World cultures and innovations converge in 34th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair

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ABU DHABI, UAE, April 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The 34th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF), organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, has launched its activities, offering a platform for cultures and innovations of the world to converge, interact, and explore new horizons of knowledge.

Continuing until 5 May 2025 under the theme ‘Knowledge Illuminates Our Community’, the fair brings 1,400 exhibitors from 96 countries, offering a comprehensive programme of 2,000 activities that cater to all community members, while spotlighting Caribbean culture as Guest of Honour, in recognition of its intellectual distinction and impact on global culture.

Moreover, ADIBF 2025 celebrates Ibn Sina as its Focus Personality, marking the 1,000-year anniversary of his book The Canon of Medicine, and highlighting his legacy as one of the scientists that contributed most to humanity’s advancement. It also features One Thousand and One Nights as Book of the World, underlining its timeless, cross-cultural, and enduring influence.

The fair welcomes 20 countries participating for the first time. It also introduces the ‘On the Path of Knowledge’ initiative, honours pioneers of Arab publishing, and welcomes prominent writers, thinkers, publishers, and content creators from the Arab region and the world to present various activities under five themes: Society, Fantasy, Sustainability, Arab Sciences, and Artificial Intelligence & Innovation. The exhibition also hosts the Poetry Majlis, which celebrates diverse poetic experiences with prominent poets, authors, and experts for 10 days.

Additionally, ADIBF 2025 hosts the third season of Podcast from Abu Dhabi, presenting high-quality content that discusses the evolving literary scene, while launching its inaugural ‘Digitising Creativity’ conference, which explores where AI and art intersect and how emerging technologies affect content creation.

Visitors can enjoy arts, entertainment, photography, and the World’s Cuisine experience, while children and youth can join workshops that blend learning and fun, with scientific and creative activities that develop their skills and strengthen their connection to their cultural heritage.

Meanwhile, the Under the Ghaf’s Shade experience offers readings from selected books, followed by book signings with guest authors, whereas the Business Lounge connects publishers and content creators to encourage collaboration in the industry.

Furthermore, the ADIBF Professional Programme offers a platform for supporting the publishing and creative industries, embracing the latest trends including AI and digital technologies. Meanwhile, the Digital Square offers activities and initiatives aimed at developing the publishing sector.

The ADIBF will launch initiatives to promote reading and creativity, and support the Arabic language, in line with the UAE and Abu Dhabi’s vision to nurture emerging literary talent, enrich the Arabic library, and build a community of avid readers, capable of producing Arabic content for the digital era.

Perenco Expands In Trinidad & Tobago

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News Americas, New York, NY, April 28, 2025: Perenco is set to expand its footprint in Trinidad and Tobago, having entered into an agreement with Woodside Energy to acquire its Greater Angostura producing oil and gas assets, along with key onshore facilities.

The acquisition, announced this week, includes two Woodside entities, their working interest, and operatorship of the 2(C) and 3(A) Production Sharing Contracts. The deal is expected to close by the third quarter of 2025.

Located in the shallow waters off northeast Trinidad, the Greater Angostura fields—developed through seven fixed platforms and additional subsea facilities—produce more than 300 million standard cubic feet of gas per day (MMSCFD) and approximately 50,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day. These assets represent around 12% of Trinidad and Tobago’s national gas production.

The acquisition strengthens Perenco’s existing presence in the Columbus Basin, positioning the Greater Angostura fields just 40 kilometers north of Perenco’s Teak, Samaan, and Poui (TSP) assets acquired in 2016.

“We are delighted to be further expanding our portfolio in Trinidad & Tobago,” said Armel Simondin, CEO of Perenco. “Following the recent safe and smooth transition of the CAFI perimeter to Perenco operatorship in late 2024, Perenco has proven itself to be a partner of choice to safeguard the Greater Angostura gas production for Trinidad & Tobago. We welcome the transferring employees to the Perenco family and look forward to an exciting new chapter together.”

Following the transaction, Perenco will consolidate a gross gas production base exceeding 500 MMSCFD, allowing for significant operational synergies, enhanced value, and further investment opportunities.

