From Talk To Transformation – The Cross Continental Forum Was Only The Beginning

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News Americas, TORONTO, Canada, Thurs. July 24, 2025: The Cross Continental Forum 2025 was more than a gathering – it was is a blueprint in motion. At the core of the forum was one undeniable truth: the future of global storytelling is being rewritten by the Global South.

The Cross Continental Forum founder, Frances Anne Solomon, in red at l, with film producers and sponsors at CCF 2025 in Bridgetown, Barbados.

“There’s a depth and richness in our storytelling that often gets overlooked in traditional spaces. I’m excited to see what solutions emerge to help us produce these stories in ways that truly reflect the beauty, complexity, and brilliance already in the room,” commented Melanie Hoyes, Director of Inclusion at the British Film Institute.

In mid-June producers, funders, storytellers, and cultural strategists from across the world met for several days in Barbados to not only discuss problems but find solutions to produce culturally relevant films by creatives who tend to be overlooked by the Global North (who generally decides who gets to tell their stories and how). 

What Comes Next

Producers, funders, storytellers, and cultural strategists from across the world met for several days in Barbados in June at The Cross Continental Forum 2025 from The Caribbean Tales.

CCF 2025 served as a real-time lab for creative problem-solving, cultural equity, and economic strategy. With over 30 producers directly participating and hundreds more reached through public events and screenings, the forum sparked new partnerships, reshaped how stories are valued, and laid the groundwork for future collaboration.

Key developments already in progress:

The CCF Manifesto
A unified declaration of intent and action – documenting concrete next steps from producers, partners, and collaborators, and signaling a collective commitment to move decisively from conversation to co-production.

Cross-Continental Collaborations
New cross-border alliances are taking shape from Lagos to Kingston to Port of Spain – grounded in equity, creative ownership, and cultural authenticity.

Financing & Policy Shifts
Funding strategies and policy shifts are already taking shape across public and private sectors, ignited by the ideas and commitments forged at the forum.

Stay Connected

This was the second staging of the forum, and the movement continues to grow.

If you’re a funder, commissioning body, or industry ally committed to equity-driven storytelling – we invite you to connect. Equity-driven storytelling needs bold partners. Join us as we shape a creative ecosystem where the Global South leads, owns and tells its stories on its own terms.

Visit the official site to explore more and express your interest or follow @crosscontintentalforum on Instagram or email ccf@creatorsofcolour.com 

This isn’t the end – it’s the shift.

Aspida Re Expands Global Footprint With Strategic Reinsurance Transaction in Japan

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News Americas, DURHAM, N.C., July 22, 2025: Aspida Life Re Ltd (“Aspida Re”), a Bermuda-based life and annuity reinsurance company, announced the execution of its second reinsurance transaction in Japan, effective June 1, 2025. This milestone marks a significant step in Aspida Re’s ongoing strategy to expand its global footprint and deliver innovative reinsurance solutions to life and annuity insurance partners worldwide.

The transaction was completed with a highly rated Japanese life insurance carrier (“Company”). Aspida Re, rated A- (Excellent) by AM Best, will reinsure new or incoming flow business. The reinsured product is a Japanese yen (JPY) denominated fixed annuity, highlighting Aspida Re’s ability to manage foreign exchange risk and deliver tailored solutions to its cedents.

“This transaction is highly strategic for Aspida Re,” said David Florian, CEO of Aspida Re. “It reflects our deep commitment to the Japanese market and our broader vision of supporting insurers around the world with innovative, capital-efficient reinsurance solutions.”

Aspida Re’s continued growth in Asian markets demonstrates its agility and expertise in navigating complex regulatory and financial environments, while reinforcing its role as a trusted partner in the global reinsurance landscape.

“We are excited to secure our second Japanese reinsurance agreement,” said Jon Steffen, President and Chief Actuary of Aspida Re. “Our flexibility and customized solutions allow us to provide significant advantage to clients and partners, no matter their location.”

To learn more about Aspida Re, visit aspidare.bm.

