What Jamaica’s Main Parties Are Offering Investors Ahead Of The 2025 Elections

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News Americas, New York, NY, Tues. Aug. 26, 2025: As Jamaica approaches its hotly contested 2025 general elections, investors are paying close attention to what the island’s two main political parties are promising. 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.

FLASHBACK – Jamaicans wait in line to cast ballots outside the Flankers All-Age and Junior High School near Montego Bay on September, 3, 2007. (Photo credit: PAUL REID/AFP via Getty Images)

JLP: Stability, Tourism, and Fiscal Discipline

The ruling JLP’s manifesto, Choose What Works, positions the party as the guardian of stability and continuity. For investors, the JLP highlights its track record of debt reduction, record IPO activity, and job creation as proof that Jamaica is a secure destination for capital.

Key proposals include:

Tax Simplification: Consolidation of statutory deductions into a single, simplified system and a phased reduction of personal income tax to a base rate of 15%.

Large-Scale Incentives: The rollout of the Large-Scale Projects and Pioneer Industries Relief Act in 2025, designed to attract global investors with targeted tax breaks.

Capital Market Expansion: The launch of a Micro Stock Exchange to encourage small business participation and broaden investment opportunities.

Sovereign Wealth Fund: Once debt falls below 60% of GDP, Jamaica plans to establish a Sovereign Wealth Fund to channel revenues into renewable energy, infrastructure, and overseas investments.

Tourism Expansion: Development of an additional 20,000 hotel rooms, expanded eco-tourism offerings, and stronger linkages between tourism and local agriculture.

The JLP’s core pitch is that investors can rely on Jamaica to remain fiscally disciplined while continuing to expand in its strongest-performing sectors—tourism, logistics, and real estate.

A ship at a bay in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Montego Bay, a major city in Jamaica, is a famous port and tourist destination known for its long coastline and rich historical heritage. With its modern resorts, vibrant street life and distinctive local markets, it attracts visitors from all over the world. (Photo by Li Mengxin/Xinhua via Getty Images)

PNP: Diversification, Green Growth, and Digital Future

The opposition PNP’s manifesto, The Next Chapter, presents a different vision: transforming Jamaica’s economic base by diversifying beyond tourism and logistics. The party is courting investors interested in renewable energy, technology, agro-processing, and creative industries.

Key pledges include:

National Investment Funds: Creation of targeted funds for green energy, agro-industry, and tech innovation, designed to channel capital into emerging sectors.

SME Financing: A state-backed credit guarantee scheme and stronger development banking support to cut borrowing costs for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Agro-Industrial Hubs: Establishment of agro-parks and export processing zones to boost value-added exports and link farmers to international markets.

Renewable Energy Drive: Aggressive pursuit of clean energy partnerships and financing, with an emphasis on solar and wind development.

Digital Transformation: Comprehensive modernization of government services to reduce red tape, accelerate business approvals, and build investor confidence.

Tourism Diversification: Broadening the industry into cultural, heritage, and community-based tourism, reducing reliance on all-inclusive resorts.

The PNP is framing itself as the party that will prepare Jamaica for the next wave of global competition by backing green energy, technology, and value-added exports.

Investor Outlook

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.

Caribbean Luxury Tourism Expands With New Hotels, Multi-Million Dollar Investments

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. August 25, 2025: The Caribbean’s luxury tourism sector is experiencing a wave of multi-million-dollar investments and hotel transformations that promise to redefine the region’s global reputation as a premier destination. From Jamaica to St. Lucia, Grenada to St. Kitts and Antigua, new properties and expansions are signaling strong investor confidence in Caribbean hospitality.

Jamaica: Moon Palace The Grand – Montego Bay

Moon Palace The Grand Montego Bay groundbreaking ceremony.

Jamaica has secured one of the region’s largest tourism investments to date. The Palace Company has broken ground on Moon Palace The Grand – Montego Bay, a US$700 million mega-resort set to reshape the island’s tourism landscape. The Palace Company has integrated sustainability and community development into its Jamaican operations.