Since entering Trinidad and Tobago in 2016, Perenco has undertaken major modernization efforts at its TSP fields, electrifying operations and boosting gas production. The company recently expanded further with the late 2024 acquisition of the Cashima, Amherstia, Flamboyant, and Immortelle (CAFI) gas assets.

Perenco’s growing footprint underscores its commitment to supporting Trinidad and Tobago’s energy sector and enhancing local energy security.

Guyana’s Oil Output Climbs Year-On-Year

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News Americas, New York, NY, April 27, 2025: Guyana’s oil production saw a slight dip in March 2025, falling about 3% to 627,000 barrels per day (bpd) from the previous month. Yet, the small South American CARICOM nation continues to solidify its position as one of the region’s fastest-rising energy giants.

According to new data from the Ministry of Natural Resources, Guyana’s first-quarter production reached an impressive 631,000 bpd—3% higher than the same period last year, underscoring a strong year-on-year growth trend.

Now ranked as Latin America’s fifth-largest oil exporter, behind only Brazil, Mexico, Venezuela, and Colombia, Guyana is poised for even greater expansion. The country’s output is set to soar later this year with the start-up of Yellowtail, ExxonMobil’s fourth major offshore project. The addition of a new floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessel this month is expected to lift the nation’s oil capacity to an estimated 940,000 bpd.

The Guyanese government projects that by the fourth quarter of 2025, average daily output will rise sharply to around 786,000 bpd, cementing Guyana’s status as a critical player in the global energy market.

Meanwhile, ExxonMobil and its consortium partners are nearing final agreements with the government to relinquish portions of the vast Stabroek Block that have not been explored or yielded commercial finds. The government confirmed that at least 2,534 square kilometers (approximately 253,400 hectares) will be returned, creating opportunities for new entrants into Guyana’s booming energy sector.

Oil revenues are also on a robust trajectory. The Ministry of Finance reported $605.46 million earned from royalties and crude sales in the last quarter of 2024 alone, including proceeds from seven cargoes sold from the government’s share.

As global energy dynamics shift, Guyana’s consistent production growth and strategic resource management continue to position it as a rising powerhouse in the Americas, with even bigger gains on the horizon.

Three Caribbean Nations Named Global Leaders In Financial Transparency

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News Americas, New York, NY, April 28, 2025: Three Caribbean nations are making waves globally for their leadership in financial transparency and crime prevention, according to the newly released 2025 Nasdaq Global Financial and Economic Crime Outlook from the Secretariat Economic Crime Index (SECI).

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica, and Barbados have been ranked among just 19 countries worldwide labeled “Transparent Titans” — a distinction awarded for strong enforcement, global compliance, financial integrity, and proactive cross-border risk management.

Saint Vincent and The Grenadines ranked at number one for the Caribbean among global “transparent titans” in the 2025 Nasdaq Global Financial and Economic Crime Outlook from the Secretariat Economic Crime Index.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines secured the 14th spot globally, Dominica ranked 17th, and Barbados 19th. SECI scores for these nations ranged from 0 to 1.53, demonstrating their commitment to robust anti-financial crime frameworks, due diligence, and enforcement mechanisms.

These Caribbean countries stand shoulder-to-shoulder with global leaders such as Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Luxembourg, and Estonia, who top the 2025 list for their transparency and financial crime prevention efforts.

While governance and transparency typically lower financial crime risks, many financial hubs remain exposed due to the size and scope of their cross-border activity. Nonetheless, Saint Vincent, Dominica, and Barbados have risen to meet these challenges through proactive regulation and strict oversight.

Several other Caribbean nations also performed commendably, landing among the “Vigilant Players” — a category for countries actively strengthening financial crime regulations. St. Lucia, Grenada, The Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica were all listed in this group, with SECI scores between 1.54 and 2.18.

Meanwhile, Guyana and Suriname were categorized as “Reactive Reformers,” highlighting the need for accelerated regulatory reforms to combat illicit financial flows and systemic economic crime risks.

