Messi Makes Caribbean Debut As Inter Miami Defeats Cavalier FC

News Americas, New York, NY, Fri. March 14, 2025: Soccer great Lionel Messi made a triumphant return to action for his first Caribbean match Thursday, scoring a late goal as Inter Miami secured a 2-0 victory over Jamaica’s Cavalier FC, Jamaican football club based in the community of Mountain View in Kingston, which currently plays in the Jamaica Premier League, on Thursday to advance to the Concacaf Champions Cup quarter-finals.

Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF controls the ball during the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 Second Leg match between Cavalier SC and Inter Miami CF at The Jamaican National Stadium on March 13, 2025 in Kingston, Jamaica. It was Messi’s first time playing in the Caribbean and Jamaica. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Messi, who had been sidelined for three games due to load management, entered the match in the 53rd minute to roaring applause from fans at Kingston’s Independence Park. Making an immediate impact, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner sealed the win with a goal just before the final whistle, firing the ball into the opposite corner of the net. The assist came from 18-year-old Santiago Morales, a promising homegrown player for Miami.

General view inside the stadium during the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 Second Leg match between Cavalier SC and Inter Miami CF at The Jamaican National Stadium on March 13, 2025 in Kingston, Jamaica. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

This match marked Messi’s first official game in Jamaica and the Caribbean, a highly anticipated moment for fans. He and his teammates were welcomed upon arrival in Jamaica by Olivia Grange, the country’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport.

Inter Miami, already leading 2-0 from the first leg at home last week, quickly extended their advantage in the first half when Luis Suárez converted a penalty after a foul on Tadeo Allende inside the box.

With the 4-0 aggregate victory, Miami now prepares to take on LAFC in the quarterfinals, after the MLS Western Conference side eliminated the Columbus Crew in their round-of-16 matchup.

Exxon Expands in Guyana As Government Cancels Frontera-CGX Oil License

News Americas, New York, NY, Fri. March 14, 2025: A consortium led by U.S. energy giant ExxonMobil has unveiled plans for its eighth energy project in Guyana, which is set to produce up to 1.5 billion cubic feet per day (bcfd) of natural gas and 290,000 barrels per day of condensate. The project will utilize a floating production facility with the capacity to export the fuel, according to details submitted to the Guyanese government.

The Longtail Project, which includes the development of the Longtail, Tripletail, and Turbot offshore discoveries, was outlined in the group’s request for environmental authorization, recently published by the Guyanese government and reviewed by Reuters.

The ExxonMobil Guyana offices at 86 Duke Street in Georgetown, Guyana. Photographer: Jose A. Alvarado Jr./Bloomberg via Getty Images

Longtail is expected to become Exxon’s most significant gas development in Guyana to date, aligning with the government’s push to increase gas production to support various industries, including petrochemical plants and liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects.

According to the environmental document, the project will involve the drilling of up to 60 production and injection wells, further expanding Guyana’s rapidly growing energy sector.

In contrast, Guyana’s government has officially pulled the plug on the Frontera-CGX joint venture, canceling its oil prospecting license for the Corentyne Block. This decision, which had been anticipated since February when the government gave the joint venture a 30-day warning, now marks the end of their efforts in the region.

The Corentyne block had been seen as a potential diversification opportunity in Guyana’s oil industry, which is dominated by ExxonMobil’s operations in the Stabroek Block. Despite being an underdog, the Frontera-CGX partnership had hoped to secure a piece of the pie, but they are now out of the race. While both companies have disputed the cancellation, no further details about potential legal challenges or behind-the-scenes negotiations have emerged.

Exxon’s control over Guyana’s offshore oil bonanza has only grown stronger. The company, alongside its partners Hess and CNOOC, is progressing with multiple projects, including the latest Longtail project. Exxon’s ongoing efforts have resulted in over 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil production from several operations in the country. At this pace, Exxon’s presence in Guyana could soon rival that of some OPEC members.

While global oil prices remain volatile, with WTI hovering near $67 and Brent struggling above $70, smaller players like Frontera and CGX have faced a difficult challenge. However, Exxon remains well-positioned to continue its dominance in the region, sending a clear message: if you want to drill in Guyana, you’d better have deep pockets and the patience of a major supermajor.

