Caribbean Roots Journalist Lester Holt Calls Its A Day At “NBC Nightly News”

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News Americas, New York, NY, February 24, 2025: Veteran Caribbean roots journalist Lester Holt, who has anchored and served as managing editor of NBC Nightly News for the past decade, announced Monday that he will be stepping down from the broadcast at the beginning of the summer.

Holt, whose maternal roots trace back to Jamaica, will continue his full-time role at Dateline, where he has been the principal anchor for nearly 15 years, according to a memo shared with NBC News staff. The network has not yet named his successor.

Holt took over as Nightly News anchor in June 2015 after spending eight years helming the weekend editions of the program and co-anchoring Weekend TODAY for 12 years. He has also served as principal anchor of Dateline since September 2011.

“A smile comes to my face when I think that with Nightly News and Dateline, I have now anchored two of the most successful and iconic television news programs in broadcast history,” Holt wrote in a message to his colleagues. “As a 20-year-old radio reporter on the police beat chasing breaking news around San Francisco, I could never have imagined my career path would unfold in the way it has. What an amazing ride.”

Over the past decade, Holt has covered some of the most defining events of the era, including the political rise of Donald Trump, the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the ongoing war in Gaza. Recently, he co-anchored NBC’s election night coverage, traveled to Iran for an exclusive interview with President Masoud Pezeshkian, and led a Dateline special on the devastating 2025 Los Angeles wildfires.

His interviews with world leaders—including Trump, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Barack Obama, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy—have frequently made headlines. Holt has also traveled extensively to cover natural disasters, mass shootings, and other major news events.

Holt’s Caribbean heritage comes from his maternal grandmother, May, an Afro-Jamaican woman born in Manchester Parish, Jamaica, who was raised in Harlem, New York. His maternal grandfather, Canute DeRozario, was born in Spanish Town, Jamaica, to an Indian father from Calcutta and an English-born White Jamaican mother.

Holt’s introduction to broadcasting came from his older brother, a disc jockey in Anchorage, Alaska. During his college years, Holt worked as a disc jockey at a country and western radio station before embarking on a journalism career that has made him one of the most respected news anchors of his generation.

ICE Nabs Jamaican National In Boston

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News Americas, New York, NY, Feb. 26, 2025: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers have apprehended a Jamaican national in Massachusetts on serious criminal charges, underscoring the agency’s commitment to public safety.

ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, (ERO) arrested 26-year-old Jahmari Taffari Westcarth in Boston on Jan. 25 after he was charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and assault and battery on a family member in Massachusetts.

ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) arrested 26-year-old Jahmari Taffari Westcarth in Boston. (US ICE image)

“Jahmari Taffari Westcarth stands accused of assaulting and victimizing a family member in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. He represents a significant threat to the residents of our community,” said Patricia H. Hyde, acting field office director for ICE ERO Boston. “We simply refuse to tolerate such dangers to the law-abiding residents of our New England neighborhoods. ICE Boston stands firm in our commitment to prioritizing public safety by arresting and removing illegal alien offenders from our neighborhoods.”

Westcarth first entered the U.S. illegally near San Ysidro, California, on Dec. 30, 2022, where he was apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol agents. He was subsequently served with a notice to appear before a Department of Justice immigration judge for further proceedings.

Following his arrest in Massachusetts, Westcarth was arraigned in Dorchester District Court on Jan. 8, 2025. ICE promptly issued an immigration detainer, requesting custody of Westcarth; however, the court declined to honor the detainer and released him from custody.

ICE later apprehended Westcarth on Jan. 25, and he remains in ICE custody pending further immigration enforcement actions.

This case highlights ongoing debates over local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities, as well as ICE’s continued efforts to remove individuals who pose a public safety risk from U.S. communities.

U.S. Condemns Venezuelan Naval Threat Near Guyana’s Maritime Territory

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News Americas, New York, NY, March 1, 2025: The U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs today issued a strong statement condemning the approach of a Venezuelan naval vessel toward Guyana’s assets within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

A sign that reads “Essiquibo Belongs to Guyana” displayed at the Madela Eccles roundabout in Georgetown, Guyana, on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024. The small nation’s economy is the fastest-growing in the world, but the boon has stoked challenges from inflation and a growing wealth gap to the looming threat of conflict with Venezuela. Photographer: Jose A. Alvarado Jr./Bloomberg via Getty Images

In the statement, the U.S. denounced the action as an unacceptable threat to Guyana’s internationally recognized maritime territory.

