Guyana’s 2025 Election: What The Main Parties Are Offering Investors

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Sun. August. 25, 2025: As the oil rich South American CARICOM nation of Guyana counts down to the finale of its September 1, 2025 general and regional elections, the stakes could not be higher for investors. With the country’s oil-driven boom attracting global capital and reshaping its economy, political parties are unveiling competing visions for how to manage revenues, diversify industries, and attract investment.

While all major parties promise to transform Guyana into a regional economic powerhouse, their blueprints diverge sharply – from heavy tax cuts and cash transfers to governance reforms and infrastructure megaprojects. Here’s where they stand.

PPP/C: Building on Oil Wealth with Infrastructure and Diversification

The incumbent People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is pitching itself as the safe pair of hands for Guyana’s expanding economy. Its manifesto stresses transparent oil and gas management through a strengthened Sovereign Wealth Fund and independent regulation, alongside renegotiation of contracts where needed.

The PPP/C’s investment agenda includes:

Tax incentives — reversal of VAT on exports, building materials, data, and machinery for agriculture, mining, and forestry.

Infrastructure megaprojects — a Berbice deep-water port, a high-span Demerara River bridge, the Linden–Lethem road to Brazil, and over 2,000 miles of hinterland roads.

Diversification — incentives for world-class hotels, industrial parks, renewable energy, ICT training, and agribusiness.

Human capital — 20,000 online scholarships, free university within five years, and stronger partnerships with private employers for skills training.

For investors, PPP/C with Irfaan Ally at the helm says it is offering a stable fiscal regime, pro-business tax reforms, and a pipeline of large-scale infrastructure to lower logistics costs and open new markets.

APNU: A Stability Pitch with Fiscal Discipline

The opposition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), led by Aubrey Norton, frames its plan as a corrective to what it calls mismanagement of oil wealth. Its investment appeal lies in promising a demand- and investment-driven economic model with a focus on inclusivity, fiscal discipline, and good governance.

Highlights include:

Oil management — sustainable, intergenerational use of petroleum revenues while keeping Guyana attractive for foreign investors.

Governance — transparent financial frameworks, stronger parliament and electoral reforms, and coalition-driven policymaking.

Regional integration — policies to strengthen trade and investment ties while safeguarding Guyana’s sovereignty.

Social protection — stability through a comprehensive safety net “from womb to tomb,” intended to underpin consumer demand.

WIN: Tax Cuts, Wage Increases, and Private Sector Buy-In

The new player, We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), which has taken the country by storm and mobilized thousands of voters of all races in just over three months, has made the boldest pitch to both households and businesses. Led by US sanctioned businessman Azruddin Mohamed, WIN promises sweeping reforms designed to put more money into circulation and stimulate private sector activity.

Key proposals include:

Tax cuts — VAT reduced from 14% to 10%, PAYE from 25% to 20%, and expanded zero-rated goods.

Private sector engagement — collaboration to raise minimum wages and boost productivity.

Trade and logistics incentives — duty- and VAT-free ATVs, outboard engines, and steep reductions on vehicle imports.

Revenue sharing — annual conditional transfers from natural resources and a negative income tax top-up for poor households.

Production push — investment to reduce import dependency and modernize local manufacturing and agriculture.

WIN’s strategy blends populist subsidies with pro-business tax reform, signaling a consumption-driven model that could boost investor activity in retail, logistics, and domestic supply chains.

AFC: Redistribution and Governance Reform

The Alliance For Change (AFC), under its “Better Must Come” banner, has rolled out a 100-day action plan heavy on cash transfers and subsidies. It is also positioning itself as the party willing to renegotiate ExxonMobil’s contract, while enshrining direct oil revenue transfers to citizens.

Its investor-related agenda features:

Tax relief — VAT cut to 12%, higher income tax thresholds, subsidies on basic food items, and duty-free concessions for farmers’ 4×4 pickups.

Social spending — $100,000 per adult, $75,000 per schoolchild per term, and major increases in pensions and disability support.

Governance reform — stronger GECOM oversight, constitutional reform within two years, and transparency in oil management.

Labour stability — multi-year wage agreements for teachers, nurses, and security forces.

For investors, the AFC’s platform signals a populist redistribution agenda combined with institutional reforms. While it could increase consumer demand in the short term, questions remain over fiscal sustainability.