Dominican Republic To Expand Cruise Tourism With New Port

News Americas, New York, NY, March 12, 2025: A top Caribbean nation is expanding its cruise tourism sector with the development of a brand-new cruise port in Barahona, located on the country’s scenic southwest coast. This investment by the Dominican Republic aims to boost tourism in the lesser-visited region while enhancing the country’s growing reputation as a premier Caribbean cruise destination.

Aerial view of the “Los Patos” beach, Barahona, in Dominican Republic. (Photo by FEDERICO PARRA/AFP via Getty Images)

Dominican Republic’s Cruise Boom Continues

The Dominican Republic has seen record-breaking growth in cruise tourism, with passenger arrivals skyrocketing from 1.5 million in 2023 to over 2.6 million in 2024. More than 80% of these passengers arrived in Puerto Plata, the country’s leading cruise port on the north coast.

To diversify tourism and distribute economic benefits more evenly, the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Tourism has broken ground on the new Barahona cruise terminal. The project is expected to revitalize the local economy and showcase the untouched beauty of the “Pearl of the South.”

What to Expect at the New Barahona Cruise Port

Set for completion in 2026, the Barahona cruise port will feature:
A state-of-the-art cruise ship dock
35 commercial spaces, including restaurants, bars, and retail outlets
An immersive rum-making experience
Access to Barahona’s unspoiled beaches, biodiverse national parks, and world-class coffee farms

Barahona is renowned for its stunning coastal scenery, turquoise waters, and untouched natural reserves, offering ecotourism experiences that set it apart from the Dominican Republic’s more developed cruise destinations like Puerto Plata, Punta Cana, and Santo Domingo.

Expanding Cruise Options in the Dominican Republic

The Barahona cruise port follows the success of the Cabo Rojo cruise terminal in Pedernales, which welcomed its first cruise ships in 2024. Major cruise lines—including Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Holland America Line—are increasing calls to Cabo Rojo in 2025 and 2026, with Costa Cruises, MSC Cruises, and Holland America joining the roster. Cabo Rojo is projected to welcome over 100,000 cruise passengers in 2025.

Additionally, the Arroyo Barril port in Samaná is slated for redevelopment to accommodate large cruise ships, transitioning from a tender-only port to a modernized terminal that will attract even more cruise lines.

A Bright Future for Cruise Tourism in the Dominican Republic

With new ports in Barahona and Cabo Rojo and upgrades to existing infrastructure, the Dominican Republic is solidifying its position as a top Caribbean cruise destination. These developments will not only expand tourism but also support local economies and introduce travelers to some of the Caribbean’s most breathtaking and untouched destinations.

Herzfeld Caribbean Basin Fund Abandons Cuba Focus Amid U.S. Policy Stalemate

News Americas, New York, NY, March 12, 2025: The Herzfeld Caribbean Basin Fund Inc. (NASDAQ: CUBA) has announced a significant shift in its investment strategy, moving away from its traditional focus on the Caribbean Basin, including Cuba, to concentrate on Collateralized Loan Obligations (CLOs). This decision comes in response to the enduring U.S. embargo against Cuba and the recent re-designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism by the Trump administration.​

The move comes on the XXV Habanos Festival in Havana on February 28, 2025. (Photo by YAMIL LAGE/AFP via Getty Images)

Impact of U.S. Policy on Investment Strategy

The fund was originally established with the anticipation of capitalizing on investment opportunities that would arise from normalized U.S.-Cuba relations. However, the longstanding embargo and recent policy shifts have limited these prospects. In January 2025, the Trump administration reinstated Cuba’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, citing the country’s alleged support for international terrorism and harboring of fugitives. ​

This re-designation imposes additional economic sanctions on Cuba, further restricting the fund’s ability to invest in the region. In light of these developments, the fund’s Board of Directors has approved a transition to a CLO Equity Strategy, aiming to enhance shareholder value by focusing on assets less affected by geopolitical uncertainties.​

Rebranding and Future Outlook

As part of this strategic shift, the fund will undergo rebranding to reflect its new investment focus. Despite the pivot, the fund’s management remains attentive to future changes in U.S.-Cuba relations and retains the option to revisit its original investment objectives should the geopolitical landscape evolve favorably.​

For more information on the fund’s new direction, visit herzfeld.com/cuba.

