Haitian-Led Thriller On Moïse Assassination Hits U.S. Theaters

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Tues. May 20, 2025: For the first time, a Haitian-led political thriller is telling the world what many in Haiti have long asked: Who killed President Jovenel Moïse?

July 7 is not just breaking that mold—it’s redefining how Caribbean stories reach global audiences.

“July 7: Who Killed the President?” premiered on May 16, in AMC theaters across the United States. Starring Raquel Pelissier and Haitian born star, Jimmy Jean-Louis, and directed by Robenson Lauvince, the film explores the 2021 assassination of Haiti’s president through the eyes of a determined college student. Her research for a memoir takes a dark turn into a web of conspiracy, violence, and political betrayal.

“This is more than a film—it’s a moment of truth for Haiti,” said Lauvince. “We’re telling our story on our terms, with depth and dignity.” Sunday, May 18th was Haitian flag day.

The film, shot in both Haiti and the U.S., is the first Haitian political drama to receive nationwide theatrical release in the United States—a major milestone for Caribbean cinema. AMC has also launched a community-driven campaign: the more requests a city receives, the more likely it is that July 7 will be added to local theater line-ups.

Confirmed screenings include:

AMC Empire 25 (New York City)

AMC Aventura Mall 24 (Florida)

AMC Boston Common 19 (Massachusetts)

AMC Phipps Plaza 14 (Atlanta)

AMC Burbank 16 (Los Angeles)

The film arrives amid growing interest in Diaspora narratives, yet Haitian and Black independent filmmakers still face steep hurdles in U.S. film distribution. July 7 is not just breaking that mold—it’s redefining how Caribbean stories reach global audiences.

Jovenel Moïse was a Haitian politician and entrepreneur, who served as the 43rd president of Haiti from 2017 until his assassination in 2021. He assumed the presidency in February 2017 after winning the November 2016 election. During his term, Haiti experienced widespread protests. In the early morning of 7 July 2021, Moïse was assassinated and his wife Martine was injured during an attack on their private residence in Pétion-Ville.

“This is a megaphone for our pain, our resilience, and our right to justice,” Lauvince said. “We want to show the world our truth—and this time, you don’t have to ask Hollywood’s permission.”

Audiences can request screenings in their cities by visiting the film’s official website HERE

See a trailer from the movie here.

Decolonising Co-Production: CaribbeanTales Brings The Diaspora Home

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News Americas, BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, May 20,2025: The Caribbean is calling her children home.

In just 3 weeks, the Cross Continental Forum (CCF) 2025, hosted by CaribbeanTales Media Group, (CTMG), in partnership with the Department of Creative and Performing Arts, UWI Cave Hill,  will bring together leading film and television producers  from the UK, Canada, South Africa, the US, and across the Caribbean. They will join creatives, cultural entrepreneurs and the general public, for five powerful days in beautiful Barbados.

Under the theme “Decolonising Co-Production,” the Forum will explore innovative ways to foster collaboration through the empowering lens of the Global South.

“We’re creating a space where Global South producers from around the world can meet on our home soil to together shape new models of financing, storytelling, and ownership,” said Frances-Anne Solomon, founder of CTMG and the visionary force behind the Forum.

Canada will have the largest number of film producers at this year’s Cross Continental Forum (CCF) 2025, hosted by CaribbeanTales Media Group, (CTMG), in partnership with the Department of Creative and Performing Arts and UWI Cave Hill.

Producers will be joining from the following countries:

Canada  – (10)Jennifer HolnessFloyd KaneJennifer PodemskiAndrew Burrows-TrotmanNauzanin KnightGail MauriceVirinder SinghIfe AlabaGeorge Tamakloe

Yejide Emioladipupo

United Kingdom – (6)Ameenah Ayub AllenJonte RichardsonEmma GrazetteLauren GeeFemi Oyeniran

Victoria Thomas

The Caribbean

            Trinidad & Tobago – (3)

Sophie WalcottCamille Abrahams

Shari Petti

            Barbados – (4)

Penelope HynamAlison  Sealy SmithRyan Wilfred

Sheldon St.Clair

                The Bahamas – (3)

Tabitha RitchieKarel Pinder

Maria Govan

            The Dominican Republic – (2)

Eunice Levis

Jenna Cavelle

            Guyana – (2)

Victoria Arjoon

Mason Richar

South Africa – (2)Nhlanhla Mthethwa

SB Sithebe

A Forum For Cultural, Economic, And Creative Evolution

Now in its second year, CCF aims to become a vital platform for reshaping co-production norms and building lasting partnerships across borders.

