Jamaican Immigrant Deported To Eswatini Quietly Returned To Jamaica

/0 Comments/in /by

News Americas, KINGSTON, Jamaica, Tues. Sept. 23, 2025: Jamaican national Orville Etoria was deported to Eswatini by the Donald Trump administration. This week, Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith confirmed that Etoria was successfully repatriated to Jamaica.

Jamaican immigrant Orville Etoria was sent to Africa – not Jamaica. He was returned to Jamaica on Sept. 22, 2025.

He returned to the homeland he had left behind decades ago, on Monday, September 22nd, after weeks of sustained diplomatic engagement. The operation involved coordination between the Ministry’s headquarters, Jamaica’s High Commission in Pretoria – which is accredited to Eswatini, the Government of Eswatini, and the International Organization for Migration, (IOM).

“We are pleased to welcome home Mr. Etoria and we trust the Jamaican public understands and joins the Government in respecting his desire for a quiet return,” Minister Johnson Smith said in a statement. “This case is another example of the importance of international cooperation and the role of our diplomatic network in protecting the rights of Jamaicans overseas.”

Representatives of the Ministry of National Security, which oversees the return of deported nationals, were on hand to receive Etoria, who has requested privacy as he settles back into life in Jamaica.

From Deportation to Repatriation

Etoria’s case has been closely followed by immigration and US Diaspora advocates since July, when reports first surfaced that he was among a group deported from the United States and subsequently transferred to Eswatini. His detention there prompted the Jamaican government to remain in contact with him and his family, monitoring his welfare and negotiating his safe return.

Etoria migrated legally to the United States from Jamaica decades ago. In 1996, he was convicted of murder after fatally shooting a man in Brooklyn and was sentenced to 25 years to life. While serving his sentence, Etoria earned a bachelor’s degree and later, after release, began pursuing a master’s degree in divinity. He completed parole, worked at a men’s shelter, and, according to supporters, sought to rebuild his life.

For many observers, the case highlights the growing complexity of Jamaican migration. According to government figures, more than 1.3 million Jamaicans live outside the island, making consular assistance a critical service. Each year, hundreds of nationals face detention or deportation abroad, requiring Jamaica’s network of embassies and high commissions to intervene.

Jamaica’s Expanding Consular Role

In recent years, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade has stepped up its public messaging around consular services, urging Jamaicans travelling abroad to register with the nearest embassy or consulate and to seek assistance immediately if detained or facing legal difficulties.

“The wellbeing of Jamaicans overseas is a constant priority for the Government of Jamaica,” Minister Johnson Smith reiterated. “Our combined efforts – government, international partners, and our diplomatic network – ensured Mr. Etoria’s safe return.”

This latest case is one in a series of high-profile interventions. Jamaica has recently coordinated repatriations from as far away as Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and several African countries, often working with organizations like the IOM to provide humanitarian and logistical support.

Broader Implications

Etoria’s return also underscores the importance of bilateral and multilateral cooperation at a time when migration enforcement has become more aggressive globally. Deportation and detention cases involving Caribbean nationals have been on the rise, particularly in the United States, Canada and Europe.

Diplomats argue that protecting citizens abroad is not just a humanitarian issue but also a matter of national security and public confidence.

The Ministry is again reminding nationals that consular assistance is available worldwide. Jamaicans facing distress abroad can contact the nearest embassy or high commission, or email consular@mfaft.gov.jm for guidance.

As for Etoria, his story may soon fade from headlines, but it stands as a reminder of the importance of robust diplomatic networks — and of a government’s duty of care to its people, no matter where they may be.

Dominique Le Gendre’s ‘Portraits For Guitar’ Bridges Caribbean Roots And Classical Music

/0 Comments/in /by

By Giselle Hudson

News Americas, PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad, Tues. Sept. 23, 2025: Some lives unfold like a quiet melody. Trinidad and Tobago-born, UK-based composer and guitarist Dominique Le Gendre’s life is an entire score – motifs layered and revisited, rhythms from Port of Spain to Paris to London, harmonies that refuse to resolve because the conversation is never over.

“Music has been mapping a very, very clear route through life and how to express being alive. The music is the heart, the blood, the oxygen.”

A Childhood Scored in Song

Dominique Le-Gendre (Jimmy Irwin image)

Dominique’s earliest classrooms were living rooms alive with music. Saturdays often meant sitting under Auntie Olive Walke’s piano as La Petite Musicale – the beloved choir Olive founded – rehearsed folk and sacred songs from across the Caribbean. Those rehearsals spilled beyond notes and lyrics; they taught children like Dominique that music could be worship and storytelling, culture and connective tissue. Olive even slipped Dominique and her sister into La Petite’s Christmas shows at Queen’s Hall, giving them an early taste of stagecraft and the quiet discipline behind beauty.

