Jamaican Actor Wins Broadway World Award

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Jan. 18, 2024: Jamaican-born actor and playwright, David Heron has taken home the 2023 Broadway World Rhode Island Award for Best Supporting Performer, triumphing over nearly 30 other nominees with his portrayal of Caliban in Shakespeare’s The Tempest.

David Heron as Caliban in The Tempest. Photo Credit- Bridget Huss

The critically acclaimed production took place from July to August 2023 in Wilcox Park, Westerly, as part of the annual Shakespeare in The Park Festival presented by The Colonial Theatre of Rhode Island.

Winners of the 2023 awards were announced on Broadwayworld.com on January 17th, following a month-long online public vote, with participants from Rhode Island, the USA, and globally.

Heron, also known for his work on the new HBO series, ‘Get Millie Black,’ as a Jamaican dialogue coach, stood out in a crowded field of 29 actors, earning the top honor.

The Tempest, in addition to Heron’s award, also secured the Best Costume Design accolade for Jaysen Engel. The production received a total of seventeen nominations, covering categories such as Best Play, Best Director (Marion Markham), Best Acting Ensemble, and Best Choreography, among others.

Heron expressed his gratitude for the win, emphasizing the role of director Marion Markham in addressing the play’s racial and colonial themes, making the role more acceptable.

He actively campaigned for votes during the one-month voting period, leveraging his networks, including his alma maters, corporate connections, family, and friends, as well as the entertainment community in Jamaica and the USA.

The global support he received resulted in a remarkable win that touched people across the Caribbean, North America, Europe, and Africa. Heron’s victory has been met with overwhelming joy, and he acknowledges the collective effort that made it possible.

Heron’s career spans appearances in various productions, both on and off-Broadway, regionally, and internationally. He has not only acted but also written plays like Love and Marriage, New York City, and Against His Will.

The Broadway World Awards are prestigious regional theatrical honors presented annually by Broadwayworld.com, a leading entertainment industry website covering theatre worldwide.

The 2023 Broadway World Rhode Island Awards showcased the Stadium Theatre as the biggest winner, earning fifteen of the eighteen awards, including Best Play (A Christmas Carol), Best Musical (Newsies), and Best Theatre For Young Audiences (Peter Pan).

For the full list of winners, please visit link to the Broadway World Rhode Island Awards.

West Indies Suffer Crushing Ten-Wicket Defeat To Australia

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News Americas, ADELAIDE, Australia, Fri. Jan. 18, 2023: The West Indies suffered a crushing defeat in the opening Test against Australia, losing by ten wickets in just the first session on the third day. Australia’s victory ensured the Frank Worrell Trophy remained on foreign soil for over three decades.

Usman Khawaja of Australia leaves the field retiring hurt after he was struck while batting during day three of the Mens Test match series between Australia and West Indies at Adelaide Oval on January 19, 2024 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

In their second innings, the West Indies resumed at 73 for six, still trailing by 22 runs. However, they were quickly bowled out for 120, with Josh Hazlewood taking five wickets for 35 runs, ending with career-best figures of nine for 79.

Australia needed only 26 runs for victory and achieved it in just 40 balls, taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series, with the second Test in Brisbane scheduled to start on January 25.

The West Indies’ defeat marked their 15th loss in their last 20 Tests against Australia, and they have not beaten the hosts in a Test for 21 years. Captain Kraigg Brathwaite expressed disappointment in the team’s batting performance, highlighting that the top order struggled.

Despite the impending loss, a significant crowd of nearly 17,000 spectators attended the match at Adelaide Oval. However, the chase was marred by an injury to Usman Khawaja, who retired hurt after being struck in the chin by a bouncer from Shamar Joseph.

In the end, Australia dominated the Test match, and the West Indies face an uphill battle to bounce back in the series.

Chinese Foreign Minister For Brazil, Jamaica

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NEWS AMERICAS, NEW YORK, NY, Thurs. Jan. 18, 2024: As China experiences a decline in its population, its government is starting off the year 2024 by strengthening its partnerships in Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, has been invited to visit Jamaica and Brazil from today, January 18th to Jan. 22nd.