The resort will feature 1,200 rooms, exclusive overwater bungalows, Jamaica’s largest spa, 13 restaurants, and championship golf access. It is expected to create over 3,000 local jobs while strengthening Montego Bay’s position as a global hub for luxury tourism.

“This project is much more than a resort – it’s a testament to our continued faith and love for Jamaica, its people and their great future,” said Gibrán Chapur, CEO of The Palace Company. “With Moon Palace The Grand – Montego Bay, we’re not just building new rooms; we’re building opportunity, empowering local communities, and shaping unforgettable experiences that will echo around the world.”

St. Lucia: Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort

In St. Lucia, the Viceroy Hotel Group has relaunched the iconic Sugar Beach resort following a US$100 million renovation.

Formerly the Jalousie Plantation, the revamped property includes a Rainforest Spa with seven treehouse cabanas, new luxury villas with plunge pools, two restaurants, four bars, and a redesigned lobby. Signature treatments inspired by the island – from sulphur and lime body wraps to papaya sea salt polishes — place wellness at the center of the resort’s identity.

Grenada: Calabash Hotel Expansion

Grenada’s celebrated Calabash Hotel has broken ground on a new collection of luxury suites – the first expansion in 35 years.

Scheduled for completion in early 2026, the project will add Superior Deluxe Suites and Hillside Penthouse Suites, featuring spacious interiors, private patios, and sweeping hillside views. The property, one of the Caribbean’s few Relais & Châteaux resorts, continues its legacy of family-owned luxury with modern enhancements.

St. Kitts: Ritz-Carlton Resort & Residences

St. Kitts is preparing to welcome a Ritz-Carlton Resort Hotel and Residences, with construction set to begin in late 2025. The project will feature 125 suites, 10 branded villas, and 15 condominium residences alongside a spa, beach club, pools, and restaurants.

Expected to open in 2028, the resort aligns with the island’s strategy to diversify its luxury offerings and attract global travelers seeking both exclusivity and authentic Caribbean experiences.

Antigua: Curtain Bluff Transformation

Antigua’s legendary Curtain Bluff resort will reopen in November 2025 following a multi-million-dollar upgrade led by OBMI and Studio Talomb.

All 42 suites — including Junior Suites and the Grace and Morris Bay Suites – have been redesigned with bespoke furnishings, rattan accents, and original artwork blending English elegance with Caribbean charm. The Sea Grape restaurant has also been reimagined, with a striking new bar, glass-enclosed buffet room, and expanded kitchen facilities.

A Region on the Rise

These projects highlight the Caribbean’s enduring appeal as a luxury tourism powerhouse. With investments spanning billions of dollars, developers are betting on strong growth in wellness travel, eco-conscious experiences, and high-end accommodations.

For the region’s economies, the ripple effects are clear: job creation, foreign investment, community partnerships, and reinforced global competitiveness.

As tourism continues to drive GDP across the Caribbean, these new hotel developments underscore one message – the region remains open for business, open for innovation, and open to invest Caribbean now.

Guyana’s 2025 Election: What The Main Parties Are Offering Investors

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Sun. August. 25, 2025: As the oil rich South American CARICOM nation of Guyana counts down to the finale of its September 1, 2025 general and regional elections, the stakes could not be higher for investors. With the country’s oil-driven boom attracting global capital and reshaping its economy, political parties are unveiling competing visions for how to manage revenues, diversify industries, and attract investment.

While all major parties promise to transform Guyana into a regional economic powerhouse, their blueprints diverge sharply – from heavy tax cuts and cash transfers to governance reforms and infrastructure megaprojects. Here’s where they stand.

PPP/C: Building on Oil Wealth with Infrastructure and Diversification

The incumbent People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is pitching itself as the safe pair of hands for Guyana’s expanding economy. Its manifesto stresses transparent oil and gas management through a strengthened Sovereign Wealth Fund and independent regulation, alongside renegotiation of contracts where needed.

