Beres Hammond Announces 2025 U.S. Tour

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By News Americas ET EDITOR

NEWS AMERICAS, NEW YORK, NY, July 29, 2025: Jamaican-born, Lovers rock and reggae legend, Beres Hammond, is hitting the road once again this summer to bring his signature soul-stirring vocals to audiences across the U.S. with his Forever Giving Thanks Tour 2025.

Presented by Harmony House, the tour kicks off on August 13th in Boston and winds its way through New York, New Jersey, Virginia, Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina. It will offer fans a chance to experience the timeless voice behind reggae staples like “Rockaway,” “What One Dance Can Do,” and “Putting Up Resistance.”

Beres Hammond Announces 2025 U.S. Tour With Marcia Griffiths, Cham, Kes & More.

But Hammond won’t be going it alone. Select dates will feature Marcia Griffiths, Cham, Kes the Band, Tarrus Riley, and saxophonist Dean Fraser & The Blak Soil Band – adding even more firepower to what promises to be a summer celebration of classic Caribbean music and culture.

A Tour Steeped in Legacy

Known as one of the most prolific voices in reggae, Hammond’s catalog spans decades, touching on romance, resilience, and Rastafarian roots. The Forever Giving Thanks Tour is both a nod to his enduring fan base and a gift to a new generation of listeners.

“This tour is about giving thanks for the journey, the love from the fans, and the power of reggae music to unite,” Hammond said in a recent statement. “We’re going to bring the full vibes – sweet, conscious, and uplifting.”

Star Power Meets Soul

In Newark (August 16) and Brooklyn (August 17), fans will be treated to performances from the Queen of Reggae herself, Marcia Griffiths, and dancehall titan Cham, adding generational range to the already rich line-up.

Down south in Georgia (August 24), the energy amplifies as Kes the Band, Tarrus Riley, and Dean Fraser join the stage for what’s expected to be one of the tour’s most dynamic nights.

Forever Giving Thanks Tour 2025 Dates

08/13 – Boston, MA – The Wilbur Theatre

08/16 – Newark, NJ – New Jersey Performing Arts Center (with Marcia Griffiths & Cham)

08/17 – Brooklyn, NY – Amphitheatre at Coney Island Boardwalk (with Marcia Griffiths & Cham)

08/19 – Huntington, NY – The Paramount

08/21 – Norfolk, VA – The Norva

08/23 – Charlotte, NC – Ovens Auditorium

08/24 – Duluth, GA – Gas South Arena (with Kes the Band, Tarrus Riley, Dean Fraser & The Blak Soil Band)

08/29 – Orlando, FL – Hard Rock Live

08/30 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – Au-Rene Theater at Broward Center

08/31 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – Au-Rene Theater at Broward Center

Tickets are available now via Ticketmaster and venue box offices. Fans are encouraged to secure seats early – this one’s poised to sell out quickly.

The Vibe Never Gets Old

Whether it’s his unmistakable tone or heartfelt lyrics, Beres Hammond continues to be the gold standard for reggae crooners. And if this tour proves anything, it’s that his message of love, gratitude, and musical excellence still resonates loud and clear.

Tensions Rise As Sanctioned Businessman Shakes Up Guyana’s Election

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Tues. July 29, 2025: With just weeks to go before Guyana’s pivotal September 1st General and Regional Elections, a political firestorm is brewing around the candidacy of Azruddin Mohamed, a U.S.-sanctioned gold trader and acclaimed billionaire, and leader of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party.

Azruddin Mohamed, the US sanctioned businessman and founder of the WIN party is contesting the Guyana elections and making waves.

Mohamed’s ability to draw a multi-ethnic following in a country dogged for decades by racial politics, particularly in key battlegrounds like Essequibo and Berbice, has set off alarms within both the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and the United States government. U.S. Ambassador Nicole Theriot voiced “deep concern” this week, warning that Mohamed’s potential election to Parliament could disrupt U.S. investment interest in Guyana and complicate bilateral relations.