Yi’s visit comes fresh off of a visit to Africa where he also met with Togolese President Faure Gnassingbe R, on Jan. 17, 2024. (Photo by Li Yahui/Xinhua via Getty Images)

The choice of Brazil and Jamaica as the destinations for this visit is significant because both countries are major players in the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) region, both economically and diplomatically. However, diversifying borrowing nations may not be the top priority in this context.

The visit comes as Chinese Vice President Han Zheng met with the Dominican Republic’s Chamber of Deputies President Alfredo Pacheco via video link in Beijing on Jan. 17th.

According to data from the Chinese Loans to Latin America and the Caribbean (CLLAC) Database, China’s development finance institutions have been supporting projects in only Brazil and Caribbean nations through sovereign loans since 2019. Brazil ranks second in receiving sovereign loans from the China Development Bank and the Export-Import Bank of China, following Venezuela.

In the Caribbean, Jamaica has been the largest borrower from these institutions. Both countries have important environmental vulnerabilities that China should consider in its future financial engagements. Brazil, for instance, is home to two-thirds of the Amazon rainforest, while Jamaica is a small island nation vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Brazil. Since becoming Brazil’s top trading partner in 2009, the bilateral ties were elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2012.

During the presidency of Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in Brazil, the China-Brazil relationship saw stable development. Lula’s administration implemented transformational social programs like “Bolsa Familia,” which means “Family Allowance,” during his first term, partly thanks to China’s substantial demand for Brazil’s commodities. This demand helped lift approximately 20 million people out of poverty, according to the World Bank. Upon returning to the presidency last year, Lula pledged to further “consolidate” Brasilia’s relations with Beijing.

China and Brazil share a close economic relationship, with Beijing purchasing nearly one-third of all Brazilian exports. According to Brazilian government statistics, bilateral trade between China and Brazil has grown significantly, reaching a record high of $150.5 billion in 2022, up from $3.2 billion in 2001. Beijing has also become a major source of foreign direct investment in Brasilia, particularly in sectors such as power generation, oil extraction, telecommunications, financial services, and industry. Between 2007 and 2020, China invested $66 billion in Brazil, making it the recipient of almost half of all Chinese investments in Latin America.

While the China-Brazil relationship has primarily been economic in nature, Lula envisions expanding this partnership beyond trade. His visit to Beijing in April 2023, where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, resulted in 15 agreements and Brazilian Real 50 billion (over $10 billion) in investments from China. This visit signaled the broadening of cooperation into areas such as space collaboration, research and innovation, the digital economy, information technology, the automotive industry, and renewable energy. Lula’s trip not only strengthened the relationship but also challenged claims that Chinese investments in Brazil had significantly declined.

What’s In That Guyana Trillion Dollar Budget?

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Tues. Jan. 16, 2024: The Guyana government on Monday Jan. 15th, unveiled its largest ever fiscal budget to date – GUY$1.146 trillion or US 5.84 billion, allocating significant funds for the further development of sectors such as energy, agriculture, health, and infrastructure. Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh, in his fifth fiscal package presentation, emphasized that the budget is 46 percent larger than the previous one.

Here’s a summary of the Guyana Budget 2024.

Income Tax Threshold Raised: Monthly income tax threshold increased to $100,000, raising annual Personal Allowance to $1,200,000.

Life and Medical Insurance Deductions: Taxpayers can now deduct premiums for life and medical insurance up to 10% of their income or $50,000 monthly, promoting insurance coverage.

Duty and VAT Removal: Sports equipment, essential cell phone accessories, and firefighting equipment will have Duty and VAT removed to enhance access.

Fuel Cost Control: Zero percent excise tax on petroleum products will be maintained to mitigate rising fuel prices.

Reduced Freight Charges: Adjusted import freight charges to pre-pandemic levels extended for 12 months from January 2024.

