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Caribbean Immigrant Charged With Falsely Claiming Citizenship

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News Americas, New York, NY, May 16, 2025: A Caribbean immigrant has been arrested and charged with unlawfully claiming U.S. citizenship to register to vote in the 2024 Florida presidential primary election, federal authorities have announced.

Jamaican born Jacqueline Dianne Wallace, 52, was taken into custody in Panama City, Florida, following a federal criminal complaint alleging she falsely certified U.S. citizenship in order to vote in a federal election. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida confirmed the charge after Wallace’s initial appearance in federal court in Tallahassee.

According to investigators, Wallace entered the U.S. in December 2010 on a six-month B-2 tourist visa but overstayed her permitted time. Despite not being a citizen, she reportedly registered online to vote in January 2024 and later cast a ballot in the August 2024 Florida presidential primary.

Her arrest came as a result of a coordinated investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, and multiple state and federal agencies. If convicted, Wallace faces up to five years in federal prison and subsequent deportation.

This case is part of “Operation Take Back America,” a Justice Department initiative aimed at combating unlawful immigration and election-related crimes. Authorities emphasized that the charges against Wallace remain allegations. Under the U.S. legal system, she is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Trinidadian Scholar Shakes Up Museum World With Groundbreaking Book On Caribbean Culture

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News Americas, New York, NY, May 13, 2025: Award-winning Trinidadian-born art and museum scholar Dr. Daniela Fifi is set to launch an international book tour for her groundbreaking new publication, Critical Issues in Caribbean Museums. The tour kicks off on May 27th at Western Washington University in Seattle and will include stops across the United States, the Caribbean, and the United Kingdom through the fall.

Trinidadian born art scholar, Dr. Daniela Fifi, whose international tour to promote her groundbreaking book Critical Issues in Caribbean Museums, kicks off in two weeks in Seattle, Washington. (PHOTO CREDIT- Sure Thing Productions)

Published by Routledge Press in April, Critical Issues in Caribbean Museums marks a pivotal moment in the academic study of Caribbean museology. As one of the first works from Routledge to focus on this field, the book delves into how Caribbean museums can evolve to better serve their communities – by pushing creative boundaries, sharing best practices, and reimagining the role of cultural institutions in contemporary Caribbean society.

Dr. Fifi, a past recipient of the prestigious President’s Scholar Award from Pratt Institute and the Samuel H. Kress Interpretive Fellowship Award from Columbia University, describes the book as a heartfelt tribute to Caribbean culture—not merely as a place, but as a dynamic and interconnected cultural space.

“This book is a reflection of collective aspirations from museum professionals throughout the Caribbean,” Fifi noted. “It explores the transformative potential of cultural institutions and is intended for everyone from museum enthusiasts and researchers to professors, graduate students, and cultural heritage professionals.”

Rather than a critique, the book provides a rigorous analysis of the sector, aimed at fostering innovation, creativity, and long-term growth.

“Criticality in any field means interrogating essential issues to challenge assumptions and inspire new approaches,” she added. “Through this lens, we can reimagine our practices, elevate standards, and plan for the future of Caribbean museums.”

Dr. Fifi contributed four chapters to the book, including a major piece on the development of museum education, her area of expertise. The volume also features curatorial perspectives on Caribbean art and insights from other leading museum professionals across the region. She emphasized how editing the book alongside co-authors sharpened her collaborative skills.

A proud daughter of Trinidad and Tobago, Fifi’s passion for the arts was nurtured in her teenage years through classes in painting, photography, and pottery. Her journey took her from Trinidad to New York’s Pratt Institute, where she earned a BFA in Communication Design, then to the University of Manchester for a Master’s in Art Gallery and Museum Studies, and finally to Columbia University’s Teachers College, where she completed a Ph.D. in Art and Art Education.

Currently the Editor-in-Chief of Viewfinder, the e-journal of the National Art Education Association, Fifi also serves as a global independent consultant. She is now preparing her next initiative, The Mind Of The Museum, a multidisciplinary project incorporating lectures, podcasts, and international exhibitions that expand on the themes of her book and explore the post-colonial evolution of Caribbean museums.

