News Americas, New York, NY, June 11, 2025: Derrick Francis, a 43-year-old native of Kingston, Jamaica and resident of New York, has been sentenced to 55 years in prison for the 2023 murder of Brianna McKoy, the daughter of veteran Jamaican dancehall sound system selector Ricky Trooper.

Jamaican Man Sentenced to 55 Years for Killing Brianna McKoy, the daughter of Dancehall Icon Ricky Trooper in U.S.

The sentencing was delivered by a three-judge panel at the Bridgeport Judicial District Court in Connecticut last week, following Francis’ conviction for murder in April after a four-day trial.

The court heard that on April 6, 2023, Francis fatally shot McKoy four times in a bedroom at a Vincelette Street condominium in Bridgeport, Connecticut. The couple’s 18-month-old son was in a playpen just feet away during the tragic incident.

“This case defies description,” said Judge Earl Richards, who spoke on behalf of the panel. He highlighted the disturbing nature of the case, particularly in the context of increasing domestic violence-related homicides.

Following the shooting, Francis fled to New York and later to Ohio, where he was arrested and found in possession of the murder weapon. He has been in custody ever since.

At the sentencing hearing, McKoy’s mother, Camile Hemmings, called for the maximum penalty of 60 years, describing her daughter as “a beautiful person, inside and out, with dreams and aspirations that will never be realised.” She questioned how anyone could commit such a heartless act.

Francis chose not to speak during the proceedings, but his attorney, Gerald Klein, appealed for leniency, citing his client’s challenging upbringing in Jamaica and his mental health struggles. However, Judge Richards made it clear that these factors did not justify the violent act.

“Mr. Francis must be held accountable. A rough upbringing is not an excuse for shooting the mother of your child in the head,” Richards stated.

The case has drawn widespread attention in both the Caribbean and the U.S., as communities grapple with the tragic loss of a young mother and the broader implications of domestic violence.

News Americas, ST. MICHAEL, Barbados, June 03, 2025: As Blue Diamond Resorts enters a milestone year, the company is proud to unveil its “15 Years of Caring, 15 Acts of Change” initiative, a program that reinforces its ongoing commitment to social responsibility and sustainability across the Caribbean. Marking its 15th anniversary under the motto Fifteen & Forward, this yearlong celebration is not only a reflection of the company’s journey but also a renewed pledge to create meaningful change in the destinations it calls home.

Blue Diamond Resorts has long recognized that the success of its operations is deeply connected to the wellbeing of its surrounding communities and environments. The “15 Years of Caring, 15 Acts of Change” campaign brings this philosophy to life through a series of purposeful monthly actions, each aligned with global awareness days and designed to generate lasting impact.

The campaign began earlier this year with a wetlands clean-up and restoration initiative in recognition of World Wetlands Day, followed by a series of immersive Earth Hour activities including beach cleanups, coastal dune reforestation, recycling contests, and the coordinated shutdown of non-essential lights across the resorts to raise awareness about climate change and energy conservation. In April, tree-planting programs marked Earth Day across multiple destinations, and most recently, guests and staff participated in a friendly resort-wide recycling challenge in celebration of World Recycling Day. These early efforts have laid a strong foundation for the meaningful work still to come.

In the months ahead, Blue Diamond Resorts will continue to activate properties across its brands—including Royalton Luxury Resorts, Royalton CHIC Resorts, Hideaway at Royalton Resorts, Planet Hollywood Beach Resorts, and Mystique by Royalton— with upcoming initiatives like a Sustainability Rally featuring themed educational stations to celebrate World Environment Day. This summer, the company will also welcome 40 children with medical conditions to Planet Hollywood Cancun, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort, in collaboration with a charitable foundation, offering them a joyful week filled with memorable experiences and entertainment.

