Jamaica’s Honorary Consul Re-Elected Consular Corps Association of Philadelphia President

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News Americas, PHILADELPHIA, PA, Tues. Dec. 19, 2023: Jamaica’s Honorary Consul in Philadelphia, Christopher Chaplin, has been re-elected as president of the Consular Corps Association of Philadelphia, (CCAP).

Hon. Consul of Jamaica to Philadelphia and president of the Consular Corps Association of Philadelphia, (CCAP), Chris Chaplin, speaks at the Consulate General of Jamaica in New York launch of Firstborn by award winning author Fred Kennedy. Firstborn is a biography of his father, Luis Fred Kennedy, one of the founders of GraceKennedy, one of the oldest and most successful companies out of my birthplace of Jamaica.

Honorary Consul Chaplin was re-elected for another term at the CCAP meeting on December 12th in Philadelphia.

During 2023, Chaplin and his team were credited with expanding CCAP from seventy-four members to eighty-two members. The members added in 2023 include the Consuls General, Honorary Consuls or Representatives from: Trinidad & Tobago, Cuba, Morocco, Colombia, Hong Kong – Economic and Trade Office, Kazakhstan, Ireland, Iceland and Costa Rica.

At the election, Ms. Marine Havel of France was elected vice president while Ms. Karen Lawson, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Fiji was re-elected secretary and Representative Daisy Van den Hoof-Mertens of Flanders was re-elected as treasurer

Chaplin is a career banker and has worked at financial institutions in both Jamaica and the United States. He was appointed Jamaica’s Honorary Consul in Philadelphia by Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith in April of 2019.

The Consular Corps Association of Philadelphia is the oldest consular organization in the United States and its members represent eighty-two countries around the world.

Jamaican Jazz Icon Dr. Monty Alexander To Spread Holiday Cheer With NYC And D.C. Performances

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. December 15, 2023: Renowned Jamaican-born Grammy-nominated jazz legend, Dr. Monty Alexander, CD, O.J, is set to once again infuse the holiday season with his soulful rhythms and positive vibes in New York and Washington, D.C.

Dr. Alexander will return to grace the stage at Birdland Jazz in NYC from December 21st to 25th for twice nightly shows that promise to uplift  the spirits of jazz fans everywhere in what has become an annual performance.

Dr. Monty Alexander, C.D., O.J. (Hollis King Image)

For show times and ticket reservations, visit HERE and at https://www.birdlandjazz.com/tm-event/monty-alexander-holiday-show-2/

Nestled at 315 West 44th Street, New York, NY 10036, Birdland has been an integral part of New York City’s musical heritage since 1949, hosting jazz legends like Tito Puente and showcasing iconic big bands including those led by Chico O’Farrill, Duke Ellington, Toshiko Akiyoshi, and Maria Schneider.

To close out the year, Dr. Alexander will again enchant audiences at Blues Alley in Washington D.C., with performances from December 27th to 31st. These twice nightly shows at Blues Alley are once again bound to be unforgettable, and tickets can be secured HERE and at https://www.instantseats.com/?fuseaction=home.venue&artistID=2145&venueID=3 Located at 1073 REAR Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007, Blues Alley has held its reputation as the nation’s premier jazz and supper club since 1965.

Dr. Alexander’s holiday repertoire will draw from a rich tapestry of musical experiences with American entertainment luminaries such as Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Natalie Cole, and Quincy Jones. He will also pay homage to jazz giants like Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Rollins, Milt Jackson, and Ray Brown. Moreover, he will hark back to his pioneering role in Jamaican popular music during the late 1950s and his profound friendship with the late Jamaican American icon and freedom fighter, Dr. Harry Belafonte.

Joining Dr. Alexander on stage will be accomplished musicians Luke Sellick on bass and Jason Brown on drums, while the special feature guest for the nights of December 21/22 and 23 in NYC will be the celebrated hand drummer/percussionist extraordinaire, Bobby Thomas, Jr.

