U.S. Offers $5 Million Reward for Capture Of Haitian Gang Leader “Barbecue”

News Americas, WASHINGTON, D.C., Tues. Aug. 12, 2025: The United States government has announced a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of Haitian gang leader Jimmy Cherizier, better known as “Barbecue.”

Sanctioned Gang Leader Jimmy ‘Barbecue’ Cherizier with G-9 federation gang members in the Delmas 3 area on February 22, 2024 in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. (Photo by Giles Clarke/Getty Images)

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs revealed the offer under the Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program (TOCRP). The bounty is linked to Cherizier’s leadership of Viv Ansanm, a gang designated by the Secretary of State on May 2, 2025, as both a Foreign Terrorist Organization and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT).

U.S. authorities say Cherizier is a central figure in the spiraling gang violence gripping Haiti and is directly tied to mass murders, rapes, and other severe human rights abuses against Haitian civilians.

Cherizier was previously sanctioned in December 2020 – alongside two Haitian public officials – under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act for his alleged role in the La Saline massacre.

The latest announcement comes alongside the unsealing of an indictment in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Prosecutors have charged Cherizier with conspiracy to violate U.S. sanctions under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Authorities allege that he conspired to evade restrictions imposed by the U.S. in 2020.

His co-defendant, Brazile Richardson, appeared in court in Washington, D.C., today.

The TOCRP reward program aims to disrupt global transnational crime and bring fugitives to justice. Those with information are urged to contact:

FBI: 1-800-CALL-FBI or tips.fbi.gov

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI): 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or ice.gov/webform/ice-tip-form

Tips can also be provided at any U.S. Embassy or Consulate worldwide. All identities will be kept strictly confidential, officials stressed.

Puerto Rican Reggaeton Star Jhayco’s Arrest Sends Shockwaves Through Latin Music Scene

News Americas, MIAMI, FL, Tues. Aug. 12, 2025: Latin Grammy-nominated Puerto Rican reggaeton artist Jhayco – celebrated for chart-topping collaborations with Bad Bunny, J Balvin, and Kali Uchis – is facing drug charges in Miami, raising questions about the pressures and pitfalls facing global Latin music stars at the height of their fame.

GLASHBACK – hayco performs at Vibra Urbana Festival 2022 at Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition on December 10, 2022 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Aaron Davidson/FilmMagic)

Jhayco, born Jesús Manuel Nieves Cortés, was arrested early Tuesday in Miami on charges of cocaine and marijuana possession, according to Miami-Dade arrest records.

The 30-year-old Puerto Rican hitmaker, whose catalog includes global smash hits like Dákiti, Tarot, and No Me Conoce, was booked at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center around 4:24 a.m., with bond set at just under $3,000. He has since been released.

Jhayco’s arrest comes less than a year after the release of his 29-track comeback album Le Clique: Vida Rockstar (X) – his third top 10 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart – featuring collaborations with DJ Khaled, Peso Pluma, and Yandel.

The news has sent ripples through the Latin music community, where reggaeton has evolved from a niche Caribbean genre to a global powerhouse. Industry watchers say the incident underscores the intense lifestyle pressures that come with international superstardom, especially for artists who emerged from humble beginnings in Puerto Rico’s vibrant but often challenging music scene.

While Jhayco’s representatives have not commented, fans have flooded social media with a mix of concern, disappointment, and support for the star, calling on him to “focus on the music” and avoid situations that could derail his career.

As one fan posted on X: “We grew up on his songs. He’s part of reggaeton history. We hope this is just a wake-up call, not the end of his story.”

Jhayco was born in Río Piedras, later moving to Camden, NJ, where he learned English. He began writing songs at 15, working with top producers like Eddie Dee and Eliel, and penning hits for Zion & Lennox and Tito El Bambino, including tracks on the Latin Grammy-winning album Invencible.

After debuting with the group Stereo 4 in 2013, Jhayco launched a solo career in 2017 under Universal Music Latino. He co-wrote hits like Natti Natasha & Ozuna’s “Criminal” and Yandel’s “Mi Religión,” and scored his own breakthrough with “No Me Conoce” (remix with J Balvin & Bad Bunny), earning multi-platinum certifications.

