Caribbean Immigrant Charged With Falsely Claiming Citizenship

News Americas, New York, NY, May 16, 2025: A Caribbean immigrant has been arrested and charged with unlawfully claiming U.S. citizenship to register to vote in the 2024 Florida presidential primary election, federal authorities have announced.

Jamaican born Jacqueline Dianne Wallace, 52, was taken into custody in Panama City, Florida, following a federal criminal complaint alleging she falsely certified U.S. citizenship in order to vote in a federal election. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida confirmed the charge after Wallace’s initial appearance in federal court in Tallahassee.

According to investigators, Wallace entered the U.S. in December 2010 on a six-month B-2 tourist visa but overstayed her permitted time. Despite not being a citizen, she reportedly registered online to vote in January 2024 and later cast a ballot in the August 2024 Florida presidential primary.

Her arrest came as a result of a coordinated investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, and multiple state and federal agencies. If convicted, Wallace faces up to five years in federal prison and subsequent deportation.

This case is part of “Operation Take Back America,” a Justice Department initiative aimed at combating unlawful immigration and election-related crimes. Authorities emphasized that the charges against Wallace remain allegations. Under the U.S. legal system, she is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Shaggy Goes “Pandtastic” With Fiat

News Americas, New York, NY, May 16, 2025: It’s been three decades since Jamaican born reggae star Shaggy’s global hit “Boombastic” shook up the charts – and to mark the milestone, the Jamaican Grammy-winner is hitting the road in style, accompanied by none other than an animated panda.

Shaggy Celebrates 30 Years of “Boombastic” with Fiat and a Grooving Panda

Yes, “Boombastic” is officially 30, and to celebrate, Shaggy has rerecorded the iconic track for a high-energy new campaign with Fiat, starring in a commercial alongside a dancing digital panda. The campaign introduces a new term – “Pandtastic” – and brings the vibes with a playful, nostalgia-rich ride through time.

Fiat’s sleek new Grande Panda, inspired by vintage design, is the centerpiece of the ad, which was creatively led by M+C Saatchi Europe. Music video director Joseph Khan, known for reviving dance-floor hits with visual flair, brings the funky fantasy to life with style.

Back in 1995, “Boombastic” exploded internationally after featuring in a Levi’s 501 commercial. Now, 30 years later, the hit makes a full-circle comeback, this time cruising to the beat in a car commercial instead of jeans – just with more panda.

For longtime fans and new listeners alike, it’s a celebration of Caribbean sound and cultural impact, made even more memorable with a side of animated fun.

Shaggy proves once again: timeless hits don’t just age – they evolve. Check it out HERE

These Are the Freest Caribbean Economies In 2025—Is Your Country On The List?

News Americas, New York, NY, May 15, 2025: Wondering how economically free Caribbean nations are? According to the 2025 Index of Economic Freedom from The Heritage Foundation, the region is mostly economically free, with several countries outperforming both global and regional averages.

BarBarbados leads the region with a score of 68.9, ranking 36th globally out of 184 countries and 5th in the Americas, placing it firmly in the “moderately free” category. It is followed closely by Jamaica (68.7, 38th) and Saint Lucia (67.0, 47th), showcasing the region’s continued push for open markets, efficient regulations, and growth-friendly policies.

The Bahamas, with its tax-free model and steady macroeconomic management, ranks 72nd globally with a score of 63.2, also considered “moderately free.” While still performing above global and regional averages, institutional improvements are needed to ensure sustainable economic growth.

Here’s how Caribbean nations ranked in the 2025 Index of Economic Freedom:

Barbados – 68.9 (36th globally)

Jamaica – 68.7 (38th)

Saint Lucia – 67.0 (47th)

Dominican Republic – 64.3 (65th)

Belize – 64.2 (66th)

Trinidad and Tobago – 63.6 (69th)

The Bahamas – 63.2 (72nd)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – 60.1 (87th)

Guyana – 58.2 (99th)

Dominica – 55.3 (116th)

Suriname – 50.9 (144th)

Haiti – 46.1 (163rd)

Cuba – 25.4 (175th)

At the bottom of the list, Cuba and Haiti are classified as “repressed” economies, facing entrenched challenges such as rigid state control, corruption, and weak legal institutions.

Despite variations in rankings, most Caribbean nations fall within the “moderately free” category, signaling a generally positive outlook for investment, private-sector growth, and economic development in the region.

