Former West Indies Cricketer Sir Curtly Ambrose Awarded Honorary Doctorate

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News Americas, New York, NY, October 16, 2024: Legendary West Indies fast bowler Sir Curtly Elconn Lynwall Ambrose has added yet another accolade to his illustrious career, receiving an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from the University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus over the weekend.

Sir Curtly Ambrose was conferred an Honorary Doctorate of Laws by the University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus. (Photo courtesy CWI Media)

The 61-year-old Antiguan cricket icon was honored for his significant contributions not only to West Indies cricket but to the wider sporting and cultural landscape of the Caribbean.

Renowned for his towering height, discipline, and exceptional skill, Sir Curtly claimed 630 wickets for the West Indies between 1988 and 2000, cementing his place as one of the greatest fast bowlers in cricket history. His impact, both on and off the field, has left an enduring legacy in Caribbean sports.

Cricket West Indies President Dr. Kishore Shallow congratulated Sir Curtly on the achievement, calling it a “fitting tribute” to his extraordinary career and influence.

“On behalf of the entire West Indies cricket family, I extend our warmest congratulations to Sir Curtly Ambrose on this remarkable achievement,” Dr. Shallow said. “This Honorary Doctorate of Laws is a fitting recognition of his outstanding career and his broader contributions to society. Sir Curtly has been a true ambassador for our region, representing West Indian pride, discipline, and passion on the global cricket stage and beyond.”

Dr. Shallow also emphasized Sir Curtly’s lasting influence, noting, “He continues to inspire not only aspiring cricketers but all of us across the Caribbean. We celebrate this well-deserved honor and remain forever grateful for his indelible contributions to West Indies cricket and our region’s rich heritage.”

This latest honor further solidifies Sir Curtly Ambrose’s legacy as both a sporting legend and a cultural icon throughout the Caribbean.

Standing at 6 feet 7 inches, Ambrose’s height, combined with his pace and accuracy, made him a formidable force in cricket. He played 98 Test matches for the West Indies and was often ranked as the world’s best bowler during his career.

Initially more interested in basketball, Ambrose took up cricket later in life but quickly made an impact, debuting for the West Indies in 1988. Known for his devastating bowling spells, including taking 7 wickets for 1 run against Australia in 1993 and 6 for 24 against England in 1994, he became a match-winner for the team. Despite injuries in his later years, he continued to perform consistently until his retirement in 2000.

Ambrose was named a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1992 and later inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame. Post-retirement, he has pursued a career in music as a bass guitarist in a reggae band.

US Sanctions Surinamese Companies Over Alleged Iranian Oil Links

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News Americas, New York, NY, October 16, 2024: The United States has imposed sanctions on three Surinamese companies- Strong Roots Provider, Glazing Future Management, and Engen Management – due to their alleged trade links with the Iranian oil sector.

The sanctions, announced by Washington, come after the U.S. imposed measures on companies involved in Iran’s oil industry following the country’s attack on Israel on October 1, when approximately 180 missiles were fired at the Jewish state. Sanctions were also applied to companies in India, Malaysia, and Hong Kong for reportedly facilitating the sale and transport of Iranian oil.

These sanctions fall under the Stop Harboring Iranian Petroleum Act, part of the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2024. The law targets foreign individuals and companies involved in the trade of oil and petroleum products from Iran and was delegated to the U.S. Departments of the Treasury and State for enforcement.

Washington stated that the three Surinamese companies function as commercial managers, arranging the transport of Iranian oil.

Suriname’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Albert Ramdin, said the government is gathering information on the matter. He added that while Suriname supports a peaceful resolution to the Middle East conflict, it does not take a position on the U.S. sanctions imposed on Iran. Ramdin noted, “This is a matter for the United States of America,” and that the affected companies would need to seek legal recourse in the U.S. if the sanctions impact their operations.

Authorities in Suriname confirmed that the companies are registered locally, but have not been approached by the firms regarding the sanctions. Ramdin said the government is investigating the operations of these companies, which media reports indicate are involved in maritime transport using ships that do not operate in Suriname but conduct business internationally.

