Kamala Harris’ Stance on the Caribbean, Latin America

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News Americas, New York, NY, August 1, 2024: While the US’ Black, Asian and Caribbean American VP, Kamala Harris, is not yet the official Democratic Party nominee, despite having enough pledged delegates, she is now thrust into an election just about 95 days away. So where has she stood during the Biden administration on the Caribbean and Latin America? The Americas Society Council of the Americas recently documented that stance in a recent article. Here’s a synopsis from the analysis.

US Vice President and 2024 presumptive Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris delivers the eulogy for US Representative, Caribbean roots Sheila Jackson Lee, at Fallbrook Church in Houston, Texas, on August 1, 2024. Jackson Lee, a Democrat and outspoken advocate for racial justice and minorities’ rights, died July 19, 2024, at the age of 74. (Photo by MARK FELIX/AFP via Getty Images)

Immigration

Harris, born to a Jamaican father and Indian mother, has extensive experience dealing with immigration issues, both as vice president and during her tenure as a U.S. senator from California (2017–2021) and the state’s attorney general (2011–2017). But what are her positions on immigration and other issues concerning Latin America and the Caribbean?

Early in the Biden administration, concerns over unprecedented immigration numbers emerged. In March 2021, a surge of unaccompanied minors at the southern border led President Biden to assign Harris the task of reducing migration to the United States.

Harris, a child of immigrants from the Caribbean and India, has since focused on addressing the “root causes” of migration, primarily the lack of economic opportunities in Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. The United States, under her initiative, has facilitated economic development and private investment in these countries, resulting in $5 billion in promised investments, with about a quarter already active.

Republicans often refer to Harris as the Biden administration’s “Border Czar,” a title she never officially held. Harris visited the U.S.-Mexico border once in June 2021, where she reiterated her commitment to solving the “root problems” of migration.

In May, Harris supported a bipartisan border enforcement bill that was blocked in the Senate. The bill aimed to increase funding for border agents and technology, boost deportations, and close the border to migrants under certain conditions. Parts of this bill were included in a Biden executive order in June.

As a senator, Harris was a vocal critic of Trump administration immigration policies. She was the first senator to call for the resignation of then-Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen over the policy of family separation. She also authored legislation to provide detained migrants with legal resources and has been a strong advocate for Dreamers.

U.S.-Mexico Relations

One of Harris’ first trips as vice president was to Mexico in June 2021, where she met with President Andrés Manuel López Obrador to discuss bilateral relations and support for the Biden administration’s Central America strategy. The meeting also addressed issues of drug, arms, and human smuggling. As California’s attorney general, Harris built a reputation for combating organized crime, including the Sinaloa cartel.

Harris opposes Republican calls for military force against organized crime groups in Mexico and did not respond to requests to designate cartels as terrorist groups. She discussed organized crime with Mexican President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum following the country’s June elections.

If elected president, Harris will oversee the 2026 review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). In 2020, she was one of 10 senators to vote against the pact, citing insufficient protections for U.S. workers and the environment. She also opposed the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), which included Mexico, Chile, and Peru, during her 2016 Senate campaign. President Trump withdrew the United States from the TPP in 2021.

Cuba and Venezuela

Harris has taken a different stance from Biden on Cuba. Before becoming vice president, she supported ending the embargo. During Biden’s term, she condemned the regime’s violence and backed increased sanctions on its leaders.

Regarding Venezuela, Harris supported expanding Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelan migrants and opposed military intervention to ensure aid delivery. As a senator in 2019, she criticized the violent repression by Nicolás Maduro’s regime and recently called on Maduro to respect the Barbados Accords for free and fair 2024 elections.

Puerto Rico and the Caribbean

Harris visited Puerto Rico in 2024 to highlight federal aid for hurricane recovery. She faced protests supporting independence and opposing a controversial tax law.

Of Jamaican descent, Harris co-hosted the U.S.-Caribbean Leaders Meeting in June 2023, announcing over $100 million in USAID funding for the Caribbean.

Kamala Harris’ positions on Latin America and the Caribbean reflect a comprehensive approach to addressing economic development, immigration, and bilateral relations, emphasizing diplomacy and investment over military intervention. As the Democratic nominee, her policies will play a crucial role in shaping U.S. relations with the region.

Did You Know The US’ Olympic Swim Team Coach Was Born In The Caribbean?

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News Americas, New York, NY, August 1, 2024: Anthony Nesty’s role as the US Olympic men’s swimming head coach is a vision fulfilled. Nesty, who was born in the Caribbean Community nation of Suriname, was named head coach last fall. He led the US men’s swim team at the 2024 Paris Olympics in what was a groundbreaking and historic appointment.

Caribbean born Anthony Nesty, Head Coach of Team United States, addresses during the Team United States Swimming press conference ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on July 24, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Nesty, 56, initially only swam because his father made him. “I didn’t enjoy swimming,” he shared in an interview with TODAY.com recently. “Why he chose swimming, I think, is because of the discipline of the sport. It’s just you and the clock.”