Caribbean Economies Are Beating Latin America – Here’s Why

News Americas, New York, NY, May 15, 2025: Caribbean nations are outpacing their Latin American neighbors in economic performance, according to a latest World Bank analysis. With tourism rebounding and oil-driven growth in Guyana, the region is solidifying its post-pandemic recovery and emerging as a model for economic management and fiscal discipline.

Tourism-dependent economies such as Barbados, Saint Lucia, and the Dominican Republic have returned to, or exceeded, pre-pandemic levels of GDP. For some, tourist arrivals have even reached pre-COVID-19 numbers, signaling a cooling in the sector’s explosive growth, while others still have room to grow.

Guyana continues to stand out with sustained GDP expansion, fueled by oil exploration and exportation that began in earnest in 2020. The country’s transformation into one of the fastest-growing economies in the world exemplifies the region’s new economic frontiers.

Inflation trends also show a marked divergence from Latin America. Thanks to widespread currency pegs in the Caribbean, the inflation spike of 2022–2023 was more subdued. However, nations like Jamaica and the Dominican Republic – operating under inflation-targeting regimes—experienced more pronounced and persistent inflation pressures. Since 2023, however, prices have been stabilizing, bringing inflation under better control across the region.

Jamaica’s innovative use of the Economic Programme Oversight Committee, (EPOC), to ensure fiscal transparency and build public trust has earned recognition from the World Bank as a potential model for broader adoption in the Latin America and Caribbean, (LAC) region.

Meanwhile, Barbados and Belize – long challenged by high debt burdens – have made significant strides through ambitious fiscal reforms. Both countries have achieved substantial reductions in their debt-to-GDP ratios, showcasing fiscal responsibility and resilience.

The World Bank’s assessment paints a hopeful picture for the investing in the Caribbean, positioning it not only as a recovery leader but also as a source of policy inspiration for the broader LAC region.

Guyana Organization Slams Vybz Kartel Over New Song

News Americas, New York, NY, May 14, 2025: Guyana’s Ethnic Relations Commission, (ERC), has issued a strong condemnation of Jamaican dancehall artist Vybz Kartel’s new song, “Good Like Jesus,” labeling its lyrics as “blasphemous and deeply offensive” to Christian and other religious communities. The Commission is advocating for an immediate ban on the song’s broadcast and digital distribution within Guyana.

Vybz Kartel performs during the MOBO Awards 2025 at the Utilita Arena on February 18, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Joseph Okpako/WireImage)

In a statement released on Wednesday, the ERC emphasized that the song’s content is “profoundly disrespectful to Christian religious sensibilities” and undermines the values of reverence, respect, and harmony that are fundamental to Guyana’s multicultural society. Some of the lyrics of the song by Kartel states: “You pussy good, you pussy good like Jesus.”

The Commission highlighted that Jesus Christ is not only a central figure in Christianity but is also revered in Islam and respected in certain Hindu traditions. It warned that content demeaning such a universally respected figure risks offending multiple faith communities and threatens the delicate balance of inter-religious harmony in the country.

While acknowledging the right to freedom of artistic expression, the ERC stated that this freedom is not absolute and must be exercised responsibly, with due regard for the religious and cultural values of all communities. The Commission is formally calling for the song to be banned from the airwaves in Guyana and to be removed from all digital platforms accessible in the country.

Additionally, the ERC is engaging the promoter of the upcoming concert in Guyana, featuring Vybz Kartel, scheduled for May 24, to ensure that the event does not contribute to the dissemination of the offensive content. The Commission expects full cooperation in ensuring that the event upholds interfaith harmony.

In a related matter, the ERC addressed public speculation regarding the recent arrest of local artist Baby Skello by the Guyana Police Force, following the release of a song reportedly containing offensive material against the Hindu faith. The Commission clarified that Baby Skello has not been referred to law enforcement by the ERC and that the matter is currently being handled internally, with the artist summoned to appear before the Commission. Baby Skello released a song that allegedly depicted the Hindu Goddess Lakshmi in a “vulgar, sexually explicit, and blasphemous manner.” This sparked outrage and condemnation from Hindu organizations in Guyana, such as the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha and the Guyana Pandits’ Council.

The ERC also confirmed that artists Richard Singh and Vision Clarke have been summoned over their controversial song “Chiney,” which has sparked criticism for its potentially offensive content.

The Commission reiterated its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights, dignity, and faiths of all Guyanese, stating that acts of religious disrespect will not be tolerated and will be addressed with firm and constructive measures.