Pension and Assistance Increases: Old Age Pension, Public Assistance, Minimum Pension, Survivor’s Pension, and Invalidity Pension all set to increase in 2024.

University Support: Elimination of outstanding loans for University of Guyana graduates employed or self-employed in Guyana after graduation.

Grants and Student Support: One-off grants for those near the old age pension qualification, increased student grants, and uniform voucher allowances.

Cost of Living Measures: $7 billion allocated for measures to aid food production and mitigate price increases.

Part-Time Job Expansion: Expansion of the Part-Time Job Programme, allowing one person per household to work in public offices.

Small Business Support: Collaboration with banks to lower interest rates on loans up to $5 million to support small businesses.

Eye Care and Health Services: Vouchers for eye tests and spectacles for school children and pensioners, as well as support for cervical cancer testing.

These measures aim to boost various sectors and enhance the well-being of citizens in the coming year, the minister stressed.

Royalton CHIC Antigua Unveils Exclusive Chairman Overwater Bungalows for a Luxurious All-Inclusive Experience

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News Americas, ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, Jan. 16, 2024: Anticipation is building as Blue Diamond Resorts’ Royalton CHIC Antigua, poised to be the newest and most coveted All-Inclusive Resort in the Caribbean, set to open in spring 2024, reveals an extraordinary addition to its offerings—twelve luxury Overwater Suites. This announcement enhances the already exceptional “Party Your Way” vibe synonymous with Royalton CHIC Resorts.

Royalton CHIC Antigua Unveils Exclusive Chairman Overwater Bungalows

The Overwater Suites at Royalton CHIC Antigua will mark the second set of these type of luxury suites in the Blue Diamond Resorts portfolio, building upon the remarkable success of their initial six Chairman Overwater Bungalows at Royalton Antigua in 2019. Set to open its doors in late April of this year, this upcoming adults-only all-inclusive property will feature twelve additional overwater suites available in three different categories, Chairman, Presidential, or Junior Suite and they will feature the Diamond Club amenities that guests have come to love.

“This is a milestone, not only for Blue Diamond Resorts but also for the All-Inclusive industry and the island of Antigua,” said Jordi Pelfort, President of Blue Diamond Resorts. “We have proven to ourselves and our guests that our All-Inclusive offering continues to provide unique experiences. We strongly believe that the addition of these Overwater Suites to the upcoming Royalton CHIC Antigua will make this resort one of a kind in the region.”

While the Presidential Overwater Bungalow will offer a spacious 1,912 ft² one-bedroom haven with state-of-the-art amenities and a generous living room area featuring a glass floor providing stunning views of the ocean, the Luxury Junior Suite Overwater Bungalow will be a perfect blend of comfort and sophistication. This fully equipped 1,138 ft² suite over the ocean boasts a private terrace, plunge pool, and direct access to the ocean.

For an unparalleled experience, the Chairman Overwater Bungalow Two Bedroom Suite will provide an expansive and luxurious retreat featuring two rooms, terraces, two separate plunge pools, overwater hammocks, and direct access to the sea. Positioned directly above the ocean, it includes a living room with a crystal floor for mesmerizing sea views, a bar, kitchenette, dining area, three bathrooms, and cutting-edge technology in a 3,049 ft² space.

All Overwater Suites will include access to an upgraded Diamond Club with features and amenities such as seamless check-in, access to exclusive areas, and the coveted personal butler service to further enhance your stay.

“These elevated spaces will showcase luxurious and vibrant features that seamlessly align with the ‘Party Your Way’ concept, which has made our Royalton CHIC Resorts brand so popular among travelers,” Jordi Pelfort added.

Blue Diamond Resorts invites travelers to embark on an effervescent journey of luxury and relaxation at Royalton CHIC Antigua, where they can join the “Party Your Way” experience, embracing it as wildly or mildly as they choose.

For more information or to book your next vacation, visit www.royaltonchicresorts.com.

