Chomsky and Prashad: Cuba Is Not a State Sponsor of Terrorism

/0 Comments/in /by

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Caribbean News Service

By Noam Chomsky and Vijay Prashad

Cuba, a country of 11 million people, has been under an illegal embargo by the United States government for over six decades.

Despite this embargo, Cuba’s people have been able to transcend the indignities of hunger, ill health, and illiteracy, all three being social plagues that continue to trouble much of the world.

Due to its innovations in health care delivery, for instance, Cuba has been able to send its medical workers to other countries, including during the pandemic, to provide vital assistance. Cuba exports its medical workers, not terrorism.

In the last days of the Trump administration, the U.S. government returned Cuba to its state sponsors of terrorism list.

This was a vindictive act. Trump said it was because Cuba played host to guerrilla groups from Colombia, which was actually part of Cuba’s role as host of the peace talks.

Cuba played a key role in bringing peace in Colombia, a country that has been wracked by a terrible civil war since 1948 that claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. For two years, the Biden administration has maintained Trump’s vindictive policy, one that punishes Cuba not for terrorism but for the promotion of peace.

Biden can remove Cuba from this list with a stroke of his pen. It’s as simple as that. When he was running for the presidency, Biden said he would even reverse the harsher of Trump’s sanctions. But he has not done so. He must do so now.

Source: Globetrotter

Donate At Caribbean News Service, we do not charge for our content and we want to keep it that way. We are seeking support from individuals and organisations so we can continue our work & develop CNS further.

 

NewsAmericasNow.com

Insect production for animal feed in the Caribbean a step closer to reality

/0 Comments/in /by

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Caribbean News Service

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries in Trinidad and Tobago, the University of the West Indies (UWI), St. Augustine Campus, and Fera Science Ltd. held its first mission in Trinidad and Tobago from 30 January to 3 February 2023, and achieved a major milestone. The purpose of the mission was to initiate preparations to establish an insect bioreactor pilot plant facility at the UWI Field Station. It was the first major step of the FAO led insect production project which is being implemented in Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Grenada, and Jamaica.

On 2 February 2023 a virtual meeting was held with stakeholders which was attended by 84 people from across the Caribbean, and focused on raising awareness of the production and use of the Black Soldier Fly (BSF), as an alternative source of high-quality protein for poultry and aquaculture feed. The Black Soldier Fly has been researched extensively for animal feed globally and has shown to be easily reared in the tropics. It is also extremely suitable for animal feed as it contains high concentrations of the most important proteins and amino acids needed by livestock or farm animals.

During the initial phase of the project, the Insect Bioreactor Pilot Plant will be used for demonstration and training on the establishment of small-scale BSF production and primary processing units, along with the production of the BSF for Barbados, Grenada, and Jamaica. It will also be used for additional testing and field trials.

Insect production, a growing global industry, has the potential to substitute 25 percent to 100 percent of the popular protein inputs for animal feed in the Caribbean, specifically in the poultry, pig, and aquaculture sectors; which could significantly reduce the regional import bill for animal feed. Apart from establishing pilots of this novel animal feed production system in each of the project countries, the project will develop business cases to facilitate entrepreneurs’ access to finance, train farmers and extension staff on the use of “frass” – a by-product of insect rearing which is an organic fertilizer and, establish a knowledge hub on insect rearing at UWI to ensure the long-lasting impact of the project.

Dr Renata Clarke, Sub-regional Coordinator, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), who spoke avidly about the project indicated that, “We cannot transform agriculture if the cost of critical inputs like animal feed and fertilizer remains incredibly high and largely imported. How can we begin to address the cost of a healthy diet if we do not seriously explore technologies that can improve production efficiency? We cannot expect youth to take agriculture seriously as a profession unless we facilitate modern solutions that are demonstrably economical and open the door for fulfilling careers in agriculture. We should move with greater urgency so as to avoid delays in investing in the circular economy – as the issues of the environment are way too pressing, particularly for us. This project responds to all these necessities and more. I expect this project to be transformative and impactful”.