“Venezuelan naval vessels threatening ExxonMobil’s floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) unit is unacceptable and a clear violation of Guyana’s internationally recognized maritime territory. Further provocation will result in consequences for the Maduro regime. The United States reaffirms its support for Guyana’s territorial integrity and the 1899 arbitral award,” the statement read.

A Venezuelan military vessel reportedly entered Guyana’s waters on Saturday and docked near an ExxonMobil contracted vessel in the oil and gas rich Stabroek Block.

“We’re still gathering information at this time. Will share more when we know more,” an ExxonMobil Guyana spokesman told Demerara Waves online.

This reaffirmation from the US underscores the Trump administration’s unwavering support for Guyana’s territorial rights, particularly based on the 1899 arbitral award, which defines the border between the two nations. Venezuela moved its naval vessel to the Stabroek Block just days after United States President Donald Trump’s administration cancelled a Biden-era licence that had allowed US company Chevron to sell hydrocarbon products from its operations in Venezuela.

Guyana’s President, Dr. Irfaan Ali addressed the nation today and emphasized that the assets in question are lawfully positioned within Guyana’s EEZ and strongly condemned the Venezuelan vessel’s incursion as a violation of Guyana’s sovereignty.

According to President Ali, the Venezuelan vessel had transmitted a radio message asserting that it was operating in what it described as “disputed international waters” before continuing its course toward other offshore facilities.

However, the Guyanese leader firmly dismissed this claim.

“Let me be unequivocal. Maritime boundaries are recognized under international law, and this is a matter of grave concern,” Ali stated.

He also reassured the nation that his administration was addressing the situation with the utmost seriousness and responsibility.

Meanwhile, the regional body, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on Saturday reiterated its unequivocal and unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana.

“All such acts of aggression and provocation are contrary to international law and the 2023 Argyle Declaration. Expressly too Guyana and Venezuela are enjoined to avoid unnecessary confrontational actions,” the statement said. “This provocative incident of 1 March 2025 initiated by Venezuela runs counter to the agreed commitment of CARICOM and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) to ensure that the Caribbean region remains a Zone of Peace. It is critical that there be a peaceful resolution of the border controversy as is expected under the International Court of Justice, which already has conduct over the dispute.”

The Organization of American States (OAS) also “unequivocally” condemned the recent actions.

“Such acts of intimidation constitute a clear violation of international law, undermine regional stability, and threaten the principles of peaceful coexistence between nations,” said the OAS in a statement, reiterating its “steadfast support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. 

Helping Leaders Navigate Grief In The Workplace

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KINGSTON, JAMAICA, Thursday, March 6, 2025: Survivors Unlimited, a Jamaican based grief support training organization, is set to host a workshop, “Grief in the Workplace: A Guide for Leaders,” on March 19, 2025.

This virtual event aims to equip managers, HR professionals, and other organizational leaders with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively support bereaved employees while maintaining workplace productivity and morale.

The event will feature a distinguished lineup of speakers, including Dr. Diane Bergeron, Senior Research Scientist at the Center for Creative Leadership, USA, who will deliver the keynote address, “Understanding Bereavement in the Workplace: A Call for Compassionate Action.” Other prominent speakers include Dr. Cassida Jones-Johnson, President of the Human Resources Management Association of Jamaica, (HRMAJ),

Dr. Peter Weller, Clinical and Community Psychologist, and Ms. Marguerite Orane, Executive Leadership and Strategy Coach. Together, they will guide participants through practical approaches for supporting grieving employees, navigating team dynamics after a loss, and cultivating leadership resilience.

Discussions will be led by Hope McNish, a seasoned workshop facilitator and trained grief counsellor.

The Survivors Unlimited bereavement training series is an initiative of Healing Journey Retreats, a wellness organization located in Kingston, Jamaica. Its founder and president, Lorraine Jones-Lawrence, has been hosting workshops focused on the needs of grievers since 1999. She is a member of the Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC), and author of the book, ‘You Gotta Get Up: Surviving the Loss of Your Child.’

More information on the workshop is available at www.survivorsunlimited.com

Caribbean-Born Congressman Targeted As GOP Labels Him ‘Illegal Immigrant’

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News Americas, New York, NY, March 6, 2025: Caribbean-born U.S. Congressman Adriano Espaillat has become the target of a controversial attack by House Republicans’ campaign arm, which labeled the Dominican-American lawmaker an “illegal immigrant,” sparking outrage from top Democrats.

