From Abuja To Basseterre: How Prime Minister Terrance Drew and Aisha Maina Are Championing A New Africa–Caribbean Alliance

/0 Comments/in /by

News Americas, Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis, July 9, 2025: Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, is being recognised as one of the most forward-looking leaders working to deepen economic, cultural, and diplomatic ties between Africa and the Caribbean. His recent engagements reflect a serious commitment to long-term cooperation between the two regions.

FLASHBACK – Terrance Drew, Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis, addressing national delegations during the First Part of the High-Level Segment for Heads of States and Governments during the COP28, UN Climate Change Conference, held by UNFCCC in Dubai Exhibition Center, United Arab Emirates on December 2, 2023. COP28, running from November 29 to December 12 focuses on how particular nations managed realization of its climate goals. The Conference in Dubai focuses also on the most vulnerable communities and Loss and Damage Fund. (Photo by Dominika Zarzycka/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

“Today, the Caribbean is no longer a distant observer to Africa’s renaissance. We have become an active partner as the sixth region of the African Union,” said Dr. Drew during a visit to Abuja, Nigeria, last month.. That statement has since resonated across capitals on both sides of the Atlantic.

That momentum is exemplified by Dr. Drew’s instrumental role in a landmark initiative spearheaded by Nigerian business leader and economic strategist Aisha Maina, Managing Director of Aquarian Consult.

In March 2025, Dr. Drew travelled to Abuja at Maina’s invitation to attend the Afri-Caribbean Investment Summit (AACIS 25), a bold private-sector-led convening aimed at creating lasting Afro-Caribbean economic frameworks.

“His Excellency, Honourable Terrance Drew, took the chance, planted the seed, and boarded the flight after a series of strategic conversations with a Nigerian woman who said, ‘Come to Nigeria,’ and he did,” said Aisha Maina. “He didn’t come alone. He came with his team and his full commitment.”

Maina also acknowledged Honourable Samal Duggins, Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, for his role in reinforcing the partnership. “There cannot be a great leader without a great team. Honourable Duggins has stood out for his belief in the vision, his clear understanding of our goals, and his deep respect for the mission.”

Building on the momentum of the Abuja summit, Aisha Maina personally funded and led a 120-person Nigerian delegation to St. Kitts and Nevis in June 2025. This was the largest African delegation ever to visit the island. Arriving via a chartered Air Peace flight, the group included business leaders, creatives, policymakers, cultural advocates, and youth voices. Their objective was clear: to create new pathways in trade, tourism, investment, education, and cultural connection.
Dr. Drew and his cabinet played a central role in hosting and facilitating the week-long exchange, which included bilateral forums, cultural showcases, and youth engagement sessions, setting a new benchmark for South-South collaboration.

“Prime Minister Drew’s leadership reflects a clear understanding that this is not just about reconnection but about redefinition,” said Maina. “It is about how we co-create value and open new frontiers across sectors for people on both sides.”

Looking ahead, Aquarian Consult and its partners are working on several follow-up initiatives, including:

• The launch of an Afri-Caribbean Youth Fellowship Programme
• A series of Diaspora Policy Labs for shared policymaking and learning
• A second summit to be hosted in the Caribbean in 2026
• Broader platforms for trade, education, and creative industry exchange

This partnership is being built through purposeful action and shared values. The foundations are strong because the people leading it, including Prime Minister Drew and Aisha Maina, are not simply visiting each other’s countries. They are making long-term investments in trust, cooperation, and mutual respect.

Media Enquiries:
info@sbbmedia.com
www.aquarianconsult.com

Hess Withdraws From Suriname Offshore Oil Block, Ending Exploration Effort

/0 Comments/in /by

By News Americas Business Editor

News Americas, PARAMARIBO, Suriname, Weds. July 9, 2025: The American energy company Hess Corporation has quietly ended its pursuit of oil exploration in Block 59, a deepwater offshore area in Suriname, after failing to secure drilling partners and determining the project carried excessive risk.

The withdrawal was confirmed by Suriname’s state-owned oil firm, Staatsolie, which said Hess had fulfilled its minimum exploration requirements and opted not to advance to the next phase of its contract. The move effectively relinquishes Block 59, a high-potential but technically challenging zone spanning 11,480 square kilometers in ultra-deep waters.