Following the Seattle launch, the tour will head to A House For Artists in London in July, the Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach, California in August, Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore in September, and the Barbados Museum and Historical Society in Bridgetown in October. Additional dates and venues are expected to be announced soon.

Critical Issues in Caribbean Museums is available now via Routledge Press.

Does The New Pope Have Haitian Roots? Groundbreaking Revelation Links Pontiff To The Caribbean

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News Americas, New York, NY, May 9, 2025: As the world welcomes Pope Leo XIV, a groundbreaking revelation has emerged that connects the first U.S.-born pontiff to a lesser-known but profoundly rich heritage — one rooted in the Afro-Caribbean and Creole experience of New Orleans, with potential ties to Haiti.

The newly elected Pope Leo XIV (l), the American Robert Prevost, may have roots to the Caribbean. Photo: Marijan Murat/dpa (Photo by Marijan Murat/picture alliance via Getty Images)

According to a report published by The New York Times, the new pope, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, descends from Creole people of color in New Orleans through his maternal grandparents, Joseph Martinez and Louise Baquié. Historical records describe both as Black or mulatto, and census documents list Mr. Martinez’s place of birth as “Hayti” — the historic spelling of Haiti — suggesting that the new pontiff may indeed have Haitian roots.

The revelation was uncovered by New Orleans genealogist Jari C. Honora, whose research traced the pope’s maternal lineage to the city’s historic Seventh Ward — a cultural hub of African, Caribbean, and European ancestry, deeply Catholic and central to Louisiana’s Creole identity.

“This discovery is just an additional reminder of how interwoven we are as Americans,” Honora told The Times, adding that it shines a light on the long, often overlooked history of Black Catholics in the U.S., many of whom were enslaved or descended from free people of color.

While the Vatican’s official announcement focused on Leo XIV’s upbringing in Chicago and his missionary work in Peru, the confirmation of his Creole ancestry — and potentially Haitian lineage — adds a deeply symbolic layer to his papacy, particularly for Black Catholics across the Americas.

Pope Leo XIV’s grandparents married at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church in New Orleans before relocating to Chicago. His mother, Mildred Martinez, was born there in 1912. In addition to records linking Joseph Martinez to Haiti, his occupation was listed as a cigar maker — a trade historically associated with Caribbean immigrants.

While the Prevost family reportedly did not identify as Black, and the pope’s brother confirmed they “identified as white,” this discovery highlights the nuanced complexity of racial identity in America — particularly among Creole families, many of whom were able to pass as white in segregated societies.

For descendants of Louisiana Creoles and Caribbean immigrants, the new pope’s lineage is being celebrated as a long-overdue recognition of a rich cultural legacy.

“This is a tremendous moment,” said Lolita Villavasso Cherrie, co-founder of The Creole Genealogical and Historical Association. “It’s not just about race; it’s about acknowledging a layered and beautiful history that has shaped American Catholicism.”

Whether or not Pope Leo XIV ever directly addresses his Creole and Haitian ancestry, his elevation stands as a milestone for the broader Black Catholic diaspora — from Louisiana to Haiti to Latin America — whose faith and contributions have long been woven into the Church’s global fabric.

Latest Update: Guyana Police Meet With Adriana Younge’s Family Lawyers

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News Americas, New York, NY, May 7, 2025: The Guyana Police Force, (GPF) has reaffirmed its commitment to a transparent and thorough investigation into the tragic death of 11-year-old Guyanese pre-teen, Adriana Younge, following a confidential meeting today, Tuesday, May 7, 2025, with the legal representatives and relatives of the late teen.

Held at the request of Attorney Dr. Dexter Todd, the meeting took place in the Commissioner’s Board Room and was attended by Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken, Deputy Commissioners Budhram and McBean, Superintendent Baird, Head of the Office of Professional Responsibility, alongside Attorneys-at-Law Dexter Todd and Eusi Anderson.

The GPF described the meeting as a meaningful engagement aimed at addressing questions and concerns from Younge’s family and emphasized that it was conducted in a spirit of good faith. Some inquiries were addressed during the session, while others, due to the sensitive and evolving nature of the case, will be answered in writing after further consultation with the investigative team.

