Burna Boy And Jamaican Stars Ignite Guyana With Intense Performances

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By Anthony Turner

Special To News Americas

News Americas, GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Sat. May 4, 2024: Event promoters had promised patrons an unforgettable experience at Burna Boy’s first live performance in Georgetown, Guyana on May 1st, the Labour Day holiday there. When the curtain fell at 2:20 a.m. the next day, most felt they delivered a lot more.

Burna Boy performing in Guyana. (Anthony Turner image)

To enhance the overall vibe, patrons were offered not just US$250 front row VIP access, but a premium hassle-free vantage point experience where VVIP guests like Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, enjoyed complimentary food and top shelf drinks for the duration of the concert.

Guyana Veep Bharat Jagdeo, l, with rising Jamaican born dancehall star, Nigy Boy. (Anthony Turner image)

Jamaican born rising dancehall sensation, visually impaired, Nigy Boy, who accepted his first invitation to perform at Mashramani in Guyana in February, delivered the first spark of the concert with a scintillating rendition of ‘Goodness of God,’ that brought out the lighters and a harmonic singalong from the 18,000 plus fans who were jammed inside the National Stadium in Providence, East Bank Demerara. More fireworks were to come as the visually impaired singer continued the musical onslaught, delivering hits songs ‘Judgement,’ ‘Nomad,’ and ‘Continent,’ that featured two scantily clad dancers, who thrilled fans with their onstage antics.

Jamaica’s reggae star Tanya Stephens was also on the bill and delivered a barrage of unending hits including  ‘It’s A Pity,’ ‘These Streets,’ ‘Yu Nuh Ready Fi Dis,’ ‘Handle The Ride,’ ‘Boom Wuk’ and ‘Goggle’ while Busy Signal entertained with ‘Bad Up Who,’ ‘Full Clip,’ ‘Unknown Number,’ ‘Nah Go a Jail Again,’ ‘Bedroom Bully,’ ‘Stamma,’ ‘Hustling,’ ‘Happy Birthday’ and ‘Stay So.’

The only blemish to his 20-minute performance came early in his set when he fell off the stage. Was it an accidental fall or part of the theatrics? Without missing a beat, he got back on his feet and on stage where he continued the hit parade.

After a brief intermission, the final act, Grammy-winning Nigerian star, Burna Boy, waltzed onto the stage. 

“Guyana…If you ready, say Guyana,” were his first words to the crowd which had swelled to over 20,000.

Burna Boy has been creating unforgettable moments wherever he performs. He brought Afrobeat to the 2024 Grammy awards, starting his performance with “On Form,” before inviting 12-time Grammy nominee Brandy and Savage 21 down to the main stage for a medley performance of “Sittin’ on Top of the World.” At the Billboard Music Awards (BBMA) last year, the Nigerian sensation was named Afrobeat artist of the Year. Earlier this month he etched his name in the history books again, this time becoming the African artiste with the highest-grossing US arena concert ticket sales, surpassing his numbers at Madison Square Garden in 2022. He created memories in Guyana (Gal-ana) with ‘Last Last,’ ‘City Boys,’ ‘For My Hand,’ ‘On the Low,’ ‘Gbona,’ ‘Alone’ and ‘It’s Plenty.

“I had to be here for this performance,” declared 26 year old Jennifer Singh, who made the 5-hour trek from New York to see the African Giant. “I know I will remember this moment for many years to come.”

Tamika Marshall (Anthony Turner image)

 Sholunge ‘Shelly’ Grenada had a fantastic time as well. “It was a great performance from Burna Boy although some of the songs I really did not know,” she confessed.

L – r.: Skeng, Chronic Law, Nigy Boy, Jiggy D and DJ Skipp backstage in Guyana. (Anthony Turner image)

Not all ‘Unforgettable’ concert goers however felt Burna Boy’s heat. Nesta, a local Georgetown artist, was enthralled by Jamaican stars Busy Signal, Nigy Boy and Tanya Stephens. Burna Boy she felt did not deliver as expected.