“Hess has fulfilled its minimum work obligations and decided not to proceed to the next phase of the exploration period ending July 8, 2025,” Staatsolie said in a statement. The block will now be reopened for bidding by new companies.

The retreat comes after ExxonMobil and Equinor (formerly Statoil), original partners in the 2017 Production Sharing Contract, transferred their stakes to Hess last year—leaving the U.S. firm as the sole stakeholder in Block 59.

Despite collecting 6,000 kilometers of 2D seismic data and another 9,000 square kilometers of 3D data, the partners deemed the prospect of drilling an exploration well too risky—a sobering reminder of the technical and financial challenges facing frontier oil plays.

Efforts by Hess to attract new partners throughout the past year were unsuccessful, further underscoring industry caution about offshore Suriname’s unexplored zones.

While the relinquishment marks a setback in Suriname’s ambition to become a major offshore oil player—especially following discoveries in adjacent Guyanese waters – Hess continues to maintain a stake in Block 42, which lies immediately to the south of Block 59.

Staatsolie noted that voluntary withdrawals are common in the energy sector and reflect the exploratory nature of early-stage offshore licensing.

The news adds a sobering note to Suriname’s recent oil narrative, as industry eyes now turn to the country’s more promising southern blocks—and whether next-generation seismic analysis or strategic partnerships will reignite exploration activity.

Unreleased John Holt Track “We Nah Leave” Drops July 11

/0 Comments/in /by

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. July 9, 2025: To celebrate what would have been Jamaican reggae legend John Holt’s 78th birthday, VP Records’ classic imprint 17 North Parade is giving fans a gift: an unreleased, Henry “Junjo” Lawes-produced track titled “We Nah Leave.” And yes—you can hear it here first.

John Holt performing in the UK. (Photo by James Emmett/Redferns)

Set to drop July 11, 2025, the heavyweight roots anthem was originally recorded in 1981 and is now being released in full high-definition glory. The track has been lifted direct from the original Reel To Reel 1/4” 15 IPS master tape—delivered to Greensleeves Records more than four decades ago but never officially put into production. Mastering engineer Billy Polo has reworked the track, ensuring it now hits as hard and clear as it was meant to.

Though versions of the song previously circulated on Randy’s Jah Guidance label in Jamaica and New York—and even under the title “Not Leaving” on Holt’s own imprint—this marks the first-ever official digital release of the original mix, complete with instrumental and extended versions available across all major platforms.

“We Nah Leave” was crafted by the same sonic dream team that built “Police In Helicopter,” one of reggae’s most iconic protest tracks. Backing Holt is the legendary Roots Radics band, captured in full force at Channel One Studios in Western Kingston. With Style Scott’s militant drums and Flabba Holt’s heavy, hypnotic bass, the track is pure rebel soul—a true sufferah’s anthem for those who know the weight of struggle and the fire of resistance.

And Holt’s vocal? Vintage and defiant – like a man refusing to be moved.

John Kenneth Holt, OD, was a legendary Jamaican reggae singer who rose to prominence as a member of The Paragons before launching a successful solo career that helped shape the sound of lovers rock and roots reggae.

Born in the Greenwich Farm district of Kingston, Jamaica, Holt was immersed in music from an early age. His mother, Amy, worked as a nurse, while young John quickly showed signs of remarkable vocal talent. By the age of 12, he had become a familiar face on the island’s talent show circuit, regularly competing in the popular Vere Johns Opportunity Hour contests held at local theatres. Holt won 28 competitions, many of which were broadcast live on Radio Jamaica, setting the stage for a career that would span more than five decades. Holt died in October 2014. He was just 67.

“We Nah Leave” drops July 11 on all digital platforms via VP Records. LISTEN TO IT HERE FIRST

Haiti’s Historic Hotel Oloffson Burnt By Gangs

/0 Comments/in /by

By Staff Writer

News Americas, PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti, Tues. July 8, 2025: One of Haiti’s most treasured architectural landmarks, the iconic Hotel Oloffson, was reduced to ashes this week after gang members reportedly set fire to the property in the upscale Pacot neighborhood of Port-au-Prince.

The hotel’s owner, Richard Auguste Morse, confirmed the devastating loss via social media.

“The Hotel Oloffson has burned to the ground…” Morse posted on X (formerly Twitter), marking a somber end to the centuries-old cultural institution.