Police officials reiterated their pledge to keeping the family informed through appropriate legal channels while balancing the need to preserve the integrity of the ongoing investigation.

Key updates shared at the meeting included:

The investigation remains active, with all leads and evidence being pursued diligently.

Water samples from the swimming pool, where Younge was found, have been sent overseas for independent forensic testing.

Senior-level oversight is in place to ensure impartiality and thoroughness in the investigative process.

Information withheld during the meeting was done so only to avoid compromising the investigation.

The GPF acknowledged Dr. Todd’s prior service within the Force and underscored the importance of safeguarding sensitive details until they can be responsibly disclosed.

The meeting comes amid national outcry over the death of the 11-year-old, whose body was found in a hotel swimming pool on April 24, at at the Double Day Hotel in Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, hours after she was reported missing. The incident has triggered widespread outrage, mass protests, and intensified calls for justice, prompting President Irfaan Ali to repeatedly urge calm and national unity.

“The destruction of public infrastructure and private property, burning of vehicles, and inconveniencing others is not what we want to demonstrate as a people and as a nation,” President Ali stated as tensions mounted across the country.

An autopsy conducted by three internationally recognized forensic pathologists – Dr. Glenn Rudner, Dr. Shubhakar Karra Paul, and Dr. Gary Collins – determined that she died by drowning. The exam found no signs of physical or sexual trauma. However, due to the body’s state of decomposition, the exact time of death could not be determined, and toxicology results remain pending.

Despite these findings, public skepticism has grown. Civil society groups, political leaders, and diaspora activists have called for an independent international investigation, raising concerns over the credibility of the official inquiry and questioning President Ali’s assertion that there was no evidence of “forceful drowning.”

To contain growing unrest, the Guyanese government had imposed a nightly curfew from 12:30 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. The measure, also intended to safeguard public order around Adrianna’s funeral and the start of CXC examinations, was accompanied by warnings of stricter enforcement if disruptions continue.

The young girl’s funeral, initially planned for May 5, was postponed by her grieving family. In a heartfelt message on Facebook, her mother, Amecia Simon, explained the decision: “Due to ongoing matters and our family’s need for space and clarity as we grieve, we have made the painful decision to postpone Adriana’s funeral today. Please know this was not easy, but we want to honor her with the peace, love and the dignity she deserves.”

As the investigation proceeds, President Ali has pledged transparency and a full review of the protocols surrounding Adrianna’s death. “Her death must serve as a reminder of our need for national unity,” he said.

Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton of the People’s National Congress Reform, (PNCR) has condemned the looting and violence that occurred in the aftermath of the child’s death, but emphasized his party’s full support for the pursuit of justice. “We do not support the looting or destruction of property. We are fully in support of the struggle for justice,” Norton declared.

Calls for accountability have also echoed across the Caribbean Diaspora. In Brooklyn, New York, a candlelight vigil was held in Adrianna’s honor. Organized by Rickford Burke of the Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy and Bonita Montique of the United Bridge Builders Mission, the event drew heartfelt pleas for systemic police reform.

“She was only a child,” said activist Melissa Atwell Holder. “They say she drowned – but did she drown in that pool? Because that pool was searched, over and over again. And she wasn’t there. So we ask: when did she die? And how?”

As a nation mourns and demands answers, Adrianna’s family has promised to announce a new funeral date “once we are able to,” her mother noted.

New Cayman Coalition Government Vows Unity And Reform Amid Fiscal Challenges

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News Americas, New York, NY, May 7, 2025: In a defining moment for the Cayman Islands’ political landscape, Premier André Ebanks on Tuesday officially ushered in a new era of coalition governance as he and 18 other lawmakers took the oath of office in George Town, following a tightly contested election that yielded no outright winner.

Andre Ebanks is the new premier of the Cayman Islands.

At the helm of the newly formed National Coalition For Caymanians, (NCFC), Premier Ebanks is leading what many are calling a bold experiment in unified, people-first governance — a coalition composed of members from three distinct political entities. The alliance brings together the Cayman Islands National Party (CINP), the Caymanian Community Party (CCP), and a group of independents, all of whom joined forces to form a majority in the 19-seat Parliament.

