Haitian-American Fugees Rapper Pras Michel To Spend 14 Years In Jail

November 21, 2025/0 Comments/in news /by

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Nov. 21, 2025: Haitian-American rapper Pras Michel, a founding member of the legendary hip-hop group the Fugees, was sentenced on Nov. 20th to 14 years in federal prison following his 2023 conviction on multiple charges including conspiracy, money laundering, and illegal foreign lobbying.

Michel, whose full name is Prakazrel Samuel Michel, received the sentence from Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly in a Washington, D.C. federal courtroom, according to Billboard. After completing his prison term, he will also serve three years of supervised release. Federal prosecutors had pushed for a much longer sentence spanning several decades, while Michel’s attorneys urged the court to impose no more than three years.

Michel is expected to surrender on January 27th, and his legal team plans to appeal both the conviction and the sentence.

“Throughout his career, Pras has broken barriers,” said spokesperson Erica Dumas. “This is not the end of his story. He appreciates the outpouring of support as he approaches the next chapter.”

Michel was first indicted in 2019 on charges of funneling illegal foreign donations into Barack Obama’s 2012 re-election campaign. In 2021, prosecutors expanded the indictment to include additional counts of bank fraud, witness tampering, concealing material facts, violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), and acting as an unregistered agent for China.

The case centered on Michel’s ties to Malaysian financier Low Taek Jho, the fugitive at the center of the massive 1MDB corruption scandal involving the theft of $4.5 billion. Prosecutors said Michel helped route money connected to the scheme and participated in a covert lobbying effort aimed at getting the Trump administration to drop investigations into Low and to facilitate the deportation of a Chinese dissident.

After his conviction, Michel sought a retrial, arguing his former attorney used an AI-generated closing argument, which he claimed amounted to ineffective counsel – a request the court ultimately rejected.

Amid the legal turmoil, Michel briefly reunited with Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean for Fugees performances in 2023 but later distanced himself from additional reunion plans.

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT PRAS

1: Pras was born in Brooklyn to Haitian parents. He was raised in Irvington, New Jersey and attended Columbia High School in Maplewood, New Jersey.

2. When he was 15, he met Hill in school. In 1988, Pras introduced Hill to Wyclef Jean. Pras, Jean, and Hill began to rehearse under the guidance of Kool and the Gang’s producer, Ronald Khalis Bell, and subsequently they formed a musical group called The Rap Translators in 1989 (also known as Tranzlator Crew).

2: They would go on to become one of the most influential hip-hop groups of the 1990s with Pras as the founding member of the Grammy-winning group, The Fugees.

3: Beyond The Fugees’ multi-platinum success with The Score, Michel built a solo career with global hits like “Ghetto Supastar,” and expanded into film, producing documentaries such as Skid Row and the award-winning Sweet Micky For President.

4: His political involvement grew over the years, including fundraising for Democratic causes – activities that ultimately became central to the federal case that led to his conviction and the 14-year prison sentence.

Jamaica Needs To Rebuild A More Resilient, Less Tourism-Dependent Economy

November 21, 2025/0 Comments/in news /by

An Analysis By NAN BUSINESS EDITOR

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Nov. 21, 2025: Jamaica now has a clearer picture of the devastation left behind by Hurricane Melissa. According to a new joint assessment by the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank, (IDB), the storm caused US$8.8 billion in physical damage – equal to 41% of Jamaica’s 2024 GDP and the costliest hurricane in Jamaica’s recorded history.

An aerial view shows damaged buildings in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa in Lewis Town, St Elizabeth, Jamaica, on October 31, 2025. (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

This preliminary estimate comes from the Global Rapid Damage Estimation (GRADE) methodology, which analyzes sector-by-sector destruction. The figures do not include broader economic losses, which are expected to be substantial. That means Jamaica’s total recovery need may still approach — or exceed — the US$10 billion figure cited by Jamaican Finance Minister Dr. Nigel Clarke.

The breakdown of physical damage shows the scale of the crisis:

41% — Residential buildings

33% — Infrastructure (roads, bridges, ports, utilities)

21% — Non-residential buildings (businesses, schools, hospitals)

5% — Agriculture (though losses to farms and livestock are likely to surge over the long term)

“This disaster demands a fast, coordinated, and evidence-based response,” said IDB Vice President Anabel González. The World Bank echoed that sentiment, reaffirming its readiness to “mobilize its full range of support.”

But even with multilateral assistance, Jamaica faces a difficult truth: the country cannot rebuild its economy on the same fragile foundation that climate change is repeatedly destroying.

Climate Reality: Jamaica Cannot Depend on Tourism Alone

State Minister Alando Terrelonge, during field assessments in St. James and St. Elizabeth, stated bluntly that Hurricane Melissa “reflects the growing climate vulnerability of Small Island Developing States, (SIDS),” warning that climate-related disasters pose a “direct threat to life, property, and economic and national security.”

Tourism — Jamaica’s largest foreign exchange earner — is also its most exposed industry:

Hotels are built on vulnerable coastlines

Insurance premiums have soared beyond affordability

Storms wipe out years of investment in hours

Airline disruptions reduce arrivals

Tourism jobs vanish instantly after disasters

U.S. economic uncertainty affects visitor spending

Cruise lines dominate arrivals but deliver minimal local revenue

Jamaica, like the wider Caribbean, cannot keep rebuilding the same tourism-centric model that collapses every hurricane season.

Melissa proves: Economic diversification is no longer optional — it is a survival strategy.

**So How Can Jamaica Potentially Mobilize the Funds It Needs?**

Given the updated GRADE findings, Jamaica will need a layered, multi-year financing strategy. Below are realistic, responsible pathways — not guarantees — based on global best practices for SIDS and the instruments the World Bank, IDB, CDB, and partners already use.