Authorities have attributed the arson attack to the notorious “Viv Ansanm” gang coalition, which continues to sow chaos across the capital. The destruction of the Oloffson represents not just a loss of property, but a blow to Haiti’s historical and cultural fabric.

The front of the Victorian-style Grand Hotel Olaffson in Port au Prince, Haiti before it was burnt by gangs in July 2025.

Built entirely of wood in the intricate “gingerbread” architectural style, the hotel was originally constructed in the 1890s as a private residence for the family of Haitian President Tirésias Simon Sam (1896–1902). During the U.S. Marine occupation of Haiti beginning in 1915, the property was repurposed as a military hospital until the occupation ended in 1934.

In 1935, Swedish Navy Captain Werner Gustav Oloffson converted the building into a hotel, which quickly became a hub for artists, intellectuals, and global celebrities. Over the decades, it hosted names such as Jackie Onassis Kennedy, Mick Jagger, Graham Greene, and Jean-Claude Van Damme.

However, the hotel’s popularity waned during the 1980s under the repressive regime of Jean-Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier. In 1987, musician and cultural figure Richard Morse took over as owner and began reviving the space with weekly performances by his band RAM and other cultural events, reestablishing the Oloffson as a heartbeat of Haitian artistic life.

Despite its legacy, the hotel had not been accepting guests in recent months due to escalating gang violence in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area. The fire marks yet another tragic chapter in Haiti’s ongoing security crisis.

Photos circulating online show the once-vibrant structure reduced to smoldering ruins – a haunting image of a nation struggling to preserve its cultural identity amid lawlessness and unrest.

Haitian Group Urges Action To End Racist Policies As Court Blocks Trump’s Attack On TPS

/0 Comments/in /by

News Americas, BROOKLYN, NY, Mon. July 7, 2025: Haitian Women for Haitian Refugees, (HWHR), a Black, women-led grassroots organization in Brooklyn, is calling on elected officials to stand firmly against the racist immigration policies that continue to criminalize Black families striving to survive and provide for their loved ones. The demand comes in the wake of a major legal victory for Haitian communities nationwide.

(L-R) Alexei Laushkin, Rev. Patrick Mahoney and Katie Mahoney hold a banner that reads “Protect the Haitian Community!” on the House East Front Steps at the U.S. Capitol Building on March 6, 2025 in Washington, DC. The three were on Capitol Hill with the Christian Defense Coalition to demonstrate against the Trump administration’s plan to revoke Temporary Protected Status for the Haitian community. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

On Friday, U.S. District Judge Brian Cogan ruled against the Trump administration’s attempt to illegally shorten Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians, blocking a plan that would have left over half a million Haitian immigrants vulnerable to deportation.

For HWHR, this is not just a legal win-it is a reminder that the fight is far from over.

“We welcome this decision, but make no mistake—the policies that criminalize and dehumanize Black immigrants are still in place,” said Aline Gue, Executive Director of HWHR. “Our communities deserve more than temporary relief. We deserve dignity, safety, and the ability to live without fear of deportation or displacement.”

The court’s ruling preserves TPS protections for Haitians through February 2026, rejecting an effort to cut that timeline by six months. TPS is a humanitarian safeguard meant to protect people from returning to life-threatening conditions. Yet the Trump administration, even while advising Americans against travel to Haiti, sought to undermine these protections for political gain.

Haitian Immigrants Are Essential to the U.S.

Haitian TPS holders are essential to the American economy and communities, contributing to industries such as healthcare, construction, hospitality, and education. Many have lived in the U.S. for over a decade, raising families, building businesses, and enriching neighborhoods from New York to Florida and beyond.

“We are your neighbors, workers, caregivers, and community members,” Gue emphasized. “This ruling affirms that our futures are not disposable.”

The Fight for Justice Continues

While advocates celebrate the court’s decision, they stress the urgent need for broader change. The Trump administration continues to push policies that target Black immigrants, including efforts to dismantle humanitarian parole programs and reinstate discriminatory travel bans.

Recent Supreme Court decisions have also heightened fears within immigrant communities, with TPS protections for Venezuelans now under threat. HWHR warns that similar attacks could be launched against Haitians again without sustained resistance.