The PPP/C’s investment agenda includes:

Tax incentives — reversal of VAT on exports, building materials, data, and machinery for agriculture, mining, and forestry.

Infrastructure megaprojects — a Berbice deep-water port, a high-span Demerara River bridge, the Linden–Lethem road to Brazil, and over 2,000 miles of hinterland roads.

Diversification — incentives for world-class hotels, industrial parks, renewable energy, ICT training, and agribusiness.

Human capital — 20,000 online scholarships, free university within five years, and stronger partnerships with private employers for skills training.

For investors, PPP/C with Irfaan Ally at the helm says it is offering a stable fiscal regime, pro-business tax reforms, and a pipeline of large-scale infrastructure to lower logistics costs and open new markets.

APNU: A Stability Pitch with Fiscal Discipline

The opposition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), led by Aubrey Norton, frames its plan as a corrective to what it calls mismanagement of oil wealth. Its investment appeal lies in promising a demand- and investment-driven economic model with a focus on inclusivity, fiscal discipline, and good governance.

Highlights include:

Oil management — sustainable, intergenerational use of petroleum revenues while keeping Guyana attractive for foreign investors.

Governance — transparent financial frameworks, stronger parliament and electoral reforms, and coalition-driven policymaking.

Regional integration — policies to strengthen trade and investment ties while safeguarding Guyana’s sovereignty.

Social protection — stability through a comprehensive safety net “from womb to tomb,” intended to underpin consumer demand.

WIN: Tax Cuts, Wage Increases, and Private Sector Buy-In

The new player, We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), which has taken the country by storm and mobilized thousands of voters of all races in just over three months, has made the boldest pitch to both households and businesses. Led by US sanctioned businessman Azruddin Mohamed, WIN promises sweeping reforms designed to put more money into circulation and stimulate private sector activity.

Key proposals include:

Tax cuts — VAT reduced from 14% to 10%, PAYE from 25% to 20%, and expanded zero-rated goods.

Private sector engagement — collaboration to raise minimum wages and boost productivity.

Trade and logistics incentives — duty- and VAT-free ATVs, outboard engines, and steep reductions on vehicle imports.

Revenue sharing — annual conditional transfers from natural resources and a negative income tax top-up for poor households.

Production push — investment to reduce import dependency and modernize local manufacturing and agriculture.

WIN’s strategy blends populist subsidies with pro-business tax reform, signaling a consumption-driven model that could boost investor activity in retail, logistics, and domestic supply chains.

AFC: Redistribution and Governance Reform

The Alliance For Change (AFC), under its “Better Must Come” banner, has rolled out a 100-day action plan heavy on cash transfers and subsidies. It is also positioning itself as the party willing to renegotiate ExxonMobil’s contract, while enshrining direct oil revenue transfers to citizens.

Its investor-related agenda features:

Tax relief — VAT cut to 12%, higher income tax thresholds, subsidies on basic food items, and duty-free concessions for farmers’ 4×4 pickups.

Social spending — $100,000 per adult, $75,000 per schoolchild per term, and major increases in pensions and disability support.

Governance reform — stronger GECOM oversight, constitutional reform within two years, and transparency in oil management.

Labour stability — multi-year wage agreements for teachers, nurses, and security forces.

For investors, the AFC’s platform signals a populist redistribution agenda combined with institutional reforms. While it could increase consumer demand in the short term, questions remain over fiscal sustainability.

Investor Outlook

Despite their differences, all four parties converge on one reality: Guyana’s oil wealth must be leveraged to diversify the economy and attract capital.

PPP/C emphasizes infrastructure, diversification, and pro-business tax policies.

APNU stresses stability, transparency, and sustainable fiscal frameworks.

WIN is betting on aggressive tax cuts and household transfers to drive demand and private sector growth.

AFC blends redistribution and governance reform with a harder stance on multinational oil contracts.

For international investors, the election is less about whether Guyana will remain attractive, and more about which model of growth will prevail — one anchored in long-term stability or one driven by stimulus.

