Vybz Kartel To Headline Back-To-Back Shows At London’s O2 Arena

/0 Comments/in /by

News Americas, LONDON, ENGLAND, Weds. Sept. 3, 2025: Jamaican dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel is set to electrify fans in the United Kingdom this week as he headlines two nights at London’s O2 Arena on Thursday, Sept. 4, and Friday, Sept. 5, as part of his Worl’ Boss Tour.

The shows mark Kartel’s first-ever UK arena performances and come on the heels of his widely celebrated set at this year’s Wireless Festival, where he commemorated two decades in music. Known for his commanding stage presence and chart-topping catalog, Kartel is expected to deliver a career-spanning performance for his London audience.

FLASHBACK – Vybz Kartel performs live on stage during day three of Wireless Festival 2025 at Finsbury Park on July 13, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Simone Joyner/Getty Images)

Stage Times

6:30 p.m. – Arena doors open

7:00 p.m. – Support DJs

9:00 p.m. – Vybz Kartel

Weeknight events at the O2 typically conclude by 10:30 p.m. and no later than 11:00 p.m., meaning fans can expect Kartel’s show to run for just under two hours.

The two-night run is part of Kartel’s Worl’ Boss Tour, which has seen the dancehall icon extend his influence across global stages while celebrating the evolution of the genre. His O2 Arena appearances are widely anticipated, with both longtime supporters and new fans eager to witness one of dancehall’s most controversial and influential figures in action.

Kartel will also play Manchester at the Co-op Live on September 10th from 8:30 pm.

Kartel, often hailed as “World Boss,” remains one of the most impactful voices in Jamaican music. From classics such as Clarks and Romping Shop to newer hits that continue to dominate dancehall playlists, his influence extends beyond music into style, culture, and politics.

The O2 Arena shows are expected to draw large crowds, with many fans seeing them as a rare opportunity to experience a living legend at the peak of his career.

Observers Urge Major Reforms To Guyana Elections Commission, Voter List And Campaign Rules

/0 Comments/in /by

News Americas, GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Weds. Sept. 3, 2025: With nearly all Statements of Poll posted but most of the final tallies still pending from Guyana’s Sept. 1, 2025 vote, three major observer missions on Wednesday praised a peaceful election day and laid out a reform to-do list they say would strengthen confidence before the next national contest.

The Commonwealth Observers group delivering a analysis of the 2025 Guyana elections. (Commonwealth image)

The Carter Center, the Commonwealth Observer Group and the CARICOM Election Observation Mission each urged faster, clearer rules, less politicization at the elections commission and tighter controls on campaign conduct and financing. GECOM’s website shows roughly 98% of SOPs uploaded nationwide. Region 7 remains the laggard all SOPs still to be posted.

Depoliticize and professionalize GECOM.
All three missions flagged the structure and perception of the Guyana Elections Commission as a core risk. The Carter Center said the current formula – three commissioners aligned with the governing party, three with the opposition and a chair chosen from a list acceptable to the president – has produced gridlock and eroded trust. It recommended moving to a more independent, less political model and publishing full written polling and tabulation procedures well ahead of any vote. The Commonwealth team likewise called for a review of GECOM’s composition and urged the immediate appointment of a substantive legal adviser to the body.

Voters wait in line to cast ballots at a polling location during the general election in Leonora, West Demerara, Guyana, on Monday, Sept. 1, 2025. Photographer: Yancey Haywood/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Make tabulation and communication more transparent.
Observers commended GECOM’s new step of publicly uploading SOPs and displaying them during tabulation, but noted delays where staff had to both upload and later re-display the same documents. They recommended streamlining the sequence and improving public guidance on how tabulation works. All three missions encouraged more frequent, consistent briefings and easier access to information for parties, media and citizens to cut space for rumor and misinformation.

Fix the voter list — and publish the census.
The size and integrity of the voters roll dominated stakeholder complaints, the missions said. The Carter Center urged GECOM to fully implement 2022 legal changes that allow removal of deceased voters using official data, and to explore methods for identifying electors who died overseas. It also recommended an independent “people test” sampling of the list before the next election. The Commonwealth and CARICOM teams said releasing results of the 2022 census would bolster transparency around demographics and the roll’s size.

Consider biometric verification.
Both the Commonwealth and CARICOM missions pressed for renewed, early-cycle consideration of voter-identification biometrics to reduce the risk of impersonation and restore confidence, noting GECOM cited technical and legal hurdles this year.

