The UWI Toronto Benefit Awards Announces This Year’s Honorees

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News, Americas, Toronto, ON, January 21, 2026: The highly anticipated University of the West Indies, (UWI), Toronto Benefit Awards is proud to announce its 2026 honorees for the 17th annual evening of recognition in support of scholarships for students in the Caribbean. The prestigious event will take place on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, 181 Wellington Street West, Toronto, beginning at 5:30 p.m. EST.

L to R: Ayesha Curry, Tonya Williams, The Honourable Marci Ien, The Honourable Justice McLeod, Sam Ibrahim

Hosted by The University of the West Indies (UWI) – consistently ranked among the world’s top universities – this year’s theme, Unlocking Brilliance, reflects UWI’s enduring commitment to nurturing talent, leadership, and opportunity across the Caribbean and its global diaspora.

“This is a powerful night of purpose and pride,” says Dr. Donette Chin-Loy Chang, Patron of the UWI Toronto Benefit Awards. “For 16 years, Canadians have supported the cause of ensuring that students in the Caribbean are afforded the chance to fulfill their dreams of education.  We have met the moment, built bridges of hope, and lit the way.  This year, with great fervour, we will ‘unlock the brilliance of students’ whilst celebrating once again leaders who, by their works, have demonstrated the results of how unlocking potential transforms communities.  Now more than ever, with several existential threats worldwide, we must stand firm in unity in the belief that education will change the world.”

A signature event on Toronto’s social and philanthropic calendar, the UWI Toronto Benefit Awards attracts a distinguished audience of corporate executives, cultural leaders, public figures, and community champions united by a shared commitment to giving back.

2026 UWI Toronto Benefit Awards Honourees

• Luminary Award: Mrs. Ayesha Curry– Renowned entrepreneur, philanthropist, and wellness advocate whose work centres on community upliftment, cultural empowerment, and purpose-driven leadership.

• Luminary Award: Ms. Tonya Williams, O.C. – Award-winning actress, producer, and founder of initiatives supporting diversity in media and film and has been a driving force for inclusion and cultural representation.

• G. Raymond Chang Award: Mr. Sam Ibrahim – Esteemed business leader and philanthropist recognized for his dedication to community advancement and social impact initiatives.

• Chancellor’s Award:
– Black Opportunity Fund – A transformative organization investing in economic, educational, and leadership opportunities for Black communities.
– Lifelong Leadership Institute – A pioneering institution committed to leadership development and lifelong learning.

• Vice-Chancellor’s Award:
– The Honourable Marci Ien – Former Member of Parliament and award-winning broadcaster, recognized for her advocacy, public service, and community leadership.
– The Honourable Justice Donald F. McLeod – Distinguished jurist recognized for decades of service to justice, equity, and civic leadership.

• Patron’s Award: Sagicor – Honoured for its longstanding commitment to education, community investment, and scholarship support.

Mrs. Elizabeth Buchanan-Hind, Chair of the UWI Toronto Benefit Awards noted, “In addition to its core mission of funding scholarships for Caribbean students, a portion of the proceeds from the 2026 UWI Toronto Benefit Awards will be directed toward Hurricane Melissa relief efforts, supporting recovery and rebuilding initiatives in affected Jamaican communities.”

The UWI Toronto Benefit Awards has awarded more than 1,000 scholarships to Caribbean students to date. The event continues to play a vital role in ensuring access to higher education while responding to the evolving needs of the region.

Media Availability: 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. (Honourees, Patrons, and select VIPs)
Red Carpet Cocktail Hour: 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Dinner, Awards Program & Entertainment: 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
After Party: 10:00 p.m. – Midnight

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About The University of the West Indies
The University of the West Indies has been a driving force in Caribbean development for more than 75 years, producing global leaders across medicine, law, science, culture, business, and public service. Today, UWI is an internationally respected institution with nearly 50,000 students across five campuses and global centres worldwide, consistently ranked among the world’s top universities for impact, innovation, and excellence.

Why This Caribbean Territory’s Crypto Bet Isn’t About Bitcoin

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By NAN Business Editor

News Americas, DAVOS, Switzerland, Weds. Jan. 21, 2026: While global headlines frame one Caribbean territory’s latest move as a bold “crypto bet,” the island’s real play is far more pragmatic – and far more Caribbean.

The Government of Bermuda has announced its plans to transform Bermuda into the world’s first fully on-chain national economy with support from Circle and Coinbase.

Bermuda, a British overseas territory, isn’t chasing crypto culture. It’s trying to escape the quiet tax that small island economies pay every day: punitive banking costs, slow cross-border payments, and shrinking merchant margins.

At the World Economic Forum this week, Bermuda announced plans to become the world’s first fully on-chain national economy, partnering with Circle and Coinbase. But beneath the buzzwords lies a familiar Caribbean problem – and a strategic response other territories are watching closely.

The Hidden Cost Of Being an Island Economy

For decades, Caribbean jurisdictions have been lumped into “high-risk” banking categories, regardless of compliance strength. The result:

Higher merchant fees

Delayed settlements

Limited access to international payment processors

and constant de-risking pressure on local banks

For small and medium-sized businesses, especially in tourism and services, traditional payment rails quietly drain revenue. Bermuda’s move to an on-chain economy using USDC isn’t about replacing the dollar -— it’s about accessing it more efficiently.

With stablecoin payments, Bermudian merchants can accept fast, dollar-denominated transactions without the layers of correspondent banking fees that have long punished island economies simply for being islands.

Why This Matters Beyond Bermuda

What makes Bermuda different isn’t the technology – it’s the groundwork.

The territory has spent nearly a decade building regulatory credibility, becoming one of the first jurisdictions globally to implement a comprehensive digital asset framework under its Digital Asset Business Act in 2018. Circle and Coinbase were early licensees, growing alongside the island’s regulated ecosystem. That regulatory maturity is why Bermuda can experiment at a national scale while many Caribbean governments remain stuck between fear of de-risking and fear of innovation.

The recent USDC airdrop at the Bermuda Digital Finance Forum – 100 USDC to every attendee for use at local merchants – wasn’t a gimmick. It was a live stress test of whether digital finance could circulate value locally, not siphon it offshore.

A Caribbean Test Case For The Future of Money

Premier David Burt has framed the initiative as a collaboration between government, regulators, and industry – a model that reflects Bermuda’s long-standing approach to financial services. “Bermuda has always believed that responsible innovation is best achieved through partnership between government, regulators, and industry,” said Premier Burt. “With the support of Circle and Coinbase, two of the world’s most trusted digital finance companies, we are accelerating our vision to enable digital finance at the national level. This initiative is about creating opportunity, lowering costs, and ensuring Bermudians benefit from the future of finance.”

“Bermuda has been a global pioneer in digital asset regulation and continues to demonstrate what responsible blockchain innovation looks like at a national scale,” said Circle Co-Founder, Chairman, and CEO, Jeremy Allaire. “We are proud to deepen our engagement as Bermuda empowers people and businesses with USDC and onchain infrastructure.”

“Coinbase has long believed that open financial systems can drive economic freedom,” said Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong. “Bermuda’s leadership shows what is possible when clear rules are paired with strong public-private collaboration. We are excited to support Bermuda’s transition toward an onchain economy that empowers local businesses, consumers, and institutions.”

If successful, Bermuda’s experiment could offer a blueprint for other Caribbean territories grappling with the same structural constraints but lacking Bermuda’s regulatory head start. The real question isn’t whether crypto works. It’s whether on-chain finance can finally level a global system that has never been fair to small island economies.

For the Caribbean, Bermuda’s bet may signal not a leap into the future – but a long-overdue correction of the past.

RELATED: What Did The U.S. Shutdown Of Caribbean Airspace Really Cost The Region?

From ‘Shottas’ To ‘Cool Runnings’ – Caribbean Movies Gen Z Is Rediscovering

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News Americas, FORT LAUDERDALE, Fl: Generation Z – generally defined as people born between 1997 and 2012 – spend a significant amount of time on digital platforms. Social media and video-based apps are central to how this generation consumes culture, with YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram ranking among their most-used platforms (Pew Research Center). That pattern has created a new pathway for older films, including Caribbean movies released decades before Gen Z was born.

Gen Z is rediscovering classic Caribbean movies like Shottas, Cool Runnings, and The Harder They Come through streaming, TikTok, and music-driven digital culture.

Titles from the 1970s through the early 2000s are reaching younger audiences through streaming platforms, social video, and soundtrack-driven discovery. In many cases, these films were originally watched by Gen Z’s parents or older relatives, especially within Caribbean and diaspora households. Today, they are being encountered independently, through digital circulation rather than family viewing.

Digital Discovery And Generational Distance

One of the most visible examples is Shottas. The film circulates widely on TikTok and Instagram, where short clips tied to dancehall tracks appear under hashtags related to Jamaican culture and early-2000s aesthetics, such as #Shottas. These clips often omit context, allowing music, fashion, and setting to communicate tone quickly. Viewers encountering the film for the first time frequently comment that they discovered it through social media rather than through family viewing or traditional broadcast.

By contrast, Cool Runnings reaches Gen Z primarily through streaming. Since its inclusion on Disney+, the film has appeared in reaction videos, ranking lists, and commentary threads on YouTube and TikTok. Gen Z viewers are more likely than older cohorts to engage with films through reactions and short commentary rather than full reviews, according to Nielsen. Cool Runnings benefits from this pattern because its pacing, humor, and soundtrack translate well into short clips.

Music As A Bridge Between Eras

Soundtracks play a central role in rediscovery. ‘The Harder They Come’ continues to surface because its music remains widely streamed. Jimmy Cliff’s title track appears in film edits, playlists, and recommendation threads on platforms such as Letterboxd, where younger users often note encountering the music before the film itself. This mirrors broader findings from Spotify and Apple Music, which show Gen Z frequently discovering older media through soundtrack-driven exploration.

Dancehall Queen (1997) has gained renewed visibility among Gen Z viewers through fashion- and performance-focused clips shared on Instagram Reels and TikTok. Short excerpts featuring Audrey Reid’s dancehall performances circulate as references for styling, movement, and stage presence, often detached from the film’s broader storyline. The visual elements of these scenes – custom outfits, bold color choices, body-focused silhouettes, and competitive presentation – align closely with contemporary dancehall-inspired music videos.

This continuity is frequently noted in discussions comparing the film’s imagery to modern productions such as Major Lazer’s ‘Watch Out For This,’ (Bumaye), which draws on similar dancehall fashion codes, performance framing, and crowd dynamics. For younger viewers, Dancehall Queen functions as a visual reference point, offering a clear line between 1990s Jamaican dancehall culture and its ongoing influence on global music video aesthetics.

Rockers continues to circulate because it offers direct access to late-1970s Jamaican music culture at work. Performance and sound system scenes featuring artists such as Jacob Miller and Burning Spear are frequently shared on YouTube and referenced in reggae-focused forums, where viewers often describe them as archival footage rather than traditional cinema.

The film documents how musicians rehearsed, performed, dressed, and moved through everyday spaces, with minimal separation between the music and the environment that produced it. For Gen Z audiences accustomed to behind-the-scenes content and documentary-style visuals, Rockers reads more like a record of process than a scripted narrative.

Why These Films Circulate Now

These films persist because they translate efficiently into short-form viewing. Their music establishes place and tone within seconds. Their visuals are legible without extensive explanation. Many of the most-shared clips are under 2 minutes, aligning with Gen Z’s dominant viewing habits.

There is also a secondary effect. For second-generation Caribbean viewers, these rediscoveries often prompt conversations at home about films their parents watched when they were first released. For viewers without a Caribbean background, the films function as entry points into a broader cultural archive encountered through music and visual media.

This is the space Reggae Genealogy Music Festival occupies. Through ‘Lights. Camera. Reggae,’ the festival examines how Jamaican music has shaped film, television, and global pop culture across decades, connecting archival work with present-day circulation. Hosted by Island SPACE Caribbean Museum, Reggae Genealogy builds on the museum’s mission to preserve, interpret, and present Caribbean cultural history in ways that remain accessible to new audiences. As younger viewers continue to encounter these films through modern platforms, initiatives like Reggae Genealogy provide a framework for understanding where the work came from, how it traveled, and why it still holds relevance today.

Learn more about Reggae Genealogy: Lights. Camera. Reggae, coming to Plantation, Florida, on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at reggaegenealogy.org.

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Former Jamaican Ambassador Curtis A. Ward To Be Remembered In Maryland

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News Americas, WASHINGTON, D.C., Tues. Jan. 20, 2026: A memorial service to celebrate the life of former Jamaican ambassador to the United Nations, Curtis A. Ward, will be on Saturday, January 24, 2026, in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Late Jamaican AMBASSADOR CURTIS WARD

Ambassador Ward, who made Montgomery County his home, passed away on January 11 at the age of 76. He was widely respected as a diplomat, attorney, academic, and tireless advocate for Caribbean diaspora communities in the United States.

Ward served as Jamaica’s deputy permanent representative to the United Nations and represented the country on the UN Security Council from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2001. During his diplomatic career, he traveled to more than 30 countries on behalf of the UN Counter-Terrorism Committee, engaging with heads of government and senior officials on counter-terrorism capacity building and international security cooperation.

In 2023, Wes Moore, Governor of Maryland, appointed Ward as chair of the Maryland Caribbean Community Council. In that role, Ward received a Governor’s Citation for his work elevating the contributions of Caribbean immigrants and their descendants across the state.

Montgomery County Council at-large member Laurie-Anne Sayles described Ward as a source of inspiration. In a statement, she said he encouraged her “to believe in the transformative power of public service and in the enduring strength of our island’s motto, Out of Many, One People.”

BORN

Born and raised in Treasure Beach on Jamaica’s south coast, Ward later moved to Washington, D.C., where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Howard University. He went on to receive his Juris Doctor degree from Howard University School of Law and a Master of Laws from Georgetown University Law Center.

Ward practiced immigration and business law in Washington, D.C., for nearly two decades, operating his own firm and working with the Law Offices of Gabriel J. Christian and Associates. He was admitted to the District of Columbia Bar in 1978 and to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in 1980.

Beyond law and diplomacy, Ward was deeply engaged in academia. He served as an adjunct professor in the Homeland Security Graduate Program at the University of the District of Columbia and as an adjunct professorial lecturer at George Washington University Elliott School of International Affairs. He also guest-lectured internationally, including in Jamaica, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Ghana.

An international consultant, Ward advised organizations including the UN Counter-Terrorism Committee, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and multiple governments and non-governmental organizations. He also founded The Ward Report, through which he wrote extensively on Caribbean and global policy issues.

Ward served as chairman of the Caribbean Research and Policy Center, a Washington-based think tank, and remained active in leadership roles throughout Jamaican and Caribbean diaspora communities nationwide.

“Curtis Ward worked passionately to ensure that the Caribbean community in Montgomery County was seen, heard, and represented,” said Venice Mundlee-Harvey, past chair of the Montgomery County Caribbean American Advisory Group. “His legacy of service and leadership will not be forgotten.”

A memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, January 24, at St. Andrew Apostle Catholic Church, located at 11600 Kemp Mill Road, Silver Spring, Maryland.

YOU MAY LIKE: Another Of Third World’s Defining Sounds Has Gone Silent – Stephen “Cat” Coore Dead At 69

Another Of Third World’s Defining Sounds Has Gone Silent – Stephen “Cat” Coore Dead At 69

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News Americas, New YORK, NY, Mon. Jan. 19, 2026: Reggae has lost one of its most accomplished architects with the death of Stephen “Cat” Coore, co-founder, guitarist, cellist, and musical director of Third World, who passed away on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, at the age of 69. He was one of the two surviving members of the original Third World Band.

Coore’s family confirmed the sudden passing of the celebrated musician, who was widely regarded as one of Jamaica’s most innovative instrumentalists and arrangers. According to reports, he died following a seizure and pneumonia. A husband, father, grandfather, and cultural ambassador, Coore helped shape a sound that carried reggae beyond its traditional borders and onto the global stage.

FLASHBACK – “Cat” Coore and Third World perform at Celebrate Brooklyn! at Prospect Park Bandshell on August 7, 2015 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Pereira/WireImage)

Born April 6, 1956, Coore was trained in classical music but grounded in Jamaica’s rich musical traditions. That rare combination would become central to Third World’s identity. As a founding member, he played a defining role in blending reggae with soul, funk, pop, jazz, and rock – a fusion that distinguished the band from its peers and broadened reggae’s international appeal.

FLASH-BACK: Stephen “Cat” Coore of Third World performs at Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park on August 18, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Julia Beverly/Getty Images)

Formed in the early 1970s, Third World emerged during a pivotal era in Jamaican music. The band quickly earned recognition for its musical sophistication, instrumental depth, and crossover sensibility. Under Coore’s musical direction, Third World produced a catalogue of enduring hits, including Now That We’ve Found Love, 96 Degrees in the Shade, Try Jah Love, and Rhythm of Life. These songs helped position the group as one of Jamaica’s longest-running and most successful bands internationally.

FLASHBACK – Guitarist Stephen “Cat” Coore of reggae group Third World performs at the Agora Ballroom on November 14, 1980 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Tom Hill/Getty Images)

Coore’s musicianship was central to that success. Equally adept on guitar and cello, he brought melodic complexity and structural discipline to Third World’s arrangements. His background allowed the band to experiment without losing reggae’s rhythmic core – a balance that proved crucial to its longevity.

Third World toured extensively across Europe, North America, Africa, and the Caribbean, sharing stages with some of the world’s most influential artists and introducing reggae-fusion to new audiences. The band supported The Jackson 5 during their historic visit to Jamaica and later collaborated with global figures including Stevie Wonder, further cementing their international stature.

FLASHBACK – Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore of Third World performing at Reggae Sunsplash, Selhurst Park, Crystal Palace, London, UK on 29 July 1985. (Photo by David Corio/Redferns)

In recognition of his contribution to Jamaican culture and the creative arts, Coore was awarded the Order of Distinction, (OD) by the Government of Jamaica in 2005 -one of the nation’s highest honors. He was nominated nine times for a Grammy but never won.

Coore’s passing marks another significant chapter in the gradual loss of Third World’s original architects. Over the past decade, the band has mourned the deaths of several foundational members who helped define its sound and direction. Lead vocalist William “Bunny Rugs” Clarke, whose voice became synonymous with the group’s global success, died in 2014. Keyboardist Michael “Ibo” Cooper, a founding member and early creative force, passed away in 2023. Percussionist Irvin “Carrot” Jarrett, part of the band’s formative years, died in 2018.

CAT CORE IS PERFORMING AT BELLYUP LIVE

Together, these musicians shaped a sound that was both unmistakably Jamaican and universally accessible – a rare achievement that allowed Third World to transcend genre and generation.

Despite lineup changes over the decades, Third World remained active, recording and performing well into the 21st century. The group received multiple Grammy nominations, lifetime achievement awards, and international recognition for its enduring influence on reggae and global popular music.

Stephen “Cat” Coore is survived by his wife Lisa; his children Shiah, Kanna, Stephen, and Ashley; his grandchildren; and a wide circle of family, bandmates, colleagues, and admirers across the world.

As tributes continue to pour in from Jamaica and the global music community, Coore’s legacy endures – not only in the songs that defined an era, but in the sound that helped carry reggae into the world.

Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, posted on X that “Cat Coore was a cultural ambassador in the truest sense, representing Jamaica with dignity, excellence, and pride. His contribution to the creative arts enriched our national identity and inspired generations of musicians at home and abroad.”

“May his music continue to live on, reminding us of who we are and the power of Jamaican creativity to unite the world,” he added.

Jamaica’s minister of culture, Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, added: “Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore was a unique talent and a true Reggae Ambassador. A pioneering co-founder of Third World and former member of Inner Circle, his music helped carry Jamaica’s sound to the world.”

“To wake up and learn that Stephen Cat Coore, has just made the transition – that is a bitter pill to swallow. RIP,” the band Steel Pulse posted on X.

RELATED: Former Third World Member To Be Laid To Rest

Cuba Mourns 32 Soldiers As U.S.–Caribbean Tensions Deepen

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. Jan. 19, 2026: Relatives wept openly last Thursday at Havana’s mass burial of 32 Cuban soldiers killed during the U.S. operation in Venezuela. The killing is being widely interpreted not only as a moment of national mourning, but as a signal of escalating geopolitical tension with potential ripple effects across the Caribbean.

Relatives of some of the 32 Cuban soldiers killed during the US incursion in Venezuela pay respects at their graves during their funeral at Colon cemetery in Havana on January 16, 2026. The capture by US forces of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro on January 3, 2026, and the killing in the operation of 32 Cubans assigned to protect him represent a major blow for the island’s revered intelligence services, experts say. (Photo by ADALBERTO ROQUE / AFP via Getty Images)

The soldiers’ bodies were returned to Cuba in small boxes. They were assigned to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s security detail under bilateral protection agreements and were killed during the January 3rd U.S. raid that resulted in Maduro’s capture. Their deaths mark one of the most serious direct losses for Cuba’s security apparatus in decades and underscore the expanding regional footprint of U.S. enforcement actions in Latin America.

Relatives of the 32 Cuban soldiers killed during the US incursion in Venezuela attend their funeral at Colon cemetery in Havana on January 16, 2026. The capture by US forces of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro on January 3, 2026, and the killing in the operation of 32 Cubans assigned to protect him represent a major blow for the island’s revered intelligence services, experts say. (Photo by ADALBERTO ROQUE / AFP via Getty Images)

While Cuban authorities framed the funeral as an act of honor and resistance, analysts say the scale of the ceremony reflects broader concern in Havana over Cuba’s vulnerability amid renewed U.S. pressure. The presence of President Miguel Díaz-Canel, former leader Raúl Castro, and senior military officials highlighted the political weight attached to the losses.

Relatives of some of the 32 Cuban soldiers killed during the US incursion in Venezuela pay respects at their graves during their funeral at Colon cemetery in Havana on January 16, 2026. The capture by US forces of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro on January 3, 2026, and the killing in the operation of 32 Cubans assigned to protect him represent a major blow for the island’s revered intelligence services, experts say. (Photo by ADALBERTO ROQUE / AFP via Getty Images)

The episode has also reignited debate over the role of Caribbean and Latin American states in U.S. security operations, particularly as Washington intensifies efforts against governments it deems hostile. The deaths of Cuban personnel operating outside their borders raise questions about how far regional alliances can stretch before becoming flashpoints for wider conflict.

At the same time, the timing of the funerals – coming just as Washington announced humanitarian aid to Cuba following Hurricane Melissa – has fueled diplomatic friction. Cuban officials accused the U.S. of using aid as leverage, while U.S. officials rejected claims of politicization, insisting assistance would be delivered through independent channels.

Cuban soldiers carry the remains of some of the 32 Cuban soldiers killed during the US incursion in Venezuela during their funeral at Colon cemetery in Havana on January 16, 2026. The capture by US forces of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro on January 3, 2026, and the killing in the operation of 32 Cubans assigned to protect him represent a major blow for the island’s revered intelligence services, experts say. (Photo by ADALBERTO ROQUE / AFP via Getty Images)

For many observers, the juxtaposition of military confrontation and humanitarian outreach illustrates a contradictory U.S. posture that is reshaping relations across the Caribbean basin. As public demonstrations unfold in Havana and rhetoric hardens on both sides, regional governments are watching closely, aware that today’s Venezuela operation could set precedents affecting security, sovereignty, and diplomacy throughout the Caribbean.

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Drama As Diplomacy And Power In The Age Of Spectacle

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By Dr. Isaac Newton

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. Jan. 19, 2026: A single image can ignite a movement. A short video can topple governments. A carefully staged event can shift public opinion across continents before most of us even notice. Power is no longer only armies, laws, or treaties. Power is performed. Power is felt. In the age of spectacle, it is often orchestrated long before it is negotiated.

A US Air Force F22-Raptor takes off from José Aponte de la Torre Airport, formerly Roosevelt Roads Naval Station, in Ceiba, Puerto Rico, on January 4, 2026. US President Donald Trump threatened Sunday that Venezuela’s new leader will pay a “big price” if she does not cooperate with the United States, after US forces seized and jailed her former boss Nicolas Maduro. If interim president Delcy Rodriguez “doesn’t do what’s right, she is going to pay a very big price, probably bigger than Maduro,” Trump told The Atlantic in a telephone interview. (Photo by Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo / AFP via Getty Images)

For nations in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean, this is real. Public opinion can be moved, policies influenced, and leaders cornered without a single formal discussion. Chaos can be designed. Drama can be weaponized. Understanding the performance of power is as vital as understanding its rules.

Small nations face a particular challenge. They cannot always outshine great powers in spectacle, but they can choose when and how to respond. Silence becomes strategy. Timing becomes leverage. Coordination with neighbors, reliance on treaties, and measured messaging turn restraint into influence. Leaders who resist the urge to react to every viral moment transform composure into power.

Citizens face a similar battlefield. Every post, tweet, and trending video competes for attention. Separating what matters from what provokes is essential. Slow down. Question. Reflect. Think beyond the scroll. Democracy thrives not only on protest or outrage but on informed, grounded, and clear-minded participation.

Some nations are already showing the way. Barbados and Jamaica amplify their voices in climate negotiations by speaking together through CARICOM. Rwanda and Ghana use regional media and digital diplomacy to ensure their perspectives on trade and security are heard. Soon, ministries may deploy teams to monitor viral events, plan measured responses, and coordinate regional messaging. Citizens can join media literacy campaigns, fact-checking initiatives, and civic forums. Together, disciplined leadership and an informed public turn attention into real influence.

Seeing through the spectacle is itself a form of power. Small nations and engaged citizens who blend vigilance with restraint, insight with action, and principle with flexibility do more than survive. They shape the stage on which global drama unfolds. In a world where chaos is designed and drama is diplomacy, clarity, focus, and patience are the new instruments of influence.

Will you watch the spectacle unfold, or will you step onto the stage with eyes wide open and shape its story?

Editor’s Note: Dr. Isaac Newton is a strategist trained at Harvard, Princeton, and Columbia. He advises governments and international institutions on governance, transformation, and global justice, helping nations turn vision into lasting progress.

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The Caribbean’s Moment Of Choice In A Shifting World

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By Dr. Isaac Newton

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Thurs. Jan. 15, 2026: Professor C. Justin Robinson’s, ‘An Existential Moment for the Caribbean,’ is a timely and important response to the challenges facing the region in today’s changing world. One of its greatest strengths is that it speaks honestly about how power really works. Instead of relying on polite diplomatic language, the article explains power as it is used in practice.

By placing current United States foreign policy within a long history of dominance, racial inequality, and unequal economic relationships, Robinson shows why small Caribbean states are especially vulnerable when global politics move toward one-sided decision-making. His warning is clear: a country can lose real control not only through war, but through economic pressure, security dependence, and powerful international institutions. This message is uncomfortable, but it is also realistic and necessary.

MV-22 Osprey aircraft are parked on the tarmac at Mercedita Airport in Ponce, Puerto Rico, on January 15, 2026. (Photo by Ricardo ARDUENGO / AFP via Getty Images)

However, the article may place too much emphasis on the idea that American power will remain dominant forever. The belief that the United States can continue to control global outcomes without serious pushback overlooks how quickly power can change. History offers many lessons. The British Empire once believed it would last indefinitely, but it weakened because of economic strain and changing global alliances. The Soviet Union appeared militarily strong, yet internal economic and technological problems eventually led to its collapse. These examples show that power based mainly on force often fails to recognize resistance, innovation, and long-term change.

The article also gives limited attention to how the nature of power itself has evolved. Military strength alone no longer guarantees control in a world shaped by cyber warfare, artificial intelligence, global finance, and supply chains. Countries like China, along with other technologically advanced middle-level powers, are not simply reacting to U.S. decisions.

They are actively shaping new global rules through trade networks, development loans, and digital infrastructure. At the same time, political division within the United States makes it harder to maintain clear and consistent long-term strategies. New technologies also reduce the gap between powerful nations and smaller ones. Together, these trends suggest a world that is unstable and changing, rather than one controlled by a single dominant power.

For the Caribbean, the years ahead will require careful thinking, not just survival. The region’s future cannot depend on passively following powerful allies or relying on old relationships. Caribbean nations must make deliberate choices. This means building partnerships with a wider range of countries, strengthening regional cooperation, and improving diplomatic skill. Governments must move beyond reacting to global events and instead plan strategically across economic, security, and technological areas.

Regional institutions should be strengthened so Caribbean states negotiate together rather than alone. Investment in education, digital skills, and economic resilience is no longer optional; it is essential to real independence in the modern world. The Caribbean must also use its shared voice to influence global rules, not just accept them. This is a moment of decision. With unity and foresight, the region can turn global uncertainty into opportunity. Without them, its future will be shaped by others.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Dr. Isaac Newton is a strategist and scholar trained at Harvard, Princeton, and Columbia. He advises governments and international institutions on governance, transformation, and global justice, helping nations and organizations turn vision into sustainable progress.

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When Immigration Policy Meets Tourism Economies: The Caribbean’s New Reality

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By Felicia J. Persaud

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Thurs. Jan. 15, 2026: It is no secret that the Donald Trump administration’s foreign policy toward the Caribbean and the Americas has increasingly relied on threat, intimidation, and fear rather than partnership or diplomacy in the past 11 plus months.

U.S. President Donald Trump departs after speaking during a House Republican retreat at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on January 06, 2026 in Washington, DC. House Republicans will discuss their 2026 legislative agenda at the meeting. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Over the past year, the region has witnessed a troubling escalation: an expanded U.S. military presence in the Caribbean, deadly maritime incidents in the Caribbean sea that reportedly left more than 100 people dead, pressure on governments to host radar and military installations, a fracture of CARICOM  unity by the pitting on some against others; and most destabilizing – the dramatic seizure of the sovereign head of state of Venezuela – with military flights departing from Caribbean nations.

This shocking global event also shutdown the Caribbean airspace, grounding flights and sowing chaos among travelers and tourists. The full economic toll remains unknown, but the disruption to tourism-dependent economies was immediate.

Even before that crisis, the administration had moved to apply direct economic pressure. In a January 2026 proclamation titled “Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States,” the U.S. partially suspended visa issuance to nationals of Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica.

Both countries were targeted over their Citizenship by Investment, (CBI) programs – often called “golden passport” schemes – through which foreign nationals can acquire citizenship in exchange for investments typically ranging from $200,000 to $250,000. The Trump administration argued that such programs were “susceptible to abuse,” allowing individuals to conceal identities or evade travel and financial restrictions.

Then, on January 6th, news emerged that both Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica had agreed to receive asylum seekers turned away by the United States.

The demographic and economic context makes this shift extraordinary. Antigua has a population of roughly 80,000-90,000 people across just under 170 square miles, with unemployment estimates ranging from 8% to over 15%. Dominica, home to about 73,000 people on 290 square miles, has faced unemployment hovering around 13%.

Both nations depend heavily on tourism and CBI revenues, with U.S. visitors forming the backbone of their tourism markets. Against that backdrop, both governments appear to have acceded to Washington’s request – widely viewed as an attempt to ease or reverse the partial visa restrictions.

Details remain vague. Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has not disclosed how many asylum seekers the country would accept, from where, or how they would be housed.

Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne described his country’s agreement as a “non-binding” memorandum to accept “non-criminal refugees,” stressing that no quotas were set and that the arrangement could be terminated at any time. He insisted it was “not a concession,” but a “measured diplomatic gesture,” while simultaneously confirming talks to restore normal U.S. visa processing.

The U.S. State Department has refused to clarify whether the asylum agreements were tied to visa suspensions.

Guyana, the new oil rich South American CARICOM country, with a population of less than 1 million and a poverty rate of over 50 percent, is also reportedly negotiating take in third country nationals who are either refugees or non-felons, much to the dismay of many Guyanese. 

Under the planned agreement, the United States will stand the costs of the relocation of the persons. A “third country deportation” refers to the act of removing a non-citizen from a country to a country other than their country of origin, essentially sending them to a “third” country, often done under agreements between nations where the third country is considered “safe” and obligated to accept the individual, particularly in the context of asylum seekers; this is sometimes referred to as a “safe third country” deportation.

Since Guyana is not on the visa suspension list, one can only guess as to what the administration is threatening Guyana and its leaders with. A March 2025 OSAC update noted that “There have been isolated reports of government corruption, which administration officials investigated.”

But it added: “There remains a widespread public perception of corruption involving officials at all levels, including the police and judiciary.”

St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Terrance Drew, the current head of CARICOM, also this week said that his government has agreed to accept a very small number of third-country nationals from the U.S. as long as they are citizens of the 15-member Caribbean Community known as CARICOM, and are not sexual predators, have no violent backgrounds and are not Haitians.

St. Kitts & Nevis too has a citizenship by investment program and depends on US tourists.

Despite all this bending and twisting, the US announced come Jan. 21st, it will pause issuing permanent visas to nationals of Antigua & Barbuda, St. Kitts & Nevis, Dominica as well as the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Cuba, Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago are notably excluded. Nationals of Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica, seeking a US visa to visit will also have to pay a bond come Jan. 21st.

Grenada, meanwhile, offers a cautionary tale. After refusing a U.S. request to host military radar installations, Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell warned after the US actions in Venezuela, that this was “pushing the region into more instability.” Shortly afterward, the U.S. raised its travel advisory level for Grenada, citing crime – an economic blow for a country reliant on tourism and its own CBI program.

The message from Washington is unmistakable: comply, or face economic consequences. This is not partnership. It is the resurrection of the big-stick policy under a new name – the Donroe Doctrine, to quote Donald Trump.

As Caribbean nations are quietly nudged – or pushed with a big stick – from economies built on tourism towards becoming holding zones for displaced people, the entire region must confront an uncomfortable question: Is the Caribbean being forced to trade tourists for asylees simply to survive? If so, the cost will not only be economic – but moral, political, and generational.

Felicia J. Persaud is the founder and publisher of  NewsAmericasNow.com, the only daily syndicated newswire and digital platform dedicated exclusively to Caribbean Diaspora and Black immigrant news across the Americas.

RELATED: U.S. To Freeze Immigrant Visa Processing For Multiple Caribbean Nations
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U.S. To Freeze Immigrant Visa Processing For Multiple Caribbean Nations

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By Felicia J. Persaud

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. Jan. 14, 2026: The Trump administration has ordered an immediate suspension of immigrant visa processing for nationals from 75 countries, including multiple Caribbean nations, in what U.S. officials describe as a move to prevent immigrants deemed likely to become a “public charge” from settling in the United States.

The announcement came as Representative Bennie Thompson, a Democrat from Mississippi, second left, spoke during a news conference on a fatal shooting in Minneapolis by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent, outside the US Capitol in Washington, DC, US, on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026.Minnesota officials are suing over the “unprecedented surge” of US immigration authorities in the state, taking the Trump administration to court days after a federal agent shot and killed a Minneapolis woman. Photographer: Kent Nishimura/Bloomberg via Getty Images

According to the U.S. State Department, the pause will take effect January 21, 2026, and will remain in place indefinitely while immigration screening and vetting procedures are reassessed.

Caribbean countries affected by the suspension include Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Cuba, Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

The policy applies only to U.S. immigrant visas, which are issued to foreign nationals seeking to live permanently in the United States. It does not apply to non-immigrant visas such as tourist, student, temporary worker, or major event-related visas, including those connected to the upcoming World Cup.

State Department Cites “Public Charge” Concerns

In a statement, State Department officials said immigrants from countries on the list were found to access U.S. public benefits “at unacceptable rates,” prompting the freeze.

A State Department memo, first reported by Fox News Digital, instructs consular officers to refuse immigrant visas under existing law while the department conducts a broader reassessment of immigration processing standards.

“The Trump administration is bringing an end to the abuse of America’s immigration system by those who would extract wealth from the American people,” said State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott. “The State Department will use its long-standing authority to deem ineligible potential immigrants who would become a public charge on the United States.”

The department reiterated its position in a post on X, stating that the pause would remain in effect “until the U.S. can ensure that new immigrants will not extract wealth from the American people.”

What This Means for Caribbean Families

The U.S. decision to freeze immigrant visa processing will have immediate and longer-term consequences for Caribbean families with relatives seeking to live permanently in the United States.

Who Is Affected

Caribbean nationals from those countries approved or applying for U.S. immigrant visas (green cards).

Family-based applicants, including spouses, parents, and adult children of U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Diversity visa (green card lottery) winners from affected Caribbean countries.

Who Is NOT Affected

Tourists (B1/B2 visas).

Students (F and M visas).

Temporary workers (H, O, P visas).

Short-term travel, including major event visas such as World Cup travel.

Caribbean nationals already inside the U.S. with lawful permanent residence.

Immediate Impact

Immigrant visa interviews may be canceled or refused starting Jan. 21.

Approved cases may be placed on hold while screening rules are reassessed.

Families already separated could face longer wait times with no clear end date.

Financial and Emotional Strain

Families who have paid filing fees, medical exams, and legal costs may face indefinite delays.

Elderly parents, caregivers, and dependents relying on reunification may be left in limbo.

Households planning relocation, schooling, or medical care may have to put plans on hold.

No Timeline for Resumption

The State Department has not announced how long the freeze will last.

Processing will resume only after a review of immigration screening procedures.

No country-specific exemptions have been announced.

What Families Can Do Now

Monitor official State Department and embassy notices.

Avoid travel or relocation plans based on pending immigrant visas.

Consult accredited immigration attorneys before taking further steps.

Do not submit new fees unless directed by U.S. consular officials.

Broader List Includes Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East

Beyond the Caribbean, the list of affected countries includes Somalia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Russia, Thailand, Yemen, and dozens of others across Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

The move represents a significant escalation in the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, which has already included expanded deportations, visa restrictions, and heightened scrutiny of immigration applications.

Public Benefits Access Already Limited

Federal law already restricts most new immigrants’ access to public benefits. For example, many lawful permanent residents face a five-year waiting period before becoming eligible for programs such as food stamps, non-emergency Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, (CHIP).

Despite those limits, administration officials argue the suspension is necessary to protect U.S. taxpayers while screening standards are reviewed.

The State Department has not provided a timeline for when the reassessment will be completed or when immigrant visa processing for affected countries may resume.

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