About Blue Diamond Resorts  

Blue Diamond Resorts encompasses over 60 properties, exceeding 18,000 rooms in eight countries located in the most popular holiday destinations in the Caribbean. Its nine leading hotel brands include the Award-winning, All-In Luxury® Royalton Luxury Resorts, where Everyone is Family. Whether guests come as friends, parents, kids, couples, weddings, corporate or incentive retreats, or solo travelers, everyone is family in these properties that feature personalized services and signature amenities including All-In Connectivity, DreamBed, and the Sports Event Guarantee.  To refocus on valued relationships and friendships, Hideaway at Royalton offers an adults-only experience with exclusive dining and preferred accommodations to enhance Togetherness among their guests. Party Your Way at Royalton CHIC Resorts, an adults-only vibrant and effervescent all-inclusive brand to revel in the unexpected. Mystique by Royalton is Miles from Ordinary, offering their visitors the chance to connect with their surroundings in a boutique-style resort collection full of endless beauty and hip vibes. In Jamaica, Grand Lido Negril offers guests over the age of 21 a unique and all-inclusive Au Naturel vacation along with a secluded shore for the utmost privacy. Memories Resorts & Spa offers a vacation designed whether you´re planning a family vacation, reuniting with friends, or just have a relaxing moment with your significant other, while Starfish Resorts provides amazing value, breathtaking surroundings, and rich culture and heritage. Planet Hollywood Hotels & Resorts invites guests to Vacation Like A Star with an engaging and interactive experience, plus famous pop culture items from iconic movies, music, and sports while you will Dodge the Paparazzi at Planet Hollywood Adult Scene, where your adults-only vacation will be the center of fascination and attention with glam and exclusivity.  

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

About Royalton CHIC Resorts

Royalton CHIC Resorts offers adults-only vibrant and effervescent all-inclusive experiences to Party Your Way and revel in the unexpected. Located in popular Caribbean destinations such as Punta Cana, Dominican Republic and Cancun, Mexico, this new adults-only generation of all-inclusive concept delivers unprecedented experiences in which luxury and fun meet in each idyllic location. Choose between relaxing and treating yourself or partying and having fun, party your way.

Ideal for couples, groups, singles or friends, including modern rooms and suites featuring All-In Luxury, the premium DreamBed, a variety of culinary offerings, All-In Connectivity and exclusivity through the Diamond Club category. Guests can choose between relaxing and treating themselves in the spa or enjoy the resort’s unique events and theme parties at signature locations.

For more information about Royalton CHIC Resorts, visit www.royaltonchicresorts.com

These 7 New Hotels Will Open In The Caribbean This Year

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Sat. Jan. 13, 2024: Seven exciting new hotels are set to open in the Caribbean region this year, boosting the region’s tourism product. They are:

1: St. Regis Cap Cana, Dominican Republic

Nestled within Cap Cana’s exclusive five-star real estate, the St. Regis Cap Cana will open this Spring and will be a luxurious retreat with a 200-room hotel and 70 luxury homes. Surrounded by a scenic golf course, this resort boasts 800 feet of private beachfront and stunning views of crystal blue waters and the Punta Espada Golf Club.

When viewed from above, the St. Regis Cap Cana seamlessly integrates with the picturesque Punta Espada Golf Course. The verdant rooftop of the development adds a touch of serenity to the already stunning beachside vistas, complementing the Dominican Republic’s pristine crystal blue waters and the lush scenery of the Punta Espada Golf Course. Acebal’s design thoughtfully includes 15 Golf Terrace residences, providing a prime vantage point overlooking holes #1 and #2 for an unparalleled golfing experience.

2: Sandals Saint Vincent and The Grenadines Resort

Nestled in a valley amongst lush mountains and the cobalt blue Caribbean sea, Sandals Saint Vincent and The Grenadines unlocks a new island destination for Sandals Resorts guests, opening March 27, 2024.