See the video here

Luxury In Paradise: This New Resort Is Set For This Caribbean Island

News Americas, New York, NY, May 13, 2025: A new era of ultra-luxury tourism is set to begin in The Bahamas with the arrival of Amancaya, a $260 million resort and residence development by world-renowned hospitality brand Aman. The major project, which will be located in Exuma, reflects growing global investor confidence in The Bahamas as a top destination for high-end, sustainable tourism.

Spanning two private cays, Amancaya marks Aman’s official debut in The Bahamas, bringing its elite brand of exclusivity and elegance to the country’s tourism landscape. The development is expected to create over 500 jobs—200 during construction and 300 permanent roles—while offering significant support to local businesses and entrepreneurs, expanding training and career opportunities, and driving long-term economic development in Exuma.

Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, described the project as a transformative moment for The Bahamas: “Aman’s entry into The Bahamas reflects the strength of our tourism sector as a premier luxury destination and the growing demand for eco-friendly sustainable development. Aman’s ultra-luxury lifestyle brand is a good fit for Exuma, and we look forward to the groundbreaking of this investment that will deliver meaningful, measurable long-term impact.”

With Amancaya set to join the country’s luxury offerings, The Bahamas continues to position itself as the Caribbean’s leading destination for elite travelers and innovative tourism ventures. This new project reinforces national efforts to attract high-value developments that align with both economic goals and environmental sustainability.

The resort’s launch is a powerful signal to the global market: The Bahamas is not only open for business – it’s ready to redefine luxury.

Trinidadian Scholar Shakes Up Museum World With Groundbreaking Book On Caribbean Culture

News Americas, New York, NY, May 13, 2025: Award-winning Trinidadian-born art and museum scholar Dr. Daniela Fifi is set to launch an international book tour for her groundbreaking new publication, Critical Issues in Caribbean Museums. The tour kicks off on May 27th at Western Washington University in Seattle and will include stops across the United States, the Caribbean, and the United Kingdom through the fall.

Trinidadian born art scholar, Dr. Daniela Fifi, whose international tour to promote her groundbreaking book Critical Issues in Caribbean Museums, kicks off in two weeks in Seattle, Washington. (PHOTO CREDIT- Sure Thing Productions)

Published by Routledge Press in April, Critical Issues in Caribbean Museums marks a pivotal moment in the academic study of Caribbean museology. As one of the first works from Routledge to focus on this field, the book delves into how Caribbean museums can evolve to better serve their communities – by pushing creative boundaries, sharing best practices, and reimagining the role of cultural institutions in contemporary Caribbean society.

Dr. Fifi, a past recipient of the prestigious President’s Scholar Award from Pratt Institute and the Samuel H. Kress Interpretive Fellowship Award from Columbia University, describes the book as a heartfelt tribute to Caribbean culture—not merely as a place, but as a dynamic and interconnected cultural space.

“This book is a reflection of collective aspirations from museum professionals throughout the Caribbean,” Fifi noted. “It explores the transformative potential of cultural institutions and is intended for everyone from museum enthusiasts and researchers to professors, graduate students, and cultural heritage professionals.”

Rather than a critique, the book provides a rigorous analysis of the sector, aimed at fostering innovation, creativity, and long-term growth.

“Criticality in any field means interrogating essential issues to challenge assumptions and inspire new approaches,” she added. “Through this lens, we can reimagine our practices, elevate standards, and plan for the future of Caribbean museums.”

Dr. Fifi contributed four chapters to the book, including a major piece on the development of museum education, her area of expertise. The volume also features curatorial perspectives on Caribbean art and insights from other leading museum professionals across the region. She emphasized how editing the book alongside co-authors sharpened her collaborative skills.

A proud daughter of Trinidad and Tobago, Fifi’s passion for the arts was nurtured in her teenage years through classes in painting, photography, and pottery. Her journey took her from Trinidad to New York’s Pratt Institute, where she earned a BFA in Communication Design, then to the University of Manchester for a Master’s in Art Gallery and Museum Studies, and finally to Columbia University’s Teachers College, where she completed a Ph.D. in Art and Art Education.

Currently the Editor-in-Chief of Viewfinder, the e-journal of the National Art Education Association, Fifi also serves as a global independent consultant. She is now preparing her next initiative, The Mind Of The Museum, a multidisciplinary project incorporating lectures, podcasts, and international exhibitions that expand on the themes of her book and explore the post-colonial evolution of Caribbean museums.