Community Power Makes the Difference

The ruling follows years of grassroots organizing, legal advocacy, and courageous leadership from Haitian TPS holders who served as plaintiffs in the case. HWHR credits this victory to the relentless work of affected communities and their allies.

“Our presence in the streets and the courts made this possible,” Gue said. “But we will not stop until all Haitians can live free from the fear of deportation, family separation, and racist immigration laws.”

HWHR is urging elected officials to:

Oppose racist policies that criminalize Black immigrants.
Defend and expand protections like TPS.
Support pathways to permanent residency for Haitian families.
Reject political attacks that scapegoat immigrants for partisan agendas.

“We will continue to organize, educate, and fight alongside our community,” Gue vowed. “Our survival is non-negotiable. Our dignity is not up for debate.”

Tributes Pour In For Veteran Caribbean Journalist Rickey Singh

/0 Comments/in /by

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. July 8, 2025: Tributes are pouring in from across the Caribbean as the region mourns the passing of one of its most respected journalists — Rickey Singh, a pioneering figure in Caribbean media whose career spanned over six decades. Singh, born in Guyana and a lifelong advocate for press freedom and regional unity, passed away Saturday, July 5th at the age of 88 after a prolonged illness.

The late Ricky Singh.

From political leaders to media veterans, Singh’s death has been described as “the end of an era” in Caribbean journalism — one defined by fearless reporting, integrity, and a relentless commitment to truth.

Mia Mottley: Singh’s Legacy Is A Model for Young Journalists

Outgoing CARICOM Chairman and Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, hailed Singh as a journalist whose influence transcended national boundaries.

“Rickey Singh, like many of the media practitioners of his time, had his roots in one nation but his heart and spirit flowed throughout the region like the Caribbean Sea,” Mottley said in her statement. “Few commanded the respect he did when it came to regional politics and current affairs.”

She noted that Singh’s byline was synonymous with major political events in the Caribbean, from the overthrow of Grenada’s Eric Gairy in 1979 to the assassination of Walter Rodney in Guyana and the U.S. intervention in Grenada in 1983.

“His work epitomized a spirit of regional cooperation, even when our leaders still struggled with that concept,” Mottley reflected, adding, “Rickey was 100 percent a Caribbean journalist… his commitment to regionalism over insularity ought to be top of mind for all of us.”

Kwame McCoy: A Master of the Craft

In Guyana, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy, also paid tribute, recalling Singh’s early years at the Guiana Graphic (later the Guyana Chronicle), where he launched his journalism career in 1957.

“Rickey gave his life to journalism,” McCoy stated. “To know the work of Rickey Singh was to appreciate his mastery of language, the sharpness of his critical thinking, and the smoothness with which he communicated complex political situations.”

McCoy remembered Singh’s work as “must-read journalism,” adding, “His work was never confined to Guyana. He left his mark in Trinidad, Barbados, and across the region.”

Sir Ron Sanders: A Courageous Regional Voice

Antigua and Barbuda’s ambassador to Washington, Sir Ron Sanders, called Singh “a giant of Caribbean journalism,” underscoring his courage and unwavering commitment to justice, even when it came at great personal cost.

“He never hesitated to hold recalcitrant leaders to account, earning both admiration and fear,” Sanders remarked. “His unyielding commitment to truth came at a cost — he was made an exile, a refugee, even a deportee within the Caribbean.”

Despite these challenges, Singh remained steadfast, advocating for Caribbean unity and regional integration through incisive commentary that shaped the discourse across the region.

“Though diminutive in physical stature, Rickey Singh was a giant,” Sanders declared. “His legacy endures. His writings will continue to remind us of the importance of human rights, freedom of expression, and the imperative of integration.”

A Life Dedicated to Caribbean Journalism

Singh’s impact on Caribbean journalism cannot be overstated. From his early reporting days in Guyana to his work as Editor of Caribbean Contact, the publication of the Caribbean Conference of Churches, Singh championed regional issues long before CARICOM leaders unified around them.

He founded the Caribbean Association of Media Workers, (CAMWORK), and later, his influence carried into its successor, the Association of Caribbean Media Workers (ACM).

ACM, in its statement, described Singh as a journalist “born in Guyana but belonging to the Caribbean,” echoing sentiments from veteran Trinidadian journalist Tony Fraser.

His work spanned coverage of every major election in the region, interviews with world leaders like Fidel Castro and Eric Williams, and advocacy for the rights of Haitians and marginalized Caribbean communities.