Family gatherings were their own concerts. Uncle John Henderson, armed with his beloved cuatro, filled the air with parang and old-time calypso. Her parents’ love of classical records added a European counterpoint, while two older brothers opened doors to the wider world—Jimi Hendrix, Mongo Santamaria, Miles Davis – stacked on the family turntable. Evenings in Port of Spain carried the soundscape further: distant drums and late-night steelpan rehearsals drifting through the neighborhood air, an atmosphere that seeped naturally into her musical imagination.

By nine, Dominique had a guitar in her hands. By ten she was the youngest member of the Assumption Church folk choir, stepping in with just three chords and a brave heart. Within weeks she was accompanying hymns with ease; before long, she and her sister were playing weddings, funerals and christenings all over the city.

“It was like living in a pan yard. Everyone belonged, everyone had something to contribute. That philosophy of the pan yard—collective creation, shared ownership – has never left me,” reminisces Dominique.

The pan yard – where music is learned by ear, where arrangements live in memory and every player can switch parts – became the blueprint for her life. It is still the metaphor she returns to: music as community, collaboration as artistry.

Becoming – And Always Belonging

That Trinidadian foundation carried her outward. Dominique trained as a classical guitarist in Paris with Ramón de Herrera, studied harmony with Yvonne Desportes and music analysis with Christian Accaoui. In London she built a career composing for theatre, dance, film and radio drama; she wrote music for all thirty-eight of Shakespeare’s plays and became an Associate Artist of the Royal Opera House.

Yet, the heart of her practice never shifted. The work that nourished her most echoed the collaborative spirit of her Caribbean beginnings: theatre ensembles and radio studios where writers, actors and composers built something together in real time.

“When I’m fully invested in a project, that’s home. The place doesn’t matter as much as the work and the people,” she noted.

Portraits for Guitar — A Homecoming and a Question

After decades of creating for others, Dominique has returned to the instrument that started it all. “In over fifty-six years of being with the guitar, this is the first time I’m sitting to write pieces just for the guitar,” she disclosed.

Her new album, Portraits for Guitar, is both statement and question. It asks, ‘What does Caribbean classical music sound like? Does this touch you? Is this part of you?’

The project gathers six original sketches for solo guitar and two suites of her own alongside music by Cuban composers Flores Chaviano and Walfrido Domínguez and British composer Stephen Goss. Performed with virtuoso Ahmed Dickinson, the works form what Dominique calls “a conversation of guitars”—Caribbean, Latin and European voices meeting on the same page.

Here her philosophy meets a wider conversation. In a recent essay for The Atlantic, composer Matthew Aucoin argued that classical music isn’t defined by a European sound or era at all but by writing – the act of putting music on paper so it can live again in each new performance. For Aucoin, notation is the connective tissue across centuries, the way ideas travel beyond the composer’s lifetime.

Dominique embodies that idea. For her, a score is another kind of pan yard: a living archive where knowledge is shared and reshaped. When she writes these guitar portraits, she isn’t just recording an album; she’s creating a written conversation that future guitarists can inhabit and transform.

“When I’m composing I can feel an urge to rush ahead—to reach the ending,” she says. “But with this music I have to let each section unfold in its own time. Getting to the end isn’t the goal; the discovery inside the process is.”

The process is as deliberate as the music. Recording will take place over four days in a resonant church outside London, followed by editing, mastering and the subtle sound-sculpting of a classical producer. The label will handle licensing, design, distribution, reviews and radio submissions. The release is planned for September 2026, allowing the music to breathe and find its listeners.

In this light, Portraits for Guitar becomes more than a beautiful album. It is Dominique’s way of expanding what classical music can mean – a Caribbean imagination inscribed in notation, ready for anyone, anywhere, to discover and play forward.

SongMaps Rye – Art as Quiet Climate Action

While the guitar draws Dominique inward, SongMaps Rye sends her outward. This multi-year project unfolds in a small English coastal town already on the front line of rising seas. Working with scientists, poets, circus artists and residents, she and her team use music, poetry and environmental science to help people see, feel and act.

“Councils have decided which towns will be sacrificed, but they haven’t told the people. We’re not making activists – we’re giving people the information, tools and creativity to ask the questions that need to be asked and to make demands,” she said.

Workshops are free by design. Young people write and podcast about their world. Families learn gardening and stilt-walking. Local experts lead river walks and bird-identification sessions. The goal is empowerment and resilience.