1. Additional Multilateral Financing (Possible US$2–3B Over 3–5 Years)

The World Bank and IDB have already activated some disaster-response instruments, but the agencies publicly confirmed:

“We are ready to mobilize our full range of support.”

This could include:

expanded IDB resilience loans

new World Bank climate-resilient infrastructure windows

targeted CDB emergency programs

Green Climate Fund adaptation financing

Japan-funded disaster-risk programs (already tied to GRADE)

These would require new negotiation rounds and multi-year programming.

2. Diaspora Bonds & Investment Notes (US$500M–1B Potential)

Jamaica’s diaspora is powerful, high-earning, and deeply connected. A “Rebuild Jamaica 2030 Diaspora Bond” series is one of the most viable tools available. Even modest uptake could raise hundreds of millions.

3. Catastrophe & Resilience Bonds (US$250M–500M)

Beyond CCRIF, Jamaica could structure its own cat or resilience bonds — instruments increasingly used by climate-vulnerable countries to pre-finance future risk.

4. Public–Private Partnerships (US$500M–1B)

PPPs can accelerate funding for:

hospitals

roads and bridges

renewable energy

water and wastewater infrastructure

coastal protection

telecom upgrades

This eases fiscal pressure while modernizing infrastructure.

5. Sector-Specific Donor Windows (US$500M–1B)

Especially strong opportunities exist in:

Resilient housing reconstruction

Climate-smart agriculture and agri-tech

Tourism resilience retrofitting

Digital and creative services

Renewable energy and microgrid expansion

These areas align perfectly with donor priorities for SIDS.

Total Possible Funding Pathway: US$4–7 Billion

Not guaranteed — but achievable with coordination, diplomacy, and clear investment frameworks. The remaining gap could be covered through domestic reprioritization, private capital, and phased rebuilding.

Rebuilding Better: What Jamaica Must Do Now

Here is where we fold in the “look beyond tourism” message grounded in the official climate vulnerability framing:

1. Climate-Resilient Housing & Infrastructure

Elevated homes, stronger building codes, underground utilities, seawalls, river training, mangrove restoration.

2. Climate-Smart Agriculture & Agri-Tech

Greenhouses, aquaculture, drought-resistant crops, digital farming — reducing Jamaica’s food-import vulnerability.

3. Digital & Modern Services (Low Climate Exposure)

Animation, fintech, creative industries, remote services — sectors that continue operating even after storms.

4. Renewable Energy Independence

Solar microgrids, wind, storage, resilient energy hubs — reducing reliance on imported fuel.

5. Nearshoring & Light Manufacturing

ECLAC’s new data shows Jamaica now faces lower U.S. tariffs than Asia — a strategic opening for exports.

The Road Ahead

Hurricane Melissa marks a turning point. Jamaica must rebuild — but not back to what it was. The Government’s early damage assessments and calls from Minister Terrelonge make the message clear: Jamaica must rebuild safer, stronger, and more climate-resilient — and it must diversify beyond tourism to survive the next generation of storms.

RELATED: Jamaican Global Diaspora Pitches In: Here Are The Credible Organizations To Support Hurricane Melissa Victims

Caribbean Stars Unite For ‘Jamaica Strong’ Benefit Concert To Raise $1 Million For Hurricane Melissa Relief

November 20, 2025/0 Comments/in news /by

BY NAN ET EDITOR

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Thurs. Nov. 20, 2205: A powerhouse lineup of Caribbean music heavyweights will hit the stage in New York this December for the Jamaica Strong Benefit Concert, a major fundraising event aimed at supporting the island’s recovery after the devastation of Hurricane Melissa.

Caribbean stars unite for the Jamaica Strong Benefit Concert on Dec. 12 at UBS Arena, raising up to $1M for Hurricane Melissa relief and rebuilding efforts.

The concert — produced by Jammins Events as part of the “I Love Jamaica Concert Series” — is set for Friday, December 12, 2025, at UBS Arena in Belmont, NY, and aims to raise up to US$1 million for Jamaica’s official Hurricane Relief & Recovery Fund. Net proceeds will go directly toward rebuilding homes, restoring communities, and providing food, medical care, and long-term support to families hardest hit.

The effort brings together some of the biggest names in reggae, dancehall, soca, and Jamaican culture. The lineup includes:

Shaggy

Sean Paul

Kes

Inner Circle

Ky-Mani Marley

Tessanne Chin

Aidonia

Chronic Law

T.O.K.

Gramps Morgan

Richie Stephens

Mikey Spice

Marcia Griffiths

I-Octane

Kevin Downswell

More artists are expected to be added in the coming days.

The event is being staged in partnership with Irie Jam Radio, The Shaggy Make A Difference Foundation, The Sean Paul Foundation, and several Caribbean diaspora organizations, with the endorsement of the Government of Jamaica.

“This is a practical way for us all to support the response and get resources where they’re needed,” said Christopher Chin, CEO of VP Records, one of the coordinating partners behind the scenes.

Diaspora Relief Efforts Already Underway

The benefit concert follows an extraordinary show of diaspora-led humanitarian action earlier this month. On November 10 and 11, more than 100,000 pounds of critical supplies were flown to Jamaica through the Mission of Hope: Humanitarian Flights to Jamaica, spearheaded by Captain Barrington Irving, the Jamaican-born aviation pioneer and Guinness World Record holder.

The two-day mission – powered by Captain Irving’s nonprofit Experience Aviation – brought together a coalition of foundations, including:

The Buju Banton Foundation

Best of the Best Foundation

We The Best Foundation

The Miami-Dade County Commissioner’s Office

Other corporate, cultural, and diaspora donors

Supplies were delivered aboard a Boeing 737-800 cargo jet and Captain Irving’s personal aircraft, landing at Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston before being dispatched to hard-hit communities across the island.

