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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.

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.

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.

Guyana Denounces Maduro’s Law Claiming Guyana’s Territory

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News Americas, GEORGETOWN, GUYANA, Weds., April 4, 2024: Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s decision to enact a law claiming sovereignty over two-thirds of Guyana sparked intense backlash from Guyana’s government on Thursday.

While the text of the law wasn’t immediately disclosed, Guyana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the move, labeling it a violation of international law. The law targets Guyana’s western Essequibo region.

Meanwhile, Maduro accused the US of setting up a base in Guyana’s Essequibo territory.

“We have information proving that in the territory of Guyana Essequibo, temporarily administered by Guyana, secret military bases of the (US) Southern Command… a body of the CIA, have been installed,” Maduro said.

He said the bases are an “aggression” against the people of southern and eastern Venezuela and were built “to prepare for an escalation against Venezuela.”

Maduro‘s provocative remarks came as parliament held a ceremony commemorating a recent law laying out the defense of Guyana Essequibo, four months after a controversial, non-binding referendum overwhelmingly approved the creation of a Venezuelan province in the disputed region, sparking fears of a military conflict.

He also claimed that his counterpart, President Irfaan Ali, “does not govern Guyana” and that “Guyana is governed by the Southern Command, the CIA and ExxonMobil.”

FLASH BACK – This handout picture released by the Venezuelan Presidency shows Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro (R)shakes hand with Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali(L) during a meeting in Saint Vincent and The Grenadines on December 14, 2023. The presidents of Venezuela and Guyana arrived Thursday morning on the Caribbean archipelago of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for a meeting aimed at easing tensions over the territorial dispute around the Essequibo, which has long pitted their two countries. CREDIT “AFP PHOTO / VENEZUELAN PRESIDENCY / MARCELO GARCIA

Maduro organized a referendum in early December, asserting Venezuela’s right to the oil- and mineral-rich area, alleging it was unlawfully taken during border delineation over a century ago. Maduro hailed the signing ceremony on Wednesday as a significant moment.

“The decision of December 3 has now become the Law of the Republic,” Maduro tweeted, emphasizing Venezuela’s commitment to defend its territory.

In response, Guyana’s government emphasized the importance of resorting to the International Court of Justice to settle territorial disputes, expressing readiness to engage in the legal process.

From Bahamas Luxury To A Prison Cell For 25 years -Sam Bankman-Fried

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Thurs. Mar. 28, 2024: From luxury living in the Bahamas to a prison cell for 25 years.

Sam Bankman-Fried, once celebrated as a cryptocurrency guru and co-founder of FTX Cryptocurrency Derivatives Exchange, now faces a starkly different reality. On Thursday, March 28th, he was sentenced to 25 years behind bars for his role in defrauding users of the now-defunct exchange. The sentencing, handed down by U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan in a Lower Manhattan federal courtroom, marked the culmination of a dramatic downfall for Bankman-Fried.

Barbara Fried and Allan Joseph Bankman, parents of FTX Co-Founder Sam Bankman-Fried, arriving at federal court on March 28, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by David Dee Delgado/Getty Images)

 A big part of Bankman-Fried’s journey to criminal court traces back to the $35 million Bahamian property he shared with nine people. FTX was registered in the Bahamas and the Securities Commission of The Bahamas says it seized $3.5 billion worth of cryptocurrency from collapsed crypto exchange FTX in late 2022. FTX was incorporated in Antigua and Barbuda and headquartered in the Bahamas.

During the proceedings, Judge Kaplan rebuffed the defense’s argument, describing it as misleading, logically flawed, and speculative. He also noted Bankman-Fried’s obstruction of justice and witness tampering as aggravating factors in his sentencing decision.

Dressed in a beige jailhouse jumpsuit, Bankman-Fried expressed remorse, acknowledging his “selfish” decisions while leading FTX and the consequential impact on users. “It haunts me every day,” he admitted.

The sentencing follows Bankman-Fried’s conviction on seven criminal counts in November, which stemmed from FTX’s collapse in 2022. Prosecutors had sought a sentence of up to 50 years, while Bankman-Fried’s defense team advocated for no more than 6½ years.

Throughout the trial, Bankman-Fried’s defense argued for leniency, citing his purported mental health struggles and personal generosity. However, prosecutors highlighted the gravity of the crime, emphasizing the significant losses suffered by victims and Bankman-Fried’s apparent lack of remorse.

In a poignant turn, victims shared testimonies detailing the profound emotional and financial toll inflicted by Bankman-Fried’s actions. One victim recounted the devastation of losing life savings, while another spoke of the impact on family and mental health.

Bankman-Fried’s sentence is notably longer than those typically handed down in white-collar crime cases. Comparatively, Elizabeth Holmes, the founder of Theranos, received about 11 years, while Bernie Ebbers, the former CEO of WorldCom, received 25 years.

FTX, once valued at over $30 billion, collapsed after revelations of a major cash shortfall. Prosecutors alleged that Bankman-Fried embezzled billions from FTX customers to fund various endeavors, including political initiatives and personal investments.

Despite plans to appeal his conviction, Bankman-Fried’s future remains uncertain as he awaits placement in a federal penitentiary designated by the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.