About Aspida Re

Aspida Life Re Ltd (“Aspida Re”), a Bermuda-based reinsurance platform, is focused on providing efficient and secure life and annuity reinsurance solutions to its global clients. Aspida Re seeks to be a trusted partner in its clients’ long-term financial growth by delivering creative, customized solutions while driving business by doing good for the communities it serves. Aspida Re is part of Aspida Holdings Ltd, with over $23.1bn in total assets as of March 31, 2025. A subsidiary of Ares Management Corporation (NYSE: ARES) acts as the dedicated investment manager, capital solutions, and corporate development partner to Aspida Re. For more information on Aspida Re, please visit www.aspidare.bm or follow them on LinkedIn.

Former Trinidad Prime Minister Briefly Detained in Antigua Allegedly Due To Name On INTERPOL Watch List

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By NAN News Editor

News Americas, PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, July 21, 2025: A routine stopover turned into a diplomatic firestorm Monday after Trinidad and Tobago’s former Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley, revealed that he had been briefly detained and flagged by immigration officials in Antigua and Barbuda last week, allegedly due to his name appearing on an INTERPOL watch list.

FLASHBACK – Then Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Keith Rowley (C) takes part in a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in the Jefferson Room of the State Department in Washington, DC on January 29, 2024. (Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images)

The incident, which occurred while Rowley was en route to Montserrat for the 30th anniversary of the island’s Volcano Observatory, has ignited political controversy in Port of Spain, with Rowley denouncing the situation as a “deliberate, calculated attempt to tarnish my name on an international stage.”

Rowley, 75, who stepped down from office in April after nearly a decade at the helm, claimed the incident was rooted in political persecution orchestrated by state entities in his home country.

“This is not just a mistake,” he told reporters at a Monday press briefing. “It is state-sponsored slander.”

Immigration officials in Antigua confirmed that Rowley was momentarily held for questioning due to an alert triggered by INTERPOL systems. He was later released without further incident. According to Rowley, the officer involved cited “mistaken identity” related to another individual being sought by Antiguan police.

But the former leader is unconvinced.

“I find it strange,” he said. “INTERPOL doesn’t casually flag a former head of state. Someone put my name there – and that someone is likely from Trinidad and Tobago.”

The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) swiftly denied the claim. In a detailed statement, the agency said its INTERPOL Bureau found no record of Rowley being listed or flagged in any international criminal database. “No alerts, flags, or warrants are associated with his name,” the TTPS said, adding that it had never submitted any such request to INTERPOL.

Still, the damage – at least politically – may already be done.

The opposition People’s National Movement (PNM), which Rowley once led, demanded “immediate and full disclosure” from Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the national police commissioner, and the attorney general.

“This development raises troubling questions about political weaponization of international law enforcement mechanisms,” the party said in a statement. “If this can happen to a former Prime Minister, what safeguards exist for ordinary citizens?”

Rowley, who led the country through multiple crises including the COVID-19 pandemic and major energy reforms, is widely respected across the region. His detention has prompted concern among Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders, who fear a precedent that could undermine diplomatic mobility for current and former officials.

“This isn’t just about me,” Rowley said. “It’s about democratic norms and the abuse of power. Trinidad and Tobago must reckon with this moment.”

While the TTPS emphasized that INTERPOL cannot be manipulated by domestic politics—requiring judicial or prosecutorial oversight for any listing – Rowley insists that someone within the state apparatus abused the system.

“The protocols may be there,” he said, “but so are people willing to violate them.”

As the controversy unfolds, the TTPS has pledged continued transparency. But critics warn that the mere appearance of political interference – even if unsubstantiated – erodes public trust in both local law enforcement and international cooperation.

For now, Rowley is back in Trinidad, uncharged and unflagged. But he’s not letting the issue go.

“I’ve dedicated my life to public service,” he said. “And I will not allow my legacy – or our democracy – to be undermined by cowardice or corruption.”

MODEC Deepens Guyana Bet as Exxon Expands Output

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By NAN Business Editor

News Americas, GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Mon. July 21, 2025: Japan’s MODEC is doubling down on Guyana’s booming offshore oil sector with a strategic new hub in Georgetown, underscoring the South American nation’s emergence as a critical node in global energy supply chains.

The move by the Tokyo-based offshore engineering giant comes amid a broader regional realignment, with Asian, American, and European stakeholders racing to entrench themselves in what has become the world’s fastest-growing oil frontier.

MODEC’s new office is set to create and sustain more than 160 local jobs, with additional workforce opportunities expected during its operational ramp-up. Beyond job creation, the company’s investment signals a long-term industrial footprint that integrates Guyana more deeply into the global offshore production ecosystem.