“If a sanctioned individual becomes a member of government, it could send shockwaves through our private sector partners,” Theriot said, pointing to past examples in other countries where such developments led to economic disengagement.

Mohamed and his father were sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) in 2024 for allegedly evading taxes on gold exports totaling more than 10,000 kilograms. Despite this, the WIN party has quickly gained traction, and Mohamed’s visibility on the campaign trail has forced the PPP to intensify its outreach and messaging.

In response, President Irfaan Ali and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo have mounted an aggressive campaign, warning voters that electing WIN candidates – especially Mohamed – would pose a threat to Guyana’s stability and international standing, particularly amid ongoing tensions with Venezuela over the Essequibo region.

“Essequibo is not for sale,” Ali told a rally in Anna Regina. “We cannot hand this country over to people with questionable records and uncertain motives.”

To help ensure transparency and legitimacy, two major international electoral watchdogs have stepped in. The Carter Center, which has observed every Guyanese election since 1992, has launched an election observation mission, deploying a team of experts from the U.S., UK, and Georgia. The Center pledged an impartial and thorough assessment, noting that it would engage political parties and civil society throughout the process.

“We are honored to support the Guyanese people in assessing the credibility of the election,” said David Carroll, Director of the Carter Center’s Democracy Program.

The Organization of American States (OAS) has also signed an agreement with the government to deploy its Electoral Observation Mission (EOM), with former Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding once again serving as Chief of Mission. This marks the seventh OAS observation mission in Guyana.

OAS Secretary General Albert Ramdin stressed that their goal is not to criticize, but to offer “constructive and actionable recommendations that build public trust and institutional strength.”

While six political parties have been approved to contest the general elections, only four – the PPP/C, WIN, the main opposition, A Partnership for National Unity, APNU, and the Alliance For Change, AFC – will compete across all ten regional districts. The Elections Commission (GECOM) has confirmed that candidate lists have been vetted and finalized.

Despite increasing scrutiny, WIN remains defiant. In a statement, the party reaffirmed its commitment to free and fair elections, thanking international observers for promoting transparency.

Still, the stakes are high. The PPP is offering its most ambitious package of development promises to date, from agricultural subsidies and new roads to ports, schools, and sports infrastructure – all aimed at retaining its dominance, especially in regions where WIN is gaining ground.

As the campaign enters its final month, Guyana finds itself at a political crossroads: a familiar incumbent facing an unlikely challenger whose candidacy carries both grassroots momentum and geopolitical risk.

All eyes – domestic and international – will be watching the returns on Sept. 1st.

From Billboard Charts To Courtrooms: Sean Kingston’s Family Empire Collapses Under Fraud Convictions

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By News Americas ET Editor

News Americas, MIAMI, FL, Mon. July 28, 2025: Once hailed as a breakout Caribbean-American pop star with platinum hits and high-profile collaborations, Sean Kingston now finds himself at the center of a legal and financial spiral that’s unraveling not just his career – but his family, too.

Last week, the singer’s mother, Janice Turner, was sentenced to five years in federal prison after being convicted in a sweeping $1 million fraud case that also implicated her son. The 63-year-old matriarch had long been seen as the force behind Kingston’s rise, managing aspects of his career and lifestyle. Now, she is headed back to prison – her second federal conviction for fraud.

Sean Kingston’s mother, Janice Tunrer. (Photo Credit: WPLG Local 10 YouTube Screenshot)

“My intention was to keep my son afloat in this difficult industry,” Turner pleaded before the court. “They used him and abused him. I am begging for mercy.”

The judge showed limited leniency. Turner will also serve three years of probation and pay restitution for her role in the scheme, which targeted vendors of luxury vehicles, jewelry, and custom furniture – none of which were ever fully paid for.