“Countries must catch up to the rapidly evolving financial crime landscape,” the report urged. “By sharing transparency and working together, we can unmask criminal networks and hold bad actors accountable.”

The Secretariat called for stronger cross-border collaboration and reinforced regulatory frameworks to build a safer, more resilient global financial system.

Trinidad Born, US Based Forensic Expert To Lead Crucial Autopsy of 11-Year-Old Adrianna Younge

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News Americas, New York, NY, April 26, 2025: The Trinidad and Tobago-born, University of the West Indies-trained Chief Medical Examiner of the State of Delaware, Dr. Gary L. Collins, has been confirmed to conduct the autopsy on 11-year-old Guyanese pre-teen Adrianna Younge, whose tragic death has sent shockwaves across Guyana and the global Guyanese diaspora.

Dr. Gary L. Collins, the Trinidadian-born Chief Medical Examiner of Delaware, will lead the autopsy of Guyanese 11-year-old Adrianna Younge amid calls for transparency.

Dr. Collins, a highly respected forensic pathologist, was selected following the Younge family’s request for an independent post-mortem examination to ensure transparency and impartiality. With a distinguished career that includes serving as Deputy Chief Medical Examiner for the City of Philadelphia, Dr. Collins has certified the manner and cause of death in over 4,000 cases. He completed his medical education at the University of the West Indies before advancing his training at the University of South Florida and Drexel University College of Medicine. He is board-certified in anatomic, clinical, and forensic pathology.

As second-in-command of Delaware’s Medical Examiner’s Office for the past two years, Dr. Collins has supervised forensic operations, collaborating closely with investigators and autopsy technicians. His extensive experience and impeccable credentials bring renewed hope for a thorough, transparent process.

The autopsy is set to be conducted on Monday. Younge had disappeared during a family outing at the Double Day Hotel in Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, on Wednesday. Despite intensive searches that day, her body was not discovered until Thursday morning, floating in the hotel’s pool. The shocking discovery, coupled with visible signs of violence on her body, has fueled nationwide protests and calls for justice.

The tragic death of 11-year-old Guyanese pre-teen Adrianna Younge has sent shockwaves across Guyana and the global Guyanese diaspora.

President Irfaan Ali, addressing the grieving family directly, reaffirmed his administration’s full commitment to transparency. “All of us want the truth, and that is the only thing I’m interested in,” he said during his second visit to the Younge family, emphasizing that all their requests regarding the autopsy would be honored.

The Guyana Police Force has pledged cooperation and confirmed that both the independent pathologist and a police-appointed medical examiner will be present during the procedure. The police also announced that former Region Three Police Commander Khalid Mandall has been sent on leave as investigations intensify.

Public outrage escalated Thursday after irate villagers set fire to the Double Day Hotel and the home of its owner, underscoring long-standing frustrations tied to previous incidents at the property. The discovery of Adrianna’s body – with visible injuries – has revived chilling memories of a similar unsolved death at the same hotel over a decade ago.

Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage and tracking a vehicle of interest as the investigation continues. Meanwhile, the Younge family and the broader Guyanese community await answers, hopeful that with Dr. Collins’ independent expertise, the truth surrounding Adrianna’s tragic death will soon come to light.

Vybz Kartel Set to Light Up Reggae Sumfest 2025

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News Americas, New York, NY, Fri. April 25, 2025: Dancehall’s undisputed king, Vybz Kartel, is officially set to headline Reggae Sumfest 2025, marking one of the most anticipated performances in the history of the iconic Jamaican festival.

Vybz Kartel, seen here performing during the MOBO Awards 2025 at the Utilita Arena on February 18, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, is set for Sumfest 2025. (Photo by Joseph Okpako/WireImage)

The 34th staging of Reggae Sumfest runs from Sunday, July 13 to Saturday, July 19 in Montego Bay, and this year’s buzz is sky-high thanks to the magnetic pull of Festival Night 1’s headliner – World Boss himself.

Fresh off two back-to-back sold-out shows at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, Kartel’s impact is undeniable. Reggae Sumfest’s CEO Joe Bogdanovich says the artist is a “one-man wrecking army” who’s electrified the dancehall scene and redefined festival expectations.