“Yuh burn me out then make me feel sleepy,” Nesta said of the Nigerian superstar.

“When you come to the south and the Caribbean, you have to bring a whole lot of vibes and energy. Guyana is an English speaking country. We are familiar with English, patois and even French but not with Yoruba or Igbo so that may have been where the gap came in,” she added.

Brit Charged With Rape Of Three Cayman School Girls

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News Americas, GEORGE TOWN, Cayman, Fri. May 3, 2024: A British man residing in the Cayman Islands faces serious charges involving three school children, as reported by local authorities.

The charges include rape, sexual communication with minors, and possession of indecent images. The man is accused of grooming the girls and posing as a teenager to commit the offenses. The man is facing 18 counts including rape, sexual communication with a child, meeting a child following sexual communication and having indecent images of a child. He is accused of grooming the girls but cannot be named due to an order made at the Cayman Islands Grand Court. The man’s age has also not been released.

Detectives discovered extensive evidence, including thousands of messages and illicit content on seized phones. They say he was reported to police at the end of 2023 after the mother of a young girl intercepted communications between her child and the man. He is currently in custody awaiting trial and is also facing five further charges relating to separate offences against a different child relating to a separate incident on similar charges involving a fourth alleged victim that took place in March 2023. He pleaded not guilty to all the charges against him and denies any wrongdoing.

Detective Superintendent Peter Lansdown emphasized the importance of parental vigilance regarding children’s online interactions. “It appears contact with the victims was initiated through social media. This situation serves to stress the importance of parents and guardians being actively aware of the communication young persons are engaging in on messaging services and social media networks, via, predominantly, their mobile devices,” he said.

“God Is Good” Says Buju As He Re-Enters The US

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News Americas, MIAMI, FL, Fri. May 3, 2024: “God is good” declared veteran dancehall deejay, Buju Banton, who is now back in the United States after more than 15 years.

Buju Banton, l. with DJ Khalid in Miami. (IG Live screen grab/DJ Khalid)

The singer, whose real name is Mark Myrie,declared “God is amazing. I want to send nuff love to all the people out there … nuff love to my fans…. The Gargamel is back.”

He was introduced by an excited DJ Khaled from his residence in Miami on an Instagram Live. Khaled said he “could not keep this [news] to myself.”

“I’m in Miami … Buju Banton is back in America,” Khaled said, as Buju entered the frame. “Buju Banton has not been in the United States of America for more than 15 years.”

An enthusiastic Buju added: “Greetings my people, it’s a long time I haven’t seen you. It’s a long time these feet have not walked these shores. Let’s get music going.”

“This is a celebration. We are having lunch and we are celebrating with the Banton,” DJ Khaled stated. “Shoutout to Jamaica and to everybody in Jamaica. Buju Banton is officially in Miami.”

Banton was deported to Jamaica on December 7, 2018, following his release from McRae Correctional Institute Telfair County, Georgia, USA. Sentenced in 2011, he had served close to 10 years for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five or more kilograms of cocaine. It is unclear how Banton secured a US visa to return to the US. Under US rules, a non-citizen who was removed because of an aggravated felony likely has to stay out of the U.S. for 20 years. However, a deportee can apply for a waiver to re-enter the US if they spent at least ten years of a 20-year ban outside of the US.

A New Luxury Resort Is Coming To The Bahamas

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News Americas, Great Harbour Cay, Bahamas, Fri. May 3, 2024: Get ready for a new hotel resort in the Bahamas.

The OSPREY is slated to open this summer and promises a slice of paradise nestled within the idyllic Berry Islands chain. Set against the backdrop of Great Harbour Cay, this beachfront property boasts an abundance of thatch berry palms and indigenous trees, creating a lush tropical oasis.

The OSPREY is slated to open this summer and promises a slice of paradise nestled within the idyllic Berry Islands chain.