“This is not a company dipping its toes in the water,” said Guyanese Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Oneidge Walrond. “MODEC has come with purpose, promise, and proven performance.”

Strategic Commitment Amid Rising Output

Earlier this year, MODEC secured a high-profile contract from ExxonMobil Guyana to construct its second Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel for the Hammerhead project—projected to process up to 150,000 barrels per day.

With Exxon’s oil production in Guyana expected to surpass 1.3 million barrels per day by 2027, MODEC’s growing role signals that Japan is positioning itself not just as an offshore contractor—but as a long-term industrial partner.

“Guyana’s human capital is an asset,” MODEC Group CEO Hirohiko Miyata said at the launch. “We are 100 percent committed to developing local content.”

Geopolitics, Green Tech, and Japanese Stakes

The Hammerhead FPSO will be one of the most technologically advanced vessels deployed in the Western Hemisphere, outfitted with combined cycle gas turbines to reduce emissions—an innovation aligned with Japan’s energy efficiency push and global decarbonization goals.

That investment in greener offshore production also dovetails with Japan’s strategic interest in diversifying its energy partnerships beyond the Middle East, particularly as global shipping routes and geopolitics become increasingly volatile.

Local Content Law Bears Fruit

Guyana’s 2021 Local Content Act is already reshaping the investment landscape. With over $1.5 billion in contracts awarded and more than 1,100 local firms engaged, the law has pushed foreign operators to embed themselves into the local economy—transforming Guyana from rentier state to industrial stakeholder.

MODEC’s presence reflects that shift. “We welcome MODEC not just as a contractor,” said Walrond, “but as a partner in nation building.”

The company’s website shows a number of open posts HERE

Team Jamaica Bickle Founder To Be Honored With Visionary Award At NBA’s Star’s Jalen Brunson’s Charity Gala

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NEWS AMERICAS, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. July 21, 2025: Jamaican-born immigrant advocate, Irwine Clare, Sr. OD, the esteemed founder of Team Jamaica Bickle, is set to be honored with the prestigious Visionary Award at NBA star Jalen Brunson’s 3rd Annual Charity Golf Classic on Monday, August 18, 2025, at the Westchester Country Club in Rye, New York.

Jamaican-born immigrant advocate, Irwine Clare, Sr. OD, the esteemed founder of Team Jamaica Bickle.

Presented by the Second Round Foundation, the Visionary Award recognizes individuals whose lifelong work has transformed communities and inspired generations. Founded by Brunson, who is of Jamaican heritage, the foundation is committed to empowering youth through education, sports, and mentorship. Its annual Charity Golf Classic and gala support scholarships, community development, and philanthropic honors.

Clare is being recognized for his extraordinary and unwavering dedication to the development of Caribbean student-athletes, particularly in the sport of Track & Field.

“The Second Round Foundation is proud to bestow this great honor to Mr. Clare, a true visionary for his leadership, sacrifice and dedication to young athletes in Jamaica and the Caribbean at large,” said Nija Ali Williams, CEO, Second Round Foundation. “Mr. Clare’s legacy represents the very essence of SRF’s mission to provide equity and access for young people who are striving to become the best version of themselves. For more than thirty years, Mr. Clare’s unwavering commitment to student-athletes through his work at Team Jamaica Bickle has garnered tremendous success and the harvest will continue for decades to come.”

Clare, who also serves as the co-founder and managing director of the Caribbean Immigrant Services, Inc. (CIS), has spent decades mobilizing and empowering the Caribbean Diaspora. Under his leadership since 1995, CIS has helped thousands of Caribbean nationals obtain U.S. citizenship and voting rights. He also previously served on the advisory board of the Jamaican Diaspora USA (Northeast) and was conferred with the Order of Distinction by the Government of Jamaica in 2012 for his “invaluable contribution to Jamaicans in the Diaspora.”

Through Team Jamaica Bickle, Clare has supported thousands of athletes from across the Caribbean, providing essential resources including accommodation, meals, and medical support – especially during the annual Penn Relays in Pennsylvania. Since its founding nearly 31 years ago, the organization has raised over US$5 million in support of athletes and sports programs in Jamaica.

