Macka Diamond Defends Koffee Flying In Economy

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: DanceHallMag

 

Dancehall deejay Macka Diamond is over the subsector of the internet that is more preoccupied with Grammy-winning artist Koffee flying coach than her well-being following an alleged altercation on an American Airlines flight on Thursday

Macka is standing with the Raptureartist who reportedly, while en route from Kingston to Miami, wanted to use the bathroom in first class despite being seated in economy. This allegedly caused an altercation with a flight attendant, resulting in the pilot having to circle as staff diffused the matter. Consequently, the flight landed later than scheduled.

“Sometimes mi disappointed inna mi own Jamaican people dem because mi a watch one thing pon di net with Koffee and unno waan tell me seh out of all the situations, unno haffi pick out seh she a travel inna economy? Something wrong with traveling in economy?” Macka asked in a video post.

Koffee

She added context by saying that not every artist, regardless of stature, will fly first class, and that it’s more important for performers to get to their bookings on time.

“If one artist book fi one show and first class sold out, weh unno think a go happen?” she posed. “We haffi travel a di back of the plane, di side, anywhere, so, which part unno did want she travel? Inna the hood? The cockpit? Where? Mi nuh understand.”

She continued, “Anywhere yuh stand up pon the plane, the plane a go reach a di same place. Nobody at the back nah go nowhere different from who inna first class. Sometimes mi nuh even like the first class because the first row inna first class, mi so tall my foot uncomfortable bad.”

Deejay Macka Diamond

While entertainment Minister Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange has since said that Koffee is “now fine” and was able to proceed to her final destination in the States after being questioned by US immigration authorities, Koffee hasn’t publicly addressed the matter.

In that regard, Macka suggested that people exercise more compassion, tying in her own experience of airline-bathroom drama. 

“Why unno cya seh she did really pee up herself or number two up herself and she haffi run? Cause dat happen to me already. Mi a tek plane and me haffi run go inna the bathroom and mi hear the plane bout fi tek off and the pilot almost stop the plane and mi go through that already. We all go through things and the flight attendant come to me all sort of something, seh dem a go stop the plane and dem a go tek mi off but maybe she tek it a different level, we nuh know.”

Macka Diamond

Koffee performed in Texas on Friday night at Rolling Stone’s Future of Music concert which also featured Chloe, Coco Jones and Coco & Clair Clair. 

Follow us for daily Dancehall news on Facebook, Twitter and Google News.

 

NewsAmericasNow.com

Mr. Vegas, VP Records End US Copyright Lawsuit

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: DanceHallMag

 

Mr. Vegas and Reggae label VP Records have agreed to end a lawsuit over the Dancehall star’s claims of copyright infringement, breach of contract, unfair competition, and unjust enrichment, according to court records filed Thursday (March 16).

The parties said in a New York District Court that they agreed to dismiss Vegas’ lawsuit with prejudice, which means it cannot be filed again.

A well-placed source — knowledgeable about the matter but not authorized to speak publicly — told DancehallMag that the dispute had been “amicably resolved before a magistrate judge.” 

They did not provide details of the settlement, but the Certain Law artist had sought unspecified damages on the four claims, as well as punitive damages and attorney fees and costs.

Vegas, whose real name is Clifford Smith, had accused VP of, among other things, infringing on his copyrights and failing to pay over royalties due to him for several of his biggest hits, including Heads High (1997) and its Kill ‘Em Wid it Re-mix (1998), Sucky Ducky (1998), Hot Wuk (2006), and Gallis (2009).

The suit, which was first filed in November 2020, also involved four songs from Sean Paul’s debut album Stage One (2000), namely Haffi Get De Gal Ya (Hot Gal Today)Tiger Bone, and the skit Nicky, all of which featured Mr. Vegas, and Check It Deeply, which was produced by Mr. Vegas.  He claimed that he never received royalties for his contributions to the album.

Vegas was represented by attorney Colleen Ni Chairmhaic.

In response to the lawsuit, VP argued against infringement, claiming, among other things, that they either owned or had licensed the right to sell and market the songs from Jamaican producers such as Danny Browne (Heads High), Shaun “DJ Chrome” Chablal (Gallis), and Steely and Clevie (Hot Gal Today). 

