Caribbean Rivals Clash at UFC Fight Night: Cortes-Acosta Upsets Despaigne

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. May 13, 2024: In an unexpected turn of events at the UFC Fight Night held at the Enterprise Center on May 11, 2024, the Caribbean witnessed a showdown between two of its own in St. Louis, Missouri.

Waldo Cortes-Acosta of the Dominican Republic reacts after his victory over Robelis Despaigne of Cuba in a heavyweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at Enterprise Center on May 11, 2024 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Waldo Cortes-Acosta, representing the Dominican Republic, emerged victorious against Cuba’s Robelis Despaigne in a heavyweight bout. Cortes-Acosta, with a record of 12-1 MMA and 5-1 UFC, secured a surprising win over the highly-regarded Despaigne, whose record stands at 5-1 MMA and 1-1 UFC. The showdown unfolded as the main card opener of this past Saturday’s event.

Employing a grapple-heavy strategy, Cortes-Acosta, riding a three-fight winning streak, effectively neutralized the threat posed by Despaigne. Despite Despaigne’s reputation for swift knockouts in his previous bouts, Cortes-Acosta’s strategic takedowns and control tactics proved to be the decisive factor. Throughout the match, Cortes-Acosta maintained a dominant position, thwarting Despaigne’s attempts to counter. Despite his efforts, Cortes-Acosta fell short of securing a finish, but his performance earned him a clear victory.

Judges scored the fight 30-27, 30-27, and 30-26, unanimously declaring Cortes-Acosta the winner. Despaigne, known for his rapid knockout finishes in previous fights, faced an unfamiliar challenge in Cortes-Acosta’s grappling expertise.

Prior to this match, Despaigne had concluded his last four fights in a total of 37 seconds, showcasing his formidable knockout prowess.

This unexpected outcome underscores the unpredictable nature of UFC matchups and solidifies Cortes-Acosta’s status as a rising contender in the heavyweight division.

The Caribbean Welcomes New Wave of Hotels: Openings and Upcoming Launches

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. May 10, 2024: With the Caribbean Tourism Organization increased international tourists arrival data so far in 2024, its no denying why more and more hotel brands are seeking to open in the Caribbean. Here are some that have opened already this year or are gearing up to open this year or early next year.

The St. Regis Cap-Cana, DR is set to open next spring. (st. Regis Cap Cana image)

Riu Palace Aquarelle

This month, May 2024, Hotel Riu Palace Aquarelle opened in Falmouth, Jamaica roughly 40 minutes from Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport. The 753 rooms, all-inclusive resort features four outdoor pools, a children’s pool, a water park, a wellness center, and multiple dining options.

Six Senses La Sagesse

Last month, April 2024, Six Senses La Sagesse opened ahead of its May schedule in Grenada. The new wellness resort, the Six Senses La Sagesse, located along the La Sagesse beach, offers 71 suites and villas that were built using repurposed materials across its 38-acre property. The resort will supply its own food through fishing and growing local produce.

Catalonia Hotels & Resorts

Meanwhile, Catalonia Hotels & Resorts on May 7th announced its purchase of the Holiday Inn Resort, Montego Bay from East Bay Management Company Limited, led by prominent Jamaican businessman Kevin Hendrickson. As a Spanish hotel chain with over 40 years’ experience in tourism this acquisition represents a major landmark for the company, intensifying its presence in the Caribbean, and highlighting a commitment to expand into new and vibrant markets. Catalonia has outlined ambitious plans for the property as they intend to invest significantly in it within the coming months to ensure it aligns with their high standards while maintaining a strong commitment to the local community and environment.

Royalton CHIC Antigua

On April 29th, the Royalton CHIC Antigua, an adults-only all-inclusive resort located along the island’s Dickenson Bay opened its 235 rooms and suites, five bars, seven restaurants, the Royal Spa and four pools, in Antigua.

