Jamaica’s Largest Solar Plant Just Got a New Owner

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News Americas, New York, NY, May 5, 2025: Jamaica’s largest solar energy plant has just been snapped up – marking a bold new move in the Caribbean’s clean energy revolution.

InterEnergy Group, a top player in Latin America and the Caribbean’s clean energy sector, has officially acquired the Paradise Park solar plant from Eight Rivers Energy Company (EREC), boosting Jamaica’s renewable future and reinforcing its position as a regional energy trailblazer.

Located in Westmoreland, the 51 MWp facility is Jamaica’s largest photovoltaic (PV) plant, operational since 2019. It generates over 80 GWh of clean electricity annually and offsets more than 13,500 tons of CO₂ – equivalent to powering 20,000 Jamaican homes every year.

“This acquisition aligns with our vision for a more sustainable energy future,” said Rolando González Bunster, InterEnergy’s CEO and Chairman. “Jamaica stands out as a remarkable example of the transformative power of clean energy.”

What This Means for Jamaica and the Region

With this deal, InterEnergy’s total renewable capacity in Jamaica now exceeds 85 MW, and it’s not stopping there. The company has plans to add 110 MW of new renewable projects across the Caribbean and Central America—making it one of the largest regional drivers of clean power.

InterEnergy, already the largest independent power producer in Jamaica, says this move strengthens both energy reliability and sustainability.

“Our 250 MW thermal capacity is the backbone of national stability,” said Dr. Wayne McKenzie, InterEnergy’s Country Manager for Jamaica. “With the addition of Paradise Park, we’re not just expanding – we’re ensuring a secure and resilient energy future for Jamaica.”

A Clean Energy Powerhouse in the Making

With more than three decades of experience, InterEnergy operates across the Dominican Republic, Panama, Mexico, Chile, Uruguay, Puerto Rico, and more. The company now boasts over 80% of its 2.5 GW portfolio in renewable and low-emission energy, including natural gas, solar, and wind.

The Paradise Park acquisition is not just another business deal – it’s a powerful signal that the Caribbean is leaning all-in on clean energy innovation.

Sean Paul, Wiz Khalifa & DaBaby Set Summer On Fire With 2025 ‘Good Vibes Only’ Tour

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News Americas, New York, NY, May 3, 2025: Global Jamaican born dancehall superstar Sean Paul is turning up the heat this summer as he joins forces with hip-hop mogul Wiz Khalifa and rap heavyweight DaBaby for the high-energy ‘Good Vibes Only Tour’—a 15-city North American tour guaranteed to bring pure fire to amphitheaters across the continent.

Sean Paul, Wiz Khalifa, and DaBaby hit 15 cities on the 2025 Good Vibes Only Tour, blending dancehall and hip-hop in a high-energy summer run.

The tour kicks off on July 6 at the Darien Lake Amphitheater in Darien Center, NY, promising fans a summer soaked in rhythm, charisma, and world-class performances. It’s the ultimate mash-up of Caribbean flavor, West Coast cool, and Southern swagger, blending Sean Paul’s electrifying dancehall hits with Wiz Khalifa’s laid-back lyricism and DaBaby’s commanding stage presence.

“There’s no better feeling than connecting with fans live,” said Sean Paul. “Touring with Wiz and DaBaby brings such a wicked mix of sounds—hip-hop, dancehall, and raw energy. This tour is about unity, good vibes, and non-stop vibes all summer long. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this!”

Fresh off his 2025 UK arena run with Ashanti and a 2024 U.S. tour, Sean Paul is ready to blaze through hits like “Get Busy,” “Temperature,” “Gimme the Light,” and his latest remix with Tyla, “Push 2 Start.” With over 14 billion streams on Spotify and collaborations with global icons like Beyoncé, Dua Lipa, Sia, and J Balvin, the Jamaican hitmaker is set to deliver an unforgettable show.

Fans can expect not just a concert but an explosive cultural celebration—a party on stage that crosses genres and generations. With DaBaby amping up the raw edge and Wiz Khalifa delivering his signature chill vibes, this tour is more than music—it’s a movement of good energy and unity.

Good Vibes Only Tour 2025 – Select Dates:

Jul 6: Darien Center, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater

Jul 9: Wantagh, NY – Northwell at Jones Beach Theater

Jul 18: Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage

Jul 27: Atlanta, GA – Lakewood Amphitheatre

Tickets: Presales begin April 30 at 10am local time. General sales start May 2 via LiveNation.com. Citi cardholders get early access at citientertainment.com.

