MODEC Deepens Guyana Bet as Exxon Expands Output

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By NAN Business Editor

News Americas, GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Mon. July 21, 2025: Japan’s MODEC is doubling down on Guyana’s booming offshore oil sector with a strategic new hub in Georgetown, underscoring the South American nation’s emergence as a critical node in global energy supply chains.

The move by the Tokyo-based offshore engineering giant comes amid a broader regional realignment, with Asian, American, and European stakeholders racing to entrench themselves in what has become the world’s fastest-growing oil frontier.

MODEC’s new office is set to create and sustain more than 160 local jobs, with additional workforce opportunities expected during its operational ramp-up. Beyond job creation, the company’s investment signals a long-term industrial footprint that integrates Guyana more deeply into the global offshore production ecosystem.

“This is not a company dipping its toes in the water,” said Guyanese Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Oneidge Walrond. “MODEC has come with purpose, promise, and proven performance.”

Strategic Commitment Amid Rising Output

Earlier this year, MODEC secured a high-profile contract from ExxonMobil Guyana to construct its second Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel for the Hammerhead project—projected to process up to 150,000 barrels per day.

With Exxon’s oil production in Guyana expected to surpass 1.3 million barrels per day by 2027, MODEC’s growing role signals that Japan is positioning itself not just as an offshore contractor—but as a long-term industrial partner.

“Guyana’s human capital is an asset,” MODEC Group CEO Hirohiko Miyata said at the launch. “We are 100 percent committed to developing local content.”

Geopolitics, Green Tech, and Japanese Stakes

The Hammerhead FPSO will be one of the most technologically advanced vessels deployed in the Western Hemisphere, outfitted with combined cycle gas turbines to reduce emissions—an innovation aligned with Japan’s energy efficiency push and global decarbonization goals.

That investment in greener offshore production also dovetails with Japan’s strategic interest in diversifying its energy partnerships beyond the Middle East, particularly as global shipping routes and geopolitics become increasingly volatile.

Local Content Law Bears Fruit

Guyana’s 2021 Local Content Act is already reshaping the investment landscape. With over $1.5 billion in contracts awarded and more than 1,100 local firms engaged, the law has pushed foreign operators to embed themselves into the local economy—transforming Guyana from rentier state to industrial stakeholder.

MODEC’s presence reflects that shift. “We welcome MODEC not just as a contractor,” said Walrond, “but as a partner in nation building.”

The company’s website shows a number of open posts HERE

Team Jamaica Bickle Founder To Be Honored With Visionary Award At NBA’s Star’s Jalen Brunson’s Charity Gala

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NEWS AMERICAS, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. July 21, 2025: Jamaican-born immigrant advocate, Irwine Clare, Sr. OD, the esteemed founder of Team Jamaica Bickle, is set to be honored with the prestigious Visionary Award at NBA star Jalen Brunson’s 3rd Annual Charity Golf Classic on Monday, August 18, 2025, at the Westchester Country Club in Rye, New York.

Jamaican-born immigrant advocate, Irwine Clare, Sr. OD, the esteemed founder of Team Jamaica Bickle.

Presented by the Second Round Foundation, the Visionary Award recognizes individuals whose lifelong work has transformed communities and inspired generations. Founded by Brunson, who is of Jamaican heritage, the foundation is committed to empowering youth through education, sports, and mentorship. Its annual Charity Golf Classic and gala support scholarships, community development, and philanthropic honors.

Clare is being recognized for his extraordinary and unwavering dedication to the development of Caribbean student-athletes, particularly in the sport of Track & Field.

“The Second Round Foundation is proud to bestow this great honor to Mr. Clare, a true visionary for his leadership, sacrifice and dedication to young athletes in Jamaica and the Caribbean at large,” said Nija Ali Williams, CEO, Second Round Foundation. “Mr. Clare’s legacy represents the very essence of SRF’s mission to provide equity and access for young people who are striving to become the best version of themselves. For more than thirty years, Mr. Clare’s unwavering commitment to student-athletes through his work at Team Jamaica Bickle has garnered tremendous success and the harvest will continue for decades to come.”

