Guyana Warns Nationals Of U.S. Crackdown Over Illegal Immigration

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News Americas, New York, NY, June 11, 2025: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana is warning its nationals about stricter U.S. immigration enforcement following a formal Diplomatic Note from the Government of the United States.

People participate in the annual Guyana Independence Parade in Brooklyn on June 01, 2025 in New York City. This year’s parade, which also includes an afternoon of food and celebrations, is dedicated to Adriana Younge’s memory. Younge was an 11-year-old Guyanese girl whose death sparked national protests and international outcry over allegations that officials with the government were involved in a cover-up. The Brooklyn Independence celebration is the largest Guyanese celebration outside of Guyana and one of the largest West Indian celebrations in New York City, following the West Indian American Day Parade. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

The warning comes as the administration of President Donald Trump reinstates and expands a number of hardline immigration policies. According to the U.S. government, these measures include the strict prosecution of individuals entering or remaining in the country unlawfully, and extend to criminal penalties and legal action against those violating their terms of entry.

The U.S. Secretary of State has reportedly made it clear that while the United States continues to welcome legitimate, documented travelers, there will be zero tolerance for violations of immigration law. The policies cover unauthorized entry, overstaying visas, and engaging in criminal activities as a non-citizen.

The Ministry emphasized that Guyanese nationals found to be in violation of U.S. immigration rules could face arrest, prosecution, imprisonment, or substantial fines. Nationals currently residing illegally in the U.S. are being strongly advised to leave the country immediately.

Guyanese citizens are encouraged to use legal and authorized avenues for travel, employment, education, or permanent relocation to the U.S. The Ministry also urges full compliance with American immigration regulations to avoid serious legal consequences.

This latest development adds urgency for those seeking to migrate to the United States to ensure all documentation and entry methods are in line with U.S. law.

Jamaican Man Sentenced For Killing Daughter Of Dancehall Icon In U.S.

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News Americas, New York, NY, June 11, 2025: Derrick Francis, a 43-year-old native of Kingston, Jamaica and resident of New York, has been sentenced to 55 years in prison for the 2023 murder of Brianna McKoy, the daughter of veteran Jamaican dancehall sound system selector Ricky Trooper.

Jamaican Man Sentenced to 55 Years for Killing Brianna McKoy, the daughter of Dancehall Icon Ricky Trooper in U.S.

The sentencing was delivered by a three-judge panel at the Bridgeport Judicial District Court in Connecticut last week, following Francis’ conviction for murder in April after a four-day trial.

The court heard that on April 6, 2023, Francis fatally shot McKoy four times in a bedroom at a Vincelette Street condominium in Bridgeport, Connecticut. The couple’s 18-month-old son was in a playpen just feet away during the tragic incident.

“This case defies description,” said Judge Earl Richards, who spoke on behalf of the panel. He highlighted the disturbing nature of the case, particularly in the context of increasing domestic violence-related homicides.

Following the shooting, Francis fled to New York and later to Ohio, where he was arrested and found in possession of the murder weapon. He has been in custody ever since.

At the sentencing hearing, McKoy’s mother, Camile Hemmings, called for the maximum penalty of 60 years, describing her daughter as “a beautiful person, inside and out, with dreams and aspirations that will never be realised.” She questioned how anyone could commit such a heartless act.

Francis chose not to speak during the proceedings, but his attorney, Gerald Klein, appealed for leniency, citing his client’s challenging upbringing in Jamaica and his mental health struggles. However, Judge Richards made it clear that these factors did not justify the violent act.

“Mr. Francis must be held accountable. A rough upbringing is not an excuse for shooting the mother of your child in the head,” Richards stated.

The case has drawn widespread attention in both the Caribbean and the U.S., as communities grapple with the tragic loss of a young mother and the broader implications of domestic violence.