COMING UP
Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman

Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman, an IHG Hotel, will open June 1, 2024, offering a great location near Seven Mile Beach and bringing the island’s maritime focus into the luxury and pet-friendly property. The property will feature a stunning pool overlooking the ocean and accessible rooms.

The Princess Hotels & Resorts Jamaica

The Princess Hotels & Resorts Jamaica is set on 180 acres and will consist of a combination of four separate resorts, 14 over-the-water villas, and a casino on June 4th. The first phase will consist of 1,005 luxury ocean-view suites and the second phase with another 1,025 suites.

Bermudiana Beach Resort

The Bermudiana Beach Resort, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, will debut in July 2024 near Bermuda’s scenic pink sand beaches. The resort will offer 111 rooms and feature a cliff-top bar and restaurant overlooking the sea, an ocean-view pool, a beachfront accessible by elevator, a spa and yoga terrace.

Secrets St. Lucia Resort & Spa

Projected to open in August, Secrets St. Lucia Resort & Spa will be the second Unlimited Vacation Club property on the island.

St. Regis Palm Beach Aruba Resort

St. Regis Palm Beach Aruba Resort, the second St. Regis property in the Caribbean, is set to open by the end of 2024. This resort will have 220 rooms, 5-star amenities and dining, a spa, and a pool.

Marriott Miches Beach Resort

Marriott is set to open its first-ever Marriott-branded all-inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic early next year, adding the former Sunrise Miches Beach Resort to its All-Inclusive by Marriott Bonvoy portfolio, with plans to open the resort in the first quarter of 2025. The 498-room Marriott Miches Beach Resort, An All-Inclusive Resort will be set on almost 1,000 feet of beach in the increasingly hot area of Miches.

St. Regis Cap Cana

Opening next spring, also in the DR, the St. Regis Cap Cana will offer 200 rooms as well as a selection of residences for luxury travelers interested in owning a piece of paradise. Guests can enjoy a private stretch of picture-perfect beachfront as well as access to the nearby Jack Nicklaus-designed Punta Espada Golf Club. The resort also offers 24/7 concierge service, seven pools, a St. Regis spa, a kids club and a fitness and wellness center.

Nadine Sutherland Releases Stirring Acoustic Version Of “Queen” For Mother’s Day

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. May 10, 2024: Jamaican reggae and dancehall artist Nadine Sutherland has unveiled a heartfelt acoustic rendition of her hit single “Queen” in time for Mother’s Day. The stripped-down version of the emotionally charged track aims to resonate with women worldwide, offering a raw and intimate perspective on the journeys they undertake throughout their lives.

Nadine Sutherland salutes Mothers this ‘Mother’s Day.’

Sutherland took to her Instagram page to introduce the acoustic version, emphasizing its importance for women to hear themselves in the song and connect with the narrative she shares. “Queen” in its acoustic form sees Sutherland unplugged and unfiltered, delving into the untold stories behind the crowns women wear.

“It’s a song I’ve poured my heart into,” Sutherland expressed. “It’s about women who have endured hardships on their path to success, who have faced setbacks but always risen again. Through it all, women are Queens. She is you, because we’ve shared so many similar journeys.”

Recorded and filmed at Anchor Studios, the acoustic rendition features Neil-Prince Halliburton on guitar and was engineered by Delroy “Fatta” Pottinger. Accompanying the release is an official music video, capturing the raw emotion and authenticity of the acoustic performance.

With a career spanning over three decades, Nadine Sutherland has solidified her place in the music industry with her powerful vocals and empowering messages. Her collaborations with renowned artists and her unwavering commitment to spreading positivity through music continue to inspire audiences worldwide.

For fans of Sutherland and enthusiasts of authentic, soul-stirring music, the acoustic version of “Queen” serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and strength inherent in every woman’s story. Listen HERE

Four Flight Attendants Accused Of Smuggling Millions In Drug Money To Dominican Republic

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. May 10, 2024: Federal authorities says four flight attendants exploited their privileges as airline personnel to transport millions of dollars in drug proceeds from New York City to the Dominican Republic.