Clare, who also serves as the co-founder and managing director of the Caribbean Immigrant Services, Inc. (CIS), has spent decades mobilizing and empowering the Caribbean Diaspora. Under his leadership since 1995, CIS has helped thousands of Caribbean nationals obtain U.S. citizenship and voting rights. He also previously served on the advisory board of the Jamaican Diaspora USA (Northeast) and was conferred with the Order of Distinction by the Government of Jamaica in 2012 for his “invaluable contribution to Jamaicans in the Diaspora.”

Through Team Jamaica Bickle, Clare has supported thousands of athletes from across the Caribbean, providing essential resources including accommodation, meals, and medical support – especially during the annual Penn Relays in Pennsylvania. Since its founding nearly 31 years ago, the organization has raised over US$5 million in support of athletes and sports programs in Jamaica.

Beyond his nonprofit work, Clare is a well-known advocate and media voice, hosting Caribbean Lifestyle TV, co-hosting The Fact of the Matter radio show on 93.5 FM, and serving as a Director on the Caribbean World News Network. His leadership has extended across numerous civic and advocacy groups, including the Jamaica Progressive League, the Union of Jamaican Alumni Associations, and the NAACP.

The Visionary Award will be presented during a special gala celebration that brings together community leaders, sports legends, and supporters from around the globe to honor changemakers like Clare.

About Team Jamaica Bickle

Team Jamaica Bickle (TJB) is a U.S.-based not-for-profit organization that provides hospitality services for Caribbean athletes participating in the Penn Relays and other major competitions. Since its founding, TJB has grown into a major support system for Caribbean athletics. Support the organization at https://www.teamjamaicabickle.org/

Curtains Close on Reggae Sumfest 2025 – See All the Top Performances Here

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By News Americas ET EDITOR

News Americas, MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica, Mon. July 21, 2025: The curtains have officially closed on Reggae Sumfest 2025, but the memories will echo for years to come. From reggae royalty to rising stars, Jamaica’s biggest music festival lit up Montego Bay with unforgettable performances. From Tarrus Riley’s family tribute to I Wayne’s fiery set and Toni Braxton’s R&B nostalgia, this year’s show proved once again why Sumfest remains the Greatest Reggae Show on Earth.

R&B singer Toni Braxton performed at Reggae Sumfest 2025 on July 19, 2025.

Didn’t catch it live? See some of the top performances here.

Tribute to Dennis Brown and Gregory Issacs

While international R&B star Toni Braxton was the marquee name on the lineup, it was Jamaica’s own musical royalty who truly owned the stage. The performances by Fantan Mojah, Bugle, Pressure Buss Pipe, I Wayne, Tarrus Riley, Lila Iké, and Protoje were the heartbeat of the festival – showcasing the unmatched depth of Caribbean talent.

A 12-Year-Old Steals the Show
Veteran Fantan Mojah opened the night with a short yet powerful set, introducing 12-year-old singer Emma, whose original song “God Is Real” stunned the audience into roaring applause. Her voice, message, and stage presence were a revelation and one of the weekend’s most talked-about moments.

Vybz Kartel

Vybz Kartel was crowned the King of Dancehall and then performed

Roots and Conscious Vibes
Pressure Buss Pipe followed with hits like Love and Affection and Be Free, setting a deeply spiritual tone. Then came I Wayne, whose razor-sharp lyrics and conscious delivery lit up Catherine Hall. With songs like Book of Life, Touch Her Softly, and Bleacher, he delivered what many are calling the festival’s best performance — even if his set was cut short.

Time constraints would become a theme of the evening, with several acts like Bugle, Lila Iké, and Protoje trimming their sets. Bugle gave a heartfelt dedication to his late mother during Pearly Gates, while Lila Iké used her first solo Sumfest appearance to dazzle in iridescent fashion, blending hits like Solitude and Second Chance with a personal message about her recent arrest: “Dem couldn’t stop this.”

Lila Ike performs

Protoje followed as mentor and star in his own right, performing crowd favorites like Blood Money and Kingston Be Wise.