Investor Outlook

Despite their differences, all four parties converge on one reality: Guyana’s oil wealth must be leveraged to diversify the economy and attract capital.

PPP/C emphasizes infrastructure, diversification, and pro-business tax policies.

APNU stresses stability, transparency, and sustainable fiscal frameworks.

WIN is betting on aggressive tax cuts and household transfers to drive demand and private sector growth.

AFC blends redistribution and governance reform with a harder stance on multinational oil contracts.

For international investors, the election is less about whether Guyana will remain attractive, and more about which model of growth will prevail — one anchored in long-term stability or one driven by stimulus.

New Music Fridays: Caribbean Stars Drop Hot New Releases

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News Americas, New York, Fri. Aug. 22, 2025: The Caribbean music scene is on fire this week, with soca, reggae, and soulful covers making waves worldwide. From Machel Montano’s latest video to Lila Iké’s powerful debut album, here’s what’s trending in on #newmusicfriday on the Caribbean music scene.

Machel Montano ft. Davido – “Fling It Up”

Trinidad’s own Machel Montano, the undisputed “King of Soca,” has released the official video for “Fling It Up” featuring Nigerian superstar Davido. Directed by Fresh Juice and filmed during Trinidad Carnival 2025, the video showcases the vibrant energy of Carnival while fusing afrobeats and soca.

The single already landed on Billboard’s U.S. Afrobeats Songs Chart earlier this year and is one of the highlights of Montano’s latest album, One Degree Hotter. The star is now gearing up for the U.S. leg of his One Degree Hotter Tour, with major stops at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center on Aug. 24 and Washington D.C.’s Afro Plus Fest on Aug. 31.

Watch the video here

Lila Iké – Treasure Self Love (Debut Album)

Rising reggae sensation Lila Iké has dropped her much-anticipated debut album, Treasure Self Love. Featuring collaborations with H.E.R., Protoje, Masicka, Joey Bada$$, and Maverick Sabre, the album is a bold statement of empowerment and artistry.

Released on Ineffable Records, Treasure Self Love is already gaining global buzz, with praise from Rolling Stone, SPIN, Vogue, and The New York Times. Lila recently toured Europe and Japan, and performed at Jamaica’s Reggae Sumfest.

Stream the album now

Kojo Rigault – Cruisin’

UK-Trinidadian artist Kojo Rigault has released a soulful reggae cover of Smokey Robinson’s timeless ballad “Cruisin’.” Arranged by John Kpiaye and produced by Smokey Joe, the track adds lush reggae grooves while keeping the romance of the original alive.

Rigault says he wanted to honor Smokey’s classic while adding “Caribbean reggae, London edge, and late-night intimacy.” Perfect for winding down or driving with the windows down.

Listen to Kojo Rigault’s “Cruisin’” here

New Compilation – Junior Murvin & King Jammy

Out today on VP Records/Greensleeves is a new posthumous album that honors Junior Murvin, famous for “Police and Thieves.” Remixed by King Jammy, the album highlights Murvin’s 1980s recordings, including “Cool Out Son” and “Ism Schism.” Several tracks are available for streaming for the first time. Listen HERE

From soca’s global takeover to reggae’s soulful reinventions, Caribbean music continues to push boundaries and command international stages.

Carter Center Flags Concerns, Rising Guyana Party Alleges Discrimination Ahead of Sept. 1 Vote

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BY NAN News Editor

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Thurs. August 21, 2025: The countdown is on in the oil-rich South American CARICOM nation of Guyana, where voters head to the polls on Sept. 1 amid fresh warnings from international observers and claims of political discrimination from a new third party.

The US-based Carter Center, which has been observing Guyana’s electoral process since June, said in a preliminary assessment this week that several issues risk undermining the integrity of the electoral process. 

 The Atlanta-based watchdog noted that these include “local authorities’ approvals of campaign events, alleged intimidation of public workers, and overcompliance by local banks with recent U.S. sanctions, which threatens to hinder political participation.”

WIN Party presidential candidate Azruddin Mohamed, sanctioned by the U.S., rallies supporters from Guyana’s diverse ethnic communities ahead of the Sept. 1 election.