These performances follow the completion of his highly anticipated upcoming studio album, ‘D-DAY,’ which features Sellick on bass and Brown on drums.

As he approaches his 80th birthday, Dr. Alexander continues to mesmerize global audiences with his infectious energy and heartfelt messages during his worldwide tours. Currently in production, “The Monty Alexander Movie,” a documentary filmed in Jamaica, the United States, and Europe, directed by Academy Award-winning cinematographer Jefferson Miller and veteran filmmaker Arthur Gorson, promises an insightful glimpse into Dr. Alexander’s artistic journey.

Since his move from Kingston, Jamaica to the United States almost six decades ago, Alexander has remained an iconic figure in American jazz. His captivating energy, boundless melodic creativity, effervescent rhythms, and sophisticated artistry span jazz, blues, gospel, calypso, reggae, and the American songbook.

Boasting an extensive discography of over 75 albums and recognized as one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time, Alexander received the esteemed Commander in the Order of Distinction in 2000. In 2022, the Jamaican government honored him with the national distinction of the Order of Jamaica for his outstanding contributions to Jamaican music and his remarkable interpretations of jazz on a global scale. Additionally, he holds an honorary doctorate (DLitt) from the University of The West Indies.

Alexander’s virtuosic piano skills and his unique fusion of jazz with Caribbean musical influences continue to captivate global audiences. His performances are marked by infectious energy, soulful improvisation, and an innate groove. Whether interpreting jazz classics, reimagining popular tunes, or showcasing his own compositions, Alexander’s expressive playing leaves an indelible mark on listeners.

Beyond his musical achievements, Dr. Alexander takes immense pride in representing Jamaican culture on a global stage, infusing the spirit and vibrancy of his homeland into his performances. As a respected figure in the jazz world, his music transcends borders, forging connections among people and leaving an enduring impact on all fortunate enough to witness his extraordinary talent.

For more information, visit his YouTube channel or his official website at https://montyalexander.com/. You can also follow him on Facebook at facebook.com/officialmontyalexander or stay updated on his performances through his Twitter handle, @montyHKE.

West Indies Secure Commanding 2-0 Series Lead Over England

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Thurs. Dec. 14, 2023: The West Indies are champions again!

In an exciting showdown, West Indies opener Brandon King showcased his prowess with an unbeaten half-century, earning the Man-of-the-Match title while Captain Rovman Powell joined the fireworks with a fantastic fifty of his own as the West Indies triumphed over England by ten runs, securing a 2-0 lead in the five-match series held at the Grenada National Cricket Stadium.

Starting on a shaky note at 54 for four in the ninth over, West Indies rallied to reach a formidable total of 176 for seven in their allotted 20 overs. Brandon King’s masterful 82 not out off 52 balls led the charge, while Powell contributed a blistering 50 off just 28 deliveries.

England’s response fell short despite Sam Curran’s impressive 50 off 32 balls. They finished at 166 for seven, with fast bowler Alzarri Joseph’s figures of three for 39 and left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein’s two for 24 creating obstacles in their run chase. Left-arm spinner Guadkesh Motie, in his second T20 International appearance after a two-year hiatus, added to England’s frustration with a brilliant four-over spell that conceded only nine runs.

This victory marked West Indies’ third consecutive T20I win and their seventh in ten matches this year.

West Indies celebrate victory during the 2nd T20 International match between West Indies and England at the National Cricket Stadium on December 14, 2023 in Grenada, Grenada. (Photo by Ashley Allen/Getty Images)

Despite a promising start, West Indies faced a sudden collapse, losing four wickets for just 11 runs in a span of 16 deliveries. Brandon King, with eight fours and five sixes, initiated a partnership of 43 off 34 balls with Kyle Mayers (17) in the power-play. However, the wickets started falling when Mayers was dismissed in the sixth over, followed by Nicholas Pooran in the next over. Shai Hope and Shimron Hetmyer also departed quickly.