For the Canada Media Fund, one of the Forum’s key funders, the sense of homecoming is profound. During the Forum’s online opening, CMF’s Joy Loewen remarked, “It’s long overdue. We need to build meaningful and sustainable bridges between our industries and our communities.”

The event addresses critical inequities in the global media production landscape. Agnieszka Moody, Head of International Relations at the British Film Institute, emphasized, “The old models of production and co-production disproportionately favor the Global North. The Cross Continental Forum offers a space to create a blueprint for new ones built on trust, equity, and shared legacy.”

More Than Culture This Is Economic Empowerment

South African producer Kethiwe Ngcobo reflected on the significance of this gathering, “We are here to work, to connect, and to create wealth from our stories. This is not just about culture – it’s about economics. And it starts with us, together.”

ABOUT THE CROSS CONTINENTAL FORUM

The Cross Continental Forum (CCF) 2025 is a production of CaribbeanTales Media Group in collaboration with the Department of Creative and Performing Arts (UWI Cave Hill). Support for the CCF is generously provided by numerous organizations, including the Canada Media Fund, British Film Institute, Mango Bay Group of Companies, Invest Barbados, Inter-American Development Bank, Picture NL, National Cultural Foundation of Barbados, Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc, Barbados Film and Television Association, Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago, Telefilm Canada, and many other international partners.

Guiding CCF 2025 is a Steering Group comprised of: Frances-Anne Solomon (CEO, CaribbeanTales Media Group), Andrew Millington (Head, Department of Creative and Performing Arts – UWI Cave Hill), CCH Pounder (Guyanese-born actor and activist), Dr. Keith Nurse (Founding Chair, CaribbeanTales Worldwide Distribution and President of COSTAATT), Zikethiwe Ngcobo (CEO, Fuzebox Entertainment, South Africa), John Reid (Former CEO of FLOW Telecommunications, Caribbean and Latin America), Agnieszka Moody (Head of International Relations, British Film Institute), Chloe Sosa Simms (CBC Senior Advisor, Acquisitions), and international events producer Diana Webley (Director of Events, CaribbeanTales Media Group).

Case Against Dancehall Artiste Kiprich Adjourned

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News Americas, KINGSTON, Jamaica, Tues. May 21, 2025: The legal case against Jamaican born dancehall artiste, Kiprich, who is facing criminal charges for allegedly promoting gang violence through music, has been adjourned until September 16, 2025.

FLASHBACK: Kiprich during Reggae Sunsplash in Japan 2006 at Yokohama Minato Mirai 21 in Yokohama, Japan. (Photo by Jun Sato/WireImage)

The decision was handed down today by Acting Senior Parish Court Judge Janelle Nelson-Gayle at the St Catherine Parish Court, after it was revealed that the case file remains incomplete. A critical report from the police’s Communication Forensic Cybercrime Division is still outstanding.

Kiprich, 45, whose real name is Marlon Plunkett, is charged with the use of audio and audiovisual communication to promote criminal activity. The charges stem from a song titled Stay Far Freestyle, which authorities allege glorifies criminality and pays tribute to Othniel ‘Thickman’ Lobban, the alleged leader of the One Order Gang who was fatally shot by law enforcement officers.

According to police, the song was circulated on WhatsApp on January 25, 2025, and reportedly includes threats against the police in retaliation for Lobban’s killing.

Following the release of the song, Plunkett and several other men were listed as persons of interest and were asked to surrender to authorities. Kiprich complied and admitted to recording the song but maintains that it was created for a promoter and carried no malicious intent.

As the case remains under investigation, the next court hearing is set for September 16, pending the completion of the forensic cybercrime report.

Caribbean Cinema Takes Over Cannes: First-Ever ‘Caribbean Day’ Set To Dazzle The World Stage

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News Americas, New York, NY, May 19, 2025: Caribbean filmmakers will take center stage at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival during the first-ever “Caribbean Day” at Pavillon Afriques on Wednesday, May 21th. This landmark event will spotlight the dynamic creativity and growing influence of the Caribbean film industry with a full day of screenings, panels, and networking opportunities.

