Canadian, Caribbean, and International Film Producers To Gather in Barbados for Groundbreaking Forum

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News Americas, Toronto, ON., April 08, 2024: Acclaimed actress CCH Pounder, celebrated film producer Paul Garnes, along with international media executives, and 26 high-level producers hailing from Canada, the United Kingdom, South Africa, and various Caribbean nations will convene in Barbados from April 15-19 for the inaugural Cross Continental Forum, (CCF).

The CCF, a pioneering initiative led by CaribbeanTales Media Group and Imagine Media International in collaboration with the Faculty of Culture, Creative, and Performing Arts at the UWI Cave Hill Campus, aims to foster collaboration and business development within the global film industry.

The forum will kick off with a screening of Ava DuVernay’s critically-acclaimed film “Origin,” followed by an interactive talk-back session with Garnes at the university’s Errol Barrow Centre for Creative Imagination. Pounder will host the talk-back session, as stated in a media release.

This unprecedented event serves as a dynamic platform for co-producing and cultivating new business opportunities, bringing together industry leaders, producers, and innovators from diverse backgrounds for a collaborative exchange of ideas and possibilities that will lead to innovative co-productions.

Frances-Anne Solomon, CEO at CaribbeanTales Media Group, expressed enthusiasm about the forum, stating, “We are excited to bring together a diverse group of international professionals to facilitate new co-ventures. As film storytellers from the global south, with connections around the world, we have access to incredible untold stories that resonate with audiences worldwide.”

This year’s forum will focus on “Decolonizing the co-production process for the benefit of the Global South,” aiming to foster interactive networking opportunities that result in successful long-term production partnerships.

Lisa Wickham, President & CEO at Imagine Media International Limited, emphasized the potential of the forum to unearth compelling, diverse stories, stating, “We expect the Cross Continental Forum to be a cornucopia of strong, untold, diverse stories.”

The event is supported by the British Film Institute (BFI), the Canada Media Fund (CMF), the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (Fed Dev), the International Trade Centre (ITC), the Trinidad and Tobago Film Co. (FilmTT), and Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), offering a unique platform for fostering partnerships and building co-productions between the UK, Canada, Africa, and the Caribbean.

Key highlights of the event include peer-to-peer discussions, real-life case studies, engaging panel discussions, networking opportunities, pitch sessions, and roundtable conversations.

Agnieszka Moody, BFI Head of International Relations, expressed support for the forum, stating, “We are delighted to support the Cross Continental Forum in Barbados. It is a great opportunity for UK-based filmmakers to develop connections with filmmaking talent across the Caribbean region with rich cultural ties to the UK and Canada.”

Through initiatives like the CCF, the global film industry aims to enable diverse, collaborative storytelling that resonates with audiences worldwide.

Caribbean Nationals From Three Countries Lead US Naturalization Total In 2023

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News Americas, WASHINGTON, D.C., Fri. April 5, 2024: Caribbean immigrants from three countries in the region lead the top 10 nations with the most naturalizations for Fiscal Year 2023.

Hector Morejon, orginally from Cuba, and others become American citizens during a U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services naturalization ceremony at the Hialeah Field Office on January 12, 2018 in Hialeah, Florida. 150 people from different countries around the world took part in the Oath of Allegiance. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Immigrants from the Dominican Republic, Cuba and Jamaica rank in the Top 10 list of countries whose nationals qualified for US cirtizenship and took the oath of naturalization in Fiscal Year 2023.

The Dominican Republic led the Caribbean with 35,200 naturalizations to rank at number 4 on the Top 10 list.

Cubans ranked at 5th with 33,200 naturalizations.

Jamaicans rounded out the list for the Caribbean, ranking at 9 out of 10 with 20,200 naturalizations in the last fiscal year. They, however, had the shortest time on the path to becoming a citizen of the United States at 7 years.

By contrast, Cubans waited 7.9 years while nationals from the DR waited 9.5 years.

New Caribbean Music Alert

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. April 5, 2024: Three new singles from Caribbean dance hall and soca artists are out this weekend.