“This is a time for focus, discipline, and collaboration,” Ebanks said following the swearing-in. “We are taking care to build a government that is not only stable and effective, but also transparent — one that communicates clearly, involves the people, and earns the trust of the country.”

Despite the People’s Progressive Movement, (PPM), winning the most seats — seven — the party fell short of a majority, opening the door for coalition politics. The CINP and CCP each secured four seats and, by last Friday, announced the support of three independents, giving the new coalition a working majority of 11 seats.

In a statement released over the weekend, the group announced its unified name, NCFC, reflecting the political merger and shared vision: “National” for CINP, “Coalition” for the independents, and “Caymanians” for the CCP’s grassroots identity.

Now formally installed, the new government is expected to begin work immediately, with an initial focus on addressing an anticipated fiscal deficit and laying the groundwork for the 2026/2027 national budgets. “There is a mountain of work to get through,” said Ebanks, “but we will get through it as a team.”

On Wednesday, the new Cabinet is set to meet with Deputy Governor Franz Manderson and senior civil service leaders for strategic briefings aimed at ensuring a coordinated start to the administration’s tenure.

Governor Jane Owen, who presided over the ceremony, expressed her confidence in the new administration. “I look forward to working with you as we plan to deliver for our people over the coming four years of this Parliament,” she said, reaffirming the UK’s commitment to supporting the safety and well-being of all residents.

As the NCFC takes its first steps, expectations are high. The coming weeks will be a critical test of the coalition’s cohesion and ability to translate political unity into effective leadership.

Who is André Ebanks, the New Premier of the Cayman Islands?

André Ebanks, the new Premier of the Cayman Islands, brings a blend of legal expertise and civil service experience to his leadership role. A graduate of Morgan State University in the U.S. with a degree in sociology, he later earned a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Liverpool and a Master’s in Legal Practice from Manchester Metropolitan University. He was called to the Bar of England and Wales in 2005 and the Cayman Islands Bar in 2006.

Ebanks practiced law with top offshore firms Appleby and Walkers, specializing in investment funds. In 2014, he transitioned to public service, serving as a senior policy advisor and later as deputy chief officer in the Ministry of Community Affairs, overseeing key social support agencies. He most recently served from 2019 to 2021 in a leadership role within the Ministry of Financial Services.

Prior to taking the oath, he wrote on Facebook:”Thank you to God, my amazing wife Tiffany and children Jaxson and Savanna. Thank you to my Dad Atlee Ebanks, Nana Laura, my mother Ellena and my incredible sisters Elizabeth, Megan and Abi. Thank you to all my friends and family here and abroad and to my extraordinary campaign team. Thank you to my nominators, Patty Rivers, Genevieve Henning, Capt Owen Farrington and Roy Grant for their trust in me.

To the Election Office and all those involved in the entire election process, thank you for your professionalism – you did a superb job.

No matter in what capacity I am asked to serve, I look forward to working with my former brothers and sisters in the Civil Service.

To the voters of West Bay South, please know that you are all in my heart and I will be working diligently for you to achieve as much as possible of a ‘Reimagined Cayman’.

God Bless West Bay South and the Cayman Islands as we move forward with positivity and inclusivity.”

Kamla Persad-Bissessar Unveils Reform-Driven Cabinet to Lead Trinidad and Tobago

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News Americas, New York, NY, May 5, 2025:Trinidad and Tobago’s newly re-elected Prime Minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, has unveiled a bold and reform-driven Cabinet, signaling a clear shift in national priorities with a strong emphasis on security, justice, energy strategy, and legislative reform.

Trinidad and Tobago’s elected Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar (C) poses for a picture next to Attorney General John Jeremie (L) after her swearing-in ceremony in Port Spain on May 1, 2025. Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the head of Trinidad and Tobago’s centrist United National Congress party, vowed Thursday to create wealth that would benefit “seven generations” to come, as she was sworn in as prime minister. (Photo by Prior Beharry / AFP) (Photo by PRIOR BEHARRY/AFP via Getty Images)

Following her coalition’s commanding victory in the April 28th general elections, Persad-Bissessar named a 24-member Cabinet during a swearing-in ceremony before President Christine Kangaloo, placing several key ministries under fresh leadership and introducing entirely new portfolios aimed at tackling crime, economic recovery, and regional energy diplomacy.

