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.

Exxon-Led Oil Group Nets $10.4B In Guyana As Output Surges

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News Americas, New York, NY, June 4, 2025: Guyana’s booming oil industry continues to break records, as the ExxonMobil-led consortium reported a massive 64% surge in 2024 profits, totaling $10.4 billion from operations in the South American nation. The figure highlights Guyana’s transformative role in global energy markets and its position as a top-tier oil-producing frontier.

ExxonMobil alone earned $4.7 billion of its total $33.5 billion in 2024 from Guyana, the company confirmed this week, while partners Hess Corporation and China’s CNOOC reaped $3.1 billion and $2.5 billion respectively – significant jumps from the previous year.

The group’s output reached 652,000 barrels per day (bpd) in the fourth quarter, thanks to key upgrades at floating production facilities. With a fourth production vessel arriving in February and more installations underway, Guyana’s oil output is projected to exceed 900,000 bpd soon, with long-term plans aiming for 1.7 million bpd by 2030.

“This performance showcases the scale of opportunity that Guyana represents,” said an Exxon executive, pointing to the country’s strategic positioning, rapid production growth, and investor-friendly environment with relatively low royalties and taxes.

While consortium expenses in Guyana rose by 42% to $4.9 billion last year, the pre-tax profit reached an impressive $12.8 billion—solidifying Guyana’s status as a cornerstone in the partners’ global portfolios.

As pressure mounts to secure natural gas and diversify energy strategies, Exxon and its partners are also exploring new developments to quantify and utilize Guyana’s gas reserves.

With this continued momentum, Guyana and its neighbors are firmly on track to become one of the world’s last great oil frontiers—offering robust returns while fueling national development.

Apple Purchases And Retires 100,000 Carbon Credits From Guyana In Landmark Sustainability Move

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News Americas, New York, NY, Tuesday, June 3, 2025:In a significant stride towards environmental sustainability, global technology leader Apple Inc. has acquired and retired 100,000 carbon credits from Guyana, marking its inaugural engagement with jurisdictional carbon credits under the Architecture for REDD+ Transactions, (ART) framework.

Apple Inc. purchases and retires 100,000 carbon credits from Guyana, reinforcing its commitment to environmental sustainability and supporting the nation’s forest conservation initiatives.

The credits, priced at US$15 each, amount to a total investment of approximately GYD$313 million. Senior Director for Climate and REDD+ at Guyana’s Ministry of Natural Resources, Dr. Pradeepa Bholanauth, confirmed the transaction, highlighting its alignment with Apple’s commitment to offsetting its corporate emissions.

These 2019-vintage credits, representing emission reductions from 2016 to 2020, are part of Guyana’s comprehensive forest conservation efforts encompassing 18 million hectares—about 85% of the country’s landmass. Apple’s 2025 Environmental Progress Report emphasizes that this initiative supports the nation’s historically low deforestation rate while funding low-carbon development priorities.

Apple’s engagement with Guyana’s carbon credits follows a precedent set by Hess Corporation, which purchased US$750 million worth of credits in December 2022. This move underscores the growing corporate interest in high-quality, jurisdictional carbon credits as a means to achieve sustainability goals.

Since achieving carbon neutrality in April 2020, Apple has consistently invested in carbon credits from various countries, including Colombia and Kenya. The company’s latest acquisition from Guyana signifies a strategic shift towards large-scale, jurisdictional approaches to carbon offsetting.

Guyana’s participation in the voluntary carbon market has yielded substantial economic benefits, with earnings of US$237.5 million from carbon credit sales between 2022 and 2024. Projections indicate additional revenues of US$250 million for the 2021–2025 period and US$312 million for 2025–2030, as credits are sold at increasing rates of US$20 and US$25 per tonne, respectively.

This collaboration between Apple and Guyana exemplifies a mutually beneficial partnership, advancing global climate objectives while supporting sustainable development in forest-rich nations.