Following the Seattle launch, the tour will head to A House For Artists in London in July, the Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach, California in August, Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore in September, and the Barbados Museum and Historical Society in Bridgetown in October. Additional dates and venues are expected to be announced soon.

Critical Issues in Caribbean Museums is available now via Routledge Press.

Meet Beenie Man In Queens, New York

News Americas, New York, NY, May 13, 2025: Jamaican-born dancehall icon Beenie Man is set to make a special appearance at the VP Records Retail Store in Queens, New York, this Friday, May 16, for an exclusive in-store meet and greet with fans.

Meet dancehall legend Beenie Man in Queens, NY on May 16 at VP Records. Enjoy exclusive offers, a live Irie Jam Radio broadcast, and get concert details for his UBS Arena show.

The event will take place from 4 PM to 8 PM at 170-19 Jamaica Avenue and will feature a live broadcast from Irie Jam Radio 97.1FM HD3 throughout the evening. Fans will have the opportunity to meet the Grammy-winning Jamaican entertainer, purchase exclusive Beenie Man vinyl and CDs, and enjoy a 10% discount on all Beenie Man music available in-store during the event.

This rare meet-and-greet comes ahead of Beenie Man’s much-anticipated “King of the Dancehall Tour” performance at UBS Arena in Belmont Park, Elmont, New York, on Saturday, May 24. The concert will also feature high-energy performances from Caribbean stars including Christopher Martin, Lyrikal, Louie Culture, and Kevin Lyttle, along with surprise guest appearances. Tickets for the concert are available now via Ticketmaster.

Dancehall fans and music lovers are encouraged to come out, connect with “The Doctor” himself, and enjoy a festive evening celebrating one of reggae and dancehall’s most enduring icons.

For more information or to purchase concert tickets, visit Ticketmaster.

Does The New Pope Have Haitian Roots? Groundbreaking Revelation Links Pontiff To The Caribbean

News Americas, New York, NY, May 9, 2025: As the world welcomes Pope Leo XIV, a groundbreaking revelation has emerged that connects the first U.S.-born pontiff to a lesser-known but profoundly rich heritage — one rooted in the Afro-Caribbean and Creole experience of New Orleans, with potential ties to Haiti.

The newly elected Pope Leo XIV (l), the American Robert Prevost, may have roots to the Caribbean. Photo: Marijan Murat/dpa (Photo by Marijan Murat/picture alliance via Getty Images)

According to a report published by The New York Times, the new pope, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, descends from Creole people of color in New Orleans through his maternal grandparents, Joseph Martinez and Louise Baquié. Historical records describe both as Black or mulatto, and census documents list Mr. Martinez’s place of birth as “Hayti” — the historic spelling of Haiti — suggesting that the new pontiff may indeed have Haitian roots.

The revelation was uncovered by New Orleans genealogist Jari C. Honora, whose research traced the pope’s maternal lineage to the city’s historic Seventh Ward — a cultural hub of African, Caribbean, and European ancestry, deeply Catholic and central to Louisiana’s Creole identity.

“This discovery is just an additional reminder of how interwoven we are as Americans,” Honora told The Times, adding that it shines a light on the long, often overlooked history of Black Catholics in the U.S., many of whom were enslaved or descended from free people of color.

While the Vatican’s official announcement focused on Leo XIV’s upbringing in Chicago and his missionary work in Peru, the confirmation of his Creole ancestry — and potentially Haitian lineage — adds a deeply symbolic layer to his papacy, particularly for Black Catholics across the Americas.

Pope Leo XIV’s grandparents married at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church in New Orleans before relocating to Chicago. His mother, Mildred Martinez, was born there in 1912. In addition to records linking Joseph Martinez to Haiti, his occupation was listed as a cigar maker — a trade historically associated with Caribbean immigrants.

While the Prevost family reportedly did not identify as Black, and the pope’s brother confirmed they “identified as white,” this discovery highlights the nuanced complexity of racial identity in America — particularly among Creole families, many of whom were able to pass as white in segregated societies.

For descendants of Louisiana Creoles and Caribbean immigrants, the new pope’s lineage is being celebrated as a long-overdue recognition of a rich cultural legacy.

“This is a tremendous moment,” said Lolita Villavasso Cherrie, co-founder of The Creole Genealogical and Historical Association. “It’s not just about race; it’s about acknowledging a layered and beautiful history that has shaped American Catholicism.”

Whether or not Pope Leo XIV ever directly addresses his Creole and Haitian ancestry, his elevation stands as a milestone for the broader Black Catholic diaspora — from Louisiana to Haiti to Latin America — whose faith and contributions have long been woven into the Church’s global fabric.