“We are incorporating and aligning ourselves as the foundations and working together to make a difference,” said Grammy winning Jamaican singer, Buju Banton, emphasizing the urgency of sustained support. “Remember Jamaica in your prayers, remember Jamaica in your giving.”

Captain Irving, known for leading past humanitarian missions in the Bahamas and the U.S. after major storms, said the Jamaica flights show what unity across borders can achieve.

Supporting Jamaica’s Recovery

With Hurricane Melissa leaving widespread destruction in its wake — from washed-out roads and damaged homes to dislocated families – the Jamaica Strong Benefit Concert represents the next major push to fund recovery efforts.

Tickets are available now on Ticketmaster.

For the Caribbean Diaspora, it is another moment of collective mobilization – proof that even in the face of disaster, Jamaica and its people are never alone.

RELATED: Jamaican Global Diaspora Pitches In: Here Are The Credible Organizations To Support Hurricane Melissa Victims

Why Tourism Can No Longer Carry the Caribbean Economy — And What Must Come Next

November 20, 2025/0 Comments/in news /by

By Felicia J. Persaud

News Americas, NY, NY, Thurs. Nov. 20, 2025: The latest Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) report delivers the clearest warning yet: Caribbean economies must urgently diversify, deepen regional integration, and expand into higher-value exports as global trade undergoes a historic shift.

Tourism Can No Longer Carry the Caribbean

According to the International Trade Outlook for Latin America and the Caribbean 2025, U.S. tariffs – imposed and adjusted repeatedly this year – are reshaping global trade patterns. While major exporters in Asia now face tariffs as high as 100%, Caribbean countries face an average effective tariff of only ~10% when exporting to the U.S. This positions the region for potential export gains in key sectors like apparel, agribusiness, medical devices, and digitally delivered services.

But the report makes another point even more urgent: the region’s overreliance on tourism is becoming economically dangerous.

ECLAC notes that foreign direct investment (FDI) in the region has fallen 53% in 2025 – largely due to global uncertainty, new U.S. trade policies, and a geopolitical climate increasingly hostile to low-diversified economies. Caribbean service exports remain strong, but the bulk still comes from tourism, a sector ECLAC warns is “highly vulnerable to climate shocks, external demand fluctuations, and rising global risks.”

The call is clear: the Caribbean cannot depend on tourism alone in the era of climate change, global volatility, and rising trade uncertainty.

Tourism Can No Longer Carry the Caribbean

The region’s dependence on tourism has always been a double-edged sword – lucrative in good times, devastating in bad ones. Today, that fragility is magnified by a historic convergence of pressures:

Tourism alone cannot withstand:

Climate change – Stronger hurricanes, higher sea levels, reef die-off, saltwater intrusion, and chronic flooding.

Rising insurance costs – Premiums for hotels and coastal assets have more than doubled in parts of the region, threatening closures.

Extreme weather – Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic destruction in Jamaica underscores the regional vulnerability.

Airline disruptions – Higher costs, route rationalization, and climate-related flight impacts reduce visitor arrivals.

U.S. economic slowdown – The region’s largest tourism source market is tightening its spending.

Geopolitical tension – Tariff wars, instability, and shifting U.S. foreign policy all drive unpredictable shocks.

Cruise ship dominance – Mass tourism keeps growing while local earnings stay disproportionately low.

Each of these forces alone is problematic. Together, they make tourism structurally unreliable as a long-term development strategy.

And the evidence is already here.

Jamaica’s $10 Billion Warning

Jamaica’s government now estimates that damage from Hurricane Melissa will require US$10 billion in reconstruction funding. Hotels, roads, beaches, homes, farms, water systems, telecommunications, and energy infrastructure all suffered heavy losses.

This is not a one-off event – it is the new climate reality. Rebuilding the same tourism-centric model guarantees that:

the next extreme event will wipe out gains again,

governments will remain trapped in recovery cycles,

and long-term growth will be permanently constrained.

The Caribbean cannot keep rebuilding the same economic model that keeps breaking.

So What Comes Next? A Pivot the Region Can No Longer Delay

If tourism cannot carry the Caribbean through the next 20 years of climate and geopolitical volatility, what can? Three pillars now present the strongest path forward — and all align with ECLAC’s recommendations and emerging global market shifts.

1. Agri-Tech & Food Security

ECLAC highlights that the region imports over US$6 billion in food annually — despite fertile land, tropical conditions, and new technologies capable of boosting yields even in drought-prone zones.

A Caribbean agri-tech push can include:

climate-resilient greenhouses

controlled-environment agriculture

agro-processing for export

aquaculture + blue economy tech

digital supply-chain management

smart irrigation and water innovation

This is not theory – investors are already moving into these areas because the opportunity is massive and urgent.

2. Modern Services & Tech Exports

ECLAC’s most troubling statistic: The Caribbean represents less than 2% of global modern service exports. This is the region’s greatest untapped economic engine.

Key opportunities include:

digital outsourcing

fintech and compliance services

medical transcription + health IT

animation, design, digital creative industries

AI-enabled back-office services

These are sectors where:

hurricanes cannot cancel revenue,

diaspora talent is abundant,

and global demand is surging.

3. Nearshoring, Light Manufacturing & Logistics

The U.S.–China trade restructuring and rising tariffs have created a rare opening in Caribbean shipping lanes. The region can scale:

medical device assembly

electronics + small components

apparel and fashion manufacturing

pharmaceutical packaging

logistics hubs tied to Miami, Houston, and Panama

ECLAC estimates these sectors offer the highest potential for “productive transformation” in the next 5–10 years.