OECS, New Zealand Forge Historic Partnership To Supercharge Geothermal Energy In The Caribbean

News Americas, New York, NY, March 12, 2025: The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) has entered into a landmark partnership with New Zealand to accelerate geothermal energy development across the region. This agreement, formalized during the presentation of credentials by Her Excellency Linda Charlotte Te Puni, New Zealand’s new Ambassador to the OECS, reinforces both parties’ commitment to renewable energy and climate resilience.

Strengthening Geothermal Energy for a Sustainable Future

This collaboration builds on New Zealand’s decade-long support for geothermal energy in the Caribbean and aligns with the OECS 2025-2035 Decade of Action for Sustainable Energy Development. Geothermal energy is central to the OECS’s long-term strategy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, lower energy costs, and strengthen regional energy security.

Key Areas of Collaboration

As part of the agreement, the OECS will implement a Geothermal Direct Use Strategy to 2035, integrating geothermal energy into sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing. The initiative includes:

Enhancing technical expertise through a capacity-building gap analysis.
Supporting the OECS GEOBUILD Programme, which is conducting a six-month study on geothermal skills and training needs.
Facilitating a geothermal resource mapping exercise to guide future investments.
Providing technical assistance for geothermal power generation across the region.

Dominica Leading the Charge

The agreement comes at a pivotal time, as Dominica prepares to launch its first geothermal power plant in 2025. This will make it the second Caribbean territory, after Guadeloupe, to generate electricity from geothermal energy.

Long-Term Vision for a Greener Eastern Caribbean

The OECS GEOBUILD Programme, backed by New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Caribbean Development Bank, and the European Union Caribbean Investment Facility, is playing a crucial role in ensuring the long-term success of geothermal energy in the Eastern Caribbean.

With technical support from the Aotearoa New Zealand-Caribbean Facility for Renewable Energy (FRENZ), this initiative will help the region overcome workforce challenges, build local expertise, and enhance energy security.

This groundbreaking partnership positions the Eastern Caribbean at the forefront of renewable energy innovation, paving the way for a sustainable, low-carbon future.

Reggae Fans Mourn The Passing of Cocoa Tea – The Man Who Gave The World “Barack Obama”

News Americas, New York, NY, March 11, 2025: The reggae community has been left in shock and sadness at the passing of Cocoa Tea, the legendary Jamaican born singer known for the top hit, “Barack Obama, and his smooth vocals. Fans and friends have flooded social media, paying tribute to the man whose music transcended generations and borders.

FLASHBACK-Jamaican reggae singer Cocoa Tea performing at Reggae Festival, Randall’s Island, New York, July 1997. (Photo by David Corio/Redferns)

Cocoa Tea, born Calvin Scott on September 3, 1959, in Rocky Point, Clarendon, Jamaica, was one of reggae and dancehall’s most beloved voices. His career began in Kingston’s sound system scene in the early 1980s, where he made a name for himself before his big break with famed producer Henry ‘Junjo’ Lawes as part of the Volcano Sounds movement. Over the years, he collaborated with top producers such as King Jammy, Gussie Clarke, Phillip ‘Fatis’ Burrell, and Lawes, delivering classic hits like “She Loves Me Now,” “I Lost My Sonia,” “Rikers Island,” and “Good Life.”

A Legacy Remembered

FLASHBACK – Cocoa Tea visits the SiriusXM Studios on May 30, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty Images)

Cocoa Tea’s influence stretched far beyond music. In 2008, his tribute song “Barack Obama” celebrated the first Black U.S. president’s historic election, earning him a side gig performing at Obama’s inauguration.

Reggae label VP Records paid tribute, stating: “Rest In Power Cocoa Tea, a true Jamaican music icon whose music will continue to resonate with his fans and generations to come. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”

Irwine Clare Sr., OD, founder of Team Jamaica Bickle and Caribbean Immigrant Services, (CIS), remembered Cocoa Tea as a legend who generously supported TJB without hesitation.

“Cocoa Tea always supported Team Jamaica Bickle through his talent without hesitation and never asked for a dime in payment,” Clare shared. “I remember once he performed in Jamaica the night before and then got on ‘the iron bird’ as he called it, Caribbean Airlines, to perform at a TJB event at Brooklyn College the next day – without pay.”

