Former Surinamese President Bouterse and Military Officials Designated by US for Human Rights Violations

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. April 12, 2024: Former Surinamese President Desiré Delano Bouterse, along with six former Surinamese military officials, namely Benny Brondenstein, Stephanus Marinus Dendoe, Iwan Dijksteel, Ernst Gefferie, Kenneth Kempes, and Lucien Lewis, have been designated by the United States today as ineligible of entering the country.

FLASH BACK: Suriname’s former president (2010-2020) Desi Bouterse walks next to a body guard while leaving the High Court of Justice after a hearing in his appeals case in the December 8, 1982 murders, in Paramaribo on January 31, 2023. (Photo by RANU ABHELAKH/AFP via Getty Images)

This designation, pursuant to Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, stems from their involvement in gross violations of human rights, specifically in relation to the “December Murders” of 1982, which included extrajudicial killings of political opponents.

As a result of this designation, these individuals, along with four of their family members, are generally prohibited from entering the United States.

In announcing these designations, the United States acknowledged Suriname’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, including efforts to maintain judicial independence and address official impunity. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has emphasized the importance of ending impunity as a means to prevent future abuses. The robustness of Suriname’s judicial institutions underscores the significance of the rule of law in safeguarding democracy and upholding human rights.

Guyana Growth Projected To Slow In Next Year

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. April 12, 2024: Guyana is forecast to see a slowing of its economic growth next year according to future casts from the World Bank.

In its latest growth outlook for the Caribbean as outlined in its Caribbean and Latin America economic review for 2024, the South American new oil rich CARICOM nation, is forecast to go from a growth of 34.3 percent this year to 16.8 percent next year. In 2025, the growth could bounce back slightly to 18.2 percent. The economic forecast comes as the World Bank chief economist for Latin America and the Caribbean, William Maloney, recently urged Guyana to ensure that its new found oil wealth benefits the entire population.

Maloney, who was fielding questions from journalists following the release of the Regional Economic Report for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), described the efforts to ensure all sectors of the country benefitted from the oil wealth “as one of the 200 million dollar question.

“One is to ensure that this new oil wealth will actually get to the people who need it and I would say in particular in the building of human capitals so that the economy can diversify over time,” he said. “The second is to ensure that we find ways of using these revenues so that we build a more diversified economy. This requires a set of institutions that know how to keep the right amount of resources, the revenues off shore, the Sovereign Welfare Fund so it can maintain an exchange rate that is competitive.”

Maloney added that there is also need for strong institutions within the country “that are able to mediate the very different demands from the population and ensure that the oil resources go to where they are suppose to go.”

In January this year, the Guyana government presented a national budget of US$5.496 billion (GUY$1.146 trillion). The Irfaan Ali administration said that the expansion is being partially fueled by the country’s increasing oil windfall, projected to constitute nearly 29 percent of the budget.

OTHER CARIBBEAN NATIONS

However, while Guyana is forecast for double digit growth next year, no other Caribbean nation will see such good fortune according to the Bank.

Here’s the latest growth outlook for other Caribbean nations as analyzed by News Americas – from high to low.

COUNTRIES 20242025The Dominican Republic5.15Saint Lucia 53.9Dominica 4.64.2Grenada 4.13.7Barbados 3.72.8Suriname33Saint Vincent & The Grenadines2.91.4The Bahamas 2.31.8Jamaica 21.6

No other countries in the region were listed.

What The Caribbean Is Missing According To The World Bank

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. April 12, 2024: The Caribbean is missing on two fronts according to the World Bank in its latest economic review and assessment of the region and Latin America.

The World Bank’s chief economist for Latin America and the Caribbean, William Maloney.

According to the 2024 report, “Competition: The Missing Ingredient for Growth?,” both the Caribbean and Latin America are missing on the competition front. According to the Bank’s analysts, “low competition makes consumers pay higher prices for lower-quality goods and services, reducing overall welfare, and contributes to higher inequality, as monopoly prices on essential goods and services consume relatively more of the budgets of poorer households.”

Analysts recommended increasing the competition in order to stimulate growth and improve consumer welfare.