Toni Braxton Tries, But Locals Triumph
While fans were eager to see Toni Braxton, technical issues marred her set. Songs like Unbreak My Heart and Breathe Again showcased her vocal power, but her connection with the Jamaican audience felt delayed — picking up only near the end of her set.

Tarrus Riley’s Royal Finale
It was up to “Singy Singy” Tarrus Riley to close out the festival – and he delivered in full. With hits like She’s Royal, Gimme Likkle One Drop, and Superman, Riley reminded fans why he’s one of Jamaica’s most beloved acts. He brought out his children, Tsehai “Pepsi” Riley and Mekiem Riley, in a moving family tribute capped by a sweet rendition of Human Nature.

Riley also paid homage to legends Gregory Isaacs, Dennis Brown, Cocoa Tea, and his own late father Jimmy Riley, bringing emotional depth to the final act.

As the curtain fell on Reggae Sumfest 2025, one message rang clear: no matter who headlines, Jamaica’s own are the soul of this stage.

Why The Haitian Flag Decision In Lake Worth Beach Feels Like Erasure

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BY NAN News Editor

News Americas, FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, Fri. July 18, 2025: Lake Worth Beach has long flown the Haitian flag alongside the American and LGBTQIA+ flags—not just as decoration, but as a symbol of deep-rooted cultural pride, especially during Haitian Heritage Month each May.

But that symbol was quietly stripped away on July 1, when the city commission voted 4–1 against raising the Haitian flag this year, WLRN reported, citing vague “First Amendment concerns.” For many in the community, it felt like more than a policy change. It felt like erasure.

Contrast that with NYC, where Mayor Eric Adams joins the Haitian community and Bowling Green Association Chairman Arthur Piccolo in raising the flag of Haiti in Bowling Green, NYC annually. (Twitter image/City of New york)

The Haitian community makes up a vibrant, visible part of Lake Worth Beach. Each spring, schools host cultural events, students wear traditional colors, and commissioners attend parades celebrating Haiti’s history of revolution and resilience. The flag was always more than cloth—it was identity.

So why now?

Commissioner Anthony Segrich raised the issue, arguing that allowing one ethnic flag opens the door to potentially offensive or politically charged flags—including, in a jarring example, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) flag. The comparison outraged community leaders and educators, especially amid rising fears over immigrant deportation crackdowns.

“If ICE wanted to fly a flag, would you support that?” Segrich asked during the meeting. “There are members of the community who would.”

That hypothetical chilled Andrew Cavanagh, a Lake Worth High School teacher who works closely with Haitian-American students. “It seems like they’re distancing themselves from our Haitian population… It’s a little scary right now,” he told WLRN.

The vote left many confused. Commissioner Sarah Malega initially opposed the measure, stating: “At a time right now where there’s division in this country, I will not turn my back on either one of those communities.” Yet she ultimately joined the majority, supporting Segrich’s idea of flying only the U.S. and LGBTQIA+ flags as a city-sanctioned statement of inclusion—while suggesting a new “Lake Worth Beach” flag might one day replace ethnic symbols.

Commissioner Christopher McVoy was the lone dissenting vote. “There is no harm in putting up flags from other parts,” he argued, calling the vote unnecessary and hurtful.

The backlash isn’t about flag policy alone. It’s about what this moment represents—a growing tension in America’s sanctuary cities, where local leaders are navigating cultural inclusion, political polarization, and national immigration battles in real time.

Lake Worth Beach is home not just to Haitians, but also Guatemalan and Finnish communities. Yet none of those groups have seen their flags raised regularly, either. So why is the Haitian flag – —one of only two flags besides the U.S. to ever fly over city hall—now in the crosshairs?

The meeting’s agenda didn’t make the vote’s implications clear, and community members say they weren’t adequately informed. That lack of transparency has fueled distrust.

There’s no question that Lake Worth Beach needs a clear, inclusive flag policy. But in a city that calls itself a sanctuary, the removal of the Haitian flag—a powerful symbol of freedom and diaspora strength—raises troubling questions about whose culture is seen, and whose is quietly pushed aside.