15 Years Of Caring: Blue Diamond Resorts Turns Milestone Into Movement

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News Americas, ST. MICHAEL, Barbados, June 03, 2025: As Blue Diamond Resorts enters a milestone year, the company is proud to unveil its “15 Years of Caring, 15 Acts of Change” initiative, a program that reinforces its ongoing commitment to social responsibility and sustainability across the Caribbean. Marking its 15th anniversary under the motto Fifteen & Forward, this yearlong celebration is not only a reflection of the company’s journey but also a renewed pledge to create meaningful change in the destinations it calls home.

Blue Diamond Resorts has long recognized that the success of its operations is deeply connected to the wellbeing of its surrounding communities and environments. The “15 Years of Caring, 15 Acts of Change” campaign brings this philosophy to life through a series of purposeful monthly actions, each aligned with global awareness days and designed to generate lasting impact.

The campaign began earlier this year with a wetlands clean-up and restoration initiative in recognition of World Wetlands Day, followed by a series of immersive Earth Hour activities including beach cleanups, coastal dune reforestation, recycling contests, and the coordinated shutdown of non-essential lights across the resorts to raise awareness about climate change and energy conservation. In April, tree-planting programs marked Earth Day across multiple destinations, and most recently, guests and staff participated in a friendly resort-wide recycling challenge in celebration of World Recycling Day. These early efforts have laid a strong foundation for the meaningful work still to come.

In the months ahead, Blue Diamond Resorts will continue to activate properties across its brands—including Royalton Luxury Resorts, Royalton CHIC Resorts, Hideaway at Royalton Resorts, Planet Hollywood Beach Resorts, and Mystique by Royalton— with upcoming initiatives like a Sustainability Rally featuring themed educational stations to celebrate World Environment Day. This summer, the company will also welcome 40 children with medical conditions to Planet Hollywood Cancun, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort, in collaboration with a charitable foundation, offering them a joyful week filled with memorable experiences and entertainment.

Other upcoming initiatives include a plastic-free habits challenge in July, cultural fairs honoring Indigenous heritage in August, and community-driven actions such as food bank support, school adoption programs, and animal shelter donation drives. The year will culminate in December with a Volunteer Day focused on environmental and social improvements carried out in collaboration with local communities.

These activities build upon a broader framework of sustainability practices that Blue Diamond Resorts continues to strengthen year after year. The company’s resorts have been awarded global certifications that recognize their efforts in areas such as energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, and responsible sourcing as integral pillars of its operations.

As it looks ahead, Blue Diamond Resorts remains dedicated to expanding its impact with purpose. The 15th anniversary is not just a celebration of what has been achieved—it is a reaffirmation of the company’s forward-thinking values and its role in shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future for hospitality.

For more information on Blue Diamond Resorts’ 15th anniversary initiatives, visit bluediamondresorts.com.

About Blue Diamond Resorts

Blue Diamond Resorts encompasses over 80 properties, exceeding 20,000 rooms in eight countries located in the most popular holiday destinations in the Caribbean. Its nine leading hotel brands include the Award-winning, All-In Luxury® Royalton Luxury Resorts, where Everyone is Family. Whether guests come as friends, parents, kids, couples, weddings, corporate or incentive retreats, or solo travelers everyone is family in these properties that feature personalized services and signature amenities including All-In Connectivity, DreamBed, and the Sports Event Guarantee. To refocus on valued relationships and friendships, Hideaway at Royalton offers an adults-only experience with exclusive dining and preferred accommodations to enhance Togetherness among their guests. Party Your Way at Royalton CHIC Resorts, an adults-only vibrant and effervescent all-inclusive brand to revel in the unexpected. Mystique by Royalton is Miles from Ordinary, offering their visitors the chance to connect with their surroundings in a boutique-style resort collection full of endless beauty and hip vibes. In Jamaica, Grand Lido Negril offers guests over the age of 21, a unique and all-inclusive Au Naturel vacation along with a secluded shore for the utmost privacy. Memories Resorts & Spa offers a vacation designed whether you´re planning a family vacation, reuniting with friends, or just have a relaxing moment with your significant other, while Starfish Resorts provides amazing value, breathtaking surroundings, and rich culture and heritage. Planet Hollywood Hotels & Resorts invites guests to Vacation Like A Star with an engaging and interactive experience, plus famous pop culture items from iconic movies, music, and sports while you will Dodge the Paparazzi at Planet Hollywood Adult Scene where your adults-only vacation will be the center of fascination and attention with glam and exclusivity.