Other upcoming initiatives include a plastic-free habits challenge in July, cultural fairs honoring Indigenous heritage in August, and community-driven actions such as food bank support, school adoption programs, and animal shelter donation drives. The year will culminate in December with a Volunteer Day focused on environmental and social improvements carried out in collaboration with local communities.

These activities build upon a broader framework of sustainability practices that Blue Diamond Resorts continues to strengthen year after year. The company’s resorts have been awarded global certifications that recognize their efforts in areas such as energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, and responsible sourcing as integral pillars of its operations.

As it looks ahead, Blue Diamond Resorts remains dedicated to expanding its impact with purpose. The 15th anniversary is not just a celebration of what has been achieved—it is a reaffirmation of the company’s forward-thinking values and its role in shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future for hospitality.

For more information on Blue Diamond Resorts’ 15th anniversary initiatives, visit bluediamondresorts.com.

About Blue Diamond Resorts

Blue Diamond Resorts encompasses over 80 properties, exceeding 20,000 rooms in eight countries located in the most popular holiday destinations in the Caribbean. Its nine leading hotel brands include the Award-winning, All-In Luxury® Royalton Luxury Resorts, where Everyone is Family. Whether guests come as friends, parents, kids, couples, weddings, corporate or incentive retreats, or solo travelers everyone is family in these properties that feature personalized services and signature amenities including All-In Connectivity, DreamBed, and the Sports Event Guarantee. To refocus on valued relationships and friendships, Hideaway at Royalton offers an adults-only experience with exclusive dining and preferred accommodations to enhance Togetherness among their guests. Party Your Way at Royalton CHIC Resorts, an adults-only vibrant and effervescent all-inclusive brand to revel in the unexpected. Mystique by Royalton is Miles from Ordinary, offering their visitors the chance to connect with their surroundings in a boutique-style resort collection full of endless beauty and hip vibes. In Jamaica, Grand Lido Negril offers guests over the age of 21, a unique and all-inclusive Au Naturel vacation along with a secluded shore for the utmost privacy. Memories Resorts & Spa offers a vacation designed whether you´re planning a family vacation, reuniting with friends, or just have a relaxing moment with your significant other, while Starfish Resorts provides amazing value, breathtaking surroundings, and rich culture and heritage. Planet Hollywood Hotels & Resorts invites guests to Vacation Like A Star with an engaging and interactive experience, plus famous pop culture items from iconic movies, music, and sports while you will Dodge the Paparazzi at Planet Hollywood Adult Scene where your adults-only vacation will be the center of fascination and attention with glam and exclusivity.

To learn more about Blue Diamond Resorts, please visit www.bluediamondresorts.com

News Americas, New York, NY, May 29, 2025: The parents of 11-year-old Guyanese murder victim, Adrianna Younge, are in the United States to receive a posthumous Congressional honor in her name and participate in the 2025 Guyana Independence Parade in Brooklyn, NY this Sunday, which has been dedicated to Adrianna’s memory.

Adrianna Younge, the the 11-year-old Guyanese girl whose death sparked national protests, will be honored posthumously by the U.S. Congress on June 1, 2025, in Brooklyn, NY.

Adrianna’s parents, Mr. Subrian Younge and Ms. Amecia Simon, are scheduled to attend a special event on June 1, 2025, during which U.S. lawmakers will recognize Adriana’s life and legacy. The proclamation is being sponsored by Democratic leader of the United States House of Representatives, Hakeem Jeffries.

While in the United States, the family is also expected to meet with medical experts to be briefed on the findings of a second autopsy conducted in the U.S. on Adrianna’s body.

In addition to the Congressional honor, Adrianna’s parents and relatives will join the Guyana Independence Parade, which begins at noon on June 1 at Church and Brooklyn Avenues in Brooklyn, New York. The parade will proceed along Church Avenue to Utica Avenue and end at Glenwood Road, where the Unity Concert will be held at 1450 Utica Avenue.