Curb misuse of state resources and modernize campaign finance.
Citing multiple complaints and evidence of blurred lines between state functions and party activity, observers urged clear legal prohibitions and enforcement against the use of public assets in campaigning. The missions also called current campaign-finance rules outdated and largely unenforced, and recommended a comprehensive framework covering donations, disclosure and oversight to level the playing field.

Broaden inclusion — women, persons with disabilities and smaller parties.
Women were highly visible in the process — making up roughly half of registered voters and the great majority of polling staff observed — but missions urged stricter enforcement of the legal requirement that party lists include at least one-third women and asked parties to publish gender data on their slates. All three groups faulted persistent accessibility barriers: many polling places lacked ramps; tactile ballot guides were not provided this cycle; and proxy voting, while available, compromises ballot secrecy for some voters with disabilities. The Commonwealth team recommended extending early voting to other essential workers beyond the disciplined services and offering more support so newer and smaller parties can participate on equal footing.

Strengthen domestic civic oversight and fact-checking.
The missions noted Guyana lacks a well-resourced, nonpartisan domestic observer network capable of nationwide coverage. They urged investment in civil society election monitoring and suggested an independent fact-checking mechanism to counter online misinformation that spiked during the campaign.

Implement recommendations — with deadlines.
Each mission stressed that many of these proposals echo past cycles. They urged the new Parliament to empower the Constitutional Reform Commission and enact priority electoral reforms — including GECOM restructuring, campaign-finance rules, access-to-information guarantees, and media-equity provisions — at least two years before the next vote.

Election day itself drew broad praise, however. The Carter Center said teams visited 234 polling stations across all 10 regions and reported orderly openings, trained staff and party agents present at nearly all locations. The Commonwealth and CARICOM groups observed punctual openings, calm voting and transparent counts, with SOPs signed and posted at polling sites and uploaded for public view.

As tabulation wraps up, the missions urged parties and supporters to remain patient and channel any disputes through the courts. The test ahead, they said, is not only announcing winners but converting a largely smooth election day into lasting confidence through visible, timely reforms.

Jamaica Election 2025 – Jamaicans Head To The Polls As Tight Race Hinges On Turnout

/0 Comments/in /by

News Americas, KINGSTON, Jamaica, Weds. Sept. 3, 2025: Jamaicans including from the Diaspora will vote today, September 3rd, in the 2025 Jamaica election that analysts say could come down less to persuasion than participation – with the incumbent Jamaica Labour Party, (JLP) and main opposition People’s National Party, (PNP) running neck and neck in the final polls.

FLASHBACK – Voters at a polling station at the Ewarton Methodist Church, Edna Leslie memorial hall, St Catherine north west on Election day September 3, 2020. (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

The last Don Anderson/RJR-Gleaner survey showed the PNP with a razor-thin 0.8-point edge over the JLP, well within the margin of error. But nearly one in three voters remains undecided or disenchanted – a block large enough to tip the balance in the Caribbean island’s 63-seat parliament.

“The deciding factor may not be persuasion, but mobilization,” political analyst Helene Davis-Whyte told the Gleaner. “This election could hinge on which party gets its base to the polls.”

Competing Messages

The JLP, in power since 2016, has campaigned on stability, pointing to falling unemployment, fiscal discipline and a sharp drop in murders this year. Prime Minister Andrew Holness has promised deeper reforms, more land titles, tax relief and 50 percent renewable power by 2030.

The PNP, led by Opposition Leader Mark Golding, insists that stability has not translated into opportunity for ordinary Jamaicans. Its platform calls for low-income housing, constitutional reform, lower electricity costs and programs aimed at youth and the poor.

Anti-incumbency is a strong driver among PNP backers. The Anderson poll found that nearly three in 10 opposition supporters said their main motivation was simply to remove the JLP. For government supporters, the main driver was the belief the administration “is doing a good job.”

Disillusionment and Protest

With more than 2 million registered voters, turnout will be closely watched. In the last election in 2020, participation slumped to just 37 percent.

Adding another wrinkle, the Jamaica First Movement, a small group led by Reverend Al Miller, is urging voters who feel alienated to still show up and mark “0” on their ballots as a formal protest against all candidates. Miller said disengagement only gives “silent approval,” while a “0” vote records discontent.