Guests at The OSPREY will have the privilege of direct beach access, spanning an impressive 400 feet along a five-mile stretch of pristine white sand. The architectural vision behind The OSPREY comes to life through the expertise of a talented Bahamian architect, who has meticulously designed the Osprey villa and cottages to showcase breathtaking ocean views.

Elegance permeates every aspect of The OSPREY, with vaulted ceilings, inviting porches, and decks that invite guests to unwind and soak in the serene surroundings. Detailed roof lines add to the charm of this tropical haven, where turquoise waters provide a mesmerizing backdrop for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Adding to its allure, Great Harbour Cay has a storied past as a favored retreat for luminaries such as Cary Grant, Jack Nicklaus, the Rockefellers, Ingrid Bergman, and Douglas Fairbanks. The island’s rich history adds an extra layer of fascination to The OSPREY, inviting guests to indulge in a luxurious experience while immersing themselves in a legacy of glamour and prestige.

The Bahamian-owned-and-operated resort is a boutique experience, with a collection of one villa, one cottages and three other suites. There’s also a guest lounge, the home for breakfast, meetings and movies and games, anchored by a 65-inch flat-screen TV.

GETTING THERE

Fly into Nassau’s Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA), and take a 20-minute scheduled charter flight from Nassau to Great Harbour Cay.

Take a private charter from Nassau (25 mins).

Take a private charter from Fort Lauderdale, or Miami, Florida directly to Great Harbour Cay (35-45 mins).

SAIL

Sail into the Great Harbour Cay marina from your nearest port (https://www.greatharbourcaymarina.com/index.html).

Whether you’re flying or sailing into Great Harbour Cay, your drive to your OSPREY suite is a mere 6-7 minutes away from your arrival.

Grammy-Nominated Jazz Maestro Dr. Monty Alexander To Bring “Spirit Of Jamaica” Music To Honolulu Following Release Of New Album – ‘D-Day’

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Friday May 3, 2024: Esteemed Jamaican-born jazz legend, Grammy-nominated, Dr. Monty Alexander, C.D., O.J., is set to bring the vibrant spirit of Jamaica’s music to the island of Honolulu just weeks before his 80th birthday, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the Normandy Landings, known as D-Day.

Following the release of his latest musical masterpiece, the album ‘D-Day,’ on March 29th under the prestigious French record label PeeWee, Alexander will grace the stage at prestigious Blue Note Hawaii. The venue, located inside the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort at 2335 Kalakaua Ave., is renowned as Hawaii’s premier 326-seat live music destination.

The performance, scheduled for May 4th, promises an electrifying celebration of the album’s release ahead of Alexander’s milestone birthday. Joined by bassist Luke Sellick and drummer Jason Brown, two shows are scheduled at 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

“I am very happy to celebrate my upcoming 80th in Hawaii at the Blue Note, where I will not only play selections from my brand new release, D-Day, but also play selections that reflect my beloved Jamaica where I was born, and where I have fond memories of participating in many recording sessions at Studio 1, as a music pioneer at the dawn of Ska when I was still a teenager,” commented Alexander. “Hope to see as many of my fans as possible – and of course, especially those who love the music of Jamaica.”

Tickets for the event are priced at $35-45, offering an unparalleled opportunity to experience the magic of Alexander’s legendary jazz expertise.

Fans can get tickets here by logging on now to https://www.bluenotejazz.com/hawaii/shows/?eid=13603273

MONTY’S OTHER UPCOMING LIVE PERFORMANCES & BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION SHOWS

The release of ‘D-Day,’ will be accompanied by other tour dates to also mark Alexander’s birthday worldwide. They will include:

The Puerto Rico Jazz Festival in San Juan on May 17th.

The Bern Jazz Festival in Switzerland from May 21st to May 26th.

Birdland, New York City from May 28th to June 1st for his D-Day and 80th birthday celebration.

Jazz Alley, Seattle from June 6-9th.

The San Francisco Jazz Festival on June 11th.

Blue’s Alley, Washington, D.C. from June 14-16th.

