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Caribbean-Born Man Among 50 Accused In Shocking French Rape Case

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News Americas, New York, NY, Mon. October 21, 2024: A Caribbean-born man is among 50 men accused in a disturbing case in France, where a woman was allegedly drugged and raped by dozens of men over nearly a decade.

Defendant Gisele Pelicot (C) and her lawyers Antoine Camus (L) and Stephane Babonneau (R) leave the courtroom during a break in the trial of her ex-husband, along with 49 other accused, for drugging her and enlisting dozens of strangers, including a Caribbean immigrant, to rape her for nearly ten years, on October 16, 2024 in Avignon. (Photo by CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP via Getty Images)

Joan Kwai, 26, originally from French Guiana, is on trial as part of a group of men charged with sexually assaulting Gisele Pelicot, 71, after being invited to her home by her husband, Dominique Pelicot.

The case has captivated global attention due to the horrific nature of the crimes. According to court testimony, Dominique Pelicot, a retired electrician, drugged his unsuspecting wife between 2011 and 2020, allowing other men to rape her while she was unconscious. Kwai, who moved to France at the age of 16, first visited the home on the day his daughter was born in 2019. He admitted to visiting a second time and admitted to planning a third visit, which was canceled.

Prosecutors revealed that Kwai initially claimed he did not question whether Mrs. Pelicot had consented but later admitted that she was unconscious and that it was rape. Kwai, described as having depressive tendencies, is the first of the accused to give testimony in the trial.

Mrs. Pelicot has waived her anonymity to become a symbol of strength for rape survivors in France. She has bravely faced the courtroom proceedings in Avignon, where she is often met with applause from supporters.

The trial involves a total of 50 men, divided into smaller groups to manage court proceedings. Fourteen of the accused have admitted their involvement, while the rest, including men from various professions, deny the charges and claim they were deceived by Dominique Pelicot.

Dominique Pelicot was arrested in September 2020 after being caught filming women without their consent in a supermarket. A search of his home revealed thousands of incriminating photos and videos. In addition to this case, Pelicot faces charges for the rape and murder of a 23-year-old estate agent in Paris in 1991.

The trial is expected to run until December, with heightened security due to public outrage and tensions surrounding the case.

Here’s The Latest On What The Caribbean Immigrant Judge Has Said About The Trump Case

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News Americas, New York, NY, Mon. October 21, 2024: Caribbean immigrant and federal Judge Tanya Chutkan made headlines again on Friday, October 18th, when she ordered the release of over 1,800 pages of heavily redacted evidence linked to the case against former President Donald J. Trump. The materials were released despite objections from Trump’s legal team, who argued that making any information public ahead of the election would amount to interference.

Caribbean immigrant Judge Tanya Chutkan

“If the court withheld information that the public otherwise had a right to access solely because of the potential political consequences of releasing it, that withholding could itself constitute – or appear to be – election interference,” Judge Chutkan wrote in her October 17th ruling.

The evidence, tied to federal prosecutors’ claims that Trump sought to overturn the 2020 election, included a four-part appendix submitted by special counsel Jack Smith. Although much of the document remains redacted, Judge Chutkan defended the release, stating that withholding it could be seen as a form of election interference itself.

Trump has since reacted strongly, labeling Judge Chutkan, who was born in Jamaica, as “the most evil person” and accusing her of contributing to election interference by releasing the evidence. He criticized the decision during a podcast appearance, claiming the move was politically motivated and comparing the treatment of Capitol rioters to the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II.

The newly released evidence mostly includes material already public, such as parts of former Vice President Mike Pence’s statements about not overturning the election results. While these documents do not appear to introduce major new allegations, they offer additional context to the case.

Judge Chutkan’s decision follows the Supreme Court’s July ruling that certain actions by a president may be protected under immunity. The court tasked Judge Chutkan with determining what evidence remains admissible, with Trump’s team set to respond by November 7th.

Despite the intense scrutiny, Judge Chutkan has maintained that legal decisions will not be influenced by Trump’s ongoing campaign schedule.