“Kartel has a larger-than-life, cult-like following among the 18–35 crowd who just can’t get enough of him,” said Bogdanovich. “He’s smart, strategic, and always delivers the unexpected.”

Set for Friday, July 18, Kartel’s one-hour performance promises to be a spectacle of lyrical power, showmanship, and surprise appearances—mirroring his jaw-dropping Barclays show where he brought multiple celebrity guests to the stage.

You’re going to see a true international superstar. This is no longer just an island thing,” Bogdanovich added.

Joining Kartel on Festival Night 1 are several of dancehall’s hottest names: Masicka, Tommy Lee Sparta, Skeng, Govana, Jamal, D’Yani, Laden, Shaneil Muir, and Jah Fabio—each bringing their own fire to the stage.

And it doesn’t stop there. Festival Night 2, on Saturday, July 19, features another blockbuster lineup, with ticket demand surging from the U.S., UK, Canada, Mexico, and France. Early Bird VVIP and Ultra VIP tickets have already sold out.

Sumfest 2025 will also debut a major format change: performances will now wrap by 5 a.m. – a move Bogdanovich says will keep the crowd energized and avoid “sunrise fatigue.”

“We’re compressing the energy for maximum impact,” he explained. “Sumfest is more than a show – it’s a movement.”

Now in its third decade, Reggae Sumfest continues to be the largest music festival in the Caribbean, known for spotlighting the biggest stars in reggae and dancehall while capturing the global heartbeat of Jamaican music culture. With early ticket tiers already gone and anticipation soaring, fans worldwide are gearing up for what could be Vybz Kartel’s most legendary performance yet.

Alborosie Drops Soulful New Single Ahead Of 10th Album

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News Americas, New York, NY, Fri. April 25, 2025: Roots reggae trailblazer Alborosie returns today with “Come My Way,” a soulful new single and the first taste of his forthcoming tenth studio album. Released via VP/Greensleeves Records, the track is accompanied by a vibrant new music video filmed in the colorful coastal town of Canoa Quebrada, Ceará, Brazil.

Alborosie Returns With New Roots Reggae Single “Come My Way”

“Come My Way” breathes new life into one of the most iconic riddims in Jamaican music history – first introduced on Jacob Miller’s 1974 classic “Baby I Love You So” and immortalized by Augustus Pablo’s dub anthem “King Tubby Meets the Rockers Uptown.” That version became the first dub track to headline as an A-side in the UK and was later ranked #266 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

The riddim’s legacy reaches beyond reggae fans—it gained cult status in pop culture after being featured on K-JAH West, the reggae station in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, introducing millions to foundational dub sounds.

With “Come My Way,” Alborosie approaches the riddim with deep reverence and originality. The result is a slow-burning lovers roots cut, layered with lush harmonies and authentic instrumentation. The track also nods to Dawn Penn’s “Night and Day” and sits alongside reinterpretations like Chronixx’s “Alpha and Omega.”

The release follows major career milestones for Alborosie, including his breakout hit “Kingston Town” surpassing 100 million streams on Spotify – a rare feat for reggae music.

“Come My Way” follows his acclaimed 2023 album Destiny, which featured collaborations with Buju Banton, Kabaka Pyramid, and Jaz Elise. Alborosie will also feature on the upcoming deluxe edition of Seun Kuti’s album, Heavier Yet (Lays the Crownless Head).

Fresh off a tour of Kenya and Ethiopia, Alborosie and his band, the Shengen Clan, are set to tour this spring and summer across Europe and the U.S. Dates include a debut show in Malta and a return to the renowned Summerjam Festival in Germany.

Listen to “Come My Way” now and watch the video shot in Brazil.

ABOUT ALBOROSIE:

Born in 1977 in Marsala, Sicily, Alberto D’Ascola, known worldwide as Alborosie, discovered reggae as a teenager and taught himself to play multiple instruments. He began his music journey by forming the band Reggae National Tickets in Italy before relocating to Kingston, Jamaica in 2003 to launch his solo career. Embracing the nickname “Borosie,” once used mockingly, he transformed it into a symbol of pride and artistry.