“Otherwise, it remains an elite activity. These activities are too important. It’s about making the future possible for people for whom hope is disappearing,” Dominique noted.

Here the pan yard philosophy finds new life: collective creativity as resilience, a community orchestra of scientists, elders and children writing their own survival score.

Hope as an Unfinished Sound

When I ask what hope sounds like, Dominique pauses, then smiles. “My compositions sound as if they’re never finished. The end is always hanging in the air. That is what hope is – his conversation isn’t over.” For her, openness is legacy: creating opportunities for others, fostering a spirit of collaboration and listening that outlives any single piece of music.

Be Part of the Music

Dominique’s Portraits for Guitar campaign is live now. Your contribution directly supports the recording – studio time, mastering, producer, guest artists, and the quiet, painstaking work that turns new music into a lasting document.

Supporters can choose from beautifully crafted perks: early digital access, signed CDs and scores, private lessons, even Executive Producer credits and intimate house concerts. More than a CD, your gift helps safeguard a living Caribbean classical tradition and ensures that Dominique’s lifelong map of music continues to chart new territory.

Click HERE to join the journey and make a gift today

Dominique Le Gendre: child of La Petite Musicale and Auntie Olive’s living-room rehearsals, niece of Uncle John and his parang cuatro, composer of unfinished endings, keeper of memory, builder of resilience. Her music reminds us that hope is a melody still unfolding – one we can all help play.

U.S., Kenya Push For Stronger UN-Backed Gang Suppression Force In Haiti As Two Ex-Officials Sanctioned

/0 Comments/in /by

By News Americas Staff

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. Sept. 22, 2025: The United States and Kenya are intensifying calls for global action on Haiti’s security crisis, urging the United Nations to approve a new Gang Suppression Force, (GSF) and support office before the current Multinational Security Support (MSS), mandate expires on October 2, 2025.

Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and Kenyan President William Ruto led a high-level meeting on Haiti during the UN General Assembly’s High-Level Week today, rallying more than 30 nations to back a proposed UN resolution that would dramatically scale up international security operations.

People attend funeral ceremony of four Haitian police officers, two of them killed by armed gangs in Kenscoff, and the two SWAT officers by a drone kamikaze explodes on the SWAT base in Kenscoff, at the National Police Academy in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on September 06, 2025. (Photo by Guerinault Louis/Anadolu via Getty Images)

If adopted, the resolution would establish a UN Support Office for Haiti, (UNSOH) and authorize a GSF with more than 5,500 personnel — five times the size of the current MSS mission. The force would operate under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, empowering it to target gang networks, secure key infrastructure, and restore territorial control to the Haitian state.

“This is Haiti’s hour of need,” Landau said, warning that gangs continue to terrorize Port-au-Prince, extort communities, and recruit children. He stressed that while Haiti must ultimately lead its own recovery, the international community cannot allow the mission to run out of time or resources.

“Our proposed resolution would address Haiti’s immediate security challenges, but we must also not ignore the long-term recovery of Haiti,” he added. “The era of impunity is over for individuals promoting violence and undermining the country’s stability and governance. The United States has already taken decisive action to support restoring democratic governance, but we are not done. We welcome others to join these efforts.”

Sanctions on Former Haitian Officials

In a parallel move aimed at ending impunity, the U.S. State Department announced public designations against two former Haitian lawmakers – Arnel Belizaire, a former member of the Haitian Chamber of Deputies, and Antonio Chéramy, a former senator.

Both men, according to the Department of State, abused their positions by interfering with public processes, further destabilizing Haiti’s fragile democratic institutions. The designations bar them and their immediate family members from entering the United States.

Washington said these steps are part of a wider effort to hold corrupt actors accountable while supporting Haiti’s path back to elected governance.

Regional & Global Support Building

All 32 member states of the Organization of American States (OAS) have signed a joint statement backing the call for the GSF and UNSOH. The United States and Panama introduced the Security Council resolution, which still faces potential opposition from some members but enjoys what Landau described as “overwhelming support.”

Kenya, which has led the MSS mission since its launch, has been praised for its contributions and sacrifices, including the loss of three Kenyan personnel in Haiti.

Urgency For Action

Security experts warn that without immediate reinforcement, Haiti risks further descent into lawlessness that could destabilize the wider Caribbean region.

“The time for action is now,” Landau told delegates. “The people of Haiti cannot wait.”

The U.S. is also calling on other UN member states to step up funding and resources, saying Washington cannot shoulder the financial burden alone. Between April 1 and June 30, 2025, at least 1,520 people were killed and 609 injured in armed violence, primarily in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area, followed by Artibonite and Centre. In addition, there were at least 185 kidnappings and 628 victims of sexual violence, UN data days. So far this year, some 50 cops have been murdered.

