News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Thurs. June 13, 2024: The Caribbean is home to many unique animals, from marine mammals to rare lizards. Just as many people head off to the Fisherman’s trail to see White Storks and dolphins, the Caribbeans see a lot of wildlife tourism too. 

Over the years, though, many species faced extinction due to threats like overfishing and pollution. But recent efforts show that the tide is turning and the work is helping these species recover.

Recent Success Stories

White Cay Rock Iguana

Thirty years ago, fewer than 150 White Cay rock iguanas lived on a small island in the Bahamas. Today, there are over 2,000. Conservationists achieved this by removing invasive species like ship rats and raccoons. These invasive animals threatened the iguanas by eating their eggs and young, and so today stand a better chance of survival.

Antiguan Racer Snake

The Antiguan racer snake was once the world’s rarest snake. In 1995, only 50 were left on one small island. Conservationists worked hard to protect these snakes and they ended up relocating them to predator-free islands, which increased numbers to over 1,000.

Sombrero Ground Lizard

The Sombrero ground lizard lives on Sombrero Island off the coast of Anguilla. Due to deforestation and hurricanes, their numbers dropped below 100. Conservationists removed invasive species from the island, which helped the lizard population more than triple since 2021. 

Cross-Border and Regional Efforts

Marine Reserves

New marine reserves have played a big role in protecting endangered species. A recent example is the Hermandad reserve in Ecuador. This reserve helps protect migratory species like sea turtles, whales and sharks from industrial fishing and even climate change. It forms part of the East Tropical Pacific Marine Corridor, which stretches from Ecuador to Costa Rica, showing that international co-ordination has reaped rewards​​.

Caribbean Biological Corridor (CBC)

The CBC is a joint effort by Cuba, Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. It started in 2007 to protect over 200,000 square km of coastal ecosystems. These areas are key for migratory routes and the reproduction of species like whale sharks and sperm whales.

Comprehensive Management Strategies

Managing invasive species has played a major role in the strategy behind the conservation efforts. The lionfish invasion, for example, poses a threat to local marine life. Efforts to control their population are ongoing. Another issue is the spread of Sargassum, a type of seaweed. Countries are working together to share data and find ways to manage its impact on beaches and marine habitats​​.

Less than half of the countries in the region sufficiently measure how well these areas are managed. Improving this can help ensure that conservation efforts are effective. One step towards this has been the Visión Amazónica initiative in the Amazon, which aims to integrate protected areas across nine countries.

Community and Policy Engagement

Conservation efforts also support local economies. As mentioned, local communities benefit from tourism because it’s a big attraction. Of course, sustainable tourism is important, and this needs to operate on a local level too. Training programs help local people become involved in conservation, such as teaching law enforcement officers how to protect wildlife. 

So far, regional cooperation has been the key to successful conservation. The UN Biodiversity Conference aims to protect 30% of land and sea areas by 2030, but more localised collaboration and sharing of data has been the real turning point. 

The Caribbean is making significant strides in conservation. As the beach and sea remain a big tourist attraction, the importance of sustaining local wildlife has become a priority. By working together and implementing effective strategies, the region is helping each other to help endangered species recover.

News Americas, New York, NY, Tues. June 11, 2024: The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), has slapped sanctions on three Guyanese, including a government official.

OFAC has imposed sanctions on Thomas Nazar Mohamed, his son, Azruddin Mohamed, and their company, along with designating two other entities, Hadi’s World and Team Mohamed’s Racing Team, which are owned or controlled by Mohamed’s Enterprise and Azruddin, respectively as well as on Mae Thomas, the Permanent Secretary of the Guyana Ministry of Labour.

The Guyana government announced on Tuesday that it has placed Thomas on immediate leave following her inclusion in a list of sanctioned individuals by OFAC.

According to OFAC, these sanctions fall under Executive Order 13818, which implements the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act targeting perpetrators of serious human rights abuses and corruption worldwide.

“Today’s action underscores our commitment to holding accountable those who seek to exploit Guyana’s underdeveloped gold sector for personal gain,” stated Brian E. Nelson, Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence. He added that the Treasury, in collaboration with U.S. law enforcement, will continue efforts to protect the U.S. financial system from corrupt actors.

The U.S. authorities highlighted that gold is one of Guyana’s main exports but described the industry as highly fragmented, with small-scale mining operations dominating gold production. These small businesses often have informal relationships with larger traders like Mohamed’s Enterprise, leading to international gold sales across markets in the U.S., Canada, UAE, and the EU.

Nazar Mohamed established Mohamed’s Enterprise in Guyana, later expanding to the U.S. and transitioning into gold trading, making it one of Guyana’s largest gold exporters. Azruddin Mohamed eventually took over the enterprise, which now also operates as “Confidential Cambio.”

From 2019 to 2023, Mohamed’s Enterprise allegedly underreported over 10,000 kilograms of gold in import and export declarations, avoiding more than US$50 million in duty taxes to the Guyanese government. OFAC stated that Thomas, as Permanent Secretary to the Minister of Home Affairs, misused her position to benefit Mohamed’s Enterprise and Azruddin in exchange for cash payments and high-value gifts, influencing contract bids and approval processes for weapons permits and passports.