Nesty’s first swim at age five was in Suriname, where he grew up. At the time, the country had only one 50-meter pool. What began as a reluctant activity turned into a distinguished career, culminating in his appointment as the head coach for the men’s Olympic team for the 2024 Games in Paris, making him the first Black person to hold this position in U.S. Olympic swimming history. He previously served as an assistant coach for the Tokyo Games.

“My dad, he had a vision for me,” said Nesty.

Nesty’s journey to the top began with victories in local and regional meets across Suriname, the Caribbean, and South America. His specialty, the butterfly stroke, earned him a gold medal in the 100-meter race at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, making him the first Black male swimmer to win individual gold.

Nesty continued his swimming career at the University of Florida on an athletic scholarship, becoming a three-time NCAA champion in the 100-yard butterfly from 1990 to 1992.

As a prominent Black coach in a predominantly white sport, Nesty understands the significance of his role. “You know you’re a role model,” he told The Associated Press in June 2023. “You have to take that very seriously. Maybe it’s why I work so hard at what I do. I try to be the best Anthony Nesty I can be.”

Nesty’s ascension to head coach is particularly significant given the complicated history of Black people and swimming in the U.S. Access to swimming facilities directly correlates to whether Black people swim, a barrier Nesty and experts are keenly aware of.

Nesty moved to Florida as a teenager to pursue swimming more seriously. He attended the Bolles School in Jacksonville, where the rigorous practice routine was a stark contrast to his previous training in Suriname. “We used to only train five days a week, Monday through Friday, maybe two hours per practice,” he said. “And then you come to the States, you’re running nine practices, two hours-plus, dry land, weights. For me, I had to get adjusted to that for sure.”

Despite the challenges, Nesty thrived, advancing to collegiate and Olympic competition. Reflecting on his achievements, he said, “I stay busy preparing the athletes. I don’t think of my accomplishments. Our sport is demanding for the athletes, the coaches, the families. I want to be the best coach for the University of Florida and of course this summer for us.”

Nesty’s father, who invested significant time, effort, and financial support into his son’s swimming career, would be thrilled to see how far Nesty has come. “He would be jumping up and down to see that his son is the head coach of the U.S. men’s team,” Nesty said. “That’s kind of the pinnacle of our sport and he would be happy that I’ve reached the top now.”

In recent years, the sport has seen contributions from standout Black swimmers such as Simone Manuel, Lia Neal, and Natalie Hinds. “It’s very encouraging,” Nesty said of the increased representation in swimming. “The sport is going to keep growing. There are a lot of opportunities for all races to get scholarships in our sport.”

Despite these advancements, racial disparities in swimming persist. A 2023 demographics report by USA Swimming revealed that only 2.1% of athlete members identified as Black or African American, while 62.4% identified as white.

Nesty believes the lack of Black swimmers in the sport is more of a socioeconomic issue than one based on ability. “It’s also very expensive,” he noted. “And you have to find a pool.”

For Nesty, creating a welcoming environment on his teams is paramount. “Whichever team you belong to, you’re going to be welcomed with open arms because the sport is so demanding,” he said. “You have to have empathy for each other. I tell our athletes you got to respect the athlete next to you because you guys are doing the same thing. If you do it as a group, it becomes more palatable. It becomes more fun, and that’s the experience I had as a swimmer. And I would love to hear the athletes of color, when they join a team, sense that they have that camaraderie.”

As Nesty leads the U.S. men’s swimming team to the Paris Olympics, his story serves as an inspiration, highlighting the importance of perseverance, representation, and breaking barriers in sports.

Caribbean Roots Rapper Cardi B Files For Divorce

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News Americas, New York, NY, August 1, 2024: Just hours after filing for divorce from husband Offset, Grammy-winning rapper, Caribbean roots Cardi B, announced she’s pregnant with her third child. The artist, known for her Caribbean roots, took to Instagram on August 1st to share her news, writing: “With every ending comes a new beginning! I am so grateful to have shared this season with you, you have brought me more love, more life and most of all renewed my power! Reminded me that I can have it all!”

Cardi B is seen leaving Cesar restaurant on July 9, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by MEGA/GC Images)

The singer, born Belcalis Marlenis Cephus (nee Almánzar, added: “You’ve reminded me that I never have to choose between life, love, and my passion! I love you so much and cannot wait for you to witness what you helped me accomplish, what you pushed me to do! It’s so much easier taking life’s twists, turns and test laying down, but you, your brother and your sister have shown me why it’s worth it to push through!”

Cardi B and Offset’s relationship began in 2017, starting with a memorable first date at the 2018 Super Bowl in Houston. They secretly tied the knot in a spontaneous ceremony at home in September of that year, though Cardi didn’t reveal her married status until eight months later.