Heavy Oversight

The Organization of American States and CARICOM have both deployed observer missions across Jamaica’s 14 parishes. OAS mission chief Kenny D. Anthony, the former prime minister of Saint Lucia, urged citizens to exercise their democratic right peacefully.

The CARICOM mission, led by Trinidad and Tobago elections chief Fern Narcis, will observe preparations, voting, counting and the tabulation of results. Both groups are expected to issue preliminary statements later this week.

High Stakes

Jamaica’s election comes at a sensitive moment. The island has posted steady economic growth and debt reduction but still faces stubborn inequality, crime and pressure to accelerate the shift to renewable energy.

With polls too close to call, the result may rest on whether undecided Jamaicans – especially younger voters, who are the least engaged – decide to stay home, cast a protest ballot or rally behind one of the two major parties.

Investor Outlook

Both the Jamaica Labour Party, (JLP) and the People’s National Party, (PNP) have released detailed manifestos that present starkly different roadmaps for economic growth, foreign investment, and private-sector opportunities.

The stakes are high. Jamaica has enjoyed strong tourism rebounds, an expanding IPO market, and steady GDP growth in recent years. At the same time, debt management, high energy costs, and the need for economic diversification remain top concerns. For international and local investors, the September election outcome could shape whether Jamaica doubles down on its stability-first policies or pivots toward diversification and new industries. For the investor community, Jamaica’s 2025 election represents a choice between two investment philosophies:

The JLP’s Stability Play: Doubling down on fiscal discipline, major tourism projects, and proven economic management.

The PNP’s Transformation Agenda: Betting on diversification into new industries, green growth, and SME financing as engines of long-term resilience.

With Jamaica already attracting record IPOs and steady foreign direct investment, both visions hold appeal. However, the party that wins in September will decide whether investors can expect more of the same stability or a bold pivot toward new industries.

FreedomPay Enables Transformative Hospitality Payment Technology In The Bahamas

/0 Comments/in /by

CARIBPR WIRE, PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 02, 2025: FreedomPay, the global leader in Next Level Commerce technologies, announces the expansion of its world-class payment solution to The Bahamas, a premier destination in the global tourism market.

As the only agnostic payment gateway and global payment orchestration platform, FreedomPay enables seamless, fully integrated payments for hotel chains and resorts around the world. FreedomPay’s industry-leading, pre-integrated network of global hospitality partners delivers exceptional, consumer-focused experiences across every payment scenario.

Already the global leader in the Hospitality industry, serving over 70% of the top hotels in North America, thousands more internationally, and some of the largest global restaurant brands, the expansion into The Bahamas signifies a new milestone in FreedomPay’s commitment to drive digital commerce transformation worldwide.

In a crowded field of hospitality payment technology solutions, FreedomPay stands apart with:

An open and agnostic platform offering choice of acquirers, processors, hardware and payment technology partners.

1,000+ Integration partners including leading POS, PMS, hardware, kiosk, web and mobile providers.

Unified commerce technology seamlessly connecting back-end systems with guest-facing channels.

Advanced functionality powering loyalty, data insights, estate management, card services and more.

“FreedomPay is the preferred partner of choice for many of the leading hotel brands around the world, and we’re thrilled to extend our best-in-class Hospitality solution to the hotels, resorts, and restaurant operators of The Bahamas,” said Chris Kronenthal, President of FreedomPay.

FreedomPay is the only provider offering streamlined payment orchestration tailored to the top names in Hospitality systems. With access to a robust library of over 1,000 integrations, hotel & resort operators can choose the ideal solution to fit their needs. This approach optimizes various selling scenarios while delivering a unified payments technology platform that is simple to implement, manage, and monitor.

ABOUT FREEDOMPAY

FreedomPay is the global leader in Next Level Commerce—transforming the way businesses power payments and experiences across the world. More than a payment solution, FreedomPay is a world-class independent payment gateway engineered to simplify complexity, break down the barriers of legacy systems, and revolutionize every point of interaction—whether in-store, online, or mobile. Chosen by the leading brands across retail, hospitality, sports and entertainment, food service, healthcare and higher education, FreedomPay delivers technology strength, integration breadth, and deep expertise in global payments innovation.