New Music Fridays: Caribbean Stars Drop Hot New Releases

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News Americas, New York, Fri. Aug. 22, 2025: The Caribbean music scene is on fire this week, with soca, reggae, and soulful covers making waves worldwide. From Machel Montano’s latest video to Lila Iké’s powerful debut album, here’s what’s trending in on #newmusicfriday on the Caribbean music scene.

Machel Montano ft. Davido – “Fling It Up”

Trinidad’s own Machel Montano, the undisputed “King of Soca,” has released the official video for “Fling It Up” featuring Nigerian superstar Davido. Directed by Fresh Juice and filmed during Trinidad Carnival 2025, the video showcases the vibrant energy of Carnival while fusing afrobeats and soca.

The single already landed on Billboard’s U.S. Afrobeats Songs Chart earlier this year and is one of the highlights of Montano’s latest album, One Degree Hotter. The star is now gearing up for the U.S. leg of his One Degree Hotter Tour, with major stops at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center on Aug. 24 and Washington D.C.’s Afro Plus Fest on Aug. 31.

Watch the video here

Lila Iké – Treasure Self Love (Debut Album)

Rising reggae sensation Lila Iké has dropped her much-anticipated debut album, Treasure Self Love. Featuring collaborations with H.E.R., Protoje, Masicka, Joey Bada$$, and Maverick Sabre, the album is a bold statement of empowerment and artistry.

Released on Ineffable Records, Treasure Self Love is already gaining global buzz, with praise from Rolling Stone, SPIN, Vogue, and The New York Times. Lila recently toured Europe and Japan, and performed at Jamaica’s Reggae Sumfest.

Stream the album now

Kojo Rigault – Cruisin’

UK-Trinidadian artist Kojo Rigault has released a soulful reggae cover of Smokey Robinson’s timeless ballad “Cruisin’.” Arranged by John Kpiaye and produced by Smokey Joe, the track adds lush reggae grooves while keeping the romance of the original alive.

Rigault says he wanted to honor Smokey’s classic while adding “Caribbean reggae, London edge, and late-night intimacy.” Perfect for winding down or driving with the windows down.

Listen to Kojo Rigault’s “Cruisin’” here

New Compilation – Junior Murvin & King Jammy

Out today on VP Records/Greensleeves is a new posthumous album that honors Junior Murvin, famous for “Police and Thieves.” Remixed by King Jammy, the album highlights Murvin’s 1980s recordings, including “Cool Out Son” and “Ism Schism.” Several tracks are available for streaming for the first time. Listen HERE

From soca’s global takeover to reggae’s soulful reinventions, Caribbean music continues to push boundaries and command international stages.

Carter Center Flags Concerns, Rising Guyana Party Alleges Discrimination Ahead of Sept. 1 Vote

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BY NAN News Editor

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Thurs. August 21, 2025: The countdown is on in the oil-rich South American CARICOM nation of Guyana, where voters head to the polls on Sept. 1 amid fresh warnings from international observers and claims of political discrimination from a new third party.

The US-based Carter Center, which has been observing Guyana’s electoral process since June, said in a preliminary assessment this week that several issues risk undermining the integrity of the electoral process. 

 The Atlanta-based watchdog noted that these include “local authorities’ approvals of campaign events, alleged intimidation of public workers, and overcompliance by local banks with recent U.S. sanctions, which threatens to hinder political participation.”

WIN Party presidential candidate Azruddin Mohamed, sanctioned by the U.S., rallies supporters from Guyana’s diverse ethnic communities ahead of the Sept. 1 election.

In June 2024, the U.S. government sanctioned the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) Party presidential candidate, Azruddin Mohamed, his father Nazar Mohamed, several of their businesses, and Guyanese government official Mae Thomas Jr. for public corruption. The U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) blocked Mohamed’s assets in the U.S. financial system, and aimed to prevent transactions of money, goods, and services that would benefit Mohamed or the others within the U.S. financial system.