Brandon King, though, remained unflappable and forged a record-breaking fifth-wicket partnership of 80 runs with Powell and an additional 42 runs with Andre Russell (14). These crucial partnerships propelled West Indies to accumulate 108 runs in the last nine overs. King reached his eighth T20 International fifty in the 13th over, while Powell blazed his way to a 27-ball fifty.

Powell’s explosive performance included three fours and five sixes, but he perished in the 17th over after single-handedly taking 28 runs off the over. King continued till the end, finishing the innings strongly.

West Indies’ bowlers struck early, with Akeal Hosein dismissing England’s captain Jos Buttler for just two runs. Opener Phil Salt (25) and Will Jacks (24) steadied the innings with a 46-run partnership for the second wicket. However, Joseph took crucial wickets in the deep, leaving England at 65 for three in the 10th over.

Sam Curran, promoted to number four, counter-attacked with four fours and three sixes, forming partnerships with Liam Livingstone (17) and Moeen Ali (22 not out). Despite Curran’s efforts, Joseph took his third wicket at the beginning of the 18th over. England required 43 runs from 17 balls, but Jason Holder’s brilliant penultimate over, costing only three runs, derailed their chances of victory.

Caribbean Travel News & New Year Cruise Deals

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Thurs. Dec. 14, 2023: Here are the top Caribbean travel news and New Year Cruise deals this week in 60 seconds.

If Cruising is on your bucket list for the New Year, now is a good time to grab these deals. New Year Cruise deals are here:

Grab an 11-night cruise deal to the Southern Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale, FL on Jan 8th to 19th starting at just US$900. Book at https://www.celebritycruises.com/itinerary-details/11-night-southern-caribbean-from-fort-lauderdale-florida?packageID=BY11D070&sDT=2024-01-08&cCD=CO&contentPromotionId=promotion-217

Of if the Western Caribbean is more your thrill, then grab this deal from Jan. 11th to 15th, from Fort Lauderdale , FL, starting under US $500. Book at https://www.celebritycruises.com/itinerary-details/4-night-western-caribbean-from-fort-lauderdale-florida?packageID=SI04W151&sDT=2024-01-11&cCD=CO&contentPromotionId=promotion-217

For less than USD 300 you can cruise from Miami to Nassau and Cozumel from Jan. 13-18th. Book now at https://www.celebritycruises.com/itinerary-details/5-night-bahamas-and-mexico-from-miami-florida?packageID=SM05S154&sDT=2024-01-13&cCD=CO&contentPromotionId=promotion-217

Or cruise last minute from Dec. 17th to the 23rd from Fort Lauderdale to Cayman, The Bahamas and Mexico for USD 1,200. Book now https://www.celebritycruises.com/itinerary-details/6-night-bahamas-grand-cayman-and-mexico-from-fort-lauderdale-florida?packageID=RF06W175&sDT=2023-12-17&cCD=CO&contentPromotionId=promotion-217

Meanwhile, Get Ready For Blue Diamond Resorts’ Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Adults Only Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Caribbean Travel News & New Year Cruise Deals

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Thurs. Dec. 14, 2023: Here are the top Caribbean travel news and New Year Cruise deals this week in 60 seconds.

If Cruising is on your bucket list for the New Year, now is a good time to grab these deals. New Year Cruise deals are here:

Grab an 11-night cruise deal to the Southern Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale, FL on Jan 8th to 19th starting at just US$900. Book at https://www.celebritycruises.com/itinerary-details/11-night-southern-caribbean-from-fort-lauderdale-florida?packageID=BY11D070&sDT=2024-01-08&cCD=CO&contentPromotionId=promotion-217

Of if the Western Caribbean is more your thrill, then grab this deal from Jan. 11th to 15th, from Fort Lauderdale , FL, starting under US $500. Book at https://www.celebritycruises.com/itinerary-details/4-night-western-caribbean-from-fort-lauderdale-florida?packageID=SI04W151&sDT=2024-01-11&cCD=CO&contentPromotionId=promotion-217