As one of the first solutions in North America validated by the PCI Security Standards Council for P2PE, FreedomPay sets the gold standard for payment security, trust, and performance. With a unified technology stack, lightning-fast APIs, and integrated solutions across payments, FreedomPay gives businesses total peace of mind plus the freedom to choose any hardware provider. Move faster, act smarter, and lead markets—not chase them. www.freedompay.com

Guyana Votes Amid Border Tensions With Venezuela

/0 Comments/in /by

NEWS AMERICAS, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. Sept. 1, 2025: Voters in the oil rich CARICOM, South American nation of Guyana head to the polls today in a high-stakes general and regional election overshadowed by fresh border tensions with Venezuela – a dispute that has loomed over the country for more than a century.

This aerial view shows Georgetown, on August 26, 2025. Guyana will hold presidential elections next September 1st. (Photo by Joaquin Sarmiento / AFP) (Photo by JOAQUIN SARMIENTO/AFP via Getty Images)

The disdpute flared again this weekend after election officials came under fire near the frontier. Authorities said a joint patrol of soldiers and police escorting ballot boxes along the Upper Cuyuni River came under fire from across the Venezuelan shore Sunday. No one was injured and election materials were not compromised, but the incident underscored how national security and sovereignty loom large as voters decide who will govern the oil-rich South American nation for the next five years.

In March 2024, Venezuela passed a law that designates Essequibo as a new state of Venezuela, governed from the city of Tumeremo.

The Joint Declaration of Argyle for Dialogue and Peace between Guyana and Venezuela said that the two countries agreed that “any controversies” between them will be resolved in accordance with international law, including the Geneva Agreement dated February 17, 1966.

The Joint Declaration issued following talks in Kingstown, St. Vincent in December 2023 between President Irfaan Ali and President Nicolas Maduro over the disputed Essequibo region, also indicated that the two countries agreed that “any controversies” between them will be resolved in accordance with international law, including the Geneva Agreement dated February 17, 1966.

The border dispute is before the International Court of  Justice (ICJ).

Nearly 758,000 people are eligible to vote in the election for 65 seats in the National Assembly and 10 regional councils. Six presidential candidates are on the ballot, but the race is widely seen as a showdown between the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), led by President Irfaan Ali, the main opposition coalition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), formerly the Peoples National Congress, (PNC), led by Aubrey Norton and the newly formed We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, that has gained momentum in only 3 months.

Guyana’s President and presidential candidate for re-election Mohamed Irfaan Ali delivers a speech at a rally on August 26, 2025. (Photo by JOAQUIN SARMIENTO/AFP via Getty Images)

Ali’s party is campaigning on economic growth fueled by Guyana’s massive oil discoveries, touting investments in infrastructure, housing, and social services. “Victory must be secured at the ballot box,” Ali told supporters in his final rally.

Supporters of Guyana’s presidential candidate Aubrey Norton from the APNU party take part in a rally in Georgetown, on August 30, 2025. (Photo by JOAQUIN SARMIENTO/AFP via Getty Images)

Norton and APNU accuse the government of mismanaging the country’s oil wealth and promise to “rescue” Guyana from corruption and poverty. “This is a movement to take back our country,” Norton declared.

Supporters of Guyana’s presidential candidate Azruddin Mohamed from the WIN party take part in a campaign rally in Georgetown on August 30, 2025. Guyana will hold presidential elections on September 1, 2025. (Photo by JOAQUIN SARMIENTO/AFP via Getty Images)

The WIN party, led by businessman Azruddin Mohamed, is also vying for seats, showing off its multi-ethnic supporters as the key to winning the election against the two main parties that have dominated politics in Guyana for over 5 decades since independence in 1966. Mohamed, despite being sanctioned by the US, has pitched himself as the key to moving Guyanese to another level and out of poverty. Guyana’s poverty level is estimated at over 40 percent despite its new found oil riches.

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) said late Saturday it approved last-minute accreditations for party polling agents to ensure “fairness and transparency.” The other parties in the race are attorney Nigel Hughes of the Alliance for Change (AFC), Amanza Walton-Desir of the Forward Guyana Movement and the leader of the Assembly for Liberty & Prosperity (ALP) movement, Dr. Simona Broomes.

The polls are being monitored by international observers from CARICOM, the Organization of American States, the Commonwealth, and the Carter Center.

Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken said the force has deployed nationwide to guarantee safe voting. “This is an important moment for our country,” he said. “We must show the world that Guyana is a peaceful and united nation.”

Award-Winning Jamaican Drama Pilot Now Streaming on Tubi

/0 Comments/in /by

NEWS AMERICAS, NEW YORK, NY, Sept 1, 2025: ‘From Yard,’ the critically acclaimed and award-winning Jamaican drama television pilot, is now available for streaming worldwide on Tubi, one of the fastest-growing free streaming platforms.