Sean Kingston: The Price of a Lavish Image

FLASHBACK: Sean Kingston performing live on stage during “Hot Summer Night” concert at FPL Solar Amphitheater at Bayfront Park on June 3, 2023 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Johnny Louis/Getty Images)Sean Kingston, who performed live on stage during “Hot Summer Night” concert at FPL Solar Amphitheater at Bayfront Park on June 3, 2023 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Johnny Louis/Getty Images)

While Kingston awaits his own federal sentencing on August 28, the 35-year-old artist – who once topped the charts with Beautiful Girls and performed with Justin Bieber – is battling fresh problems closer to home. In Broward County court, he faces nine additional state charges, including grand theft and operating an organized scheme to defraud.

Worse still: Kingston appears to be out of money. His lawyer, Robert Rosenblatt, recently filed a motion to withdraw from the case, citing the singer’s failure to pay legal fees. Court documents now suggest the entertainer “may be indigent” – and could soon rely on a public defender.

Behind the Headlines: A Family Hustle Gone Wrong

According to prosecutors, the mother-son duo pulled off a high-level con between October 2023 and March 2024, posing as wealthy clients who claimed to have sent wire transfers for goods they never intended to pay for. Among the victims were:

A luxury SUV dealer ($160,000)

A custom jeweler ($500,000)

A boutique furniture company ($86,000)

Major banks, including Bank of America and First Republic ($300,000+ combined)

Their scam unraveled in May 2024, when Kingston was arrested on a U.S. Army base in California and Turner was detained during a SWAT raid at a rented South Florida mansion.

The collapse marks a dramatic fall for both – particularly Turner, who served 18 months for a prior bank fraud conviction in 2006.

Fame, Pressure, and the Facade of Wealth

For some in the industry, the Kingston saga is a cautionary tale of what happens when the demands of celebrity outweigh the means to maintain it.

“Too many artists are trying to keep up appearances when the checks stop coming,” one former music exec commented anonymously. “Behind the scenes, it’s debt, fake flexing, and sometimes crime.”

As Kingston’s sentencing nears, one question looms: can the star who once captured the world’s attention reinvent himself – or is this the final chapter in a story that began with Beautiful Girls and ended in betrayal?

Could Exxon’s Return To Trinidad Spark An Oil And LNG Boom?

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News Americas, PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, Mon. July 28, 2025: After more than two decades, ExxonMobil may be heading back to Trinidad — and the implications could be huge for the country’s oil, LNG, and energy services sectors.

The U.S. energy giant is reportedly in advanced talks with the Trinidad and Tobago government to explore up to seven deepwater offshore blocks located off the island’s East Coast. These blocks sit just north of the Guyana-Suriname basin, where Exxon has made over 30 major oil discoveries since 2015.

The negotiations are occurring outside of Trinidad’s current deepwater bid round, which closes in September 2025 – a legal move allowed under Trinidad’s energy framework. This strategic re-entry suggests Exxon sees new potential in Trinidad’s offshore reserves, long considered mature but underexplored at ultra-deep water depths. “If all goes well, I will be able to make a very positive announcement,” said Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal, signaling the government’s optimism about a landmark deal.

A Regional Energy Reset?

Exxon’s return could mark a turning point not just for Trinidad, but for the wider Caribbean’s upstream energy future. With natural gas as the country’s main revenue driver, a new wave of exploration could revitalize LNG exports, feed petrochemical industries, and inject much-needed momentum into the energy services and supply chain ecosystem.

Trinidad is already home to Atlantic LNG, one of the largest gas processing and export hubs in the Western Hemisphere. However, gas production has declined in recent years. A successful Exxon deal could help reverse that trend — especially if paired with joint ventures and long-term offtake agreements.

The move also aligns with shifting global energy dynamics. As Europe and Asia look to diversify energy supply chains, Caribbean gas is back on the map, particularly from politically stable nations with ready infrastructure.

For Investors: Signals to Watch

Deepwater Expansion: If finalized, this deal could pave the way for more international oil companies (IOCs) to revisit Trinidad’s basins.