Felicia Persaud, publisher of News Americas, reflected on her personal connection with the artist, having written a recommendation for Cocoa Tea’s successful U.S. Green Card application through Clare and CIS.

Jamaica’s Opposition Leader Mark Golding also honored Cocoa Tea’s legacy, stating: “Jamaica has lost another musical legend. Cocoa Tea’s smooth vocals and timeless reggae hits have left an indelible mark on our culture and the global music scene. His artistry, talent, and message of love and unity will live on forever. Jamaica’s musical history is richer for his unmistakable voice and classic reggae anthems. My deepest condolences to his family, friends, fans, and the wider musical fraternity. May his soul rest in peace.”

Daughter Remembers His Strength

Cocoa Tea’s daughter, Rashaine Scott, confirmed his passing, revealing he died at 4 AM in a Florida hospital.

“He used to go into the Bible and read us the Ten Commandments, and he always said God made Adam and Eve. He also encouraged us to be independent, get an education, and to better our lives. I’m sorry I didn’t get to see him before he passed away,” she said.

She described her father as a fighter and a proud, private man who never gave up.

“He was a fighter, and he fought till the end. He was a strong-willed person, always thinking of the best, and he was also private.”

Final Days & Cause of Death

Cocoa Tea had been hospitalized for several months, battling an illness. While the official cause of death has not been confirmed, reports suggest he succumbed to a cardiac arrest.

His music, influence, and generosity will continue to inspire generations.

iQor CXBPO™ Redefines Customer Experience

NEWS AMERICAS, FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., March 10, 2025: iQor today introduced the next generation of its brand promise, iQor CXBPO. The global company is setting a new standard for CX by delivering measurable business outcomes, seamless customer interactions, and operational scalability informed by its advanced data analytics platform. The company is disrupting traditional business process outsourcing by addressing key industry pain points and putting analytics at the center of its operating model.

Citing feedback from customers and prospects, iQor CXBPO promises a new approach to BPO partnerships:

Providing solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs

Integrating advanced analytics using proprietary data and LLMs to help clients better understand their customers and improve operations

Guiding clients from today’s baseline to the promise of AI-led service experiences

Improving service by applying technology and process at scale while lowering costs

“Today’s brands require more than traditional outsourcing—they need a CX partner that delivers measurable business impact,” said Chris Crowley, President and CEO of iQor CXBPO. “Legacy BPO models lack the flexibility, intelligence, and executional strength required for modern customer engagement. iQor CXBPO is changing the game by integrating AI-driven insights, human expertise, and operational excellence to help brands grow revenue, increase customer retention, and optimize efficiency.”

iQor CXBPO differentiates itself through its focus on expertise, execution, and technology evolution. This operating model leverages 30 years of experience navigating shifts in customer behavior and advances in technology. iQor CXBPO has built expertise across vertical industries and promises customized CX strategies tailored to each client, a key to its 90% customer satisfaction rating and average client tenure of 15 years.

With a commitment to building brand advocates, iQor CXBPO applies its proprietary analytics platform to deliver data-driven insights to its workforce and clients. The company’s AI-powered hiring, training, workforce management, and fraud protection enable high-efficiency scaling of operations by 300-500% and a high employee satisfaction rate of 88.8% for an exceptional customer experience.

A culture of continuous innovation fuels iQor CXBPO’s ability to evolve with customer expectations. The company harnesses the power of AI, automation, and data science to refine customer interactions, improve response times, and enhance service quality. Through technology-driven transformation, iQor CXBPO ensures its clients stay ahead of market shifts and customer demands.

iQor CXBPO supports more than 200 brands across industries including retail, telecom, financial services, healthcare, and technology. Clients benefit from personalized, data-driven CX powered by AI and automation; seamless omnichannel engagement across voice, chat, email, SMS, and social media; and cost-effective, performance-driven solutions that maximize return on investment while maintaining compliance excellence.

To learn more about iQor CXBPO, visit www.iqor.com.

About iQor CXBPO
iQor CXBPO is a trusted partner in intelligent customer experience solutions, delivering exceptional results for global brands. With 40,000 employees across 10 countries, we combine 30 years of industry expertise with cutting-edge AI-driven innovations to optimize customer interactions at every stage. Our agile, scalable solutions ensure seamless omnichannel engagement, driving loyalty and measurable business success. Recognized as a Great Place to Work® and a leader in CX excellence, we elevate performance through a people-first approach, operational expertise, and secure, technology-enabled solutions. Learn more at iQor.com.