Vegas had also accused VP of breach of a contract between himself and Greensleeves Records, under which Heads High and its remix appeared on his 20-track Heads High album, released in 1998.  VP Records later acquired Greensleeves in 2008.

He alleged that prior to the acquisition, Greensleeves paid and accounted for the royalties for the two versions of Heads High. “However, since the Acquisition, the Greensleeves’ royalty statements no longer include royalties for the Records,” the complaint noted.

VP, represented by attorney Daniel J. Aaron, argued they were not a party to that contract.

Mr. Vegas’ last major hit record was Bruk It Down, released in 2012.

His Billboard-charting songs include Pull Up, which peaked at No. 98 on the Hot 100, and Hot Gal Today with Sean Paul, Hot Wuk, Heads High, and Bruk It Down, which all entered the R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Airplay charts.

In Jamaica and the Caribbean, the artist has a string of hits to his credit, including Nike AirI am Blessed, Tek Heh Yuself, Party Tun Up, Daggering, Sucky Ducky, Big Things A Gwaan, She’s A Ho, Hot Gal Nuh Fight Ova Man, Taxi Fare with Mr. Lexx, and Bad Man Nah Flee with Beenie Man.

According to the Jamaica Star, he recently signed with French independent label Play Two, a subsidiary of TF1 group.  

Bright Future with Nigerian singer Yemi Alade was released via Play Two on March 10.

Mr. Vegas also recently graduated from the Florida International University (FIU) with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Anthropology, with a minor in Hospitality Management.

Follow us for daily Dancehall news on Facebook, Twitter and Google News.

 

NewsAmericasNow.com

Skillibeng’s “Short Skirt” Sped Up Version Blew Up On TikTok

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Urban Islandz

Skillibeng’s new song “Short Skirt” is gaining traction on TikTok, especially the sped-up version. The dancehall star dropped the track on Thursday, and

NewsAmericasNow.com

Usain Bolt Delivers ‘Vital Information’ To Manchester United’s Erik ten Hag

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Urban Islandz

Usain Bolt had some vital information to share with Manchester United’s manager Erik ten Hag, ahead of a crucial win against Fulham on Sunday. The retired

NewsAmericasNow.com

IDB and Caribbean Shipping Association Accelerate Decarbonization of the Shipping Industry

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Caribbean News Service

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Caribbean Shipping Association (CSA) agreed to collaborate to help decarbonize the shipping industry. The memorandum of understanding was signed by IDB Vice President for Countries Richard Mart?nez, CSA President Lindsay Marc Sampson and CSA General Manager Milaika Capella Ras during the IDB and IDB Invest’s Annual Meeting.

The agreement aims to expedite the decarbonization of the shipping industry, while simultaneously enhancing the economic and social development of the region. Additionally, the framework strives to improve the efficiency and efficacy of maritime transport activities and services, as well as optimize the operations of seaports, harbors and their associated hinterland activities.

Over the course of this three-year arrangement, both institutions will collaborate on different activities, including studies focused on decarbonizing maritime transport and improving the operations of seaports and harbors in the Caribbean. They will also work on technical and operational matters related to reducing the use of fossil fuels in seaport activities, such as operation and maintenance.

Additionally, the partners will conduct joint capacity-building activities to advance shipping and trade policies and regulations on decarbonization, the circular economy, labor affairs, gender inclusion, SMEs, and institutional strengthening.

Moreover, the IDB is collaborating with the CSA to develop an analytical framework for the key building blocks necessary for decarbonizing shipping and port services. The partnership will also include the creation of new alliances and the analysis of existing policies and regulations to support the shift towards decarbonization of shipping and port services in an enabling environment.

“This partnership is an essential step in our mission to support the region’s economic development. As we know, the Caribbean relies heavily on maritime transport for trade. This partnership will create opportunities to enhance trade, which is critical for economic growth,” said Vice President Richard Mart?nez during the meeting.

The President of the Caribbean Shipping Association, Lindsay Marc Sampson, said, “The enactment of our partnership today will help to bolster our efforts to protect the region’s environment and hasten our progress to adopting better technologies, procedures, and energy alternatives. This agreement is not only necessary for the environment but also for economic growth and international cooperation.”

Donate At Caribbean News Service, we do not charge for our content and we want to keep it that way. We are seeking support from individuals and organisations so we can continue our work & develop CNS further.