With Haitian immigrants facing increasing marginalization nationwide, this local decision feels all the more symbolic—and not in a good way.

It’s New Music Friday! Here Are 4 New Caribbean Tracks You Need To Hear

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By NAN ET Editor

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. July 18, 2025: It’s New Music Friday, and the Caribbean’s musical heartbeat is pulsing louder than ever. This week’s lineup of fresh releases features a mix of island soul, reggae roots, and creative collaborations that spotlight just how expansive Caribbean talent really is. From chart-toppers to underground favorites, here are four new tracks that deserve a place on your weekend playlist.

Lila Iké & Masicka — “Romantic”

Two of Jamaica’s most exciting artists team up again for “Romantic”, a sultry, nostalgic nod to the iconic “Romantic Call” by Patra. Lila Iké, known for her soulful reggae delivery, blends seamlessly with Masicka, one of dancehall’s lyrical kings, to give us a genre-blending track that feels both classic and fresh.

“Romantic” marks the second collaboration between the pair — following their hit “Triumph” — and is the fourth single off Lila’s highly anticipated debut album Treasure Self Love, out August 22 via Ineffable Records, Protoje’s In.Digg.Nation Collective, and Lila’s Wurl Iké Records.

Lila, who’s performed on NPR Tiny Desk and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, has earned accolades from Rolling Stone, Vogue, The New York Times, and more. With recent tours in Japan and Europe, she continues to represent modern reggae on a global scale.

Watch/Listen HERE

Irie Souljah — “I Know Dem”

Irie Souljah, the Spanish-born, Jamaica-based reggae artist, drops “I Know Dem”, the final single before his new album World Citizen drops on August 1. Known for his spiritual, roots-heavy reggae, Irie’s newest track delivers a message of resilience and authenticity — in both lyrics and tone.

His upcoming album includes features from Kabaka Pyramid and Alborosie, and follows the success of his 2023 project All About Love, which featured Anthony B, Chronic Law, and Iya Terra. A seasoned stage performer, Irie Souljah has played alongside Chronixx, Cocoa Tea, and Damian Marley.

Currently on tour across Germany, Denmark, Spain, and Italy, Souljah is proof that reggae’s reach is global — and powerful.

Listen and view now

Nailah Blackman — “Busy Body” and “Desert Flower”

Trinidadian powerhouse Nailah Blackman is back with “Busy Body” and “Desert Flower.” Busy Body is a bold, genre-blending anthem that brings her signature mix of sass, soul, and soca-infused flair. This track is everything fans love about Nailah: vibrant, high-energy, and impossible not to dance to.

Written by Nailah, Anson Pro, Felicia Jones, and Michael Coleman, the song was produced by Anson Pro with additional production from Jakey Krumm. It was mixed by Grammy-winning engineer Leslie Brathwaite and mastered by Johann Seaton, giving it a polished, radio-ready feel while still pulsing with island energy.

The official music video, directed with Nailah’s usual bold visuals and expressive style, enhances the track’s celebration of freedom and individuality — themes that run through much of her recent work. Busy Body is fun, flirty, and full of rhythm, showing Nailah’s continued growth as both a performer and storyteller.

Watch: Busy Body Official Video

“Desert Flower”

On “Desert Flower” Blackman surprises fans with an introspective, guitar-laced track that leans more acoustic soul than her usual Carnival bangers. It’s a lyrical, vulnerable moment — a sonic shift that showcases her artistic range.

Nailah wrote and co-produced the song with Anson Pro, also playing lead guitar. The track was mixed by Anson Pro and mastered by Madmen Productions, with a visually stunning music video co-directed by Nailah and Precise Lee Film.

Known for fusing soca with R&B, pop, and reggae, “Desert Flower” continues Nailah’s path as one of the Caribbean’s most versatile new-generation artists. It’s raw, reflective, and refreshingly different.

Watch: Desert Flower Official Video

Exxon May Have Won the Block, But Chevron Just Won the Long Game

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News Americas, Georgetown, Guyana, Fri. July 18, 2025: While ExxonMobil may continue to operate the world-class oil fields off the coast of Guyana, it’s Chevron that just made the bigger strategic move. On Friday, the International Chamber of Commerce, (ICC) gave the green light for Chevron’s US$53 billion acquisition of Hess, ending a contentious battle over one of the most lucrative oil plays on the planet.