Mr. Boombastic Goes Symphonic: Shaggy Teams Up With San Diego Symphony

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News Americas, New York, NY, May 3, 2025: Jamaican music legend Shaggy is set to bring the heat of the Caribbean to the classical stage for one unforgettable night as he teams up with the San Diego Symphony for a genre-blending performance at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park.

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA – AUGUST 31: Shaggy performs on stage at PNE Amphitheatre on August 31, 2022 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Andrew Chin/Getty Images)

In a first-of-its-kind concert titled “Shaggy with the San Diego Symphony”, the multi-GRAMMY® award-winning artist will showcase the rich tapestry of Jamaican music—from mento, ska, and rocksteady to reggae and dancehall—all with the lush backing of a full symphony orchestra, under the baton of conductor Steven Reineke.

Set for one night only, the performance will also feature custom orchestral arrangements by acclaimed composer David Serkin Ludwig, creating a fresh sonic landscape for Shaggy’s chart-topping hits, including global anthems “It Wasn’t Me,” “Angel,” and “Mr. Boombastic.”

With his signature charisma and dancehall roots, Shaggy will be joined on stage by his full band, blending streetwise energy with classical elegance in a celebration of Jamaica’s musical legacy and his own boundary-pushing career.

“This isn’t just a concert—it’s a cultural fusion,” said organizers. “Shaggy’s artistry paired with symphonic arrangements redefines how we experience Caribbean music.”

The event is supported by the San Diego Symphony, which has become known for its innovative programming and dynamic use of its waterfront venue, The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, located at 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego, CA.

Tickets and Info:
theshell.org/performances/shaggy-wsdso

U.S. Declares Haiti’s Most Feared Gangs Terrorist Groups

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News Americas, New York, NY, May 3, 2025: The United States has officially designated two of Haiti’s most dangerous gangs — Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif — as Foreign Terrorist Organizations, (FTOs) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists, (SDGTs), marking a significant shift in Washington’s efforts to combat violent instability in the Caribbean nation.

A person films himself with his telephone in front of people holding placards at a demonstration for peace in Haiti in Paris France on May 3, 2025. (Photo by Bastien Ohier / Hans Lucas / Hans Lucas via AFP) (Photo by BASTIEN OHIER/Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images)

In a statement issued on May 2, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the designations are aimed at holding accountable those who fuel violence in Haiti and threaten the region’s security. “The age of impunity for those supporting violence in Haiti is over,” Rubio declared.

According to the U.S. State Department, Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif are at the center of escalating violence in Haiti. These armed coalitions are reportedly responsible for widespread killings, targeted attacks on Haitian citizens and security forces, and assaults against personnel of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission currently deployed in Haiti. The gangs are allegedly seeking to establish a gang-controlled state fueled by illicit trafficking and criminal activity.

“These gangs pose a direct threat to U.S. national security interests in our region,” the statement noted. “Terrorist designations are a critical tool in our counterterrorism efforts, aimed at restricting financial and logistical support to these groups.”

The U.S. government warned that any individual or entity, including lawful permanent residents and citizens, found supporting the groups could face criminal prosecution, deportation, or other sanctions.

The designation is also seen as a show of support for the Haitian National Police and international partners involved in the MSS mission. Rubio praised their courage and dedication to restoring order in the country. He also urged Haiti’s political leadership to come together, end the violence, and work toward democratic elections.

Additionally, Secretary Rubio spoke with Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader, reaffirming the strategic U.S.-Dominican partnership, especially in countering illegal immigration and addressing regional security challenges.

While gangs control at least 85% of Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital, they have launched attacks in the country’s central region in recent years.

A UN-backed mission led by Kenyan police that began last year to help Haitian police quell violence has struggled in its fight against gangs.

More than 5,600 people were killed across Haiti last year, with gang violence leaving more than one million people homeless.

Reggae Icon Honored In South Florida

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News Americas, New York, NY, May 3, 2025: Reggae icon Ken Boothe, 77, was recently honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Island SPACE Caribbean Museum during the 12th annual Rhythms of Africa concert. The event, hosted by Willie Stewart and the Embrace Music Foundation at the Miramar Cultural Center in Florida, celebrates the enduring influence of African and Caribbean musical traditions.