FLASHBACK – Caribbean born U.S. Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-NY) speaks during a Congressional Hispanic Caucus news conference at the House Triangle on February 26, 2025 in Washington, DC. The Congressional Hispanic Caucus addressed Trump’s first month in office and his policies. (Photo by Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images)

The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) took aim at Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-NY) after he delivered the Spanish-language response to President Donald Trump’s joint address to Congress earlier this week. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the NRCC claimed, “Democrats literally chose an illegal immigrant to give their response to President Trump’s address.”

Espaillat, who immigrated from the Dominican Republic as a child, has long been open about his journey from an undocumented immigrant to a U.S. citizen and member of Congress. He and his family overstayed a tourist visa but received green cards within a year, and he has now been a naturalized U.S. citizen for decades.

Democrats Condemn GOP Attack

The NRCC’s remarks were swiftly denounced by top Democratic leaders, who called the attack racist and misleading. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries blasted the post, stating, “These people are disgusting.”

Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin accused the GOP of embracing bigotry, writing, “They wear their racism like a badge of honor—absolutely despicable!” Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) called for accountability, tweeting, “Whoever is the intern @NRCC that tweeted this racist shit needs to be fired.”

Espaillat, who was born in the Dominican Republic and serves as chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, has not responded publicly to the attack, but he has consistently championed immigrant rights and clashed with Trump over immigration policies since first taking office.

NRCC Doubles Down

Despite the backlash, the NRCC stood by its comments, dismissing criticism from New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, who called the attack “vile, ignorant, and racist.”

In response, NRCC spokesperson Mike Marinella fired back, arguing that “Democrats caring more about policing words instead of policing our border shows just how out of touch they are.”

A History of Tensions

This latest attack is not the first time Congressman Adriano Espaillat – the first Dominican-American member of Congress- has found himself at odds with Trump and the GOP over immigration policies.

As a progressive lawmaker, he has championed immigration reform, DACA protections, and pathways to citizenship, making him a frequent target of Republican criticism. With racial and immigration tensions playing a major role in Trump’s re-election bid, the attack on Espaillat signals a deepening divide over who belongs in America – a question that millions of Caribbean and Latin American immigrants now face amid the 2025 political landscape.

Turks and Caicos Issues Advisory After SpaceX Starship Explodes Again

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News Americas, New York, NY, March 6, 2025: For the second time in weeks the government of the Turks and Caicos has had to deal with SpaceX debris falling out of the sky. The government tonight again had to issue an urgent advisory following the mid-air explosion of SpaceX’s Starship during its latest test flight from Texas on March 6th. Debris also fell on the Bahamas.

A statement posted to the Turks and Caicos government’s official Instagram account confirmed that officials are in contact with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), SpaceX, and UK agencies to determine the position of any debris from the spacecraft.

“We wish to advise the public that this evening’s SpaceX launch appears to have broken up in flight. We are in contact with the US FAA, SpaceX, and UK agency leads to confirm the position. Post-incident protocols have been engaged. The National Security Secretariat will continue to keep the public apprised as we work to ensure the safety and security of our Islands,” the statement read.

History of SpaceX Debris in Turks and Caicos

It is not yet clear whether debris has reached the archipelago, but this is not the first time SpaceX’s Starship has posed a potential risk to the region. So who will be paying for the clean-up? Will it be the SpaceX owner and chainsaw swinging DOGE head, Elon Musk?

In January 2025, a previous Starship failure resulted in debris falling onto the Turks and Caicos Islands, with volunteers collecting wreckage from beaches, roads, and private properties. One car in South Caicos was struck, though no injuries were reported at the time.

Starship’s Latest Failure Sparks Concerns

Thursday’s test flight from Texas saw SpaceX’s massive Starship exploded minutes after lift-off, marking the second major failure in just two months.

The FAA temporarily halted air traffic in parts of Florida due to the risk of falling debris.

Videos on social media captured fiery debris streaking across the skies near South Florida, the Bahamas, and Turks & Caicos.

SpaceX lost contact with Starship shortly before it spun out of control and exploded.

Despite the ongoing investigation into January’s failed launch, the FAA allowed this test to proceed after SpaceX claimed vehicle upgrades had been made.

Officials Urge Caution

Authorities in Turks and Caicos continue to monitor the situation, urging residents to stay alert for any potential debris and report any unusual objects found on land or in the ocean.

With SpaceX’s test flights continuing to raise safety concerns, the latest incident has once again put the spotlight on the risks posed to Caribbean nations in the path of falling debris and the cost of clean up.

