.S. film distribution. July 7 is not just breaking that mold—it’s redefining how Caribbean stories reach global audiences.

Jovenel Moïse was a Haitian politician and entrepreneur, who served as the 43rd president of Haiti from 2017 until his assassination in 2021. He assumed the presidency in February 2017 after winning the November 2016 election. During his term, Haiti experienced widespread protests. In the early morning of 7 July 2021, Moïse was assassinated and his wife Martine was injured during an attack on their private residence in Pétion-Ville.

“This is a megaphone for our pain, our resilience, and our right to justice,” Lauvince said. “We want to show the world our truth—and this time, you don’t have to ask Hollywood’s permission.”

Audiences can request screenings in their cities by visiting the film’s official website HERE

See a trailer from the movie here.

Decolonising Co-Production: CaribbeanTales Brings The Diaspora Home

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News Americas, BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, May 20,2025: The Caribbean is calling her children home.

In just 3 weeks, the Cross Continental Forum (CCF) 2025, hosted by CaribbeanTales Media Group, (CTMG), in partnership with the Department of Creative and Performing Arts, UWI Cave Hill,  will bring together leading film and television producers  from the UK, Canada, South Africa, the US, and across the Caribbean. They will join creatives, cultural entrepreneurs and the general public, for five powerful days in beautiful Barbados.

Under the theme “Decolonising Co-Production,” the Forum will explore innovative ways to foster collaboration through the empowering lens of the Global South.

“We’re creating a space where Global South producers from around the world can meet on our home soil to together shape new models of financing, storytelling, and ownership,” said Frances-Anne Solomon, founder of CTMG and the visionary force behind the Forum.

Canada will have the largest number of film producers at this year’s Cross Continental Forum (CCF) 2025, hosted by CaribbeanTales Media Group, (CTMG), in partnership with the Department of Creative and Performing Arts and UWI Cave Hill.

Producers will be joining from the following countries:

Canada  – (10)Jennifer HolnessFloyd KaneJennifer PodemskiAndrew Burrows-TrotmanNauzanin KnightGail MauriceVirinder SinghIfe AlabaGeorge Tamakloe

Yejide Emioladipupo

United Kingdom – (6)Ameenah Ayub AllenJonte RichardsonEmma GrazetteLauren GeeFemi Oyeniran

Victoria Thomas

The Caribbean

            Trinidad & Tobago – (3)

Sophie WalcottCamille Abrahams

Shari Petti

            Barbados – (4)

Penelope HynamAlison  Sealy SmithRyan Wilfred

Sheldon St.Clair

                The Bahamas – (3)

Tabitha RitchieKarel Pinder

Maria Govan

            The Dominican Republic – (2)

Eunice Levis

Jenna Cavelle

            Guyana – (2)

Victoria Arjoon

Mason Richar

South Africa – (2)Nhlanhla Mthethwa

SB Sithebe

A Forum For Cultural, Economic, And Creative Evolution

Now in its second year, CCF aims to become a vital platform for reshaping co-production norms and building lasting partnerships across borders.

For the Canada Media Fund, one of the Forum’s key funders, the sense of homecoming is profound. During the Forum’s online opening, CMF’s Joy Loewen remarked, “It’s long overdue. We need to build meaningful and sustainable bridges between our industries and our communities.”

The event addresses critical inequities in the global media production landscape. Agnieszka Moody, Head of International Relations at the British Film Institute, emphasized, “The old models of production and co-production disproportionately favor the Global North. The Cross Continental Forum offers a space to create a blueprint for new ones built on trust, equity, and shared legacy.”

More Than Culture This Is Economic Empowerment

South African producer Kethiwe Ngcobo reflected on the significance of this gathering, “We are here to work, to connect, and to create wealth from our stories. This is not just about culture – it’s about economics. And it starts with us, together.”