Damian Malins, Venturing Projects Director, Mission Lead for Fera Science Ltd. and project partner stated, “Population growth, climate change and the dual challenges of ensuring food security and food safety, are impacting all areas of the agri-food chains across the Caribbean and worldwide. At Fera, we recognize that insect protein has enormous potential to respond to these challenges as a high quality, safe and sustainably sourced ingredient of animal feed which can displace soy and fishmeal when blended into animal diets. As a specialist and world leading expert scientific services laboratory, with over 100 years heritage of “protecting you, what you eat and the world in which we live”, we are bringing our expertise in insect farming, food safety and novel protein production to the Caribbean”.

Another key partner in the project is the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, Dr Ronald Roopnarine, researcher and lecturer at the Faculty of Food and Agriculture (FFA), UWI has been leading the organization and logistics for the project activities overseen by the UWI. He emphasized, “Food security has been a long-standing concern in the region, the emergence of the COVID-19 virus and recent global conflicts have amplified these concerns and propelled Caribbean SIDS to reconsider the structure of their agriculture sectors towards more self-sufficiency and innovation”.

Meanwhile, Roshni Ramsingh, Project Focal Point, Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, indicated, “Agriculture has to constantly evolve, just like the very first farmers who scattered grass seeds around their settlements instead of wandering in search of edible grasses, we too must continually re-tool ourselves. Adopting insects as a brand-new item in our tool kit as we search for new and innovative ways to feed our population will provide value beyond their substitution costs in the feed rations. The synergism of removing wastes by feeding them to insects that are then fed to livestock which form part of our food web will redound through the entire sector adding value and opening avenues we can barely glimpse”.

As the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Member States work diligently to reduce the region’s large food import bill, by 25 percent by 2025, special attention has been given to efforts to increase production of selected commodities including livestock to meet growing protein needs and substitute for imported products. Livestock feed often comprises up to 70 percentage of the production costs and continues to be a binding constraint for the expansion and sustainability of the livestock sector given that between 40 and 50 million USD in compound animal feed is being imported yearly. Insect production is therefore not only a feasible solution, but also provides tremendous opportunities for livelihoods, including among women, youth, and vulnerable groups.

Donate At Caribbean News Service, we do not charge for our content and we want to keep it that way. We are seeking support from individuals and organisations so we can continue our work & develop CNS further.

 

NewsAmericasNow.com

Foreign minister receives courtesy call from Indian High Commissioner to St. Kitts and Nevis

/0 Comments/in /by

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Caribbean News Service

On Friday Dr. Denzil L. Douglas, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, Industry, Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Economic Development and Investment received a courtesy call from Dr. K.J. Srinivasa, High Commissioner of the Republic of India to Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Srinivasa’s visit was part of the celebrations to mark the occasion of the Republic Day of India observed each year on January 26.

High Commissioner Srinivasa recalled the strong diplomatic relations and the mutually beneficial interests shared between the two states in areas of trade, social, economic and cultural ties, capacity building and international cooperation. He provided an update on outstanding projects to be concluded with Saint Kitts and Nevis including the funding for the construction of the New St. Peters Health Centre under the India- UN Partnership Fund programme, and pledged to expand the areas of cooperation to include energy, agriculture, agro-processing, security and security-related matters.

Douglas congratulated The Republic of India on its Independence and Republic Day and commended India for its stellar leadership and being a reliable partner in a world continually shifting geopolitical dynamics. The Foreign Minister noted that “the world is dramatically changing and India is a country upon which the world will have to rely upon”.

Douglas further noted India’s strong support and commitment to the Caribbean region, CARICOM and in particular, Saint Kitts and Nevis adding that “India has been kind to us in making the transition post-COVID and providing strong support in healthcare, and we are extremely grateful for that.”

Douglas assured Srinivasa of the Government and Saint Kitts and Nevis’ solidarity between the two states adding that “India can rely on Saint Kitts and Nevis as a partner” and its commitment to the further deepening of the bonds of friendship for the greater advancement of the people of our countries.