In June 2024, the U.S. government sanctioned the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) Party presidential candidate, Azruddin Mohamed, his father Nazar Mohamed, several of their businesses, and Guyanese government official Mae Thomas Jr. for public corruption. The U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) blocked Mohamed’s assets in the U.S. financial system, and aimed to prevent transactions of money, goods, and services that would benefit Mohamed or the others within the U.S. financial system.

Following approval of WIN’s list in July 2025, local commercial banks, Bank of Nova Scotia, Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry, New Building Society, and Demerara Bank, reportedly closed the personal bank accounts of approximately 40 WIN candidates, party members, and their associates.

Reportedly, some candidates also have been dismissed by private-sector employers for appearing on WIN’s list. Although the banks have not provided a detailed public explanation of their actions, they are reportedly concerned about secondary sanctions and their banking relationships with the U.S. financial system.

The Guyanese banking system operates within national laws and international regulatory standards to prevent the misuse of the international financial system. The Carter Center said while it “recognizes the banking sector’s caution, the relevant Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and OFAC standards and guidelines recommend a ‘risk-based’ approach to such matters and discourages overcompliance with practices such as blanket account closures (‘de-risking’).”

“The relevant practice indicates that the risk of secondary sanctions arises when there is a prohibited transaction or other significant dealing with a sanctioned person,” the Center said. “Mere political association, without evidence of such transactions or facilitation, does not constitute the proper basis for termination of accounts.”

The Carter Center added that it “is concerned that banks may be over-complying with U.S. sanctions, which undermines political participation and electoral integrity by discouraging people from participating fully in the political process.”

“The private sector has an important role to play in safeguarding democratic rights and freedoms and, as such, must ensure decisions do not discriminate against individuals for exercising those rights,” the Center said.

The warnings echo claims made by the We WIN, which alleges widespread financial discrimination against its members.

WIN says dozens of candidates and supporters have had bank accounts frozen, loans canceled, and even salaries withheld, leaving some unable to operate businesses or support families.

“Teachers cannot access their pay. Small business owners are being forced into cash-only survival,” the party said in a statement Wednesday, calling the treatment “political persecution in its rawest form.” WIN has appealed to CARICOM and the United Nations to intervene.

Mohamed denies wrongdoing and insists he remains eligible to contest the presidency as his lawyers deal with the legal case against him and his companies.

The WIN Party emphasized that these actions “violate international and regional commitments, including: Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Articles 2 and 7) – equality and protection from discrimination; International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Articles 25 and 26) – the right to participate in public life and equal protection under the law and the CARICOM Charter of Civil Society (1997) – which guarantees political rights and non-discrimination for citizens of member states.”

The WIN Party has called on CARICOM and the UN to: “publicly condemn the discriminatory practices; ensure immediate reinstatement of all affected accounts: engage with the Government of Guyana and banks to end political persecution; deploy observers to investigate and report and guarantee regional safeguards for fair financial access until citizens’ rights are fully restored.”

“This is about the fundamental right of every citizen to work, bank, and participate in democracy without fear,” the Party concluded.

The claims of discrimination from WIN comes as the party has gained national momentum ahead of the elections, attracting large multi-ethnic crowds nationally – a move many analysts is seen by the incumbent government as a threat to their retention of power.

The incumbent People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), led by Irfaan Ally, seeking another 5-year-term, has rejected allegations of interference, saying financial institutions are acting in line with global compliance standards.

Irfaan Ali, Guyana’s president, speaks during a campaign rally in Georgetown, Guyana, on Friday, July 25, 2025. Ali is seeking a second five-year term in Guyana’s Sept. 1 vote. Photographer: Yancey Haywood/Bloomberg via Getty Images

But tensions flared again Thursday when police in Berbice, Region Six, stopped Mohamed’s convoy over an “obscure” license plate and tinted windows as he headed to a rally in a PPP/C stronghold. WIN leaders accused authorities of targeting them while PPP/C vehicles left a nearby government rally unchecked.

Allegations of State Misuse

The Carter Center said it has also received multiple complaints that the ruling party is misusing state resources, pointing to reports of government vehicles in campaign use, temporary workers deployed for political activities, and public events doubling as party promotions.

Since late July, the president announced promotions for 2,800 police officers and free bridge crossings. While not illegal under Guyana’s laws, the Center said such moves violate international best practices for a level playing field. It also cited concerns over state media bias in favor of the PPP/C.