They include Pilates – the sexy and playful new release from rapper, social media & viral reality star Sukihana, one of the most prolific and legendary Jamaican dancehall artists of all time, Vybz Kartel, and international super producers Jonny Blaze & Stadic.

Also out is “I Want You,” the electrifying new track by iconic Jamaican artist iNi Kamoze and rising star Lila Iké, produced by the visionary Kareem ‘Remus” Burrell under the esteemed label XTM.Nation. “I Want You” is a soul-stirring masterpiece that seamlessly blends iNi Kamoze’s legendary presence with Lila Iké’s captivating vocals, all set against the backdrop of Kareem Burrell’s masterful production. This dynamic collaboration showcases the best of reggae music, combining classic elements with a contemporary twist to create a sound that is both timeless and cutting-edge.

Listen HERE

And Patrice Roberts is back with Cook It. The song was produced by: Rohan “Patexx” Rankine / Journey Records and written by: Josiah Noray. Check it out now.

Queens Caribbean Restaurant Makes NY Times Top 100 List

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. April 5, 2024: A Caribbean restaurant in Queens, NY has made the New York Times Top 100 list for 2024.

The Trinciti Roti Shop of 11-03 Lefferts Boulevard in Ozone Park, Queens, logged a high 18th place on the list. The author, Pete Wells, lauded the restaurant for it Trini chicken curry doubles, aloo pies and bake and shark. Other items on the menu includes sada roti, buss up shot roti, phoulorie and lots of other curries to choose from, including vegan curries. Wash it all down with your choice of local drinks, including sorrel, mauby, and peanut punch.

“I treat Trinciti as a destination of its own, worth a separate trip,” he wrote.

The restaurant has received tons of reviews with 4,764 reviews on Google, 3,640 on GrubHub.

Customer Support Outsourcing Dominican Republic: PITON-Global – Tech-Driven Front- and Back-Office CX

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. April, 5, 2024: In today’s fast-paced business environment, where exceptional customer experience (CX) is the cornerstone of success, companies are increasingly turning to outsourcing as a strategic solution to enhance both front- and back-office operations. The Dominican Republic, with its strategic location, multilingual workforce, and robust technological infrastructure, has emerged as a key destination for customer support outsourcing. Leading this transformative wave is PITON-Global, an esteemed advisory firm that is redefining customer care, both in the front and back-office, through innovative, tech-driven outsourcing solutions in the Dominican Republic.

PITON-Global’s expertise lies in its ability to bridge the gap between businesses seeking to elevate their customer support functions and the Dominican Republic’s premier outsourcing providers, known for their cutting-edge technological capabilities and customer-centric approach. With decades of collective experience working alongside industry titans like Verizon, GE, Visa, New York Life, and CVS Health, the leadership team at PITON-Global brings a wealth of knowledge and insight into the strategic integration of technology in customer care services.

The firm’s approach to customer support outsourcing is centered around leveraging the latest technological innovations to streamline operations and deliver superior customer experiences. “The integration of AI and machine learning into customer support operations allows for the automation of routine inquiries and the personalization of customer interactions, setting new standards in efficiency and customer satisfaction,” states John Maczynski, Co-CEO & CCO of PITON-Global. This tech-driven strategy ensures that businesses can offer responsive, tailored support, significantly enhancing the overall customer journey.

In the Dominican Republic, PITON-Global has identified and partnered with outsourcing providers who excel in deploying cutting-edge technologies such as AI, omnichannel communication platforms, and data analytics tools. These technologies facilitate seamless customer interactions across various channels, ensuring consistency and quality in every customer touchpoint. “Our local partners are at the forefront of adopting innovative customer support technologies, enabling them to offer unparalleled services that extend beyond traditional call center functions,” adds Ralf Ellspermann, Co-CEO & CSO of PITON-Global.

The multilingual talent pool in the Dominican Republic is a critical asset, allowing businesses to offer customer support in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and French, from a single location. This linguistic versatility, combined with a deep understanding of cultural nuances, significantly enhances the effectiveness of customer interactions, making the Dominican Republic an attractive option for companies aiming to provide a globalized customer support experience.