Among the matters discussed were energy and sustainability, agriculture, security, capacity building, information technology, job creation and investment, and cooperation in international fora.

High Commissioner Srinivasa also paid courtesy calls to Dame Marcella Liburd GCMG, JP, Governor-General, Dr. Terrance Drew, Prime Minister of the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis and other members of the Federal Cabinet of Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Donate At Caribbean News Service, we do not charge for our content and we want to keep it that way. We are seeking support from individuals and organisations so we can continue our work & develop CNS further.

 

NewsAmericasNow.com

New IRENA report highlights evolving role of hydropower

/0 Comments/in /by

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Caribbean News Service

Current trends in the power sector have prompted changes in the role of hydropower, creating a need to adjust the way these assets are designed, operated and maintained, according to a new report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

The The Changing Role of Hydropower: Challenges and Opportunities, produced in the context of IRENA’s Collaborative Framework on Hydropower, provides a snapshot of the current status of hydropower and lays out a vision of how to realise its potential.

“Hydropower has been an effective source of clean power generation for more than a century,” said IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera. “However, with the rapidly evolving energy landscape, it is important to reevaluate its future role and leverage recent technological advancements that can maximise its potential while ensuring its sustainability and climate resilience.”

According to IRENA’s 1.5?C Scenario, if the world is to completely decarbonise and meet the climate goals set in the Paris Agreement, hydropower installed capacity, including pumped storage hydropower, should more than double by 2050. This will require annual investments in hydropower to grow roughly fivefold.

However, the report underscores that most hydropower potential lies in developing countries, and financing institutions need to work together with governments to overcome local risks and limitations, and funnel much-needed investment into these regions and countries.

According to the report, hydropower, despite being the most mature renewable technology, faces several challenges including: modernising ageing fleets to meet modern power system requirements; attracting new investments; and updating market structures and business models that do not reward all of the services provided by hydropower beyond power generation.

The report also emphasises that the planning and development of hydropower will only be successful if aspects of sustainability and resilience are taken into consideration.

Read The Changing Role of Hydropower: Challenges and Opportunities to learn more about the key actions policy makers can take to accelerate the deployment of hydropower in a way that is in line with its changing role.

Donate At Caribbean News Service, we do not charge for our content and we want to keep it that way. We are seeking support from individuals and organisations so we can continue our work & develop CNS further.

 

NewsAmericasNow.com

Still not much appetite from regional governments to fund LIAT 2020

/0 Comments/in /by

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Caribbean News Service

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has said that there continues to be a reluctance by other Caribbean governments to embrace LIAT 2020.

Browne returned last week from a meeting in St Lucia where CARICOM heads of government met to discuss the much-talked-about LIAT issue.

Although discussions were held on other pressing regional matters, LIAT’s resuscitation formed a major part of the talks.

“Based on the information, there is a significant degree of reticence within other Caribbean member states to embrace LIAT in the manner we thought that they would want to do at this particular time,” Information Minister Melford Nicholas told reporters

LIAT 1974 Ltd has been in administration since July 2020 and has been operating a reduced schedule with a limited workforce since November of that year. It is now set for liquidation.

“The government is committed to advancing the resuscitation of LIAT. LIAT has been able to maintain a degree of operations with just 2 aircraft and has been able to sustain the livelihood of 167 of its former employees and we are looking towards LIAT 2020 with a new possibility of increasing its presence in the Caribbean”, he added.

Furthermore, Nicholas said the loss of LIAT has been felt by everyone and Antigua and Barbuda is still committed to the airline.

“There may be an opportunity for some type of joint venture arrangement to be able to facilitate the expansion and resuscitation of LIAT, and the distribution from [Africa] to the Caribbean with an airline like Air Peace,” he said

Last year, LIAT’s shareholder governments – Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, St Vincent, and the Grenadines – agreed to restructure the airline and return it to commercial service.

Its former workers are said to be owed around EC$120 million in severance and other payments and it appears unlikely that they will be paid in full.

Some shareholder governments have offered financial and social assistance to employees based in their respective countries.