“They Are Our Neighbors” – Kim Kardashian Breaks Silence On ICE Raids Rocking Los Angeles

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News Americas, New York, NY, June 11, 2025: Amid ongoing ICE raids that have shaken immigrant communities in Los Angeles, thousands of residents have flooded the streets in protest — and now, celebrity voices are adding their weight to the outcry.

Kim Kardashian, a longtime public figure with past ties to high-profile Republicans, broke her silence Tuesday, calling the immigration enforcement actions “inhumane” in a statement shared via Instagram.

FLASHBACK- US celebrity Kim Kardashian (L) leaves with her mother Kris Jenner (R) the Assize Court after testifying in a trial over the 2016 robbery that saw her relieved of millions of dollars’ worth of jewellery at gunpoint in Paris, on May 13, 2025. The trial of this sensational nine million euro jewellery robbery opened in Paris on April 28, 2025. (Photo by LEO VIGNAL / AFP) (Photo by LEO VIGNAL/AFP via Getty Images)

“When we’re told that ICE exists to keep our country safe and remove violent criminals — great,” Kardashian wrote. “But when we witness innocent, hardworking people being ripped from their families in inhumane ways, we have to speak up. We have to do what’s right.”

The protests erupted in response to a dramatic escalation in enforcement: National Guard and U.S. Marine forces were deployed to Los Angeles at the direction of Donald Trump, a move that has drawn sharp condemnation from lawmakers and civil rights advocates.

Kardashian’s statement emphasized her deep personal ties to the city. “As someone who grew up in Los Angeles, I’ve seen how deeply immigrants are woven into the fabric of this city. They are our neighbors, friends, classmates, co-workers, and family,” she said.

The reality TV star and entrepreneur’s remarks are notable given her previous interactions with the Trump administration. She famously worked with Donald Trump in 2018 to help commute the sentence of Alice Johnson, a grandmother serving a life sentence for a nonviolent drug offense.

Kardashian acknowledged her political associations but made clear that her values remain rooted in justice. “No matter where you fall politically, it’s clear that our communities thrive because of the contributions of immigrants,” she said. “We can’t turn a blind eye when fear and injustice keep people from living their lives freely and safely. There HAS to be a BETTER way.”

Other celebrities, including Eva Longoria, Mark Ruffalo, and rapper Doechii, have also expressed solidarity with the protesters. Their support underscores the growing cultural resistance to immigration raids that critics say disproportionately target nonviolent individuals and tear families apart.

The situation in Los Angeles continues to evolve, but voices like Kardashian’s are bringing national attention to what many are calling a humanitarian crisis in the heart of the city.

Kes The Band Is First Soca Headliner For Budweiser Stage Toronto

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News Americas, New York, NY, June 10, 2025: Trinidad and Tobago’s Kes the Band is set to make history as the first soca group to headline Toronto’s Budweiser Stage on Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 7:00 PM, marking a major milestone in the band’s 20-year journey and a groundbreaking moment for Caribbean music on a global platform.

FLASHBACK – Kes performing live on stage at Mann Center For Performing Arts on September 09, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Lisa Lake/Getty Images)

Toronto, a city close to the heart of lead vocalist Kees Dieffenthaller, was the first international destination the band performed in after their debut in 2005. “This is a full circle moment,” said Dieffenthaller at a Toronto social mixer on May 27th according to RonFanfair.com. “Soca has always been the heartbeat of Toronto Carnival. Now, it’s time we step to the forefront and be celebrated on stages like Budweiser.”

The highly anticipated show, presented by Live Nation and the Summer of Sound, (SOS) Festival Inc., will include surprise guests, reflecting the band’s two-decade connection to the city and Caribbean diaspora.

Dieffenthaller paid homage to pioneers who championed soca in Canada. “This opportunity is the result of years of dedication, passion, and cultural pride from those who built something meaningful out of homesickness,” he shared. That cultural legacy inspired collaborations such as his 2010 studio session in Toronto with Kerwin Du Bois, where they co-wrote the hit “Wotless,” later winning the International Groovy Soca Monarch title and earning a BET Soul Train Music Award nomination.