“There are so many moments that I share with the world and there are moments that I want to keep for myself! Getting married was one of those moments,” the Bronx native shared on X (formerly Twitter) in June 2018, while expecting her daughter, Kulture. “Our relationship was so new, breaking up and making up, and we had a lot of growing to do, but we were so in love we didn’t want to lose each other.”

A month after their private ceremony, Offset proposed publicly, ensuring Cardi got the full engagement experience with an 8-carat sparkler. “I appreciate and love my husband so much for still wanting for me to have that special moment that every girl dreams of when he got down on his knee and put a ring on my finger,” Cardi wrote on Twitter. “Well now since you lil nosey f–ks know at least ya can stop saying I had a baby out of wedlock.”

Cardi’s pregnancy announcements were nothing short of grand. She revealed her first pregnancy during a performance on Saturday Night Live in April 2018, and announced her second at the 2021 BET Awards, debuting her baby bump in a custom Dolce & Gabbana bodysuit.

Despite their growing family, Cardi and Offset’s relationship faced many challenges, with multiple breakups and reconciliations. Cardi confirmed she was single in December 2023, only to reunite with Offset on New Year’s Eve.

In a May 2024 interview with Rolling Stone, Cardi expressed the deep connection she felt with Offset, calling him her “cheerleader” and best friend. “It’s not even about love,” she said. “We’re best friends. And it’s like, ‘OK. Well, there was a time that I didn’t have a best friend, or I didn’t have a support system.’ It’s not even about ‘How do you leave a partner?’ How do you stop talking to your best friend?”

However, by August, Cardi had again filed for divorce, ending their nearly seven-year marriage.

Their journey together, marked by private moments and public displays of affection, included the birth of their daughter Kulture in July 2018 and their son Wave in 2022. The couple celebrated Kulture’s impending arrival with a fairytale baby shower, filled with love and excitement.

Cardi’s announcement of her third pregnancy underscores her resilience and commitment to her family, despite the personal challenges she faces. The world now waits to see the next chapter in the life of this vibrant, talented artist. Cardi’s father Carlos is Dominican and her mother Clara is a Trinidadian of African and Spanish descent. She identifies as an Afro-Latina.

Vybz Kartel Freed By Jamaica Court of Appeal

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News Americas, New York, NY, Weds. July 31, 2024: The Jamaica Court of Appeal this afternoon, July 31, 2024, freed Jamaican dancehall artiste Vybz Kartel, whose given name is Adidja Palmer, after unanimously deciding against ordering a retrial for the 2011 murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams.

FLASHBACK – Vybz Kartel in New York City, New York, United States in a past photo. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

The court also freed Kartel’s co-accused, Shawn Campbell, Kahira Jones, and Andre St. John. The three-judge panel, consisting of Justices Marva McDonald-Bishop, Paulette Williams, and David Fraser, made the decision.

Justice Marva McDonald-Bishop, President of the Court of Appeal, stated that despite the facts showing “barefaced defiance of law and order,” the court considered the lengthy time the men have been in custody and the psychological and health impact on the appellants if a new trial were ordered. Defense lawyers, particularly for Vybz Kartel, cited the artiste’s declining mental and physical health, including his diagnosis of Grave’s Disease.

In 2020, lawyers representing the quartet appealed to the local Court of Appeal, but their convictions were upheld. The appeal was then taken to the United Kingdom-based Privy Council, which overturned their murder convictions on March 14 due to juror misconduct. The Privy Council remitted the case back to the Jamaica Court of Appeal to decide on a retrial, which has now been denied.

Sir Clive Lloyd Awarded Order of the Caribbean Community

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News Americas, New York, NY, July 29, 2024: Renowned Guyanese cricketer Sir Clive Lloyd and Jamaican regionalist and former CARICOM Secretary-General Roderick Rainford have been conferred with the Order of the Caribbean Community (OCC), the region’s highest honor. The prestigious awards were presented during a culturally rich opening ceremony for the 47th Regular Meeting of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government, held at Charter Hall, St George’s University in Grenada on July 28, 2024.

Sir Clive Lloyd accepts OCC from the Chairman of CARICOM, Dickon Mitchell, 28 July 2024, St. George’s Grenada. (CARICOM image)

Sir Clive Lloyd, a legendary cricketer, expressed his gratitude for the recognition. “I am humbled to be in your midst and to have been considered worthy of the honor of the Order of the Caribbean Community,” he stated. “I am grateful for this recognition of my services to this Region. It is reassuring to know that the unity of the Region, which I sought to instill on the cricket field, is considered to be on the same level

Sir Clive captained the West Indies in three World Cups, winning in 1975 and 1979, and reaching the final in 1983. In 1971, he was named a Wisden Cricketer of the Year. Under his captaincy from 1974 to 1985, the West Indies became the dominant force in cricket, achieving a record of 27 matches without defeat, including 11 consecutive wins. Lloyd was the first West Indian player to earn 100 international caps and was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2009. He received a knighthood at an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle in England in 2022.