Royalton Chic Resorts to Debut in Jamaica, Set to Redefine Adults-Only Lifestyle Getaways

NEWS AMERICAS, BERLIN, Germany, Mon. March 10, 2025: In the midst of ITB Berlin, Blue Diamond Resorts is unveiling its latest venture in the Caribbean: Royalton CHIC Jamaica Paradise Cove, An Autograph Collection All Inclusive Resort – Adults Only, set to debut in late 2026. Building on the success of Royalton CHIC Resorts in Cancun, Punta Cana, Antigua and the upcoming resort in Barbados, this highly anticipated opening will bring the brand’s signature blend of sophistication, trendiness, and vibrant social experiences to Jamaica for the first time.

“Our expansion into Jamaica represents the remarkable success of Royalton CHIC Resorts and its impact on the all-inclusive industry and immersive hospitality,” said Jordi Pelfort, President of Blue Diamond Resorts. “This latest development underscores the strength of our brand, the confidence of our guests, partners, and our commitment to expanding our footprint in key destinations. We continue to push boundaries, curating exceptional resorts in the most desirable beachfront locations.”

Located just one hour from Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport and forty minutes from Ocho Rios International Airport, this vibrant resort will be nestled in the coveted Runaway Bay, a serene enclave of unspoiled coastline known for its breathtaking beauty, private coves, and turquoise waters. Designed to embody the bold yet elegant vibe of Royalton CHIC Resorts, the upcoming property will feature 345 meticulously designed suites. For those looking to elevate their stay, select room categories will offer the exclusive Diamond Club experience, featuring premium perks such as personal butler service, elevated food and drinks, seamless check-in, enhanced in-suite amenities and exclusive access to private areas within the resort.

Guests will also enjoy four specialty à la carte restaurants, an international buffet, a Jerk Hut, and a sports bar & lounge, offering an array of world-class culinary experiences to suit every taste.

The resort’s immersive entertainment experiences will come to life through sparkling happenings, featuring vibrant events and performances led by the iconic CHIC Angels. Staying true to the “Party Your Way” philosophy, guests will have the freedom to curate their ideal getaway—whether it’s unwinding in a serene beachfront retreat, indulging in world-class gastronomy, or embracing the resort’s lively social scene.

As part of Marriott International’s prestigious Autograph Collection, Royalton CHIC Jamaica Paradise Cove will offer a distinctive fusion of posh hospitality and signature social experiences, ensuring guests enjoy an unparalleled level of service, style, and exclusivity.

With its modern aesthetic, sophisticated ambiance, and elevated yet playful atmosphere, Royalton CHIC Resorts appeal to discerning travelers seeking more than just a traditional adults-only escape. This latest expansion further solidifies Blue Diamond Resorts’ commitment to crafting premier, all-inclusive experiences in the Caribbean’s most prestigious destinations.

For more information about Blue Diamond Resorts and Royalton CHIC Resorts, visit www.bluediamondresorts.com and www.royaltonchicresorts.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 their guests. Party Your Way at Royalton CHIC Resorts, an adults-only vibrant and effervescent all-inclusive brand to revel in the unexpected. Mystique by Royalton is Miles from Ordinary, offering their 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 have 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

Governing Trust: The ECCB, Public Confidence, And The High Cost Of Silence

By Dr. Isaac Newton 

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. March 10, 2025: The dispute over the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank’s, (ECCB) EC$22 million Governor’s residence is more than a debate over numbers – it is a test of governance, transparency, and public trust. The backlash, sharpened by Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves’ blistering critique, exposes a deeper fault line: the fragile relationship between regional institutions and the people they serve. As renowned journalist Julian Rogers astutely observes: “Accountability is not a performance staged for political applause; it is the bedrock of credibility.” The lesson here is grounded both in financial oversight and the cost of institutional silence.