The Path Forward

The ECLAC report is both a warning and a roadmap.

The warning:

Tourism – long the Caribbean’s comfort zone—is no longer strong enough to withstand the coming storms, economic or climatic.

The roadmap:

Diversify now.
Strengthen trade links.
Move into higher-value sectors.
Mobilize investment differently.
Solve for resilience, not vulnerability.

The Caribbean can no longer afford to be a single-pillar economy. It must become a multi-sector, export-oriented, climate-resilient region capable of withstanding uncertainty – not collapsing under it.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The writer is a Caribbean-born journalist and entrepreneur, founder of Invest Caribbean, and CEO of ICN Group.

The Caribbean Contestants Of Miss Universe 2025

November 20, 2025/0 Comments/in news /by

By NAN ET EDITOR

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Thurs. Nov. 20, 2025: Several Caribbean contestants are proudly representing the region at the Miss Universe 2025 pageant in Thailand tonight – but the celebration took a somber turn after Miss Universe Jamaica, Dr. Gabrielle Henry, suffered a shocking and dangerous fall straight off the stage during Wednesday’s preliminary show. Henry, an ophthalmologist and advocate for the visually impaired, was rushed out on a stretcher. As of press time, no official update has been released on her condition, and her Miss Universe journey remains uncertain. While Jamaica anxiously awaits news, here are other Caribbean contestants of Miss Universe 2025 tonight.

Miss Aruba – Hannah Arends

Arends, 24, launched her first business at just 13 — a kids’ sushi concept called “Kids Dushi Sushi.” She holds a bachelor’s degree in law and is completing her master’s in civil law while working as a paralegal.

A singer-songwriter who also plays guitar and drums, Arends dreams of creating businesses centered on culinary arts, entertainment, and community development. She also leads a financial literacy and life-skills initiative for teens.

Miss Bahamas – Maliqué Maranda Bowe

Miss Bahamas Malique Maranda Bowe walks on stage during the 2025 Miss Universe national costume presentation in Nonthaburi province, north of Bangkok on November 19, 2025. (Photo by LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA/AFP via Getty Images)

Maliqué Bowe, 25, graduated magna cum laude with a degree in accounting and has graced the runway at New York Fashion Week.

Diagnosed with anxiety at age 10 and later high-functioning depression, Bowe says pageantry helped her regain confidence. Her platform focuses on mental health awareness, trauma recovery, and youth empowerment across the Bahamas.

Miss Belize – Isabella Zabaneh

Miss Universe Belize Isabella Zabaneh at the Los Angeles premiere of Footage Films’ “Run” at TCL Chinese Theatre on August 27, 2025 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images)

Zabaneh, 21, is pursuing a master’s in professional communication. At age 15, she founded Project Royalty, a nonprofit that provides prom dresses and mentorship to young women.

She has traveled to more than 20 countries and worked in reconciliation programs in a conflict zone during her time in the Middle East.

Miss Bonaire – Nicole Peiliker-Visser

Miss Bonaire Nicole Peiliker Visser walks on stage during the 2025 Miss Universe national costume presentation in Nonthaburi, north of Bangkok, on November 19, 2025. (Photo by LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA/AFP via Getty Images)

At 42, Peiliker-Visser is one of the oldest contestants this year. A mother of four, she once managed a bank and later returned home to focus on family before entering pageantry, inspired by her daughter’s success at Mini Miss Universe.

She uses her platform to promote confidence, representation, and community purpose.

Miss British Virgin Islands – Olivia Freeman

Miss British Virgin Islands Olivia Margaret Freeman walks on stage during the 2025 Miss Universe national costume presentation in Nonthaburi, north of Bangkok, on November 19, 2025. (Photo by LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA/AFP via Getty Images)

Freeman, 22, is a standout academic who served as head prefect and head girl in school before earning an honors degree in economics from Georgia State University.

She supported herself through school by offering professional braiding services. Today, she works as a budget officer at the BVI Ministry of Finance.

Miss Cayman Islands – Tahiti Moorea Seymour

Miss Cayman Islands Tahiti Moorea Seymour walks on stage during the 2025 Miss Universe national costume presentation in Nonthaburi province, north of Bangkok on November 19, 2025. (Photo by LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA/AFP via Getty Images)

Seymour, 22, holds a degree in politics and international relations from Queen Mary University of London and is an actress, model, and multilingual martial artist with a black belt in Purple Dragon Don Jitsu Ryu.

She partnered with the United Nations to launch the Zero Hunger Universe campaign.

Miss Cuba – Lina Luaces

Miss Cuba Lina Luaces walks on stage during the 2025 Miss Universe national costume presentation in Nonthaburi, north of Bangkok, on November 19, 2025. (Photo by LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA/AFP via Getty Images)

Luaces, 23, was raised in Miami by her Cuban parents and is a professional model who has worked with brands like Victoria’s Secret. She became certified in nutrition after overcoming depression.

She collaborates with the Adolescent Wellness Academy to support teens recovering from substance abuse.

Miss Curaçao – Camille Thomas

Thomas, 26, attended a military academy in North Carolina where she held leadership posts, and later studied psychology, theater, and acting.

Back in Curaçao, she co-owns a restaurant and helps run her family’s farm, which donates food to underserved youth. She also leads a community project repainting homes for elderly neighbors. Thomas is fluent in four languages and is an experienced archer and freediver.

Miss Dominican Republic – Jennifer Ventura

Ventura, 27, holds dual degrees in civil engineering and a master’s in business management. She is CEO of her construction firm, Ventmar .Her advocacy for autism families is fueled by personal tragedy — she lost her mother in the Jet Set nightclub roof collapse earlier this year.