FLASHBACK – (L-R) Producer Angela White, Director / Actor Chris Attoh, actresses Juliet Ibrahim, Chasity Saunders and Damien D Smith and Fondatrice de Pavillon Afriques founder Karine Barclais attend the “Nine” Chris Attoh’s Film Cocktail Party and Mike Sylla’s 30th Anniversary Ethnic Creations Show during the 77th annual Cannes Film Festival at Pavillon Afrique on May 20, 2024 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Foc Kan/WireImage)

Hosted by Pavillon Afriques, the premier space for African and diaspora cinema at Cannes, Caribbean Day is tailored to connect regional storytellers with international producers, distributors, investors, and media executives. The initiative promises to elevate the visibility of Caribbean talent and content in one of the world’s most prestigious cinematic arenas.

The event will feature the Curaçao-set drama Double Play by renowned director Ernest Dickerson, and The Tall Boy, a compelling documentary on Trinidadian Carnival icon Peter Minshall, directed by Life Garland. Attendees will also engage with leading Caribbean filmmakers, producers, and industry thought leaders through panel discussions, followed by a curated networking session and a celebratory after-party headlined by singer John G.

“Caribbean Day is a call to industry professionals looking for fresh stories, new talent, and untapped co-production opportunities,” noted Mark Walton, Ambassador for Pavillon Afriques and Associate Professor at The New School. “The Caribbean is open for collaboration and ready to take its place on the global film stage.”

The initiative also underscores the powerful role of film and television in tourism marketing. “We’re proud to support Caribbean Day at Cannes, which strengthens the bridge between tourism and the creative industries,” said Faye Gill of the Caribbean Tourism Organization.

The Jamaica Tourist Board is the official sponsor of Caribbean Day, reinforcing Jamaica’s leadership in regional cultural promotion. Pavillon Afriques founder Karine Barclais emphasized that Caribbean Day is a “natural evolution” in the platform’s mission to showcase global Black cinema.

With more than 3,500 professionals from 61 countries attending Pavillon Afriques in 2024, Caribbean Day marks a significant step forward in spotlighting the Caribbean’s rich storytelling tradition and global film potential.

Caribbean Immigrant Charged With Falsely Claiming Citizenship

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News Americas, New York, NY, May 16, 2025: A Caribbean immigrant has been arrested and charged with unlawfully claiming U.S. citizenship to register to vote in the 2024 Florida presidential primary election, federal authorities have announced.

Jamaican born Jacqueline Dianne Wallace, 52, was taken into custody in Panama City, Florida, following a federal criminal complaint alleging she falsely certified U.S. citizenship in order to vote in a federal election. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida confirmed the charge after Wallace’s initial appearance in federal court in Tallahassee.

According to investigators, Wallace entered the U.S. in December 2010 on a six-month B-2 tourist visa but overstayed her permitted time. Despite not being a citizen, she reportedly registered online to vote in January 2024 and later cast a ballot in the August 2024 Florida presidential primary.

Her arrest came as a result of a coordinated investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, and multiple state and federal agencies. If convicted, Wallace faces up to five years in federal prison and subsequent deportation.

This case is part of “Operation Take Back America,” a Justice Department initiative aimed at combating unlawful immigration and election-related crimes. Authorities emphasized that the charges against Wallace remain allegations. Under the U.S. legal system, she is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Shaggy Goes “Pandtastic” With Fiat

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News Americas, New York, NY, May 16, 2025: It’s been three decades since Jamaican born reggae star Shaggy’s global hit “Boombastic” shook up the charts – and to mark the milestone, the Jamaican Grammy-winner is hitting the road in style, accompanied by none other than an animated panda.

Shaggy Celebrates 30 Years of “Boombastic” with Fiat and a Grooving Panda

Yes, “Boombastic” is officially 30, and to celebrate, Shaggy has rerecorded the iconic track for a high-energy new campaign with Fiat, starring in a commercial alongside a dancing digital panda. The campaign introduces a new term – “Pandtastic” – and brings the vibes with a playful, nostalgia-rich ride through time.

