See Caribbean Athletes At The Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony

/0 Comments/in /by

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Caribbean Athletes Competing In The Paris 2024 Olympics

/0 Comments/in /by

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

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

Caribbean Countries With Most Athletes At Paris 2024

CountryNumber of AthletesJamaica70Cuba61Dominican Republic52Puerto Rico39Bahamas 20

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

The Caribbean Athletes At the Paris Olympics

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

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

Guyana Calls For Immediate Ceasefire In Gaza Conflict

/0 Comments/in /by

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jamaica Senior Officer Killed By Businessman

/0 Comments/in /by

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

US Announces $60 Million Aid Package To Haiti

/0 Comments/in /by

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ExxonMobil Guyana Advances Seventh Oil Project

/0 Comments/in /by

News Americas, New York, NY, July 23, 2024: ExxonMobil Guyana is moving forward with plans to develop its seventh oil project in the country, targeting the Hammerhead field in the Stabroek Block. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has begun reviewing ExxonMobil’s application for this new venture.

The ExxonMobil Guyana offices at 86 Duke Street in Georgetown, Guyana. Photographer: Jose A. Alvarado Jr./Bloomberg via Getty Images

Officials estimate that the Hammerhead project could push Guyana’s oil output beyond 1.5 million barrels per day (bpd) by 2029. According to the project summary on the EPA’s website, the new development is expected to add between 120,000 and 180,000 bpd once operational in 2029.

ExxonMobil also projects gas production of 60 to 120 million standard cubic feet per day. The company emphasized in its project summary that it aims to “safely optimize that capacity” following initial startup.

When the Hammerhead project comes online, it will join six other sanctioned projects in the Stabroek Block, collectively boosting Guyana’s oil production to approximately 1.5 million bpd.

The EPA’s public notice, published earlier this week, stated that the proposed project will largely occur in the marine offshore environment. The notice highlighted potential environmental impacts, including effects on marine water quality, air quality, marine fauna, and socio-economic resources. Consequently, the EPA has instructed ExxonMobil Guyana to submit an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the Hammerhead project.

The environmental regulator also invited the public to submit written questions and concerns within 28 days of the July 14 notice for consideration in the EIA.

Documents filed with the EPA reveal that the Hammerhead project is located in the south-central portion of the Stabroek Block, approximately 160 km from Georgetown, amidst previous Stabroek projects. The current plans involve drilling via drill ships to produce oil using approximately 14 to 30 production and injection wells.

The project will include the installation of subsea equipment on the seafloor and processing equipment on a floating, production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessel. The FPSO vessel will have the capacity to store approximately 1.4 to 2 million barrels of oil. Third-party oil tankers will offload the oil from the FPSO, making it available for export to the international market.

The FPSO will also process, dehydrate, and compress associated gas produced from the reservoir. Several options for managing the associated gas are currently being evaluated.

The Hammerhead project is expected to significantly contribute to Guyana’s economic growth by increasing national revenues, procuring local goods and services, and creating direct and indirect employment opportunities. These benefits are anticipated to drive positive “multiplier” impacts throughout the local economy.

Christopher Martin To Release New Self-Confident Anthem “Boasy”

/0 Comments/in /by

News Americas, New York, NY, July 23, 2024: Jamaican Dancehall star Christopher Martin has announced the release of his new, self-assured single, “Boasy.” The track from his upcoming album is set to drop on July 25 via VP Records.

Christopher Martin to drop ‘Boasy’ on July 25th.

Produced by Ce’Cile and Dale “Dizzle” Virgo, “Boasy” radiates the confidence that Christopher Martin is renowned for. Similar to his hit song, “I’m a Big Deal,” Martin encourages listeners to be self-assured and resistant to doubt. “From you good at anything at all, you fi boasy!” he declares midway through the smooth track.

“‘Boasy’ is about self-confidence. It’s knowing that you are that person – and you need no one’s validation to solidify that. When you do things that are worthy of showing off, don’t be afraid to show it. Always put your best foot forward. Never shy away from being great,” said Christopher Martin.

Ce’Cile, speaking on the song’s creation, shared: “For this beat, my team and I aimed for something slow, sexy, and smooth – a vibe that’s been missing for a while. We had to get Chris on it because he’s Mr. Smooth, the King of Smoothness. ‘Boasy’ turned out to be quintessential Chris Martin: letting everyone feel good about themselves and be comfortable with who they are – being ‘boasy’ but not hype.”