Dr. Nesha Z. Haniff Rainford received the award on behalf of her husband, Roderick Rainford from the Chair of CARICOM, Dickon Mitchell. She shared insights into his life journey, highlighting the values of humility, discipline, hard work, and self-respect instilled by his parents. Quoting from Mr. Rainford’s acceptance letter, she said, “I am pleased to be included among the Caribbean patriots who have already received this distinction and I pledge to continue conducting my life in a manner worthy of this privilege.”

Roderick Rainford served as the Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community from 1983 to 1992, following his tenure as Deputy Secretary-General. He played a crucial role in the adoption of the Grand Anse Declaration in 1989, which paved the way for the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). Rainford also led a significant review of CARICOM’s regional programs and organizations, identifying key elements for the Community’s deepening.

Rainford’s contributions include developing the CARICOM Uniform Building Code (CUBiC), ensuring the construction of safe buildings in earthquake- and hurricane-prone areas. He served on the Board of Directors of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and held advisory roles with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB). His extensive writings on the region’s social and economic development have provided valuable insights for future policy decisions. He was instrumental in developing the proposal to establish the OCC, the very award he was honored with.

The Order of the Caribbean Community (OCC) was established on May 28, 1991, to honor nationals of CARICOM Member States who have made outstanding contributions to the region’s political, social, and cultural development. The award is conferred by the Conference of Heads of Government based on recommendations from an Advisory Committee, which oversees the award’s operation and administration through the CARICOM Secretariat.

See Caribbean Athletes At The Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony

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News Americas, New York, NY, July 26, 2024: The Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony kicked off today in Paris, France, with a spectacular open-air opening ceremony, marking a historic and ambitious celebration in the 128-year history of the modern Olympiad.

Flagbearers Josh Kirlew and Shanieka Ricketts of Jamaica arrive ahead of the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Nir Elias – Pool/Getty Images)

Instead of the traditional stadium parade, approximately 10,500 athletes, including those from the Caribbean, sailed in a 3.5-mile flotilla of 94 boats along Paris’ iconic Seine River. The uniformed athletes cheered and waved to spectators, keeping the atmosphere lively despite the rainy skies.

The Opening Ceremony commenced with a high-energy video featuring French soccer legend Zinedine Zidane and a brief welcome from French President Emmanuel Macron. Lady Gaga then took the stage, performing a medley of cabaret numbers, including the 1960s hit “Mon Truc En Plumes.” Various song-and-dance acts paid tribute to the can-can style, “Les Misérables,” and other hallmarks of French culture.

This marks a blockbuster return for the summer sporting festival, hosting spectators for the first time in eight years following the coronavirus-impacted Tokyo Olympics in 2021. The images of Caribbean athletes joining others from around the world on boats along the Seine highlight the diversity and unity of this global event. More than 200 national teams are competing across 329 events over 19 days, with some handball, soccer, and rugby events starting on Wednesday. To appeal to younger audiences, four new disciplines have been introduced: sport climbing, skateboarding, surfing, and break dancing (officially known as “breaking”).

HERE are some of the Caribbean athletes at the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony.

Athletes of Team Dominica are seen on a boat along the River Seine during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

Athletes of Bahamas are seen aboard a boat in the floating parade on the river Seine during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024, in Paris, France. (Photo by Nir Elias – Pool/Getty Images)

Jordan Crooks and Charlotte Webster, Flagbearers of Team Cayman Islands, are seen on a boat waving their flag along the River Seine during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

The delegations from Antigua and Barbuda and Saudi Arabia sail in a boat during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris on July 26, 2024. (Photo by Andrej ISAKOVIC / AFP) (Photo by ANDREJ ISAKOVIC/AFP via Getty Images)

Armenia flagbearer Davit Chaloyan, the Armenia Olympic team and the Aruba Olympic team during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in France. Picture date: Friday July 26, 2024. (Photo by John Walton/PA Images via Getty Images)

Athletes of Team Dominican Republic wave handheld flags on a boat on the River Seine during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

The Caribbean Athletes Competing In The Paris 2024 Olympics

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News Americas, New York, NY, July 23, 2024: The Caribbean has a significant presence at the Paris 2024 Olympics, with 321 athletes from numerous countries competing across various disciplines. Jamaica boasts the largest representation, followed by Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and The Bahamas.