Data security and regulatory compliance are also paramount considerations in PITON-Global’s advisory services. The firm ensures that all outsourcing partnerships adhere to the highest standards of data protection and comply with international regulations, safeguarding customer information and maintaining trust. “Protecting customer data is a fundamental aspect of our advisory services. We meticulously select partners who demonstrate unwavering commitment to data security and privacy,” emphasizes Ellspermann.

The collaboration facilitated by PITON-Global between companies and outsourcing providers is revolutionizing the landscape of customer care. By harnessing the Dominican Republic’s technological advancements and cultural assets, the firm empowers enterprises to achieve operational excellence in both front- and back-office customer support functions. This strategic approach not only optimizes business processes but also elevates the overall customer experience, fostering loyalty and driving growth.

As businesses continue to navigate the complexities of the digital age, the partnership between PITON-Global and the Dominican Republic’s leading customer support outsourcing providers stands as a testament to the transformative power of technology in customer experience. This alliance underscores the role of strategic outsourcing in building efficient, tech-driven customer care ecosystems that meet the evolving needs of businesses and their customers alike. Front and back-office customer support outsourcing to the Dominican Republic is not only going to grow but is also here to stay. 

Reggae Star Alborosie Drops Inspirational Single

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. April 5, 2024: Renowned roots reggae and dub sensation, Alborosie, has released his latest single, “Faith,” featuring rising star Jaz Elise. The track serves as a highlight from his highly anticipated 9th studio album titled “Destiny.”

Italian born singer Alborosie performing live. (Photo by Eric CATARINA/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)

“Faith” delves into the significance of individual faith during life’s trials and triumphs. Crafted by Alborosie himself, the soulful bass-driven composition delivers poignant messages of resilience and self-awareness. Jaz Elise, in her collaboration, underscores the power of faith as a force capable of overcoming any obstacle, emphasizing its universal relevance.

“Faith” is available in three distinct mixes: album, extended, and dub. Fans can tune in to streaming platforms to experience the diverse interpretations of this uplifting track.

As part of his upcoming endeavors, Alborosie is slated to embark on a tour alongside F.Y.A.H. throughout April. The tour will traverse notable destinations across California, Texas, Florida, Louisiana, and Arizona.

“Destiny,” Alborosie’s forthcoming album, promises an enriching musical journey, boasting collaborations with esteemed reggae luminaries such as Kabaka Pyramid, Buju Banton, Jaz Elise, and Burro Banton. Through themes of faith, life, love, and the transformative power of music, Alborosie presents an authentic and relatable body of work, grounded in the ethos of relevance and connection to the present moment.

Caribbean Immigrant Founder Of Phuse Cream Unveils Second South Florida Location

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News Americas, FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, Fri. April 5, 2024: Caribbean immigrant Joel Franklin is not just a serial entrepreneur; he’s a visionary who draws inspiration from the joys of fatherhood and the sweet moments in life. His entrepreneurial path is decorated with a diverse portfolio of ventures, ranging from the nightlife of clubs and restaurants to the vibrant energy of smoke shops and large-scale event planning, from pool parties to food festivals. Each business venture reflects a chapter in the Jamaican-born entrepreneur’s journey, showcasing his versatility and innovative spirit.

Phuse Cream founder, Jamaican Joel Franklin.

However, the heart of Franklin’s entrepreneurial narrative beats strongest at Phuse Cream, a dessert shop that marks a significant turning point in his career. Inspired by his daughter, Nala Franklin, he envisioned Phuse Cream as a business and a legacy. As a new father, he wanted his next venture to mirror his evolution, embodying the joy and responsibility of parenthood. With Nala as his muse, Franklin designed Phuse Cream with Nala in mind, envisioning it as a future inheritance filled with love and sweet memories.

Franklin opened his second Phuse Cream location, the acclaimed fusion ice cream shop known for its innovative dessert creations at 2806 N. University Drive, Sunrise, FL, 33322 on March 21st.