For less than USD 300 you can cruise from Miami to Nassau and Cozumel from Jan. 13-18th. Book now at https://www.celebritycruises.com/itinerary-details/5-night-bahamas-and-mexico-from-miami-florida?packageID=SM05S154&sDT=2024-01-13&cCD=CO&contentPromotionId=promotion-217

Or cruise last minute from Dec. 17th to the 23rd from Fort Lauderdale to Cayman, The Bahamas and Mexico for USD 1,200. Book now https://www.celebritycruises.com/itinerary-details/6-night-bahamas-grand-cayman-and-mexico-from-fort-lauderdale-florida?packageID=RF06W175&sDT=2023-12-17&cCD=CO&contentPromotionId=promotion-217

Meanwhile, Get Ready For Blue Diamond Resorts’ Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Adults Only Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Caribbean Travel News & New Year Cruise Deals

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Thurs. Dec. 14, 2023: Here are the top Caribbean travel news and New Year Cruise deals this week in 60 seconds.

If Cruising is on your bucket list for the New Year, now is a good time to grab these deals. New Year Cruise deals are here:

Grab an 11-night cruise deal to the Southern Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale, FL on Jan 8th to 19th starting at just US$900. Book at https://www.celebritycruises.com/itinerary-details/11-night-southern-caribbean-from-fort-lauderdale-florida?packageID=BY11D070&sDT=2024-01-08&cCD=CO&contentPromotionId=promotion-217

Of if the Western Caribbean is more your thrill, then grab this deal from Jan. 11th to 15th, from Fort Lauderdale , FL, starting under US $500. Book at https://www.celebritycruises.com/itinerary-details/4-night-western-caribbean-from-fort-lauderdale-florida?packageID=SI04W151&sDT=2024-01-11&cCD=CO&contentPromotionId=promotion-217

For less than USD 300 you can cruise from Miami to Nassau and Cozumel from Jan. 13-18th. Book now at https://www.celebritycruises.com/itinerary-details/5-night-bahamas-and-mexico-from-miami-florida?packageID=SM05S154&sDT=2024-01-13&cCD=CO&contentPromotionId=promotion-217

Or cruise last minute from Dec. 17th to the 23rd from Fort Lauderdale to Cayman, The Bahamas and Mexico for USD 1,200. Book now https://www.celebritycruises.com/itinerary-details/6-night-bahamas-grand-cayman-and-mexico-from-fort-lauderdale-florida?packageID=RF06W175&sDT=2023-12-17&cCD=CO&contentPromotionId=promotion-217

Meanwhile, Get Ready For Blue Diamond Resorts’ Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Adults Only Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Caribbean Travel News & New Year Cruise Deals

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Thurs. Dec. 14, 2023: Here are the top Caribbean travel news and New Year Cruise deals this week in 60 seconds.

If Cruising is on your bucket list for the New Year, now is a good time to grab these deals. New Year Cruise deals are here:

Grab an 11-night cruise deal to the Southern Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale, FL on Jan 8th to 19th starting at just US$900. Book at https://www.celebritycruises.com/itinerary-details/11-night-southern-caribbean-from-fort-lauderdale-florida?packageID=BY11D070&sDT=2024-01-08&cCD=CO&contentPromotionId=promotion-217

Of if the Western Caribbean is more your thrill, then grab this deal from Jan. 11th to 15th, from Fort Lauderdale , FL, starting under US $500. Book at https://www.celebritycruises.com/itinerary-details/4-night-western-caribbean-from-fort-lauderdale-florida?packageID=SI04W151&sDT=2024-01-11&cCD=CO&contentPromotionId=promotion-217