OAS Mission

Meanwhile, the Organization of American States has deployed a 27-member Electoral Observation Mission led by former Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding. Observers will monitor voting by the security forces on Aug. 22 and the general election on Sept. 1.

This marks the OAS’s seventh mission in Guyana, focusing on campaign financing, electoral technology, registries, and women’s participation.

Economic Backdrop

The vote comes as Guyana’s economy soars on the back of oil. The World Bank reported 43.4 percent GDP growth in 2022, with per-capita GDP at nearly $29,900 in 2024. Oil output averaged 616,000 barrels per day last year and is projected to hit 1.3 million by 2027.

Government revenues jumped to $2.57 billion in 2024, up from $1.62 billion in 2023, and could approach $10 billion annually by decade’s end. Poverty, however, still affects many: the World Bank put the $3-a-day headcount at significant levels in 2021, with unemployment near 10 percent.

ExxonMobil, Hess, and CNOOC, which control Guyana’s output, have reported billions in profits from their Guyana operations.

PARTIES CONTESTING THE ELECTION

Aubrey Norton, Guyana’s opposition leader and presidential candidate, during a campaign event in Vreed-En-Hoop, Guyana, on Friday, Aug. 15, 2025. (Photographer: Yancey Haywood/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Six parties, including the PPP/C main opposition A Partnership for National Unity, WIN, the Alliance for Change (AFC), the Assembly of Liberty and Prosperity, (ALP) and Forward Guyana Movement, (FGM), will contest the Sept. 1 election. Observers say the polls will test Guyana’s institutions as the country manages explosive oil-driven growth.

Jamaican Immigrant Who Served As Maine Police Officer To Leave US After ICE Arrest

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News Americas, OLD ORCHARD BEACH, Maine, Aug. 20, 2025: A Jamaican immigrant who overstayed his visa and later worked as a reserve police officer in Maine has agreed to leave the United States voluntarily after federal agents detained him when he tried to buy a firearm.

A judge on Monday granted the departure order for Jon Luke Evans, who served this summer with the Old Orchard Beach Police Department, according to WMTW-TV. He must cover his own travel costs and exit the country within a set period.

Evans legally entered the U.S. on a week-long visa in September 2023 but failed to leave when it expired. He later passed background checks via the E-Verify system, and training, before being hired in May as a seasonal officer in the busy tourist town.

Federal immigration agents detained Evans on July 25th in Biddeford after the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives flagged his attempt to purchase a gun. He was initially held in Massachusetts before being transferred to a detention center in Rhode Island.

The Old Orchard Beach Police Department said it relied on the Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify system to confirm Evans’ work eligibility and believed his documents were valid. Police Chief Elise Chard said the town was “distressed and deeply concerned” by what appeared to be a federal error.

Federal officials countered that employers should not rely solely on E-Verify and must take additional steps to confirm immigration status.

Evans’ role as a reserve officer did not allow him to carry personal firearms or department-issued weapons off duty. The town said it expects him to comply with the judge’s voluntary departure order.

The Guyana Cultural Association Of New York Turns 25

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Reported By Allison Skeete

News Americas, New York, August 19, 2025: As summer winds down, many in the diaspora turn to cultural gatherings that keep traditions alive. In Brooklyn, the Guyana Cultural Association of New York, (GCA), is preparing to host its 25th Annual Folk Festival, a milestone Silver Jubilee celebration dedicated to preserving Guyanese heritage while passing it on to new generations.

The Guyana Cultural Association of New York is turning 25.

Founded 25 years ago, GCA has become a leading voice for celebrating Guyana’s history, culture, and artistic contributions at home and abroad. Its annual Folk Festival has grown into a community hub – a place for families to reconnect, alumni associations to relive school rivalries, and children to experience traditions for the first time. From maypole plaiting to arts and crafts, masquerade stilt-walking, folk dancing, and storytelling, the festival immerses young and old alike in the essence of Guyanese identity.

Highlights of the event include Kwe-Kwe Night, where families dramatize pre-wedding rituals through song and dance, and Family Fun Day on Sunday, August 31st, featuring Guyanese food, music, games, and entertainment in the park. Over the years, the festival has also introduced global audiences to Guyanese beauty queens like Arti Cameron and Lisa Punch, along with designers such as Michelle Cole and Roger Gary.