The store is now open from Monday -Sunday, from noon-midnight. Building upon the success of its Plantation flagship store, Phuse Cream continues to redefine the ice cream experience with its unique blend of flavors and culinary techniques.

Phuse Cream is a testament to Joel’s commitment to fusion and innovation. Specializing in macaron ice cream sandwiches, the shop combines the delicate European macaron with ice cream flavors inspired by cultures worldwide, creating a unique dessert experience. This concept has captivated customers and earned Phuse Cream the People’s Choice award at Dessert Wars 2023 and #8 in the national competition. The name ‘Phuse’ embodies the essence of Joel’s vision – a fusion of flavors and traditions that unite people in their love for ice cream. Each visit to Phuse Cream is an opportunity to escape into a world of whimsy and delight, where the universal language of ice cream brings people together.

At Phuse Cream, patrons are invited to indulge in a whimsical journey where diverse culinary cultures converge to create extraordinary desserts. The shop’s signature offering, the macaron ice cream sandwich, has garnered widespread acclaim, earning the prestigious 2023 Dessert Wars People’s Choice Award. This delightful treat seamlessly merges macarons’ elegance with ice cream’s creamy delight, embodying Phuse Cream’s commitment to innovation and quality.

The opening of the second Phuse Cream location marks a significant milestone in Franklin’s entrepreneurial journey, reflecting his unwavering dedication to innovation and commitment to creating lasting memories through sweet treats.

“Phuse Cream is a testament to our commitment to fusion and innovation,” said Franklin. “With our second location, we aim to spread the joy of our unique dessert experience to even more people, inviting them to join us on a journey of sweet indulgence and community.”

For more information, visit phusecream.com or follow Phuse Cream @phusecream on IG and TIK TOK for updates and announcements.

Guyana Denounces Maduro’s Law Claiming Guyana’s Territory

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News Americas, GEORGETOWN, GUYANA, Weds., April 4, 2024: Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s decision to enact a law claiming sovereignty over two-thirds of Guyana sparked intense backlash from Guyana’s government on Thursday.

While the text of the law wasn’t immediately disclosed, Guyana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the move, labeling it a violation of international law. The law targets Guyana’s western Essequibo region.

Meanwhile, Maduro accused the US of setting up a base in Guyana’s Essequibo territory.

“We have information proving that in the territory of Guyana Essequibo, temporarily administered by Guyana, secret military bases of the (US) Southern Command… a body of the CIA, have been installed,” Maduro said.

He said the bases are an “aggression” against the people of southern and eastern Venezuela and were built “to prepare for an escalation against Venezuela.”

Maduro‘s provocative remarks came as parliament held a ceremony commemorating a recent law laying out the defense of Guyana Essequibo, four months after a controversial, non-binding referendum overwhelmingly approved the creation of a Venezuelan province in the disputed region, sparking fears of a military conflict.

He also claimed that his counterpart, President Irfaan Ali, “does not govern Guyana” and that “Guyana is governed by the Southern Command, the CIA and ExxonMobil.”

FLASH BACK – This handout picture released by the Venezuelan Presidency shows Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro (R)shakes hand with Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali(L) during a meeting in Saint Vincent and The Grenadines on December 14, 2023. The presidents of Venezuela and Guyana arrived Thursday morning on the Caribbean archipelago of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for a meeting aimed at easing tensions over the territorial dispute around the Essequibo, which has long pitted their two countries. CREDIT “AFP PHOTO / VENEZUELAN PRESIDENCY / MARCELO GARCIA

Maduro organized a referendum in early December, asserting Venezuela’s right to the oil- and mineral-rich area, alleging it was unlawfully taken during border delineation over a century ago. Maduro hailed the signing ceremony on Wednesday as a significant moment.

“The decision of December 3 has now become the Law of the Republic,” Maduro tweeted, emphasizing Venezuela’s commitment to defend its territory.

In response, Guyana’s government emphasized the importance of resorting to the International Court of Justice to settle territorial disputes, expressing readiness to engage in the legal process.

Caribbean Travel Insights And Can’t Miss Deals

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Thurs. April 4, 2024: Here are the top Caribbean travel news and some can’t miss deals this week in 60 seconds.