Latest Update: Guyana Police Meet With Adriana Younge’s Family Lawyers

News Americas, New York, NY, May 7, 2025: The Guyana Police Force, (GPF) has reaffirmed its commitment to a transparent and thorough investigation into the tragic death of 11-year-old Guyanese pre-teen, Adriana Younge, following a confidential meeting today, Tuesday, May 7, 2025, with the legal representatives and relatives of the late teen.

Held at the request of Attorney Dr. Dexter Todd, the meeting took place in the Commissioner’s Board Room and was attended by Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken, Deputy Commissioners Budhram and McBean, Superintendent Baird, Head of the Office of Professional Responsibility, alongside Attorneys-at-Law Dexter Todd and Eusi Anderson.

The GPF described the meeting as a meaningful engagement aimed at addressing questions and concerns from Younge’s family and emphasized that it was conducted in a spirit of good faith. Some inquiries were addressed during the session, while others, due to the sensitive and evolving nature of the case, will be answered in writing after further consultation with the investigative team.

Police officials reiterated their pledge to keeping the family informed through appropriate legal channels while balancing the need to preserve the integrity of the ongoing investigation.

Key updates shared at the meeting included:

The investigation remains active, with all leads and evidence being pursued diligently.

Water samples from the swimming pool, where Younge was found, have been sent overseas for independent forensic testing.

Senior-level oversight is in place to ensure impartiality and thoroughness in the investigative process.

Information withheld during the meeting was done so only to avoid compromising the investigation.

The GPF acknowledged Dr. Todd’s prior service within the Force and underscored the importance of safeguarding sensitive details until they can be responsibly disclosed.

The meeting comes amid national outcry over the death of the 11-year-old, whose body was found in a hotel swimming pool on April 24, at at the Double Day Hotel in Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, hours after she was reported missing. The incident has triggered widespread outrage, mass protests, and intensified calls for justice, prompting President Irfaan Ali to repeatedly urge calm and national unity.

“The destruction of public infrastructure and private property, burning of vehicles, and inconveniencing others is not what we want to demonstrate as a people and as a nation,” President Ali stated as tensions mounted across the country.

An autopsy conducted by three internationally recognized forensic pathologists – Dr. Glenn Rudner, Dr. Shubhakar Karra Paul, and Dr. Gary Collins – determined that she died by drowning. The exam found no signs of physical or sexual trauma. However, due to the body’s state of decomposition, the exact time of death could not be determined, and toxicology results remain pending.

Despite these findings, public skepticism has grown. Civil society groups, political leaders, and diaspora activists have called for an independent international investigation, raising concerns over the credibility of the official inquiry and questioning President Ali’s assertion that there was no evidence of “forceful drowning.”

To contain growing unrest, the Guyanese government had imposed a nightly curfew from 12:30 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. The measure, also intended to safeguard public order around Adrianna’s funeral and the start of CXC examinations, was accompanied by warnings of stricter enforcement if disruptions continue.

The young girl’s funeral, initially planned for May 5, was postponed by her grieving family. In a heartfelt message on Facebook, her mother, Amecia Simon, explained the decision: “Due to ongoing matters and our family’s need for space and clarity as we grieve, we have made the painful decision to postpone Adriana’s funeral today. Please know this was not easy, but we want to honor her with the peace, love and the dignity she deserves.”

As the investigation proceeds, President Ali has pledged transparency and a full review of the protocols surrounding Adrianna’s death. “Her death must serve as a reminder of our need for national unity,” he said.

Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton of the People’s National Congress Reform, (PNCR) has condemned the looting and violence that occurred in the aftermath of the child’s death, but emphasized his party’s full support for the pursuit of justice. “We do not support the looting or destruction of property. We are fully in support of the struggle for justice,” Norton declared.

Calls for accountability have also echoed across the Caribbean Diaspora. In Brooklyn, New York, a candlelight vigil was held in Adrianna’s honor. Organized by Rickford Burke of the Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy and Bonita Montique of the United Bridge Builders Mission, the event drew heartfelt pleas for systemic police reform.

“She was only a child,” said activist Melissa Atwell Holder. “They say she drowned – but did she drown in that pool? Because that pool was searched, over and over again. And she wasn’t there. So we ask: when did she die? And how?”

As a nation mourns and demands answers, Adrianna’s family has promised to announce a new funeral date “once we are able to,” her mother noted.