Miss Guadeloupe – Ophély Mézino

Mézino, 26, has found success as a model and actress, appearing in the Netflix hit “Lupin.”

Miss Guadeloupe Ophely Mezino walks on stage during the 2025 Miss Universe national costume presentation in Nonthaburi province, north of Bangkok on November 19, 2025. (Photo by LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA/AFP via Getty Images)

She learned sign language before speaking, as both her parents are deaf. She co-founded Un Mot, Un Signe, supporting the deaf community, and also champions survivors of domestic violence through her initiative, We Are HERd.

Miss Guyana – Chandini Baljor

Miss Guyana Chandini Baljor walks on stage during the 2025 Miss Universe national costume presentation in Nonthaburi province, north of Bangkok on November 19, 2025. (Photo by LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA/AFP via Getty Images)

Baljor, 23, is simultaneously pursuing a medical degree and a degree in public health. Her goal is to expand equitable healthcare access across the region.

She also owns a baking business, Popalicious, and has been published for her poetry and photography.

Miss Haiti – Melissa Sapini

Miss Haiti Melissa Sapini walks on stage during the 2025 Miss Universe national costume presentation in Nonthaburi province, north of Bangkok on November 19, 2025. (Photo by LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA/AFP via Getty Images)

Sapini, 22, is a model, broadcast journalist, and sports reporter who began appearing on-air at age 18. She has appeared on “Hell’s Kitchen” and in a Super Bowl campaign for Dunkin’.

Although born in the U.S., she proudly uplifts her Haitian heritage and co-founded The Two Queens Foundation to improve literacy and scholarships for Haitian children, inspired by her grandmother who learned to read at 78.

Miss Martinique – Célya Abatucci

Abatucci, 31, works in management and sustainable development and previously worked for L’Oréal. She advocates for women’s health, domestic violence awareness, and greater access to menstrual and healthcare products.

Miss Puerto Rico – Zashley Alicea Rivera

Rivera, 26, is a ballerina, gymnast, model, graphic designer, and social-media manager. She founded ElevArte, offering free dance and art programs for youth.

Miss Saint Lucia – Shianne Smith

Miss Saint Lucia Shianne Smith walks on stage during the 2025 Miss Universe national costume presentation in Nonthaburi, north of Bangkok, on November 19, 2025. (Photo by LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA/AFP via Getty Images)

Smith, 21, is a neuroscience student who survived a life-threatening birth. She founded Mindfield, a digital mental-health platform, and has presented mental-health advocacy at the UN ECOSOC Youth Forum.

Miss Trinidad & Tobago – Latifah Morris

Morris, 32, is a mother, entrepreneur, and founder of the BBL Movement — Building A Better Life, supporting youth empowerment.

Miss Turks & Caicos – Bereniece Dickenson

Dickenson, 22, overcame discrimination, poverty, and limited access to education. She earned multiple scholarships and founded The Butterfly Effect Project to support young women.

Miss US Virgin Islands – Brittany Robinson

Robinson, 33, became a caregiver early in life and has worked in hospitality for 17 years. She is the founder of BARE Artistry and advocates for women’s entrepreneurship.

Despite the Drama, the Show Goes On

The 2025 Miss Universe pageant has already been marked by controversy — from onstage falls to viral confrontations — but the competition continues. A new Miss Universe will be crowned Friday morning in Thailand by reigning queen Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark.

HOW TO WATCH

Fans in the U.S. can tune in to the Miss Universe 2025 final on Telemundo, which will air the full show live in Spanish, or stream it via Peacock (Spanish) or The Roku Channel (English). Viewers around the world can also watch the event for free on the official Miss Universe YouTube channel.

The final airs November 20, 2025, at 8:00 PM ET.

Where to Watch:
English:
• The Roku Channel – Free for all Roku device users or through the Roku app.

Spanish:
• Telemundo – Live TV broadcast.
• Peacock – Live streaming on the platform.

Worldwide Free Stream:
• Miss Universe YouTube Channel – Available globally at no cost.

Miss Jamaica’s Dreams Now Hang In The Balance After Terrifying Fall At Miss Universe 2025

November 19, 2025/0 Comments/in news /by

By NAN ET EDITOR

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. Nov. 19, 2025: Miss Jamaica’s Miss Universe dreams now hang in the balance after contestant Dr. Gabrielle Henry suffered a shocking and frightening fall straight off the stage during the Miss Universe 2025 preliminary competition in Thailand.

Miss Jamaica Universe fell off the stage at the pageant.

Henry was confidently gliding across the runway in a shimmering evening gown on Wednesday night, Thai time, when she suddenly stepped off the front edge of the stage and vanished from view. The impact was so severe that viewers watching the livestream gasped in horror, with many saying they felt the shock through their screens.

Within seconds, what appeared to be medical staff rushed toward her. Henry was later seen being taken away on a stretcher. As of now, the Miss Universe Organization has not released an official update on her condition, leaving fans across Jamaica and the wider Caribbean anxiously awaiting news.

Rumors Swirl: Was There A Hole In The Stage?

Henry’s fall has ignited intense speculation online, with many questioning whether an unseen hole or platform gap caused the accident. Contestants typically rehearse every step of their walks, making such a sudden misstep highly unusual.

Her facial expression moments before the plunge suggested she encountered something unexpected, fueling the speculation. Miss Great Britain also fell earlier during the National Costume segment, though she quickly recovered and continued.

FLASHBACK – Miss Jamaica Gabrielle Henry walks on stage during the 2025 Miss Universe national costume presentation in Nonthaburi, north of Bangkok, on November 19, 2025. (Photo by LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA/AFP via Getty Images)

A High-Pressure Miss Universe Competition Already Marked by Controversy

The 2025 Miss Universe pageant, held in Thailand, was already under intense scrutiny even before the accidents. This edition marks the historic debuts of Palestine, Saudi Arabia, and Mozambique, alongside the return of several nations — adding to the global excitement and pressure.