In 2023, Singh was honored with both an honorary doctorate from the University of the West Indies (UWI) and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Guyana government, cementing his status as one of the region’s most revered journalistic voices.

A Family Man and a Regional Icon

Rickey Singh is survived by his children — Donna, Debbie, Raoul, Allison, Wendy, and Ramon — as well as several grandchildren and other relatives.

The family has indicated that funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.

As the Caribbean reflects on his life and legacy, Singh’s passing is seen not only as the loss of a journalist but of a regional patriot whose voice, though silenced, leaves an indelible mark on the Caribbean’s collective journey toward unity, justice, and democracy.

CARICOM Urged To Sanction Israel, Impose Military Embargo

/0 Comments/in /by

News Americas, Kingston, Jamaica, Fri. July 4, 2025: More than 40 civil society organizations and prominent individuals from across the Caribbean are urging the region’s leaders to take decisive action against Israel, calling for sanctions, a military embargo, and the suspension of diplomatic ties in response to what they describe as Israel’s ongoing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.

A Palestinian mother and her daughter rush for cover during an Israeli strike in the Al-Bureij camp in the central Gaza Strip on July 4, 2025. (Photo by Eyad BABA / AFP) (Photo by EYAD BABA/AFP via Getty Images)

In an open letter to the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community, (CARICOM), the groups demand an end to what they label as complicity with Israel’s occupation, apartheid regime, and military actions that have left 2.3 million Palestinians in Gaza under siege.

The call to action comes ahead of the upcoming CARICOM Heads of Government meeting, set to take place in Jamaica from July 6th to 8th.

Maren Mantovani, a member of the International Secretariat of the Palestinian-led Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions, (BDS) movement, is expected to arrive in Jamaica this weekend to meet with regional civil society actors, BDS partners, and CARICOM representatives. Her visit aims to deepen Caribbean solidarity with Palestine and push for concrete state-level action.

A Palestinian man inspects the damage after an Israeli strike in the Al-Bureij camp in the central Gaza Strip on July 4, 2025. (Photo by EYAD BABA/AFP via Getty Images)

“Compliance with international law, including through imposing sanctions, is not optional—it is a legal obligation for UN member states,” Mantovani stated. “The people of the Caribbean share with Palestine a history of anti-colonial struggle and can give vital support to the fight for human rights.”

The coalition is calling for a series of measures, including:

A comprehensive military embargo on Israel and prohibition of CARICOM-flagged vessels from delivering arms or dual-use goods to the region.

Cancellation of visa-free entry for Israeli citizens and enforcement of immigration checks to deny entry to individuals linked to war crimes.

Suspension of diplomatic relations with Israel.

Support for legal action at the International Court of Justice, (ICJ) and International Criminal Court, (ICC), including South Africa’s genocide case against Israel.

Participation in the upcoming Emergency Meeting of The Hague Group in Bogotá, Colombia, on July 15–16, which focuses on coordinated legal and diplomatic action against Israel.

Ending all cultural, sporting, economic, trade, and financial ties with Israel.

Advocating for Israel’s expulsion from international fora, including the UN General Assembly, FIFA, and the Olympics.

The demands echo the recommendations of a recent UN report, From Economy of Occupation to Economy of Genocide, authored by UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese. The report outlines corporate complicity in Israel’s occupation and calls for international boycotts, divestment, and sanctions.

Civil society groups are also citing a 2024 statement from UN human rights experts, which urges states to suspend economic and academic relations with Israel that contribute to its occupation and apartheid regime in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Antigua and Barbuda recently became the first CARICOM member to prohibit vessels under its flag from carrying military supplies to conflict zones – a move activists want replicated across the region. However, concerns remain about enforcement after a flagged vessel was reported to have delivered 10 tons of explosives to Israel on June 4th.

“The shores of the Caribbean should not be a safe haven for Israel’s genocidaires or war criminals,” Mantovani added, urging immediate visa restrictions.

The letter represents a growing global movement calling for accountability over Israel’s actions and for states to align with international legal standards. Caribbean civil society actors say the region’s history of anti-colonialism and solidarity with oppressed peoples demands no less.

