Kidnapped Nuns Released In Haiti

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Jan. 26, 2024: The Archbishop of Haiti, Max Leroy Mésidor, has announced the release of the nuns who were kidnapped last week, along with two others. The revelation came late Wednesday in a statement from the archbishop.

A man armed with a machete runs in a street of Solino, a neighborhood of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, January 18, 2024. (Photo by RICHARD PIERRIN/AFP via Getty Images)

Last Friday, Jan. 19th, armed gunmen hijacked a bus in Port-au-Prince, taking all of the passengers hostage, including six nuns from the order of the Sisters of Saint Anne.

“The archdiocese of Port-au-Prince thanks the Lord for the liberation of the six religious sisters and the others who were kidnapped on Jan. 19,” said Mesidor. “This traumatising event has, once more, tested our faith, but it remains unbreakable.”

This latest high-profile kidnapping prompted religious leaders to issue a scathing letter criticizing the government for its inaction in addressing Haiti’s surge in gang-related violence.

The statement did not disclose whether a ransom had been paid or provide details about those responsible.

Meanwhile, the Vatican’s official news outlet welcomed the announcement on Thursday, stating, “This marks a sigh of relief for the Haitian church.”

On Sunday, Pope Francis called for the release of hostages and expressed his prayers for an end to the violence in the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member state. The United Nations estimates that over 4,700 people have been killed in Haiti in the past year due to the ongoing violence.

Will Bob Marley’s Biopic Ignite The Box Office?

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Jan. 26, 2024: Paramount’s upcoming musical biopic, “Bob Marley: One Love,” is poised to inject life into the somewhat lackluster 2024 box office, which is currently trailing last year’s numbers by 9%.

(L-R) Brian Robbins, James Norton, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Mike Ireland, Robert Teitel, Reinaldo Marcus Green and Jeremy Kleiner attend the Premiere of “Bob Marley: One Love” at the Carib 5 Theatre on January 23, 2024 in Kingston, Jamaica. (Photo by Jason Koerner/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures)

Starring Trinidadian roots and British-born actor Kingsley Ben-Adir, the film is expected to dominate the six-day holiday frame from February 14th to 19th, encompassing Valentine’s Day through President’s Day, with an anticipated box office haul ranging from $27 million to $33 million. Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green, the movie portrays the life of the iconic reggae musician, Bob Marley, who passed away at the age of 36 due to cancer. Actress Lashana Lynch takes on the role of Marley’s wife, Rita, in the film.

(L-R) Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Andrew Holness, Juliet Holness and Olivia Grange attend the Premiere of “Bob Marley: One Love” at the Carib 5 Theatre on January 23, 2024 in Kingston, Jamaica. (Photo by Jason Koerner/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures)

Paramount recently held the first global screening of “Bob Marley: One Love,” in Kingston, Jamaica, the hometown of the legendary musician. The event was celebrated with the Marley family, the film’s stars, and local fans. Rita Marley received a standing ovation at the Carib 5 Theatre on Tuesday, Jan. 23rd.

In a surprising turn of events, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex made an unexpected appearance at the premiere held at the Carib Theatre in Kingston. During the event, Meghan and Harry engaged in conversations with fellow attendees on the red carpet, including Ziggy Marley, son of Bob Marley. The couple also took photos with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Brian Robbins, the president and CEO of Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon, along with his wife Tracy James.

Sygnus Credit Investments Marks First Listing of 2024 On Jamaica Stock Exchange

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News Americas, KINGSTON, Jamaica, Fri. Jan. 26, 2024: Jamaican company, Sygnus Credit Investments, (SCI), has made a significant move by listing its preference share offer on the main market of the Jamaica Stock Exchange, (JSE). This listing, which occurred on January 19th, marks the first of the year and is part of a larger strategic move by the company.

The preference share offer comprised three tranches and garnered considerable attention from investors. In fact, it was oversubscribed by an impressive 102% following a successful closing in December. This achievement highlights the strong demand for SCI’s offerings in the market.

Jason Morris, Chief Investment Officer and Executive Vice President, Sygnus, inserts strip as members of the Sygnus, JMMB and Jamaica Stock Exchange teams look on. (Front L to R) Dr Marlene Street Forrest, Managing Director, JSE Group, Karl Townsend, Chief Country Officer (Jamaica), Capital Markets Unit, JMMB, Linval Freeman, Chairman, Sygnus Credit Investments. (Back L to R) Berisford Grey, CEO and President, Sygnus, Alana Lawrence, Manager Capital Markets Unit, JMMB, and Gregory Samuels, Lead Arranger, Head of Investment Banking and Senior Vice President, Sygnus Capital.

This transaction is noteworthy not only for SCI but also for the JSE. It represents the largest capital raise in SCI’s history and stands as the largest capital raise on the JSE in over a year. Additionally, in terms of USD capital raise, it is the most significant transaction on the JSE since SCI’s initial public offering.