This year’s Silver Jubilee will be marked with a Gala Awards Dinner at Russo’s on the Bay in Howard Beach, New York, on Wednesday, August 27th. Tickets are available for $150 via guyfolkfest.org, where a full schedule of events can also be found.

Each year, the GCA recognizes individuals and organizations advancing Guyanese heritage. Awards include the Godfrey Chin Prize for Heritage Journalism, honoring writers who deepen understanding of Guyanese culture, and the Derry Etkins Memorial Prizes, spotlighting excellence in music composition, performance, preservation, and community music education.

Now celebrating 25 years, the GCA Folk Festival continues to serve as both a reunion and a renewal – a space where Guyanese abroad honor their past, celebrate their present, and invest in passing their traditions to the future.

12-Year-Old Ignites With Bounty Killer & Richie Stephens On New Reggae Single

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Tues. Aug. 19, 2025: Jamaican Canadian rising star Jazmin Headley is turning heads with her latest reggae release “The Fire Inside,” featuring none other than dancehall legend Bounty Killer and reggae icon Richie Stephens.

At just 12 years old, Jazmin is proving she’s a voice to watch. Her new single pairs youthful fire with seasoned artistry, blending Stephens’ soulful vocals and Bounty’s commanding delivery into what the Warlord himself calls a “musical masterpiece.”

“When you carry a fire inside, no one can shatter your dreams,” Bounty shared while in Toronto, marking his first visit to the city in 20 years. Stephens added: “It’s a powerful song filled with emotional depth and an empowering message.”

The track follows a milestone year for Jazmin, who made her film debut in MGM’s The Fire Inside, the critically acclaimed biopic of boxing champion Claressa Shields. Starring Ryan Destiny and directed by Academy Award-nominated cinematographer Rachel Morrison, the movie gave Jazmin her first taste of the global spotlight—now extended through music.

Released via VPAL Music, the single is already resonating with fans for its uplifting lyrics and cross-generational collaboration, bridging the gap between Jamaica’s musical past and its future.

Watch the Official Video Here: YouTube

Headley is a Canadian singer, actor and voice-over artist who just completed a successful run as Judah Joseph’s brother in ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dream coat.’ She is also a cast member of the CBC Kids Series Ukulele U.

ExxonMobil’s $42.5M Deepwater Gamble In T&T

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News Americas, Port of Spain, Trinidad, August 19, 2025: Once the undisputed energy powerhouse of the Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago is now betting big on a deep water revival – with ExxonMobil leading the charge.

The U.S. oil giant has committed US$42.5 million upfront to partner with Trinidad’s state-owned Heritage Petroleum, marking a bold return of confidence in the twin-island nation’s hydrocarbon sector. For Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, it’s more than just another deal — it’s a signal that Trinidad is ready to reclaim its role as a regional energy leader.

“This partnership strengthens our position in the deepwater space,” Exxon’s vice president for exploration, John Ardill, said during the signing, while admitting there are “no guarantees” the projects will match Guyana’s colossal oil discoveries.

Trinidad has watched for nearly a decade as Guyana, its smaller neighbor, surged to global prominence with Exxon’s 11 billion barrels of recoverable oil. Production declines, fiscal pressures, and dwindling gas supplies have chipped away at Trinidad’s economy which has also seen a shortage of US dolars. Now, deep water exploration is being framed as the country’s best chance at reversing its decline.

The stakes are high. Exxon will operate three blocks — 25a, 25b, and 27 — in Trinidad’s Atlantic waters, focusing on natural gas that could feed the nation’s LNG plants and petrochemical industry.

Persad-Bissessar has promised to slash red tape, modernize licensing, and create a more investor-friendly climate to ensure success. For Trinidad, the challenge is clear: turn this gamble into a comeback before Guyana leaves the region’s oldest producer permanently in the shadows.

The Guyana Government Should Immediately Investigate The Accounting Of The Oil Companies

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By Darsh Khusial

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. Aug. 18, 2025: On July 2nd, 2025, Stabroek News published a letter from the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, (CFO), of ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, (EMGL) disputing Chris Ram’s assertion that the 2024 financials for the Stabroek Block consortium (consisting of EMGL, HESS Guyana, and CNOOC Guyana) represent “a fundamental distortion that demands immediate investigation, attention, transparency and disclosure.” The Exxon Guyana CFO’s response to Ram’s assertion that the accounting was flawed was vague and lacking in depth. However, it contained a veiled threat in this statement: “The accusation that we manipulate accounting standards to improve our financial results is unfounded and defamatory.”