According to Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Ivan J. Arvelo, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations, the suspects took advantage of their access to the “Known Crewmember (KCM)” lane at John F. Kennedy International Airport, circumventing standard security measures and inspection protocols.

A Homeland Security Investigations special agent highlighted the lax security procedures associated with KCM privileges, noting that flight attendants could transport significant amounts of cash without detection.

The individuals facing charges are Charlie Hernandez, 42; Sarah Valerio Pujols, 24; Emmanuel Torres, 34; and Jarol Fabio, 35. They stand accused of engaging in unlicensed money transmission activities and were apprehended on Tuesday.

Hernandez resides in West New York, New Jersey, while the remaining defendants are residents of New York City.

Prosecutors allege that the group collectively smuggled approximately $8 million in bulk cash to the Dominican Republic over several years, purportedly including funds derived from drug trafficking.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams emphasized the serious nature of the allegations, stating that the flight attendants abused their status to facilitate the illegal transfer of illicit funds.

An informant provided Hernandez with $121,215, sourced from narcotics trafficking, a portion of which he allegedly passed on to Pujols for transport to the Dominican Republic in December 2019.

Delta Airlines confirmed that two of the defendants are employees, asserting their cooperation with law enforcement in the ongoing investigation.

While Pujols has been released from custody, her attorney declined to provide further comments. No immediate responses were available from Fabio’s legal representation, and court records did not list attorneys for Hernandez and Torres at the time of reporting.

Full ICC T20 Cricket World Cup Schedule

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. May 10, 2024: The excitement is building among cricket fans for the opening of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The opening match will get underway in Dallas, USA on June 1st between the US and Canada, which is also Caribbean American Heritage Month in the US.

Call him ICC Cricket Ambassador Bolt!

Four matches will be played at Central Broward Park and Broward County Stadium in Florida. They are Sri Lanka against Nepal on June 11th, the US against Ireland on June 14th, India versus Canada the following day, June 15th, and Pakistan versus Ireland on June 16th.

So far Olympian Usain Bolt and West Indies cricketing star Chris Gayle are among this year’s ambassadors. The West Indies squad for the World Cup is:

Squad: Rovman Powell (c), Alzarri Joseph, Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd.

The full ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Schedule is as follows:

Sat, 1 Jun ’24

1st Match, Group A (N)

Dallas, Texas

United States Of America vs Canada

8:30 PM (12:30 am GMT | 7:30 pm Local)

Sun, 2 Jun ’24

2nd Match, Group C

Providence, Guyana

West Indies vs Papua New Guinea

10:30 AM (2:30 pm GMT | 10:30 am Local)

3rd Match, Group B (N)

Bridgetown, Barbados

Namibia vs Oman

8:30 PM (12:30 am GMT | 8:30 pm Local)

Mon, 3 Jun ’24

4th Match, Group D

New York

Sri Lanka vs South Africa

10:30 AM (2:30 pm GMT | 10:30 am Local)

5th Match, Group C (N)

Providence, Guyana

Afghanistan vs Uganda

8:30 PM (12:30 am GMT | 8:30 pm Local)

Tue, 4 Jun ’24

6th Match, Group B

Bridgetown, Barbados

England vs Scotland

10:30 AM (2:30 pm GMT | 10:30 am Local)

7th Match, Group D

Dallas, Texas

 Netherlands vs Nepal

11:30 AM (3:30 pm GMT | 10:30 am Local)

Wed, 5 Jun ’24

8th Match, Group A

New York

India vs Ireland

10:00 AM (2:00 pm GMT | 10:00 am Local)

9th Match, Group C (N)

Providence, Guyana

Papua New Guinea vs Uganda

7:30 PM (11:30 pm GMT | 7:30 pm Local)

10th Match, Group B (N)

Bridgetown, Barbados

Australia vs Oman

8:30 PM (12:30 am GMT | 8:30 pm Local)