You May also Like: From Silos To Solidarity: Why Guyana’s Rice Surplus Should Feed Haiti’s Crisis

Guyana Greenlights Seventh Offshore Oil Project

/0 Comments/in /by

By NAN Business Editor

News Americas, GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Mon. Sept. 22, 2025: Guyana has taken another decisive step in its transformation into a global energy player, approving the Hammerhead Field Development Plan (FDP) and granting the much-anticipated Hammerhead Petroleum Production Licence, (PPL).

Hammerhead becomes the seventh sanctioned offshore project in the Stabroek Block, which is operated by ExxonMobil Guyana Limited alongside partners Hess Corporation and CNOOC. Discovered in 2018, the Hammerhead reservoir sits in the block’s southwestern quadrant and is now cleared for a massive US$6.8 billion development.

Raising the Bar on Standards

The Ministry of Natural Resources emphasized that the Hammerhead licence features enhanced safeguards, including full alignment with the new Oil Pollution Prevention, Preparedness, Response and Responsibility Act 2025. The licence also strengthens oversight on production levels, introduces stricter conditions on off-specification fluid discharges, and commits to transferring associated gas to Guyana’s Gas-to-Energy pipeline network.

Officials say these measures reflect the government’s commitment to responsible resource development while ensuring that energy growth also benefits the local economy and supports sustainability goals.

Big Numbers, Big Impact

Hammerhead will produce through a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) conversion-type Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessel built by Japanese firm MODEC. The project is expected to deliver 445 million barrels of oil over its lifetime, with a peak capacity of 150,000 barrels of oil per day (bopd). First oil is anticipated by 2029, which would push Guyana’s total production capacity to roughly 1.5 million bopd by mid-2029, cementing its position among the world’s fastest-growing oil producers.

Beyond output, the project is projected to boost energy security, create new jobs, and drive industrial growth as part of Guyana’s long-term national development strategy.

ExxonMobil Commits

ExxonMobil confirmed it had reached its final investment decision following regulatory approval. “We continue to set a new standard in Guyana, advancing an impressive seventh project just 10 years after first discovery,” said Dan Ammann, President of ExxonMobil Upstream Company. “Together with the government and people of Guyana, we are building a thriving oil-and-gas industry that is creating jobs, supplier opportunities, profits, and follow-on investments.”

The oil major highlighted that its total commitment for Guyana’s seven approved projects now exceeds US$60 billion. More than US$7.8 billion has already flowed into Guyana’s Natural Resource Fund since production began in 2019, and ExxonMobil reports that about 70 percent of the Stabroek block workforce — roughly 6,200 people — are Guyanese.

Future Growth

ExxonMobil is currently producing about 650,000 bopd from the block. With the recent startup of its fourth FPSO, ONE GUYANA, production is on track to exceed 900,000 bopd by year’s end. Construction continues on the fifth and sixth projects — Uaru and Whiptail — with first oil expected in 2026 and 2027 respectively.

Hammerhead’s approval signals that Guyana’s oil boom is far from over — and that the small South American, CARICOM nation is firmly on its way to becoming a heavyweight in the global energy market.

Exciting New Hotels Are Powering A Caribbean Tourism and Investment Boom

/0 Comments/in /by

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Sun. Sept. 21, 2025: From Guyana to Exuma, Antigua to Punta Cana, a new wave of new hotels are redefining the Caribbean’s hospitality sector — and investors are taking notice. Backed by both local entrepreneurs and global brands, these projects highlight the region’s resilience, increasing demand for premium travel, and strategic efforts to diversify beyond traditional tourism models.

Guyana: Courtyard by Marriott Opens First Airport Hotel

Guyana’s growing profile as an investment hub received a significant boost in late August with the opening of Courtyard by Marriott, the nation’s first international airport hotel. Located just steps from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, (CJIA), the six-story, US$20 million property features 150 rooms — including five executive suites — and offers employment to approximately 100 Guyanese.

President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, who commissioned the property, described it as a symbol of confidence in the country’s future. “Tourism must become one of the strong, sustainable pillars that balance our development and secure our future,” the president stated. His government is positioning tourism as a major economic pillar alongside oil and gas, backed by targeted infrastructure investments.

The hotel was built by local firm Cardinal Investments Inc., with 99% Guyanese staff. Its opening aligns with Guyana’s broader strategy to host international events, expand airport capacity, and attract a new class of transit and business travelers.