Beyond his nonprofit work, Clare is a well-known advocate and media voice, hosting Caribbean Lifestyle TV, co-hosting The Fact of the Matter radio show on 93.5 FM, and serving as a Director on the Caribbean World News Network. His leadership has extended across numerous civic and advocacy groups, including the Jamaica Progressive League, the Union of Jamaican Alumni Associations, and the NAACP.

The Visionary Award will be presented during a special gala celebration that brings together community leaders, sports legends, and supporters from around the globe to honor changemakers like Clare.

About Team Jamaica Bickle

Team Jamaica Bickle (TJB) is a U.S.-based not-for-profit organization that provides hospitality services for Caribbean athletes participating in the Penn Relays and other major competitions. Since its founding, TJB has grown into a major support system for Caribbean athletics. Support the organization at https://www.teamjamaicabickle.org/

Curtains Close on Reggae Sumfest 2025 – See All the Top Performances Here

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By News Americas ET EDITOR

News Americas, MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica, Mon. July 21, 2025: The curtains have officially closed on Reggae Sumfest 2025, but the memories will echo for years to come. From reggae royalty to rising stars, Jamaica’s biggest music festival lit up Montego Bay with unforgettable performances. From Tarrus Riley’s family tribute to I Wayne’s fiery set and Toni Braxton’s R&B nostalgia, this year’s show proved once again why Sumfest remains the Greatest Reggae Show on Earth.

R&B singer Toni Braxton performed at Reggae Sumfest 2025 on July 19, 2025.

Didn’t catch it live? See some of the top performances here.

Tribute to Dennis Brown and Gregory Issacs

While international R&B star Toni Braxton was the marquee name on the lineup, it was Jamaica’s own musical royalty who truly owned the stage. The performances by Fantan Mojah, Bugle, Pressure Buss Pipe, I Wayne, Tarrus Riley, Lila Iké, and Protoje were the heartbeat of the festival – showcasing the unmatched depth of Caribbean talent.

A 12-Year-Old Steals the Show
Veteran Fantan Mojah opened the night with a short yet powerful set, introducing 12-year-old singer Emma, whose original song “God Is Real” stunned the audience into roaring applause. Her voice, message, and stage presence were a revelation and one of the weekend’s most talked-about moments.

Vybz Kartel

Vybz Kartel was crowned the King of Dancehall and then performed

Roots and Conscious Vibes
Pressure Buss Pipe followed with hits like Love and Affection and Be Free, setting a deeply spiritual tone. Then came I Wayne, whose razor-sharp lyrics and conscious delivery lit up Catherine Hall. With songs like Book of Life, Touch Her Softly, and Bleacher, he delivered what many are calling the festival’s best performance — even if his set was cut short.

Time constraints would become a theme of the evening, with several acts like Bugle, Lila Iké, and Protoje trimming their sets. Bugle gave a heartfelt dedication to his late mother during Pearly Gates, while Lila Iké used her first solo Sumfest appearance to dazzle in iridescent fashion, blending hits like Solitude and Second Chance with a personal message about her recent arrest: “Dem couldn’t stop this.”

Lila Ike performs

Protoje followed as mentor and star in his own right, performing crowd favorites like Blood Money and Kingston Be Wise.

Toni Braxton Tries, But Locals Triumph
While fans were eager to see Toni Braxton, technical issues marred her set. Songs like Unbreak My Heart and Breathe Again showcased her vocal power, but her connection with the Jamaican audience felt delayed — picking up only near the end of her set.

Tarrus Riley’s Royal Finale
It was up to “Singy Singy” Tarrus Riley to close out the festival – and he delivered in full. With hits like She’s Royal, Gimme Likkle One Drop, and Superman, Riley reminded fans why he’s one of Jamaica’s most beloved acts. He brought out his children, Tsehai “Pepsi” Riley and Mekiem Riley, in a moving family tribute capped by a sweet rendition of Human Nature.

Riley also paid homage to legends Gregory Isaacs, Dennis Brown, Cocoa Tea, and his own late father Jimmy Riley, bringing emotional depth to the final act.

As the curtain fell on Reggae Sumfest 2025, one message rang clear: no matter who headlines, Jamaica’s own are the soul of this stage.

Why The Haitian Flag Decision In Lake Worth Beach Feels Like Erasure

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BY NAN News Editor

News Americas, FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, Fri. July 18, 2025: Lake Worth Beach has long flown the Haitian flag alongside the American and LGBTQIA+ flags—not just as decoration, but as a symbol of deep-rooted cultural pride, especially during Haitian Heritage Month each May.