In recognition of their cultural contributions, Trinidad & Tobago’s Consul General in Toronto, Simone Young, presented Kes the Band with a Cultural Impact Award. “From the Caribbean to Canada and beyond, Kes has carried the soul and heartbeat of our region in every performance,” said Young. “Their music is the soundtrack of joy, unity, and Caribbean pride.”

The June 14 concert promises to be a vibrant showcase of soca’s global rise, connecting generations and cultures through the unifying power of music.

Tickets: Available through Ticketmaster and Live Nation

Caribbean Set To Outgrow U.S. Economy Through 2027, Says World Bank

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News Americas, New York, NY, Tues. June 10, 2025: The Caribbean region is poised to outpace not only the United States but also Europe and Japan in economic growth over the next two years. According to the World Bank’s latest Global Economic Prospects report released today, the Caribbean’s growth will be driven by Guyana’s ongoing oil boom and the continued rebound of tourism and services across the region.

The Caribbean is projected to grow by 3.9 percent in 2025 and by an impressive average of 6.2 percent across 2026 and 2027. Even when excluding Guyana, regional growth is expected to remain solid at 3 percent in 2025 and 3.3 percent in 2026–27.

By contrast, the U.S. economy is forecast to grow by only 1.4 percent in 2025, followed by 1.6 percent in 2026 and 1.9 percent in 2027.

Among Caribbean countries, Guyana stands out with extraordinary projected growth: 10 percent in 2025, followed by 23 and 24.3 percent in 2026 and 2027, respectively. The Dominican Republic, another high performer, is set to grow by 4 percent in 2025 and an average of 4.3 percent in the two years after, fueled by structural reforms and rising foreign investment.

Here is the projected GDP growth ranking for Caribbean nations from 2025 to 2027:

Country2025 (%)2026 (%)2027 (%)Guyana10.023.024.3Dominican Republic4.04.24.4St. Vincent4.92.92.7Dominica4.33.42.8Grenada3.83.42.7Suriname3.13.33.5Trinidad & Tobago2.81.33.2Belize2.82.42.3Barbados2.82.01.7St. Lucia2.82.31.9Jamaica1.71.71.6The Bahamas1.11.21.3Haiti-2.22.02.5

The broader Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region is forecast to grow by 2.3 percent in 2025, improving to 2.4 percent in 2026 and 2.6 percent in 2027—surpassing both the U.S. and other major economies such as the Euro area (1.6% in 2026 and 1.9% in 2027) and Japan (0.8% and 1%, respectively).

While the regional outlook remains positive, the World Bank cautions that external risks such as rising protectionism, policy uncertainty, and global financial tightening could affect export performance and delay fiscal improvements. Still, the Caribbean stands at the forefront of global growth prospects heading into the latter half of the decade.

Felicia J. Persaud, CEO of Invest Caribbean, reacting to the World Bank data in the Global Economic Prospects, June 2026 report, stated: “The time is now to invest in the Caribbean – and the numbers back it up. To all those who have dismissed the region as too small or unworthy of investment or lending: it’s time to wake up from your slumber.”

Dave Chappelle Delivers Surprise Dancehall Performance

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News Americas, New York, NY, June 9, 2025: Jamaica was lit with star power recently when acclaimed US comedian Dave Chappelle brought unexpected energy and laughter to a musical retreat hosted by DJ Trauma at the S Hotel in Montego Bay.

Dave Chappelle brought laughter and rhythm to DJ Trauma’s Jamaica retreat, dancing with Estelle and Kranium during a reggae show, while Lil Yachty teased a Drake collab.

The surprise moment came during a dancehall-themed night of the retreat, where Chappelle jumped into the spotlight to sing and dance alongside British singer Estelle and Jamaican dancehall star Kranium to Chaka Demus and Plies’ smash hit “Bam Bam.” The spontaneous performance thrilled guests and quickly went viral on social media.