Following approval of WIN’s list in July 2025, local commercial banks, Bank of Nova Scotia, Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry, New Building Society, and Demerara Bank, reportedly closed the personal bank accounts of approximately 40 WIN candidates, party members, and their associates.

Reportedly, some candidates also have been dismissed by private-sector employers for appearing on WIN’s list. Although the banks have not provided a detailed public explanation of their actions, they are reportedly concerned about secondary sanctions and their banking relationships with the U.S. financial system.

The Guyanese banking system operates within national laws and international regulatory standards to prevent the misuse of the international financial system. The Carter Center said while it “recognizes the banking sector’s caution, the relevant Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and OFAC standards and guidelines recommend a ‘risk-based’ approach to such matters and discourages overcompliance with practices such as blanket account closures (‘de-risking’).”

“The relevant practice indicates that the risk of secondary sanctions arises when there is a prohibited transaction or other significant dealing with a sanctioned person,” the Center said. “Mere political association, without evidence of such transactions or facilitation, does not constitute the proper basis for termination of accounts.”

The Carter Center added that it “is concerned that banks may be over-complying with U.S. sanctions, which undermines political participation and electoral integrity by discouraging people from participating fully in the political process.”

“The private sector has an important role to play in safeguarding democratic rights and freedoms and, as such, must ensure decisions do not discriminate against individuals for exercising those rights,” the Center said.

The warnings echo claims made by the We WIN, which alleges widespread financial discrimination against its members.

WIN says dozens of candidates and supporters have had bank accounts frozen, loans canceled, and even salaries withheld, leaving some unable to operate businesses or support families.

“Teachers cannot access their pay. Small business owners are being forced into cash-only survival,” the party said in a statement Wednesday, calling the treatment “political persecution in its rawest form.” WIN has appealed to CARICOM and the United Nations to intervene.

Mohamed denies wrongdoing and insists he remains eligible to contest the presidency as his lawyers deal with the legal case against him and his companies.

The WIN Party emphasized that these actions “violate international and regional commitments, including: Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Articles 2 and 7) – equality and protection from discrimination; International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Articles 25 and 26) – the right to participate in public life and equal protection under the law and the CARICOM Charter of Civil Society (1997) – which guarantees political rights and non-discrimination for citizens of member states.”

The WIN Party has called on CARICOM and the UN to: “publicly condemn the discriminatory practices; ensure immediate reinstatement of all affected accounts: engage with the Government of Guyana and banks to end political persecution; deploy observers to investigate and report and guarantee regional safeguards for fair financial access until citizens’ rights are fully restored.”

“This is about the fundamental right of every citizen to work, bank, and participate in democracy without fear,” the Party concluded.

The claims of discrimination from WIN comes as the party has gained national momentum ahead of the elections, attracting large multi-ethnic crowds nationally – a move many analysts is seen by the incumbent government as a threat to their retention of power.

The incumbent People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), led by Irfaan Ally, seeking another 5-year-term, has rejected allegations of interference, saying financial institutions are acting in line with global compliance standards.

Irfaan Ali, Guyana’s president, speaks during a campaign rally in Georgetown, Guyana, on Friday, July 25, 2025. Ali is seeking a second five-year term in Guyana’s Sept. 1 vote. Photographer: Yancey Haywood/Bloomberg via Getty Images

But tensions flared again Thursday when police in Berbice, Region Six, stopped Mohamed’s convoy over an “obscure” license plate and tinted windows as he headed to a rally in a PPP/C stronghold. WIN leaders accused authorities of targeting them while PPP/C vehicles left a nearby government rally unchecked.

Allegations of State Misuse

The Carter Center said it has also received multiple complaints that the ruling party is misusing state resources, pointing to reports of government vehicles in campaign use, temporary workers deployed for political activities, and public events doubling as party promotions.

Since late July, the president announced promotions for 2,800 police officers and free bridge crossings. While not illegal under Guyana’s laws, the Center said such moves violate international best practices for a level playing field. It also cited concerns over state media bias in favor of the PPP/C.