Contestants have been navigating a packed schedule of rehearsals, interviews, photoshoots, cultural activities, and the crucial preliminary gala — the very event where Henry fell. Prelims play a major role in shaping who becomes a frontrunner for the crown among the 120+ delegates.

Yet the pageant has also been overshadowed by controversy. Earlier this month, newly crowned Miss Universe Victoria Theilvig abruptly walked out of a live-streamed sashing ceremony after witnessing a senior official harshly reprimand Miss Mexico, Melissa Flores Bosch. The tense confrontation went viral, with fans calling it “chaotic,” “unprofessional,” and “humiliating.”

The Miss Universe Organization later issued a statement reaffirming that all events would continue as planned, emphasizing its commitment to diversity, empowerment, and inclusion.

A Heartbreaking Setback for Miss Jamaica

For Dr. Henry — who was steadily building momentum and capturing viewer attention — the timing of the fall is devastating. The preliminary show is where contestants begin to separate themselves from the pack and cement their place as semifinal contenders.

Now, instead of celebrating a strong performance, fans are praying for her health and hoping her Miss Universe journey can somehow continue.

Across Jamaica and the diaspora, messages of support have poured in — all urging Henry to recover quickly and reminding her that she has already made her country proud.

See the fall below.

ABOUT MISS JAMAICA UNIVERSE

Dr. Gabrielle Henry – Miss Universe Jamaica 2025 – is an ophthalmologist and passionate advocate for the visually impaired. She was crowned in August 2025 and is representing Jamaica at the 74th Miss Universe pageant in Thailand.

She founded the See Me Foundation, dedicated to expanding educational and economic opportunities for people with reduced vision. Her inspiration comes from her mother and from witnessing firsthand the challenges faced by visually impaired patients during her medical training.

Henry won several sectional awards at Miss Universe Jamaica 2025, including Best Personality, Best Essence of Style, and the Media Challenge Award.

Her guiding belief: “Beauty is not just in what can be seen but what is felt when people uplift one another.”

Why Is Nicki Minaj Singing Donald Trump’s Praises?

November 19, 2025/0 Comments/in news /by

By ET Editor

News Americas, NY, NY, Tues. Nov. 17, 2025: Trinidad and Tobago–born rapper Nicki Minaj shocked many more today, publicly praising President Donald Trump and thanking him from the podium of the United Nations Headquarters. Her appearance — the first time a female rapper has addressed the UN — instantly raised eyebrows across the Caribbean, the African Diaspora and the immigrant and music world.

Trinidadian-US rapper Nicki Minaj speaks during the panel discussion “Combatting Religious Violence and the Killing of Christians in Nigeria” at the US Mission to the United Nations in New York City, on November 18, 2025. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)

But Minaj’s sudden embrace of Trump is rooted in one specific issue: what she sees as the “persecution” of Christians in Nigeria.

The megastar spoke softly but firmly during a four-minute address ahead of a panel titled “Combating Religious Violence and the Killing of Christians in Nigeria.” She thanked Trump “for prioritizing this issue,” claiming Christians in Nigeria are being killed “simply because of how they pray.”

Her comments echoed Trump’s own narrative. And that is precisely where the controversy lies.

A Coordinated Appearance – Not an Organic One

According to reporting by TIME, Minaj’s participation was arranged by Trump adviser Alex Bruesewitz. Before she took the podium, UN Ambassador Mike Waltz thanked her for being willing to “demand action” on behalf of Christians.

This follows a recent pattern: Minaj has repeatedly amplified Trump’s messaging online, including:

• reposting a Truth Social message claiming Christianity faces an “existential threat” in Nigeria
• sharing a White House pro-MAGA video soundtracked by her own hit “Beez In the Trap”
• promoting a xenophobic and anti-trans video praising Trump’s achievements — a move that cost her more than 100,000 followers

In each instance, Minaj publicly aligned herself with Trump’s framing of Nigeria’s violence as a one-sided religious war.

But Is Trump’s Claim True?

Research indicates otherwise.

Independent data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project, (ACLED) and the Council on Foreign Relations, shows violence in Nigeria is complex — driven by overlapping factors including:

• extremist activity
• criminal banditry
• farmer–herder land disputes
• economic insecurity
• political instability

Not religion alone.

Experts interviewed by ABC, CNN, and Al-Jazeera agree: The violence is indiscriminate and affects both Christians and Muslims.

Nigerian officials have repeatedly pushed back on the “Christians only” framing. Gimba Kakanda, Senior Special Assistant to the Nigerian President, wrote in Al-Jazeera that conflicts often “unfold along regional or community lines, not strictly religious ones.”

Human rights lawyer Bulama Bukarti added that presenting the crisis as Christian persecution alone “distorts reality and inflames tensions.”

Why Minaj Aligns With Trump — The Real Answer

Based on the timeline, three factors explain her sudden praise:

1. She has increasingly embraced faith-based rhetoric.

Minaj has recently emphasized Christianity as central to her identity and public messaging. Trump’s narrative directly appeals to that shift.

2. Trump is elevating celebrity voices who amplify his foreign-policy messaging.

Her UN appearance was facilitated by Trump’s political team — not by the UN itself. This was a platform engineered to validate his claim.

3. Minaj may be stepping into political influence — intentionally or unknowingly.

By repeating Trump’s talking points, she instantly became a megaphone for his Nigeria narrative — even though the data behind it is contested.