But that symbol was quietly stripped away on July 1, when the city commission voted 4–1 against raising the Haitian flag this year, WLRN reported, citing vague “First Amendment concerns.” For many in the community, it felt like more than a policy change. It felt like erasure.

Contrast that with NYC, where Mayor Eric Adams joins the Haitian community and Bowling Green Association Chairman Arthur Piccolo in raising the flag of Haiti in Bowling Green, NYC annually. (Twitter image/City of New york)

The Haitian community makes up a vibrant, visible part of Lake Worth Beach. Each spring, schools host cultural events, students wear traditional colors, and commissioners attend parades celebrating Haiti’s history of revolution and resilience. The flag was always more than cloth—it was identity.

So why now?

Commissioner Anthony Segrich raised the issue, arguing that allowing one ethnic flag opens the door to potentially offensive or politically charged flags—including, in a jarring example, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) flag. The comparison outraged community leaders and educators, especially amid rising fears over immigrant deportation crackdowns.

“If ICE wanted to fly a flag, would you support that?” Segrich asked during the meeting. “There are members of the community who would.”

That hypothetical chilled Andrew Cavanagh, a Lake Worth High School teacher who works closely with Haitian-American students. “It seems like they’re distancing themselves from our Haitian population… It’s a little scary right now,” he told WLRN.

The vote left many confused. Commissioner Sarah Malega initially opposed the measure, stating: “At a time right now where there’s division in this country, I will not turn my back on either one of those communities.” Yet she ultimately joined the majority, supporting Segrich’s idea of flying only the U.S. and LGBTQIA+ flags as a city-sanctioned statement of inclusion—while suggesting a new “Lake Worth Beach” flag might one day replace ethnic symbols.

Commissioner Christopher McVoy was the lone dissenting vote. “There is no harm in putting up flags from other parts,” he argued, calling the vote unnecessary and hurtful.

The backlash isn’t about flag policy alone. It’s about what this moment represents—a growing tension in America’s sanctuary cities, where local leaders are navigating cultural inclusion, political polarization, and national immigration battles in real time.

Lake Worth Beach is home not just to Haitians, but also Guatemalan and Finnish communities. Yet none of those groups have seen their flags raised regularly, either. So why is the Haitian flag – —one of only two flags besides the U.S. to ever fly over city hall—now in the crosshairs?

The meeting’s agenda didn’t make the vote’s implications clear, and community members say they weren’t adequately informed. That lack of transparency has fueled distrust.

There’s no question that Lake Worth Beach needs a clear, inclusive flag policy. But in a city that calls itself a sanctuary, the removal of the Haitian flag—a powerful symbol of freedom and diaspora strength—raises troubling questions about whose culture is seen, and whose is quietly pushed aside.

With Haitian immigrants facing increasing marginalization nationwide, this local decision feels all the more symbolic—and not in a good way.

It’s New Music Friday! Here Are 4 New Caribbean Tracks You Need To Hear

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By NAN ET Editor

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. July 18, 2025: It’s New Music Friday, and the Caribbean’s musical heartbeat is pulsing louder than ever. This week’s lineup of fresh releases features a mix of island soul, reggae roots, and creative collaborations that spotlight just how expansive Caribbean talent really is. From chart-toppers to underground favorites, here are four new tracks that deserve a place on your weekend playlist.

Lila Iké & Masicka — “Romantic”

Two of Jamaica’s most exciting artists team up again for “Romantic”, a sultry, nostalgic nod to the iconic “Romantic Call” by Patra. Lila Iké, known for her soulful reggae delivery, blends seamlessly with Masicka, one of dancehall’s lyrical kings, to give us a genre-blending track that feels both classic and fresh.

“Romantic” marks the second collaboration between the pair — following their hit “Triumph” — and is the fourth single off Lila’s highly anticipated debut album Treasure Self Love, out August 22 via Ineffable Records, Protoje’s In.Digg.Nation Collective, and Lila’s Wurl Iké Records.

Lila, who’s performed on NPR Tiny Desk and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, has earned accolades from Rolling Stone, Vogue, The New York Times, and more. With recent tours in Japan and Europe, she continues to represent modern reggae on a global scale.