Beres Hammond, Shaggy, Sean Paul Deliver Historic Performance At UBS Arena

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News Americas, New York, NY, Mon. Feb. 19, 2024: In a night that blended musical excellence with cultural celebration, reggae and dancehall legends Beres Hammond, Shaggy, and Sean Paul united for the first time on stage at UBS Arena in Belmont Park, NY, on February 14. The Rock Away concert, produced by Jammins Events, Inc., brought thousands of fans together, many dressed in red, creating an electrifying atmosphere that paid tribute to the Caribbean community’s rich musical heritage.

Shaggy, Beres Hammond, & Sean Paul Make History at UBS Arena with Electrifying Performance

The night kicked off with a captivating performance from Shuga, whose soulful vocals and smooth delivery set the tone. She mesmerized the crowd with hits like “Love Doctor” and a flawless rendition of “No No No.”

Sean Paul then took the stage, igniting the crowd with his signature high-energy set. From “Get Busy” to “Temperature,” he kept fans on their feet, delivering hit after hit alongside his dynamic dancers.

Next, Shaggy commanded the stage, his unmistakable voice and charisma filling the arena. The crowd sang along to every word of “It Wasn’t Me,” “Angel,” and “Boombastic.” Toward the end of his set, he welcomed Sean Paul back for a performance of their hit “Go Down Deh,” sending energy levels soaring.

Closing out the night, Beres Hammond, dressed in all white, delivered a soul-stirring performance. With his full band behind him, he serenaded the audience with classics like “Rockaway” and “Can’t Stop A Man,” providing the perfect balance to the high-energy dancehall moments earlier in the show. As the concert neared its end, Shaggy and Sean Paul returned to the stage, standing alongside Beres Hammond for a powerful finale—a historic moment uniting three of reggae and dancehall’s greatest icons.

Beyond the unforgettable performances, the event carried a meaningful cause. A portion of the proceeds will support the American Foundation for the University of the West Indies (AFUWI), providing scholarships for students at the University of the West Indies, ensuring that the night’s impact extends beyond the stage and into the future of Caribbean education.

See some of the performance HERE

The Wailers For St. Maarten Heineken Regatta

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News Americas, New York, NY, February 19, 2025: The St. Maarten Heineken Regatta is set to celebrate its 45th anniversary in grand style, blending world-class sailing with an electrifying entertainment lineup featuring reggae legends The Wailers.

The Wailers

As part of the milestone event, The Wailers will headline the final night of the regatta on Sunday, March 9, 2025, delivering an unforgettable performance to close out four days of thrilling races and high-energy festivities. The band’s set will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the iconic Natural Mystic album, featuring hits like Natural Mystic, Positive Vibration, and Roots, Rock, Reggae, alongside new music from their latest album Evolution.

“We couldn’t think of a better way to mark 45 years of ‘Serious Fun!’ than with the legendary sounds of The Wailers,” said Cary Byerley, Regatta Chair. “Their timeless music and uplifting energy perfectly capture the spirit of the Regatta, and we’re thrilled to welcome them to St. Maarten.”

The regatta, running from March 6-9, 2025, will offer a unique mix of top-tier yacht racing and vibrant island entertainment. Daily prize-giving ceremonies will kick off at 6 PM at the Port de Plaisance Regatta Village, followed by performances from regional stars like Tamillia, King James, Orange Grove, Trilla-G, and Alison Hinds. The four-day event is free and open to the public, inviting visitors to enjoy the best of sailing by day and legendary parties by night.

Beyond the music, the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta remains one of the premier sailing events in the Caribbean, with over 100 boats competing in various classes, including dueling 76-ft Maxi race boats, a fleet of over 20 Sunsail bareboats, and the high-performance Diam 24s.

For 45 years, the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta has been more than just a sailing competition – it’s a celebration of culture, music, and the vibrant spirit of the island. With The Wailers headlining the grand finale, this year’s event promises to be one for the history books.

For more information and bookings, visit www.heinekenregatta.com.

Shenseea Wins MOBO Award As Spice, Vybz Kartel Perform

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News Americas, New York, NY, February 19, 2025: Shenseea and Vybz Kartel took center stage at the 2025 MOBO Awards, with Shenseea securing her second Best Caribbean Music Act award and Vybz Kartel making a surprise appearance to accept the MOBO Impact Award in person.

The awards ceremony, held in Newcastle, UK, saw Shenseea triumph over Skillibeng, Popcaan, Spice, YG Marley, and last year’s winner Valiant in the Caribbean music category. This marks her second win, following her 2021 victory.