Over the past two decades, Alborosie has become a global ambassador of roots reggae, blending tradition with modern sounds across nine albums – including his 2023 release, Destiny, featuring reggae heavyweights Buju Banton and Kabaka Pyramid. Now, with the release of his tenth studio album on the horizon, he returns with “Come My Way” – a heartfelt reinterpretation of Jacob Miller’s “Baby I Love You So” and Augustus Pablo’s dub classic, “King Tubby Meets the Rockers Uptown.”

Alborosie’s rich harmonies, instrumental mastery, and unwavering authenticity continue to push reggae into new, soul-stirring territory.

Lovers Rock Icon Sanchez Drops Soulful New Album

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News Americas, New York, NY, April 24, 2025: Lovers rock icon Sanchez returns with a powerful new offering titled Jamdown, released April 11, 2025 via VPAL Music. The album is a heartfelt blend of reflection, romance, and reggae soul that continues the legacy of one of Jamaica’s most enduring voices.

Best known for timeless dancehall classics like “Never Dis di Man” and “Loneliness,” Sanchez describes Jamdown as “extremely intimate and something almost everyone can relate to.” The project features a rich tapestry of original tracks co-written with producer Kenneth Thompson, including “Hot Girl,” “Disloyalty,” and the emotionally resonant title track, “Jamdown.”

In the title song, Sanchez offers a deeply personal homage to his beloved homeland. “I relate to the lyrics of Jamdown deeply just because I am a true product of the place,” he shared, referencing both the challenges and the beauty of Jamaica, and the unbreakable spirit of its people.

Thompson penned several additional songs on the album, such as the playful “Clean Like A Whistle” and the heartfelt “Desperate Man.” The album’s lush production is rounded out with contributions from multi-instrumentalist Paul Gauntlett, while arrangements and harmonies were crafted by Wayne Armond of the legendary reggae band Chalice and singer Tafina Wilson.

Born Kevin Jackson in Kingston, Jamaica, Sanchez has long been considered dancehall royalty. His extensive musical catalog, spanning over four decades, includes beloved hits like “I Can’t Wait,” “Pretty Girl,” “Old Friends,” “One In A Million,” and “Fall In Love.”

Reflecting on his longevity in the music industry, Sanchez credits his faith. “God Almighty is the master of this universe. He has kept me thus far and staying true to Him allows me to be true to my music,” he said.

Jamdown is produced by Kenneth Thompson for Kenergi Music and stands as a testament to Sanchez’s unwavering dedication to his craft and his culture.

Listen to it HERE

Hotel Equities Strengthens Presence in Caribbean and Latin America

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News Americas, ATLANTA, GA, April 24, 2025: Hotel Equities (HE), today announced the appointment of Marilia Pergola as Vice President of Operations for the Caribbean and Latin America (CALA) region. Pergola will be based in the company’s Miami corporate office.

“We are thrilled to welcome Marilia to the Hotel Equities family,” said Al Smith, President of Operations, Hotel Equities. “Her knowledge of the CALA landscape, coupled with her operational rigor and passion for people development, make her the ideal leader to inspire our associates and provide exceptional service to our guests and partners across the beautiful and dynamic CALA region.”

As Vice President of Operations – CALA, Pergola will lead operational strategy and execution across HE’s expanding portfolio in the region. With deep expertise in revenue management, brand compliance, financial performance, and pre-opening excellence, Pergola is poised to drive operational success, build strong owner relationships, and elevate guest experiences throughout the CALA region. Pergola’s appointment signals a major step in HE’s commitment to building an in-market leadership team that delivers elevated support and tailored solutions for owners and partners.

“Marilia’s arrival underscores our dedication to the region and our long-term strategy to support growth with experienced, boots-on-the-ground leadership,” said Michael Register, who oversees new development for the CALA region at HE. “As we continue to expand our portfolio and partnerships, her operational acumen and cultural fluency will be invaluable.”