Supply Chain Rebound: Local services, logistics, and fabrication firms stand to benefit from new offshore activity.

Regional Synergies: With Exxon already dominant in Guyana, its return to Trinidad could spark cross-border energy coordination.

So — could Exxon’s return ignite a new boom?

If talks succeed, the answer may be yes — and Trinidad could once again become a leading energy hub in the Caribbean and beyond.

Could CARICOM’s Green Finance Framework Unlock Billions In Climate Investment?

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News Americas, GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Mon. July 28, 2025: In a bold step toward climate-aligned growth, the Caribbean Community, CARICOM, and the International Finance Corporation, (IFC) have partnered to launch a regional green finance taxonomy – a move that could unlock billions in private capital for sustainable infrastructure, clean energy, and resilience projects across the Caribbean.

The framework, introduced on June 18, 2025, defines what qualifies as a “green asset” in the English-speaking Caribbean. It aims to standardize how banks, investors, and governments assess climate-related financing – a necessary step as the region works to close a projected $55 billion climate finance gap by 2030.

The taxonomy will:

Help scale green lending and investment pipelines.

Support ESG-aligned projects in renewable energy, water, transport, and agriculture.

Boost the region’s access to climate funds and sovereign green bond markets.

“It’s about translating ambition into bankable action,” said an IFC regional spokesperson. “This framework will help the Caribbean speak the same green finance language as global markets.”

Small Island Developing States, (SIDS) in the Caribbean remain among the most vulnerable to climate shocks – yet are among the least responsible for global emissions. This taxonomy gives them a path to attract global climate capital on clear and credible terms.

So, could this be the key that unlocks the region’s climate investment potential?

If adopted across CARICOM member states, the answer may be yes – especially as global investors sharpen their focus on sustainability, transparency, and high-impact emerging markets.

New Music Friday: Caribbean Artists Drop Fire Tracks For The Weekend Playlist

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By News Americas ET Editor

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. July 25, 2025: It’s Friday – and that means it’s time to refresh your playlist with the latest new music from the Caribbean. Whether you’re vibing to reggae, grooving to soca, or in the mood for genre-bending innovation, this week’s new music releases are a celebration of Caribbean sound and soul.

Reggae Meets Africa: Selector A & VP Records Drop ‘Reggae Loves Africa, Vol. 2’

Out now via VP Records, this 10-track compilation is a soulful homage to Nelson Mandela’s legacy, curated by Japanese-born reggae producer Selector A. Featuring legends like Buju Banton, Sizzla, Luciano, and Culture, the album bridges reggae and African consciousness. It’s conscious music with a global message – and a beat you can feel.
Stream it here

Soca Universe 2025 Has Landed – And It’s Massive

Machel Montano’s Monk Music delivers again with the release of Soca Universe 2025, the definitive soundtrack to this year’s Carnival season. From “The Greatest Bend Over” by Yung Bredda & Full Blown to the Afro-Soca anthem “Fling It Up” featuring Davido, this 30+ track compilation is jam-packed with anthems from Patrice Roberts, Voice, Kes, Fay-Ann Lyons, Lyrikal, and more.
Stream it here

Jimmy October Returns With “BAM BAM”

Trinidad’s genre-fusing wordsmith Jimmy October is back with his latest single “BAM BAM”—a percussive, sun-soaked fusion of soca, dancehall, reggae, and afrobeats. Produced by Brooklyn Decent and released via Ineffable Records, it’s a feel-good groove perfect for your weekend vibes.
Listen now

Yeza & Rorystonelove Shake the Roots with ‘Star Of The East’

Conscious reggae gets a fiery new chapter with Yeza’s debut album Star Of The East, produced by dub legend Rorystonelove. From viral hit “Organic” to gritty bangers like “Preacher Man”, this is a no-skips record redefining what rebel music sounds like today.
Stream now

Mr. Easy Drops ‘Caribbean Ting’