OAS Mission

Meanwhile, the Organization of American States has deployed a 27-member Electoral Observation Mission led by former Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding. Observers will monitor voting by the security forces on Aug. 22 and the general election on Sept. 1.

This marks the OAS’s seventh mission in Guyana, focusing on campaign financing, electoral technology, registries, and women’s participation.

Economic Backdrop

The vote comes as Guyana’s economy soars on the back of oil. The World Bank reported 43.4 percent GDP growth in 2022, with per-capita GDP at nearly $29,900 in 2024. Oil output averaged 616,000 barrels per day last year and is projected to hit 1.3 million by 2027.

Government revenues jumped to $2.57 billion in 2024, up from $1.62 billion in 2023, and could approach $10 billion annually by decade’s end. Poverty, however, still affects many: the World Bank put the $3-a-day headcount at significant levels in 2021, with unemployment near 10 percent.

ExxonMobil, Hess, and CNOOC, which control Guyana’s output, have reported billions in profits from their Guyana operations.

PARTIES CONTESTING THE ELECTION

Aubrey Norton, Guyana’s opposition leader and presidential candidate, during a campaign event in Vreed-En-Hoop, Guyana, on Friday, Aug. 15, 2025. (Photographer: Yancey Haywood/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Six parties, including the PPP/C main opposition A Partnership for National Unity, WIN, the Alliance for Change (AFC), the Assembly of Liberty and Prosperity, (ALP) and Forward Guyana Movement, (FGM), will contest the Sept. 1 election. Observers say the polls will test Guyana’s institutions as the country manages explosive oil-driven growth.

Jamaican Immigrant Who Served As Maine Police Officer To Leave US After ICE Arrest

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News Americas, OLD ORCHARD BEACH, Maine, Aug. 20, 2025: A Jamaican immigrant who overstayed his visa and later worked as a reserve police officer in Maine has agreed to leave the United States voluntarily after federal agents detained him when he tried to buy a firearm.

A judge on Monday granted the departure order for Jon Luke Evans, who served this summer with the Old Orchard Beach Police Department, according to WMTW-TV. He must cover his own travel costs and exit the country within a set period.

Evans legally entered the U.S. on a week-long visa in September 2023 but failed to leave when it expired. He later passed background checks via the E-Verify system, and training, before being hired in May as a seasonal officer in the busy tourist town.

Federal immigration agents detained Evans on July 25th in Biddeford after the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives flagged his attempt to purchase a gun. He was initially held in Massachusetts before being transferred to a detention center in Rhode Island.

The Old Orchard Beach Police Department said it relied on the Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify system to confirm Evans’ work eligibility and believed his documents were valid. Police Chief Elise Chard said the town was “distressed and deeply concerned” by what appeared to be a federal error.

Federal officials countered that employers should not rely solely on E-Verify and must take additional steps to confirm immigration status.

Evans’ role as a reserve officer did not allow him to carry personal firearms or department-issued weapons off duty. The town said it expects him to comply with the judge’s voluntary departure order.

The Guyana Cultural Association Of New York Turns 25

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Reported By Allison Skeete

News Americas, New York, August 19, 2025: As summer winds down, many in the diaspora turn to cultural gatherings that keep traditions alive. In Brooklyn, the Guyana Cultural Association of New York, (GCA), is preparing to host its 25th Annual Folk Festival, a milestone Silver Jubilee celebration dedicated to preserving Guyanese heritage while passing it on to new generations.

The Guyana Cultural Association of New York is turning 25.

Founded 25 years ago, GCA has become a leading voice for celebrating Guyana’s history, culture, and artistic contributions at home and abroad. Its annual Folk Festival has grown into a community hub – a place for families to reconnect, alumni associations to relive school rivalries, and children to experience traditions for the first time. From maypole plaiting to arts and crafts, masquerade stilt-walking, folk dancing, and storytelling, the festival immerses young and old alike in the essence of Guyanese identity.