“We want to know exactly what kind of goods are being shipped, where they are coming from, and where they are going,” Ramdin stated, adding that Suriname is working with U.S. authorities to obtain more information.

U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen said Washington “will not hesitate to take further measures to hold Iran accountable,” while National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan emphasized that the new sanctions aim to deprive Iran of financial resources that support its missile programs and terrorist groups.

Vybz Kartel Tops Charts With New Single

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News Americas, New York, NY, Mon. Oct. 14, 2024: Jamaican dancehall icon Vybz Kartel is making waves on the music charts once again, 13 years after his release from prison. The artist, known for his pioneering influence in the genre, continues to prove his dominance with his latest releases.

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

Kartel’s single “Comets” has been a massive hit, garnering 6.2 million views in just four weeks and holding the number one spot on YouTube for 25 consecutive days. His recent collaboration with his son, Likkle Addi, on the track “Motm” (Man of the Match) is also climbing the charts, reaching 1.6 million views in just nine days and currently occupying the top position on YouTube.

This surge in popularity reaffirms Vybz Kartel’s reign in the dancehall world, with his enduring influence inspiring a new generation of fans and musicians. The artist’s return to the music scene after his 13-year legal battle is nothing short of triumphant.

Adding to his musical success, Kartel has signed on for three upcoming concerts in Jamaica, Guyana, and the Bahamas. The international scene is also buzzing, with the artist confirming a performance in Kenya in 2025. Kartel acknowledged his deep connection with his African fans, stating, “The people of Kenya consider me one of their own.” One Kenyan fan even expressed the excitement surrounding his performance, comparing his arrival to a monumental event, highlighting the immense love for the artist in Africa.

Kartel was released from prison on July 31 after the Jamaican Court of Appeal ruled that he and three co-accused would not face a retrial for their murder charges, closing a 13-year chapter of trials and convictions.

The global buzz surrounding Kartel has even caught the attention of international stars like Cardi B, who declared him her “all-time favorite artist” and expressed her desire to collaborate with him on “the perfect song.”

Genting Americas Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Fraud At Bahamas Resort

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News Americas, New York, NY, Mon. Oct. 14, 2024: A civil lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida today, Oct. 14th, accuses Genting’s U.S. arm, Genting Americas, of using Resorts World Bimini in the Bahamas as a “financial wasteland” to conceal fraudulent activities.

The lawsuit, filed by RAV Bahamas, alleges the resort has been used to artificially inflate profits and manipulate debt-to-equity ratios across Genting’s U.S. and international projects.

Resorts World Bimini, Bahamas

RAV Bahamas, owned by the Florida-based Capo family, initially purchased over 700 acres on North Bimini in the late 1990s with plans to create a bustling vacation destination. By 2011, they had developed Bimini Bay Resort, featuring villas, marinas, and recreational areas. In 2012, RAV partnered with Genting to expand the resort with a casino, forming a joint venture, BB Entertainment (BBE). RAV transferred 20 acres of land for the project, and Resorts World Bimini officially opened in 2013, boasting a 10,000-square-foot casino and a 305-room hotel.

However, RAV claims they have not received any profits from the venture, alleging that Genting Americas controls the finances and has burdened the company with over $885 million in debt. The lawsuit states that as of December 2022, BBE’s liabilities exceeded those of Genting Malaysia and its 150 subsidiaries combined. RAV accuses Genting of hiding the debt in consolidated statements through vague expense categories and obstructing their efforts to review financial records or conduct an independent audit.

The lawsuit further alleges that Genting’s complex corporate structure, with numerous subsidiaries, is designed to conceal financial improprieties. RAV is seeking $600 million in damages, claiming Genting’s actions have deliberately undermined their investment and ability to profit from the project.

Jamaican Olympian Junelle Bromfield Engaged To U.S. Sprinter Noah Lyles

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News Americas, New York, NY, Mon. Oct. 14, 2024: Jamaican Olympian Junelle Bromfield is officially engaged to U.S. sprinter Noah Lyles. The couple shared the happy news on social media over the weekend, with Bromfield posting a video of herself celebrating with friends and showing off her engagement ring.