“Something special happened in Jamaica!!!!” DJ Trauma shared on Instagram, posting a clip of the unforgettable moment. “Sometimes you can’t plan for this type of magic to happen. We were blessed to have greatness at the retreat, having downtime, having fun!!!”

The event, part of DJ Trauma’s annual Jamaican retreat, fuses music, culture, and relaxation, drawing creatives from across the entertainment industry. Chappelle, who has a longstanding collaboration with DJ Trauma, was seen fully immersed in the island’s vibrant culture – even taking part in a lively dancehall soundclash.

Adding to the buzz, rapper Lil Yachty also made headlines during the retreat by teasing a joint album with global superstar Drake, hinting at more big surprises to come from the Caribbean getaway.

Social media erupted with praise, with fans calling the moment “only in Jamaica!” and celebrating the seamless blend of reggae rhythms, comedy gold, and international stardom.

Chappelle’s joyful island escape comes just ahead of the fifth edition of his “Summer Camp” comedy series in Yellow Springs, Ohio. The 2025 season will span three weekends in July and August, continuing his tradition of phone-free performances that began during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Check out Chappelle’s version HERE

@ace876media.ent1

Comedian Dave Chappelle performing hit reggae song “Bam Bam” with a surprise performance by Kranium 

♬ original sound – Ace876media

and the original HERE

New Music Drop For Caribbean American Heritage Month

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News Americas, New York, NY, June 6, 2025: June marks Caribbean American Heritage Month and Black Music Month, and while the White House has yet to issue an official proclamation, the celebrations continue with a powerful lineup of new Caribbean music that’s sure to uplift spirits and honor Caribbean musical heritage.

From reggae jugglings and soulful rub-a-dub to high-energy dancehall, afrobeats-infused anthems, and genre-bending innovations, Caribbean artists are bringing the heat this month.

Leroy Sibbles Returns with a Star-Studded Reggae Compilation

Legendary reggae icon Leroy Sibbles showcases his lesser-known talent as a producer with Presenting Leroy Sibbles, a new compilation from Tad’s International Record. The album features standout tracks from various artists, including “Cool Natty” by Young Garvey, the song that sparked the project. Known for his pivotal role in The Heptones and as a bass player on classics like “Skylarking” and “Door Peep,” Sibbles continues to leave his mark on reggae history.

Christopher Martin’s “Wife & Sweetheart” Turns Heads

Christopher Martin is back with a bold and cheeky new single, “Wife & Sweetheart,” imagining harmony between a wife and a side partner. Produced by Chad “Mr. G” Simpson and Andrew “Buccaneer” Bradford, the song blends humor and fantasy with signature smooth vocals.

LISTEN HERE

Richie Stephens Delivers Love Anthem “A Woman’s Touch”

Veteran reggae singer Richie Stephens touches hearts with “A Woman’s Touch,” a soul-stirring rub-a-dub ballad produced by Jazzwad. It’s a dedication to the women who have supported him throughout his career and a celebration of love in its purest form.

Soul-Rebel Marley Releases Second Single “Holy Father”

Carrying forward his spiritual and musical legacy, Soul-Rebel Marley follows up his debut single “Loving Jah” with the newly released “Holy Father.” Out now via Tek Time Productions and Tuff Gong International, this Afrobeats-inspired track is a heartfelt prayer of gratitude and guidance. Produced by Soul-Rebel himself, the track features harmonies by his Grammy-winning mother Cedella Marley. The lyric video, now live on his YouTube channel, visually amplifies the song’s message of faith and thankfulness. Soul-Rebel, who recently performed alongside his brother Skip Marley and has produced for Jo Mersa and Sharon Marley, continues to forge his unique path in music.