Dr. Marlene Street Forrest, Managing Director of the JSE Group, commended SCI for effectively utilizing the stock market to further its strategic plans. She noted that this listing represents a remarkable start to the year, surpassing the total capital raised in the main, junior, and US-denominated markets for 2023.

All three classes of SCI’s preference shares saw overwhelming interest from investors. The company successfully raised a total of J$8.0 billion equivalent. This substantial capital infusion reflects investor confidence in SCI’s growth prospects and its ability to deliver value.

Berisford Grey, CEO and President of Sygnus, expressed his gratitude to subscribers and emphasized the company’s pioneering role in the alternative investment space. He highlighted SCI’s commitment to driving economic growth across the region and creating wealth for investors.

SCI’s diverse investment approach encompasses various industries, including manufacturing, distribution, financial services, energy, and more. The company remains focused on expanding its private credit portfolio and participating in private credit transactions across the Caribbean, with a target of at least US$1 billion over the next three years.

Karl Townsend, JMMB’s Chief Country Officer (Jamaica), Capital Markets Unit, praised the overwhelming response to the offering. JMMB played a significant role in the success of the preference share offer, raising J$1.6 billion and US$40 million through JMMB Moneyline and its newly launched JMMB Moneyline IPO.

The successful listing of SCI’s preference shares underscores the company’s growth trajectory and the strong partnership between SCI and JMMB. It also highlights the growing investor interest in this asset class and the confidence in SCI’s strategic direction.

SCI’s listing on the JSE represents a significant milestone for the company and the exchange. It reflects SCI’s commitment to growth, innovation, and delivering value to its investors. The capital raised will enable SCI to pursue its ambitious growth initiatives in the Caribbean region.

Jamaica To Lead Group E In 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Jan. 26, 2024: In a highly anticipated draw held at FIFA’s headquarters in Zurich, Concacaf has unveiled the groups for the second round of qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Jamaica, currently ranked as the number one team in the Caribbean Football Union, will take center stage in Group E.

FLASHBACK: Damion Lowe (L) and Dexter Lembikisa (C) of Jamaica fight for the ball with Orbelin Pineda (R) of Mexico during the match between Mexico and Jamaica as part of the CONCACAF Nations League at Azteca on March 26, 2023 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Jaime Lopez/Jam Media/Getty Images)

Jamaica will face formidable opponents in Group E, including Guatemala, Dominican Republic, Dominica, and the winner of the first-round clash between the British Virgin Islands and the United States Virgin Islands, set to unfold in March 2024.

The Reggae Boyz, under the guidance of Brazilian coach René Simões, have set their sights on a return to the World Cup stage. Their last appearance was in 1998 when they achieved a commendable third-place finish in the first-round group, competing against the likes of Argentina and Croatia.

With a talent pool that includes players from the English Premier League, Major League Soccer, and the United Soccer League in the United States, the Jamaican team aims to end their World Cup qualification drought.

In other groupings, Trinidad & Tobago, the only other English-speaking CFU team to have participated in the World Cup, will feature in Group B alongside Costa Rica, Grenada, St Kitts & Nevis, and the Bahamas.

The qualification journey continues for teams in Group A, featuring Honduras, Antigua & Barbuda, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, and Cuba. Meanwhile, Group C will showcase CFU No. 2 Haiti, Aruba, Barbados, Curaçao, and St Lucia.

Guyana, which recently secured promotion to the top tier of the Concacaf Nations League, joins Group D, where they will compete against Panama, Belize, Montserrat, and Nicaragua. Group F brings together El Salvador, Puerto Rico, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and the victor of the first-round match-up between Turks & Caicos Islands and Anguilla.

It’s important to note that Canada, Mexico, and the United States, as joint hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, have automatic qualification, exempting them from the Concacaf qualifiers. The remaining 30 teams within the confederation will fiercely contend in the second round of qualifiers.

The initial round of World Cup qualification for Concacaf teams is scheduled for March of this year, involving the four lowest-ranked teams: BVI, USVI, TCI, and Anguilla. In the second round, teams will engage in single round-robin matches, with six group winners and six group runners-up advancing to the 12-team third round of qualification.

The second round of qualifiers will take place over two match days in June of this year, followed by another two match days in June of the subsequent year, setting the stage for an intense battle for World Cup qualification in the region.

Caribbean Travel News And Deals This Week

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Jan. 26, 2024: Here are the top Caribbean travel news and deals this week in 60 seconds.

The United States is urging nationals to re-consider travel to Jamaica due to crime and medical services. The State Department is strongly encouraging US nationals to obtain traveler’s insurance, including medical evacuation insurance, before traveling to Jamaica. Additionally, they warn of travel to several areas of Jamaica due to crime there.

Canadian authorities are also warning nationals to exercise a high degree of caution of travelling to or in Jamaica or the Bahamas due to high rates of crime rates in both countries.

Frontier Airlines will add six new nonstop routes from the mainland United States to Puerto Rico this June. The new routes include new nonstop service from Fort Lauderdale, Charlotte, Boston, Norfolk, Palm Beach and Fort Myers.