 

NewsAmericasNow.com

Jamaican Retains UFC Title

Black Immigrant Daily News

By NAN Sports Editor

News Americas, LONDON, England, Mon. Mar. 20, 20243: Jamaican UFC fighter, Leon Edwards, retained his welterweight title Saturday night in London, defeating Nigerian Kamaru Usman48-46, 48-46 and 47-47.

Edwards, who was born in Kingston, offered up an offense filled with powerful leg kicks and scored the majority decision victory over Usman to successfully defend the UFC welterweight title at UFC 286.

Edwards, backed by the support of a hometown crowd, picked apart the former champion throughout, landing clear strikes and avoiding much of Usman’s signature offense.

It is Usman’s second loss to Edwards.

“London, you got yourself a hell of a guy, and a great champion,” Usman said after the fight  at The O2 Arena on March 18, 2023.

NewsAmericasNow.com

Caribbean leaders to address IUU fishing and transnational organized crime at Blue Justice Conference 2023

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Caribbean News Service

In the wake of the historic agreement on protecting marine biodiversity in international waters – and on the side lines of the UN Water Conference – the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Norway are convening world leaders in Copenhagen on 23-24 March for the largest global high-level event on transnational organised crime in the global fishing industry.

Countries and communities across the world are dependent on the sea, its resources, and the opportunities it holds for the economy, food and well-being of both people and planet. Fisheries crime undermines the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and poses serious threats to marine ecosystems, economic development, and global food security.

With political leaders from over 35 countries and territories from six continents represented, the Blue Justice Conference 2023 is a unique opportunity to accelerate international efforts to strengthen global capacity and inter-agency cooperation for the prevention and law enforcement of fisheries crime and towards the fulfilment of the SDGs.

Donate At Caribbean News Service, we do not charge for our content and we want to keep it that way. We are seeking support from individuals and organisations so we can continue our work & develop CNS further.

 

NewsAmericasNow.com

Don’t give up on Haiti, plead senior UN aid officials

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Caribbean News Service
WFP/Theresa Piorr UN workers deliver relief items to vulnerable communities in Haiti (file)

Following their return from a fact-finding visit to Haiti, a group of senior United Nations officials and representatives of NGOs issued an urgent call on Saturday, for increased access and resources to reach people in desperate need.

The call comes amid reports that the situation in Haiti is deteriorating by the day, with citizens facing spiralling violence, human rights, and food emergencies, as well as a cholera epidemic.

The influence of armed gangs is growing exponentially in the capital, Port-au-Prince, and beyond, reaching the Department of Artibonite, the country’s breadbasket. Armed violence – including kidnappings and sexual violence against women and girls – is also surging.

The six senior officials, representing UN aid agencies and international NGOs, met with people who need humanitarian aid, as well as with local and international partners.

They also held talks with Prime Minister Ariel Henry and other senior Government officials, and met with community representatives from areas controlled by, or under the influence of, armed gangs.

“The humanitarian needs in Haiti are unprecedented,” said Sara Bordas Eddy, Chief of the Humanitarian Field Support Section of UNICEF, at the end of the two-day trip. “The suffering of a Haitian child today is not comparable to the suffering of a Haitian child a few years ago. As humanitarians, we are finding ways to reach those in need including in gang-controlled areas. For that to happen in a sustainable way, we also need the donor community to not give up on Haiti.”

Despite the difficulties, the UN and NGO officials noted that the humanitarian response continues to be scaled up, and committed even more support to aid workers on the ground.

“The population feels desperate, but I also saw the resilience and potential of the women and girls who want to help build a better future for their country, communities and families,” said Shoko Arakaki, Director of the Humanitarian Response Division of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA). “They need urgent health and psychosocial support, but also livelihood and economic empowerment for recovery.”

This year, the UN and its partners will need $715 million to help more than three million people in Haiti. This is more than double the sum appealed for last year, and the highest amount since the 2010 earthquake.

Also taking part in the visit were Tareq Talahma, the Acting Director of the Operations and Advocacy Division of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Osnat Lubrani, the Acting Director and Head of the Humanitarian Section of UN Women’s Geneva Office, Dominic MacSorley, the Humanitarian Ambassador for Concern Worldwide, and Mark Smith, Vice President of Humanitarian and Emergency Affairs of World Vision.