IOC President Thomas Bach speaks with swimmer Jasmine Schofield from Dominica while touring the athletes village ahead of the start of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on July 22, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by David Goldman – Pool/Getty Images)

Caribbean Countries With Most Athletes At Paris 2024

CountryNumber of AthletesJamaica70Cuba61Dominican Republic52Puerto Rico39Bahamas 20

Yariulvis Cobas Garcia of Team Cuba during a rowing training session at Vaires-Sur-Marne Nautical Stadium ahead of the 2024 Paris Summer Olympic Games in Paris, France. (Photo By Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

The Caribbean Athletes At the Paris Olympics

CountryAthlete (First Name, Last Name)SportAntigua & BarbudaCejhae GreeneAthleticsJoella LloydAthleticsEllie ShawSwimmingTiger TysonSailingJadon WuilliezSwimmingArubaPhilip ElhageShootingChloe FarroSwimmingShanayah HowellCycling BMX RacingMikel SchreudersSwimmingJust van AanholtSailingEthan WesteraSailingBahamasShania AdderleyAthleticsAntoine AndrewsAthleticsDenisha CartwrightAthleticsDevynne CharltonAthleticsSteven GardinerAthleticsRhanishka GibbsSwimmingTerrence JonesAthleticsIan KerrAthleticsWanya McCoyAthleticsWendell MillerAthleticsZion MillerAthleticsShaunae Miller-UiboAthleticsKen MullingsAthleticsRhema OtaborAthleticsQuincy PennAthleticsAlonzo RussellAthleticsCharisma TaylorAthleticsLamar TaylorSwimmingDonald ThomasAthleticsJavonya ValcourtAthleticsBarbadosTristan EvelynAthleticsJack KirbySwimmingSada WilliamsAthleticsMatthew WrightTriathlonBritish Virgin IslandsRikkoi BrathwaiteAthleticsAdaejah HodgeAthleticsThad LettsomeSailingKyron McMasterAthleticsCayman IslandsJillian CrooksSwimmingJordan CrooksSwimmingDavonte HowellAthleticsCharlotte WebsterSailingCubaArlettys AcostaTaekwondoJorge AlayoBeach VolleyballRafael AlbaTaekwondoRose Mary AlmanzaAthleticsErislandy AlvarezBoxingJorge AlvarezShootingAndrea BecaliSwimmingJorge CamposTable TennisReidy CardonaRowingYarisleidis CiriloCanoe SprintAlejandro ClaroBoxingYariulvis CobasRowingDaily CooperAthleticsKevin de ArmasWrestlingMaylin del ToroJudoSahily DiagoAthleticsNoslen DiazBeach VolleyballMario DiazAthleticsReynaldo EspinosaAthleticsRodolfo FalconSwimmingDaniela FonsecaTable TennisHugo FrancoArcheryYunisleidy GarciaAthleticsAnisley GarciaDivingGeandry GarzonWrestlingRoxana GomezAthleticsAndy GrandaJudoYusneylis GuzmanWrestlingAndy HechavarriaAthleticsLisbet HernandezShootingSaidel HortaBoxingJulio la CruzBoxingArlen LopezBoxingYinnoly LopezCanoe SprintMijain LopezWrestlingMilaimy MarinWrestlingLazaro MartinezAthleticsMelany MatheusAthleticsAyamey MedinaWeightliftingSilinda MoralesAthleticsCristian NapolesAthleticsLuis OrtaWrestlingIdalys OrtizJudoMelissa PadronAthleticsAlejandro ParadaAthleticsJose PelierCanoe SprintYosvanys PenaWrestlingAndy PereiraTable TennisLeyanis PerezAthleticsLaina PerezShootingLiadagmis PoveaAthleticsLeuris PupoShootingMarcos RojasModern PentathlonGabriel RosilloWrestlingPrisis RuizDivingArlenis SierraCycling RoadArturo SilotWrestlingIvan SilvaJudoAlejandro ValdesWrestlingLisneidy VeitiaAthleticsLuis ZayasAthleticsDominicaThea LafondAthleticsWarren LawrenceSwimmingDennick LukeAthleticsJasmine SchofieldSwimmingDominican RepublicYunior AlcantaraBoxingCandida AriasVolleyballEdison AzconaFootballEnrique BoeslFootballBrenda CastilloVolleyballBethania de la CruzVolleyballOmar de la CruzFootballJose de LeonFootballLuiyi de LucasFootballMilagros DuranAthleticsLisvel EveVolleyballJunior FirpoFootballRobert FlorentinoJudoVictoria GarzaDivingFrandiel GomezDivingGeraldine GonzalezVolleyballJose GonzalezAthleticsGaila GonzalezVolleyballPeter GonzalezFootballMadeline GuillenVolleyballElizabeth JimenezSwimmingRobert KingAthleticsNelson LemaireFootballEduardo LorenzoShootingNowend LorenzoFootballYvonne LososEquestrianNiverka MarteVolleyballBrayelin MartinezVolleyballFranchina MartinezAthleticsJineiry MartinezVolleyballAnabel MedinaAthleticsYudelina MejiaWeightliftingFabian MessinaFootballAngel MontesFootballMoira MorilloJudoMaria MorontaBoxingHeinz MorschelFootballAudrys NinArtistic GymnasticsJavier NunezSwimmingRafael NunezFootballYeral NunezAthleticsAlexander OgandoAthleticsYonkaira PenaVolleyballLuis PerezWrestlingBernardo PieTaekwondoCristian PinalesBoxingBeatriz PironWeightliftingEdgar PujolFootballFrancisco ReyesFootballAriana RodriguezVolleyballMadelyn