Security and Justice Get Top Billing

In a major restructuring, the Prime Minister dismantled the traditional Ministry of National Security model and introduced specialized ministries. Wayne Sturge has been appointed as Minister of Defense, Roger Alexander—a former senior police officer—is now Minister of Homeland Security, and Devesh Maharaj will serve as Minister of Justice.

“These changes reflect our seriousness in addressing security holistically and with precision,” Persad-Bissessar said. “My Attorney General will work swiftly to introduce ‘stand your ground’ laws, home invasion penalties, and expand access to legal firearm ownership for law-abiding citizens.”

Energy Diplomacy Beyond Dragon Field

Former Energy Minister Dr. Roodal Moonilal returns as Minister of Energy and Energy Industries, with a fresh directive: shift Trinidad and Tobago’s energy focus away from the uncertain Dragon Field project with Venezuela and toward strategic partnerships with Guyana, Suriname, and potentially Grenada.

“My Minister of Energy has been mandated to explore offers from Guyana, and even investigate offshore energy prospects in Grenada, which may hold greater potential than the Dragon Field,” Persad-Bissessar told attendees, drawing applause.

Revenue, Finance, and Economic Recovery

Davendranath Tancoo takes over the critical Ministry of Finance, tasked with assessing the country’s fiscal status and collaborating with planning and trade ministries to reinvigorate national revenue. Persad-Bissessar also pledged to revoke the Revenue Authority Act, signaling the end of the Trinidad and Tobago Revenue Authority (TTRA), which her party has long opposed.

A Cabinet with a Vision for National Unity

The new Cabinet also includes expanded ministries such as the Ministry of Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence, led by Dominic Smith, and a renewed focus on Tobago and rural development.

“This is a Cabinet of action and accountability,” Persad-Bissessar declared. “Every minister has a mandate, and we intend to deliver—not just to those who voted for us, but to every citizen.”

Full List of Cabinet Members:

Kamla Persad-Bissessar – Prime Minister

John Jeremie – Attorney General

Ravi Rattiram – Minister of Agriculture, Land & Fisheries

Devesh Maharaj – Minister of Justice

Michelle Benjamin – Minister of Culture & Community Development

Wayne Sturge – Minister of Defense

Dr. Michael Dowlath – Minister of Education

Dr. Roodal Moonilal – Minister of Energy and Energy Industries

Davendranath Tancoo – Minister of Finance

Sean Sobers – Minister of Caricom & Foreign Affairs

Lackram Bodoe – Minister of Health

Rishard Seecharam – Minister in the Ministry of Health

Roger Alexander – Minister of Homeland Security

Dr. David Lee – Minister of Housing

Leroy Baptiste – Minister of Labour

Saddam Hosein – Minister of Legal Affairs

Barry Padarath – Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister & Public Utilities

Vandana Mohit – Minister of Social Development & Family Services

Kennedy Swaratsingh – Minister of Planning & Economic Affairs

Dominic Smith – Minister of Public Administration & Artificial Intelligence

Khadijah Ameen – Minister of Rural Development & Local Government

Phillip Watts – Minister of Sport & Youth Affairs

Prakash Persad – Minister of Tertiary Education

Eli Zakour – Minister of Transport & Civil Aviation

Jerlean John – Minister of Works & Infrastructure

Colin Gosine – Minister of Trade and Investment

Persad-Bissessar affirmed her administration’s commitment to transparency and delivery, saying, “I look forward to working with all of you. The time for bold action is now.”

U.S. Declares Haiti’s Most Feared Gangs Terrorist Groups

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News Americas, New York, NY, May 3, 2025: The United States has officially designated two of Haiti’s most dangerous gangs — Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif — as Foreign Terrorist Organizations, (FTOs) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists, (SDGTs), marking a significant shift in Washington’s efforts to combat violent instability in the Caribbean nation.