Ronnie Scott’s London from June 24-28th.

New Morning, Domaine de Fontblanche in France on July 3rd and July 6th, respectively; and.

Victoria Hall, Switzerland on Nov. 25th.

See all performances and book advance tickets now at https://bnds.us/b8c6pc.

D’DAY’S FULL TRACK

The full track of the new album is as follows:

01 – Intro [0:16]

02 – I’ll Never Smile Again (R. Lowe) [04:18] 

03 – Aggression (M. Alexander) [06:03]

04 – Oh Why (M. Alexander) [06:37]

05 – Restoration (M. Alexander) [06:34] 

06 – June 6 (M. Alexander) [06:14]  

07 – River of Peace (M. Alexander) [05:49]

08 – Smile (C. Chaplin) [06:30]

09 – V.E. Swing (M. Alexander) [04:22]

10 – You Can See (M. Alexander) [05:33] 

11 – D-Day Voices (M. Alexander/L. Alexander) [04:28]

12 – Day-O (Trad.) [02:52

ABOUT ALEXANDER

Renowned for his extensive discography and hailed as one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time, Alexander’s contributions to music have earned him prestigious honors, including the Commander in the Order of Distinction and the Order of Jamaica. His unwavering passion for music, coupled with his Jamaican and Caribbean heritage, continues to inspire audiences worldwide.

Born in Kingston, Jamaica, on June 6, 1944, Alexander’s musical journey began at an early age. By 16, he was already proficient in various musical genres, including cha-cha, merengue, calypso, reggae, and ska. Moving to the United States at 17, he quickly gained recognition, accompanying jazz legends like Frank Sinatra, Milt Jackson, Dizzy Gillespie, and others. Today, Alexander remains an iconic figure in American jazz, blues, and gospel, infusing his music with the vibrant rhythms of his Jamaican and Caribbean heritage.

For more information, visit his YouTube channel or his official website at https://montyalexander.com/. You can also follow him on Facebook at facebook.com/officialmontyalexander or stay updated on his performances through his Twitter handle, @montyHKE.

Luke Forbes Of Amazon Prime’s ‘Harlem’ And Denise Hunt Of ‘How Stella Got Her Groove Back’ To Head The Cast Of This Caribbean Drama

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NEWS AMERICAS, NY, NY, Thurs. May 2, 2024: Luke Forbes, known for his role in Amazon Prime’s hit comedy series ‘Harlem’, and Denise Hunt, acclaimed for her performance in the iconic film ‘How Stella Got Her Groove Back,’ are set to lead the cast of the American Premiere Presentation of Alwin Bully’s Caribbean drama, ‘McBee.’

From left- David Heron as Tony Welsh, Tony Award nominee John Andrew Morrison as Claude Massop and Luke Forbes as Tek Life in the world premiere production of Marley The Musical. (Photo courtesy of David Heron)

The premiere will take place during Caribbean American Heritage Month, (CAHM), in the US, on Sunday, June 23rd, at The Jamaica Performing Arts Center (JPAC) at 153-10 Jamaica Avenue, Jamaica Queens, starting at 7 p.m. The event will commence with a Caribbean Cuisine reception at 5:30 p.m.

This one-night-only staged reading production pays tribute to Alwin Bully, the late Dominica-born playwright, and is part of New York’s annual CAHM festivities.

Jamaican-born David Heron, a Broadway World Award winner, serves as the producer and director of the project.

Set on an unnamed Caribbean island in the recent past, ‘McBee’ follows the story of respected politicians Allan and Alice McBee. Upon encountering three mysterious Rastafarians who predict his rise to Prime Minister, Allan and his ambitious wife, Alice, embark on a path of power and deception, with consequences for themselves and their nation.

Forbes and Hunt will portray the pivotal roles of Allan and Alice McBee, bringing their extensive experience from stage, film, television, and Broadway to the production.