RodriguezTaekwondoJonathan RuvalcabaDivingErick SanchezAthleticsCrismery SantanaWeightliftingAlondra TapiaVolleyballJoao UrbaezFootballOscar UrenaFootballXavier ValdezFootballGrenadaTilly CollymoreSwimmingZackary GreshamSwimmingHalle HazzardAthleticsKirani JamesAthleticsAnderson PetersAthleticsLindon VictorAthleticsGuyanaAliyah AbramsAthleticsEmanuel ArchibaldAthleticsChelsea EdghillTable TennisRaekwon NoelSwimmingAleka PersaudSwimmingHaitiCedrick Belony-DuliepreBoxingChristopher BorzorAthleticsLynnzee BrownArtistic GymnasticsEmelia ChatfieldAthleticsMayah ChoulouteSwimmingAlexandre Grand’PierreSwimmingPhilippe MetellusJudoJamaicaNavasky AndersonAthleticsSean BaileyAthleticsZandrion BarnesAthleticsRomaine BeckfordAthleticsOrlando BennettAthleticsAckeem BlakeAthleticsRasheed BroadbellAthleticsJunelle BromfieldAthleticsJaneek BrownAthleticsNiesha BurgherAthleticsLloydricia CameronAthleticsRajindra CampbellAthleticsRoshawn ClarkeAthleticsRushell ClaytonAthleticsTia ClaytonAthleticsAnthony CoxAthleticsFedrick DacresAthleticsLamara DistinAthleticsShashalee ForbesAthleticsShelly-Ann Fraser-PryceAthleticsTajay GayleAthleticsJehlani GordonAthleticsNatoya GouleAthleticsSamantha HallAthleticsReheem HaylesAthleticsJaydon HibbertAthleticsAndrew HudsonAthleticsJaheel HydeAthleticsShericka JacksonAthleticsMalik James-KingAthleticsJosh KirlewSwimmingAndrenette KnightAthleticsYona Knight-WisdomDivingBryan LevellAthleticsSabrina LynSwimmingTyler MasonAthleticsRusheen McDonaldAthleticsAshley McKenzieJudoCarey McLeodAthleticsStephenie Ann McPhersonAthleticsRalford MullingsAthleticsKemba NelsonAthleticsAckera NugentAthleticsHansle ParchmentAthleticsWayne PinnockAthleticsChanice PorterAthleticsJevaughn PowellAthleticsNickisha PryceAthleticsAlana ReidAthleticsShanieka RickettsAthleticsJanieve RussellAthleticsShiann SalmonAthleticsJordan ScottAthleticsOblique SevilleAthleticsTraves SmikleAthleticsAckelia SmithAthleticsRoje StonaAthleticsMegan TapperAthleticsLanae-Tava ThomasAthleticsDanniel Thomas-DoddAthleticsKishane ThompsonAthleticsAdelle TraceyAthleticsJelani WalkerAthleticsDeandre WatkinAthleticsAshley WilliamsAthleticsDanielle WilliamsAthleticsKimberly WilliamsAthleticsStacey Ann WilliamsAthleticsAssinie WilsonAthleticsCharokee YoungAthleticsPuerto RicoBrian AfanadorTable TennisJose AlvaradoBasketballJacqueline BenitezBasketballJasmine Camacho-QuinnAthleticsRafael CamposGolfLuis CastroAthleticsGian ClavellBasketballGrace ClaxtonAthleticsGeorge Conditt IVBasketballDarian CruzWrestlingRachelle de OrbetaAthleticsAdriana DiazTable TennisPedro FernandezSailingAleem FordBasketballAdrian GandiaJudoAli GibsonBasketballDaniel GonzalezTable TennisArella GuirantesBasketballMya HollingshedBasketballJordan HowardBasketballBrianna JonesBasketballJuanma LopezBoxingAshleyann LozadaBoxingTayra MelendezBasketballYarimar MercadoShootingYeziel MoralesSwimmingChristopher OrtizBasketballAyden Owens-DelermeAthleticsIndia PaganBasketballMaria PerezJudoMariah PerezBasketballIsaiah PineiroBasketballSteven PineiroSkateboardingIsalys QuinonesBasketballEthan RamosWrestlingDavon ReedBasketballAlondra RiveraArcherySebastian RiveraWrestlingSofia RomaBasketballKristen RomanoSwimmingIsmael RomeroBasketballPamela RosadoBasketballTrinity San AntonioBasketballGabby ScottAthleticsJonovan SmithWrestlingStephen Thompson Jr.BasketballArnaldo ToroBasketballGladymar TorresAthleticsJerome VegaAthleticsMaycey VietaDivingTremont WatersBasketballSaint Kitts & NevisZahria Allers-LiburdAthleticsNaquille HarrisAthleticsTroy NisbettSwimmingSaint LuciaJulien AlfredAthleticsLuc ChevrierSailingMichael JosephAthleticsJayhan Jamaud Odlum-SmithSwimmingSaint VincentKennice GreeneSwimming& the GrenadinesAlex JoachimSwimmingShafiqua MaloneyAthleticsHandal RobanAthleticsSurinameKaelyn DjopartoSwimmingIrvin HoostSwimmingJalen LisseAthleticsSoren OptiBadmintonJair Tjon En FaCycling TrackTrinidad & TobagoPortious WarrenAthleticsKeshorn WalcottAthleticsJereem RichardsAthleticsRenny QuowAthleticsNicholas PaulCycling TrackShakeem McKayAthleticsJaden MarchanAthleticsAkilah LewisAthleticsElijah JosephAthleticsSole FrederickAthleticsSanaa FrederickAthleticsZuri FergusonSwimmingDylan CarterSwimmingKwesi BrowneCycling TrackLeah BertrandAthleticsDevin AugustineAthleticsMichelle-Lee AhyeAthleticsUS Virgin IslandsNicholas D’AmourArcheryEduardo GarciaAthleticsNatalia KuipersSwimmingKruz SchembriFencingMaximillian WilsonSwimming