However, the highlight of the evening was the moment dancehall legend Vybz Kartel appeared on stage to accept his MOBO Impact Award, accompanied by his son, Likkle Vybz, and fiancée, Sidem. The award was presented by dancehall queen Spice, who also made her MOBO Awards debut with a high-energy performance of her hit “So Mi Like It.”

Vybz Kartel performs during the MOBO Awards 2025 at the Utilita Arena on February 18, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Joseph Okpako/WireImage)

MOBO Founder & CEO Kanya King CBE praised Kartel’s influence, stating, “Vybz Kartel’s impact on music is immeasurable. His influence extends beyond the world of dancehall, in which he is a musical giant.”

Kartel also did a short performance.

The night ended with Spice’s electrifying performance, which set the stage for Vybz Kartel’s 90-second medley, rocking the audience with his signature sound. It was her first MOBO performance.

See it here

Founded in 1996, the MOBO Awards celebrate Black-origin music across genres including Hip Hop, Grime, R&B, Reggae, Jazz, Gospel, and Afrobeats. Over the years, MOBO has played a key role in recognizing and supporting exceptional talent, both in the UK and internationally.

Caribbean Immigrant And Biggie Smalls Mother Dead At 78

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News Americas, New York, NY, Fri. Feb. 21, 2025: Voletta Wallace, the Caribbean immigrant and Jamaican born mother of the late rap icon The Notorious B.I.G., has passed away at the age of 78. Wallace, who was in hospice care at her home in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, died of natural causes, according to the Monroe County Coroner’s Office.

Jamaican immigrant Voletta Wallace speaks during The BIGGIE Estate Hosts An Empire State Building Lighting Ceremony at The Empire State Building on May 20, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

Born in Trelawney, Jamaica, the hometown also of Olympian Usain St. Leo Bolt, Wallace was a devoted mother who played a central role in shaping the life of her son, Christopher Wallace, known later to the world as Biggie Smalls. A former pre-school teacher, she raised him as a single parent in Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood, keeping a close watch on him even as he pursued his passion for music. Biggie referenced his mother in many of his songs, including the 1994 classic ‘Juicy‘ and ‘Things Done Changed.’

A Legacy of Strength and Dedication

Following Biggie’s tragic murder in 1997, Wallace became the guardian of his legacy, overseeing his estate and ensuring that his impact on music and culture remained alive. Just six months after his passing, she took the stage at the MTV Video Music Awards, accepting his award for Best Rap Video with grace and resilience. With her voice briefly breaking, she honored her son’s roots: “If my son was here tonight, the first thing he would have done is say… big up to Brooklyn.”

Jamaican immigrant Voletta Wallace attends the art installation part of celebration for the 25th anniversary of The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Ready to Die” Album presented by Optimo on September 13, 2019 in Brooklyn borough of New York CIty. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)

Determined to share Biggie’s story, she authored the 2005 memoir, ‘Biggie: Voletta Wallace Remembers Her Son, Christopher Wallace, aka Notorious B.I.G.,’ where she reflected on the immense love people still had for him. “That cannot take my pain away… He was my baby. I am a mother and I will always be a mother,” she said in an emotional NPR interview.

In 2009, she served as a producer for the biopic ‘Notorious,’ where Angela Bassett portrayed her. Wallace frequently visited the set and admitted the experience was deeply emotional. “It made me angry, made me sad. I learned a lot about my son – a lot that I never knew. But I still love him because he was from here,” she said, placing a hand over her heart.

Honoring Biggie’s Legacy

Wallace remained active in celebrating her son’s contributions to hip-hop. In 2022, she joined Biggie’s children, Lil’ Kim, and Lil’ Cease to light up the Empire State Building in red and white in honor of what would have been his 50th birthday. The tribute was part of a series of commemorations, including a MetroCard featuring Biggie’s image and an orchestral tribute at Lincoln Center.

Tributes Pour In

Congressman and Democratic House Minority Leader, Hakeem Jeffries, who represents Biggie’s home borough of Brooklyn, paid tribute to Wallace, calling her an “intelligent, strong, and dignified Queen Mother who raised a legend.”

“We mourn her loss, but celebrate her life and take comfort from the fact that she is now reunited with her beloved Notorious B.I.G. in heaven. May she forever rest in peace,” he said.

Voletta Wallace’s unwavering love and dedication to her son ensured that his legacy endured long after his passing. Now, she rests alongside him, forever remembered as the matriarch of one of hip-hop’s greatest icons.