LUKE FORBES (Photo credit- Evan Kafka)

DENISE HUNT (Photo credit- David Mikesell)

Forbes, with Jamaican roots, currently stars as Michael in ‘Harlem’ and has appeared in various television series and the hit feature film ‘Dog’. On stage, he made his Broadway debut in Shakespeare’s ‘The Merchant Of Venice’ alongside Al Pacino.

Hunt, born in Jamaica, gained recognition for her role in ‘How Stella Got Her Groove Back’ and has an extensive stage career, including performances in award-winning productions like ‘Against His Will’ and ‘Dirty Diana.’

Producer-director Heron expressed his excitement about working with Forbes and Hunt again, citing their long-standing professional relationships and shared theatrical history.

“Luke and I met as actors in the world premiere production of  Kwame Kwei Armah’s Marley- The Musical at Baltimore Centerstage several years ago,” he says, “And we have been interested in collaborating on something else for awhile now. So I relish this opportunity to welcome him to McBee and to see him add yet another terrific performance to his resume,” he said. “Denise and I go back over twenty years since she appeared in my play Against His Will, and we toured together afterwards in Cheaters in the USA and in the UK touring production of  Love and Marriage and New York City. She had stepped away from acting for awhile but I’ve been trying to get her to come back. This titanic role is yet another step in that direction and will be a reminder to audiences of why we have all missed her so much.”

In a remarkable full circle moment, upon contacting Hunt regarding the role of Alice McBee, Heron learnt that she had in fact played Shakespeare’s Lady Macbeth- to excellent reviews-  as a teenager in a high school production of Macbeth for Jamaica’s National Schools Drama Festival in Kingston.

“I shook my head when I heard that, because I approached her for McBee without knowing that she had played the Lady M role in Shakespeare’s original play at her alma mater, Queens High School in Jamaica. This to me is a case of something that’s simply meant to be,” said Heron.

Additional casting for ‘McBee’ will be announced soon, with tickets available starting tomorrow, Friday, May 3, at mcbeetheplay.eventbrite.com.

Beres Hammond Drops New Single

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. May 1, 2024: Beres Hammond, the legendary Godfather of Lover’s Rock from Jamaica, has released his latest single, “Let Me Help You,” offering solace and support to a woman facing life’s challenges. The song, a re-recorded version of his 1988 classic, showcases Beres’s signature smoky-sweet vocals synonymous with Lover’s Rock.

Beres Hammond has released a new inspirational single.

“Let me help you smile again,” Hammond croons.

To mark the release, Spotify’s new music Friday feature will spotlight Beres’s single with billboard placements at iconic locations like Toronto’s Yonge-Dundas Square and New York’s Times Square.

In addition to the new single, Beres is gearing up for his ‘Forever Giving Thanks’ tour across the USA and Canada in July and August 2024. The tour will feature performances of his timeless hits along with a few new tracks. Stops on the tour include the 27th Edition of the Sierra Nevada World Music Festival in Boonville, California on June 21st-23rd, 2024, and a headlining slot at Reggae Sumfest on July 20th, 2024, with more dates to follow.

In April, Beres hosted the annual Love and Harmony Cruise, where he announced the release of “Let Me Help You” on May 3rd across all digital service platforms.

LISTEN HERE

Nigy Boy Set To Shine Alongside Burna Boy In Guyana Tomorrow

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News Americas, GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Tues. April 30, 2024: Jamaican-born, US-based rising star, Nigy Boy, is set to shine alongside Grammy-winning singer Burna Boy tomorrow in the South American CARICOM nation of Guyana.

With the gig titled “Unforgettable,” the two will perform on May 1, Labour Day, at Guyana’s National Stadium at the National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara.

Nigy Boy’s manager, Chris Crooks, emphasized the significance of this moment, citing it as the artist’s most significant performance to date. Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to share the stage with Nigerian singer, songwriter and record producer Burna Boy, Nigy Boy, who is visually impaired, views this collaboration as a chance to further promote Jamaican music and culture on a global scale.