Highlights of the event include Kwe-Kwe Night, where families dramatize pre-wedding rituals through song and dance, and Family Fun Day on Sunday, August 31st, featuring Guyanese food, music, games, and entertainment in the park. Over the years, the festival has also introduced global audiences to Guyanese beauty queens like Arti Cameron and Lisa Punch, along with designers such as Michelle Cole and Roger Gary.

This year’s Silver Jubilee will be marked with a Gala Awards Dinner at Russo’s on the Bay in Howard Beach, New York, on Wednesday, August 27th. Tickets are available for $150 via guyfolkfest.org, where a full schedule of events can also be found.

Each year, the GCA recognizes individuals and organizations advancing Guyanese heritage. Awards include the Godfrey Chin Prize for Heritage Journalism, honoring writers who deepen understanding of Guyanese culture, and the Derry Etkins Memorial Prizes, spotlighting excellence in music composition, performance, preservation, and community music education.

Now celebrating 25 years, the GCA Folk Festival continues to serve as both a reunion and a renewal – a space where Guyanese abroad honor their past, celebrate their present, and invest in passing their traditions to the future.

12-Year-Old Ignites With Bounty Killer & Richie Stephens On New Reggae Single

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Tues. Aug. 19, 2025: Jamaican Canadian rising star Jazmin Headley is turning heads with her latest reggae release “The Fire Inside,” featuring none other than dancehall legend Bounty Killer and reggae icon Richie Stephens.

At just 12 years old, Jazmin is proving she’s a voice to watch. Her new single pairs youthful fire with seasoned artistry, blending Stephens’ soulful vocals and Bounty’s commanding delivery into what the Warlord himself calls a “musical masterpiece.”

“When you carry a fire inside, no one can shatter your dreams,” Bounty shared while in Toronto, marking his first visit to the city in 20 years. Stephens added: “It’s a powerful song filled with emotional depth and an empowering message.”

The track follows a milestone year for Jazmin, who made her film debut in MGM’s The Fire Inside, the critically acclaimed biopic of boxing champion Claressa Shields. Starring Ryan Destiny and directed by Academy Award-nominated cinematographer Rachel Morrison, the movie gave Jazmin her first taste of the global spotlight—now extended through music.

Released via VPAL Music, the single is already resonating with fans for its uplifting lyrics and cross-generational collaboration, bridging the gap between Jamaica’s musical past and its future.

Watch the Official Video Here: YouTube

Headley is a Canadian singer, actor and voice-over artist who just completed a successful run as Judah Joseph’s brother in ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dream coat.’ She is also a cast member of the CBC Kids Series Ukulele U.

ExxonMobil’s $42.5M Deepwater Gamble In T&T

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News Americas, Port of Spain, Trinidad, August 19, 2025: Once the undisputed energy powerhouse of the Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago is now betting big on a deep water revival – with ExxonMobil leading the charge.

The U.S. oil giant has committed US$42.5 million upfront to partner with Trinidad’s state-owned Heritage Petroleum, marking a bold return of confidence in the twin-island nation’s hydrocarbon sector. For Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, it’s more than just another deal — it’s a signal that Trinidad is ready to reclaim its role as a regional energy leader.

“This partnership strengthens our position in the deepwater space,” Exxon’s vice president for exploration, John Ardill, said during the signing, while admitting there are “no guarantees” the projects will match Guyana’s colossal oil discoveries.

Trinidad has watched for nearly a decade as Guyana, its smaller neighbor, surged to global prominence with Exxon’s 11 billion barrels of recoverable oil. Production declines, fiscal pressures, and dwindling gas supplies have chipped away at Trinidad’s economy which has also seen a shortage of US dolars. Now, deep water exploration is being framed as the country’s best chance at reversing its decline.

The stakes are high. Exxon will operate three blocks — 25a, 25b, and 27 — in Trinidad’s Atlantic waters, focusing on natural gas that could feed the nation’s LNG plants and petrochemical industry.