Shevrado Oliver (left) and Joe Herrera in From Yard. (PHOTO CREDIT- Nick Whatley)

The highly anticipated pilot first premiered on the red carpet in Kingston, Jamaica, in 2023, and has since gained international recognition on the film festival circuit. With its arrival on Tubi, the production team behind From Yard hopes to build a global audience and secure support for a full season of episodes.

A Story Rooted in Immigration and Identity

Based on the autobiographical novel Yardie by David G. Heron, From Yard is described as an immigrant urban drama that follows Heron’s personal journey from his childhood in Jamaica to his often turbulent life in New York City. The series explores his career as an NYPD parole officer while delving into the challenges, tragedies, and cultural complexities that shaped his life.

Darron Donaldson (left) and Shevrado Oliver in From Yard. (PHOTO CREDIT- Nick Whatley)

“It is a deeply personal story,” said Heron, who also serves as the pilot’s executive producer. “The journey to this moment began with the publication of Yardie several years ago. To now see it reach international audiences on Tubi, after premiering in Jamaica and traveling the festival circuit, is a testament to passion, dedication, and persistence.”

Heron added that streaming on Tubi offers the production the kind of exposure that could lead to the greenlighting of a full season: “The more viewers tune in, the stronger our case becomes for bringing this powerful Caribbean story to life on a larger scale.”

Production and Creative Team

The one-hour pilot was produced by Leland and Phaedra Benford through Cupcake Rapture Studios in Atlanta, with Benford directing from a script adapted by Heron, Noel E. Dunn, and Maya Hall. The pilot is distributed by Wish Love Media.

According to the team, the pilot is envisioned as the first step in a long-form television series that will span multiple episodes and continue exploring the immigrant experience in all of its complexity.

Festival Success and Awards

Following its world premiere at Kingston’s Palace Cineplex in 2023, From Yard was featured at a range of international film festivals, where it won accolades and recognition. Among its honors:

Best Short Drama at the 2024 Shoot Your Shot Film Festival

Special Recognition Award at the 2025 Spotlight Short Film Awards

Finalist at the 2024 Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival

Official selection at the 2024 Atlanta Black Film Festival

Official selection at the CaribbeanTales International Film Festival in Toronto

These achievements helped cement From Yard’s reputation as a standout Caribbean production with international appeal.

Rising Cast of Jamaican and Caribbean Talent

The pilot features a strong cast of primarily Jamaican actors, led by Shevrado Oliver as David G. Heron. The ensemble also includes Glen “Titus” Campbell, playwright and actor David Heron (no relation to the executive producer), Joe Herrera, Darron Donaldson, Miranda Melhado, and Adam Christian as the younger David.

Since filming, several members of the cast have seen their careers flourish:

Shevrado Oliver won the 2024 Accolade Global Recognition Award for Best Actor in Behind Closed Doors and made his New York stage debut in Love and Marriage and New York City.

David G. Heron earned the 2024 Broadway World Award for Best Supporting Performer in Shakespeare in the Park’s The Tempest (Rhode Island).

Glen Campbell took home Jamaica’s 2024 Actor Boy Award for Best Actor in the comedy Room 513.

Joe Herrera appeared in STARZ’s hit crime drama BMF (Black Mafia Family).

Producers on the Tubi Deal

Producer-director Leland Benford, whose feature film Empathy is also streaming on Tubi, said he was proud of the cast and their accomplishments:

“We are extremely happy and proud to congratulate our cast who have continued to excel since working on From Yard. Their growing fan bases can make a major difference in how well our series performs on Tubi, and hopefully, this will pave the way for producing our full first season.”

How to Watch

From Yard is now streaming for free on Tubi, where audiences worldwide can access the pilot without a subscription.

For more information on the production, visit www.fromyardtheseries.com or watch directly on Tubi at https://bit.ly/fromyard.

West Indian Day Parade Returns To Brooklyn This Weekend

/0 Comments/in /by

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Aug. 29, 2025: The biggest carnival in North America – the West Indian American Day Carnival – is back in Brooklyn this Labor Day weekend, set to transform the borough into a kaleidoscope of Caribbean culture, music, and pride.