Junelle-Bromfield, l with Lyles and r., lyles popping the question on Oct. 12, 2024. (Instagram image)

“ENGAGED,” Bromfield wrote on Instagram, capturing the joy of the moment.

Lyles, 27, also took to Instagram to announce the engagement, sharing a romantic video of the proposal, which took place on Saturday, Oct. 12. The U.S. sprinter, who won gold at the Paris Olympics, set the video to a cover of Bobby Caldwell’s classic song, “What You Won’t Do for Love.”

In the video, Lyles and Bromfield, 26, walk hand-in-hand through a candlelit house adorned with flowers, leading to a backyard where a heart made of pink roses and a neon sign reading “Will you marry me?” awaited. The touching moment concluded with Bromfield saying yes.

The pair first met on social media in 2017, but their initial date didn’t spark romance, leading them to remain friends. However, in 2022, they rekindled their relationship, and since then, they have been inseparable. Lyles shared on a podcast earlier this year that he envisions a lifetime together with Bromfield.

The couple made their relationship Instagram-official in December 2022 after attending the USATF Night of Legends event, where Lyles was named Male Athlete of the Year. Bromfield, a bronze medalist at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics for Jamaica, celebrated their first anniversary in August 2023 with a heartfelt message on Instagram.

Despite the joy, Bromfield has faced criticism from some Jamaicans for her relationship with the U.S. athlete, but the couple remain committed to each other and their future together.

Blue Diamond Resorts Wins Multiple Magellan Awards for Excellence in Luxury and Innovation

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News Americas, ST. MICHAEL, Barbados, Oct. 14, 2024: Blue Diamond Resorts is thrilled to announce its recognition with four prestigious Magellan Awards in 2024, presented by Travel Weekly. This year’s accolades – one Gold and three Silver distinctions – highlight the company’s commitment to redefining the all-inclusive experience through pioneering hospitality solutions, design excellence, and guest-centric innovations, including its newest adults-only properties that set new industry standards.

“We believe that every moment our guests spend with us should feel extraordinary, and these awards reflect our passion for crafting unforgettable experiences,” said Jordi Pelfort, President of Blue Diamond Resorts. “These recognitions are especially meaningful as they showcase the efforts we’ve made in continuously enhancing our offerings and elevating the guest experience. Our teams have excelled, particularly with our recent openings, where they’ve reinforced and expanded upon our unique concepts, ensuring they resonate deeply with our guests.”

The awards received by Blue Diamond Resorts include:

2024 Magellan Awards Gold:

Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun Convention Center, MICE Experience | Hospitality – Overall-Business/Conference Resort/Hotel.

2024 Magellan Awards Silver:

Royalton CHIC Antigua| Hospitality – Overall-New Resort/Hotel

Pescari Overwater Restaurant at Royalton CHIC Antigua | Hospitality Elements – Luxury (Five-Star)-Restaurant Design

Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters’ Chairman Beach Walkout Swim Out Suite | Hospitality Elements – Luxury (Five-Star)-Presidential Suite

Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort, earned top honors for its Convention Center, recognized for its exceptional MICE services and providing a sophisticated, state-of-the-art venue designed to cater to business and conference travelers seeking a premium experience in the Caribbean. Meanwhile, Royalton CHIC Antigua, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort – Adults Only, the newest addition to Blue Diamond Resorts’ portfolio, was celebrated as a dynamic entry in the luxury all-inclusive market, blending vibrant nightlife and serene relaxation through its ‘Party Your Way’ concept. The resort’s Pescari Overwater Restaurant, unique in the region, also captured attention for its breathtaking design and exclusive dining ambiance.

Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort – Adults Only, was recognized for its Chairman Beach Walkout Swim Out Suite, a pinnacle of luxury that offers direct beach access and curated amenities, setting a new benchmark for opulent guest experiences.

As the Magellan Awards celebrate excellence across the travel industry, Blue Diamond Resorts is proud to be recognized for its contributions and dedication to creating experiences that elevate each guest’s journey.

For more information on Blue Diamond Resorts and its award-winning properties, please visit bluediamondresorts.com.