ABOUT THE CROSS CONTINENTAL FORUM

The Cross Continental Forum (CCF) 2025 is a production of CaribbeanTales Media Group in collaboration with the Department of Creative and Performing Arts (UWI Cave Hill). Support for the CCF is generously provided by numerous organizations, including the Canada Media Fund, British Film Institute, Mango Bay Group of Companies, Invest Barbados, Inter-American Development Bank, Picture NL, National Cultural Foundation of Barbados, Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc, Barbados Film and Television Association, Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago, Telefilm Canada, and many other international partners.

Guiding CCF 2025 is a Steering Group comprised of: Frances-Anne Solomon (CEO, CaribbeanTales Media Group), Andrew Millington (Head, Department of Creative and Performing Arts – UWI Cave Hill), CCH Pounder (Guyanese-born actor and activist), Dr. Keith Nurse (Founding Chair, CaribbeanTales Worldwide Distribution and President of COSTAATT), Zikethiwe Ngcobo (CEO, Fuzebox Entertainment, South Africa), John Reid (Former CEO of FLOW Telecommunications, Caribbean and Latin America), Agnieszka Moody (Head of International Relations, British Film Institute), Chloe Sosa Simms (CBC Senior Advisor, Acquisitions), and international events producer Diana Webley (Director of Events, CaribbeanTales Media Group).

Case Against Dancehall Artiste Kiprich Adjourned

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News Americas, KINGSTON, Jamaica, Tues. May 21, 2025: The legal case against Jamaican born dancehall artiste, Kiprich, who is facing criminal charges for allegedly promoting gang violence through music, has been adjourned until September 16, 2025.

FLASHBACK: Kiprich during Reggae Sunsplash in Japan 2006 at Yokohama Minato Mirai 21 in Yokohama, Japan. (Photo by Jun Sato/WireImage)

The decision was handed down today by Acting Senior Parish Court Judge Janelle Nelson-Gayle at the St Catherine Parish Court, after it was revealed that the case file remains incomplete. A critical report from the police’s Communication Forensic Cybercrime Division is still outstanding.

Kiprich, 45, whose real name is Marlon Plunkett, is charged with the use of audio and audiovisual communication to promote criminal activity. The charges stem from a song titled Stay Far Freestyle, which authorities allege glorifies criminality and pays tribute to Othniel ‘Thickman’ Lobban, the alleged leader of the One Order Gang who was fatally shot by law enforcement officers.

According to police, the song was circulated on WhatsApp on January 25, 2025, and reportedly includes threats against the police in retaliation for Lobban’s killing.

Following the release of the song, Plunkett and several other men were listed as persons of interest and were asked to surrender to authorities. Kiprich complied and admitted to recording the song but maintains that it was created for a promoter and carried no malicious intent.

As the case remains under investigation, the next court hearing is set for September 16, pending the completion of the forensic cybercrime report.

Caribbean Cinema Takes Over Cannes: First-Ever ‘Caribbean Day’ Set To Dazzle The World Stage

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News Americas, New York, NY, May 19, 2025: Caribbean filmmakers will take center stage at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival during the first-ever “Caribbean Day” at Pavillon Afriques on Wednesday, May 21th. This landmark event will spotlight the dynamic creativity and growing influence of the Caribbean film industry with a full day of screenings, panels, and networking opportunities.

FLASHBACK – (L-R) Producer Angela White, Director / Actor Chris Attoh, actresses Juliet Ibrahim, Chasity Saunders and Damien D Smith and Fondatrice de Pavillon Afriques founder Karine Barclais attend the “Nine” Chris Attoh’s Film Cocktail Party and Mike Sylla’s 30th Anniversary Ethnic Creations Show during the 77th annual Cannes Film Festival at Pavillon Afrique on May 20, 2024 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Foc Kan/WireImage)

Hosted by Pavillon Afriques, the premier space for African and diaspora cinema at Cannes, Caribbean Day is tailored to connect regional storytellers with international producers, distributors, investors, and media executives. The initiative promises to elevate the visibility of Caribbean talent and content in one of the world’s most prestigious cinematic arenas.

