Haiti’s Historic Hotel Oloffson Burnt By Gangs

By Staff Writer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Haitian Immigrants Are Essential to the U.S.

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

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

The Fight for Justice Continues

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

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

Community Power Makes the Difference

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

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

HWHR is urging elected officials to:

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

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

Tributes Pour In For Veteran Caribbean Journalist Rickey Singh

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

The late Ricky Singh.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kwame McCoy: A Master of the Craft

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

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

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

Sir Ron Sanders: A Courageous Regional Voice

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

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

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

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

A Life Dedicated to Caribbean Journalism

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

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

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

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

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

A Family Man and a Regional Icon

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

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

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

CARICOM Urged To Sanction Israel, Impose Military Embargo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Suspension of diplomatic relations with Israel.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New Caribbean Music Drops For The Summer

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

Sean Paul Ignites Summer with “Ginger”

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

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

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

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

Listen Now: STREAM “Ginger”
Watch Official Visualizer

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

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

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

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

Stream Now: Roots Rock Reggae
Watch Official Video

Rielle & Busy Signal Deliver “Sail Away” Remix

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

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

Stream Now: Sail Away Remix

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

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

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

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

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

Watch “Second Time” Official Video

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

Which track will be on repeat for you this weekend?

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

Reggae Singer Alborosie To Perform At NYC’s Sony Hall

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Watch the “Come My Way” video here

Suriname’s Digital Archives: Preserving Jewish History

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

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

Jewish roots in Suriname

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

Personal narratives

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

Collaboration

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

Religious, social traditions, and heritage

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

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

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

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

Legacy in the digital age

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

Filmmakers Secure Funding To Launch Co-Productions As CCF 2025 Closes With A Call To Action

News Americas, Bridgetown, Barbados, Mon. June 30, 2025: Two filmmakers, Ife Alaba (Canada), and Kerel Pinder (Bahamas), walked away from the Cross Continental Forum (CCF) 2025 with grant funding to kickstart co-productions, thanks to support from the Inter-American Development Bank – marking a tangible outcome of a weeklong event that moved beyond conversation and into transformation.

Attendees at CCF 2025 in Bridgetown, Barbados on June 18, 2025. (Brian Medina image)

The forum, presented by CaribbeanTales Media Group and the Department of Creative and Performing Arts at UWI Cave Hill, concluded its five-day convergence on June 18 with a bold message: The time to build is now. Producers and delegates from across the Caribbean, Africa, Canada, the UK, Europe, and the U.S. issued a united call to design, fund, and activate local film ecosystems without waiting for the “perfect” conditions.

Held under the theme Decolonising Co-Production, CCF 2025 brought together over 50 producers, industry delegates, and creatives to interrogate the systems that determine whose stories are told – and how. The forum challenged participants to shift their gaze from scarcity to opportunity. As Frances-Anne Solomon, CEO of CaribbeanTales and co-creator of the forum, emphasized: “It’s great to tell the story—we’re already good at that. The real question is: where will you get the money? Who can you collaborate with to make your project real? These two points must always be front and centre.”

Rather than reinforcing narratives of lack, the forum functioned as a live, collaborative lab – providing real-world opportunities for filmmakers to forge meaningful partnerships and begin building with what they have.

High-Profile Contributors Included:

CCH Pounder – Guyana-born acclaimed actor, CCF Steering Group member, and activist.

Lorraine Toussaint – Celebrated Trinidad & Tobago-born actor, producer, and cultural trailblazer.

Ava DuVernay – Renowned filmmaker, producer, and founder of ARRAY.

DuVernay’s virtual keynote was a standout moment. In a direct message to emerging creators, she dismantled the myth that big budgets make better films: “If your first idea moves you way outside your budget – pivot. Use what’s around you. The best films often happen in the smallest spaces.”

Global media powerhouses Fiona Lamptey, former Head of UK Features at Netflix; Joel Phiri, leading South African producer and distributor with Known Associates; Effie T. Brown, Gamechanger Films, USA, and celebrated Canadian content creator, Jen Holness, took center stage over five days – leading powerful conversations with producers in the room and helping to surface hard truths and tangible next steps.

The forum tackled structural barriers to equity across key pillars:

 Day 1 – Decolonising Policy & Legislation: Reforming frameworks that hinder equitable content creation
 Day 2 – Decolonising Financing: Disrupting traditional funding streams to centre Black and Global Majority creators
 Day 3 – Decolonising Content: Preserving cultural authenticity while scaling reach
 Day 4 – Decolonising Distribution: Building inclusive, sustainable distribution models
 Day 5 – Decolonising Co-Production: Forging cross-border collaboration rooted in equity

Key stakeholders – including C15 Studios, Caribbean Creative Fund, and major partners such as the Inter-American Development Bank, Invest Barbados, Barbados Tourism and Marketing Inc., Barbados Film and Television Association, Canada Media Fund, Picture NL, and the KZN Tourism and Film Authority – joined the forum to offer funding insights and forge next-step pathways.