Adriana Diaz of Team Puerto Rico in action during the training session ahead of Paris 2024 Olympic Games on July 21, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)

Guyana Calls For Immediate Ceasefire In Gaza Conflict

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News Americas, New York, NY, July 23, 2024: Guyana has urgently called for an immediate ceasefire in the ongoing Gaza conflict and emphasized the need to prioritize the protection of civilians. Her comments come as the Gaza death toll neared 40,000, according to the Hamas Health Ministry and another 84 were killed and 329 wounded throughout the Gaza Strip today, as Israeli forces launch a new ground invasion in southern city of Khan Younis.

Relatives of Palestinians, who lost their lives following the Israeli attack on Khan Yunis, mourn as dead bodies are taken from the morgue at Nasser Hospital for burial in Khan Yunis, Gaza on July 23, 2024. (Photo by Abed Rahim Khatib/Anadolu via Getty Images)

“Mr. President, the silence has been deafening on a possible solution to end the war in Gaza. Guyana had hoped that with the adoption of resolution 2735 five weeks ago, supporting the efforts of the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, that the bombs and bullets that continue to rain down on Gaza would have been silenced,” Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett stated at the UN Security Council.

She commended the efforts of the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, stressing the importance of maintaining optimism. “We remind that it is the responsibility of this Council to continue to do all in its power to bring an end to this war,” the Guyanese diplomat said, noting the worsening multilayered catastrophe in Palestine.

“The dimensions of this catastrophe stretch across every facet of Palestinian life, both in the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Its principal characteristics are oppression and repression, indignity and impunity, destruction, deprivation, and death,” Rodrigues-Birkett elaborated.

She highlighted that Palestinians, despite their immense suffering, look to the United Nations for an end to their plight. “Guyana’s appeal is for a collective mustering of political will, to advance the peace process, and to give the Palestinian people real hope of a secure and stable future. This is the only prospect which can equally secure a stable future for Israel and the Middle East,” she added.

The ambassador condemned Israel’s “barbaric war” on Gaza, which she said has resulted in a severely mutilated population. She stated that the death toll is nearing 40,000, with the majority being women and children. “What really is life in the Gaza Strip? Bombs, starvation, inadequate healthcare, and essential goods and services have seen the civilian population robbed of everything necessary for their survival,” she lamented.

Rodrigues-Birkett criticized the impediments to humanitarian aid, noting that despite the Kerem Shalom/Karam Abu Salem crossing being “open,” only a trickle of aid has entered due to active combat zones. She emphasized that the ongoing bombardment and breakdown of law and order in Gaza exacerbate the humanitarian crisis.

She condemned the attacks on key civilian infrastructure, including healthcare facilities and schools, and called for an end to the violence. “What red lines are there that allow for the continuous killing of women and children, and the bombing of schools, refugee camps, and hospitals? Guyana condemns this wanton violence in the strongest terms,” Rodrigues-Birkett said.

Guyana is also demanding that UN member states uphold their duty to ensure international law obligations are met, particularly international humanitarian law. She noted the escalation of attacks against UN facilities and personnel, especially those of UNRWA, and called for their protection.

“We also call for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and Palestinians detained without trial in Israeli prisons. We urge adherence to the various resolutions of this Council,” she said, stressing the need for increased humanitarian assistance into Gaza.

Rodrigues-Birkett underlined the obligation of Israel as the occupying power to ensure access to humanitarian relief and echoed the demands of the International Court of Justice.

The Caribbean diplomat also called for actions to reduce tensions in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and to mitigate the violence between Palestinians and Israelis. She urged good faith efforts to reduce regional tensions. A 16-year-old girl and a 50-year-old woman are among the dead in an Israeli incursion into the Tulkarem refugee camp, adding to the Gaza death toll.