This year’s celebration has been designated “Guyana National Flag Day in the Diaspora” by the Guyana Independence Committee of New York. The Committee is encouraging all attendees to bring and display Guyana’s national flag to show solidarity with the homeland.

Adrianna Younge was a resident of Parika, Guyana. She died on April 24, 2025, after being reported missing the previous day during a family outing at a pool at the Double Day Hotel at Tuschen Village, with her grandmother, Carol Xavier. An alarm was raised and the Guyana Police Force was contacted. Officers informed Adrianna’s parents that they possessed surveillance footage showing Adrianna leaving the hotel with an unidentified man, and advised them to return home.

The family declined to leave and remained outside the hotel overnight, supported by community members and concerned citizens who were alerted through live streams on social media and joined in the effort to locate Adrianna. Despite their persistence, hotel management and police restricted access, preventing a comprehensive search of the premises.

After an extensive search and overnight vigil, Adrianna’s body was discovered the following morning, April 24, 2025, floating vertically in the hotel’s pool. The pool, with a maximum depth of 8 feet, had been searched multiple times by family members, a swimming instructor, other hotel guests, and police officers, with no prior sighting of her body. On the morning of April 24, 2025, a large group of residents gathered outside the Double Day Hotel in Tuschen, Guyana, calling for answers regarding the disappearance of the 11-year-old. Police reinforcements were deployed to the scene to manage the growing crowd and secure the premises.

At approximately 10:30 a.m., some members of the crowd breached the police line and entered the hotel. Soon after, Adrianna’s body was found in the hotel’s swimming pool. Questions were raised about the circumstances of the discovery, as the pool had reportedly been searched multiple times without finding her remains.

Police officers removed Adrianna’s body from the scene and transported it to the Leonora Hospital. The body was later transferred to Ezekiel’s Funeral Home in Vreed-en-Hoop. Authorities stated that the body had been sealed prior to the transfer.

Following the discovery, unrest escalated. Fires were reported at the hotel and at a residence linked to the hotel’s ownership.

Subsequently, Assistant Commissioner of Police Khalid Mandall, Regional Commander at the time, came under public scrutiny. Criticism intensified after initial police communications reportedly claimed Adrianna had been seen leaving the hotel, a claim later challenged by the family. Public demonstrations were held on April 25, 2025, outside the Leonora Police Station, with calls for Mandall’s removal from the position.

Protests erupted across Guyana, sparking widespread public anger and calls for accountability. On April 25, demonstrators blocked the main West Demerara Highway, using tires and other debris to obstruct traffic, effectively halting travel between the capital, Georgetown, and the western regions. Riot police were deployed, and reports indicated that officers opened fire on protesters. Deputy Commissioner of Police Simon McBean was dispatched from Georgetown to help de-escalate tensions.

The following day, the Guyana government announced that Regional Commander Khalid Mandall, who had overseen the initial police response, had been transferred to another division. The announcement drew further criticism, prompting renewed protests. Mandall was subsequently placed on administrative leave.

Widespread demonstrations continued as protesters accused the police of mishandling the investigation and alleged collusion with the hotel management. Public concern intensified after the announcement of preliminary autopsy results.

On April 28, an autopsy was conducted by three international pathologists: Dr. Glenn A. Rudner of Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, Dr. Shubhakar Karra Paul of Barbados, and Trinidad-and-Tobago born Dr. Gary L. Collins, Chief Medical Examiner for the State of Delaware. The examination, conducted at Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, took nearly five hours and occurred amid a heavy police presence and further protests.

The pathologists concluded that Adrianna died by drowning. However, her father, Subrian Younge, publicly rejected the finding. The pathologists clarified that while the cause of death was identified, the manner of death – whether accidental or otherwise – must be determined by the ongoing police investigation.

Following the release of the autopsy findings, Guyana President Irfaan Ali addressed the nation in a televised statement. His remarks, interpreted by some as conclusive about the circumstances of Adrianna’s death, prompted additional backlash and civil unrest. Protests intensified, disrupting businesses and prompting flight diversions from Cheddi Jagan International Airport.