2024 has been a remarkable year for Christopher Martin. In March, the St. Catherine, Jamaica native won the Jacob Miller Award for Best Male Vocalist at the International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMAs). In April, he made history with a 20-minute set at the Penn Relays, the oldest and largest track and field competition in the U.S., becoming the first reggae artist to headline the annual athletic event at Franklin Field. Additionally, he has been nominated for the Male Reggae Artist of the Year award at the upcoming Caribbean Music Awards.

“Boasy” follows last year’s “It’s Guaranteed,” featuring Bounty Killer and Busy Signal, as a lead-up to Martin’s next studio album. This will be his third full-length project, following 2017’s Big Deal and 2019’s And Then, the latter of which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart.

Christopher Martin will debut “Boasy” live during his headlining performance at the Westchester Reggae Festival at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, NY, on August 18.

“Boasy” will be available on all digital platforms on July 25. Pre save HERE

Tanya Stephens Celebrates 20th Anniversary Of “Gangsta Blues” With Live Album Release

/0 Comments/in /by

News Americas, New York, NY, July 23, 2024: Acclaimed Jamaican singer-songwriter Tanya Stephens has released “Gangsta Blues Live: 20th Anniversary” on all digital platforms, through a joint venture between Tuff Gong International and Tad’s Record Inc.

Tanya Stephens performs live at the Tuff Gong studios. (PHOTO CREDIT: IAN WITLEN/SiriusXM)

This release commemorates the 20th anniversary of her landmark album “Gangsta Blues” with a live performance of the full tracklist, recorded in front of a studio audience at SiriusXM in Miami Beach, FL. Initially broadcast on SiriusXM Bob Marley’s Tuff Gong Radio, the historic concert has now been mixed and mastered into an album featuring some of Stephens’ biggest international hits like “It’s A Pity (Live),” “Boom Wuk (Live),” and “Little White Lie (Live).” The album also includes cameos from premier Jamaican talents like Spragga Benz and Kumar Fyah on “Gangsta Gal (Live)” and “This Is Love (Live),” respectively. The 18-track set also features a studio recording of Tanya’s previously released single “Heart Of Stone” with Taddy P.

Listen to ‘Gangsta Blues’ here

Always dedicated to her loyal fans, the beloved reggae songstress has also shared a “Behind The Scenes” video on the Tuff Gong TV YouTube channel. The clip offers an insider’s glimpse into the event, including exclusive footage of soundcheck, the green room, and culminating in Stephens’ powerful performance of the fan favorite, “It’s A Pity (Live).”

“It has been so emotional because this was like therapy for me,” Stephens revealed in a personal message to her fans. Speaking about the album, she added, “It’s my philosophy. It’s my everything. It was my coming of age. I grew up in front of you guys. Thank you very much for being such good parents. Look how I turned out. You should be very proud! You should either be very proud or very ashamed,” she joked. “But either way, we made it this far and I really am so grateful. Thank you guys, I love you so much.”

The intimate gathering of 50 fans at the live recording session was a testament to the enduring love for Stephens. The veteran artist performed live renditions of the songs that elevated her status from a dancehall ingénue to one of Jamaica’s greatest storytellers. “So we’re here to celebrate, and I just want to say my heartfelt thanks to Tuff Gong Radio and SiriusXM for celebrating with me,” Stephens addressed the crowd. “Words can’t express what this means, so I’m not gonna talk too long. I’m just gonna get into it.”

The exclusive performance was also attended by Cedella Marley, CEO of the Bob Marley Group of Companies, and hosted by DJ GQ, the host of SiriusXM Bob Marley’s Tuff Gong Radio show “Dancehall Cyaan Done.” The latest episode of the show features a career-spanning conversation with Tanya Stephens and is available to stream on the SiriusXM app.

Born Vivienne Tanya Stephenson but known by her stage name Tanya Stephens, the Jamaican reggae singer and deejay emerged in the late 1990s. She is most known for her hits “Yuh Nuh Ready Fi Dis Yet” and “It’s a Pity,” for which Stephens achieved international recognition. Stephens has released 10 studio albums to date, including the critically-acclaimed Gangsta Blues and Rebelution, as well as her most recent full length project, Some Kinda Madness.

GANGSTA BLUES LIVE: 20th ANNIVERSARY TRACKLIST:

INTRO (LIVE)

WAY BACK (LIVE)

BOOM WUK (LIVE)

DAMN (LIVE)

GOOD RIDE (LIVE)

LITTLE WHITE LIE (LIVE)

IT’S A PITY (LIVE)

TEK HIM BACK (LIVE)

I AM WOMAN (LIVE)

THIS IS LOVE (LIVE) [FEAT. KUMAR FYAH]

GANGSTA GAL (LIVE) [FEAT. SPRAGGA BENZ]

WHAT’S YOUR STORY (LIVE)

CAN’T BREATHE (LIVE)

SOUND OF MY TEARS (LIVE)

THE OTHER CHEEK (LIVE)

WHAT A DAY (LIVE)

WE A LEAD (LIVE)

HEART OF STONE

New Caribbean Flights Coming

/0 Comments/in /by

News Americas, New York, NY, Mon. July 22, 2024: The Caribbean is set to see a significant increase in flights, providing more options for travelers and boosting tourism across several islands.