Former US President Pledges Support for Stronger Caribbean Region

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News Americas, GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Thurs. Mar. 28, 2024: Former US President, Bill Clinton, advocated for greater unity within the Caribbean region during his keynote address at the United Caribbean Forum held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in Guyana on March 26th.

Organized by the Dominican Republic (DR) Chamber of Commerce Guyana in collaboration with the Government of Guyana, the forum saw Clinton, as Guest of Honour, stressing the importance of Caribbean nations uniting for collective strength.

Highlighting the potential of partnerships between nations and organizations, Clinton expressed hope that collaborations like the one between the Dominican Republic and Guyana would invigorate the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). He emphasized the power of cooperation, stating, “We are almost always stronger together…we are almost always better emphasizing things that make us feel bigger.”

While the Dominican Republic is not a member of CARICOM, Clinton underscored the importance of regional cooperation, suggesting that closer collaboration could foster progress across the Americas. He offered assistance through the Clinton Global Initiative to support efforts aimed at bridging gaps and promoting unity within the region.

President Irfaan Ali echoed Clinton’s sentiments, highlighting the potential for partnership between Guyana and the Dominican Republic to address critical areas such as technology, human resource development, tourism, and food production. He emphasized the need to leverage the DR’s expertise to narrow existing gaps and propel Guyana towards global leadership in various sectors.

The forum, attended by diplomatic representatives including the DR Ambassador to Guyana, the US Ambassador to Guyana, the European Union’s Ambassador to Guyana, and the British High Commissioner to Guyana, served as a platform for discussions on enhancing cooperation and fostering development across the Caribbean region.

Former US President Hosted By Guyana President

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News Americas, GEORGETOWN, Guyana, March 26, 2024: Guyana President Irfaan Ali last evening welcomed former US President Bill Clinton, French Minister of the European Union and Foreign Affairs Stéphane Séjourné, and a delegation from the Dominican Republic to a dinner held at State House.

Former US President Bill Clinton, r, with Guyana President Irfaan Ali. (State House image)

The gathering, as highlighted by the Office of the President, focused on discussions aimed at advancing Guyana’s economic development and growth.

President Ali emphasized the timeliness of these visits, underscoring their significance in addressing key economic priorities. Notably, he acknowledged former President Clinton’s longstanding friendship with Guyana and his advocacy for biodiversity and forest conservation amidst the challenges posed by climate change.

Currently, Clinton is in Guyana as the special guest of the Dominican Republic’s Chamber of Commerce Caribbean Forum, which commenced today. President Ali commended this choice, highlighting its role in strengthening bilateral relations and fostering collaboration between the two countries and their private sectors.

The dinner was attended by a distinguished array of guests, including Prime Minister Mark Phillips, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, various government ministers, private sector leaders, and esteemed diplomats such as US Ambassador Nicole Theriot, EU Ambassador Rene van Nes, and British High Commissioner Jane Miller.

Royal Caribbean Suspends Visits To Haitian Resort

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News Americas, MIAMI, FL, Mon. March 24, 2024: In response to heightened violence and unrest in the region, Royal Caribbean has halted visits to Labadee, its private resort on Haiti’s northern coast. The decision comes following a travel advisory issued by the U.S. State Department, urging individuals to avoid travel to Haiti and ranking the country at a Level Four advisory, aligning it with nations like Russia, Syria, and Burkina Faso.

People walk past burned bodies and an armed police officer monitoring a street after gang violence in the neighborhood on the evening of March 21, 2024, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, March 22, 2024. More than 33,000 people fled Port-au-Prince this month as the Haitian capital was overrun by well-armed gangs triggering political chaos in the impoverished Caribbean nation, the United Nations has said. (Photo by CLARENS SIFFROY/AFP via Getty Images)

In a statement reported by Cruiseindustrynews.com, Royal Caribbean announced the temporary suspension of visits to Labadee across its entire fleet, citing an abundance of caution amidst the evolving situation in Haiti. The company emphasized its ongoing monitoring and assessment of the situation in collaboration with its Global Security & Intelligence Team.

Labadee, Haiti.

Notably, Royal Caribbean clarified that neither passengers nor crew members have encountered violence or threats during previous visits to Labadee.

With several ships scheduled to visit Labadee in the upcoming days, Royal Caribbean has opted for alternative arrangements. Instead of docking at Labadee, ships will either spend an additional day at sea or extend their stay at other destinations, such as Falmouth, Jamaica, Nassau in the Bahamas, or Perfect Day at CocoCay, another resort owned by the company.

Haiti shares the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic, which itself is under a Level 2 travel advisory, urging visitors to exercise increased caution.

The decision to suspend visits to Labadee follows previous travel advisories issued for Haiti, including a do-not-travel alert in July 2023. The State Department cited concerns over kidnapping, crime, civil unrest, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure. Subsequently, in the same month, the U.S. government ordered the evacuation of family members of U.S. government employees and non-emergency personnel from Haiti. Restrictions were also imposed on the movement of American government personnel within the country, limiting their activities to confined areas around the Embassy and imposing curfews and travel restrictions.

Royal Caribbean’s suspension of visits to Labadee underscores the challenges posed by escalating violence and instability in the region, prompting adjustments to ensure the safety and security of its passengers and crew.