A person films himself with his telephone in front of people holding placards at a demonstration for peace in Haiti in Paris France on May 3, 2025. (Photo by Bastien Ohier / Hans Lucas / Hans Lucas via AFP) (Photo by BASTIEN OHIER/Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images)

In a statement issued on May 2, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the designations are aimed at holding accountable those who fuel violence in Haiti and threaten the region’s security. “The age of impunity for those supporting violence in Haiti is over,” Rubio declared.

According to the U.S. State Department, Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif are at the center of escalating violence in Haiti. These armed coalitions are reportedly responsible for widespread killings, targeted attacks on Haitian citizens and security forces, and assaults against personnel of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission currently deployed in Haiti. The gangs are allegedly seeking to establish a gang-controlled state fueled by illicit trafficking and criminal activity.

“These gangs pose a direct threat to U.S. national security interests in our region,” the statement noted. “Terrorist designations are a critical tool in our counterterrorism efforts, aimed at restricting financial and logistical support to these groups.”

The U.S. government warned that any individual or entity, including lawful permanent residents and citizens, found supporting the groups could face criminal prosecution, deportation, or other sanctions.

The designation is also seen as a show of support for the Haitian National Police and international partners involved in the MSS mission. Rubio praised their courage and dedication to restoring order in the country. He also urged Haiti’s political leadership to come together, end the violence, and work toward democratic elections.

Additionally, Secretary Rubio spoke with Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader, reaffirming the strategic U.S.-Dominican partnership, especially in countering illegal immigration and addressing regional security challenges.

While gangs control at least 85% of Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital, they have launched attacks in the country’s central region in recent years.

A UN-backed mission led by Kenyan police that began last year to help Haitian police quell violence has struggled in its fight against gangs.

More than 5,600 people were killed across Haiti last year, with gang violence leaving more than one million people homeless.

Haitian Woman Dies In ICE Custody At Broward Transitional Center

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News Americas, New York, NY, April 30, 2025: A 44-year-old Haitian woman in U.S. immigration custody has died at a Florida detention center, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has confirmed.

Marie Ange Blaise, a Haitian woman held in U.S. immigration custody, has died at a Florida detention center; ICE has launched an investigation into her death.

Marie Ange Blaise was pronounced dead at 8:35 p.m. on Friday, April 25, at the Broward Transitional Center in Pompano Beach, Florida, according to a statement issued by ICE on Tuesday. The cause of death remains under investigation.

ICE said it has notified the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Office of Inspector General, and the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility. The Haitian consulate in Miami was also informed of Blaise’s death.

Blaise had reportedly entered the U.S. without legal admission or parole. She first came into contact with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on February 12 at the Henry E. Rohlsen International Airport in Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, as she attempted to board a flight to Charlotte, North Carolina. Authorities issued her a Notice of Expedited Removal that same day due to her lack of a valid immigrant visa.

She was taken into ICE custody two days later and initially detained at a staging facility in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She was then transferred to the Richwood Correctional Center in Oakdale, Louisiana, before arriving at the Broward Transitional Center on April 5.

ICE policy mandates that in-custody deaths be reported to Congress, advocacy organizations, and the media within two business days. Additionally, a comprehensive report must be completed within 90 days as required by federal law.

The agency emphasized that all individuals in ICE custody are provided with comprehensive medical care, including 24-hour emergency services, throughout their detention.

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Russia’s Foreign Minister Makes Historic Visit to Dominican Republic

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News Americas, New York, NY, April 30, 2025: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov made history this week as he arrived in the Dominican Republic for the first official visit by a top Russian diplomat, signaling a deepening of diplomatic and strategic ties between Moscow and Santo Domingo.

Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov arrived at the Las Americas International Airport in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic on April 29, 2025. (Photo by EDDY VITTINI/AFP via Getty Images)

Lavrov landed at Las Américas International Airport at 10:10 p.m. on Tuesday and was welcomed by Russia’s designated ambassador to the Dominican Republic, Alexey Seredin, alongside Dominican Ambassador to Russia, Alexander Arias. The visit follows Lavrov’s participation in the BRICS foreign ministers’ summit in Brazil.

This morning, April 30, 2025, Lavrov held a closed-door bilateral meeting with Dominican Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MIREX) in Santo Domingo.