The event will feature the Curaçao-set drama Double Play by renowned director Ernest Dickerson, and The Tall Boy, a compelling documentary on Trinidadian Carnival icon Peter Minshall, directed by Life Garland. Attendees will also engage with leading Caribbean filmmakers, producers, and industry thought leaders through panel discussions, followed by a curated networking session and a celebratory after-party headlined by singer John G.

“Caribbean Day is a call to industry professionals looking for fresh stories, new talent, and untapped co-production opportunities,” noted Mark Walton, Ambassador for Pavillon Afriques and Associate Professor at The New School. “The Caribbean is open for collaboration and ready to take its place on the global film stage.”

The initiative also underscores the powerful role of film and television in tourism marketing. “We’re proud to support Caribbean Day at Cannes, which strengthens the bridge between tourism and the creative industries,” said Faye Gill of the Caribbean Tourism Organization.

The Jamaica Tourist Board is the official sponsor of Caribbean Day, reinforcing Jamaica’s leadership in regional cultural promotion. Pavillon Afriques founder Karine Barclais emphasized that Caribbean Day is a “natural evolution” in the platform’s mission to showcase global Black cinema.

With more than 3,500 professionals from 61 countries attending Pavillon Afriques in 2024, Caribbean Day marks a significant step forward in spotlighting the Caribbean’s rich storytelling tradition and global film potential.

Caribbean Immigrant Charged With Falsely Claiming Citizenship

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News Americas, New York, NY, May 16, 2025: A Caribbean immigrant has been arrested and charged with unlawfully claiming U.S. citizenship to register to vote in the 2024 Florida presidential primary election, federal authorities have announced.

Jamaican born Jacqueline Dianne Wallace, 52, was taken into custody in Panama City, Florida, following a federal criminal complaint alleging she falsely certified U.S. citizenship in order to vote in a federal election. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida confirmed the charge after Wallace’s initial appearance in federal court in Tallahassee.

According to investigators, Wallace entered the U.S. in December 2010 on a six-month B-2 tourist visa but overstayed her permitted time. Despite not being a citizen, she reportedly registered online to vote in January 2024 and later cast a ballot in the August 2024 Florida presidential primary.

Her arrest came as a result of a coordinated investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, and multiple state and federal agencies. If convicted, Wallace faces up to five years in federal prison and subsequent deportation.

This case is part of “Operation Take Back America,” a Justice Department initiative aimed at combating unlawful immigration and election-related crimes. Authorities emphasized that the charges against Wallace remain allegations. Under the U.S. legal system, she is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Shaggy Goes “Pandtastic” With Fiat

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News Americas, New York, NY, May 16, 2025: It’s been three decades since Jamaican born reggae star Shaggy’s global hit “Boombastic” shook up the charts – and to mark the milestone, the Jamaican Grammy-winner is hitting the road in style, accompanied by none other than an animated panda.

Shaggy Celebrates 30 Years of “Boombastic” with Fiat and a Grooving Panda

Yes, “Boombastic” is officially 30, and to celebrate, Shaggy has rerecorded the iconic track for a high-energy new campaign with Fiat, starring in a commercial alongside a dancing digital panda. The campaign introduces a new term – “Pandtastic” – and brings the vibes with a playful, nostalgia-rich ride through time.

Fiat’s sleek new Grande Panda, inspired by vintage design, is the centerpiece of the ad, which was creatively led by M+C Saatchi Europe. Music video director Joseph Khan, known for reviving dance-floor hits with visual flair, brings the funky fantasy to life with style.

Back in 1995, “Boombastic” exploded internationally after featuring in a Levi’s 501 commercial. Now, 30 years later, the hit makes a full-circle comeback, this time cruising to the beat in a car commercial instead of jeans – just with more panda.