About Blue Diamond Resorts

Blue Diamond Resorts encompasses over 80 properties, exceeding 20,000 rooms in eight countries located in the most popular holiday destinations in the Caribbean. Its nine leading hotel brands include the Award-winning, All-In Luxury® Royalton Luxury Resorts, where Everyone is Family. Whether guests come as friends, parents, kids, couples, weddings, corporate or incentive retreats, or solo travelers everyone is family in these properties that feature personalized services and signature amenities including All-In Connectivity, DreamBed, and the Sports Event Guarantee. To refocus on valued relationships and friendships, Hideaway at Royalton offers an adults-only experience with exclusive dining and preferred accommodations to enhance Togetherness among their guests. Party Your Way at Royalton CHIC Resorts, an adults-only vibrant and effervescent all-inclusive brand to revel in the unexpected. Mystique by Royalton is Miles from Ordinary, offering their visitors the chance to connect with their surroundings in a boutique-style resort collection full of endless beauty and hip vibes. In Jamaica, Grand Lido Negril offers guests over the age of 21, a unique and all-inclusive Au Naturel vacation along with a secluded shore for the utmost privacy. Memories Resorts & Spa offers a vacation designed whether you´re planning a family vacation, reuniting with friends, or just have a relaxing moment with your significant other, while Starfish Resorts provides amazing value, breathtaking surroundings, and rich culture and heritage. Planet Hollywood Hotels & Resorts invites guests to Vacation Like A Star with an engaging and interactive experience, plus famous pop culture items from iconic movies, music, and sports while you will Dodge the Paparazzi at Planet Hollywood Adult Scene where your adults-only vacation will be the center of fascination and attention with glam and exclusivity.

To learn more about Blue Diamond Resorts, please visit www.bluediamondresorts.com.

Guyana Unveils Cash Grant And Free University Tuition As Part Of Major Economic Boosts

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News Americas, New York, NY, Oct. 11, 2024: Guyanese households are set to receive a significant economic boost through several new initiatives announced by Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali, including a cash grant of nearly USD 1,000 and free university tuition starting in 2025.

Guyana President Irfaan Ali making the announcement. (DPI image)

Speaking at a special session of the National Assembly held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in Liliendaal on Thursday, October 10, Ali outlined the government’s plan to support every Guyanese household with a one-time cash grant of GY$200,000 (approximately USD 1,000). This includes tenants and “legitimate households” but excludes foreign nationals.

Ali also announced the return of free university tuition at the University of Guyana beginning in January 2025. This move is aimed at making higher education more accessible to all Guyanese citizens, helping to build a more educated workforce to meet the country’s growing economic demands.

In addition, Ali revealed that by the end of 2025, no public sector worker will earn less than GY$100,000 (USD 480) per month, ensuring wage improvements for thousands of workers. Families with children will also benefit from a GY$10,000 universal health care voucher for every citizen and a USD 50 per child income tax allowance, providing much-needed support to parents.

As part of efforts to enhance the country’s social security framework, Ali announced a GY$10 billion one-time injection into the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) to assist those facing challenges in receiving their entitled benefits.

On the energy front, the president vowed to cut electricity costs by 50% before the end of 2025, addressing a long-standing issue in a country where power outages are frequent.

Highlighting the nation’s digital transformation, Ali noted that Guyana has already emerged as a regional leader in rolling out 5G technology and laying fiber optic cables nationwide. The government also plans to establish a ‘Guyana Digital School’ to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into the country’s economy, part of a broader push for digital modernization.

These sweeping measures are designed to ensure that every Guyanese citizen benefits from the country’s rapid economic growth, driven largely by the burgeoning oil and gas sector.

Caribbean-Born Judge Delays Release Of Evidence In Trump January 6 Case

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News Americas, New York, NY, Oct. 11, 2024: Caribbean-born US District Judge Tanya Chutkan, who is presiding over the federal January 6, 2021, criminal case against former President Donald Trump, has delayed the release of evidence exhibits, giving Trump’s legal team additional time to evaluate potential legal actions.