According to Russia’s Foreign Ministry, the discussions will center on strengthening bilateral cooperation across various sectors, including political dialogue, trade, economic and investment initiatives, tourism, cultural and humanitarian exchanges, and legal framework development. The ministers will also exchange views on current global and regional challenges, with analysts noting the ongoing crisis in neighboring Haiti may be included given Russia’s permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.

“The Dominican Republic is a promising partner in Latin America and the Caribbean,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. “We highly value our traditionally friendly ties based on the principles of mutual respect and constructive dialogue.”

The visit coincides with the inauguration of the Russian Embassy in Santo Domingo—a significant step forward in deepening Russia-Dominican Republic relations. Ambassador-Designate Alexey Seredin formally assumed duties on April 14, 2025, after presenting his credentials to Foreign Minister Álvarez.

Tourism continues to be a cornerstone of bilateral cooperation. Following the 2020 implementation of a mutual visa-free travel agreement, the Dominican Republic quickly became a favored destination for Russian tourists. In 2021, over 166,000 Russians visited the Caribbean nation, placing it among the top 20 destinations for Russian travelers, despite a nearly 38% drop due to global travel restrictions.

The partnership also includes educational collaboration. Each year, the Russian government awards scholarships to Dominican students to study at Russian universities, with a quota of 15 scholarships set for the 2024–2025 academic year. Today, more than 3,200 Dominicans are graduates of Soviet and Russian universities.

Moscow and Santo Domingo also collaborate on multilateral platforms such as the United Nations. The Dominican Republic supported several Russian-led resolutions during the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly, including measures against the glorification of Nazism, advocating for a weapons-free outer space, and commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Additionally, the Dominican delegation backed the resolution titled “Eradication of colonialism in all its forms and manifestations.”

World cultures and innovations converge in 34th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair

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ABU DHABI, UAE, April 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The 34th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF), organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, has launched its activities, offering a platform for cultures and innovations of the world to converge, interact, and explore new horizons of knowledge.

Continuing until 5 May 2025 under the theme ‘Knowledge Illuminates Our Community’, the fair brings 1,400 exhibitors from 96 countries, offering a comprehensive programme of 2,000 activities that cater to all community members, while spotlighting Caribbean culture as Guest of Honour, in recognition of its intellectual distinction and impact on global culture.

Moreover, ADIBF 2025 celebrates Ibn Sina as its Focus Personality, marking the 1,000-year anniversary of his book The Canon of Medicine, and highlighting his legacy as one of the scientists that contributed most to humanity’s advancement. It also features One Thousand and One Nights as Book of the World, underlining its timeless, cross-cultural, and enduring influence.

The fair welcomes 20 countries participating for the first time. It also introduces the ‘On the Path of Knowledge’ initiative, honours pioneers of Arab publishing, and welcomes prominent writers, thinkers, publishers, and content creators from the Arab region and the world to present various activities under five themes: Society, Fantasy, Sustainability, Arab Sciences, and Artificial Intelligence & Innovation. The exhibition also hosts the Poetry Majlis, which celebrates diverse poetic experiences with prominent poets, authors, and experts for 10 days.

Additionally, ADIBF 2025 hosts the third season of Podcast from Abu Dhabi, presenting high-quality content that discusses the evolving literary scene, while launching its inaugural ‘Digitising Creativity’ conference, which explores where AI and art intersect and how emerging technologies affect content creation.

Visitors can enjoy arts, entertainment, photography, and the World’s Cuisine experience, while children and youth can join workshops that blend learning and fun, with scientific and creative activities that develop their skills and strengthen their connection to their cultural heritage.

Meanwhile, the Under the Ghaf’s Shade experience offers readings from selected books, followed by book signings with guest authors, whereas the Business Lounge connects publishers and content creators to encourage collaboration in the industry.

Furthermore, the ADIBF Professional Programme offers a platform for supporting the publishing and creative industries, embracing the latest trends including AI and digital technologies. Meanwhile, the Digital Square offers activities and initiatives aimed at developing the publishing sector.

The ADIBF will launch initiatives to promote reading and creativity, and support the Arabic language, in line with the UAE and Abu Dhabi’s vision to nurture emerging literary talent, enrich the Arabic library, and build a community of avid readers, capable of producing Arabic content for the digital era.