For less than USD 300 you can cruise from Miami to Nassau and Cozumel from Jan. 13-18th. Book now at https://www.celebritycruises.com/itinerary-details/5-night-bahamas-and-mexico-from-miami-florida?packageID=SM05S154&sDT=2024-01-13&cCD=CO&contentPromotionId=promotion-217

Or cruise last minute from Dec. 17th to the 23rd from Fort Lauderdale to Cayman, The Bahamas and Mexico for USD 1,200. Book now https://www.celebritycruises.com/itinerary-details/6-night-bahamas-grand-cayman-and-mexico-from-fort-lauderdale-florida?packageID=RF06W175&sDT=2023-12-17&cCD=CO&contentPromotionId=promotion-217

Meanwhile, Get Ready For Blue Diamond Resorts’ Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Adults Only Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Jamaica’s Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism Attend Grand Opening Ceremony at Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters

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News Americas, MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica, Thurs. Dec. 14, 2023: Blue Diamond Resorts celebrated a momentous occasion on December 13, 2023, marking the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for its latest property, Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort – Adults Only, which opened its doors in mid-November in Montego Bay, Jamaica. The distinguished event was honored by the presence of the Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness, and the Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, who graciously participated in the ceremony.

Jamaica’s Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism Attend Grand Opening Ceremony at Hideaway at Royalton Blue Water, Dec. 13, 2023.

The day commenced with the Prime Minister’s arrival at Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters, followed by a comprehensive walkthrough of the property, including visits to the property’s modern accommodations. The opening ceremony was presided over by the top executives of Blue Diamond Resorts, marking the most significant milestone for the company in the region since the opening of Royalton Negril in 2017.

Blue Diamond Resorts’ President, Jordi Pelfort, conveyed sentiments of gratitude and recognition for Jamaica’s pivotal role in the company’s journey. Pelfort emphasized that the island’s unique charm and vibrancy have played an integral part in Blue Diamond Resorts’ success. The president’s address underscored the commitment to the Jamaican people, extending beyond hospitality to encompass support and upliftment for the communities that have warmly embraced the resort.

Minister Edmund Bartlett echoed the sentiment with a speech affirming the importance of Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters in contributing to Jamaica’s tourism landscape. The Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, also shared his thoughts, emphasizing the significance of such investments in boosting the local economy and fostering sustainable development.

The highlight of the ceremony was the official ribbon-cutting, symbolizing the beginning of a new chapter for Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters. The celebration continued with a cocktail reception at the resort’s lobby, and the day concluded with an exclusive private lunch at Dorado restaurant, providing a fitting conclusion to a momentous occasion.

Blue Diamond Resorts expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister, Minister of Tourism, and all distinguished guests for their participation in this landmark event, marking a significant milestone in the company’s enduring commitment to Jamaica and its people.

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.

Trinidadian-Canadian Spotlights On Hidden History of Canadian R&B In Dissertation

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News Americas, Toronto, Canada, Weds. Dec. 13, 2023: Dr. Amara Pope, a second-generation Canadian-Trinidadian scholar, has achieved remarkable academic success, earning her PhD, MA, and Joint Honors BA while working multiple jobs to fund her education. Her latest achievement, a PhD dissertation titled “Canadians Redefining R&B: The Online Marketing of Drake, Justin Bieber, and Jessie Reyez,” sheds light on the impact of music on her life and the previously overlooked history of Canadian R&B.

Dr. Amara Pope is a second generation Canadian-Trinidadian woman. Under thirty, Pope has completed her PhD., MA and Joint Honors BA all while working at several jobs to pay for her education.

Growing up in a predominantly white neighborhood, music played a significant role in Pope’s life. Her research explores the missing history of Canadian R&B, which was often excluded from Canadian media. Pope’s dissertation features stories of artists like Crack of Dawn, Oscar Peterson, Jackie Shane, and Eleanor Collins. Through interviews with music professionals and marketing executives, she critiques how music has been organized along racial and national lines.