Caribbean immigrant Judge Tanya Chutkan

The exhibits, tied to Special Counsel Jack Smith’s ongoing prosecution, contain key pieces of evidence that Smith is using to argue that Trump is not immune from prosecution for his alleged role in attempting to subvert the results of the 2020 presidential election. Trump’s legal team has strongly opposed the release of these heavily redacted exhibits, arguing that disclosing them during the 2024 election cycle would be inappropriate.

In a court filing on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, Trump’s lawyers criticized the special counsel’s approach, stating, “There should be no further disclosures at this time of the so-called ‘evidence’ that the Special Counsel’s Office has unlawfully cherry-picked and mischaracterized—during early voting in the 2024 Presidential election—in connection with an improper Presidential immunity filing that has no basis in criminal procedure or judicial precedent.”

Judge Chutkan has agreed to the redactions proposed by prosecutors but paused her ruling on the release of the exhibits to give Trump time to consider legal options. The former president’s team requested this delay, citing the need to evaluate the redacted materials and prepare an appropriate response.

The decision comes after Smith’s office filed a 165-page brief outlining their case against Trump, which detailed significant aspects of their investigation, including grand jury testimony and FBI interview notes. The special counsel’s team previously indicated that many of the exhibits contain sensitive materials that have not been made public, and have taken further steps to ensure that even previously public information, such as the identities of individuals targeted in Trump’s tweets, remains confidential to protect witnesses from potential threats or harassment.

Judge Chutkan, originally from Jamaica, has become a central figure in the legal proceedings against Trump. She is also weighing how Smith’s arguments will hold up in light of a recent Supreme Court ruling that presidents have some degree of immunity for actions taken in their official capacity. However, Smith’s team contends that Trump’s conduct related to election subversion falls outside the scope of this immunity.

Trump has until November 7th, which is after the Nov. 5th election, to file his formal response to the special counsel’s arguments, at which point the court will consider the next steps in the case. The public remains eager to see how the case unfolds, as it plays a significant role in both legal and political spheres during the 2024 presidential election.

The Booming Online Casino Industry In The Caribbean

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Oct. 11, 2024: In recent years, the online casino industry in the Caribbean has been growing rapidly, and it has become a significant economic driver for various nations in the region. Both the continuous development of digital technology, the expansion of the tourism sector, and the supportive regulatory frameworks in the nations are facilitating the boom of the online casino industry in the region. The Caribbean has become a hub for online gambling services, making it an important player on the global online casino market. 

The historical context and the growth of the industry

The pivotal role of gambling in the Caribbean dates back several decades, both when it comes to land-based and online casinos. Countries like Antigua and Barbuda and Curacao has pioneered the regulation of online gambling in the region during the 1990s. Take for example Antigua and Barbuda, which was among one of the first nation in the world to legalize and regulate online gambling. This happened in 1994 with the Free Trade and Processing Act, which allowed the country to issue gaming licenses to operators. As a result of the act, the country to an influx in international online casinos. 

Curacao is another nation with a crucial role in the online gambling industry, as it introduced a licensing framework in 1996, which has since led to the nation growing into becoming one of the largest globally. The island issues more than one-third of the world’s gambling licenses. However, there are other major markets for online casino operators. One example is Zambia in Africa, where major online casino operators like Betway Zambia are popular for their large variety of online casino games. 

Key markets and revenue generation

With this regulatory approach, several Caribbean nations have capitalized from a thriving online casino sector. Some noteworthy examples include the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic, which have all become key players on gambling markets. Take for example Puerto Rico, which has seen impressive growth, with the gaming and betting industry bringing in a revenue of USD 186 million in 2023. 

Bahamas is another example. The nation celebrated “100 years of gaming” in 2023, and in relation to this hosted the 10th Caribbean Gaming Show. The country is a big player when it comes to land-based casinos, but the country is also expanding its online gaming operations to meet a growing consumer demand, which also reflects the region’s broader digital shift. 

Regulatory frameworks

The online gambling industry in the Caribbean is enabled by a complex regulatory framework, which varies from country to country. Both Antigua and Barbuda and Curacao are known for their favorable business environments. Both countries offer low taxation and an easy licensing process for gaming operators. By providing these regulatory advantages, these countries have attracted major international operators. 