Valentine’s Day Romantic Getaways Americas

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News Americas, NEW YORK:: News Americas Now is offering the top 10 most romantic getaways in the Americas – Latin America and the Caribbean

1: Aruba: The number one most romantic in the Caribbean as chosen by readers is Aruba. The island is also a popular honeymoon destination. Aruba offers couples a mix of day-time and night-time activities that include romantic sunset walks on warm, sandy beaches and private coves as well as great fine dining options, or exploration of the natural beauty or cultural attractions in the day time.

2: Jamaica: The second most romantic getaway in the Caribbean is Jamaica. Couples can enjoy not only long stretches of beautiful beaches and waterfalls but great food, warm people, the rhythms of reggae and the natural beauty of this amazing island.

3: Puerto Rico: Chosen as the number three romantic getaway, Puerto Rico offers trails leading to dramatic waterfalls, cobblestone streets (Old San Juan) beautiful beaches and even casinos.

RELATED: The 10 Best Caribbean Hotels

4: St. Maarten/St. Martin: At number four, St. Maarten-St. Martin is a great two-for-one option since it offers a blend of European and Caribbean cultures that is both French and Dutch.  St. Martin boasts lavish elegance and secluded beaches featuring nude sunbathing or horse back riding while St. Maarten is a bustling center with casinos and clubs that offer up Zouk, calypso, reggae and jazz as well as some of the region’s best restaurants.

5: Barbados: Barbados, is at number five in the list & offers the beach, afternoon tea-British style, the pulsating sounds of reggae or calypso and a lot of chilling with a glass of rum under a star-studded sky.

MEXICO, CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA

1: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico: The number one most romantic spot in Mexico, Central and South America is Puerto Vallarta.  Banderas Bay was the site of Elizabeth Taylor’s and Richard Burton’s big romance and still offers fabulous beaches, top restaurants and boat rides to the charming fishing village of Boca de Tomatlan.

2: Playa del Carmen, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico: Coming in at number two is Playa del Carmen, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, located on the beautiful Mexican Riviera. It is place where you can strolls or sunbathe on alabaster-white beaches; swim or dive in sparkling clear waters or explore ancient Mayan ruins in the day-time and enjoy quiet sunsets together.

3: Cancun, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico: Making the number three spot on the list is Cancun, Yucatan Peninsula. Here is a place that is blessed with a bounty of beaches while offering an energetic pulse or a laid-back ambiance to suit your taste.

RELATED: Top Americas Destinations Favored By the Wealthy 

4: Cozumel, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico: At number four is Cozumel, Yucatan Peninsula. Cozumel makes for a perfect romantic rendezvous for two with its Caribbean beaches surrounded by coral reefs, golden beaches and turquoise waters as well as Mayan ruins, duty-free shopping and colorful festivals.

5: Buenos Aires, Capital Federal District, Argentina: At number five is the Argentine capital, Buenos Aires. What is more romantic than the sensual tango and this city is the birthplace of this erotic dance. You can also explore the ambience of old neighborhoods or linger at the restaurants while enjoying varied nightlife options after a romantic meal out.

Read more: Romantic Caribbean Getaways: Discover the Most Romantic Hotels

The Unspoken Assets Of The Caribbean

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY: The Caribbean region is often dismissed as too small geographically and economically but a new study claims it may be big on an often unspoken asset. According to data compiled on EveryoneWeb from a number of different studies, Caribbean men are among the best-endowed in the world.

The study claims men from Jamaica have the biggest penises in the Caribbean at an average 6.4 inches while the answer to the question, if men from the Dominican Republic have big penises, is that they measure on average 6.3.”

Both Jamaica and the Dominican Republic men rank high for sex tourism.

Belize, Haitian and Cuban men measure an average 6.2” according to the study while Suriname came in at the lower scale with a reported 5.3.”

No other Caribbean nations were reported.

The data also shows that the global average penis size is 5.5in – the size of the display on an iPhone 6 Plus while the title of biggest penises in the world goes to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the average is 7.1in.

The title of smallest goes to North Korea with an average penis size of 3.8in.

South America is comfortably the most well-hung continent, with an average of 6.36 in while American and British men average at 5.6” respectively. The Latin American men with the highest penis volume average are from Ecuador.

Only 3 percent of men worldwide are dealing with 8in-plus and only 6 percent actually need extra large condoms.