Following his successful debut in Guyana during the Mashramani festival, where he performed before a massive crowd, Nigy Boy is excited to return for another unforgettable experience.

Nigy Boy performing in Guyana on Feb. 23, 2024.

Nigy Boy’s recent successes, including his hit single “Continent” and the premiere of his second single/video “Judgement” on New York’s PIX TV, underscore his rising prominence in the music industry. Reflecting on his achievements, Nigy Boy attributes his success to remaining authentic and delivering his best to his audience.

Burna Boy performing onstage during his “I Told Them…” tour at State Farm Arena on March 09, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Burna Boy continues to soar in his career, recently claiming the Best African Music Act award at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards. Born Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, he first gained public recognition in 2012 after releasing his hit single Like to Party, which became the lead single of his debut album, L.I.F.E. His other popular songs include Last Last, Tonight and Run My Race.

Burna Boy is one of the most successful Nigerian musicians of all time. With his fusion of Dancehall, Reggae, Afrobeat, and Pop, he has won numerous awards and accolades, including a Grammy Award in 2021. He is currently signed to an American record label called Atlantic Records. He is also the founder and CEO of Spaceship Records, a Nigerian-based record label. The popular singer was born in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria and describes his music as Afro-fusion, which blends the genres of R&B, hip-hop, dancehall, and reggae.

Unforgettable is being hosted via collaboration between ENet, Hits and Jams Entertainment, and One Guyana. Hits and Jams in a statement said that “Super early bird tickets” are out and available at all ENet locations countrywide and at the Hits and Jams box office. For general admission the price is $6000 while VIP is set at $40,000 (US$200).

TerraPay and VM Money Transfer Services have Partnered to Expand the Remittance Market for Jamaicans

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KINGSTON, Jamaica, April 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — In its continued thrust to improve financial inclusion and expand remittance services to Jamaicans across the world, VM Money Transfer Services (VMTS) has entered a strategic partnership with TerraPay, a global money movement organization.

VMTS facilitates money transfer services globally to customers sending money to Jamaica from Europe, the UK, United States, Canada, the Cayman Islands and Turks and Caicos. With this new agreement, VMTS now gains access to TerraPay’s robust online platform, enabling hassle-free cross-border transfers for customers sending and receiving money across approximately 31 markets globally.

CEO of VM Money Transfer Services Limited, Michael Howard, welcomes the boost that this partnership will bring to the agency’s operations. He shared, “Purposeful partnership is an integral part of VM Money Transfer’s mission as we seek to continuously improve service delivery to our clients. We are excited about this recent collaboration as, with TerraPay’s extensive network, we have the opportunity to significantly broaden our reach and potentially tap into new markets, all while keeping our clients supported and empowered with convenient and secure channels for their money transfer needs.”

The agreement was signed between the two entities in March 2024, and Juan Luis Hernandez, TerraPay’s Senior Regional Manager for Latin America and the Caribbean, who visited Jamaica for the occasion, shares the enthusiasm. Hernandez commented, “We are delighted to partner with VM Money Transfer Services to drive innovation and efficiency in cross-border remittances. Together, we aim to provide a superior remittance experience for Jamaicans worldwide, strengthening connections with their loved ones and contributing to the economic development of Jamaica.”

Along with the expanded service through TerraPay, VMTS customers can continue to enjoy the flexibility and convenience of having their funds deposited directly to their Jamaican bank account through VMTS’ Direct to Bank Service. Clients can also collect their remittances in Jamaica from VM Money Transfer’s over 70 sub-agents, 8 VM Money Express locations and 16 VM Building Society branches Islandwide.