Thu, 06 Jun ’24

11th Match, Group A

Dallas, Texas

United States Of America vs Pakistan

11:30 AM (3:30 pm GMT | 10:30 am Local)

12th Match, Group B

Bridgetown, Barbados

Namibia vs Scotland

3:00 PM (7:00 pm GMT | 3:00 pm Local)

Fri, 7 Jun ’24

13th Match, Group A

New York

Canada vs Ireland

10:30 AM (2:30 pm GMT | 10:30 am Local)

14th Match, Group C (N)

Providence, Guyana

Afghanistan vs New Zealand

7:30 PM (11:30 pm GMT | 7:30 pm Local)

15th Match, Group D (N)

Dallas, Texas

Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka

8:30 PM (12:30 am GMT | 7:30 pm Local)

Sat, 8 Jun ’24

16th Match, Group D •

New York

Netherlands vs. South Africa

10:30 AM Local Time

17th Match, Group B •

Bridgetown, Barbados

Australia vs. England

1:00 PM Local Time

18th Match, Group C (N)

Providence, Guyana

West Indies vs. Uganda

8:30 PM Local Time

Sun, 9 Jun ’24

19th Match, Group A

New York

India vs. Pakistan

10:30 AM Local Time

20th Match, Group B

North Sound, Antigua

Oman vs. Scotland

1:00 PM Local Time

Mon, 10 Jun ’24

21st Match, Group D

New York

Bangladesh vs. South Africa

10:30 AM Local Time

Tue, 11 Jun ’24

22nd Match, Group A

New York

Canada vs. Pakistan

10:30 AM Local Time

23rd Match, Group D

Lauderhill, Florida

Nepal vs. Sri Lanka

7:30 PM Local Time

24th Match, Group B (N)

North Sound, Antigua

Australia vs. Namibia

8:30 PM Local Time

Wed, 12 Jun ’24

25th Match, Group A

New York

United States of America vs. India

10:30 AM Local Time

26th Match, Group C (N)

Tarouba, Trinidad

West Indies vs. New Zealand

8:30 PM Local Time

Thu, 13 Jun ’24

27th Match, Group B

Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Bangladesh vs. Netherlands

10:30 AM Local Time

28th Match, Group D

North Sound, Antigua

England vs. Oman

3:00 PM Local Time

29th Match, Group C (N)

Tarouba, Trinidad

Afghanistan vs. Papua New Guinea

8:30 PM Local Time

Fri, 14 Jun ’24

30th Match, Group A

Lauderhill, Florida

United States of America vs. Ireland

10:30 AM Local Time

31st Match, Group D (N)

Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Nepal vs. South Africa

7:30 PM Local Time

32nd Match, Group C (N)

 Tarouba, Trinidad

New Zealand vs. Uganda

8:30 PM Local Time

Sat, 15 Jun ’24

33rd Match, Group A

Lauderhill, Florida

Canada vs. India

10:30 AM Local Time

34th Match, Group B

North Sound, Antigua

England vs. Namibia

1:00 PM Local Time

35th Match, Group B (N)

Gros Islet, St. Lucia

Australia vs. Scotland

8:30 PM Local Time

Sun, 16 Jun ’24

36th Match, Group A

Lauderhill, Florida

Ireland vs. Pakistan

10:30 AM Local Time

37th Match, Group D (N)

Kingstown, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup

Bangladesh vs. Nepal

7:30 PM Local Time

38th Match, Group D (N)

Gros Islet, St. Lucia

Netherlands vs. Sri Lanka

8:30 PM Local Time

Mon, 17 Jun ’24

39th Match, Group C

Tarouba, Trinidad

New Zealand vs. Papua New Guinea

10:30 AM Local Time

40th Match, Group C (N)

Gros Islet, Trinidad

West Indies vs. Afghanistan

8:30 PM Local Time

Wed, 19 Jun ’24

41st Match, Super Eights, Group 2

North Sound, Antigua

TBA vs. TBA

10:30 AM Local Time

(A2 v D1)