Minaj Says She’s “Not Taking Sides” — But Her Speech Chose One

Late in her speech, she emphasized she was “not taking sides politically.” But thanking Trump first — and exclusively — contradicted that claim. Her remarks came after Trump threatened to “invade Nigeria guns-a-blazing” to stop supposed “Islamic extremists,” despite no evidence of a religion-only genocide.

What This Means Going Forward

Nicki Minaj — a Caribbean-born global superstar with massive influence — has now waded into one of Africa’s most misunderstood crises.
Her endorsement gives Trump’s Nigeria narrative celebrity amplification, even as researchers and Nigerian leaders warn that such framing can worsen division on the ground.

Whether Minaj intended to or not, she has become part of a geopolitical messaging war — one where data and politics often clash.

For now, the answer to the question: “Why is Nicki Minaj singing Trump’s praises?” is clear:

Because she has embraced his narrative on Nigeria – a narrative her team has not independently vetted, but which aligns with Trump’s strategy, messaging and political goals.

Watch The Speech Here

Will The Trump Administration Allow Temporary Protected Status For Jamaicans?

November 18, 2025/0 Comments/in news /by

By NAN Staffwriter

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Tues. Nov. 18, 2025: New York Attorney General Letitia James is urging the Trump administration to grant Temporary Protected Status, (TPS), to Jamaicans following the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, which struck western Jamaica on October 28 and killed at least 45 people.

In a letter to the Department of Homeland Security, (DHS), James called for an immediate TPS designation to ensure Jamaicans already in the U.S. can safely live and work here while their homeland begins the long recovery.

A man walks with a shovel in hand over rubble on Main Street in Santa Cruz, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica on October 29, 2025. (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

“Hurricane Melissa has caused unimaginable damage… displacing tens of thousands of people and destroying vital infrastructure,” James said. “Forcing Jamaicans in the United States to return home to a devastated island would be dangerous and cruel. Situations like this are exactly what TPS was intended for.”

Melissa was the most intense storm to ever hit Jamaica, wiping out homes, schools, roads, businesses, and essential services. An estimated 30,000 households have been displaced, and many communities remain without electricity, clean water, or medical care. Early damage estimates exceed US$2 billion.

James noted that the U.S. has a long humanitarian precedent of granting TPS after major natural disasters. Honduras and Nicaragua received TPS after Hurricane Mitch in 1999. Haiti received TPS after the 2010 earthquake, and Nepal after its 2015 quake.

Elected officials representing New York’s Caribbean communities strongly backed the call.

Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, who recently led 43 members of Congress in a letter to DHS urging TPS for Jamaica, said the devastation demands a swift humanitarian response.

“Stopping the forceful expulsion of Jamaican nationals into dangerous, unsafe conditions… is a moral and diplomatic obligation,” Clarke said. “These are the precise moments for which Congress established TPS.”

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr., the son of a Jamaican immigrant, said the scenes coming out of Jamaica “break my heart.”

“The Trump administration must immediately extend TPS to Jamaicans as they begin the arduous, painstaking work of rebuilding their lives,” Richards said.

Assemblymembers Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, Brian Cunningham, and Alicia Hyndman also voiced support, noting the deep ties between Jamaica and New York and the unsafe conditions faced by returning nationals.

New York City Council Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers said extending TPS is both a humanitarian duty and a reflection of America’s long-standing relationship with Jamaica.

“The devastation left behind by Hurricane Melissa is unimaginable,” she said. “Extending TPS is not only the right thing to do — it is a critical measure that honors our city’s deep ties to Jamaica.”

For now, the decision rests with the Trump administration. The question lingers: Will they act? The administration has so far ended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 17 countries, front and center among them: Haiti, whose TPS will expire in February 3, 2026, short of the success of the current lawsuit against the termination. Other nations who have lost, or who risk losing, TPS in 2025, include Sudan, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, and Afghanistan.

ABOUT TPS

The Secretary of Homeland Security may designate a foreign country for TPS due to conditions in the country that temporarily prevent the country’s nationals from returning safely, or in certain circumstances, where the country is unable to handle the return of its nationals adequately. USCIS may grant TPS to eligible nationals of certain countries (or parts of countries), who are already in the United States. Eligible individuals without nationality who last resided in the designated country may also be granted TPS.

The Secretary may designate a country for TPS due to the following temporary conditions in the country:

Ongoing armed conflict (such as civil war)

An environmental disaster (such as earthquake or hurricane), or an epidemic

Other extraordinary and temporary conditions

During a designated period, individuals who are TPS beneficiaries or who are found preliminarily eligible for TPS upon initial review of their cases (prima facie eligible):

Are not removable from the United States

Can obtain an employment authorization document (EAD)

May be granted travel authorization

Once granted TPS, an individual also cannot be detained by DHS on the basis of his or her immigration status in the United States.

TPS is a temporary benefit that does not lead to lawful permanent resident status or give any other immigration status. However, registration for TPS does not prevent you from:

Applying for nonimmigrant status

Filing for adjustment of status based on an immigrant petition

Applying for any other immigration benefit or protection for which you may be eligible

New Caribbean Music On This New Music Friday

November 14, 2025/0 Comments/in news /by

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Nov. 14, 2025: It’s New Music Friday, and the Caribbean is serving fresh heat across dancehall, soca, reggae, and fusion. From Shaggy’s star-powered collaboration with Akon and Aidonia to a new riddim packed with carnival heavy-hitters, here are the top Caribbean tracks you need on your playlist this week.

Yung Bredda – “Inch By Inch”

Yung Bredda is back with Inch By Inch

Trinidadian sensation Yung Bredda returns with another viral-ready soca banger, “Inch By Inch.” Produced by hitmaker Jason “Shaft” Bishop and Scott Galt for Dream Team Productions, the track blends infectious melodies with clean, polished production.