“Competition from low-cost consumer imports can help raise the standard of living of families across the income spectrum. Competition also has the power to nudge domestic producers into adopting new products and technologies, improving productivity at the firm level,” states the report. “The global integration of markets has contributed to more competitive environments, facilitating the diffusion and adoption of innovations that enhance efficiency. At the same time, competing in dynamic and challenging domestic markets is the best way for firms to prepare for exporting.”

Meanwhile , the World Bank’s chief economist for Latin America and the Caribbean, William Maloney, also said the Caribbean is lagging behind when it comes to data needed to track not only the performances of the respective economies but labour market indicators among others.

“Getting good data on the Caribbean remains a major challenge,” Maloney said.

New Caribbean Music Mix This Week

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. April 12, 2024: It’s Friday and that means its another week of new Caribbean music and this week we are bringing you some music packs, thanks to our friends at Riddim Stream.

Here are some of the latest music out this week.

Kabaka Pyramid

Nhance

Zagga

Charly Black

Prazaro

Cashan

ICT Scholarships Now Available For Black Diaspora

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. April 12, 2024: Invest Caribbean has again partnered with the Elizabeth Sloane Institute of Technology to promote ICT scholarships to the Black Diaspora.

The commitment of the Elizabeth Sloane Institute of Technology to enhancing the skills of ICT professionals who identify as members of the Black diaspora has been extended with the approval of this year’s scholarship round, amounting to over $4.6 million.

Building upon the success of previous initiatives, the institute aims to provide opportunities for individuals across the globe to upskill in vital areas such as AI, Cybersecurity, and Data Science.

In 2023, Elizabeth Sloane Institute of Technology awarded more than 620 scholarships focused on cybersecurity across English-speaking Africa and the Caribbean. This year, the program has been expanded to include applicants from around the world. The significant investment is aimed at addressing the global skills shortage in crucial technology fields while fostering the advancement of ICT professionals within the black diaspora.

Melanie Wynter, Director of Elizabeth Sloane, emphasized the importance of the program, stating: “This initiative will not only strengthen global defenses against cybercrime but also empower black ICT professionals to excel in an industry that greatly values their expertise.”

The scholarship program offers four distinct funding opportunities, covering over 70% of the costs of industry-recognized (ISC)² cybersecurity certifications such as CISSP, CCSP, and SSCP over a 12-month period, as well as Online Self-Paced STEM Master’s Degree programs. These awards include the Kusi P. Adu-Amankwah “Lex Stella” Award, the Lauryn C. Poyser Award, the Homegrown Alliance Award, and the C. Courtney Jackson Award.

This initiative comes at a crucial juncture, with cybercrime projected to cost the world $6 trillion annually by 2023 and a predicted shortage of 3.5 million cybersecurity professionals globally.

Gawayne Beckford, Member Academic Council of Elizabeth Sloane Institute of Technology, highlighted the significance of supporting the upskilling of black ICT professionals, citing the visible impact of the skills gap in regions served by the institute across Africa and the Caribbean.

The application process is straightforward and open to the public, with a submission deadline of May 15th, 2024.

For further details or to apply, interested individuals can @esitedu, Linktree or contact in**@es*****.com.

Additionally, applications for the Lauryn C. Poyser Scholarship are currently being accepted. With a projected 32% increase in cybersecurity job opportunities by 2032, now is an opportune moment to pursue advanced education or transition careers. Apply today to explore Master’s Degrees and Professional Development Programs at Elizabeth Sloane Institute of Technology before the May 15th, 2024 deadline. All individuals who identify as members of the Black diaspora are eligible to apply at https://esitedu.com/student-register/

OAS Condemns Venezuela’s Approval of “Law for the Defense of Essequibo”

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News Americas, WASHINGTON, D.C., Tues. April 9, 2024: The Organization of American States, (OAS), has issued a stern condemnation of the Venezuelan regime’s endorsement of the so-called “Law for the Defense of Essequibo.”

The General Secretariat of the OAS, known for its dedication to fostering peace and security across the Americas, expressed strong disapproval of this move, citing its blatant disregard for fundamental principles of international law and its further indication of Venezuela’s dictatorial tendencies.

The approval of the “Law for the Defense of Essequibo” comes in the wake of another controversial piece of legislation passed by the Venezuelan regime, namely a fascist-inspired “law” aimed at combatting “fascism, neo-fascism, and similar expressions.” These actions, according to the OAS, evoke dark chapters in history characterized by forcible annexations, military aggression, and widespread devastation.