42nd Match, Super Eights, Group 2 (N)

Gros Islet, St. Lucia

TBA vs. TBA

8:30 PM Local Time

(B1 v C2)

Thu, 20 Jun ’24

43rd Match, Super Eights, Group 1

Bridgetown, Barbados

TBA vs. TBA

10:30 AM Local Time

(C1 v A1)

44th Match, Super Eights, Group 1 (N)

North Sound, Antigua

TBA vs. TBA

8:30 PM Local Time

(B2 v D2)

Fri, 21 Jun ’24

45th Match, Super Eights, Group 2

Gros Islet, St. Lucia

TBA vs. TBA

10:30 AM Local Time

(B1 v D1)

46th Match, Super Eights, Group 2 (N)

Bridgetown, Barbados

TBA vs. TBA

8:30 PM Local Time

(A2 v C2)

Sat, 22 Jun ’24

47th Match, Super Eights,Group 1

North Sound, Antigua

TBA vs. TBA

10:30 AM Local Time

(A1 v D2)

48th Match, Super Eights, Group 1 (N)

Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

TBA vs. TBA

8:30 PM Local Time

(C1 v B2)

Sun, 23 Jun ’24

49th Match, Super Eights, Group 2

Bridgetown, Barbados

TBA vs. TBA

10:30 AM Local Time

(A2 v B1)

50th Match, Super Eights, Group 2 (N)

North Sound, Antigua

TBA vs. TBA

8:30 PM Local Time

(C2 v D1)

Mon, 24 Jun ’24

51st Match, Super Eights, Group 1

Gros Islet, St. Lucia

TBA vs. TBA

10:30 AM Local Time

(B2 v A1)

52nd Match, Super Eights, Group 1 (N)

Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

TBA vs. TBA

8:30 PM Local Time

(C1 v D2)

Wed, 26 Jun ’24

1st Semi-Final (N)

Tarouba, Trinidad

TBA vs. TBA

8:30 PM Local Time

Thu, 27 Jun ’24

2nd Semi-Final

Providence, Guyana

TBA vs. TBA

10:30 AM Local Time

Sat, 29 Jun ’24

Final

Bridgetown, Barbados

TBA vs. TBA

10:00 AM Local Time

Caribbean Travel News And Deals This Week

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Thurs. May 9, 2024: Here are the top Caribbean travel news and some can’t miss deals this week in 60 seconds.

Get ready for smoother and cozier travels to Puerto Rico and beyond, thanks to a major JetBlue expansion in the Caribbean! Beginning in October, JetBlue will be introducing new flights to and from San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU).

Anguilla is the place to be this month for The Anguilla Culinary Experience, ACE 2024, Guest Chefs Zachary Engel and Yannick Rochat will be there from May 23rd to 26th. Event tickets can be purchased at AnguillaCulinaryExperience.com.

Speaking of great food, if you are in Antigua, check out the second annual Antigua and Barbuda Restaurant Week (ABRW)- through Sunday, May 19th. Prix Fixe lunch and dinner menus will range from $25-$75USD, with more affordable “Eat Like A Local” options available around the island. Book at antiguabarbudarestaurantweek.com.

Is a short vacy on the cards this month? Is a short vacy on the cards this month? Here’s a great deal. Get an all-inclusive vacation in Jamaica at Riu Negril. Fly from Fort Lauderdale, Fl. From June 3rd to the 6th and pay just $565 per person when you book on CheapCaribbean.com

Maybe the Dominican Republic is more your idea of a budget vacay? Fly from New York JFK from May 20th to the 23rd and stay at the all inclusive VIK Arena Blanca & Cayena Beach in Punta Cana for USD 481 per person. Book at CheapCaribbean.com

And make sure you reserve your spot now for the newest Jamaica hotel – Hotel Riu Palace Aquarelle In Trelawny. A Jr. Suite, and all inclusive stay, booked between 1 October 2024 to 23 December 2024 is now USD 176 per night. Book now

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.