In 2024, the oil extracted and sold totaled US$18 billion. To put that in context, Guyana’s 2025 budget was US$6.6 billion. Thus, distortions in the oil consortium’s financial statements are materially significant for Guyana.

Exxon is a company valued at more than US$600 billion, making it one of the largest companies in the world. As a large US public company, its stock is owned directly and indirectly by millions of shareholders. Its primary priority is to maximize shareholder value, which is reflected in its stock price. Accusations that one of its major subsidiaries’ financials are distorted could raise doubts about the company’s valuation among analysts and shareholders. Hence, one would expect that the company would correct this matter immediately or vehemently defend its reputation by taking the matter to court, not respond through a vague letter.

Mr. Ram promptly stood by his assertions in a letter dated July 3rd, 2025, where he provided specifics on why EMGL’s accounting is indefensibly lacking. He further stated, “Exxon shows no respect for the people of Guyana, weaponizing accounting complexity to avoid informed public scrutiny.” It has been more than a month since Ram stood by his assertion, while the EMGL silence has been deafening but insightful.

The chart below, interactive copy, shows the total amount of oil produced and sold per year in US dollars, which totals US$43.5 billion. Guyana should receive a 2% royalty and a 50/50 profit share. However, if the accounting is questionable, then surely Guyana’s 2% royalty and 50/50 profit share, both derived from the oil companies’ financials, are incorrect?

In April 2019, the Stabroek Block oil contract was amended to ensure the oil companies could not claim the 2% royalty as a cost. However, in their 2024 income statements, EMGL claims a Royalty Expense of US$164 million. We note that neither HESS Guyana nor CNOOC Guyana income statements lists such an expense. Thus, instead of parroting ‘the sanctity of contract’, the government should investigate whether EMGL’s US$164 million royalty expense was illegitimate under the updated contract terms.

In 2018, Ram showed – using the oil consortium’s own financial statements – that the pre-contract costs were overstated by US$90 million or 24%. Now, Guyana’s profit share from the US$43.5 billion is approximately 12.5%, assuming costs are 75%. Thus, total cost is approximately US$32.6 billion and Guyana’s 12.5% is US$5.4 billion. If the cost were inflated by 24%, then the uninflated cost would be US$26.3 billion, which means Guyana’s 12.5% profit share should be US$8.6 billion or an extra US$3.2 billion. To put that in perspective, that is 1.5 times Guyana’s budget before oil production began in December 2019.

If one recalls, the original capital cost for Liza Phase 1 was US$4.4 billion, but after Guyanese oil expert Dr. Mangal disputed several claims, the Consortium then reduced the cost by US$700 million. It was then reduced again, to a final amount of US$3.5 billion. That is an overstatement of expense by 26%.

There is a pattern here of inflated expenses. These financial irregularities should trigger immediate investigation by any government, given the billions of US dollars at stake.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Darshanand Khusial is an executive OGGN Other executive members include Alfred Bhulai, Andre Brandli, Janette Bulkan and Joe Persaud.

From Billboard To Behind Bars: Sean Kingston Sentenced In $1M Fraud Case.

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By NAN ET Entertainer

News Americas, MAIMI, FL, Mon. 18, 2025: Jamaican-American rapper Sean Kingston, once a Billboard chart-topper with hits like “Beautiful Girls,” is headed to federal prison after being convicted in a US$1 million fraud scheme.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida confirmed that Kingston, born Kisean Paul Anderson, was sentenced on Friday to 42 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge David S. Leibowitz.

FLASHBACK – Sean Kingston performings onstage at Shaggy’s Hot Summer Nights Tour on June 03, 2023 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Jason Koerner/Getty Images for Live Nation)

A Fall From Grace

Kingston, now 35, rose to international fame as a teenager, blending pop and reggae to create crossover anthems that defined mid-2000s radio. But prosecutors say behind the glitz of fame, the artist orchestrated a scheme to defraud luxury vendors of over US$1 million in goods.

According to trial evidence, Kingston contacted sellers of high-end merchandise — including a bulletproof Cadillac Escalade, luxury watches, and a massive 232-inch LED television — via social media. He invited them to his luxury homes in Broward County, Florida, leveraging his celebrity status to secure trust.