LISTEN HERE

Frankie Paul Drops Only You

Also making a soulful return is Frankie Paul’s 1988 Lovers Rock gem “Only You,” from his album Sizzling. Backed by reggae legends like Sly & Robbie and Jackie Mittoo, the track showcases the heartfelt vocals and lyrical charm that earned him the nickname ‘Jamaica’s Stevie Wonder.’ Listen HERE

2025 Vincy Soca Comes Alive with Oxygen Riddim

Boss Raw Records presents the Oxygen Riddim, a high-energy soca juggling from producers Jayorn “Krooshal” Richards and Rajiv “Suh Raw” Sutherland. The riddim is pure Vincy soca magic, promising to ignite parties and festivals throughout the season.

International Dancehall Juggling on “Bad Intention Riddim”

Liondub International’s Bad Intention Riddim brings together a global lineup of dancehall talent, from Jamaica to the UK, US, and Canada. Highlights include tracks from Steamaz, Blakkamoore, Badda General, J Kinggz, and Capital D. This riddim proves dancehall’s global reach and timeless appeal. LISTEN HERE

J8’s “Turn n Twist” Celebrates Caribbean Roots and UK Fusion

UK-based J8, also known as Jacob Dwain Johnson, fuses dancehall rhythms with British energy in “Turn n Twist.” Inspired by his Jamaican grandfather’s reggae legacy, J8’s single is gaining viral traction and stands as a testament to cultural resilience and musical fusion. Check it out HERE

These tracks provide the perfect soundtrack for a month celebrating Caribbean culture, resilience, and rhythm.

How A ‘Green Card Play’ Gave This Jamaican Playwright His Real ‘Green Card’

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News Americas, New York, NY, June 5, 2025: Jamaican-born playwright and actor David Heron is set to celebrate the 25th anniversary of his acclaimed romantic comedy, Love and Marriage and New York City, with a special staged reading at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center (JPAC) in Queens on Sunday, June 22 at 7 p.m. The event, part of New York City’s Caribbean American Heritage Month festivities, will be preceded by a complimentary Caribbean cuisine reception at 5:30 p.m.

From left to right- Andrew Lawrence, Denise Hunt, David Heron and Maylynne
Walton in the 2003 UK touring production of Love and Marriage and New York City.
(Photo courtesy of Sure Thing Productions.)

Heron, who will produce and direct the one-night-only performance, reflects on the play’s significance in his life: “My ‘green card play’ Love and Marriage and New York City was not only a critical and commercial success but earned me the green card that changed the entire course of my life and career.”

The play, which debuted in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1999, tells the story of two Jamaican couples in Manhattan who marry for green card purposes, only to discover that love complicates their arrangements. After its Jamaican premiere, the production toured South Florida, the UK, and Canada, and had an Off-Broadway run at Brooklyn’s Billie Holiday Theatre in 2005. It was also an official selection of the 2007 National Black Theatre Festival.

David Heron (Photo courtesy of Sure Thing Productions)

Heron emphasizes the play’s continued relevance:

“Over twenty-five years after its world premiere, Love and Marriage and New York City remains as topical as ever, dealing with the immensely critical and complicated subject of immigration. It highlights the allure of the American dream to immigrants everywhere and the extent to which people will go to achieve it—with romantic, dramatic, and comedic consequences.”

The upcoming performance will feature a talented cast, including Denise Hunt as Jessica, Shevrado Oliver as Damian, James Duke Walker as Theo, and Gabrielle C. Archer as Natalie. Hunt returns to the production after portraying Natalie in the 2003 UK tour.

Tickets for the Silver Anniversary Performance are available at loveandmarriagetheplay.eventbrite.com. High school and college students aged 16 and over, as well as theater interns from the New York Tri-State area, can attend for free through Heron’s Sure Thing Productions Free Student Ticket Initiative. For more information, contact 646-533-7021 or eventbrite.com

Caribbean Culture Fund Launches USD 400K Grant Call

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News Americas, New York, NY, June 5, 2025: June 2025 – The Caribbean Culture Fund (CCF) has launched its third call for proposals, offering a total of USD 400,000 in grants to bolster cultural and creative projects throughout the region.