Guyana Police Organized Crime Unit Recommends Dozens of Charges Against Assistant Commissioner

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News Americas, New York, NY, October 16, 2024: The Special Organised Crime Unit, (SOCU), of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), is recommending that “dozens” of charges be brought against embattled Assistant Police Commissioner Calvin Brutus, following an extensive investigation into alleged financial improprieties.

Guyana Assistant Police Commissioner Calvin Brutus.

According to a statement from the GPF on Wednesday, SOCU had earlier launched an inquiry into Brutus’ activities. At that time, based on advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), no criminal charges were recommended. However, a new probe was initiated following critical information received from the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).

Brutus, who went on leave in July to allow the investigation to proceed, remained silent on allegations that he had deposited GUY$16.5 million (US$0.004 per Guyana dollar) into his Police Credit Union account on December 15, 2023. The funds were reportedly returned to him the following day, with the source claimed to be contributions related to a wedding.

The FIU, established under the Anti-Money Laundering Act, conducted a broader investigation into the case, receiving and analyzing suspicious transaction reports. The investigation was concluded on October 1, and all relevant files were submitted to the DPP for review and further action.

“SOCU recommended dozens of charges and now awaits legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions,” the GPF stated. The police also criticized a recent report by Stabroek News as “misleading,” refuting claims that SOCU had found no evidence of criminal activity.

Antigua-Based LIAT Says It’s Unaffected By US Indictment Of Air Peace CEO

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News Americas, New York, NY, October 16, 2024: Antigua-based LIAT (2020) Limited has confirmed that its ownership and operations remain unaffected by the recent indictment of Dr. Allen Onyema, CEO of Nigeria-based Air Peace Limited, by U.S. law enforcement authorities.

Onyema was charged by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Georgia, with obstruction of justice for submitting false documents to halt an investigation into earlier charges of bank fraud and money laundering. Along with Onyema, Air Peace’s chief of administration and finance, Ejiroghene Eghagha, was also charged for participating in the obstruction and earlier bank fraud.

In a statement addressing recent speculations, LIAT (2020) Limited emphasized that the charges against Onyema have no impact on the company’s ownership or operations. The regional airline clarified that it is a joint venture between the Government of Antigua and Barbuda (GOAB) and Air Peace Caribbean Limited (APCL), a locally incorporated company. The GOAB holds 30% of the shares, while APCL owns 70%.

The statement further stressed that APCL is entirely separate from Air Peace Nigeria Ltd. and that Onyema holds no shares, directorship, or involvement in either APCL or LIAT (2020) Ltd. “We emphasize that Mr. Onyema has no ownership stake in LIAT (2020) Ltd, and such claims are completely unfounded,” the company reiterated.

LIAT (2020) assured its stakeholders that its commitment to providing reliable flight services across the Caribbean remains strong, unaffected by the ongoing legal issues involving Onyema.

Meanwhile, Air Peace Limited issued a statement on its official X platform, asserting that both Onyema and Eghagha remain innocent of the charges. The airline confirmed that the legal process stems from older accusations of financial misconduct and assured its customers that its operations would continue unaffected.

Martinique Curfew Extended Amid Protests

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News Americas, New York, NY, October 16, 2024: Residents of Martinique will remain under a night-time curfew until October 21, as authorities attempt to protect the French overseas territory from renewed unrest sparked by soaring food prices. The decision follows violent protests last week, which resulted in the death of one person and injuries to nearly 30 police officers.

Members of the French union CGT Martinique (General Confederation of Labour) perform a go slow operation on the ring road leading to the airport in Fort-de-France, in the French Caribbean island of Martinique, on October 15, 2024, amid riots over rising prices. Authorities in the French Caribbean island of Martinique plan to ban protests and declare a curfew after riots over spiralling prices that left one person shot dead, 26 officers injured and stores looted, a source in the administration told AFP. (Photo by Philippe LOPEZ / AFP) (Photo by PHILIPPE LOPEZ/AFP via Getty Images)

The French Caribbean island, home to 350,000 people, has been grappling with weeks of protests over the high cost of living, with food prices reported to be 40% higher than in mainland France. Demonstrations escalated into riots last week, with protesters looting shops, setting up burning barricades, and clashing with law enforcement.