Instead of paying, prosecutors said Kingston and his mother, Janice Eleanor Turner, 62, sent fake wire receipts as proof of payment. While some victims eventually received restitution after filing lawsuits or involving police, most never saw a dollar.

The Family Scheme

Turner, who prosecutors described as central to producing the fraudulent documents, was sentenced last month to five years in federal prison for her role in the conspiracy.

“The defendants used fame as a weapon,” the prosecution argued. “What appeared to be opportunity for small businesses turned into financial loss and betrayal.”

Kingston’s Statement

In court, Kingston offered brief remarks, acknowledging wrongdoing. “I’ve learned from my actions,” he said, as Judge Leibowitz handed down the sentence.

A Career Overshadowed

The rapper, who once collaborated with global stars including Justin Bieber and Nicki Minaj, now sees his career defined as much by courtroom headlines as by music charts.

His story marks yet another reminder of how quickly celebrity fortune can fade — from Billboard stardom to federal prison in less than two decades.

Two Caribbean Nations Head To The Polls In September Amid Heated Campaigns

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Aug. 15, 2025: Two CARICOM nations are in the thick of election fever, with voters in Guyana and Jamaica set to choose new governments next month. Guyana heads to the polls on September 1, 2025, followed by Jamaica on September 3, 2025.

In Jamaica, the campaign trail has been rocked by controversy. The ruling Jamaica Labour Party’s (JLP) campaign chairman, Dr. Christopher Tufton, has been given a deadline to retract a recording of retired opposition legislator K.D. Knight that was played at a mass JLP rally on Sunday.

FLASHBACK – A polling station in Tivoli Gardens, in West Kingston on December 29, 2011. (Photo credit – Ratiba HAMZAOUI/AFP via Getty Images)

In the clip, Knight appeared to express no confidence in People’s National Party (PNP) leader Mark Golding — but Knight’s legal team claims the recording was manipulated. The law firm Knight, Junior & Samuels has demanded a public retraction and apology by 11:00 a.m. Friday, to be published across all media and JLP social platforms. The firm warned that a retraction would not prevent legal action, though it could help reduce reputational damage.

Meanwhile, in a political twist, the Jamaica First Movement (JFM) — led by clergyman Rev. Al Miller — has joined forces with the Jamaica Progressive Party (JPP) to form a united front in the election. JPP President Gilbert Edwards hailed the merger as “historic” and “a necessary act of national service,” pledging unity, purpose, and people-centered politics. The main contest still pits the JLP against the PNP, with the new alliance aiming to shake up the political landscape.

The vote in Jamaica comes on the heels of a 2024 Integrity Commission (IC) report that found insufficient evidence to charge Prime Minister Andrew Holness, over the alleged non-disclosure of four joint bank accounts.

The IC’s probe, covering 2018–2023, examined 3,600 transactions, 28 accounts, and over 80 witness statements. Holness says the accounts in question were dormant, with minimal balances, and in some cases opened by his parents decades ago.

Holness rejected findings of a J$1.9M unexplained increase in his net worth in 2022, citing calculation errors, and denied hindering the investigation. Holness also criticized the IC law, calling for urgent reforms to prevent politicization and ensure focus on “relevant, significant and material issues.”

GUYANA

In Guyana, the newly formed We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, led by US-sanctioned businessman Azruddin Mohamed, is making waves. The ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has alleged that Mohamed sought a Venezuelan visa and visited the Venezuelan embassy — claims he strongly denies.

“Produce the evidence! I have never visited the Venezuelan Embassy, nor applied for a visa to Venezuela,” Mohamed slammed back, calling the accusations “baseless, malicious, and politically motivated.” He accused the PPP/C of using the allegations to distract from alleged corruption exposed on social media.

The Guyanese government confirmed it had summoned Venezuela’s Ambassador Carlos Amador Perez Silva over what it described as “frequent visits” to the embassy by members of the Mohamed family.

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has approved six political parties for the September 1 vote:

A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)

Alliance for Change (AFC)

Assembly of Liberty and Prosperity (ALP)

Forward Guyana Movement (FGM)

People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C)

We Invest in Nationhood (WIN)

With just weeks to go, both Jamaica and Guyana are seeing intensified campaigning, legal battles, and new alliances — setting the stage for two high-stakes elections that could reshape the political direction of each nation.