“More than just humanitarian assistance, what the people of Haiti need is peace, security and protection,” said Mr. Talahma “We cannot let Haiti become a forgotten crisis.”

Donate At Caribbean News Service, we do not charge for our content and we want to keep it that way. We are seeking support from individuals and organisations so we can continue our work & develop CNS further.

 

NewsAmericasNow.com

Mia Mottley to deliver keynote address at major reparations conference in US

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Caribbean News Service

Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley is scheduled to deliver the keynote address on reparations during a global conference next month in Baltimore, Maryland.

According to Don Rojas, the Vincentian-born Director of Communications and International Relations for the Institute of the Black World 21st Century (IBW), the organisation has received confirmation that Mottley will attend the State of the Black World Conference V, from April 19-23, as a special guest to deliver the keynote address.

Rojas, a former press secretary for slain Grenada Prime Minister Maurice Bishop, said Mottley will join President of Ghana Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in addressing the conference, which is organised around the theme, “Global Africans Rising, Empowerment Reparations and Healing.”

IBW said Mottley has emerged as “a major figure in the Caribbean advocating for stronger ties with the African Union and a global emphasis on reparatory justice with Africa playing a more active role.”

IBW noted that Mottley has called for a global summit on reparations in collaboration with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Reparations Commission, the African Union, National African American Reparations Commission and reparations commissions from various regions of the Global Black Diaspora.

“We are honored and delighted that Prime Minister Mia Mottley has accepted our invitation to play a major role in State of the Black World Conference V,” said IBW President Dr Ron Daniels. “She has shown an eagerness to work with President Addo of Ghana in expanding and strengthening the global reparations movement.

“Once Vice-President Francia Marquez from Colombia confirms, we will have a formidable trio of leaders embracing the cause of reparatory justice as the ‘human rights issue of the 21st Century’, as proclaimed by Professor Hilary Beckles [vice chancellor of the University of the West Indies],” Daniels added.

He also said that Mottley will be presented the IBW Legacy Award at the Global Women’s Leadership Summit at the conference for her “historic role as the first woman Prime Minister of Barbados.

Donate At Caribbean News Service, we do not charge for our content and we want to keep it that way. We are seeking support from individuals and organisations so we can continue our work & develop CNS further.

 

NewsAmericasNow.com

US immigration agents arrest Caribbean nationals in nationwide operation

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Caribbean News Service

The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency says officers from its Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) have apprehended Caribbean nationals among 220 removable noncitizens during a nationwide enforcement effort.

On Friday, ICE said that nationals from Cuba and Trinidad and Tobago were arrested in the immigration sweep between March 4 and March 13.

“Officials identified the noncitizens as having been convicted of crimes such as domestic violence, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, burglary, unlawful possession or use of a firearm, drug distribution or trafficking, or driving under the influence; or as those who were released from incarceration on parole or placed on community probation under supervision,” said ICE in a statement.

“Our officers continue to focus on smart, effective immigration enforcement that protects the homeland through the arrest and removal of those who undermine the safety of our communities and integrity of federal immigration law,” said ERO Executive Associate Director Corey A Price.

“Our teams weigh various factors during targeting and apprehension to ensure we are enforcing US immigration laws humanely, effectively, and with the utmost professionalism,” he added.

ICE said those arrested included a 20-year-old citizen of Cuba in Miami, convicted in July 2022 by the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court of Florida in Miami of felony murder in the second degree/deadly weapon/aggravated battery attempt.

A 40-year-old citizen of Trinidad and Tobago, who lived in Teaneck, New Jersey, was also arrested.

The Trinidadian was convicted in November 2022 by the US District Court in the Southern District of New York of felony conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, felony narcotics-sell/distribute/dispense, ICE said.

In fiscal year 2022, ICE said ERO arrested 46,396 noncitizens with criminal histories.

ICE said this group had 198,498 associated charges and convictions, including 21,531 assault offences; 8,164 sex and sexual assault offences; 5,554 weapons offences; 1,501 homicide-related offences; and 1,114 kidnapping offences.

Donate At Caribbean News Service, we do not charge for our content and we want to keep it that way. We are seeking support from individuals and organisations so we can continue our work & develop CNS further.

 

NewsAmericasNow.com