Jamaica Senior Officer Killed By Businessman

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News Americas, New York, NY, July 23, 2024: National Security Minister Dr. Horace Chang has described the death of a senior police officer as a “tragic and very traumatic situation.” The incident occurred on Monday night when a man being escorted from a court grabbed a policeman’s gun and shot the officer before turning the firearm on himself.

Jamaica National Security Minister Dr. Horace Chang looks on as Senior Superintendent of Police Stephanie Lindsay speaks to reporters (Jamaica Observer newspaper photo)

The tragic event took place at the Half-Way-Tree Police Station in St Andrew, on the outskirts of the capital. Detective Sergeant Kevin Mayne, 47, was identified as the deceased officer, and the businessman involved was identified as Deon Singh.

“Happening on the compound of the police station makes it a very bizarre incident and, certainly, it is traumatic. He was at work. When police officers go on operations, you can wrap your head around the fact that something can happen and a police officer could get shot, but to be shot on property while conducting routine activities is very, very traumatic and bizarre,” Chang told reporters.

Chang emphasized the need for support and understanding for the police, noting that Detective Sergeant Mayne was a capable and hardworking officer in the Criminal Investigations Branch.

Senior Superintendent of Police Stephanie Lindsay, head of the Corporate Communications Unit of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), provided further details. She explained that Singh was not handcuffed while being transported from the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court, which is adjacent to the police station. Singh was in court on multiple charges of fraudulent conversion related to the sale of motor vehicles.

“When transporting prisoners, they are usually handcuffed. He was not handcuffed, and the investigation will probably provide more information. It is too early to say if there will be changes to operations. We have to do the investigation and then, based on the findings, we can start making decisions and recommendations,” Lindsay told reporters.

Singh had been offered bail after a fresh report had come to the detective at court. The detective was in the process of continuing the investigation by taking Singh to his office when the incident occurred.

“We just know that he attacked, disarmed, and shot the detective sergeant. There were no other injuries reported,” Lindsay said in response to questions about the involvement of Singh’s wife in the fraudulent conversion charges.

During the journey from the court to his office, Singh attacked Detective Sergeant Mayne, leading to a tussle. Another policeman saw what was happening and intervened, but Singh managed to pull the firearm from Mayne and immediately opened fire. The detective sergeant was hit and later died.

Lindsay stated that colleagues of the fallen officer were going through a very emotional time and that the Independent Commission of Investigations had been informed of the situation.

US Announces $60 Million Aid Package To Haiti

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News Americas, New York, NY, July 23, 2024: The United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, announced on Monday a US$60 million humanitarian aid package to support the Haitian people and alleviate the suffering caused by gang war in Haiti.

Thomas-Greenfield, during her one-day visit to the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country, stated that the aid would be channeled through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

US Ambassador to the United Nation Linda Thomas-Greenfield (C) greets Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille as they gather for a group photo with the Transitional Presidential Council after a meeting at the Villa d’Accueil in Port-au-Prince, Haiti on July 22, 2024. (Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

This funding will enable USAID partners to address critical gaps in nutrition, food security, and shelter; improve water and sanitation services; provide market-based cash assistance to help affected communities purchase essential commodities; and support crucial protection services for Haiti’s most vulnerable populations, including survivors of gender-based violence.

Currently, an estimated 5.5 million people in Haiti require immediate humanitarian assistance amid a complex crisis fueled by civil unrest, disease, economic instability, and organized criminal groups. These factors, combined with recurring natural disasters like droughts, earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes, have led to shortages of basic supplies and increased food insecurity across the nation.

Ongoing violence has further restricted access to essential healthcare, causing several hospitals and clinics to close, disrupting supply chains, elevating prices for staple foods, and reducing agricultural production.

Washington noted that this new funding builds on previous commitments of more than US$105 million earlier this year, bringing the total USAID humanitarian support for Haiti this fiscal year to over US$165 million.

Last week, UN Women, the agency dedicated to gender equality, highlighted the unprecedented levels of insecurity and sexual violence faced by displaced women in Haiti. The instability in the country has led to a surge in sexual violence against women and girls as armed gangs continue their assaults on the population.

A new report by UN Women reveals the dire living conditions and lack of security faced by approximately 300,000 displaced women and girls amid ongoing political instability, escalating gang violence, and the threat of the current hurricane season.

Women and girls constitute more than half of the 580,000 displaced individuals in Haiti, and the UN Women Rapid Gender Assessment underscores how makeshift camps, which lack basic necessities, are putting them at particular risk of sexual and gender-based violence.

The survey was conducted in April in the six most populated and diverse displacement sites in the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince.

In addition, Thomas-Greenfield announced that the US Department of Defense would provide a “substantial increase” in the number of armored vehicles to the Kenyan-led, UN-backed multinational mission assisting the Haitian National Police (PNH) in combating widespread gang war in Haiti.