His albums Famouz and Timelezz solidified his global status, with collaborations alongside Bad Bunny (“Dakiti”), Karol G, Wisin, Yandel, and more. “Dakiti” hit No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200 and cracked the Hot 100’s top 10.

Jhayco’s career is marked by chart-topping success, multiple award wins, and high-profile collaborations, but also public controversies — including feuds with fellow artists and a widely publicized relationship with Mia Khalifa.

This CARICOM Nation Could Take In UK Deportees Under Tough New Law

News Americas, LONDON, England, Tues. Aug. 12, 2025: The oil Rich South American, CARICOM nation of Guyana has become the only Caribbean Community country named among 15 new nations added to the United Kingdom’s controversial “deport now, appeal later” policy – a fast-track deportation scheme targeting foreign nationals convicted of crimes.

FLASHBACK – 15 activists enter Stansted Airport and block a chartered deportation flight on 28th of March 2017 at Stansted Airport, Stansted, United Kingdom. The activists locked themselves together near the plane in a secluded part of the airport. The flight was scheduled for Nigeria and Ghana to take 57 deportees, some of whom risking imprisonment and possible death in their home country according to the activists research. A number of the fifty-seven scheduled on the flight that night are still in the UK pending case hearings and at least two has since been allowed to stay in the UK. Without the Stansted 15’s intervention this would not have happened. The 15 activists were found guilty in December 2018 and sentenced February 2019. Twelve were given community orders, three were given a suspended jail term sentences. (photo by Kristian Buus/In Pictures via Getty Images Images)

The move means that UK authorities could begin sending convicted Guyanese nationals back to the South American CARICOM state before they have a chance to appeal their cases in person – forcing them to participate in hearings from abroad via video link.

London’s updated list now covers 23 countries in total, with Canada, India, and Australia also newly added. Other nations on the fresh list include Angola, Botswana, Brunei, Bulgaria, Indonesia, Kenya, Latvia, Lebanon, Malaysia, Uganda, and Zambia.

“Restoring Control”
UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper defended the policy’s expansion, claiming it will stop foreign offenders from “exploiting” Britain’s immigration system. “That has to end,” Cooper said. “Those who commit crimes in our country cannot be allowed to manipulate the system. Our laws must be respected and will be enforced.”

The UK Home Office says the changes will help ease the country’s overcrowded prison system. Official figures show foreign offenders make up 12.3 percent of the prison population in England and Wales, with 10,772 currently behind bars.

Guyana Link in UK Government
Britain’s Foreign Secretary David Lammy – whose parents are Guyanese – welcomed the expansion and vowed to increase the list further. “We are working to ensure more countries are willing to take back their nationals who commit crimes in the UK,” Lammy said.

Political Reactions
Opposition lawmakers have cautiously welcomed the move. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: “Even with this U-turn, only the Conservative Party is committed to deporting all foreign criminals.”

The announcement comes alongside broader proposals that could see foreign offenders deported immediately after sentencing – with lifetime bans on returning to the UK. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the aim is to send those who “abuse our hospitality and break our laws” packing.

The government claims the plan will cut taxpayer costs, reduce prison overcrowding, and boost public safety – but critics warn it could raise legal and human rights concerns.

2nd Annual Newark Caribbean Festival

TEMPO Networks, City of Newark and Newark City Park Foundation proudly presents

Newark Caribbean Festival

Saturday, August 16 2025
Rain Date: Sunday, August 17 2024
2:00pm – 9:00pm

FREE!

Live Feature Performance By:
Denise Belfon, Rupee & Capella Grey

Live Performances By:
Hunter | Riva Précil | Shorn B | Briannagh D | Felix Gonzalez Bachata Band | Pzazz Dancers | The Young Picassos

Music By:
Amazing Grace | MCut | SoundTech | Josh Garcia

Hosted By:
Antone Chambers | Ian “The Goose” Elgion

Harriet Tubman Square
501-551 Broad St
Newark, NJ 07102

About the Event:
Join us for our Second Annual Newark Caribbean Festival located in the heart of Newark, NJ. Enjoy lively music entertainment and try out various delicious Caribbean cuisine. It’s FREE, so come on down, bring the whole family, and get ready to Feel De Vibe!

Proudly presented by TEMPO Networks, City of Newark and Newark City Park Foundation.