Last December, the government of Antigua and Barbuda disbursed EC$2 million as a “compassionate payment” to local former employees. However, EC$1.6 million of that remains unclaimed.

Donate At Caribbean News Service, we do not charge for our content and we want to keep it that way. We are seeking support from individuals and organisations so we can continue our work & develop CNS further.

 

NewsAmericasNow.com

Blueface Confronts Chrisean Rock For Taking Photo With Rick Ross

/0 Comments/in /by

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Urban Islandz

Blueface wasn’t too pleased that Chrisean Rock posed for some lens time with the Biggest Bawse, Rick Ross, at the Super Bowl on Sunday.

Chrisean Rock apparently left Blueface home as she and the Zeus team, along with Rubi Rose, headed to the Super Bowl on Sunday, where Rihanna performed, and a throng of celebrities came out to see the Pop Princess return to the stage. Rock posed for several photos at the event, and it seems that Blueface was not too pleased, especially as he called her out over the Rubi Rose/ DDG drama that went down on Sunday.

Chrisean Rock, who is a celebrity in her own right, was spotted on Rick Ross’ Instagram Stories, but while the photo appeared innocent, Blueface appeared upset and went off on a rant about the qualities he wanted in a woman.

“Could never be my bitch,” Blueface wrote in a Tweet. “But I get it you [new] to this shit fr so that typa sh*t excites you it’s really none wrong with it I’m just a different type n***a wit my b*tch. That’s y I told you long time ago you really don’t want that spot.”

Chrisean Rock also called out Blueface for being “weird” and a hypocrite, especially as he continues to maintain a romantic relationship with his children’s mother, Jaidyn Alexis.

“What he literally got a pic walking past idk why everyone trynna get a pic with me I’m not in his face he literally caught me off guard while I’m waiting for my car with [Zeus] n them,” she said in screenshots of text messages she sent to Blueface. “U being weird bro stfu. Like fr stop talking to me side ways.”

Rock added, “U invited b*tches tht jumped me to ya birthday n took pictures n let them shake they a$$ on u. I’m not sure what tf u keep trynna act like. Stop talking to me like u dum asf fr.”

On Twitter, Rock reveled at the attention she received from fans at the Super Bowl.

“Im at the Super Bowl running into ppl not even trying to trigger u or seem like a weird b*tch. Im really dat famous ppl go out they [way] for a pic. It’s ok for u to invite u Airbb n f*xk on bitches just chill n focus on making money stop da evil sh*t stop fr.”

Rock fired off several other tweets at Blueface, who appeared insecure.

“Stop tweeting like I did sh*t to u fr,” she wrote. “It take a idiot with pride to be this spiteful fr. People in this industry in real life would go out they way to show mad love n take pictures n whatever else tht comes with yo B*tch BEING LIT.”

She continued, “U to busy protecting yo pride n not seeing where u selfish at fr. I don’t f**k on nun of these famous n****s. Like you to busy worried bout dum sh*t when I invited u every where I go if u decide not go n not f**k with me I’m gon f**k with my self n go out with my friends idk what tf u want from me.”

In another tweet, she added, “The more u show the world how u don’t value what u have the more u make them look at you liked da weak link n make them favor me more cuz the situation I’m in with u isn’t fair u know this the world know this.”

NewsAmericasNow.com

Drake and His Son Adonis Did Their First Interview Together

/0 Comments/in /by

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Urban Islandz

Drake and Adonis Graham had their first on-camera interview, and it’s quite interesting as the little one gushes about his father while Drake also shares how fatherhood has changed his life.

The moment Drake became a father was during his infamous beef with Pusha T, but it wasn’t what fans expected, and it certainly didn’t appear to be what Drake wanted as the Def Jam artist revealed that Drake had allegedly hidden his child that he had with an adult film star from the world.

Over the years, Drake has shown bits and pieces of his son, whose personality mirrors his father’s a lot. Adonis Graham certainly seems to be into sports like his father, and we’ll have to wait and see about his musical inclinations, but for now, he seems to be quite the storyteller.