To learn more about Blue Diamond Resorts, please visit www.bluediamondresorts.com

Vybz Kartel No-Show In Trinidad Sparks Promoter Backlash, Urgent Call For Industry Reform

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News Americas, New York, NY, June 2, 2025: The highly anticipated return of Jamaican dancehall star Adidja “Vybz Kartel” Palmer to the Trinidad and Tobago stage has ignited controversy, with the Trinidad and Tobago Promoters Association, (TTPA) now distancing itself from the failed event and warning of industry-wide fallout.

FLASHBACK – Vybz Kartel attends Vybz & Friends Live In Concert – Sunrise, FL at Amerant Bank Arena on May 17, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

In a sharply worded statement released today, the TTPA expressed “extreme concern” over the circumstances surrounding the no-show of Kartel at the One Caribbean Musical Festival, (OCMF) this past weekend. The association clarified that the event’s promoter, JACHO Entertainment, is not a member of the TTPA and does not represent the broader promoter community in the twin-island republic.

“We do not speak for or on behalf of this group,” the association stated firmly. “However, when events fail, the impact ripples across the entire entertainment industry, harming our collective reputation and economic stability.”

The fallout began Saturday when Kartel’s management team announced the artist would not perform, citing the promoter’s failure to meet contractual obligations despite months of attempts to resolve issues.

“Vybz Kartel cannot in good conscience participate in an event where the organizers have not honored their basic commitments,” the team stated, noting the artist had been paid US$950,000 of a US$1.35 million contract, with an additional US$150,000 reportedly sent to his legal team. The remaining funds, the promoters claim, were withheld due to local financial regulations prohibiting large cash disbursements.

In a direct message to fans via Instagram on May 31, Kartel further revealed that he had clashed with the Trinidad and Tobago government after the promoter suggested he visit a youth center or school – something the artist says he never agreed to. “I’m an entertainer,” Kartel said. “My job is to perform for the people.”

He also accused the promoter of poor planning, alleging they ignored advice not to hold the event during Carnival season. “Not every promoter can manage a Kartel show. It takes a lot,” the Grammy-nominated artist added, while expressing regret that fans were robbed of the chance to see him live.

The TTPA echoed Kartel’s sentiment, stating the failed event did not meet the high standards associated with Trinidad and Tobago’s global reputation for event production. The organization now wants to use the incident as a catalyst for reform.

“We believe it is time to broaden the dialogue with government and private sector partners,” the TTPA said. The group is calling for deep legislative changes specific to the entertainment and tourism sectors, aiming to better protect patrons, creatives, and producers from similar debacles in the future.

They’ve proposed resuming negotiations with the Office of the Attorney General to draft and pass modern legislation tailored to the needs of the industry.

Meanwhile, T&T Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo says he is intrigued by the amount of foreign exchange being mentioned in relation to payment fees for artistes involved in the One Caribbean Music Festival and has requested an investigation. Saturday’s event was reportedly sold out, but the attendance was poor, as many patrons did not bother to attend due to Kartel’s absence and instead demanded a refund.

Videos of irate attendees venting their frustrations by storming the stage, throwing bottles or even dancing half-naked made their way around social media yesterday, as thousands tuned in to witness the unfolding debacle at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain.

The organisers said they are committed to addressing how patrons will be reimbursed. An official acknowledged that some form of compensation may be necessary and noted that this will be discussed and finalised in the coming days.

Ticket prices ranged from $670 for general admission to $2,700 for VVIP. Representatives of the US-based company said it will seek legal redress for the collapsed deal, as it is now at risk of losing millions of dollars. It said while it is now accepted that it will suffer a loss, it will try to recover as much money as possible from the local partner – Jacho Entertainment Ltd

Jacho Entertainment Ltd. is a San Fernando-based entertainment, events and promotions company that was incorporated in 2015. Its two directors are Odane Anderson, events promoter, and Petel Jones, senior accountant.

As the dust settles, what’s clear is that the Kartel controversy has reignited urgent questions about promoters accountability and regulatory gaps.