Fiat’s sleek new Grande Panda, inspired by vintage design, is the centerpiece of the ad, which was creatively led by M+C Saatchi Europe. Music video director Joseph Khan, known for reviving dance-floor hits with visual flair, brings the funky fantasy to life with style.

Back in 1995, “Boombastic” exploded internationally after featuring in a Levi’s 501 commercial. Now, 30 years later, the hit makes a full-circle comeback, this time cruising to the beat in a car commercial instead of jeans – just with more panda.

For longtime fans and new listeners alike, it’s a celebration of Caribbean sound and cultural impact, made even more memorable with a side of animated fun.

Shaggy proves once again: timeless hits don’t just age – they evolve. Check it out HERE

These Are the Freest Caribbean Economies In 2025—Is Your Country On The List?

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News Americas, New York, NY, May 15, 2025: Wondering how economically free Caribbean nations are? According to the 2025 Index of Economic Freedom from The Heritage Foundation, the region is mostly economically free, with several countries outperforming both global and regional averages.

BarBarbados leads the region with a score of 68.9, ranking 36th globally out of 184 countries and 5th in the Americas, placing it firmly in the “moderately free” category. It is followed closely by Jamaica (68.7, 38th) and Saint Lucia (67.0, 47th), showcasing the region’s continued push for open markets, efficient regulations, and growth-friendly policies.

The Bahamas, with its tax-free model and steady macroeconomic management, ranks 72nd globally with a score of 63.2, also considered “moderately free.” While still performing above global and regional averages, institutional improvements are needed to ensure sustainable economic growth.

Here’s how Caribbean nations ranked in the 2025 Index of Economic Freedom:

Barbados – 68.9 (36th globally)

Jamaica – 68.7 (38th)

Saint Lucia – 67.0 (47th)

Dominican Republic – 64.3 (65th)

Belize – 64.2 (66th)

Trinidad and Tobago – 63.6 (69th)

The Bahamas – 63.2 (72nd)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – 60.1 (87th)

Guyana – 58.2 (99th)

Dominica – 55.3 (116th)

Suriname – 50.9 (144th)

Haiti – 46.1 (163rd)

Cuba – 25.4 (175th)

At the bottom of the list, Cuba and Haiti are classified as “repressed” economies, facing entrenched challenges such as rigid state control, corruption, and weak legal institutions.

Despite variations in rankings, most Caribbean nations fall within the “moderately free” category, signaling a generally positive outlook for investment, private-sector growth, and economic development in the region.

Caribbean Economies Are Beating Latin America – Here’s Why

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News Americas, New York, NY, May 15, 2025: Caribbean nations are outpacing their Latin American neighbors in economic performance, according to a latest World Bank analysis. With tourism rebounding and oil-driven growth in Guyana, the region is solidifying its post-pandemic recovery and emerging as a model for economic management and fiscal discipline.

Tourism-dependent economies such as Barbados, Saint Lucia, and the Dominican Republic have returned to, or exceeded, pre-pandemic levels of GDP. For some, tourist arrivals have even reached pre-COVID-19 numbers, signaling a cooling in the sector’s explosive growth, while others still have room to grow.

Guyana continues to stand out with sustained GDP expansion, fueled by oil exploration and exportation that began in earnest in 2020. The country’s transformation into one of the fastest-growing economies in the world exemplifies the region’s new economic frontiers.

Inflation trends also show a marked divergence from Latin America. Thanks to widespread currency pegs in the Caribbean, the inflation spike of 2022–2023 was more subdued. However, nations like Jamaica and the Dominican Republic – operating under inflation-targeting regimes—experienced more pronounced and persistent inflation pressures. Since 2023, however, prices have been stabilizing, bringing inflation under better control across the region.

Jamaica’s innovative use of the Economic Programme Oversight Committee, (EPOC), to ensure fiscal transparency and build public trust has earned recognition from the World Bank as a potential model for broader adoption in the Latin America and Caribbean, (LAC) region.

Meanwhile, Barbados and Belize – long challenged by high debt burdens – have made significant strides through ambitious fiscal reforms. Both countries have achieved substantial reductions in their debt-to-GDP ratios, showcasing fiscal responsibility and resilience.