In “Sundae Conversation” with Barstool Sports host Caleb Pressley, Adonis is being interviewed, and he has some hilarious responses to some grown-up questions. “What does that mean,” Adonis asks when Caleb announces that he is “Drizzy Drake’s son.”

The scene cuts to another one where Adonis discusses his fans. “There’s a lot of fans of me that are really nice to me,” he says, and when questioned, he answers, “they say I like you because you’re being nice to me.”

Adonis also smiles as Caleb presses him about being mean to fans. The youngster turns away and smiles as he answers. The conversation, however, takes a confusing turn as Adonis talks about fans fighting him.

“No never,” Adonis laughs when Caleb asks if he would punch his opponent by the nuts.

Adonis also says he can’t read but says, “there’s a him that can read, his name is Kyle,” when asked.

“Do you think if you have a better day you’d be able to read?” Adonis is asked, and he has the sweetest reply, “This is my better dad,” he says, looking at his father.

“Yeah, that’s a funny dad, also he does a lot of jokes,” Adonis answers when asked if Drake did a better job at home, he’d be able to read.

At the end of the interview, Drake is also asked if Adonis “c–kblocks” Drake so he doesn’t have another kid to “split” his inheritance.

The rapper laughs and says, “no not really,” and then goes on to share how his son might be sending him a message.

“Yeah no, he definitely is always like vibing out with me, telling me how great I am like as a father, like a single father, so maybe he is delivering a message.”

Drake is also asked later in the sitdown about the 42 diamonds chain, which he hinted at last year, which symbolizes the many times he thought of proposing.

“It was more just a joke, but obviously people took it pretty literal. I was just trying to have an interesting story,” the Canadian rapper said.

Drake also talked about his preference for boobs being “one of the greatest things that we have on Earth,” and he also explained his use of the word, ‘b*tch’ in his raps.

“I’m proud to say, I don’t really drop the b-word in person,” he said. “I’ve said it in raps a fair share, but I’m not really walking around the streets like, ‘B*tch, b*tch, b*tch.’”

The interview ended on some sweet moments with Drake being asked about his love for gambling big, and when asked about his most rewarding bet, he responded, “Fatherhood.”

“For all the people out there, you can always bet on fatherhood,” said Drake said while the host appeared to mock him.

NewsAmericasNow.com

Jamaican American Loses At UFC 284 

/0 Comments/in /by

Black Immigrant Daily News

By NAN Sports Editor

News Americas, FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, Mon. Feb. 13, 2023: Jamaican American Randy Brown lost is welterweight fight during the UFC 284 event at RAC Arena on February 12, 2023, in Perth, Australia.

Brown, (16-4 MMA, 10-5 UFC), was bested by Jack Della Maddalena of Australia. In front of his home city of Perth, Maddalena (14-2 MMA, 4-0 UFC), was aggressive from the opening bell, as he stalked the quick and rangy Brown.

Eventually, his strikes found the mark. A right hook faceplanted Brown, who survived the barrage of follow-up strikes when he gave up his back and neck. Maddalena pivoted from a striking attack to submission, as he tapped Brown with a one-hook-in rear-naked choke.

His win streak is now at 14. With the defeat, Brown who was born to Jamaican parents in Massachusetts, but grew up in Spanish Town, Jamaica, has a four-fight winning streak snapped.

Brown began his professional fighting career in 2014, making his professional debut at Ring of Combat 48.

NewsAmericasNow.com

Rihanna reveals she’s pregnant at Super Bowl half-time show

/0 Comments/in /by

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Caribbean News Service

Rihanna delivered an electrifying and hit-heavy half-time show at Sunday’s Super Bowl, but social media went into meltdown when the singer revealed an unexpected special guest.

In an interview last week, the Bajan singer was asked if there would be any surprises during her performance at Arizona’s State Farm Stadium.

“I’m thinking about bringing someone,” she replied. “I’m not sure, we’ll see.”