For queries, please reach out to Juveria Samrin at ju*******@te******.com

About TerraPay:

TerraPay simplifies global money movement – by providing a single connection to the most expansive cross-border payments network regulated in 31 global markets and enabling payments to 144 receive countries, 210+ send countries, 7.5Bn+ bank accounts and 2.1Bn+ mobile wallets. TerraPay is on a mission to connect a borderless financial world, making moving money everywhere instant, reliable, transparent and fully compliant. TerraPay pushes the boundaries for global businesses – ranging from banks, fintechs and money-transfer operators to travel businesses, creator economy platforms and e-commerce marketplaces – while driving financial inclusion in even the most inaccessible markets. Founded in 2014, TerraPay is headquartered in London, with global offices in Bangalore, Dubai, Miami, Bogota, Dar es Salaam, Kampala, Hague, Dakar, Joburg, Nairobi, Milan, Singapore and is expanding rapidly, having received funding from leading investors, including the IFC (the World Bank), Prime Ventures, Partech Africa and Visa. 

New Provisional Government Sworn In Amidst Turmoil in Haiti

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News Americas, PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti, Thurs. April 25, 2024: Amidst the backdrop of a nation grappling with turmoil and unrest, a new provisional government was quietly ushered into power today in the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member state of Haiti. This significant development comes nearly two months after a criminal insurrection threw the capital into chaos, exacerbating an already volatile situation.

New Haitian Prime Minister Michel Patrick Boivert speaks during the swearing in of a new transitional council in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on April 25, 2024. A long-awaited transitional ruling council was sworn in in crisis-torn Haiti Thursday, an official told AFP, the first step to forming a new government after months of gang violence in the Caribbean nation. (Photo by CLARENS SIFFROY/AFP via Getty Images)

The formation of a nine-person “transitional council” marked a pivotal moment in the nation’s trajectory, with Prime Minister Ariel Henry, currently in the United States due to the volatile conditions in Haiti, formally announcing his resignation in a letter. Henry, a former neurosurgeon turned politician, assumed power following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, navigating the country through turbulent times.

Smith Augustin (C), member of the new transitional council, speaks to the press after the swearing in of the council in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on April 25, 2024. A long-awaited transitional ruling council was sworn in in crisis-torn Haiti Thursday, an official told AFP, the first step to forming a new government after months of gang violence in the Caribbean nation. (Photo by CLARENS SIFFROY/AFP via Getty Images)

This morning’s early morning swearing-in ceremony was shrouded in secrecy, a precautionary measure taken in light of looming threats of violence. Reports hinted at the possibility of the event being held at an undisclosed government property, underscoring the delicate security situation gripping the nation.

Despite the challenges and risks posed by the prevailing unrest, the United States and a 15-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM)-backed council pressed forward with the inauguration, a testament to their commitment to restoring stability and order. Michael Patrick Boisvert, Henry’s former finance minister, assumed the role of interim Prime Minister, tasked with steering the nation through this tumultuous period.

The composition of the Presidential Transitional Council, including prominent figures such as Smith Agustin, Louis Gérald Gilles, Fritz Alphonse Jean, Edgard Leblanc Fils, Laurent Saint-Cyr, Emmanuel Vertilair, Leslie Voltaire, Régine Abraham, and Frinel Joseph, underscores a diverse array of voices tasked with guiding the nation forward. These individuals solemnly took the oath of office at the National Palace before proceeding to the Villa d’Accueil for the formal ceremony and subsequent address.

As the nation navigates its transition period, the selection of a President-coordinator for the Transition Council looms large. Names such as Louis Gérald Gilles, Lesly Voltaire, Edgard Leblanc Fils, and Fritz Alphonse Jean have emerged as potential candidates, though no official announcement has been made thus far.

Against the backdrop of heightened tensions and isolation, the capital city of Port-au-Prince finds itself cut off from the rest of the world, with its international airport and port shuttered due to ongoing gunfights. Meanwhile, roads connecting the city to neighboring regions have fallen under the control of armed groups notorious for their involvement in kidnapping and extortion.

In response to the escalating crisis, foreign governments have initiated evacuation efforts, ferrying hundreds of citizens to safety in the United States and the neighboring Dominican Republic. As Haiti grapples with the complexities of its transition, the international community watches closely, hoping for a swift resolution to the crisis gripping this Caribbean nation.