With this ruling, Chevron gains a 30% stake in Guyana’s massive Stabroek Block, home to more than 11 billion barrels of recoverable oil. It’s a long game move that not only secures Chevron’s future in deepwater drilling but also positions it directly alongside Exxon in one of the fastest-growing oil frontiers in the world.

“We welcome Chevron to the venture,” said Exxon in a brief statement, signaling an end to the 18-month standoff between the two energy giants.

A Silent Battle, Publicly Decided
The conflict between Exxon and Chevron has simmered for more than a year, hidden behind closed-door arbitration and legal interpretations of a private joint operating agreement (JOA) between Exxon, Hess, and China’s CNOOC, which holds the remaining 25% stake.

Exxon had claimed it held preemptive rights to Hess’s stake in Guyana and tried to block Chevron’s move. But the ICC’s ruling decisively cleared the path, enabling Chevron to step in as a junior partner on Exxon’s flagship offshore asset.

“This is more than just a merger,” said one energy analyst. “This is Chevron planting its flag in Exxon’s most valuable growth market for the next decade.”

Exxon Runs the Rig, But Chevron Just Joined the Club
While Exxon retains operational control with a 45% share, Chevron’s entry fundamentally shifts the landscape. The Guyana project is expected to produce 1.2 million barrels per day by 2027, amounting to 1% of global supply—and Chevron now shares in the profits and the global clout that comes with it.

Chevron also inherits Hess’s broader portfolio, which includes prime shale assets in North Dakota and stakes in Asia and the Gulf of Mexico, effectively diversifying and strengthening its long-term drilling strategy.

Winners, Losers, and What Comes Next
For Guyana, the new corporate alignment doesn’t change the royalty rates or government take – at least for now. But it does place another powerful multinational into its energy equation. The presence of both Exxon and Chevron in a single national project is rare and brings added pressure on transparency, governance, and fiscal renegotiations, especially as Guyana’s oil revenues surge.

For Exxon, the ruling is a setback—but not a defeat. It retains control of operations and still holds the largest stake in the block. But with Chevron now in the room, it faces a stronger competitor in both financial and geopolitical terms.

“This deal may redefine who dominates deepwater drilling in the Western Hemisphere over the next 20 years,” said a Washington-based energy strategist.

Why This Matters Globally
The Guyana offshore discovery is not just another oil field. According to the International Energy Agency, it’s one of the most promising new oil sources in the world, coming online just as global energy demand is expected to peak. As oil companies race to secure their final frontier projects before energy transitions accelerate, Guyana has become the crown jewel.

And now, Chevron has a seat at the table.

Bad Bunny’s Record-Breaking Residency Set To Inject Over US 200M Into Puerto Rico’s Economy

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By NAN ET Editor

News Americas, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Weds. July 16, 2025: The beat dropped. The lights came up. And with it, Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny launched what’s already being called the largest economic stimulus in the island’s cultural history.

Bad Bunny performs onstage during Night One of Bad Bunny: “No Me Quiero Ir De Aqui” Residencia En El Choli at Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot on July 11, 2025 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images)

His sold-out, 30-show residency, titled “No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí”, opened this week at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico and is expected to bring more than 600,000 visitors to San Juan between July and September — pumping an estimated $200 million into the local economy.

It marks Puerto Rico’s first-ever concert residency, and tickets sold out in under four hours, confirming Bad Bunny’s unrivaled global draw and the residency’s once-in-a-generation scale.

Bad Bunny performs onstage during Night One of Bad Bunny: “No Me Quiero Ir De Aqui” Residencia En El Choli at Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot on July 11, 2025 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images)

A Cultural & Economic Earthquake
The numbers are staggering. Over 35,000 hotel nights have already been booked, and short-term rentals are up 1,150% compared to last year, according to tourism officials. The concerts could boost tourism-related jobs by 3% and are forecasted to increase the island’s GDP by 0.15% – a critical lift for a territory still navigating financial uncertainty and post-pandemic recovery.