Pope argues that R&B exemplifies a multicultural Canadian identity. She examines how artists like Drake, Justin Bieber, and Jessie Reyez broke into the music industry, representing a diverse range of Canadian R&B artists. Her research also delves into the growing popularity of Canadian R&B in the digital era, analyzing these artists’ performances during the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Furthermore, Pope explores the rise of Canadian hip-hop and R&B, focusing on the struggles of racialized and immigrant Canadian artists. She highlights their collaborations with U.S. artists, creating what she terms “Canadian R&B music,” a fusion of R&B, hip-hop, pop, soca, reggae, and various immigrant influences.

The dissertation examines how Drake, Justin Bieber, and Jessie Reyez reinforce, complicate, or challenge prevailing notions of “Canadian-ness” and “R&B-ness.”

Pope’s journey began in Scarborough, ON, where she experienced diversity, but she later moved to Elmira, ON, where her family was the only “brown” family in the neighborhood. Pope’s Trinidadian heritage became a source of strength and empowerment. Canadian media, however, predominantly reflected a “white” Canada. It was during her post-secondary studies that she questioned this representation.

Her research showed how artists like Bieber, Drake, and Reyez resonated with her, allowing her to embrace different facets of her identity. The project became deeply personal, as Pope realized its impact on her and others. It revealed her profound interest in how musical artists create experiences that connect with listeners, fostering a sense of being “Canadian” and providing a space for self-reflection on identity.

Pope’s research ultimately showcases her pride in her complex Canadian-Trini identity, shaped in part by Canadian R&B. Follow Dr. Amara Pope: Instagram

Trinidad Minister Salutes Late Soca Star Ricardo Drue

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NEWS AMERICAS, PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad, Tues. Dec. 12, 2023: Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Arts, Randall Mitchell, has expressed his admiration for the late Antigua-born Soca artist and songwriter, Ricardo Drue, and his significant contributions to the local, regional, and international cultural scenes.

Drue, who was born on July 31, 1985, was 3. He relocated to Trinidad and Tobago at the age of four, tragically passed away at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre in Antigua, having been discovered unconscious and unresponsive at midday (local time) today, Dec. 12, 2023. The cause of his death has not yet been disclosed.

Ricardo Drue attending the Inaugural Caribbean Music Awards at Kings Theatre on August 31, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)

Ricardo Drue was known for his dominance in the Soca Monarch and Road March competitions, garnering a substantial following across the region. Some of his notable hits included “Vagabond” and “Professional.” He was engaged to Trinidad and Tobago’s soca sensation, Patrice Roberts.

Expressing his grief on Instagram, Roberts shared a video of himself and Drue, accompanied by a heartfelt caption.

“The passing of Ricardo Drue is a profound loss to the Soca community and the Carnival fraternity. Through his years as an entertainer, he played a pivotal role in promoting soca music worldwide and bringing joy to countless individuals. His memory will undoubtedly endure,” Minister Mitchell remarked.

He also noted that Drue, whose mother is a Trinidad and Tobago-born media professional, served as a lead vocalist for the popular local group, A-Team Band, and collaborated with other Trinidad and Tobago bands, including Imij and Co and D’All Starz.

Before embarking on his solo career in 2010, Drue opened for renowned artists such as Jeffrey Osbourne, Mario, Fat Joe, Sean Kingston, Lloyd, Machel Montano, and Barbadian Allison Hinds. He released two albums, “Dreams of my Reality” and “MYTIME,” and achieved recognition by winning the Power Soca Monarch of Antigua & Barbuda in August 2014.

News of Drue’s death was confirmed by Patrice’ publicist, Adanna Asson.

In a message posted on Instagram she said: “On behalf of my client Patrice Roberts, I wish to confirm the untimely passing of her fiance, Ricardo Drue. This is an absolutely devastating time for Patrice as she tries to grasp the concept of this tragedy. Please keep her, his daughter Lyara, his sons his entire family and their friends in your thoughts.”

Drue was reportedly the father of five – four boys and one girl.