New Caribbean Music Drops For The Summer

/0 Comments/in /by

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, July 4, 2025: It’s July Fourth in the U.S., but Caribbean artists are making sure the celebrations come with a global, island twist. From Dancehall to Reggae and Afrobeats-infused collaborations, here are some of the hottest new Caribbean tracks dropping just in time to soundtrack your summer:

Sean Paul Ignites Summer with “Ginger”

Sean Paul performs live onstage during Rosendal Garden Party at Djurgården on June 15, 2025 in Stockholm, Sweden. (Photo by Iwi Onodera/Getty Images)

International Dancehall icon Sean Paul returns with the sizzling new single “Ginger”, released today via OneRPM. With his signature vocals, spicy lyrics, and undeniable island vibes, “Ginger” is poised to become the anthem of the season.

“‘Ginger’ is all about that fiery connection — you know that energy someone brings into your life that’s different, exciting, unforgettable,” says Sean Paul. “Dancehall is universal, and this one’s for all my spicey ladies and everyone who’s ever felt that spark.”

Fresh off a sold-out European tour and preparing to join Wiz Khalifa’s Good Vibes Tour, Sean Paul proves once again why he’s one of the world’s most consistent hitmakers.

Listen Now: STREAM “Ginger”
Watch Official Visualizer

Zamunda & Fantan Mojah Team Up for “Roots Rock Reggae”

Two of Reggae’s powerful voices, Zamunda and Fantan Mojah, join forces on “Roots Rock Reggae”, produced by Natures Way Entertainment. The song, out today, is the first single from the upcoming Roots Rock Reggae riddim, recorded at the iconic Tuff Gong Studios in Kingston, Jamaica.

“The energy was great from the start. Once Fantan heard the riddim, he said, ‘this is a hit for sure,’” recalls producer Garfield Cowan, known for his work with Jah Cure and Wayne Wonder.

The riddim also features tracks by Iba Mahr, Turbulence, Anthony B, and rising Kenyan star Cathy Matete, making it a must-listen for Reggae lovers worldwide.

Stream Now: Roots Rock Reggae
Watch Official Video

Rielle & Busy Signal Deliver “Sail Away” Remix

Emerging Caribbean artist Rielle teams up with global Dancehall heavyweight Busy Signal for the “Sail Away” remix, produced by Natural Bridge Records.

Calling the collaboration “an absolute honor and triumph”, Rielle’s smooth vocals blend effortlessly with Busy Signal’s signature flow, creating a melodic, island-flavored anthem perfect for summer playlists.

Stream Now: Sail Away Remix

Lady Da Flame Drops Visual for Emotional New Single “Second Time”

Multi-talented singer Lady Da Flame is turning up the heat this July 4th with the release of the official video for “Second Time”, her heartfelt response to Khago’s hit “2 Time”.

Filmed on location in Jamaica, the video captures the island’s natural beauty while conveying the vulnerability of seeking forgiveness in a relationship.

“We wanted that authentic island feel for this video,” says Lady Da Flame, whose soaring vocals and emotional storytelling have won praise across the Reggae scene. With Khago himself appearing in the video, the track is gaining major traction with DJs and fans alike.

Set to grace the cover of Stardom 101 Magazine this summer, Lady Da Flame is making it clear — this is her season.

Watch “Second Time” Official Video

Whether you’re lighting fireworks or soaking in the island sun, these new Caribbean releases are ready to fuel your summer soundtrack.

Which track will be on repeat for you this weekend?

For more Caribbean music updates, stay locked to NewsAmericasNow.com

Reggae Singer Alborosie To Perform At NYC’s Sony Hall

/0 Comments/in /by

NEWS Americas, NEW YORK, NY, July 2, 2025: Italian born reggae star Alborosie is set to return to New York City for a highly anticipated performance at Sony Hall on August 4, marking his first show in the city with his band, the Shengen Clan, since 2017.

The concert, presented by VP Records, comes just weeks ahead of the release of Nine Mile, Alborosie’s ninth studio album, due out this August. Fans can expect to hear brand-new tracks from the upcoming project, along with crowd favorites from the artist’s acclaimed catalog. Tickets are available now.

Alborosie Returns to NYC for Sony Hall Concert Ahead of Nine Mile Album Release

Joining Alborosie for the one-night event are special guests Kulcha Kartel and Vaughn All-Star of WKCR 89.9FM, adding to what promises to be an unforgettable night of reggae music in the heart of Manhattan.