The OAS emphasized that regional peace and security are at stake if the Venezuelan regime continues to pursue such dangerous objectives. The organization underscored the condemnation of aggression, threats of aggression, unilateral actions to resolve bilateral disputes, and breaches of existing arbitration awards as laid out in international law. Additionally, it called upon the global community to denounce any form of belligerent behavior or intimidation tactics employed by nations and international actors. The OAS also commended Guyana for accepting the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice in this matter, seeing it as a positive step toward peaceful resolution.

The Venezuelan regime’s recent actions, including attempts to annex a portion of the territory of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, have been deemed as violations of international law and unacceptable by the OAS. Furthermore, these actions are seen as direct threats to the Chavista legacy of fostering peaceful relations with CARICOM member states and undermining Guyana’s ability to develop its natural resources in a peaceful manner, the OAS said.

The organization characterized the “Law for the Defense of Essequibo” as not only an external threat but also a tool for internal repression, marking a concerning turn of events in Venezuela’s political landscape. The organization warned that such legislation poses a risk not only to Guyana’s security but also to the peace and security of the entire hemisphere.

Guyanese Actress to Present AFUWI Legacy Award to President of Guyana

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Tues. April 9, 2024: Esteemed actress, philanthropist, and advocate, Guyanese CCH Pounder, will present the The American Foundation for The University of the West Indies (AFUWI) Legacy Award to Guyana President Dr. Irfaan Mohamed-Ali, at the highly anticipated 27th Annual “The Legacy Continues” Gala.

Guyanese actress CCH Pounder. (AFUWI image)

The 27th Annual “The Legacy Continues” Gala is set to take place on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at 583 Park Avenue (@63rd Street), New York City, commencing at 6:30 pm.

Pounder, a native of Guyana, boasts a distinguished career spanning five decades in the entertainment industry. Recognized for her profound contributions to the arts and culture, she was honored with AFUWI’s Bob Marley Award in 2018. This accolade symbolizes hope and inspiration for aspiring young scholars aiming to make a positive impact on society. Pounder’s involvement with AFUWI, transitioning from honoree to advocate for educational access, showcases her unwavering commitment to nurturing the Caribbean’s brightest minds. Since aligning with AFUWI, she has been instrumental in advancing the foundation’s mission of providing scholarships for talented yet financially disadvantaged students at The University of the West Indies (UWI).

“The Legacy Continues” Gala serves as AFUWI’s primary fundraising event, directly supporting the scholarship program for deserving students at The UWI. On average, 50 exceptional students benefit from scholarships annually through this initiative. The stark reality of the Caribbean’s tertiary enrollment rate, standing at less than 25% compared to nearly 60% in North America and 52% in Latin America, underscores the critical importance of AFUWI’s mission and the urgent need to support the region’s bright young minds.

Over the past decade, approximately 600 tuition scholarships have been awarded, alongside the establishment of partnerships with other prominent institutions. The demand for support has surged in the wake of the global pandemic, with the number of deserving students seeking assistance doubling. AFUWI remains steadfastly committed to addressing this escalating need and encourages support through its #donatetoeducate campaign. Those interested in purchasing tickets or tables for the event can do so by visiting www.afuwi.org.

Recognized as a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit organization, AFUWI ensures that all contributions, whether financial or in-kind, are tax-deductible as permitted by state and federal laws. This year’s gala promises to be a memorable occasion, celebrating excellence, advocacy, and the enduring legacy of educational empowerment in the Caribbean community.

Canadian, Caribbean, and International Film Producers To Gather in Barbados for Groundbreaking Forum

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News Americas, Toronto, ON., April 08, 2024: Acclaimed actress CCH Pounder, celebrated film producer Paul Garnes, along with international media executives, and 26 high-level producers hailing from Canada, the United Kingdom, South Africa, and various Caribbean nations will convene in Barbados from April 15-19 for the inaugural Cross Continental Forum, (CCF).

The CCF, a pioneering initiative led by CaribbeanTales Media Group and Imagine Media International in collaboration with the Faculty of Culture, Creative, and Performing Arts at the UWI Cave Hill Campus, aims to foster collaboration and business development within the global film industry.