This photo taken on October 15, 2024, shows a sign on which a graffiti reads “high cost of life” (“Vie Chere”) next to the wreckage of a burnt car in Le Lamentin near Fort-de-France in the French Caribbean island of Martinique, amid riots over rising prices. (Photo by PHILIPPE LOPEZ/AFP via Getty Images)

The curfew, initially imposed from 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM, has been extended in an “exceptional measure” to safeguard both people and property, according to a statement from the prefecture of Martinique.

While unrest has subsided over the past 48 hours with no major incidents reported, the situation remains tense. Primary and secondary school students are expected to gradually return to class starting Tuesday, education officials announced.

The protests, which began in early September, were organized by the Assembly for the Protection of Afro-Caribbean Peoples and Resources (RPPRAC), calling for food prices in Martinique to be aligned with those in mainland France. Although the government has held several meetings with activists and retailers to explore ways to reduce prices, negotiations have stalled. Martinique’s governing body president, Serge Letchimy, said no further talks would be held due to the lack of a “new concrete and viable proposal.”

RPPRAC leader Rodrigue Petitot expressed the activists’ readiness to continue protesting, stating, “We are a people legitimately demanding the right to access food at respectable prices, and all we have been given so far is repression.”

Caribbean-Born Judge Delays Release Of Evidence In Trump January 6 Case

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News Americas, New York, NY, Oct. 11, 2024: Caribbean-born US District Judge Tanya Chutkan, who is presiding over the federal January 6, 2021, criminal case against former President Donald Trump, has delayed the release of evidence exhibits, giving Trump’s legal team additional time to evaluate potential legal actions.

Caribbean immigrant Judge Tanya Chutkan

The exhibits, tied to Special Counsel Jack Smith’s ongoing prosecution, contain key pieces of evidence that Smith is using to argue that Trump is not immune from prosecution for his alleged role in attempting to subvert the results of the 2020 presidential election. Trump’s legal team has strongly opposed the release of these heavily redacted exhibits, arguing that disclosing them during the 2024 election cycle would be inappropriate.

In a court filing on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, Trump’s lawyers criticized the special counsel’s approach, stating, “There should be no further disclosures at this time of the so-called ‘evidence’ that the Special Counsel’s Office has unlawfully cherry-picked and mischaracterized—during early voting in the 2024 Presidential election—in connection with an improper Presidential immunity filing that has no basis in criminal procedure or judicial precedent.”

Judge Chutkan has agreed to the redactions proposed by prosecutors but paused her ruling on the release of the exhibits to give Trump time to consider legal options. The former president’s team requested this delay, citing the need to evaluate the redacted materials and prepare an appropriate response.

The decision comes after Smith’s office filed a 165-page brief outlining their case against Trump, which detailed significant aspects of their investigation, including grand jury testimony and FBI interview notes. The special counsel’s team previously indicated that many of the exhibits contain sensitive materials that have not been made public, and have taken further steps to ensure that even previously public information, such as the identities of individuals targeted in Trump’s tweets, remains confidential to protect witnesses from potential threats or harassment.

Judge Chutkan, originally from Jamaica, has become a central figure in the legal proceedings against Trump. She is also weighing how Smith’s arguments will hold up in light of a recent Supreme Court ruling that presidents have some degree of immunity for actions taken in their official capacity. However, Smith’s team contends that Trump’s conduct related to election subversion falls outside the scope of this immunity.

Trump has until November 7th, which is after the Nov. 5th election, to file his formal response to the special counsel’s arguments, at which point the court will consider the next steps in the case. The public remains eager to see how the case unfolds, as it plays a significant role in both legal and political spheres during the 2024 presidential election.

Guyana’s Gas-to-Energy Pipeline Could Be Operational Soon

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News Americas, New York, NY, October 9, 2024: A pipeline that will allow Guyana to transport natural gas produced by an Exxon Mobil-led consortium to shore has been connected to two of the project’s floating production platforms, according to Exxon’s Guyana head, Alistair Routledge, as reported on Wednesday.

The “Gas-to-Energy” project, spearheaded by the Guyanese government, is designed to supply a 300-megawatt power plant and a natural gas liquids (NGL) facility with gas from two Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels located in Exxon’s Stabroek block.

The 200-kilometer (124.3-mile) pipeline could be operational by the end of this year, Routledge told local reporters, according to Newsroom Guyana. The project, slated for completion next year, is expected to lower electricity costs and reduce emissions, marking the first use of associated gas produced in the country.