Pergola has over 20 years of experience in hotel operations with deep market expertise, including the past 8 years at Marriott International, where she most recently served as Senior Director of Operations – Owner & Franchise Relations for the Caribbean & Latin America. She managed a portfolio of over 100 full-service and select-service hotels, led franchisee engagement efforts, and spearheaded critical integration projects, including the loyalty merger of Starwood Preferred Guest with Marriott Rewards and the operational transition of City Express. During her tenure, she achieved an industry-leading 86% owner satisfaction score, demonstrating her effectiveness in delivering value to ownership groups.

“I’m honored to join Hotel Equities at such an exciting time of growth in the Caribbean and Latin America,” said Pergola. “This region holds immense opportunity, and with HE’s people-first culture and commitment to in-market support, I’m confident we’ll continue to elevate the guest and owner experience across every hotel we touch.”

HE’s CALA portfolio is currently comprised of nine properties and nearly 1,000 hotel rooms under development in the region, including locations in Curacao, Dominica, Grenada, Mexico, St. Thomas, and Trinidad & Tobago. As HE’s CALA footprint continues to grow, the company is actively investing in infrastructure and corporate resources to ensure best-in-class support for its properties.

For more information on partnering with Hotel Equities, visit hotelequities.com/cala.

About Hotel Equities
Hotel Equities (HE) is an award-winning hospitality management and development firm with a portfolio of approximately 300 hotels, resorts, and outdoor hospitality destinations throughout the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, and Latin America. With a diverse portfolio of premium-branded and independent properties, Hotel Equities delivers proven results and drives long-term value for its stakeholders through a comprehensive suite of services, a people-first and performance-driven culture, and a commitment to excellence rooted in servant leadership. To learn more, visit www.hotelequities.com.

Caribbean Nations Power Up Renewable Energy Push With $110M Regional Investment Facility

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News Americas, New York, NY, April 24, 2025: In a landmark step toward transforming the Caribbean’s energy landscape, the World Bank has approved a major new initiative designed to boost renewable energy across the region. The Caribbean Resilient Renewable Energy Infrastructure Investment Facility, officially announced on April 17, 2025, will provide US$110 million to strengthen clean energy systems in Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, with additional countries eligible to join over time.

workers installing solar panels on a villa roof in the Caribbean. St. John, United States Virgin Islands

Developed in collaboration with the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank and regional governments, the initiative aims to reduce the Caribbean’s dependence on expensive imported fossil fuels, which currently power over 90% of the region’s electricity.

“Across the Caribbean, residents are paying some of the highest electricity prices in the world,” said Lilia Burunciuc, World Bank Division Director for the Caribbean. “This project is about lowering costs, improving reliability, and investing in a more affordable and secure energy future for Caribbean communities.”

A Bold Shift Toward Energy Resilience

Between 2016 and 2021, fossil fuel imports in the Eastern Caribbean cost an average of $444 million per year, accounting for more than 15% of total imports. Despite growing demand for greener energy, renewable sources made up just 11.6% of the region’s electricity generation by 2022. The barriers have been considerable: small-scale projects, weak regulatory frameworks, under-resourced grids, and high vulnerability to natural disasters.

This new facility seeks to address those issues head-on. It will:

Aggregate projects across countries to reduce costs and attract private sector developers.

Modernize transmission and distribution infrastructure, including battery energy storage systems.

Mobilize up to $120 million in commercial credit using partial credit guarantees.

Launch a new insurance product to protect renewable energy infrastructure from natural disasters.

Training, Jobs, and Long-Term Impact

Beyond infrastructure, the initiative will invest in skills training, technical assistance, and educational scholarships to support a new generation of energy professionals in the Caribbean. This includes apprenticeship programs and regulatory support to streamline project development.

“This Facility is a game-changer,” said Timothy Antoine, Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank. “It helps us strengthen capacity, enhance energy security, and lower electricity costs. We’re building the foundation for a cleaner, more competitive regional economy.”

The project is supported through the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA), along with funding from the Climate Investment Fund, the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program, and the Canada Clean Energy and Forests Climate Facility.

As climate resilience becomes a global priority, the Caribbean is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable energy transition—turning today’s challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities.