Hideaway At Royalton Punta Cana And Royalton Punta Cana Reopens

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News Americas, ST. MICHAEL, Barbados, Jan. 14, 2025: Blue Diamond Resorts proudly unveils the $32 million dollar transformation of Royalton Punta Cana, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort & Casino, and its neighboring Hideaway at Royalton Punta Cana, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort & Casino – Adults Only. This ambitious project, which began in April 2024, redefines the guest experience, blending comfort, sophistication, and modern elegance across both properties.

Long favored by travelers seeking a premier all-inclusive escape in the destination, Royalton Punta Cana now offers redesigned rooms and suites with enhanced comfort, style, and modern amenities for a rejuvenating stay. Guests can also enjoy beautifully upgraded common areas, including the lobby, Diamond Club lounge, and Convention Center.

Equally impressive, Hideaway at Royalton Punta Cana which reopened on November 19, 2024, with newly enhanced rooms and serene public spaces, crafted to provide an elevated and tranquil escape for adults seeking luxury in paradise. This adults-only property reflects the hotel management company’s dedication to meeting the needs of discerning travelers, combining privacy and luxury with a Caribbean ambiance.

Guests will also find a renewed culinary experience across the properties, with notable renovations across the food and beverage outlets. Among the highlights are the international buffet and à la carte options, including the Royalton signature Hunter Steakhouse, an Asian-inspired venue, and an Italian restaurant, each enhancing the all-inclusive dining journey with a fresh ambiance and global flavors for all visitors. Vacationers can also unwind at a variety of refreshed bars, offering handcrafted cocktails and premium spirits to complement the resorts’ elevated all-inclusive experience.

With these comprehensive renovations now complete, there has never been a better time to book a stay at Royalton Punta Cana or Hideaway at Royalton Punta Cana. Guests can take advantage of exclusive offers to experience these refreshed luxury resorts at exceptional rates.

For bookings or additional information about Royalton Luxury Resorts and Hideaway at Royalton Resorts, please visit www.royaltonresorts.com .

About Blue Diamond Resorts

Blue Diamond Resorts encompasses over 80 properties, exceeding 20,000 rooms in eight countries located in the most popular holiday destinations in the Caribbean. Its nine leading hotel brands include the Award-winning, All-In Luxury® Royalton Luxury Resorts , where Everyone is Family . Whether guests come as friends, parents, kids, couples, weddings, corporate or incentive retreats, or solo travelers everyone is family in these properties that feature personalized services and signature amenities including All-In Connectivity, DreamBed, and the Sports Event Guarantee . To refocus on valued relationships and friendships, Hideaway at Royalton offers an adults-only experience with exclusive dining and preferred accommodations to enhance Togetherness among its guests. Party Your Way at Royalton CHIC Resorts, an adults-only vibrant and effervescent all-inclusive brand to reveal in the unexpected. Mystique by Royalton is Miles from Ordinary , offering its visitors the chance to connect with their surroundings in a boutique-style resort collection full of endless beauty and hip vibes. In Jamaica, Grand Lido Negril offers guests over the age of 21, a unique and all-inclusive Au Naturel vacation along with a secluded shore for the utmost privacy. Memories Resorts & Spa offers a vacation designed whether you’re planning a family vacation, reuniting with friends, or just having a relaxing moment with your significant other, while Starfish Resorts provides amazing value, breathtaking surroundings, and rich culture and heritage. Planet Hollywood Hotels & Resorts invites guests to Vacation Like A Star with an engaging and interactive experience, plus famous pop culture items from iconic movies, music, and sports while you will Dodge the Paparazzi at Planet Hollywood Adult Scene where your adults-only vacation will be the center of fascination and attention with glam and exclusivity.

To learn more about Blue Diamond Resorts, please visit www.bluediamondresorts.com

The Caribbean Emerges As A Global Economic Growth Leader For 2025

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News Americas, New York, NY, January 13, 2025: The Caribbean region, including oil-rich Guyana, is poised to surpass many global economic giants in 2025, according to the United Nations’ World Economic Situation and Prospects report. With a remarkable projected growth rate of 6.1%, the Caribbean is set to be one of the world’s fastest-growing regions, outpacing economic powerhouses such as the United States, Canada, and the European Union.

Guyana’s thriving oil economy is leading Caribbean growth.

The Caribbean’s Economic Momentum

The report attributes the region’s remarkable growth to several factors, including:

Robust household spending

Easing monetary policies

Tourism sector

Even when excluding Guyana, the region is still forecast to grow at 2.5%, a rate significantly higher than the 1.3% projected for the European Union and the 1.9% forecast for Mexico and Central America.

Guyana’s Role in the Caribbean’s Surge

Guyana, bolstered by its thriving oil sector, is projected to grow by an extraordinary 15.5% in 2025, further driving the region’s overall performance. The Caribbean’s other countries also show promising growth rates:

Belize: 4.0%

Suriname: 3.5%

Barbados: 3.0%

The Bahamas: 2.0%

Jamaica: 2.0%

Global Comparisons

The economic growth forecasts for other regions paint a stark contrast:

United States: 1.9%

Canada: 1.8%

European Union: 1.3%

Mexico and Central America: 1.9%

Caribbean’s Growing Economic Significance

The Caribbean’s strong performance reflects a combination of improved private consumption and favorable economic policies, setting it apart in a year where many global economies face modest growth.

This data solidifies the Caribbean’s growing role as a leader in global economic resilience, with Guyana spearheading the region’s impressive trajectory for 2025.

SEE CURRENT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN THE CARIBBEAN

Dominican American Influencer Killadamente Dead At 27

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News Americas, New York, NY, January 13, 2025: Dominican American influencer Carol Acosta, widely known as “Killadamente,” has passed away at the age of 27. Acosta, whose life was marked by modest beginnings, inspired millions with her messages of self-love and body positivity.

FLASHBACK -Killadamente arrives at Roc Nation’s Roc da Court all-star basketball game benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada at Tarkanian Court on April 24, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

As a young girl growing up in Newark, New Jersey, Acosta faced bullying about her weight and navigated a chaotic home life. However, she transformed those challenges into an uplifting online presence, becoming a voice for self-acceptance and anti-bullying. Her vibrant personality and relatable humor resonated deeply, especially among the Dominican diaspora.

Acosta passed away on January 3, according to her sisters, Katherine and Katyan Acosta. The cause of her death remains unclear, though social media posts suggest she suffered a medical emergency before being hospitalized. She is survived by her two young children.

Known for her online persona “Killadamente,” Acosta gained a following of 6.7 million on Instagram, where she shared messages of empowerment, showcased bold fashion choices, and spoke out on issues like domestic violence and mental health. Her 2017 anthem “Me Amo y No Me Importa” (“I Love Myself and I Don’t Care”) encapsulated her mission to inspire others to embrace self-love unapologetically.

Friends and fans, including Dominican American model Denise Mercedes, celebrated Acosta as a trailblazer who broke beauty stereotypes and used her Spanglish content to connect authentically with her audience.

“She reached her goals and inspired so many of us to love ourselves,” said Evelyn Calle, a childhood friend.

Though her life was humble, her legacy is anything but, leaving an indelible mark on her community and beyond.

Baptist Health International and Cayman Islands Health Services Authority Join Forces for Better Caribbean Healthcare

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MIAMI, Jan. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Baptist Health International (BHI), part of Baptist Health South Florida, and the Cayman Islands Health Services Authority (CIHSA), a Joint Commission International (JCI) accredited provider operating as a statutory authority under the Ministry of Health & Wellness, formalized their longstanding collaboration with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance healthcare delivery in the Cayman Islands. Key objectives of the agreement include expanding opportunities for observer programs, facilitating academic and educational activities for CIHSA staff, providing clinical training and advisory services, and promoting multidisciplinary peer discussions and consultations.

Dr. Galed Hakim, Assistant Vice President of Healthcare Partnerships and Insurance Development at Baptist Health International, and Lizzette Yearwood, CEO of the Cayman Islands Health Services Authority, proudly sign an MOU to strengthen collaboration and elevate healthcare services in the Cayman Islands.

“BHI and CIHSA have a longstanding relationship built on mutual respect and a commitment to advancing healthcare standards,” said Lizzette Yearwood, CEO of CIHSA. “This MOU underscores our shared dedication to advancing continuous improvement and innovation in healthcare delivery, as well as to expanding collaborative opportunities that benefit both our organizations and the broader community.”

Dr. Rogelio E. Ribas, Corporate Vice President of Baptist Health International, added that “BHI is honored to formalize our partnership with CIHSA through this MOU, which marks a significant milestone in our collaborative journey towards advancing healthcare excellence in the Caribbean. We look forward to working closely with CIHSA to achieve our mutual goals of enhancing patient care and fostering professional development.”

Baptist Health International is recognized globally for its expertise in healthcare management, education, and research. Through partnerships like the one with CIHSA, BHI aims to share knowledge, promote best practices, and contribute to the overall improvement of healthcare outcomes in the region.

The Cayman Islands Health Services Authority operates as the premier healthcare provider in the Cayman Islands, offering comprehensive services including 24-hour accident and emergency care, maternity services, dialysis, and specialized diagnostic services. Accredited by the Joint Commission International, CIHSA is committed to delivering world-class healthcare to the community.

About Baptist Health International

Baptist Health International is one of the largest hospital-based international programs in the United States, with more than 13,000 international patient visits at Baptist Health facilities from the Florida Keys to Palm Beach County. Baptist Health International is dedicated to providing comprehensive, high-quality services for international physicians and their patients, including hospital admissions, outpatient medical exams, medical second opinions and physician consultations, as well as concierge services. For more information, please visit https://baptisthealth.net/international-services. For more information on Baptist Health International’s collaborations and advisory services, please visit https://baptisthealth.net/international-services/international-healthcare-professionals/international-collaborations or email Advisory@baptisthealth.net

About Baptist Health South Florida

Baptist Health is the largest healthcare organization in the region, with 12 hospitals, more than 27,000 employees, 4,000 physicians and 200 outpatient centers, urgent care facilities and physician practices spanning Miami-Dade, Monroe, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Baptist Health has internationally renowned centers of excellence in cancer, cardiovascular care, orthopedics and sports medicine, and neurosciences. The organization includes Baptist Health Medical Group, Baptist Health Quality Network and Baptist Health Care On Demand, a virtual health platform. A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to its faith-based charitable mission of medical excellence, Baptist Health has been recognized by Fortune magazine as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America and by Ethisphere as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. For more information, visit BaptistHealth.net/Newsroom and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

About Cayman Islands Health Services Authority:

The Cayman Islands Health Services Authority (HSA) is a Joint Commission International (JCI) Accredited organization and the premier healthcare provider in the Cayman Islands. The George Town Hospital is a 127-bed facility and offers 24-hour accident and emergency services, ambulance services, an urgent care clinic, full maternity services and NICU, haemodialysis, a full-service outpatient pharmacy and several diagnostic and specialist services. We provide access to care across Grand Cayman through our four district health centres and outpatient clinics are located at Smith Road Medical Centre & Bay Town House. In the Sister Islands the Faith Hospital, an 18-bed facility in Cayman Brac serves their residents as well as a clinic in Little Cayman. The HSA is a statutory authority operating under the Ministry of Health & Wellness. For more information on the Cayman Islands Health Services Authority, visit https://www.hsa.ky/

Baptist Health International and Doctors Hospital Cayman, Collaborate Toward Joint Commission International Accreditation

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MIAMI, Jan. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Baptist Health International, part of Baptist Health South Florida, and Doctors Hospital, a leading provider of private-sector hospital and healthcare services in the Cayman Islands, proudly unveiled a strategic collaboration aimed at pursuing Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation in 2025. With accreditation, Doctors Hospital will join a select number of institutions on the Island to attain this prestigious recognition, setting a new benchmark for quality healthcare delivery in the Caribbean.

Leaders from Baptist Health International and Doctors Hospital celebrate their strategic collaboration to pursue Joint Commission International Accreditation, marking a pivotal step toward elevating healthcare standards in the Cayman Islands.

With a partnership spanning 12 years, Baptist Health International has supported Doctors Hospital through advisory and consulting services. The two-year collaboration to prepare the hospital for the JCI survey underscores the institutions’ shared commitment to elevating healthcare standards in the Cayman Islands and the Caribbean region. The institutions will collaborate on knowledge transfer, education and quality initiatives.

“We have worked closely with Doctors Hospital in its pursuit of excellence in healthcare and are pleased to embark on a new phase of this partnership, recognizing the hospital’s pursuit of JCI accreditation as a testament to its ongoing commitment to delivering top-tier services to patients in the Cayman Islands,” said Rogelio E. Ribas, M.D., corporate vice president of Baptist Health International. “We are proud to support Doctors Hospital in this journey and look forward to continuing our collaboration to advance healthcare standards in the Caribbean region.”

With its multidisciplinary team of medical experts, Baptist Health International will offer comprehensive advisory services, assessments, training and readiness support to Doctors Hospital throughout the JCI accreditation process. The hospital will also participate in Baptist Health International’s Observership Program and attend healthcare symposiums, both in-person in Miami and virtually.

“With continuous support and inspiration from our partners at Baptist Health International, we are thrilled to take this monumental step on our journey toward excellence in healthcare,” said Dr med Yaron Rado, chair of the hospital’s Board of Directors and chief radiologist. “The next two years will bring a range of Baptist Health physicians and nurses to Grand Cayman, enriching our capabilities and reinforcing our dedication to serving our patients. We are grateful for the unwavering support of Baptist Health International throughout this journey, and look forward to further elevating healthcare standards in the Caribbean region together.”

About Baptist Health International

Baptist Health International is one of the largest hospital-based international programs in the United States, with more than 13,000 international patient visits at Baptist Health facilities from the Florida Keys to Palm Beach County. Baptist Health International is dedicated to providing comprehensive, high-quality services for international physicians and their patients, including hospital admissions, outpatient medical exams, medical second opinions and physician consultations, as well as concierge services. For more information, please visit https://baptisthealth.net/international-services

For more information on Baptist Health International’s collaborations and advisory services, please visit https://baptisthealth.net/international-services/international-healthcare-professionals/international-collaborations or email Advisory@baptisthealth.net.

About Baptist Health South Florida
Baptist Health is the largest healthcare organization in the region, with 12 hospitals, more than 27,000 employees, 4,000 physicians and 200 outpatient centers, urgent care facilities and physician practices spanning Miami-Dade, Monroe, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Baptist Health has internationally renowned centers of excellence in cancer, cardiovascular care, orthopedics and sports medicine, and neurosciences. The organization includes Baptist Health Medical Group, Baptist Health Quality Network and Baptist Health Care On Demand, a virtual health platform. A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to its faith-based charitable mission of medical excellence, Baptist Health has been recognized by Fortune magazine as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America and by Ethisphere as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. For more information, visit BaptistHealth.net/Newsroom and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

About Doctors Hospital
Doctors Hospital, founded in 2000 and located in the heart of George Town, Grand Cayman, is recognized as a leading provider of international-standard healthcare services in the Caribbean. The hospital is dedicated to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care, offering a comprehensive range of medical services that incorporate the latest advancements in diagnostic testing, imaging, and specialized physician care. As one of the most advanced healthcare facilities in the region, Doctors Hospital is equipped with cutting-edge technology and staffed by a team of highly skilled physicians, nurses, and healthcare professionals. The hospital is committed to providing personalized care that meets the highest global standards, ensuring that every patient receives the best possible treatment and outcomes. Doctors Hospital is a trusted healthcare institution that combines modern medical practices with a community-focused approach, serving both local residents and international patients. The hospital’s reputation for excellence is built on a foundation of clinical expertise, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to improving patient health. For more information, please visit https://www.doctorshospital.ky

About The Joint Commission
Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission is the nation’s oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in healthcare. It seeks to continuously improve healthcare for the public, in collaboration with other stakeholders, by evaluating healthcare organizations and inspiring them to excel in providing safe and effective care of the highest quality and value. The Joint Commission accredits and certifies more than 21,000 healthcare organizations and programs in the United States. Learn more about The Joint Commission at www.jointcommission.org.

Legendary Jamaican Jazz Maestro Monty Alexander Presents ‘A Living History: Jamaica To Jazz’ At Lincoln Center

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, January 8, 2025: Celebrated Jamaican-born, Grammy-nominated jazz virtuoso, Hon. Dr. Monty Alexander, CD, O.J., is set to usher in 2025 in spectacular fashion with a historic, career retrospective and musical storytelling concert at Lincoln Center in New York City on January 24th and 25th.

Dr. Monty Alexander, C.D., O.J. (Jean-Baptiste Millot Image)

Celebrating his remarkable 80th year of life and musical legacy, the legendary musician will take center stage for a landmark two-night concert series titled “A Living History: Jamaica to Jazz” at theRose Theater at Lincoln Center, Broadway at 60th St., in New York, NY, at 7:30 each evening.

“This will be a journey through the living history of Jamaican and American music and life – from the late ’40s to the present,” said the artist, who fondly refers to himself simply as ‘Monty,’ and often jokes about graduating from the “street corner.”

“It will be living history long before Bob Marley came on the scene… a story of Jamaican music and life, intertwined with American music and culture, told through the lens of one man – someone some now call ‘a living legend,’” added Alexander, an alumnus of Jamaica College, who has witnessed and lived through countless musical and social experiences, including the pre-civil rights era in the United States.

From hearing and then performing Christmas carols on the piano without any formal training to the awe of his mother at age 4, to playing at Studio One by age 14, Alexander’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. After migrating to Miami, Florida with his family, he honed his craft in both white and non-white clubs and hotels, eventually meeting legends like Harry Belafonte and Frank Sinatra. This led to his move to New York City, where he crossed paths with icons such as the great Duke Ellington and Miles Davis. Today, he has established himself as a global jazz phenomenon, performing worldwide across the US, Europe, the Caribbean, Africa, South America, and Asia, with notable appearances in Japan and South Korea.

“I seek modesty and humility, but I find myself now being called a living legend in the fact that many of the great musicians I played with have now passed. I, however, prefer not to think that way but look forward to sharing this 8-decade history with the people. It is a can’t miss event and will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Alexander. 

More than 20 exceptional artists who have shared the stage and studio with Alexander throughout his illustrious career will join this musical celebration that will feature mento, ska, calypso, reggae, jazz, blues, gospel and the American songbook. He will be joined by an internationally acclaimed lineup of musicians, including Quentin Baxter, drums; T.K. Blue, alto saxophone; Jason Brown, drums; James Cammack, bass; Wayne Escoffery, tenor saxophone; Dominick Farinacci, trumpet; Andrae Murchison, trombone; Randy Napoleon, guitar; Steve Nelson, vibraphone; Victor Provost, steel drums; Luke Sellick, bass; Hassan Shakur, bass; Herlin Riley, drums; Robert Thomas Jr., hand drums; Courtney Panton, percussion; Justin Poindexter, guitar; Joshua Thomas, guitar; Jr. Wedderburn, percussion; Karl Wright, drums and percussion.

Deeply rooted in his Jamaican heritage, Alexander infuses the spirit of his homeland into every performance, using his music as a bridge between cultures, uniting audiences from all backgrounds and leaving a lasting legacy of joy and connection. Each performance or vignette on January 24th and 25th will honor the diverse influences that have shaped his distinctive style, reflected in his extensive catalog of over 75 albums.

As he humbly states, quoting Maya Angelou: “‘If you don’t know where you’ve come from, you don’t know where you’re going.’”

Ticket Information

For tickets to Alexander’s can’t miss show, “A Living History – From Jamaica to Jazz,” visit the official event page here or jazz.org/monty 24 hours a day or through CenterCharge at 212-721-6500, open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fans can also buy tickets in person at the box office, located on Broadway at 60th Street, Ground Floor. A $5.00 Jazz at Lincoln Center Facility Fee applies to all ticket purchases, except for $10 Hot Seats. A $7 handling fee also applies when purchasing tickets from CenterCharge or when purchasing tickets online via jazz.org.

Box Office hours: Tuesday-Sunday: 10:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. (or 30 minutes past curtain). On Wednesdays, prior to a Rose theater concert, the Box Office will open at 10 a.m.

More On Monty

Stay connected with Alexander’s latest updates by following him on Facebook at facebook.com/officialmontyalexander, on Twitter at  @_MontyAlexander and on Instagram at monty.alexander You can also explore his music on his YouTube channel or his official website, montyalexander.com.

Vybz Kartel Drops New Single On His Birthday

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News Americas, New York, NY, January 7, 2025: Jamaican dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel, known as the Worl’ Boss, continues his meteoric rise with the release of his new single and video, “STR8 VYBZ,” marking his birthday and his newfound freedom after over 13 years in prison. The single, produced by TJ Records, Adidjahiem Records, and Angostura, shares its name with Kartel’s recently launched rum line.

Vybz Kartel performing at his Freedom Street concert on Dec. 31, 2024. (Tizzy Tokyo)

With the words “Make it rum” opening the track, Kartel delivers a high-energy anthem that mirrors his dynamic career and celebrates his triumphant return to the global music stage. Directed by Shane Creative, the vibrant video adds another layer to the celebration, embodying the artist’s unmistakable charisma.

A Historic Year for Vybz Kartel

Kartel recently graced the cover of Billboard, featured in the publication’s first exclusive digital cover story of 2025. This milestone follows his Freedom Street Concert, a historic homecoming event produced by Downsound Entertainment, marking his first live performance since his release in July 2024.

The artist, who built a legacy while incarcerated, has hit new heights since regaining his freedom. In just a few months, he earned his first GRAMMY nomination in the Best Reggae Album category for his EP Party With Me. His post-prison achievements include the launch of the STR8 VYBZ rum brand and his upcoming deluxe re-release of his iconic album Viking (Vybz Is King) to celebrate its 10th anniversary.

STR8 VYBZ Rum: A New Venture

Kartel’s entrepreneurial venture, STR8 VYBZ, is a partnership with TJ Records and The House of Angostura Bitters. The rum line features four bold flavors: Fever (white overproof), Ramping Shop (spiced), Electric (white), and Unstoppable (dark). Produced and bottled in Trinidad and Tobago by Angostura Distillers, the brand is distributed by Caribbean Producers Jamaica Ltd. (CPJ) and is available in select markets, including the U.S., England, Jamaica, and several Caribbean nations.

“STR8 VYBZ is more than just a rum; it’s a movement,” Kartel declares. “Each bottle embodies the energy and passion of my music and the spirit of the culture I represent.”

New Music and Timeless Impact

Vybz Kartel’s influence remains unmatched, with hits like Romping Shop, Fever, and Clarks defining his career. His resilience and creativity have inspired stars like Spice, Popcaan, and Shenseea and earned accolades from global icons such as Rihanna, Cardi B, and Drake.

In addition to STR8 VYBZ, Kartel has dropped recent singles like “Comet,” “White Rum,” and “Cloudy” while releasing his First Week Out album and the GRAMMY-nominated EP Party With Me. Fans eagerly await the deluxe edition of Viking (Vybz Is King), which will include new tracks alongside hits like Unstoppable and Dancehall.

As 2025 unfolds, Vybz Kartel’s indomitable spirit continues to embody the vibrancy and creativity of Jamaica, solidifying his place as a true living legend.

Watch HERE

This Caribbean All-Inclusive Has Been Sold

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News Americas, New York, NY, January 6, 2025: A Caribbean all-inclusive resort has been sold for $28.5 million in cash.

Playa Hotels & Resorts has sold the all-inclusive Jewel Paradise Cove Resort & Spa in Jamaica. The sale comes amid ongoing negotiations with Hyatt Hotels Corporation regarding potential strategic options, including a possible acquisition of Playa by Hyatt.

The Jewel Paradise Cove Resort, located in Jamaica, was sold to an unnamed third party as part of Playa’s strategy to optimize its portfolio. The move is expected to strengthen the company’s financial position, enhance shareholder value, and allow a focus on higher-performing properties.

Hyatt Negotiations in Progress

Playa recently confirmed an exclusivity agreement with Hyatt, effective until February 3, 2025. If a merger materializes, it could exceed Playa’s current $1.2 billion market capitalization, marking a significant step for the company.

Reshaping the Portfolio

Playa’s portfolio includes 24 resorts totaling 8,627 rooms across prime markets in Jamaica, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic. Of these, eight are operated under third-party management agreements, while the rest are owned and managed by Playa.

This isn’t Playa’s first major sale recently. In August, the company sold the Jewel Palm Beach resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, for approximately $68 million. These sales align with Playa’s strategy to divest select assets while focusing on more profitable ventures.

As Playa refines its portfolio and negotiates a potentially transformative deal with Hyatt, the company remains a key player in the all-inclusive resort market in the Caribbean and beyond.

Former Guyana President Donald Ramotar Criticizes Israel at Desi Bouterse’s Funeral

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News Americas, New York, NY, January 6, 2025: Former President of Guyana, Donald Ramotar, delivered a pointed critique of Israel on Saturday, accusing the nation of human rights violations against Palestinians in Gaza and condemning the international community’s failure to intervene.

A woman stands beside the debris of a destroyed building following an Israeli air strike on Bureij camp for Palestinian refugees in the central Gaza Strip on January 6, 2025, amid the continuing war between Israel and the militant Hamas group. (Photo by Eyad BABA / AFP) (Photo by EYAD BABA/AFP via Getty Images)

Ramotar made the remarks during the funeral ceremony for the late Surinamese President Desi Bouterse, held in Paramaribo, Suriname. In his speech, Ramotar also criticized the Netherlands for its continued support of Israel.

Ramotar and Joseph Harmon, a former opposition leader in Guyana, were the only international speakers at the event, which drew tens of thousands of mourners and onlookers. Video tributes were shared by prominent figures, including Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley and singer Eddy Grant, both of whom had close ties to Bouterse.

Call for CARICOM Leadership

Ramotar urged the 15-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to take a bold stand on global issues, advocating for Israel’s expulsion from the United Nations. He argued that such action would demonstrate true solidarity with the Palestinian people.

“It is not an extreme position,” he said, citing South Africa’s suspension from the UN during apartheid as precedent.

Remembering Bouterse

In offering condolences to Bouterse’s widow and family, Ramotar reflected on his close personal relationship with the late Surinamese leader. “Our friendship began long before either of us became president,” he said, describing Bouterse as “one of the Caribbean’s great souls” who played a pivotal role in Suriname’s political, social, and economic life.

Ramotar praised Bouterse as a nationalist committed to true independence for Suriname and the Caribbean. “For him, independence was not just a flag or anthem; it was about substance and self-reliance,” he noted, commending Bouterse’s efforts to reduce Suriname’s dependency on its former colonial power, the Netherlands.

Critique of “Imperialist” Forces

The former Guyanese president characterized Bouterse as a target of imperialist forces due to his firm stand against global injustices. Ramotar accused nations like the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the Netherlands of hypocrisy, pointing to their inaction on human rights violations in Gaza and the West Bank, as well as their roles in global conflicts.

“It is those same morally bankrupt politicians who persecuted Comrade Bouterse,” Ramotar stated, alleging they falsely accused him to serve imperialist agendas. He criticized the Dutch courts for rejecting appeals to halt arms shipments to Israel and condemned the United States for using its UN veto to protect Israel from accountability.

Tributes and Controversies

In a video tribute, singer Eddy Grant described himself as a “true friend” of Bouterse, calling the late leader a man who “led from the front.”

Bouterse, who died on December 23 while evading a 20-year prison sentence for the 1982 murders of 15 political opponents, was cremated privately on Saturday evening. An autopsy revealed he succumbed to complications of liver failure caused by chronic alcohol abuse.

Despite his controversial legacy, Bouterse’s impact on Suriname, the Caribbean, and beyond was acknowledged by many at the funeral, where his commitment to independence and regional unity was celebrated.

Caribbean Roots Star Wins Golden Globe

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News Americas, New York, NY, January 6, 2025: Zoe Saldaña, the celebrated actress with Caribbean roots, has won her first Golden Globe, securing the award for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role at the 82nd Golden Globe Awards.

Caribbean roots actress Zoe Saldana poses in the press room with the award for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture for “Emilia Perez” during the 82nd annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on January 5, 2025. (Photo by ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images)

“Oh my God,” the Emilia Pérez star exclaimed tearfully as she accepted the award from presenters Dwayne Johnson and Auliʻi Cravalho during the glamorous ceremony at The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles on Sunday, January 5.

“I’m filled with adrenaline, but my heart is full of gratitude,” said Saldaña, 46, as she thanked her co-stars, family, and fans. “I love you — you guys are everything,” she added, dedicating the moment to her loved ones.

(From L) Mexican actress Adriana Paz, US singer and actress Selena Gomez, US actress Zoe Saldana and Spanish actress Karla Sofia Gascon pose with the Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy award for “Emilia Perez” in the press room during the 82nd annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on January 5, 2025. (Photo by ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images)

Saldaña triumphed in a competitive category, beating fellow nominees Selena Gomez (Emilia Pérez), Ariana Grande (Wicked), Felicity Jones (The Brutalist), Margaret Qualley (The Substance), and Isabella Rossellini (Conclave).

Born in Passaic, New Jersey, to Dominican and Puerto Rican parents, Saldaña was raised in Queens and the Dominican Republic. Her artistic journey began as a dancer before transitioning to acting in 1995 with Brooklyn’s Faces theater group and the New York Youth Theater. Her breakout came in Center Stage (1999), blending her dance and acting talents.

Now a household name, Saldaña has appeared in blockbuster franchises like Avatar and Avengers, solidifying her place in cinematic history. With a net worth of $60 million in 2025, she is one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars.

Her award-winning role in Emilia Pérez—a Spanish-language French musical crime comedy directed by Jacques Audiard—marks another milestone in her illustrious career. The film, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2024, earned critical acclaim for its groundbreaking narrative and diverse cast.

The film tells the story of a Mexican cartel leader’s journey of self-discovery and transformation, and Saldaña’s portrayal of a compassionate lawyer earned her accolades. With its global success, Emilia Pérez not only broke cultural barriers but also secured its place as one of 2024’s most celebrated films.

This Golden Globe victory cements Saldaña’s legacy as a trailblazer and proud representative of her Caribbean heritage on the international stage.