Watch/Listen HERE

Irie Souljah — “I Know Dem”

Irie Souljah, the Spanish-born, Jamaica-based reggae artist, drops “I Know Dem”, the final single before his new album World Citizen drops on August 1. Known for his spiritual, roots-heavy reggae, Irie’s newest track delivers a message of resilience and authenticity — in both lyrics and tone.

His upcoming album includes features from Kabaka Pyramid and Alborosie, and follows the success of his 2023 project All About Love, which featured Anthony B, Chronic Law, and Iya Terra. A seasoned stage performer, Irie Souljah has played alongside Chronixx, Cocoa Tea, and Damian Marley.

Currently on tour across Germany, Denmark, Spain, and Italy, Souljah is proof that reggae’s reach is global — and powerful.

Listen and view now

Nailah Blackman — “Busy Body” and “Desert Flower”

Trinidadian powerhouse Nailah Blackman is back with “Busy Body” and “Desert Flower.” Busy Body is a bold, genre-blending anthem that brings her signature mix of sass, soul, and soca-infused flair. This track is everything fans love about Nailah: vibrant, high-energy, and impossible not to dance to.

Written by Nailah, Anson Pro, Felicia Jones, and Michael Coleman, the song was produced by Anson Pro with additional production from Jakey Krumm. It was mixed by Grammy-winning engineer Leslie Brathwaite and mastered by Johann Seaton, giving it a polished, radio-ready feel while still pulsing with island energy.

The official music video, directed with Nailah’s usual bold visuals and expressive style, enhances the track’s celebration of freedom and individuality — themes that run through much of her recent work. Busy Body is fun, flirty, and full of rhythm, showing Nailah’s continued growth as both a performer and storyteller.

Watch: Busy Body Official Video

“Desert Flower”

On “Desert Flower” Blackman surprises fans with an introspective, guitar-laced track that leans more acoustic soul than her usual Carnival bangers. It’s a lyrical, vulnerable moment — a sonic shift that showcases her artistic range.

Nailah wrote and co-produced the song with Anson Pro, also playing lead guitar. The track was mixed by Anson Pro and mastered by Madmen Productions, with a visually stunning music video co-directed by Nailah and Precise Lee Film.

Known for fusing soca with R&B, pop, and reggae, “Desert Flower” continues Nailah’s path as one of the Caribbean’s most versatile new-generation artists. It’s raw, reflective, and refreshingly different.

Watch: Desert Flower Official Video

Exxon May Have Won the Block, But Chevron Just Won the Long Game

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News Americas, Georgetown, Guyana, Fri. July 18, 2025: While ExxonMobil may continue to operate the world-class oil fields off the coast of Guyana, it’s Chevron that just made the bigger strategic move. On Friday, the International Chamber of Commerce, (ICC) gave the green light for Chevron’s US$53 billion acquisition of Hess, ending a contentious battle over one of the most lucrative oil plays on the planet.

With this ruling, Chevron gains a 30% stake in Guyana’s massive Stabroek Block, home to more than 11 billion barrels of recoverable oil. It’s a long game move that not only secures Chevron’s future in deepwater drilling but also positions it directly alongside Exxon in one of the fastest-growing oil frontiers in the world.

“We welcome Chevron to the venture,” said Exxon in a brief statement, signaling an end to the 18-month standoff between the two energy giants.

A Silent Battle, Publicly Decided
The conflict between Exxon and Chevron has simmered for more than a year, hidden behind closed-door arbitration and legal interpretations of a private joint operating agreement (JOA) between Exxon, Hess, and China’s CNOOC, which holds the remaining 25% stake.

Exxon had claimed it held preemptive rights to Hess’s stake in Guyana and tried to block Chevron’s move. But the ICC’s ruling decisively cleared the path, enabling Chevron to step in as a junior partner on Exxon’s flagship offshore asset.

“This is more than just a merger,” said one energy analyst. “This is Chevron planting its flag in Exxon’s most valuable growth market for the next decade.”

Exxon Runs the Rig, But Chevron Just Joined the Club
While Exxon retains operational control with a 45% share, Chevron’s entry fundamentally shifts the landscape. The Guyana project is expected to produce 1.2 million barrels per day by 2027, amounting to 1% of global supply—and Chevron now shares in the profits and the global clout that comes with it.

Chevron also inherits Hess’s broader portfolio, which includes prime shale assets in North Dakota and stakes in Asia and the Gulf of Mexico, effectively diversifying and strengthening its long-term drilling strategy.