Felicia J. Persaud, CEO of Invest Caribbean, moderated a pivotal panel on financing and pointed to a lack of infrastructure: “Few Caribbean countries have usable tax incentives or co-production treaties. While a handful – like Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and Trinidad & Tobago – offer tax rebates, many, including Barbados, are still playing catch-up.”

What’s Next: Turning Vision Into Industry

With over 30 producers participating in intensive sessions, 20 industry delegates engaged, and hundreds more reached through public programming, CCF 2025 delivered more than discussion – it produced a working blueprint for regional film industry growth.

Key recommendations from forum attendees include:

Establishing robust film tax incentive programs across the region

Negotiating formal co-production treaties with countries like Canada, South Africa, and the UK

Developing inter-island agreements to enable seamless Caribbean collaboration

As one of the few forums of its kind, The Cross Continental Forum is a real-time lab for creative disruption, and with next year’s application cycle opening soon, it continues to position Caribbean and Global South storytellers not on the margins – but at the center of global storytelling futures.

Stalk Ashley And MXSSIVH Reunite For Sultry New Single

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. June 30, 2025: Dancehall’s rising star, Stalk Ashley, has reunited with sought-after producer MXSSIVH for their latest collaboration, “Therapy,” released on Friday, June 27th via VP Records.

The seductive new single is the second track off MXSSIVH’s highly anticipated debut album Live Fast, blending elements of New York’s emerging “sexy drill” sound with Ashley’s signature sultry vocals. Driven by fluttering hi-hats and moody melodies, “Therapy” finds Stalk Ashley delivering an intimate, obsession-fueled performance as she sings about prioritizing a lover who’s impossible to forget.

The accompanying music video, directed by Ruption, also premiered on Friday, bringing the track’s sensual energy to life on screen.

“Therapy” continues a growing streak of collaborations between the duo. Their past projects include fan favorites like “Really Like U” featuring Skillibeng and “Stay With Me” with Sean Paul, both of which appeared on Stalk Ashley’s 2024 debut album Stalky the Bratt.

MXSSIVH is building momentum ahead of Live Fast, which also features the single “Ravin’” with Najeeriii. His production credits already span work with Dancehall heavyweights such as Vybz Kartel, Squash, and Valiant, along with an unreleased track rumored to feature Playboi Carti and Trippie Redd.

“Therapy” is now streaming on all major platforms.

Watch the official video now.

Frankie Paul’s Sizzling 1988 Album Gets A Fresh Reissue

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Thurs. June 26, 2025: VP Records and 17 North Parade continue their deep dive into the iconic 80s digital dancehall producer Kenneth ‘Skengdon’ Black’s catalog with the reissue of Sizzling, the 1988 album by legendary Jamaican artist Frankie Paul.

With its infectious beats and bold lyrical content, Sizzling remains a dancehall classic, captivating audiences across the globe, from ravers to soundmen, lovers to dreads.

One of the most beloved and versatile figures in the dancehall scene, Frankie Paul’s talent shines through on Sizzling, a collection of tracks that effortlessly blend catchy rhythms with poignant lyrics. The album features chart-topping singles like “Gun Shot,” “Only You,” and “No Sizzling,” along with hidden gems such as “Can’t Live Without You,” “One People,” and “Raggamuffin Soldier.” These ten tracks highlight Paul’s expansive range and cement his place as a dancehall icon.

Recorded at Miami’s SKD Studio, Sizzling is the product of a dream team of producers, engineers, and musicians. Executive producers Kenneth ‘Skengdon’ Black and Maxine Stowe brought together a stellar cast, including legendary singer Al Campbell, who provided harmonies and added vocal phrases to Paul’s commanding delivery. The album’s sound was shaped by ace engineers Oswald Palmer and Anthony ‘Crucial Bunny’ Graham (aka Bunny Tom-Tom), along with contributions from Steely & Clevie, Dalton Brownie, Jackie ‘The Keyboard King’ Mittoo, and members of the Inner Circle Band.

With its infectious beats and bold lyrical content, Sizzling remains a dancehall classic, captivating audiences across the globe, from ravers to soundmen, lovers to dreads. This reissue revives a pivotal moment in dancehall history, reminding fans of the genre’s timeless appeal.

LISTEN HERE