Island SPACE Caribbean Museum Executive Director Calibe Thompson with Ken Boothe and Willie Stewart during Lifetime Achievement Awards presentation at Rhythms of Africa 2025. (Photo by Steve James)

Boothe’s remarkable career spans nearly six decades, beginning in 1966 when Clement “Coxsone” Dodd signed him to the iconic Studio One label. That same year, Boothe also recorded for producers Phil Pratt and Sonia Pottinger, finding immediate success with songs like “The Train Is Coming” (backed by The Wailers), “You’re No Good” with the Soulettes—featuring Bob Marley’s future wife, Rita Anderson—and “Lonely Teardrops.” Promoted as “Mr. Rock Steady,” Boothe quickly rose to fame with classics like “Moving Away,” a rocksteady anthem that continues to be sampled and covered by generations of artists.

He toured the UK in 1967 alongside Alton Ellis and the Studio One Soul Vendors, further cementing his global appeal. In 1970, Boothe moved to Beverley’s Records under producer Leslie Kong, releasing hits such as “Freedom Street” and “Why Baby Why.” His biggest international success came in 1974, when his reggae rendition of “Everything I Own” soared to Number One on the UK Singles Chart, remaining there for three weeks. He followed that with another hit, “Crying Over You,” which reached No. 11.

Boothe’s influence transcended borders and genres, even earning a lyrical mention by Joe Strummer in The Clash’s song “(White Man) In Hammersmith Palais.” Despite shifts in the industry and label challenges, Boothe continued to record into the 1980s and 1990s, including a notable collaboration with Shaggy on a reimagined version of “The Train Is Coming” for the 1995 film Money Train. In 2003, the Jamaican government recognized his cultural contributions with the prestigious Order of Distinction.

During Rhythms of Africa, Boothe headlined both nights, captivating the audience with heartfelt performances of his timeless hits. The award presentation by Island SPACE Executive Director Calibe Thompson on April 28 was a highlight of the evening, marked by a standing ovation. “It’s collaborations like these that allow us to spotlight Caribbean excellence and ensure our cultural icons are honored as they deserve,” said Thompson.

Island SPACE Caribbean Museum continues to build meaningful partnerships across the diaspora, providing platforms to showcase and celebrate the region’s rich cultural legacy.

About Island SPACE:
Island SPACE (Island Society for the Promotion of Artistic and Cultural Education) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to advancing Caribbean arts, history, and culture. Located in South Florida, the museum is open Thursday to Saturday, 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m., and Sunday, 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults and $7 for children. Visit www.islandspacefl.org to learn more.

Frances-Anne Solomon’s ‘What My Mother Told Me’ Screens At BFI Southbank

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News Americas, London, UK, Thurs. May 1, 2025: Caribbean heritage film maker and director, Frances-Anne Solomon’s seminal feature film ‘What My Mother Told Me,’ (1995), returns to the screen this May with special presentations at BFI Southbank and on CaribbeanTales-TV. Selected as part of ‘Black Debutantes: A Collection of Early Works by Black Women Directors,’ by the British Film Institute, the film is widely regarded as a landmark in Caribbean diasporic cinema. It explores identity, memory, and generational divides with a haunting poignancy that remains as vital today as when it first premiered.

Screening Dates at BFI Southbank:

Monday, May 5, 2025 – 14:50 (NFT3)
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 – 20:40 (NFT2)

Tickets available via BFI Southbank.

About the Film
‘What My Mother Told’ Me traces the emotional journey of Jesse, a young woman who travels from England to Trinidad to bury her father. Once there, she is forced to confront the mother who abandoned her, igniting a painful yet transformative reckoning with the past. Set against the lush backdrop of Trinidad, the film deftly navigates themes of loss, belonging, and reconciliation, capturing the personal costs of migration and cultural displacement.

What My Mother Told’ Me traces the emotional journey of Jesse, a young woman who travels from England to Trinidad to bury her father.

The film stars acclaimed actors, including BAFTA-nominated Adjoa Andoh, (Bridgerton), the late Jamaican theatre icon Leonie Forbes, Royal Shakespeare Company veteran Clarence Smith, and award-winning performer Nadine Williams. It features evocative cinematography and a rich, textured score that deepen its emotional resonance.

Completed in 1995, ‘What My Mother Told Me’ was a pioneering work in British-Caribbean independent cinema. Produced by Solomon’s company Leda Serene Films, the project was shot on location in Trinidad and the UK, combining both narrative storytelling and documentary
influences to portray the fragmented experience of the Caribbean diaspora.