Winners, Losers, and What Comes Next
For Guyana, the new corporate alignment doesn’t change the royalty rates or government take – at least for now. But it does place another powerful multinational into its energy equation. The presence of both Exxon and Chevron in a single national project is rare and brings added pressure on transparency, governance, and fiscal renegotiations, especially as Guyana’s oil revenues surge.

For Exxon, the ruling is a setback—but not a defeat. It retains control of operations and still holds the largest stake in the block. But with Chevron now in the room, it faces a stronger competitor in both financial and geopolitical terms.

“This deal may redefine who dominates deepwater drilling in the Western Hemisphere over the next 20 years,” said a Washington-based energy strategist.

Why This Matters Globally
The Guyana offshore discovery is not just another oil field. According to the International Energy Agency, it’s one of the most promising new oil sources in the world, coming online just as global energy demand is expected to peak. As oil companies race to secure their final frontier projects before energy transitions accelerate, Guyana has become the crown jewel.

And now, Chevron has a seat at the table.

Bad Bunny’s Record-Breaking Residency Set To Inject Over US 200M Into Puerto Rico’s Economy

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By NAN ET Editor

News Americas, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Weds. July 16, 2025: The beat dropped. The lights came up. And with it, Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny launched what’s already being called the largest economic stimulus in the island’s cultural history.

Bad Bunny performs onstage during Night One of Bad Bunny: “No Me Quiero Ir De Aqui” Residencia En El Choli at Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot on July 11, 2025 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images)

His sold-out, 30-show residency, titled “No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí”, opened this week at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico and is expected to bring more than 600,000 visitors to San Juan between July and September — pumping an estimated $200 million into the local economy.

It marks Puerto Rico’s first-ever concert residency, and tickets sold out in under four hours, confirming Bad Bunny’s unrivaled global draw and the residency’s once-in-a-generation scale.

Bad Bunny performs onstage during Night One of Bad Bunny: “No Me Quiero Ir De Aqui” Residencia En El Choli at Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot on July 11, 2025 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images)

A Cultural & Economic Earthquake
The numbers are staggering. Over 35,000 hotel nights have already been booked, and short-term rentals are up 1,150% compared to last year, according to tourism officials. The concerts could boost tourism-related jobs by 3% and are forecasted to increase the island’s GDP by 0.15% – a critical lift for a territory still navigating financial uncertainty and post-pandemic recovery.

“This residency isn’t just about music. It’s about what Puerto Rico represents to the world – resilience, rhythm, and reinvention,” said one economist at the University of Puerto Rico. “Bad Bunny is single-handedly fueling an economic mini-boom.”

JetBlue Takes Fans Along for the Ride
JetBlue, the island’s largest airline, isn’t just watching from the tarmac. As official sponsor of the residency, the airline has launched a national sweepstakes to fly five lucky fans to the show.

Winners will get roundtrip tickets to San Juan and access to one of the August 29 or 30 performances. On-site, JetBlue is hosting exclusive fan activations and promising “surprises throughout the summer,” reinforcing its 20-year commitment to Puerto Rico’s growth.

“Partnering with Bad Bunny’s residency, which embodies the pride and global influence of the Boricua spirit, is an extension of our commitment to this island,” said JetBlue President Marty St. George.

More Than a Concert — A National Moment
The residency has already transformed parts of San Juan into a festival zone. Merch lines stretch around corners, Uber wait times are surging, and nearby restaurants and local vendors are reporting record sales.

“This is our Coachella,” said Carolina native and event volunteer Julissa Mateo. “But better – because it’s ours.”

Fans are flying in from the mainland U.S., Europe, and Latin America, many for the first time. For some, it’s a pilgrimage. For others, it’s a party. But for Puerto Rico, it’s validation: that culture, when rooted in authenticity and amplified by global talent, can move markets — and reshape economies.

No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí — And Why Would He?
For the island that birthed him, Bad Bunny is no longer just an artist. He’s an economic engine, cultural ambassador, and symbol of a new era where Puerto Rico exports more than just goods — it exports influence.

The residency runs through September 30 at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico.
Enter JetBlue’s sweepstakes at jetblue.com/boardingpasssweeps
Projected $200 +M impact | 600K+ attendees | GDP boost: +0.15%