Sandals’ latest offering will open in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines on March 27th. It features 301 rooms, suites, and villas, including two-story overwater villas. There will be sixteen unique food and beverage concepts, including the brand’s first communal restaurant, Buccan. Sandals Saint Vincent and The Grenadines will offer 301 superbly appointed rooms and the portfolio’s most expansive suites to date, with Two-Bedroom Butler Villas spanning across the waterfront – a “Sandals First.” Interiors throughout feature special biophilic elements and the warmth of local volcanic materials, and views intentionally framing the unique flora.

Vincy Overwater Two-Story Villas reimagine Sandals’ iconic suites, with an evolved design across two stories built directly atop the sea, complete with a rooftop outdoor lounge with views as far as the eye can see. Select villas and suites throughout the resort up the ante with a dedicated space for movie nights in, and private fitness rooms with Technogym equipment, athletic programming, and an assortment of free weights. A focal point from the open-air lobby, a 300-foot linear pool appears to meet the horizon, flanked by posh cabanas and Swim-Up Bar access. An adjacent crescent-shaped pool invites guests to lounge and swim under the Saint Vincent sun, while Parisol’s double-crescent infinity-edge pool hugs the sand and overlooks the bay. Built along the riverside, the sound of flowing water will surround Red Lane Spa cabanas to really connect guests with the serene outdoors. Beyond the sand, the destination’s prime location on the Atlantic shelf makes it one of the Caribbean’s most abundant with local fish, with Sandals all-inclusive resort as a gateway to incredible snorkeling and scuba diving – and other exploration opportunities galore.

3: Zemi Miches All-Inclusive Resort, Dominican Republic

Part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, this resort will open in the DR this year. It will feature opens with 503 rooms and bungalows, including swim-up room options. Enviably located north of Punta Cana in the coastal town of Miches, the brand-new 502-room all-inclusive resort will welcome travelers to an area known for its pristine beaches, sprawling mountain landscapes and lush natural surroundings. The property is owned by Zemi Hotels & Resorts, S.R.L. and will be managed by Hilton. It will include 123 ground level swim-up guest rooms featuring individual plunge pools that connect via a winding pool allowing guests to swim to other areas of the resort.

4: Bermudiana Beach Resort, Bermuda

Located near Bermuda’s pink sand beaches, this Tapestry Collection by Hilton resort will open in October. It will offer 111 rooms, a cliff-top bar, ocean-view pool, and beachfront access. Overlooking Marley Beach, this clifftop resort is five minutes from the famous Horseshoe Bay Beach. The capital city of Hamilton is just 15 minutes away, and Southlands Park is right outside its doors. Each of its suites has a balcony or terrace while the resort will have two pools, a clifftop bar and restaurant, and an outdoor events lawn.


5: Six Senses La Sagesse, Grenada

Set along La Sagesse beach, this wellness resort will open in May. It will offer 71 suites and villas built with repurposed materials. Surrounded by nature, it will also include 56 pool suites combine eco-credentials and comfort, each leading to a private plunge pool for a cooling dip. In addition, there will be 15 villas enjoying a prime hillside or beachfront setting, ranging between one, two, and four bedrooms. The five four-bedroom villas on the Bluff offer a 270-degree view of one of the most coveted locations in the Caribbean.

6: Royalton CHIC Antigua

Blue Diamond Resorts is gearing up to launch an adults-only, all-inclusive resort on Antigua’s picturesque northwest coast in April of next year.

Formerly known as Starfish Halcyon Cove, this resort is currently undergoing an extensive renovation, with significant enhancements planned for the Diamond Club sections, pool areas, spa, restaurants, and lobbies. While two existing buildings will still be utilized for guestrooms, they have been completely refurbished, rendering them practically new inside.

The Royalton Chic Antigua will boast a total of 235 well-appointed guestrooms, each featuring a private balcony or terrace to enhance the guest experience.

Dining enthusiasts will have a delightful array of options with seven restaurants on-site, complemented by five bars. The resort also offers sports and fitness facilities, as well as a rejuvenating spa. For added convenience, guests can enjoy round-the-clock room service during their stay.