Dancehall veteran Mr. Easy switches lanes and embraces his soca side with the release of “Caribbean Ting,” part of the Soca Jam EP. The result? A vibrant fusion of island energy and classic grooves that pays homage to calypso legends.
Listen here

Da’ville Makes Emotional Comeback with “Sunshine Days”

After a 13-year hiatus, reggae-pop sensation Da’ville is back with “Sunshine Days” – a personal anthem of healing, love, and gratitude. Distributed by AMP Music and featuring a feel-good visual by BlingBlang, it marks a soulful new chapter for the artist behind hits like “Always On My Mind.”
Watch & Stream

Rayvon & Sugar Bear Keep It Light with “She Just Wanna Party”

Need a party jam? Rayvon and Sugar Bear team up for “She Just Wanna Party,” a breezy summer banger that lives up to its name. Produced by DJ Mac and released via GTC Entertainment, it’s made for the beach, the club – or wherever you’re turning up.
Stream now

This Week’s Caribbean Heat Recap Playlist:

“The Greatest Bend Over” – Yung Bredda & Full Blown

“Sunshine Days” – Da’ville

“Organic” – Yeza

“Fling It Up” – Machel Montano ft. Davido

“BAM BAM” – Jimmy October

“Caribbean Ting” – Mr. Easy

“She Just Wanna Party” – Rayvon & Sugar Bear

Whether you’re on the road, at the beach, or just catching a vibe, these new tracks are a must-add to your playlist. Stay locked to News Americas for the latest from the Caribbean music scene every New Music Friday.

Baby Cham Drops Explosive New Album, Includes Stephen & Damian Marley

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By News Americas ET Editor

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. July 25, 2025: Grammy-nominated Dancehall icon Baby Cham is back in a big way with the release of his long-anticipated fourth studio album, ‘Sherlock’ — out now on all major platforms via his Lawless Army Music imprint.

A blazing collection of eight hard-hitting tracks, Sherlock showcases Cham’s signature mix of grit, swagger, and storytelling finesse. The project opens with a bold title track and climaxes with “Starlight,” a melodic closer that blends reflective tones with Cham’s signature lyrical command.

The album’s lead single, “Hustling In My Blood,” featuring Stephen Marley and Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, is already making waves, racking up over 250,000 views on YouTube in just two weeks. The official video is a gritty visual ode to street survival and resilience, echoing the themes that have defined Cham’s career.

From “Maddest Life” to “Lamborghini Boy,” Cham delivers high-energy anthems for dance floors and headphones alike, while tracks like “Miss Seductress” and “Hall of Fame” flex his flair for seductive storytelling and emotional range.

“The cover is inspired by the community I grew up in — Duhaney Park, Kingston 20,” Cham shared on social media. “Some call it ‘The Ghetto,’ some ‘Inner City,’ but I call it ‘Home.’ I want youth to know I walked those streets too. They can make it also.”

With hits like “Ghetto Story,” “Vitamin S,” and “Lockdown” (with Usain Bolt), Cham continues to evolve while staying rooted in Dancehall tradition. Sherlock is a reminder of Cham’s lyrical depth, cultural storytelling, and undeniable star power.

STREAM ‘SHERLOCK’ NOW:

https://lnk.to/BabyChamSherlockWATCH “HUSTLING IN MY BLOOD”:

https://youtu.be/ChamHustling

TOUR DATES:

July 27 – Heaven On Earth, Baltimore, MD

Aug. 1 – Soca vs. Reggae, Bermuda

Aug. 9 – Carifest, Rochester, NY

Aug. 16–17 – Beres Hammond & Friends, NJ + Coney Island

Aug. 23 – Oasis Festival, Toronto

Aug. 31 – 90s Rewind, FL

Oct. 28 – Welcome to Jamrock Cruise

Whether you’re a Dancehall day-one or a new-school fan, Sherlock proves Baby Cham is still at the top of his game — sharp, fearless, and unapologetically authentic.