Invest Caribbean CEO To Co-Moderate Finance Panel At CCF 2025

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News Americas, New York, NY, June 2, 2025: The countdown is on to the Cross Continental Forum (CCF) 2025 in Barbados.

Felicia J. Persaud, the trailblazing CEO of Invest Caribbean, is set to co-moderate a pivotal panel at the event on “Decolonizing Financing & Investment.” The session, part of a five-day landmark gathering, aims to radically reshape global media investment frameworks and champion equity for Black and Global Majority content creators.

The countdown is on to CCF 2025 in Barbados where ICN’s Felicia J. Persaud will be among the moderators.

Persaud, a South Florida-based journalist, media and investment entrepreneur, and passionate advocate, has consistently raised awareness about the critical lack of access to capital – particularly for the Caribbean region, will join UK-based finance strategist Nathan Adabadze in leading the June 15th dialogue. Together, they will guide critical conversations with top-tier industry leaders, including Victor Mukete of Afrixembank (Nigeria), Joel Phiri of Known Associates (South Africa), Kerwyn Valley of C15 (Trinidad), and Kaye Greenidge of Invest Barbados.

Their collective goal? To explore new global ecosystems that prioritize inclusive capital flows and dismantle long-standing colonial power structures in media financing. This bold conversation is expected to surface solutions that emphasize cultural sovereignty, equitable partnerships, and sustainable development across Africa, the Caribbean, and beyond.

The Cross Continental Forum, produced by CaribbeanTales Media Group in partnership with the University of the West Indies, unites over 30 producers and 25 industry delegates from the UK, Canada, Africa, and the Caribbean. The forum seeks to reimagine global storytelling through a decolonial lens and is a cornerstone event of the CaribbeanTales International Film Festival’s 20th anniversary celebration.

Each day of CCF 2025 focuses on a different facet of decolonization in media:

June 14: Decolonising Policy & Legislation – Featuring experts from Canada, the UK, the Caribbean, and Africa, this panel tackles systemic legislative and policy barriers to equitable media production. Notable speakers include Joy Lowen (Canada Media Fund), Denitsa Yordanova (British Film Institute), and CARICOM’s Wayn McCook.

June 15: Decolonising Financing & Investment – Moderated by Felicia Persaud and Nathan Adabadze, this panel highlights new financing frameworks for empowering Black content creators and creating sustainable global partnerships.

June 16: Decolonising Content – This session explores authenticity in Black and Global Majority storytelling, with insights from Asha Lovelace (Caribbean Film Festival), Effie T. Brown (Gamechanger Films), and Elon Johnson (Tyler Perry Studios). The evening culminates in a conversation with Oscar-nominated filmmaker Ava DuVernay.

June 17: Decolonising Distribution – A deep dive into dismantling systemic distribution biases, featuring case studies and strategies for independent, decentralized media delivery.

June 18: Decolonising Co-Production – A culminating session that reflects on the forum’s insights and presents concrete action plans for sustainable global collaboration in Black and Indigenous media.

Complementing the panels are a series of public film events celebrating the CaribbeanTales International Film Festival’s two decades of impact:

June 13: Opening reception and screening of short films at Hayman’s Market.

June 14: Screening of HBO’s Get Millie Black followed by an in-depth conversation with Booker Prize-winning author Marlon James at Frank Collymore Hall.

June 15: Screening of Banel and Adama with a talkback featuring UK distributors We Are Parable at the Barbados Museum.

June 17: Screening of Ernest Cole: Lost & Found, directed by Haitian filmmaker Raoul Peck, also at the Barbados Museum.

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). It is generously supported by 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 numerous other global partners.

Guiding the forum is a distinguished Steering Group that includes Frances-Anne Solomon (CEO, CaribbeanTales Media Group), Andrew Millington (UWI Cave Hill), CCH Pounder (actor and activist), Dr. Keith Nurse (COSTAATT), Zikethiwe Ngcobo (Fuzebox Entertainment, South Africa), John Reid (former FLOW CEO), Agnieszka Moody (British Film Institute), Chloe Sosa Simms (CBC), and international events producer Diana Webley.

The film screenings are open to the public, and tickets can be obtained at: https://ticketnation.nuwebgroup.com/