“This residency isn’t just about music. It’s about what Puerto Rico represents to the world – resilience, rhythm, and reinvention,” said one economist at the University of Puerto Rico. “Bad Bunny is single-handedly fueling an economic mini-boom.”

JetBlue Takes Fans Along for the Ride
JetBlue, the island’s largest airline, isn’t just watching from the tarmac. As official sponsor of the residency, the airline has launched a national sweepstakes to fly five lucky fans to the show.

Winners will get roundtrip tickets to San Juan and access to one of the August 29 or 30 performances. On-site, JetBlue is hosting exclusive fan activations and promising “surprises throughout the summer,” reinforcing its 20-year commitment to Puerto Rico’s growth.

“Partnering with Bad Bunny’s residency, which embodies the pride and global influence of the Boricua spirit, is an extension of our commitment to this island,” said JetBlue President Marty St. George.

More Than a Concert — A National Moment
The residency has already transformed parts of San Juan into a festival zone. Merch lines stretch around corners, Uber wait times are surging, and nearby restaurants and local vendors are reporting record sales.

“This is our Coachella,” said Carolina native and event volunteer Julissa Mateo. “But better – because it’s ours.”

Fans are flying in from the mainland U.S., Europe, and Latin America, many for the first time. For some, it’s a pilgrimage. For others, it’s a party. But for Puerto Rico, it’s validation: that culture, when rooted in authenticity and amplified by global talent, can move markets — and reshape economies.

No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí — And Why Would He?
For the island that birthed him, Bad Bunny is no longer just an artist. He’s an economic engine, cultural ambassador, and symbol of a new era where Puerto Rico exports more than just goods — it exports influence.

The residency runs through September 30 at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico.
Enter JetBlue’s sweepstakes at jetblue.com/boardingpasssweeps
Projected $200 +M impact | 600K+ attendees | GDP boost: +0.15%

Johnny Osbourne, Tarrus Riley Join Forces On New Reggae Revival Anthem

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By News Americas ET Editor

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. July 14, 2025: Make a joyful noise! Reggae royalty bridges generations as legendary vocalist Johnny Osbourne and modern roots icon Tarrus Riley unite for a soul-stirring new cut: “We Need Love”. Dropping August 1, 2025, via VP Records, the single breathes new life into a deep cut from Osbourne’s seminal 1979 album Truth & Rights — transforming it into a powerful anthem for the present.

Johnny Osborne is releasing a new song with Taurus Riley.

Originally recorded over the Otis Gayle interpretation of The Spinners’ “I’ll Be Around” riddim, the track is steeped in Studio One history. Backed by the legendary Sound Dimension, Gayle’s version — complete with Jackie Mittoo’s iconic organ lines — became a staple of Jamaica’s sound system scene and a foundation stone in Osbourne’s early solo career after returning from Canada.

Fast forward to 2025, and the timeless message of “We Need Love” is reignited through a bold, collaborative reworking with Tarrus Riley — an artist whose voice has defined the modern roots era. Together, the two vocalists bring spiritual uplift and rhythmic finesse to this righteous reggae revival, layering harmony, soul, and grit over a fresh mix that honors the original while blazing its own path.

The release is the first glimpse of Osbourne’s upcoming album, Universal Love Showcase, set to arrive August 29, 2025, marking a new chapter in the singer’s storied career.

Behind the boards, the project is powered by respected producer Frenchie of Maximum Sound, whose credits include work with Luciano, Anthony B, and other reggae luminaries. Gregory Morris adds a modern dub touch, while the legendary Dean Fraser lends saxophone and arrangement, culminating in a striking solo that nods to past versions of the riddim — including Chronixx’s “Majesty” from Roots & Chalice (2016).

Uplifting, spiritual, and unapologetically rooted, “We Need Love” is a handclapping, foot-stomping reminder of reggae’s timeless call for unity — a message that feels more urgent than ever.

Listen HERE first

“We Need Love” drops on all digital platforms August 1, 2025.