 From Talk To Transformation – The Cross Continental Forum Was Only The Beginning

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News Americas, TORONTO, Canada, Thurs. July 24, 2025: The Cross Continental Forum 2025 was more than a gathering – it was is a blueprint in motion. At the core of the forum was one undeniable truth: the future of global storytelling is being rewritten by the Global South.

The Cross Continental Forum founder, Frances Anne Solomon, in red at l, with film producers and sponsors at CCF 2025 in Bridgetown, Barbados.

“There’s a depth and richness in our storytelling that often gets overlooked in traditional spaces. I’m excited to see what solutions emerge to help us produce these stories in ways that truly reflect the beauty, complexity, and brilliance already in the room,” commented Melanie Hoyes, Director of Inclusion at the British Film Institute.

In mid-June producers, funders, storytellers, and cultural strategists from across the world met for several days in Barbados to not only discuss problems but find solutions to produce culturally relevant films by creatives who tend to be overlooked by the Global North (who generally decides who gets to tell their stories and how). 

What Comes Next

Producers, funders, storytellers, and cultural strategists from across the world met for several days in Barbados in June at The Cross Continental Forum 2025 from The Caribbean Tales.

CCF 2025 served as a real-time lab for creative problem-solving, cultural equity, and economic strategy. With over 30 producers directly participating and hundreds more reached through public events and screenings, the forum sparked new partnerships, reshaped how stories are valued, and laid the groundwork for future collaboration.

Key developments already in progress:

The CCF Manifesto
A unified declaration of intent and action – documenting concrete next steps from producers, partners, and collaborators, and signaling a collective commitment to move decisively from conversation to co-production.

Cross-Continental Collaborations
New cross-border alliances are taking shape from Lagos to Kingston to Port of Spain – grounded in equity, creative ownership, and cultural authenticity.

Financing & Policy Shifts
Funding strategies and policy shifts are already taking shape across public and private sectors, ignited by the ideas and commitments forged at the forum.

Stay Connected

This was the second staging of the forum, and the movement continues to grow.

If you’re a funder, commissioning body, or industry ally committed to equity-driven storytelling – we invite you to connect. Equity-driven storytelling needs bold partners. Join us as we shape a creative ecosystem where the Global South leads, owns and tells its stories on its own terms.

Visit the official site to explore more and express your interest or follow @crosscontintentalforum on Instagram or email ccf@creatorsofcolour.com 

This isn’t the end – it’s the shift.

Aspida Re Expands Global Footprint With Strategic Reinsurance Transaction in Japan

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News Americas, DURHAM, N.C., July 22, 2025: Aspida Life Re Ltd (“Aspida Re”), a Bermuda-based life and annuity reinsurance company, announced the execution of its second reinsurance transaction in Japan, effective June 1, 2025. This milestone marks a significant step in Aspida Re’s ongoing strategy to expand its global footprint and deliver innovative reinsurance solutions to life and annuity insurance partners worldwide.

The transaction was completed with a highly rated Japanese life insurance carrier (“Company”). Aspida Re, rated A- (Excellent) by AM Best, will reinsure new or incoming flow business. The reinsured product is a Japanese yen (JPY) denominated fixed annuity, highlighting Aspida Re’s ability to manage foreign exchange risk and deliver tailored solutions to its cedents.

“This transaction is highly strategic for Aspida Re,” said David Florian, CEO of Aspida Re. “It reflects our deep commitment to the Japanese market and our broader vision of supporting insurers around the world with innovative, capital-efficient reinsurance solutions.”

Aspida Re’s continued growth in Asian markets demonstrates its agility and expertise in navigating complex regulatory and financial environments, while reinforcing its role as a trusted partner in the global reinsurance landscape.

“We are excited to secure our second Japanese reinsurance agreement,” said Jon Steffen, President and Chief Actuary of Aspida Re. “Our flexibility and customized solutions allow us to provide significant advantage to clients and partners, no matter their location.”

To learn more about Aspida Re, visit aspidare.bm.