The forum will kick off with a screening of Ava DuVernay’s critically-acclaimed film “Origin,” followed by an interactive talk-back session with Garnes at the university’s Errol Barrow Centre for Creative Imagination. Pounder will host the talk-back session, as stated in a media release.

This unprecedented event serves as a dynamic platform for co-producing and cultivating new business opportunities, bringing together industry leaders, producers, and innovators from diverse backgrounds for a collaborative exchange of ideas and possibilities that will lead to innovative co-productions.

Frances-Anne Solomon, CEO at CaribbeanTales Media Group, expressed enthusiasm about the forum, stating, “We are excited to bring together a diverse group of international professionals to facilitate new co-ventures. As film storytellers from the global south, with connections around the world, we have access to incredible untold stories that resonate with audiences worldwide.”

This year’s forum will focus on “Decolonizing the co-production process for the benefit of the Global South,” aiming to foster interactive networking opportunities that result in successful long-term production partnerships.

Lisa Wickham, President & CEO at Imagine Media International Limited, emphasized the potential of the forum to unearth compelling, diverse stories, stating, “We expect the Cross Continental Forum to be a cornucopia of strong, untold, diverse stories.”

The event is supported by the British Film Institute (BFI), the Canada Media Fund (CMF), the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (Fed Dev), the International Trade Centre (ITC), the Trinidad and Tobago Film Co. (FilmTT), and Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), offering a unique platform for fostering partnerships and building co-productions between the UK, Canada, Africa, and the Caribbean.

Key highlights of the event include peer-to-peer discussions, real-life case studies, engaging panel discussions, networking opportunities, pitch sessions, and roundtable conversations.

Agnieszka Moody, BFI Head of International Relations, expressed support for the forum, stating, “We are delighted to support the Cross Continental Forum in Barbados. It is a great opportunity for UK-based filmmakers to develop connections with filmmaking talent across the Caribbean region with rich cultural ties to the UK and Canada.”

Through initiatives like the CCF, the global film industry aims to enable diverse, collaborative storytelling that resonates with audiences worldwide.

Caribbean Nationals From Three Countries Lead US Naturalization Total In 2023

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News Americas, WASHINGTON, D.C., Fri. April 5, 2024: Caribbean immigrants from three countries in the region lead the top 10 nations with the most naturalizations for Fiscal Year 2023.

Hector Morejon, orginally from Cuba, and others become American citizens during a U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services naturalization ceremony at the Hialeah Field Office on January 12, 2018 in Hialeah, Florida. 150 people from different countries around the world took part in the Oath of Allegiance. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Immigrants from the Dominican Republic, Cuba and Jamaica rank in the Top 10 list of countries whose nationals qualified for US cirtizenship and took the oath of naturalization in Fiscal Year 2023.

The Dominican Republic led the Caribbean with 35,200 naturalizations to rank at number 4 on the Top 10 list.

Cubans ranked at 5th with 33,200 naturalizations.

Jamaicans rounded out the list for the Caribbean, ranking at 9 out of 10 with 20,200 naturalizations in the last fiscal year. They, however, had the shortest time on the path to becoming a citizen of the United States at 7 years.

By contrast, Cubans waited 7.9 years while nationals from the DR waited 9.5 years.

New Caribbean Music Alert

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. April 5, 2024: Three new singles from Caribbean dance hall and soca artists are out this weekend.

They include Pilates – the sexy and playful new release from rapper, social media & viral reality star Sukihana, one of the most prolific and legendary Jamaican dancehall artists of all time, Vybz Kartel, and international super producers Jonny Blaze & Stadic.

Also out is “I Want You,” the electrifying new track by iconic Jamaican artist iNi Kamoze and rising star Lila Iké, produced by the visionary Kareem ‘Remus” Burrell under the esteemed label XTM.Nation. “I Want You” is a soul-stirring masterpiece that seamlessly blends iNi Kamoze’s legendary presence with Lila Iké’s captivating vocals, all set against the backdrop of Kareem Burrell’s masterful production. This dynamic collaboration showcases the best of reggae music, combining classic elements with a contemporary twist to create a sound that is both timeless and cutting-edge.

Listen HERE

And Patrice Roberts is back with Cook It. The song was produced by: Rohan “Patexx” Rankine / Journey Records and written by: Josiah Noray. Check it out now.