Trinidad’s Kes Music Featured In Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Destination Wedding

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, July 14, 2025: Trinidad and Tobago’s vibrant soca sound is now streaming across the globe, thanks to a high-profile feature in Tyler Perry’s latest Netflix release, Madea’s Destination Wedding. The blockbuster comedy, which premiered on July 11, includes the infectious track “Love It” by Kes the Band, one of the Caribbean’s most celebrated musical groups.

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)

The feel-good inclusion has sparked a wave of regional pride, with Caribbean fans taking to social media to cheer the soundtrack credit — and to celebrate what many are calling “another huge win for Trinbago music culture.” Madea’s Destination Wedding marks a rare but welcome moment where Caribbean sound, style, and scenery all align in a major U.S. production.

The film, shot partially in the Bahamas, especially at the iconic Atlantis Paradise Island, features a tropical backdrop and a cast peppered with local talent. According to casting director Kevvanna Hall, more than 300 Bahamian actors and extras were hired for the film. Hall, who owns the casting company Rhythm in Motion, nearly passed on the opportunity.

“Honestly, I thought it was a scam,” she admitted. “But when I got the call from Tyler Perry Studios, I knew it was real.”

Tyler Perry attends a special screening of Madea’s Destination Wedding ATL at Regal Atlantic Station on July 10, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Derek White/Getty Images for Netflix)

Caribbean Vibes, Global Stage
While the film has drawn mixed reviews online — with some viewers criticizing its editing and storyline — Caribbean audiences have remained laser-focused on the positive: the music.

At the end of the movie, Kes is formally credited for his contribution, and fans were quick to note how seamlessly “Love It” complemented the film’s island setting. The track’s inclusion is more than a nod to Trinidad’s musical prowess; it places Kes among a growing list of Caribbean artists whose sound is making waves in international cinema.

“Seeing Kes in the credits felt like a big deal,” said one viewer on X. “It’s about time our music gets this kind of recognition on global platforms.”

A Madea Movie with a Caribbean Twist
The film’s setting in the Bahamas offers a sunny, sea-splashed backdrop that’s relatively new for Perry’s long-running Madea series. Though much of the production was shot in just 11 days at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, the Caribbean essence was preserved thanks to location scenes and a soundtrack that leaned into island vibes.

And while the plot may not have earned glowing praise — reviews have ranged from “cute” to “cringeworthy” — the impact for Caribbean creatives is undeniable.

From casting to music to location, Madea’s Destination Wedding offers a rare showcase for regional talent in a genre and franchise that reaches millions.

Caribbean Creatives On the Rise
For Kes the Band, whose high-energy blend of soca, reggae, and soul has already earned them a global following, this latest achievement adds another milestone to their journey.

As soca continues to push beyond Carnival stages and into global consciousness, features like this help prove what Caribbean fans already know: our music is world-class — and it belongs everywhere.

“Love It” by Kes is available now on all major streaming platforms.
Madea’s Destination Wedding is now streaming on Netflix.

Tariffs, Transformation And The Time To Lead

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By Dr. Isaac Newton

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. July 14, 2025: With President Donald J. Trump back in office, his administration has begun re-imposing and expanding tariffs on key imports. Among the most affected are Caribbean economies, which depend heavily on exports to the United States. Jamaica, for instance, has reported a sharp rise in trade costs, with aluminum and bauxite exports now facing up to 17 percent in additional duties. Exporters throughout the region are also confronting increased shipping fees, higher insurance premiums, and longer customs processing times. This is not merely an economic inconvenience. It is a wake-up call. The Caribbean must decide: will we passively endure another cycle of dependency, or will we courageously redesign our economic future?

FLASHBACK: US President Donald Trump holds a chart as he delivers remarks on reciprocal tariffs during an event in the Rose Garden entitled “Make America Wealthy Again” at the White House in Washington, DC, on April 2, 2025. (Photo by BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)

The global economy is evolving rapidly. Leadership must now be shaped by global awareness, technological readiness, and strategic foresight. According to the Caribbean Export Development Agency, trade between CARICOM and African nations still accounts for less than four percent of total external trade. This is despite Africa’s population now surpassing 1.46 billion people and witnessing strong gross domestic product (GDP) growth in countries such as Rwanda, Ghana, and Kenya. GDP, which measures the total value of goods and services produced in a country, is a vital indicator of economic opportunity, and Africa is surging.