7: Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman

Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman is set to open on June 1, 2024 near Seven Mile Beach. The 10-storey hotel being constructed along the Esterley Tibbetts Highway just south of Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa will feature 282 guest rooms and a 6,700 square foot ballroom, the latter of which will serve well for local and tourist-focused conferences and events. It will also include a stunning ocean-view pool, and pet-friendly accommodations at this IHG Hotel.

For capital for commercial real estate check out Invest Caribbean Now.

Guyana Government Addresses Venezuelan Migrant Influx

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News Americas, GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Fri. Jan. 12, 2024: Guyana Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Minister Gail Teixeira has announced that the Irfaan Ally government is exploring ways to enhance the documentation process for all Venezuelan migrants entering the country.

Minister Teixeira addressed concerns raised by the APNU and AFC Oppositions regarding the influx of migrants from neighboring Venezuela. according to iNews Guyana, and strongly refuted allegations that the government was granting citizenship to numerous Venezuelan migrants for political gain in the upcoming 2025 General and Regional Elections, characterizing such claims as unfounded and illogical.

Teixeira emphasized that there had not been a sudden surge in Venezuelan migrants in recent months; rather, there had been a consistent flow of individuals from Venezuela. She provided a detailed explanation of the citizenship acquisition process in Guyana, highlighting the requirement of five consecutive years of residency to become a citizen and the option of marriage to a Guyanese citizen, subject to scrutiny to prevent marriages of convenience.

The minister also acknowledged the need to review the existing citizenship procedures related to marriage, suggesting that couples should spend one year living together before applying. She clarified that even without this criterion, applicants for citizenship in Guyana must undergo background checks and community visits, a process that typically takes about one year to complete.

Teixeira stressed that gaining citizenship in Guyana was not an expedited process and emphasized that Venezuelans, upon becoming naturalized citizens, were granted voting rights—a privilege also extended to Commonwealth citizens residing in Guyana for one year.

The Minister highlighted the government’s compassionate approach toward Venezuelan migrants, noting the presence of Guyanese-born citizens returning and individuals with Guyanese heritage coming to the country. Approximately 30,000 Venezuelan migrants reside in Guyana, with a significant portion having Guyanese connections. This comes amid tensions between Venezuela and Guyana as the Nicholas Maduro government makes claims to Essequibo.

Caribbean Travel News And Deal

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Thurs. Jan. 114, 2024: Here are the top Caribbean travel news and deals this week in 60 seconds.

The US Is Warnings Nationasl to Exercise increased caution if travelling to Cuba or in Cuba due to crime there.

Canada is still warning its nationals to avoid all Travel to Haiti due to the the threat posed by kidnappings, gang violence and the potential for civil unrest ​throughout the country.

Ahead of the Carnival season, Canada is Also Still warning its nationals to exercise a high degree of caution if travelling to or in Trinidad and Tobago And also Guyana due to violent crime there.

Royal Caribbean International’s highly anticipated Icon of the Seas took center stage as it arrived in Miami for the first time this. The first-of-its-kind combination of the best of every vacation was welcomed with fanfare by air, land and sea, ahead of its official debut on Jan. 27 to the Eastern or Western Caribbean.

St Maarten-based Caribbean airline Winair is adding new routes across destinations including Antigua, St Maarten, Tortola and Dominica beginning Jan. 15th, giving regional air travel a boast.

Get ready for Sandals Resorts in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The all-inclusive resort is set to open on March 27, 2024. It will have 301 rooms including, most notably, the first-ever overwater villas along with 12 different dining concepts, five bars and five different pools.

This week’s deal Of The Week is at Riu Negril – All Inclusive in Jamaica. Fly from Fort Lauderdale Airport in Florida and stay for 3 nights between Jan. 28th and 31st for the amazingly low rate of $743 per person. Book On CheapCaribbeannow.com

Guyana Is Lone Caribbean Country Forecast To Grow Significantly This Year

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By NAN Business Writer

News Americas, WASHINGTON, D.C., Tues. Jan. 9, 2023: The South American CARICOM nation of Guyana is the lone Caribbean Community member set to achieve double digit GBP growth this year according to World Bank forecasts.