Dreaming of the beach? Here are some can’t miss Caribbean Travel Deals To book now.

A Jamaica Deal For $562 per person? Head over to CheapCaribbean for a May 1-4th all inclusive deal at Riu Negril with flights from Fort Lauderdale, FL.

Fly from New York To Nassau, Bahamas on Delta this may 7-14th from US 228 round trip. Head over to Delta.com to book.

Fly from Newark, NJ to Nassau this May 20th to the 23rd and stay at the Briish Colonial Hotel in Downtown Nassau for US$677 per person. Book now on Expedia

Looking for a romantic getaway? Choose Sandals Royal Bahamian at a deal of $323 per night. Book at 12 restaurants at sandals.com/bahamas/honeymoons/

If Curacao is more your thing, head over to sandals.com/royal-curacao for rooms from $309 per night.

The Business Of Sports – 30 Years Of Team Jamaica Bickle

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Thurs. April 4, 2024: As we approach another exciting edition of the Penn Relays, we delve into the intersection of sports and social welfare, a mission championed by Irwine Clare, Sr., OD, the visionary founder and current chairman of Team Jamaica Bickle.

The genesis of this venture can be traced back to a dinner held for the athletes after one of the games. It was during this gathering that the late Ben Francis proposed the idea of providing food for the athletes during the competition. From this discussion emerged the concept of Team Jamaica Bickle.

Join us on this episode of the #HardToBeat podcast as we sit down with Mr. Clare to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Team Jamaica Bickle, a labor of love that has profoundly impacted the lives of Caribbean athletes. Over the past three decades, thousands of athletes have been supported at the Penn Relays, thanks to a diverse coalition of corporate sponsors, local businesses, and dedicated volunteers.

 =What initially began in a parking lot at Penn State University has since grown into a substantial operation, with numerous entities rallying behind the cause.

As demand for assistance surged, additional organizations lent their support. Among them were the Jamaica Tourist Board, Victoria Mutual Building Society, GraceKennedy, Union of Jamaican Alumni Associations (UJAA), National Association of Jamaican and Supportive Organizations (NAJSO), Digicel, Dennis Shipping, Trans Continental Shipping, Lomax Foundation, and others.

Irwine Clare, Sr., OD, founder and chairman of Team Jamaica Bickle on the podcast #HardToBeat

The organization’s core mission remains steadfast: to prioritize the welfare of the athletes. What initially centred on providing meals, transportation, and accommodation has expanded to encompass medical services and other forms of support.

Team Jamaica Bickle has even implemented a school defibrillator program, supplying defibrillators to schools in Jamaica —a vital resource that has proven invaluable in emergencies.

Additionally, the organization offers counselling services to schools, with G.C. Foster College being a significant beneficiary, receiving over US$150,000 in support over the years. While initially focused on Jamaican athletes, Team Jamaica Bickle’s services have broadened to include student athletes from other Caribbean nations attending the Penn Relays.

Moreover, the organization has evolved into a platform for promoting Jamaican culture, hosting various events attended by Caribbean and American officials.

On April 14th, Team Jamaica Bickle will hold its annual benefit gala luncheon in Long Island to raise funds for its ongoing endeavors. Tower Isle Patties will be honored during the event for its steadfast support of Jamaican student athletes at the Penn Relays over the years. The group returns to the annual Penn Relays to provide service to this year’s athletes on April 25-27th.  

“We believe in the welfare of Caribbean athletes,” remarks Clare, emphasizing the collective effort behind the organization’s success. “It’s not just a Jamaican endeavor; it’s a unified effort encompassing various Caribbean nations.”

Discover the inspiring journey of Team Jamaica Bickle, from its humble beginnings to its current role as a provider of essential services such as meals, accommodations, transportation, healthcare, and insurance for athletes participating in the Penn Relays.

From adversity to achievement, Team Jamaica Bickle commemorates its milestone anniversary with a commitment to excellence. Join us in supporting their upcoming fundraiser and contributing to their noble cause at https://www.teamjamaicabickle.org/.

Listen to the story of TJB