The Bahamas has an increased focus on strengthening the regulatory environment. This is happening through the Gaming Board, which has been initiating events such as the Caribbean Regulators Forum. This event was initiated to encourage collaboration between regional gaming regulators. The aim of this type of collaboration is to establish best practices and address challenges. 

The symbiotic relationship between tourism and gambling

Tourism and gambling are linked in the Caribbean, especially at destination such as the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. With idyllic beaches and luxury resorts, these nations attract millions of tourists every year. For many tourists, a part of the visit involves visiting one of the world-class casinos available in the nation. 

This tourism boom has also spilled over into the online gambling industry. Tourists often visiting physical casinos in the Caribbean have started to transition to online platforms, due to the easy access to casino sites hosted and licensed in the region. The Caribbean vibe has also found its way into online casino sites. There are many Caribbean-themed online casino games, which have made the region popular worldwide, as most people have a laid-back beachy picture of the Caribbean. This has helped further promoting the region’s brand in the global online gambling industry. 

Economic benefits and challenges

With the increasing popularity of online casinos, the Caribbean has seen various economic benefits as a result of job creation, foreign investment, and tax revenue. Take Curacao as an example, where the gaming sector provides employment, while it has also provided a boost to ancillary industries, including legal services, IT support, and payment processing. 

Despite the success of the Caribbean nations, the industry also faces some challenges, especially regarding regulation. For regulators, the main focus is to ensure player protection and the integrity of online gambling platforms. Another potential risk to the dominance of the Caribbean on the global market is the introduction of new taxation rules, or the competition from other global gaming hubs. This could for example be from Zambia, which is a growing hub for online casinos on the African continent, with operators like Betway Zambia taking the lead role on the market. 

The future of online gambling in the Caribbean

It is expected that the Caribbean will continue to be a hub for the online casino industry, as the combination of favorable regulatory frameworks, low taxes, a growing player base, and the continuous development of digital technology will make the region attractive to more operators. Hence, the sector will continue to expand and continue to play a crucial part in the economics of these nations, creating more jobs and bringing in tax revenues for the nations. 

Hurricane Milton Set To Reshape Property Catastrophe Insurance Market

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News Americas, New York, NY, October 9, 2024: Hurricane Milton, which caused widespread devastation in parts of Florida on Wednesday night, Oct. 10th, is predicted to reshape the future of the property catastrophe insurance market, according to industry experts.

After Hurricane Milton hit Florida, the city of Clearwater was flooded. Search and rescue operations are ongoing in the area. (Photo by Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Chris McKeown, CEO of reinsurance ILS and innovation at Vantage Risk, believes the storm marks a significant moment for Florida’s already fragile insurance industry, which has faced premium spikes and insurer exits for years.

“This is an unprecedentedly large storm that defies many meteorological expectations,” McKeown stated at the ILS Bermuda Convergence 2024 Conference according to the Bermuda Royal Gazette reports. He explained that Hurricane Milton, which was at times classified as a Category 5 storm, will be a substantial event for both Florida residents and the state’s insurance industry. The hurricane, he added, underscores the increasing challenges facing insurers in covering losses as federal aid and underinsurance remain critical issues.

Capsized boats were seen at the marina after Hurricane Milton, in Punta Gorda, Florida on October 10, 2024. (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images)

McKeown emphasized that early hurricane predictions have limited value for insurers, as they often arrive too late in the year to influence policy decisions. “Hurricane Milton is another reminder of the importance of securing sufficient capital to cover risk, and how unpredictable these events have become,” he said.

People walk in the water as the streets are flooded in the Southeast Seminole Heights section of Tampa due to Hurricane Milton on October 10, 2024 in Florida. (Photo by BRYAN R. SMITH/AFP via Getty Images)

Mosaic Insurance co-founder and co-CEO Mark Wheeler echoed these concerns, noting that the insurance industry is evolving to meet complex risks but faces challenges in staying relevant. “The industry is in good shape overall, but we must adapt to emerging risks like cyber and environmental disasters,” Wheeler said, pointing to the growing demand for niche insurance products and managing general agencies in the U.S.