FLASHBACK – People wearing costumes take part in the Labor Day Parade, also known as West Indian Carnival, an annual celebration held on American Labor Day (the first Monday in September) in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, New York, United States on September 5, 2022. The carnival attracts thousands of participants with colorful costumes accompanied with native music. (Photo by Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

The Main Parade

On Labor Day Monday, thousands are expected to flood Eastern Parkway for the 58th Annual West Indian American Day Parade & Carnival, themed “Vive Le Carnivale.” The parade will officially step off at 11 a.m. from Eastern Parkway and Rochester Avenue, marching all the way to Grand Army Plaza, and is expected to wrap up around 6 p.m.

Before the main event, the more traditional mas event, J’Ouvert, kicks off at 6 a.m. Monday, running until 11 a.m. with early spectator access opening at 2 a.m. Revelers will take over sections of Empire Boulevard and Nostrand Avenue in Crown Heights, carrying forward the deep-rooted Caribbean tradition of pre-dawn festivities.

A New York cop with carnival revelers on Labor Day, Sept. 7, 2015.

Weekend of Events

The Carnival weekend is packed with music, culture, and community pride:

Friday, Aug. 29: Soca heavyweights Kes the Band, Bunji Garlin, and Fay-Ann Lyons headline the Soca Festival at the Brooklyn Museum. Event link

Saturday, Aug. 30:

Youth Fest Info

Junior Carnival & Parade Tickets, featuring young masqueraders along President Street and Franklin Avenue.

Panorama 2025 at the Brooklyn Museum, where steel pan orchestras compete in one of the most anticipated showcases of the year. Event link

Sunday, Aug. 31: The Ultimate Fete takes over Brooklyn, celebrating rum, music, and Caribbean unity. Event link

Street Closures & Security

Marchers are covered in motor oil, paint and chalk as they celebrate J’Ouvert in the Crown Heights neighborhood in Brooklyn on September 02, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images)

The NYPD has announced widespread street closures beginning Sunday night through Monday evening. Key closures include:

Flatbush Avenue, Empire Boulevard, Nostrand Avenue, and sections of Eastern Parkway.

On parade day, additional closures roll out from Utica Avenue to Grand Army Plaza starting at 10:30 a.m.

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch emphasized that this will be “the largest deployment of the year — larger than New Year’s Eve in Times Square or July Fourth.” Thousands of officers, along with helicopters and drones, will monitor the event to ensure safety.

Drivers are strongly urged to use public transportation as all northbound and southbound streets feeding into Eastern Parkway will be closed.

A full list of street closures is available via the NYC Department of Transportation.

ABOUT CARIBBEAN AMERICANS IN THE USA

The demographic footprint of Caribbean immigrants or West Indians in the United States remains undeniable. Caribbean immigrant Alexander Hamilton, born in Charlestown, Saint Kitts and Nevis, was a U.S. Founding Father and the nation’s first Secretary of the Treasury. A key architect of America’s financial system, Hamilton served under President George Washington from 1789 to 1795. He also co-founded the Federalist Party and the African Free School, and played a pivotal role in shaping the early United States. Hamilton was married to Elizabeth Schuyler and was tragically killed in a duel in 1804. His legacy as a Caribbean-born visionary and American statesman endures.

Meanwhile, according to 2020 U.S. Census data – the first decennial survey to allow respondents to write in their Caribbean ancestry – some 4.6 million people in the U.S. identified as having roots in the Caribbean. The majority hailed from three nations: Jamaica (1,047,117), Haiti (1,032,747), and Trinidad and Tobago (194,364).

Geographically, Caribbean Americans are most heavily concentrated in Florida (30%), New York (25%), and New Jersey (6%). The data also show that most Caribbean Americans fall within the 45–64 age range, reflecting a well-established and mature population.

Caribbean presence in the U.S. dates back centuries. Historians like Jennifer Faith Gray of the Scottish Centre for Global History note that enslaved Africans were brought from the Caribbean to the U.S. as early as the 1660s, with one-third to half of enslaved persons in the Carolinas during the colonial era coming directly from the Caribbean. Harvard University, among others, profited from Caribbean slave labor through financial instruments and loans.

One of the most notable acts of Caribbean American resistance in U.S. history came in 1822, when Denmark Vesey, a Caribbean-born former slave, led a planned slave revolt in Charleston, South Carolina – one of the largest of its time.