Some Caribbean nations have started to tap into this potential. Trinidad and Ghana are in formal discussions around energy cooperation. Jamaica, with its global cultural influence, is well-positioned to expand intellectual property partnerships and digital service exports with nations such as Nigeria and South Africa. Barbados is forging climate and finance partnerships with Kenya and Namibia, focused on renewable energy and sustainable development.

This is the moment to finalize trade agreements with the African Continental Free Trade Area, (AfCFTA), the world’s largest single market comprising 54 countries. The Caribbean must also accelerate engagement with MERCOSUR, the Southern Common Market comprising Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, and deepen economic ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, (ASEAN), which represents over 600 million people and some of the world’s fastest-growing economies. By doing so, the region can redefine itself as a strategic trade bridge connecting the Americas, Africa, and Asia.

Yet, transformation begins at home. Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, (MSMEs) employ more than 70 percent of the Caribbean workforce, yet receive less than 11 percent of total private-sector credit, according to the Caribbean Development Bank’s 2024 report. This financing gap stifles innovation, job creation, and inclusive growth. Guyana’s agro-processing sector, Haiti’s artisan cooperatives, and Saint Vincent’s organic farming initiatives all have untapped potential. To unlock it, CARICOM governments must unite to create a regional development finance institution capable of pooling public and private capital. Targeted funding must be paired with business development services, digital training programs, and simplified tax and regulatory frameworks for emerging enterprises.

We already see proof of progress. In Jamaica, the Lynk digital wallet has registered over 500,000 users since its 2022 launch. It empowers small businesses to receive instant payments and operate without reliance on cash. In Barbados, the Blue Economy Innovation Hub, supported by the Inter-American Development Bank, is nurturing startups focused on marine biotechnology, sustainable tourism, and fisheries. These examples underscore what is possible when public policy aligns with innovation and community priorities.

The region’s infrastructure, however, must catch up. According to the 2025 Caribbean Maritime and Logistics Survey, fewer than 55 percent of CARICOM’s customs and port systems are fully digitalized. The result: excessive paperwork, delays, and inflated logistics costs. Shipping goods from Trinidad to Dominica can take over four days due to manual clearance processes. In contrast, ports in Singapore, the Netherlands, and South Korea process cargo in under 24 hours using streamlined digital systems. The Caribbean must adopt modern e-customs platforms, blockchain-backed export tracking, and harmonized regional standards for trade documentation. This is essential for faster trade, greater transparency, and increased competitiveness.

Even in the region’s most challenging contexts, innovation is taking root. In Haiti, solar-powered cooperatives are supporting rural digital hubs and agricultural startups in regions such as Plateau Central and Artibonite. These centers offer online education, mobile banking, and small business development, all sustained by renewable energy. This proves that, with visionary leadership and strong partnerships, progress is possible even in adversity.

For more than three decades, I have worked alongside governments, faith-based institutions, and international partners across Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America to reform public institutions and design high-performance systems. Whether advising Liberia’s transitional government, crafting youth empowerment strategies in Antigua and Barbuda, building conflict resolution tools in Saint Lucia, developing change management models in Jamaica, or leading political campaign strategies across the region, or lecturing at our universities on reimagining the future, or preaching and teaching in our faith-based institutions on policy transformation, my mission has remained constant: leadership must serve people and produce systems that endure.

The Caribbean’s moment is now. Tariffs may bruise our trade, but outdated thinking poses a far greater threat. Let us not respond with fear, but with fresh vision. Let us trade not only goods, but creativity, services, and ideas. Let us lead not by clinging to the past, but by preparing our people for the future we are destined to shape.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Dr. Isaac Newton is a Harvard, Princeton, and Columbia-trained expert in change management, public sector reform, and international development. Advisor to governments, faith institutions, and multilateral organizations. Author and keynote speaker on governance, strategy, and leadership for the Global South.