This latest round of funding invites individuals, organizations, and institutions to submit proposals by June 15, 2025, through the CCF’s platform. Projects from Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, Suriname, and for the second time, Haiti, are all eligible for support under this initiative.

The 2025 call offers funding under three key themes:

Art for Change – Ten grants of USD 10,000 each will support projects that use the arts to foster social reflection and drive transformation.

Caribbean Collaboration – Ten grants of USD 25,000 each are designated for projects that promote intra-Caribbean artistic exchange and cooperation.

Residencies and Fellowships – Ten grants of USD 5,000 each will support short-term residencies hosted by Caribbean-based institutions, aimed at enriching regional artistic dialogue and mobility.

“Our residencies and fellowships programme is designed to build stronger networks across the Caribbean’s rich cultural landscape,” said Kellie Magnus, Executive Director of the Caribbean Culture Fund. “We want to change the idea that an opportunity for immersion means leaving the region. There are incredible opportunities within each of our countries from which artists from other parts of the region can benefit.”

The residencies and fellowships component is open to cultural institutions and residential-capable organizations located in the Caribbean, as well as cities in Latin America with deep Caribbean heritage ties. Priority will be given to established programs and cultural events that facilitate the participation of Caribbean creatives across different linguistic backgrounds. Grants may cover airfare, accommodation, stipends, and interpretation services.

Selected creatives must participate in at least one public and one virtual event during their residency. Program durations may range from one to six weeks, depending on the proposal.

Eligible disciplines include visual arts, performing arts, festival arts, film, literary arts, architecture, design, and interdisciplinary forms. Proposals should be clearly structured, feasible, and demonstrate a strong connection between objectives and budgets, while addressing potential implementation challenges.

To apply or learn more, visit caribbeanculturefund.com.

Guyana Gets Institutional Fund To Power Real Estate And Infrastructure

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News Americas, New York, NY, June 4, 2025: Guyana’s growing prominence on the global investment stage was further underscored this week as Rise Guyana announced the final close of its inaugural private investment fund at USD $29 million – marking the country’s first institutional real estate and infrastructure fund.

Backed by investors across the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, South America, and the Middle East, the fund aims to leverage Guyana’s rapid economic growth and its transformation into the world’s fastest-growing nation, fueled largely by oil discoveries in the Stabroek Block.

“This fund reflects our confidence in Guyana’s transformation and our commitment to building long-term value with local roots and global vision,” said Kristine Thompson, co-founder and managing partner of Rise Guyana.

Guyana’s Stabroek oilfield, which holds an estimated 11 billion barrels of reserves, has propelled the country to the center of global energy discussions. According to Wood Mackenzie, this vast reserve could yield over $190 billion for the Guyanese government in the next 15 years, while generating $182 billion in profits for ExxonMobil and its partners. The high returns, coupled with a low breakeven cost of production under $30 per barrel, make the field one of the most lucrative oil projects worldwide.

Capitalizing on this momentum, Rise Guyana is rolling out a series of transformational infrastructure projects including:

A dual-branded Marriott City Express and City Suites hotel near Ogle Airport and Exxon HQ.

Modular housing manufacturing for scalable, cost-effective construction.

A private aviation hub at Ogle and Timehri airports.

Multi-phase residential developments in fast-developing corridors.

A portfolio of completed multi-family developments.

The fund targets a 30% net internal rate of return, utilizing a barbell strategy to balance stable yield with growth opportunities.

“This is more than a real estate fund – it’s a platform for national transformation,” added Thompson. “We’re combining frontier returns with institutional governance to help shape the physical, economic and social future of Guyana. This is the first of many funds to come.”

As Guyana continues to redefine its economic landscape, Rise Guyana is positioning itself as a key player in shaping a sustainable and inclusive future for the country and its citizens.