American Airlines Expands Chicago-Nassau Route

The Royal Atlantis Hotel in Nassau, Bahamas.

American Airlines is making a notable expansion of its Chicago O’Hare-Nassau route. Starting December 5, 2024, the airline will offer daily nonstop flights on Boeing 737 aircraft, just in time for the peak winter season. This decision comes as Nassau Paradise Island reports impressive tourism numbers, with around 2 million air and cruise visitors so far in 2024, according to the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board.

Grand Bahama Island to Receive Enhanced Airlift

New airlift is coming to Grand Bahama island.

Grand Bahama Island is preparing for a substantial boost in airlift this fall, continuing its tourism growth trend. Following a record-breaking 2023 with a 33% increase in foreign air arrivals, the island will see new services from Westernair and Bahamasair. Westernair will launch flights between Fort Lauderdale and Freeport in late August, while Bahamasair will enhance its Fort Lauderdale-Freeport route from September 6 to October 3, 2024.

American Airlines will resume daily flights to Freeport on October 3, increasing to twice-daily service from Miami in November and adding a new Saturday service from Charlotte. Bahamasair will also introduce a new route between West Palm Beach and Freeport on November 17, 2024, complementing existing services from Orlando.

This year has already seen the return of flights from Montreal, Milan, and Orlando, with new interline agreements signed with Virgin Atlantic and Alaska Airlines. An upcoming agreement with Turkish Airlines in September will further expand travel options.

New Service to South Caicos

New flights are coming to the TCI.

And American Airlines will begin non-stop service to South Caicos, Turks & Caicos from Miami starting February 15, 2025. The twice-weekly flights will operate on Embraer 175 aircraft, offering 76 seats, including 12 first-class. This service will coincide with the opening of Salterra, A Luxury Collection Resort and Spa, adding to the island’s appeal alongside Sail Rock Resort.

Minister of Tourism, Josephine Connolly, highlighted that this new service aligns with the policy to diversify tourism offerings and promote economic development in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Alvin Hegner, Chairman of Experience Turks and Caicos, expressed excitement about enhancing South Caicos’ tourism product in anticipation of the influx of visitors.

The flights from Miami to South Caicos will depart at 10:05 AM, arriving at 12:27 PM, and will return at 1:44 PM, arriving in Miami at 3:55 PM.

This increase in flights across the Caribbean promises to enhance connectivity, support local economies, and provide travelers with more options to explore these amazing destinations.

Here’s What You Need to Know About the Latest US Investments in the Caribbean

/0 Comments/in /by

By NAN Business Editor

News Americas, New York, NY, Fri. July 19, 2024: Ever wondered about the total U.S. Direct Investment made in the Caribbean recently? News Americas analyzed the latest figures available from the US Bureau of Economic Analysis for 2022 on the heels of the recent Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity Ministerial in D.C., and here’s where it stands according to a News Americas analysis. Countries not listed either received no inward US investments or had no data available for 2022 or 2021. They included Guyana, Suriname, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Antigua & Barbuda.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken attended an emergency meeting on Haiti at the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in Kingston, Jamaica, on March 11, 2024. (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

The total investment for 2022 in some 16 countries was approximately US $296.1 billion. The investments per country from highest to lowest were as follows, based on the latest available data – 2022.

US Investments in the Caribbean (2022)

CountryInvestment Amount (USD)Change from 2021Bermuda$206.4 billion-12.7%The Bahamas$42.6 billion+1.4%Curacao$9.2 billion+18.1%Trinidad and Tobago$6 billion+49.6%The Dominican Republic$2.5 billion+3.7%St. Kitts and Nevis$468 million+1.5%Jamaica$239 million+5.8%Anguilla$137 million-14.4%Caribbean Netherlands$123 million+2.5%Belize$122 million-1.6%Sint Maarten$93 million-7.0%Barbados$28.3 million-12.9%Aruba$20 million+900.0%Haiti$17 million-22.7%St. Lucia$12 million-340.0% Grenada US $7 million 0 %

These investments reflect the economic engagement of the United States with the Caribbean region, indicating both growth and decline in various countries.