Bahamas: Rosewood Exuma Breaks Ground on Private Island Retreat

In the Bahamas, Miami-based developer Yntegra Group broke ground on Rosewood Exuma, a high-end wellness-focused resort on East Sampson Cay. Slated for a 2028 opening, the development will feature 33 beachfront bungalows, two marinas, a 20,000-square-foot wellness center, and several restaurants.

Half of the 124-acre site will remain untouched to preserve its natural beauty. The project is expected to generate 533 full-time jobs annually and contribute $1.6 billion in long-term economic impact. The development also includes a nursery to grow 14,000 native trees and aims for LEED® and FitWel® certifications.

Bahamas Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper lauded the project’s commitment to environmental balance and community upliftment. Developer Felipe MacLean emphasized dual priorities: empowering locals and setting a global standard for sustainable luxury.

Dominican Republic: Hyatt Expands With Secrets Macao Beach

Hyatt Hotels is doubling down on the Dominican Republic with the announcement of Secrets Macao Beach Punta Cana, a 406-room, adults-only, all-inclusive resort opening in 2026. The development expands Hyatt’s “Inclusive Collection” and includes nine restaurants, three pools, Preferred Club services, and access to the neighboring Dreams Macao Beach resort.

The property, being developed with GSM Investissements Dominicana S.R.L., reflects Hyatt’s Caribbean strategy — targeting high-end travelers seeking exclusive, beachfront experiences. The company currently operates 50+ properties in the region with plans for further expansion.

U.S. Virgin Islands: Hilton Debuts Hampton by Hilton St. Thomas

In a major brand debut, Hilton has opened its first Hampton by Hilton in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The 126-room hotel, located across from Havensight Mall and overlooking Long Bay in St. Thomas, is designed for both business and leisure travelers.

Developed by Haven Development and managed by Hotel Equities, the property includes a full-service bar, 2,000-square-foot pool deck, and modern interiors in shades of Caribbean blue. The project reflects a commitment to local philanthropy and education, with donations pledged to the Virgin Islands Department of Education and charitable organizations.

Antigua: Hammock Cove Adds Signature Villas & Cultural Programming

Hammock Cove Antigua, part of Elite Island Resorts, recently launched its Signature Villas—larger, more luxurious accommodations featuring oversized plunge pools, wet bars, and spacious living areas. The announcement is paired with new cultural programming, including a Scotch & Cognac Club, cigar socials, and artist exhibitions.

Resort General Manager Adrian Pickard noted the upgrades reflect a drive to “raise the standard of luxury in Antigua,” blending curated experiences with high-touch service in a boutique atmosphere.

A Boom With Staying Power

This new wave of Caribbean hotel development is more than a construction trend — it’s a reflection of shifting travel patterns, growing investor confidence in investing in the Caribbean, and increasing demand for regional, culturally aligned experiences. Whether through job creation, environmental stewardship, or product innovation, these properties are reshaping the region’s global brand — one hotel at a time.

Looking to invest in Caribbean real estate or hospitality? Connect with Invest Caribbean for access to private loan opportunities across the U.S., Caribbean & LATAM.

Skip Marley, Alaine, Sean Paul & More Deliver New Caribbean Music This New Music Friday

/0 Comments/in /by

By News Americas ET EDITOR

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Sept. 19, 2025: New Music Friday just got a Caribbean takeover. This week’s lineup brings an eclectic mix of reggae, dancehall, lovers rock, and soca-inspired sounds from some of the region’s most celebrated voices. From Skip Marley’s conscious anthem to Alaine’s breezy return and Sean Paul’s festival-ready collab, there’s something here to soundtrack your weekend — whether you’re ready to turn up or tune in.

Skip Marley – “In Our Sight”

Leading this week’s pack is GRAMMY® winner and reggae royalty Skip Marley, who unveiled the official video for his latest single “In Our Sight” via Tuff Gong International/Def Jam Recordings.

Filmed in Marley’s native Jamaica, the video is a cinematic call to action. Directed by Aka.Ruppi — known for his work with Masicka and Shenseea — it pairs Marley’s rousing lyrics with striking visuals of a new generation standing together in unity. “What I want people to take from this video? Strength,” Marley shared. “I want you to feel not defeated. I want you to feel like all things are possible through the powers of the Most High.”

Produced by Supa Dups (Black Chiney Sound), the track blends a classic reggae groove with a soaring chorus: “Side by side, victory’s in our sight / We gotta keep on believing…”

“In Our Sight” is already climbing major reggae playlists, earning praise from Billboard as one of its Reggae/Dancehall Fresh Picks of the Month. Marley also performed the song live on Apple Music’s Ebro Show, where host Ebro Darden praised the track’s powerful message.

LISTEN and Watch HERE

Alaine – “Summertime” (Feel It Riddim)

Next up, Jamaica’s queen of lovers rock, Alaine, delivers pure sunshine with her new single “Summertime.” Voiced over Protoje’s Feel It Riddim, the track is part of the reggae star’s latest project bringing together some of his favorite Caribbean artists.

Alaine’s velvety vocals are perfectly paired with the riddim’s laid-back vibe, making this a late-summer anthem that lingers well into fall. Released via Ineffable Records/In.Digg.Nation Collective, it’s a reminder of why Alaine has been a consistent force in reggae for more than two decades.

LISTEN HERE

Collie Buddz & Sean Paul – “On My Way Back Home (Remix)”

Two fan favorites – Bermudian reggae star Collie Buddz and Jamaican icon Sean Paul — join forces on the LionFace & JonFX remix of their classic “On My Way Back Home.” The 2025 refresh is faster, brighter, and made for live festival stages.

Collie Buddz just wrapped the third leg of his Spark Up Tour, while Sean Paul has a busy tour schedule ahead, with shows booked across Asia, the U.S., and the Middle East.

Listen to the remix now

Ras Fraser Jr. & Anthony B – “Most High Protect” (New Video)

Roots reggae stays strong thanks to a new visual for “Most High Protect.” Ras Fraser Jr. and Anthony B’s message of spiritual resilience is brought to life with coastal scenery and meditative imagery, urging listeners to stay grounded and focused on Jah’s path.

Niney the Observer – Self-Titled LP

At 80 years old, reggae legend Niney the Observer proves that creativity never retires. His self-titled LP – his first in more than two decades – blends originals like “Thank You for Coming” with reinterpretations of classics such as Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds and Ken Boothe’s Silver Words.

Featuring a dream team of Jamaican musicians – including Sly Dunbar, Dean Fraser, and Marcia Griffiths — the 14-track set is both a history lesson and a celebration of reggae’s future. Listen HERE

Tanto Metro & Devonte Drop ‘Model Up’

Dancehall legends Tanto Metro & Devonte are back with a bang, delivering the official visuals for their latest single, “Model Up”, featuring rising star YelloStone. The track blends the new Tanto Metro & Devonte’s style with YelloStone’s fresh energy, creating a dynamic collaboration that’s already turning heads.

Watch It HERE

On Repeat:

Rayvon & Sugar Bear – “She Just Wanna Party” – Party anthem produced by DJ Mac. Watch and listen HERE

Jadel Legere – “Another Man” – A soca-fusion track with infectious energy and soaring vocals. Listen HERE

This week’s New Music Friday proves the Caribbean remains a powerhouse of creativity, delivering songs that inspire, entertain, and keep the global reggae and dancehall movement alive. Whether you’re a roots purist, a dancehall fan, or a casual listener looking for weekend vibes, there’s a track here to put on repeat.

Safer Nicotine Alternatives Can Save Caribbean Lives – New Report

/0 Comments/in /by

News Americas, PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, September 18, 2025: International health experts are today urging Caribbean policymakers to embrace safer nicotine alternatives as a major new report reveals their life-saving potential worldwide.

The landmark study, The Safer Nicotine Revolution: Global Lessons, Healthier Futures, shows that smoke-free alternatives such as vapes and nicotine pouches are cutting smoking rates dramatically and producing measurable improvements in public health: fewer deaths, fewer cases of chronic disease and fewer years lost to disability.

Dr. Delon Human, a co-author of the report and leader of Smoke Free Sweden, said: “This ground-breaking research represents a substantial public health opportunity for the Caribbean, where more than one in five adults still smokes.

“By integrating safer nicotine alternatives like vapes and oral pouches into tobacco control strategies, Caribbean policymakers could prevent thousands of premature deaths, with their citizens as the eventual beneficiaries.”

The report, which comes ahead of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) conference (COP11) in Geneva in November, reveals:

Sweden has cut smoking to just 5.3%, the lowest in Europe, by making snus and nicotine pouches widely accessible. Swedish men now have 61% lower lung cancer rates than the EU average, and overall cancer deaths are a third lower. Without snus, smoking-related male mortality would have been 70% higher.

Japan has halved its cigarette sales since the introduction of heated tobacco products a decade ago. Smoking prevalence dropped from 21% to 16%, and health modelling suggests switching just half of smokers to heated tobacco could prevent 12 million cases of smoking-related disease.

The UK has integrated vaping into NHS quit-smoking services, with smoking rates falling from 20.2% in 2011 to 11.9% today. Real-world data already show declines in cardiovascular deaths, cancer mortality, COPD cases and smoking-related hospital admissions.

New Zealand halved its smoking rate in just six years after legalising and promoting vaping and heated tobacco, while vaping prevalence rose more than fourfold. Almost 80% of daily vapers are ex-smokers. COPD hospitalizations have fallen nearly 30% and smoking-related cardiovascular deaths are down 20%.

“These figures make one thing clear: safer nicotine alternatives are saving lives today,” said Dr. Human.

“COP11 is a moment of truth. If Parties adopt harm reduction within the framework of the FCTC, millions of lives could be saved worldwide. This report should be essential reading for every policymaker in Geneva.”

Amazon Opens First Caribbean Distribution Hub – What This Means For Regional Trade and Investment

/0 Comments/in /by

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Thurs. Sept. 18, 2025: Global e-commerce giant Amazon this month officially launched its first-ever Caribbean distribution hub in the Dominican Republic, marking a strategic turning point for regional logistics, investment, and digital commerce.

The inaugural cargo flight by Amazon Air touched down at Las Américas International Airport in Santo Domingo on September 2, 2025. Operated by 21 Air using Boeing 767-300 freighters, the new hub will see seven weekly cargo flights arriving from Miami, aiming to streamline trade, cut delivery times, and cement the Dominican Republic’s place as a regional e-commerce logistics powerhouse.

Beyond Borders: A Regional Game-Changer

While the hub is physically located in the DR, its purpose extends far beyond national borders. By positioning the country as a Caribbean-wide logistics center, Amazon is laying the groundwork for broader regional integration into global supply chains.

The Caribbean has long been hampered by fragmented logistics, high freight costs, and long delivery timelines. Amazon’s entry — even if currently cargo-focused — presents an opportunity to shift the narrative from isolation to integration.

Implications for Caribbean Governments and SMEs

For Caribbean governments, Amazon’s move is a wake-up call. While countries like the DR are leveraging trade zones and modernized customs to attract infrastructure investment, many neighbors lag behind. The hub could inspire new public-private partnerships, modernization of import/export regulations, and targeted investments in warehousing, cold storage, and inter-island shipping.

For Caribbean entrepreneurs and small businesses, the hub’s launch hints at future potential — including faster access to inventory, reduced cross-border shipping costs, and possibly smoother participation in Amazon’s seller ecosystem.

Not Prime Yet – But the Infrastructure Is Coming

It’s important to note that the current operation is focused strictly on logistics and cargo. Full-scale Amazon Prime delivery — including next-day or two-day shipping — is not yet live across the region. However, this hub significantly reduces dependency on U.S. transshipment ports, a bottleneck that has long plagued regional delivery.

For consumers in the region, the presence of Amazon Air could gradually improve shipping speeds and expand access to eligible Prime items, particularly in high-demand markets.

Strategic Timing Amid Global Shifts

Amazon’s expansion into the Caribbean comes as global companies look for nearshore alternatives to Asia-based logistics chains. The region’s proximity to the U.S., bilingual talent, and expanding trade infrastructure make it an attractive investment destination — if regional coordination can keep pace.

The Dominican Republic, already one of the region’s fastest-growing economies, now adds another badge: Caribbean logistics gateway. The challenge — and opportunity — is whether other nations will follow suit, compete, or collaborate.

Conclusion: Signal or Starting Point?

Amazon’s new hub isn’t just a milestone – it’s a message. The Caribbean is no longer just a vacation destination or offshore tax zone. It’s a rising logistics and e-commerce frontier. Whether the rest of the region can ride this momentum will depend on leadership, infrastructure investment, and bold policy choices.

Lenny Kravitz To Headline Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival

/0 Comments/in /by

News Americas, NASSAU, Bahamas, Wed. Sept. 17, 2025: The Bahamas is about to become the Caribbean’s culinary and cultural capital this October as The Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival returns for five days of food, art, music — and one unforgettable headline performance by US-born, Bahamaian roots star, Lenny Kravitz.

US singer-songwriter Lenny Kravitz, seen here speaks on stage during the MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, on September 7, 2025. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP) (Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)

From October 22–26, 2025, the iconic Baha Mar resort will transform into a playground for food lovers, art collectors, and music enthusiasts with world-class events designed to celebrate Bahamian and Caribbean creativity.

The festival kicks off Wednesday night with celebrity chef Daniel Boulud’s annual Truffle Dinner at Café Boulud, followed by the highly anticipated opening of FUZE Art Fair. FUZE will showcase more than 70 artists and 40 galleries from 14 countries, offering everything from contemporary paintings to immersive installations. Guests can take part in hands-on workshops such as straw craft, acrylic pouring, and more, making the art experience truly interactive.