The World Bank’s assessment paints a hopeful picture for the investing in the Caribbean, positioning it not only as a recovery leader but also as a source of policy inspiration for the broader LAC region.

Guyana Organization Slams Vybz Kartel Over New Song

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News Americas, New York, NY, May 14, 2025: Guyana’s Ethnic Relations Commission, (ERC), has issued a strong condemnation of Jamaican dancehall artist Vybz Kartel’s new song, “Good Like Jesus,” labeling its lyrics as “blasphemous and deeply offensive” to Christian and other religious communities. The Commission is advocating for an immediate ban on the song’s broadcast and digital distribution within Guyana.

Vybz Kartel performs during the MOBO Awards 2025 at the Utilita Arena on February 18, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Joseph Okpako/WireImage)

In a statement released on Wednesday, the ERC emphasized that the song’s content is “profoundly disrespectful to Christian religious sensibilities” and undermines the values of reverence, respect, and harmony that are fundamental to Guyana’s multicultural society. Some of the lyrics of the song by Kartel states: “You pussy good, you pussy good like Jesus.”

The Commission highlighted that Jesus Christ is not only a central figure in Christianity but is also revered in Islam and respected in certain Hindu traditions. It warned that content demeaning such a universally respected figure risks offending multiple faith communities and threatens the delicate balance of inter-religious harmony in the country.

While acknowledging the right to freedom of artistic expression, the ERC stated that this freedom is not absolute and must be exercised responsibly, with due regard for the religious and cultural values of all communities. The Commission is formally calling for the song to be banned from the airwaves in Guyana and to be removed from all digital platforms accessible in the country.

Additionally, the ERC is engaging the promoter of the upcoming concert in Guyana, featuring Vybz Kartel, scheduled for May 24, to ensure that the event does not contribute to the dissemination of the offensive content. The Commission expects full cooperation in ensuring that the event upholds interfaith harmony.

In a related matter, the ERC addressed public speculation regarding the recent arrest of local artist Baby Skello by the Guyana Police Force, following the release of a song reportedly containing offensive material against the Hindu faith. The Commission clarified that Baby Skello has not been referred to law enforcement by the ERC and that the matter is currently being handled internally, with the artist summoned to appear before the Commission. Baby Skello released a song that allegedly depicted the Hindu Goddess Lakshmi in a “vulgar, sexually explicit, and blasphemous manner.” This sparked outrage and condemnation from Hindu organizations in Guyana, such as the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha and the Guyana Pandits’ Council.

The ERC also confirmed that artists Richard Singh and Vision Clarke have been summoned over their controversial song “Chiney,” which has sparked criticism for its potentially offensive content.

The Commission reiterated its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights, dignity, and faiths of all Guyanese, stating that acts of religious disrespect will not be tolerated and will be addressed with firm and constructive measures.

See the video here

Luxury In Paradise: This New Resort Is Set For This Caribbean Island

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News Americas, New York, NY, May 13, 2025: A new era of ultra-luxury tourism is set to begin in The Bahamas with the arrival of Amancaya, a $260 million resort and residence development by world-renowned hospitality brand Aman. The major project, which will be located in Exuma, reflects growing global investor confidence in The Bahamas as a top destination for high-end, sustainable tourism.

Spanning two private cays, Amancaya marks Aman’s official debut in The Bahamas, bringing its elite brand of exclusivity and elegance to the country’s tourism landscape. The development is expected to create over 500 jobs—200 during construction and 300 permanent roles—while offering significant support to local businesses and entrepreneurs, expanding training and career opportunities, and driving long-term economic development in Exuma.

Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, described the project as a transformative moment for The Bahamas: “Aman’s entry into The Bahamas reflects the strength of our tourism sector as a premier luxury destination and the growing demand for eco-friendly sustainable development. Aman’s ultra-luxury lifestyle brand is a good fit for Exuma, and we look forward to the groundbreaking of this investment that will deliver meaningful, measurable long-term impact.”

With Amancaya set to join the country’s luxury offerings, The Bahamas continues to position itself as the Caribbean’s leading destination for elite travelers and innovative tourism ventures. This new project reinforces national efforts to attract high-value developments that align with both economic goals and environmental sustainability.

The resort’s launch is a powerful signal to the global market: The Bahamas is not only open for business – it’s ready to redefine luxury.