New Music Friday – Vybz Kartel, Buju Banton, Mavado, DJ Khaled And More

/0 Comments/in /by

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Aug. 29, 2025: It’s Labor Day and that means the West Indian American Day Carnival in Brooklyn. But it’s also New Music Fridays and that means new Caribbean music fans should know of this week. Here’s what we are looking at:

DJ Khaled, Vybz Kartel, Buju Banton, Mavado

DJ Khaled, Vybz Kartel, Buju Banton, Mavado have dropped ‘You Remind Me,’ under exclusive license to Republic Records a division of UMG Recordings, Inc. The song is infectious and the female dancers and models are sizzling. See it below

Spice “Slow Motion”

Spice joins forces with British Romanian social media star Lavbbe on “Slow Motion,” a high-energy single produced by Shaggy and Shane Hoosong for VP Records and Ranch Entertainment. Blending Spice’s fiery deejaying with Lavbbe’s melodic vocals, the track is designed as an electrifying dancefloor anthem. Its music video, directed by Meeks + Frost and filmed at London’s Roller Nation, also premieres Friday. The release follows Spice’s blockbuster hit “Go Down Deh,” which recently surpassed 300 million Spotify streams. Spice is her usual sexy self on this album.

Check it out HERE

Beres Hammond and Tanya Stephens “Love Story”

On the reggae front, Beres Hammond delivers this incredible “Love Story,” his first studio collaboration with singer-songwriter Tanya Stephens. Produced by Arthur Wale for Free Willy Records, the duet is a soulful ode to rekindled romance, weaving timeless storytelling with Hammond’s signature warmth. Stephens called the experience “the pinnacle of all pinnacles” in her career. This one is hot and takes you back to a time when love was surely simple.

Check it out here

“Dancehall Godfather” Johnny Osbourne

“Dancehall Godfather” Johnny Osbourne has revisited his classic catalog on Universal Love Showcase, a new album produced by Frenchie of Maximum Sound. The set features fresh vocal performances of his signature tracks alongside accompanying dub mixes, and is out today via VP Records.

The project includes updated versions of “Ice Cream Love” and “Never Stop Fighting,” among others, with contributions from Tarrus Riley, Alborosie, Anthony B, Macka B, and Aza Lineage. alongside saxophonist Dean Fraser and engineer Gregory Morris.

Listen to it HERE

MOJO MORGAN – JAMAICA LOVE EP OUT NOW!

Grammy Award–winning artist and Morgan Heritage founding member Mojo Morgan delivers his highly anticipated solo project Jamaica Love. The 9-track EP blends reggae, country, soul, and global rhythms into a genre-defying sound Mojo calls Rasta Rock.

The project includes powerful collaborations, making it a true celebration of generational talent and global fusion. Anchored by singles like Dreams, Jamaica Love, Mountain Song, and Make It, the EP is both a tribute to Mojo’s late brother Peetah Morgan and a bold step into his own artistic path.

This release follows the success of the Morgan Heritage 2.0 World Tour, where the group performed at major festivals across Europe, solidifying their reputation as one of reggae’s most electrifying live acts. With that momentum, Mojo now expands his solo vision directly to the world.

Check it out HERE

Khalia & Jahshii – ‘Jamaica’ out now!

Jamaican born and UK grown rising reggae star Khalia teams up with breakout Jamaican artist Jahshii to deliver their new anthemic single ‘Jamaica’. Produced by GRAMMY nominated producer J-Vibe, it serves as the third single off Khalia’s upcoming album. The album follows her debut EP ‘Stay True’, which included features from Shaggy, Mortimer, Tanya Stephens, and Blvk H3ro. Khalia recently performed at Protoje’s Lost In Time Festival and Rototom Sunsplash in Jamaica, and Summerjam Festival in Germany. Jahshii has been featured on songs with powerhouses in the Caribbean space like Masicka, Protoje, and Mavado. Released via Ineffable Records.

Listen to it HERE

Caribbean Music Awards 2025 – Here Are The Winners

/0 Comments/in /by

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Aug. 29, 2025: The Caribbean Music Awards 2025 lit up the stage with vibrant performances and a celebration of the region’s top musical talent, honoring artists across dancehall, reggae, soca, calypso, bouyon, and beyond. Here are the winners and the attendees of this year’s event at the King’s Theater in Brooklyn. The awards will air on BET on Sept. 12th.

Female Artists of the Year

Three powerhouse women each took home the coveted Female Artist of the Year title in their respective genres:

Shenseea – Dancehall Artist of the Year – Female

Lila Iké – Reggae Artist of the Year – Female

Patrice Roberts – Soca Artist of the Year – Female

Their wins reflected the diverse and dynamic contributions of women shaping Caribbean music globally.