For longtime fans and new listeners alike, it’s a celebration of Caribbean sound and cultural impact, made even more memorable with a side of animated fun.

Shaggy proves once again: timeless hits don’t just age – they evolve. Check it out HERE

These Are the Freest Caribbean Economies In 2025—Is Your Country On The List?

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News Americas, New York, NY, May 15, 2025: Wondering how economically free Caribbean nations are? According to the 2025 Index of Economic Freedom from The Heritage Foundation, the region is mostly economically free, with several countries outperforming both global and regional averages.

BarBarbados leads the region with a score of 68.9, ranking 36th globally out of 184 countries and 5th in the Americas, placing it firmly in the “moderately free” category. It is followed closely by Jamaica (68.7, 38th) and Saint Lucia (67.0, 47th), showcasing the region’s continued push for open markets, efficient regulations, and growth-friendly policies.

The Bahamas, with its tax-free model and steady macroeconomic management, ranks 72nd globally with a score of 63.2, also considered “moderately free.” While still performing above global and regional averages, institutional improvements are needed to ensure sustainable economic growth.

Here’s how Caribbean nations ranked in the 2025 Index of Economic Freedom:

Barbados – 68.9 (36th globally)

Jamaica – 68.7 (38th)

Saint Lucia – 67.0 (47th)

Dominican Republic – 64.3 (65th)

Belize – 64.2 (66th)

Trinidad and Tobago – 63.6 (69th)

The Bahamas – 63.2 (72nd)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – 60.1 (87th)

Guyana – 58.2 (99th)

Dominica – 55.3 (116th)

Suriname – 50.9 (144th)

Haiti – 46.1 (163rd)

Cuba – 25.4 (175th)

At the bottom of the list, Cuba and Haiti are classified as “repressed” economies, facing entrenched challenges such as rigid state control, corruption, and weak legal institutions.

Despite variations in rankings, most Caribbean nations fall within the “moderately free” category, signaling a generally positive outlook for investment, private-sector growth, and economic development in the region.

Caribbean Economies Are Beating Latin America – Here’s Why

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News Americas, New York, NY, May 15, 2025: Caribbean nations are outpacing their Latin American neighbors in economic performance, according to a latest World Bank analysis. With tourism rebounding and oil-driven growth in Guyana, the region is solidifying its post-pandemic recovery and emerging as a model for economic management and fiscal discipline.

Tourism-dependent economies such as Barbados, Saint Lucia, and the Dominican Republic have returned to, or exceeded, pre-pandemic levels of GDP. For some, tourist arrivals have even reached pre-COVID-19 numbers, signaling a cooling in the sector’s explosive growth, while others still have room to grow.

Guyana continues to stand out with sustained GDP expansion, fueled by oil exploration and exportation that began in earnest in 2020. The country’s transformation into one of the fastest-growing economies in the world exemplifies the region’s new economic frontiers.

Inflation trends also show a marked divergence from Latin America. Thanks to widespread currency pegs in the Caribbean, the inflation spike of 2022–2023 was more subdued. However, nations like Jamaica and the Dominican Republic – operating under inflation-targeting regimes—experienced more pronounced and persistent inflation pressures. Since 2023, however, prices have been stabilizing, bringing inflation under better control across the region.

Jamaica’s innovative use of the Economic Programme Oversight Committee, (EPOC), to ensure fiscal transparency and build public trust has earned recognition from the World Bank as a potential model for broader adoption in the Latin America and Caribbean, (LAC) region.

Meanwhile, Barbados and Belize – long challenged by high debt burdens – have made significant strides through ambitious fiscal reforms. Both countries have achieved substantial reductions in their debt-to-GDP ratios, showcasing fiscal responsibility and resilience.

The World Bank’s assessment paints a hopeful picture for the investing in the Caribbean, positioning it not only as a recovery leader but also as a source of policy inspiration for the broader LAC region.