According to the ‘Global Economic Prospects” for January 2024, Guyana will likely reach a whopping 38.2 percent real GDP growth this year compared to 29 percent in 2023.

No other Caribbean nation is forecast to get to double digits.

“The Caribbean economies are expected to grow 7.6 percent in 2024 and 5.4 percent in 2025, after expanding 4.6 percent in 2023,” the authors of the report said. “Excluding Guyana, which remains in a resource-based boom since the discovery of oil in 2015, the region’s growth is expected to accelerate to 4.1 percent in 2024 and 3.9 percent in 2025. However, prospects are uneven across the sub-region.”

The World Bank added that “the post-pandemic recovery of tourism in the sub-region is incomplete and is expected to continue driving growth.”

Additionally, “remittances into the Caribbean are also expected to continue increasing, albeit at a slower pace.”

The second highest growth of 5.1 percent is set to be recorded by the Dominican Republic amid structural reforms to attract FDI, and the third highest by Dominica of 4.6 percent.

Barbados is forecast for 4 percent growth, the fourth highest for the Caribbean but a drop from 4.6 percent in 2023. Grenada is forecast for 3.8 percent, a drop by one percentage point from last year.

Here’s where the other Caribbean nations line up:

Belize – 3.5 percent, a drop from 4.5 percent last year.

Jamaica – 2 percent, down from 2.3 percent in 2023.

St. Lucia – 2.9 percent, down from 3.2 percent last year.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines – 4.8 percent, down from 6 percent in 2023.

Suriname – 2.6 percent, up from 2 percent last year.

The Bahamas – 1.8 percent, a drop from 4.3 in 2023.

Haiti – 1.3 percent, up from -2.5 percent last year.

Hartford Athletic Signs Jamaican Defender For 2024 USL Championship Season

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News Americas, HARTFORD, CT, Mon. Jan. 8, 2023: Hartford Athletic has officially announced the signing of Jamaican Reggae Boyz defender Jordan Scarlett for the upcoming 2024 United Soccer League Championship, commencing March 9 in the United States. The 28-year-old defender is set to join the Connecticut-based club, subject to approval from the league and federation. His move follows a stint with Louisville City FC in 2023, which was prematurely ended by a knee injury after just three appearances.

Scarlett is the third Jamaican player Hartford Athletic has acquired this year, following the signings of Deshane Beckford and Romario Williams from Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. These new additions, including Scarlett, enhance the club’s Caribbean presence, joining compatriot Andre Lewis and Trinidad & Tobago’s Tristan Hodge.

Expressing his enthusiasm on the club’s website, Scarlett mentioned, “I am genuinely appreciative to be back playing the game that holds my heart.” Having grown up in New York, he views signing with Hartford as a homecoming and is excited to play in front of Hartford’s passionate fan base. He looks forward to contributing to the talented and exciting team at Hartford Athletic.

Scarlett, a native of Jamaica who grew up in the Bronx, attended Iona University and was selected by the New York Red Bulls in the 2017 Major League Soccer SuperDraft. He played his first three professional seasons with the New York Red Bulls II from 2017 to 2019. His USL Championship career is notable, with 157 appearances including time with the Red Bulls and Tampa Bay Rowdies, where he was a defensive leader and helped them reach the Eastern Conference final in each of his three seasons from 2020 to 2022.

Hartford’s head coach and general manager, Brendan Burke, praised Scarlett on the club’s website, highlighting his aggressive defending, aerial prowess, and valuable postseason experience. Burke expressed excitement about Scarlett driving the core group of defenders in the upcoming season.

Scarlett debuted internationally in June 2022 in a match against Mexico in the CONCACAF Nations League, representing the Reggae Boyz.