Naturally, fans assumed she was talking about one of the many artists she’s collaborated with during her illustrious career. A guest spot from Jay-Z, Drake or Eminem seemed both likely and in keeping with the half-time show tradition of surprise duets.

But Rihanna wasn’t referring to any of them. Although nobody twigged at the time, she was in fact hinting that she was pregnant with her second child.

The singer may have failed to debut any new music during her performance at Sunday’s Super Bowl, but the baby bump she debuted instead almost broke the internet.

Wearing an all-red custom jumpsuit by Loewe, Rihanna appeared on one of several floating platforms which soared high above the crowd, as a swarm of energetic dancers, all dressed in white, gathered below.

The audience went wild as the singer launched straight into Better Have My Money – a somewhat ironic opener considering she is not being paid for her Super Bowl performance.

As the 34-year-old dazzled the crowd from on high, her dancers performed beneath her at breakneck speed, in a display of razor-sharp choreography which they would maintain throughout the whole performance.

The singer rattled through several recognisable hits, front-loading her set with some of her most danceable and up-tempo numbers including Only Girl (In The World) and the excellent Where Have You Been.

It was a half-time show not short on spectacle, even once she had been lowered to the ground. Fireworks were let off above the stadium as she launched into the euphoric We Found Love.

While rumours that the star might take the opportunity to perform new music failed to materialise, the decision to rely on her extensive back catalogue, one of the strongest in pop, was a sensible one.

The singer packed a huge number of hits into a tight 14-minute set, only performing the first verse or chorus of certain songs. But monster hits such as Rude Boy were balanced with the somewhat harder-edged and lesser-known Pour It Up.

Somewhat disappointingly, the set list took advantage of some of her best-known collaborations – without any of her collaborators actually joining her on stage.

As she performed Run This Town, All of the Lights and Wild Thoughts, there were no appearances from Jay-Z, Ye (formerly Kanye West) or DJ Khaled, who normally feature on those tracks.

But their absence didn’t matter. By this point, everyone’s attention was firmly on an entirely different, and very visible, special guest.

Donate At Caribbean News Service, we do not charge for our content and we want to keep it that way. We are seeking support from individuals and organisations so we can continue our work & develop CNS further.

 

NewsAmericasNow.com

Vybz Kartel’s 2016 Hit “Fever” Certified Siler In The UK

/0 Comments/in /by

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Urban Islandz

Vybz Kartel kicks off the new year with a major achievement after having a big year in 2022.

The incarcerated dancehall legend’s smash hit single “Fever” has been certified Silver in the United Kingdom. This is the second latest accomplishment for that particular Vybz Kartel single, as it was previously certified Gold in the United States by the Recording Industry Associate of America (RIAA) in 2020.

Vybz Kartel, who is incarcerated, shared his latest accomplishment on Sunday. “Fever certified sliver in the UK 200k copies sold,” he wrote.

The song’s certification came on February 10, 2023. It was released through Kartel’s label Adidjahiem Records and produced by Linton “TJ” White, while Dunwell productions and Zojak Worldwide received distribution credit for the song. Fans of the artist shared congratulatory messages, including his rumored fiancée Sidem Ozturk.

“The boss of music,” she wrote. “Another one,” Lava sound wrote while one fan said, “It unbelievable to see all this work coming from prison an some man deh a road an can’t even sell a probox,” one fan said while another said, “King ina dancehall.”

The artist received his RIAA Gold plaque in 2020, which signified that the song sold half a million records in the United States.

Vybz Kartel / courtesy

“Fever” was released in 2016 on Kartel’s ‘King Of The Dancehall’ album. The song peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Reggae Albums Charts after its debut. The audio track of the song released on YouTube currently has 110 million views, while the original video has 27 million views.

The popular dancehall track is among the more commercially viable songs in the post-2010 decade and was released independently. In 2019, “Fever” was sampled in Baby Boy (Homecoming Live) by Beyoncé.

In the meantime, Vybz Kartel remains behind bars. The artist is presently awaiting his appeal court hearing at the United Kingdom’s Privy Council.

NewsAmericasNow.com