Stream: https://lnkfi.re/yung_bredda-inch_by_inch/
Watch video

Shaggy ft. Akon & Aidonia – “Boom Body”

Dancehall icon Shaggy is back with a massive collaboration linking Akon and Aidonia. “Boom Body,” dropping today via VP Records and Ranch Entertainment, is a high-energy fusion of island swagger and global pop flavor—co-produced by Shaggy and Costi Ionita. A certified club and carnival hit in the making.

LISTEN NOW

Erphaan Alves – “Soca For Life”

Trinidad’s melodic master Erphaan Alves delivers pure vibes on “Soca For Life,” produced by Lunatix Productions. It’s upbeat, feel-good, and ready for the 2026 carnival road.

Stream: https://codegroupmusic.ffm.to/erphaan-alves-soca-for-life

Fay-Ann Lyons & GusBus – “Carnival Break-Up”

Soca powerhouse Fay-Ann Lyons teams up with GusBus on “Carnival Break-Up,” a fresh 2026 release exploring a relationship gone sour during the festival season.

Stream: https://smmlinkup.com/carnivalbreakup
Audio HERE

Protoje x Mortimer x Romain Virgo x Alaine – “Feel It (Deluxe)”

Reggae star Protoje elevates his smooth single “Feel It” with a deluxe EP featuring Caribbean vocals from Mortimer, Romain Virgo, and Alaine. With production from The Indiggnation and Winta James, the project blends romance, roots reggae, and lush instrumentation.

Stream: https://ineffable.to/feelitdeluxe

Speaker Boxx Riddim – XplicitMevon

A new riddim is here – and it’s loaded.

Tracklist:
1⃣ Patrice Roberts & Nailah Blackman – Bad Gyal
2⃣ Rome & Nessa Preppy – Wassi
3⃣ Lyrikal – Road Ting
4⃣ Xplicitmevon – Speaker Boxx Riddim Instrumental

Watch “Bad Gyal”

Stream riddim: https://lnkfi.re/Speaker_Boxx_Riddim/

Rane Blackman – “Carnival Baby”

Barbadian soca artist Rane Blackman drops her 2026 anthem “Carnival Baby.” Produced by BadJohn Republic, the track features live guitar, sweet harmonies, and that signature Crop Over flair.

Stream: https://foxfuse.ffm.to/rane-blackman-carnival-baby
Audio HERE

Imani Ray – “Big Truck” (Funday Riddim)

USVI native Imani Ray unleashes big energy with “Big Truck,” produced by Infamous and backed by high-quality visuals from JD Imaging. It’s bold, bass-heavy, and perfect for fete season.

Stream: https://foxfuse.ffm.to/imani-ray-big-truck and check out the video HERE

Caribbean artists continue to push boundaries and shape global sound. Add these new releases to your playlist and stay locked in for next week’s drops.

Toronto Concert To Raise Funds For Hurricane Melissa Relief With Special Guests Skip Marley & Soul-Rebel Marley

November 13, 2025/0 Comments/in news /by

News Americas, TORONTO, Canada, Thurs. Nov. 13, 2025: Toronto will come alive with powerful music and even more powerful purpose this Friday as fast-rising Canadian-Jamaican artist King Cruff brings his “Bantu Knot Butu” Tour to Adelaide Hall. All ticket proceeds from the Toronto Concert will be donated to Hurricane Melissa relief efforts in partnership with The Bob Marley Foundation and The Rita Marley Foundation.

The Toronto stop on November 14th will feature a rare and star-studded Marley family moment, with Skip Marley and Soul-Rebel Marley joining King Cruff on stage as special guests. Jamaican-Canadian reggae songstress Naomi Cowan will also perform, ensuring an unforgettable night of talent rooted in Caribbean culture and global impact.

KING CRUFF

A Concert With A Mission

King Cruff, whose real name is Solomon Marley-Spence, says the outpouring of support since announcing the partnership with his grandparents’ foundations has been overwhelming.

“Jamaica has had such a massive influence not just on me, but on culture worldwide. It’s only right that we pay it forward any way we can,” Cruff shared.

The Bob and Rita Marley Foundation teams are already on the ground in Jamaica, providing food, clean water, hygiene kits, and emergency supplies to communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa. Funds raised from the Toronto show will directly support these ongoing relief efforts through the official Bob and Rita Marley Foundation Relief Fund.

King Cruff Drops New Single “6 MILLY”

The charity concert comes just as King Cruff releases his newest single “6 MILLY,” produced by The Boy Kam (Drake, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj). The track blends Toronto’s dancehall influence with the artist’s signature poetic grit.

“I wanted to take a stab at proper yearning music while keeping the badman energy,” Cruff explained. “It’s ‘Shotta In Love’ vibes.”

The single follows his summer hit “BUNCH,” recently highlighted by Billboard in its Reggae/Dancehall Fresh Picks. After a breakout year – including a JUNO nomination, festival stages, and touring with Stephen and Damian Marley – King Cruff is now stepping into his first-ever headlining tour.

Bantu Knot Butu Tour Dates

Nov. 14 – Toronto, ON – Adelaide Hall

Nov. 28 – Québec City, QC – District Saint-Joseph

Fans can join King Cruff’s mailing list for concert updates, new music, and exclusive merch drops.

A Night Of Music, Unity & One Love In Action

With the Marley family lending their voices and global supporters rallying behind Jamaica, Friday’s Toronto concert promises to be a celebration of culture, community, and collective healing.

As King Cruff says, this moment is about more than music: “United by #OneLoveInAction, we’re standing strong with the people of Jamaica.”

Jamaican Global Diaspora Pitches In: Here Are The Credible Organizations To Support Hurricane Melissa Victims