In response, authorities charged several protest participants with terrorism, including Tianna Lewis-King, a Ministry of Health employee.

Attorney Dr. Dexter Todd, representing the Younge family, called on the Guyana government to invite international law enforcement agencies — including the FBI, Scotland Yard, or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police — to lead an independent investigation. Instead, the government brought in retired RCMP detective Leonard McCoshen to review evidence. McCoshen later stated publicly that he lacked prior experience in such investigations.

Adrianna’s body remains unburied as her family continues to seek justice. On May 20, 2025, Dr. Todd confirmed that her remains were transported to the United States for a second autopsy.

Her death now remains “under investigation” but continues to garner significant global attention – both in Guyana and among the diaspora.

For more information on the Sunday event, visit celebrateguyananyc.com

News Americas, New York, NY, May 22, 2025: Caribbean-born U.S. Congressman, Adriano Espaillat, has sharply criticized the Republican-led House’s passage of what he termed the “GOP Tax Scam,” a bill he warns will have dire consequences for America’s most vulnerable.

U.S. Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-NY) has slammed the GOP’s “Big Beautiful Bill. (Photo by Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images)

Espaillat, who represents New York’s 13th congressional district and was born in the Dominican Republic, condemned the bill for offering major tax breaks to billionaires and large corporations while slashing funding for essential public services.

“The only winners following Trump’s ‘Big Ugly Bill’ are billionaire donors and big corporations that already pay next to nothing in taxes,” Espaillat said in a statement from Washington, D.C. “This disastrous bill includes devastating cuts to health care and food assistance, taking vital funding from the American people.”

He added that the legislation, which aligns with former President Donald Trump’s economic priorities, would further burden working families, making basic necessities such as groceries and healthcare even more costly.

“Donald Trump has no problem taking from the poor to give to the wealthy,” Espaillat stated. “These cuts are a matter of life and death. If this bill becomes law, people will die from lack of food, health care, and housing.”

Earlier this week, Espaillat spoke out against the bill on the House floor and joined over 100 Democratic colleagues in proposing more than 500 amendments in an effort to stall the bill’s advancement during a Rules Committee hearing. Despite these efforts, every Democrat in the House ultimately voted against the measure, which passed under Republican leadership.

Espaillat reaffirmed his commitment to defending the values and well-being of working families across the nation, pledging to continue the fight against policies he sees as detrimental to America’s most vulnerable communities.

Summary of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”

The House Republicans have advanced a sweeping multitrillion-dollar tax and spending bill that could significantly affect household finances across the U.S. Officially titled the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” the legislation aims to make permanent the 2017 Trump tax cuts and introduces major changes to tax policy, social programs, and federal student aid.

Key Provisions:

Tax Cuts & Credits:

Makes Trump-era tax cuts permanent.

Temporarily increases the child tax credit to $2,500 (2025–2028).

Increases the SALT deduction cap to $40,000 in 2025 with income-based phaseouts.

Introduces a $4,000 tax deduction for seniors.

Provides a tax deduction on U.S.-assembled auto loan interest (up to $10,000).

Offers tax exemptions for tips for earners under $160,000

Social Program Cuts:

Includes $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, possibly impacting millions through loss of health and food assistance.

Imposes stricter work requirements for eligibility starting in December 2026.

Health & Education:

Expands access and contribution limits to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).

Eliminates subsidized student loans and hardship deferment options.

Extends loan repayment terms to up to 30 years with delayed forgiveness.

Other Features:

Launches federally funded “Trump Accounts” with a $1,000 initial deposit for child savings.

Ends tax credits for electric vehicles and energy-efficient home improvements after 2025.

The bill, over 1,000 pages long, was passed by the House and could be advanced in the Senate via budget reconciliation, though changes are expected before potential enactment.