Dancehall star Spice attends 2025 Caribbean Music Awards on August 28, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Claude Yao Sahi/Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

Male Artists of the Year

On the male side, the spotlight was shared by three standouts:

Valiant – Dancehall Artist of the Year – Male

Romain Virgo – Reggae Artist of the Year – Male

Skinny Fabulous – Soca Artist of the Year – Male

Elephant Man attends 2025 Caribbean Music Awards on August 28, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Claude Yao Sahi/Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

Iconic Honors

The night also paid tribute to industry pioneers and legends:

Busta Rhymes received the Elite Icon Award, underscoring his trailblazing contributions as a Caribbean-rooted global superstar.

Bounty Killer was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his decades of influence on dancehall and reggae.

Austin “Super Blue” Lyons was saluted with the Calypso Honors, a nod to his lasting legacy in the art form.

DJ Khaled attends 2025 Caribbean Music Awards on August 28, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

Special Recognitions

Producer Honors: Kerwin Du Bois

Humanitarian Award: Sizzla Youth Foundation

Gospel Excellence: Shirleyann Cyril-Mayers

Legacy Honors: Haitian band Carimi

Sizzla and Swizz Beatz attend 2025 Caribbean Music Awards on August 28, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

Notable Wins

Reggae Collaboration of the Year: Bugle for “Thank You Lord” featuring Buju Banton and Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley

Bouyon Artist of the Year: The Bouyon Boys

Bouyon Collaborator of the Year: Lady Lava

Mya attends 2025 Caribbean Music Awards on August 28, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

A Night of Culture and Celebration

The Caribbean Music Awards 2025 reaffirmed the region’s influence on global music, highlighting artists who continue to push boundaries while honoring the legends who paved the way. From Shenseea’s commanding presence to Lila Iké’s soulful reggae vocals and Patrice Roberts’ infectious soca rhythms, the event showcased the creativity and resilience of Caribbean artistry.

The King of Caribbean Comedy, Majah Hype, against hosted the CEG event. This year’s “Voice of the Caribbean” theme came alive with performances from Skinny Fabulous of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada’s Lady Lava, as well as Jamaican stars Lila Iké, Ding Dong, Konshens, Kranium, and Chronic Law.

Belize Postal Service Suspends Shipments To U.S. Amid New Tariffs

/0 Comments/in /by

News Americas, BELMOPAN, Belize, Weds. Aug. 27, 2025: The Belize Postal Service, (BPS) has announced the immediate suspension of certain shipments containing goods to the United States, citing sweeping new U.S. customs rules that take effect on August 29.

The suspension follows an executive order issued by U.S. President Donald Trump under his “America First” campaign, which eliminates the long-standing de minimis duty-free exemption for low-value imports. Previously, goods valued up to US$800 could enter the U.S. duty-free. Now, every shipment – no matter how small – will be subject to customs duties from the very first dollar.

New Burdens on Senders

According to the BPS, the new rules place the responsibility for customs duties squarely on the sender, who must pay all applicable taxes to U.S. Customs and Border Protection before the item enters the country. “Without this exemption limit, every shipment of goods, no matter how small or how valuable, must be declared and cleared with U.S. Customs,” the agency explained.

Postal officials noted that unresolved questions around liability, tax collection procedures, and implementation have made compliance difficult, prompting the temporary suspension of goods shipments.

While the rules apply broadly, a few narrow exemptions remain. These include:

Gifts valued under US$100 (including postage), sent between individuals.

Shipments containing only documents.

Local Impact

The BPS confirmed that all post offices in Belize would stop accepting goods shipments bound for the U.S. as of Wednesday. In its public notice, the agency said: “We are making every effort to enable the resumption of all shipments as soon as possible in compliance with the new regulations. We sincerely regret any inconvenience this temporary suspension may cause and appreciate your understanding.”

Wider Context

The change is part of Washington’s broader strategy to tighten trade flows and increase tariff revenues. Critics say the move could heavily disrupt small exporters and online sellers in countries like Belize that rely on affordable, low-value shipments to the U.S. market.

With the United States remaining Belize’s largest trading partner, the suspension of goods shipments is expected to cause immediate challenges for businesses, e-commerce entrepreneurs, and individuals who rely on postal trade links for supplemental income.