Persad-Bissessar has promised to slash red tape, modernize licensing, and create a more investor-friendly climate to ensure success. For Trinidad, the challenge is clear: turn this gamble into a comeback before Guyana leaves the region’s oldest producer permanently in the shadows.

The Guyana Government Should Immediately Investigate The Accounting Of The Oil Companies

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By Darsh Khusial

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. Aug. 18, 2025: On July 2nd, 2025, Stabroek News published a letter from the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, (CFO), of ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, (EMGL) disputing Chris Ram’s assertion that the 2024 financials for the Stabroek Block consortium (consisting of EMGL, HESS Guyana, and CNOOC Guyana) represent “a fundamental distortion that demands immediate investigation, attention, transparency and disclosure.” The Exxon Guyana CFO’s response to Ram’s assertion that the accounting was flawed was vague and lacking in depth. However, it contained a veiled threat in this statement: “The accusation that we manipulate accounting standards to improve our financial results is unfounded and defamatory.”

In 2024, the oil extracted and sold totaled US$18 billion. To put that in context, Guyana’s 2025 budget was US$6.6 billion. Thus, distortions in the oil consortium’s financial statements are materially significant for Guyana.

Exxon is a company valued at more than US$600 billion, making it one of the largest companies in the world. As a large US public company, its stock is owned directly and indirectly by millions of shareholders. Its primary priority is to maximize shareholder value, which is reflected in its stock price. Accusations that one of its major subsidiaries’ financials are distorted could raise doubts about the company’s valuation among analysts and shareholders. Hence, one would expect that the company would correct this matter immediately or vehemently defend its reputation by taking the matter to court, not respond through a vague letter.

Mr. Ram promptly stood by his assertions in a letter dated July 3rd, 2025, where he provided specifics on why EMGL’s accounting is indefensibly lacking. He further stated, “Exxon shows no respect for the people of Guyana, weaponizing accounting complexity to avoid informed public scrutiny.” It has been more than a month since Ram stood by his assertion, while the EMGL silence has been deafening but insightful.

The chart below, interactive copy, shows the total amount of oil produced and sold per year in US dollars, which totals US$43.5 billion. Guyana should receive a 2% royalty and a 50/50 profit share. However, if the accounting is questionable, then surely Guyana’s 2% royalty and 50/50 profit share, both derived from the oil companies’ financials, are incorrect?

In April 2019, the Stabroek Block oil contract was amended to ensure the oil companies could not claim the 2% royalty as a cost. However, in their 2024 income statements, EMGL claims a Royalty Expense of US$164 million. We note that neither HESS Guyana nor CNOOC Guyana income statements lists such an expense. Thus, instead of parroting ‘the sanctity of contract’, the government should investigate whether EMGL’s US$164 million royalty expense was illegitimate under the updated contract terms.

In 2018, Ram showed – using the oil consortium’s own financial statements – that the pre-contract costs were overstated by US$90 million or 24%. Now, Guyana’s profit share from the US$43.5 billion is approximately 12.5%, assuming costs are 75%. Thus, total cost is approximately US$32.6 billion and Guyana’s 12.5% is US$5.4 billion. If the cost were inflated by 24%, then the uninflated cost would be US$26.3 billion, which means Guyana’s 12.5% profit share should be US$8.6 billion or an extra US$3.2 billion. To put that in perspective, that is 1.5 times Guyana’s budget before oil production began in December 2019.

If one recalls, the original capital cost for Liza Phase 1 was US$4.4 billion, but after Guyanese oil expert Dr. Mangal disputed several claims, the Consortium then reduced the cost by US$700 million. It was then reduced again, to a final amount of US$3.5 billion. That is an overstatement of expense by 26%.

There is a pattern here of inflated expenses. These financial irregularities should trigger immediate investigation by any government, given the billions of US dollars at stake.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Darshanand Khusial is an executive OGGN Other executive members include Alfred Bhulai, Andre Brandli, Janette Bulkan and Joe Persaud.