The weekend’s crown jewel arrives on Friday night when Grammy-winning rocker Lenny Kravitz headlines the “Taste of Baha Mar” Welcome Party. Known for his deep Bahamian roots and home base on Eleuthera, Kravitz says performing in The Bahamas is always special.

“The Bahamas has always been my home, as well as heartfelt inspiration for my music,” Kravitz shared in a statement. “I’m humbled to join fellow Caribbean artists, creatives, and innovators for The Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival, and I look forward to sharing this experience with a community that means so much to me.”

The festival’s culinary programming will feature tastings and pop-ups from internationally renowned chefs, mixologists, and sommeliers, while the art fair will continue to celebrate Bahamian heritage with panel discussions, live demonstrations, and collector meet-ups.

With a perfect mix of high-end cuisine, culture, and entertainment, the Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival has quickly become a marquee event on the Caribbean’s cultural calendar, drawing visitors from across the globe.

Tickets and weekend passes are available now, with limited capacity for the Lenny Kravitz performance. Learn more at festival.bahamar.com.

CPL 2025 – Nicholas Pooran, Alex Hales Fire Trinbago Into Finals — Can This Be Their Redemption Run?

/0 Comments/in /by

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. Sept. 17, 2025: The Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) are back in business — and back in contention for their first Caribbean Premier League (CPL) title since 2020 — after a commanding nine-wicket win over the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons in Tuesday’s Eliminator at Providence Stadium, Guyana.

Usman Tariq (R) and Nicholas Pooran (L) of Trinbago Knight Riders celebrate the dismissal of Andries Gous of Antigua and Barbuda Falcons during the Men’s 2025 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League Eliminator, match 31 between Trinbago Knight Riders and Antigua and Barbuda Falcons at Guyana National Stadium on September 16, 2025 in Providence, Guyana. (Photo by Randy Brooks/CPL T20 via Getty Images)

Coming into the knockout fixture on a three-match losing streak, TKR’s form had been under heavy scrutiny. But Nicholas Pooran and Alex Hales produced a masterclass in controlled aggression, putting on an unbroken 143-run stand that powered the Knight Riders to victory with 15 balls to spare and sent a warning shot to the rest of the playoff field.

Falcons Falter After Strong Start

The Falcons, playing their first-ever CPL knockout match, appeared well-set to post a daunting total after a magnificent 108-run second-wicket partnership between Andries Gous (61 off 45) and Amir Jangoo (55 off 49). At 129-1 with four overs remaining, a score in excess of 180 looked likely.

But the innings unraveled spectacularly. Spinner Usman Tariq struck twice in quick succession, removing both set batters to trigger a collapse. The Falcons lost four wickets for just five runs in a 12-ball span, finishing on 161-8 — well short of what their position had promised.

Tariq finished with 2-19, while Saurabh Netravalkar (3-23) and Andre Russell (2-30) were clinical in the death overs, strangling the scoring and denying the Falcons a strong finish.

Pooran, Hales Seal It In Style

TKR’s reply was clinical. Although Colin Munro fell early for 14 to Rahkeem Cornwall, any hopes the Falcons had of a fightback quickly evaporated. Hales anchored the innings with a composed 54* from 40 deliveries, while Pooran unleashed his full range of strokeplay, blasting an unbeaten 90 from 53 balls.

Their partnership dismantled the Falcons’ bowling attack and ensured there was no repeat of TKR’s recent batting collapses. By the halfway stage of the chase, the result was already a formality, and the Knight Riders coasted home comfortably.

Momentum at the Right Time

This victory could prove to be a turning point for TKR, who looked in danger of crashing out early after a poor finish to the group stage. Snapping a three-match losing run in such emphatic fashion gives them renewed confidence as they look ahead to the next playoff clash against the loser of Qualifier 1 between the Guyana Amazon Warriors and Saint Lucia Kings.

TKR will need two more wins to capture their fifth CPL title — but with Pooran and Hales in sublime form and their bowling unit back to its best, they suddenly look like a team peaking at the perfect time.

For now, TKR fans can celebrate a performance that brought back memories of their dominant campaigns of the past — and keeps alive hopes of reclaiming CPL glory in 2025.

Scores

FALCONS 166-8 in 20 overs (Andries Gous 61, Amir Jangoo 55, Shakib Al Hasan 26 not out; Saurabh Netravalkar 3-23, Usman Tariq 2-19, Andre Russell 2-30).

KNIGHT RIDERS 168-1 in 17.3 overs (Nicholas Pooran 90 not out, Alex Hales 54 not out, Colin Munro 14).