Earlier this year, Alborosie gave fans a taste of Nine Mile with the release of its lead single, Come My Way—a modern lovers roots anthem that reimagines Augustus Pablo’s iconic dub track King Tubby Meets the Rockers Uptown. The accompanying video, filmed on the scenic beaches of Canoa Quebrada, Brazil, has been praised for its nostalgic vibe and authentic reggae spirit.

The Sony Hall performance is part of Alborosie’s wider summer tour across Europe and North America, with scheduled appearances at major festivals including Summerjam, Reggae On The River, and Bababoom.

Tickets for the August 4 Sony Hall concert are on sale now.

Watch the “Come My Way” video here

Suriname’s Digital Archives: Preserving Jewish History

/0 Comments/in /by

News Americas, PARAMARIBO, Suriname, Tues. July 1, 2025: Suriname’s capital, Paramaribo, is a UNESCO World Heritage site – and also the home of an extensive digital archive that saves centuries of Jewish history. Paper documents have been digitized, made accessible, and protected against climate, decay, and disaster. The Dutch team led by Dr Rosa de Jong has collected over 600 gigabytes of documents. One hard drive is to be donated to the National Archives of Suriname for their digital collections. 

The Neveh Shalom Synagogue in Paramaribo, Suriname. One of the few synagogues in the world located immediately next door to a mosque.

Jewish roots in Suriname

Jewish settlers arrived from Brazil and Europe in the 1600s. They founded agricultural communities, with Jodensavanne becoming a plantation centre along the Suriname River. Around 1700, about 500 Jewish planters owned nearly 9,000 enslaved people. The community later relocated to Paramaribo, and by the mid-1700s, there were two synagogues: Neveh Shalom and Tzedek ve-Shalom.

Personal narratives

The digital archive holds personal testimonies of World War II. Letters from Dutch Jewish refugees tell of survival and refuge in Suriname. In 1942, over 100 refugees fled the Holocaust and arrived in Paramaribo. Liny Pajgin Yollick described hearing the Dutch National Anthem when they arrived, writing that it was “very emotional” having thought they would never hear it again (per The Times of Israel). Teroenga, a magazine published for Jewish people in Suriname, ran a “Bevrijding” (“Liberation”) headline when the Netherlands was free from Nazi occupation. The archive includes a copy of every Teroenga issue.

Collaboration

De Jong was assisted in large part by Lilly Duijm, a 78-year-old who had kept physical documents of the archive for over 20 years. Duijm was born in Suriname and moved to the Netherlands at 14. She returned to Suriname in 1973 shortly before its independence. She said that even after her death, the archive will keep alive the history of her people.

Religious, social traditions, and heritage

Suriname’s Jewish community was once among the largest in the Western Hemisphere. The early settlers established synagogues, schools, and their own judicial systems. The community’s synagogues were places for worship, education, and social gatherings. They celebrated with unique customs, mixing Surinamese, Ashkenazi, and Sephardic influences, during holidays like Passover and Hanukkah. This tradition of blending cultural elements is seen in contemporary Judaica like the artistic menorahs featured at www.nadavart.com. 

Simon Goldstone, PhD candidate, researched Suriname Jews for a piece entitled “The Lost Jews of Suriname”, published at the UF Liberal Arts and Sciences website. Goldstone wrote that Jewish migrants arrived in the Caribbean from Iberia in the 17th century. They found a chance to reclaim their religious and cultural heritage in Suriname’s Dutch colony, having been forced to live as Christians during the Inquisition. 

As Goldstone notes, the Cassipora Creek and Jodensavanne colonies are the first examples of early modern Jews who had the freedom to construct their own communities on a new landscape. There were hundreds of Jewish families who lived here, but there were also thousands of indigenous Surinamese and enslaved Africans who brought their own cultural and religious practices. Goldstone writes that the convergence of these cultures led to a unique society and new religious forms.

Today, the headstones of Cassipora Creek’s cemetery are the only visible remains of the community. They’re managed by local Redi Doti villagers and the Jodensavanne Foundation. Goldstone and fellow researchers aimed to establish a plan for future research at the Cassipora Creek site.

Legacy in the digital age

Such efforts preserve Jewish history in the digital world – not only for scholars, but future generations seeking to understand colonialism, faith, and resilience.