One of the hottest deals this week is for an all-inclusive trip from JFK to Sunscape Puerto Plata Dominican Republic for just USD557 per person from Feb. 11-14th. Check out the deal on Apple Vacations now.

Or if Curacao is more on your bucket list, check out the All inclusive deal at Dreams Curacao Resort, Spa & Casino. Fly from JFK between March 18-21 for USD 1,074 per person. Book on Apple Vacations.

And JetBlue Vacations is offering an all-inclusive stay from May 6-10th at the St. James’s Club Resort & Villa in Antigua, for fliers from JFK. Check out JetBlue vacations to book now for USD 1,214 per person.

Guyana Aims To Capitalize On Carbon Credits

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. Jan. 22, 2024: Guyana is strategically focusing on increasing its revenue from carbon credits as it strives to mitigate its environmental impact, especially in light of its burgeoning offshore oil reserves, Latin Finance reports.

In late 2022, this South American nation inked a significant agreement with US-based oil and gas producer Hess Corporation. Finance Minister Ashni Singh indicated to Latin Finance that Guyana is poised to initiate new carbon credit deals when the market conditions are favorable. The agreement with Hess, a member of a consortium involved in oil exploration in Guyana, encompasses a value of $750 million in carbon credits spread over a 15-year period.

Guyanese Lindon Peter, a resident of Arau village, carries supplies back to his village, after walking two hours through the jungle to reach the community of Mango Landing to buy supplies on December 11, 2023. (Photo by ROBERTO CISNEROS/AFP via Getty Images)

This landmark deal accounts for approximately one-third of the total carbon credits that Guyana can offer, according to Singh. He expressed that they received multiple offers when finalizing the agreement with Hess, affirming that there is substantial interest from various parties. Singh, in an interview during the World Bank/IMF annual meeting in Marrakech, Morocco, emphasized the importance of timing to secure the best possible price, indicating that carbon credits represent the third source of income for the country, following domestic revenue mobilization and oil revenue. While Singh didn’t rule out the possibility of issuing a sovereign bond in the future, Guyana is eager to establish its reputation in the carbon credit market.

The Hess deal holds particular significance for Guyana as private companies, led by ExxonMobil, are scaling up oil production more than 100 miles off its coast. With over 25 discoveries in Guyana’s waters, the country is expected to produce approximately 1.2 million barrels of oil per day by 2027.

Guyana’s first foray into carbon credits occurred in the early 2000s when it received around $250 million from Norway for its efforts in forest conservation. Notably, two-thirds of Guyana is covered by Amazon forests, and the government, under President Irfaan Ali, aims to leverage the country’s impressive track record in averting rampant deforestation, setting it apart from other members of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization. In a new category known as “high forest cover/low deforestation countries,” Guyana ranks first among 33 nations globally. The government is resolute in its stance that preserving standing forests is an efficient means of combating climate change and seeks compensation for its conservation efforts.

Furthermore, Guyana is taking proactive steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its energy sector by transitioning to natural gas, hydroelectric plants, and solar power generation, while also ensuring that new transportation and agri-business infrastructure align with environmentally friendly practices. The ambitious plan includes adding 50,000 acres of new farmland equipped with irrigation and drainage systems designed to minimize environmental impact. Singh underscored that despite Guyana’s trajectory as a significant oil producer, its vast forests and minimal environmental footprint position it as a carbon-sink country. He emphasized that the story of sustainable forest management, in many ways, parallels the narrative of its oil industry and is equally crucial in addressing global environmental challenges.

The push comes as Guyana has been forced to defend its territory from Venezuela, which wants to annex its Essequibo region, home to most of the country’s forests and natural resources.

Caribbean Travel News And Deals

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Jan. 18, 2024: Here are the top Caribbean travel news and deals this week in 60 seconds.

The Canadian government is warning its nationals to exercise a high degree of caution if travelling to or in Belize, the Bahamas and Jamaica due to the high level of crime there.

Anticipation is building as Blue Diamond Resorts’ Royalton CHIC Antigua is set to open in the spring with twelve luxury Overwater Suites.

Silver Airways is adding a pair of new nonstop routes to the islands of The Bahamas. Beginning in March, Silver will be relaunching service from West Palm Beach to two destinations in The Bahamas: Nassau and Marsh Harbour, Abaco. The Nassau service will be operating daily, while West Palm Beach-Marsh Harbour flights will be operating three times per week, with service on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Winter blues got you down? Get ready for a January vacay in Punta Cana. Riu Republica, an Adult Only- All Inclusive in the DR offers a 3 night hotel plus air fare from Fort Lauderdale from Jan. 28-31 from just $591. Book now

Start planning a May vacation for Curacao with Jet Blue vacations now. Get a 4 flight + hotel package from New York City, NY (JFK) for 4 nights at the Renaissance Wind Creek Curacao Resort. Check out this deal and dates now

And fly from Dallas to Jamaica this May 11-14 for a three night stay at the all-inclusive, Bahia Principe Grand Jamaica. Hotel plus flight is USD 1,071 per person. Book now at FunJet.

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.