The screenplay was developed through workshops at the National Film and Television School (UK) and supported by the British Film Institute’s Production Board. Upon release, the film was praised for its authentic voice and unflinching portrayal of intergenerational trauma within Caribbean families.

A scene from What My Mother Told Me.

‘What My Mother Told Me’ was officially selected for major international festivals including:

● Toronto International Film Festival – Planet Africa Programme
● Festival of Black International Cinema (Berlin, St. Louis, Paris) – Best Film Depicting the Black Experience
● Urbanworld Film Festival – Producer’s Choice Award
● Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival – HBO Best Feature Award

About Frances-Anne Solomon

Frances-Anne Solomon is an award-winning director, writer, and producer recognized internationally for her work across film, television, and radio.

Frances-Anne Solomon is an award-winning director, writer, and producer recognized internationally for her work across film, television, and radio.

Frances-Anne Solomon is an award-winning director, writer, and producer recognized internationally for her work across film, television, and radio. Born in England and raised in Trinidad, her career has been shaped by a transatlantic sensibility that infuses her storytelling with global resonance. Solomon’s credits include multiple award-winning productions and the founding of CaribbeanTales Media Group, a pioneering platform for

● Africa Movie Academy Awards – Best Diaspora Feature
● Sony Radio Academy Awards – Best Feature
● New York Festivals TV & Film Awards – Gold Medal for Performing Arts

She is also a leading advocate for diversity in media, with initiatives aimed at training and supporting new generations of filmmakers from underrepresented communities.

Following its BFI Southbank screenings, What My Mother Told Me will be available for streaming globally via CaribbeanTales-TV throughout the month of May.

BFI Tickets: https://bit.ly/42VWldf

Caribbean Countries Selected as Guest of Honour for Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2025

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ABU DHABI, UAE, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Caribbean Countries have been selected as Guest of Honour for the 34th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF), held from 26 April to 5 May 2025, under the theme ‘Knowledge Illuminates Our Community’.

By hosting the group, the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) aims to highlight the cultural diversity of the 25 Caribbean Countries, strengthening their cultural and intellectual exchange with the Arab region. A special pavilion will be dedicated for the Guest of Honour in coordination with these countries’ embassies in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, celebrating their cultural diversity in literature, arts, music, and cuisine.

Spotlighting Caribbean countries as Guest of Honour forms part of the UAE’s efforts to strengthen the publishing and translation industries, enabling new partnerships to provide Arab readers with access to Caribbean literature. It also highlights similarities between Arab and Caribbean cultures, and reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a global cultural capital that embraces linguistically and culturally rich regions, promoting literary diversity beyond the traditional framework, which often focuses on Europe and the US.

A lively programme of activities was planned to showcase the Caribbean region’s culture, knowledge, and civilisation , underscoring its close ties with the UAE. The programme aims to strengthen the ALC’s collaboration with Caribbean cultural institutions, enriching the public’s culture with fresh creative content, while reflecting the UAE’s thriving and diverse landscape.

His Excellency Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the ALC, said: “The Caribbean nations are home to one of the world’s most diverse cultures, shaped through centuries of interaction and influences from various nations, setting the stage for a distinct and unique cultural identity that we are pleased to highlight at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair this year.”

“Caribbean culture is characterised by its innovativeness and adaptability, where it has forged and maintained a strong identity of its own despite external influences,” H.E. added. “The region has succeeded in creatively showcasing its heritage to the world, ensuring its continuity and visibility. Its literary contributions address core human issues, and with that in mind, we sought to host the countries of the Caribbean region in this year’s fair to explore opportunities for cooperation in creative industries, bring the Arabic language and other cultures closer together, and highlight our values of brotherhood and dialogue among peoples and cultures.”

The Guest of Honour programme also features literary, artistic, musical, and culinary performances, along with events and discussion panels featuring ambassadors, publishers, and authors from the Caribbean. While cooking demonstrations by professional chefs highlight Caribbean cuisine and its rich blend of African, Indian, and European flavours.

The ADIBF Guest of Honour programme is multifaceted, offering a variety of cultural, intellectual, and creative events catering to all segments of the community, and bringing together prominent Arab and international creatives to share their experience and knowledge with an audience of intellectual and literary enthusiasts.