About Aspida Re

Aspida Life Re Ltd (“Aspida Re”), a Bermuda-based reinsurance platform, is focused on providing efficient and secure life and annuity reinsurance solutions to its global clients. Aspida Re seeks to be a trusted partner in its clients’ long-term financial growth by delivering creative, customized solutions while driving business by doing good for the communities it serves. Aspida Re is part of Aspida Holdings Ltd, with over $23.1bn in total assets as of March 31, 2025. A subsidiary of Ares Management Corporation (NYSE: ARES) acts as the dedicated investment manager, capital solutions, and corporate development partner to Aspida Re. For more information on Aspida Re, please visit www.aspidare.bm or follow them on LinkedIn.

Former Trinidad Prime Minister Briefly Detained in Antigua Allegedly Due To Name On INTERPOL Watch List

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By NAN News Editor

News Americas, PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, July 21, 2025: A routine stopover turned into a diplomatic firestorm Monday after Trinidad and Tobago’s former Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley, revealed that he had been briefly detained and flagged by immigration officials in Antigua and Barbuda last week, allegedly due to his name appearing on an INTERPOL watch list.

FLASHBACK – Then Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Keith Rowley (C) takes part in a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in the Jefferson Room of the State Department in Washington, DC on January 29, 2024. (Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images)

The incident, which occurred while Rowley was en route to Montserrat for the 30th anniversary of the island’s Volcano Observatory, has ignited political controversy in Port of Spain, with Rowley denouncing the situation as a “deliberate, calculated attempt to tarnish my name on an international stage.”

Rowley, 75, who stepped down from office in April after nearly a decade at the helm, claimed the incident was rooted in political persecution orchestrated by state entities in his home country.

“This is not just a mistake,” he told reporters at a Monday press briefing. “It is state-sponsored slander.”

Immigration officials in Antigua confirmed that Rowley was momentarily held for questioning due to an alert triggered by INTERPOL systems. He was later released without further incident. According to Rowley, the officer involved cited “mistaken identity” related to another individual being sought by Antiguan police.

But the former leader is unconvinced.

“I find it strange,” he said. “INTERPOL doesn’t casually flag a former head of state. Someone put my name there – and that someone is likely from Trinidad and Tobago.”

The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) swiftly denied the claim. In a detailed statement, the agency said its INTERPOL Bureau found no record of Rowley being listed or flagged in any international criminal database. “No alerts, flags, or warrants are associated with his name,” the TTPS said, adding that it had never submitted any such request to INTERPOL.

Still, the damage – at least politically – may already be done.

The opposition People’s National Movement (PNM), which Rowley once led, demanded “immediate and full disclosure” from Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the national police commissioner, and the attorney general.

“This development raises troubling questions about political weaponization of international law enforcement mechanisms,” the party said in a statement. “If this can happen to a former Prime Minister, what safeguards exist for ordinary citizens?”

Rowley, who led the country through multiple crises including the COVID-19 pandemic and major energy reforms, is widely respected across the region. His detention has prompted concern among Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders, who fear a precedent that could undermine diplomatic mobility for current and former officials.

“This isn’t just about me,” Rowley said. “It’s about democratic norms and the abuse of power. Trinidad and Tobago must reckon with this moment.”

While the TTPS emphasized that INTERPOL cannot be manipulated by domestic politics—requiring judicial or prosecutorial oversight for any listing – Rowley insists that someone within the state apparatus abused the system.

“The protocols may be there,” he said, “but so are people willing to violate them.”

As the controversy unfolds, the TTPS has pledged continued transparency. But critics warn that the mere appearance of political interference – even if unsubstantiated – erodes public trust in both local law enforcement and international cooperation.

For now, Rowley is back in Trinidad, uncharged and unflagged. But he’s not letting the issue go.

“I’ve dedicated my life to public service,” he said. “And I will not allow my legacy – or our democracy – to be undermined by cowardice or corruption.”