Guyana has invested approximately $400 million in the development of this project, which represents a significant step in the country’s efforts to diversify its energy portfolio and enhance sustainability.

The Exxon consortium, which includes China’s CNOOC and U.S.-based Hess, temporarily paused oil and gas output at the platforms during the third quarter to facilitate the pipeline connection. “Risers have now been successfully connected to the pipeline, and we have conducted several tests and de-watering exercises to ensure everything is functioning correctly,” Routledge added.

Once operational, the “Gas-to-Energy” project is anticipated to provide more reliable and affordable energy to Guyana, fueling industrial growth and reducing the country’s dependence on imported energy sources. This strategic move is set to further bolster Guyana’s growing status as a key energy producer in the region.

US Organization Condemns Dominican Republic’s Plan To Expel 10,000 Haitian Migrants Per Week

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News Americas, New York, NY, Tues. October 8, 2024: The US-based Haitian Bridge Alliance, (HBA), has strongly condemned the Dominican Republic’s decision to expel up to 10,000 Haitian nationals per week. The organization warns that this policy “threatens to worsen the ongoing humanitarian crisis faced by Haitians both in their homeland and abroad.”

A man holds a Dominican Republic flag during an anti-Haitian migration protest in Santo Domingo on October 5, 2024. (Photo by FRANCESCO SPOTORNO/AFP via Getty Images)

HBA, a grassroots non-profit that advocates for humane immigration policies and provides vital services to migrants, including the Haitian community, women, girls, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and survivors of human rights abuses, called the plan a “flagrant violation of basic human rights” that undermines efforts to manage migration with dignity.

“With Haiti already suffering from political instability, humanitarian crises, gang violence, and natural disasters, forcing thousands to return to an unsafe environment is unconscionable,” the organization stated. HBA highlighted that over 700,000 women and children have been displaced in Haiti, with 80% of the capital, Port-au-Prince, controlled by gangs. The group warned that the deportations would “further destabilize the region,” exacerbating the dire conditions Haitians are fleeing.

HBA also voiced concerns about systemic xenophobia and racial profiling, noting that the mass expulsions appear to target Haitians based on their ethnicity, nationality, or immigration status, fostering division and fear. The organization urged the international community to hold the Dominican Republic accountable for upholding the human rights of migrants.

HBA Executive Director Guerline Jozef condemned the policy as “inhumane” and called on the Dominican government to halt the deportations, urging collaboration with regional partners like CARICOM and the Organization of American States (OAS) to create sustainable migration solutions. “We need solidarity, not division, to protect human rights across borders,” Jozef added.

The government of Haiti has also called on the Dominican Republic to respect the rights of Haitian migrants. Haitian Foreign Minister Dominique Dupuy described the deportation plan as “regrettable” and emphasized the need to uphold the rights of all individuals, especially vulnerable groups such as women and children of Haitian descent.

Anti-Immigrant Protests

A man holds a banner that reads in spanish ‘Two nations don’t fit here’ during an anti-Haitian migration protest in Santo Domingo on October 5, 2024. (Photo by FRANCESCO SPOTORNO/AFP via Getty Images)

Meanwhile, anti-Haitian sentiment has been on the rise in the Dominican Republic. Last Friday, demonstrators from the Antigua Nueva Orden Dominicana protested near the National Palace, calling for stricter measures to curb Haitian migration. Their demonstration coincided with President Luis Abinader’s speech at the UN General Assembly, where he called for increased international efforts to stabilize Haiti, citing it as a “strategic necessity” for regional security.

Despite repeated calls from the United Nations to stop forced returns to Haiti amid surging gang violence, the Dominican government announced that the mass deportations would begin “immediately.” According to Dominican presidential spokesperson Homero Figueroa, the plan aims to reduce the “excessive migrant populations” in Dominican communities.

This announcement comes shortly after the UN reported that over 3,600 people were killed in Haiti in the first half of 2024, as violence continues to escalate. Haiti’s ongoing struggles with gang control have displaced hundreds of thousands and left nearly half of the population facing acute hunger.

US Official Visit

Meanwhile, US Assistant Secretary for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Todd D. Robinson is scheduled to visit the Dominican Republic this week to discuss security cooperation and combat transnational crime, following recent high-level meetings between U.S. and Dominican officials on regional security.