Public institutions do not exist in a vacuum. Their authority is only as strong as the confidence they command. If an independent body like the ECCB embarks on a multimillion-dollar project, transparency is not an afterthought – it is the foundation of legitimacy. The transformation of an initial EC$7 million estimate into a final EC$22 million reality is not inherently scandalous, provided due process was followed. But in governance, perception is reality. When those footing the bill – whether policymakers or the public – are left questioning the rationale, the problem is beyond fiscal. It’s fundamental. Silence breeds suspicion, and suspicion corrodes trust.

PM Dr. Gonsalves’ call for Governor Timothy Antoine’s resignation, though politically dramatic, risks turning a governance issue into a personal indictment. If the project was duly approved by the ECCB Board and Monetary Council, then the focus should be on strengthening oversight mechanisms rather than targeting the leadership. As Rogers insightfully warns, “Strong institutions are built on rigorous systems, not political theater.” The region must resist the impulse to personalize institutional challenges. Instead, it should demand systemic reforms that elevate governance above the shifting winds of political expediency.

This controversy presents an opportunity – a moment to recalibrate how regional institutions engage the public. The ECCB must move decisively, releasing a detailed financial breakdown, clarifying the project’s scope, and fortifying its public communication strategy. Transparency both defends credible decisions and ensures those decisions are understood and respected. A robust framework for ongoing engagement with regional leaders and the public will not only prevent similar crises but will also reinforce the bank’s role as a guardian of economic stability.

Beyond the immediate earth quaking in high places and on the street corners , the larger question looms: How do we safeguard institutional independence while ensuring accountability? The ECCB must remain impervious to political micromanagement, but it must also be responsive to legitimate concerns. Political leaders, in turn, must rise above reactionary impulses and engage through proper channels rather than public ambushes. As Rogers aptly notes: “When oversight becomes spectacle, governance becomes collateral damage.” The Caribbean cannot afford governance by crisis; it must demand governance by principle. Let’s all tone it down and slingshot our attention to cutting-edge transformation of leadership mindscapes and organizational processes tied to visionary solutions. 

EDITOR’S NOTE: Dr. Isaac Newton, a Caribbean-born governance strategist and Harvard, Princeton and Columbia -trained professional, has spent over 30 years advising governments, financial institutions, and multinational organizations on institutional resilience and political ethics. A distinguished scholar and a leading voice on governance in the Caribbean, his work focuses on strengthening democratic accountability, fostering transparency, and designing sustainable leadership models that protect institutions from political turbulence while deepening their connection to the people they serve. His insights provide a roadmap for restoring trust in regional governance—one built on reason, responsibility, and reform.

Golden Krust Launches New Island Select Patty Line Exclusively at Walmart

News Americas, New York, NY, March 7, 2024: Golden Krust, the leading family-owned Caribbean culinary brand in the U.S., is expanding its reach with the launch of Golden Krust Island Select, an exclusive new product line available only at Walmart.

The Island Select line introduces two new Jamaican patty varieties – Strawberry & Cream Cheese and Vegetable – alongside a bold new packaging redesign featuring a sleek, vertical box. This modernized look will roll out across all Golden Krust grocery products, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to quality and innovation.

New Flavors & Classic Favorites

Golden Krust Island Select offers a mix of traditional and new flavors, including:
Strawberry & Cream Cheese – A sweet and creamy twist on the classic patty, combining real strawberries and smooth cream cheese, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Vegetable – A hearty blend of cabbage, corn, green beans, carrots, broccoli, and onions, seasoned with Caribbean spices like garlic, thyme, and Scotch bonnet peppers.

These join the beloved Beef (Spicy & Mild), Chicken, and Jerk Chicken varieties, ensuring something for every craving.

“We are proud to grow the reach and legacy of Golden Krust’s authentic Caribbean products with the launch of Island Select, a new sub-brand now available exclusively at Walmart,” said Steven Clarke, Golden Krust’s Vice President of Marketing.

Convenience & Nationwide Availability

Now available in 1,600 Walmart locations across 30 states, the Golden Krust Island Select patties are easy to prepare in the microwave, oven, or air fryer. Each pack contains two patties, making them a convenient and satisfying option for home, work, or on the go.

Golden Krust continues to expand its presence beyond its 100+ restaurants, with frozen patties and baked goods available in over 22,000 retail locations nationwide, including Walmart, Publix, Target, and ShopRite.

For more information, visit goldenkrust.com.