The Guyana government acknowledged the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s information regarding the three Guyanese nationals. It stated that the Ministry of Finance and relevant statutory agencies, including the Guyana Revenue Authority, will request further details to support local law enforcement agencies.

“The Government of Guyana takes very seriously the claims contained in the press release and will continue to engage relevant United States entities on these matters. In the meantime, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour, Ms. Mae Thomas, has been sent on leave with immediate effect,” the statement read.

President Irfaan Ali’s administration emphasized its commitment to working with the U.S. government on mutual interests, including upholding the rule of law and order.

By NAN Staff Writer

News Americas, New York, NY, May 31, 2024: US President Joseph R. Biden Jr. has again officially proclaimed June 2024 as National Caribbean American Heritage Month, celebrating the contributions and diverse cultures of Caribbean people in the US. In his proclamation, President Biden highlighted the unwavering commitment of Caribbean Americans to the nation’s core values of opportunity and freedom.

US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris enter for a campaign event at Girard College in Philadelphia, Pa on Wednesday May 29, 2024. (Photo by Demetrius Freeman/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

“Caribbean Americans are dreamers and doers, always finding ways to push our country forward,” President Biden stated, while recognizing the vital roles played by Caribbean Americans in various sectors, from healthcare and education to entrepreneurship and public service. For yet another year, he made special mention of the key figures in his administration with Caribbean heritage, including his Jamaican roots Vice President Kamala Harris, Cuban born Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, and his Martinique-born, Haitian heritage, White House Press Secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, who have all done very little to celebrate or focus on the region.

But the proclamation emphasized the Administration’s efforts to ensure equal opportunities for all, showcasing a historic economic recovery that has significantly benefited Black and Latino communities. Additionally, President Biden underscored the importance of partnerships with Caribbean nations, citing substantial investments in infrastructure and economic support for the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico and collaboration with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). He pointed to initiatives such as the Crime Gun Intelligence Unit and the deployment of the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support mission in Haiti were highlighted. The Administration also supports the reauthorization of the HOPE/HELP trade preferences program to bolster Haiti’s economic growth.

President Biden, who is facing a tough re-election bid after alienating his core base of black, Caribbean and immigrant voters, also reiterated his commitment to fixing the immigration system to be more humane and orderly, particularly for those fleeing violence in the Caribbean. The Administration, he said, aims to expand lawful pathways to the U.S. and expedite asylum claims for those seeking protection even as it moves to close the borders.

As National Caribbean American Heritage Month begins, President Biden encouraged all Americans to celebrate the rich history, culture, and achievements of Caribbean Americans through appropriate ceremonies and activities.

Since 2006, every US President has declared June CAHM.

Read the full proclamation below.

The full proclamation follows:

“A Proclamation on National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, 2024

During National Caribbean American Heritage Month, we celebrate the contributions and the diverse cultures of the millions of people across our Nation with Caribbean heritage, who have never let us walk away from our Nation’s most sacred values of opportunity and freedom.

Caribbean Americans are dreamers and doers, always finding ways to push our country forward, reach new heights, and forge a more perfect Union. From the Caribbean Americans who helped build our country from the ground up to those who have only just arrived, they have all believed in the possibilities our country has to offer and strengthened the diverse fabric of our Nation. Above all, Caribbean Americans are leaders — they are our beloved doctors, nurses, teachers, athletes, artists, community organizers, entrepreneurs, and our service members and first responders, who put their lives on the line to keep the rest of us safe. I am especially proud of the Caribbean Americans serving across my Administration and working hard to sustain our democracy — including Vice President Kamala Harris, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, and White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.

My Administration recognizes that, to keep the torch of liberty that has led generations of immigrants to America burning bright, we must keep ensuring that everyone has a fair shot and access to opportunity. And we are delivering. My Administration has powered a historic economic recovery that created 15 million jobs, achieved the fastest creation rate of Black-owned businesses in more than 30 years, and broke records as Latino entrepreneurs have started new businesses at the fastest rate in over 10 years.

Caribbean Americans also form the foundation of our country’s partnerships with nations across the Caribbean as we work to advance opportunity and security across the region. My Administration announced over $275 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for projects in the U.S. Virgin Islands that will deliver clean and safe water, access to high-speed internet, public transit, and modern roads and bridges. We launched the Puerto Rico Economic Dialogue and made more than $140 billion in Federal obligations, which have driven the island’s economic turnaround. Since I came into office, Puerto Rico has added more than 100,000 new jobs and unemployment reached a historic low of under six percent. We are continuing to work with Caribbean countries to tackle climate change and support clean energy development. In partnership with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), we launched the Crime Gun Intelligence Unit to combat firearms trafficking. Last summer, my Administration appointed a Coordinator for Caribbean Firearms Prosecutions to lead our efforts to stem firearms trafficking in the Caribbean. Meanwhile, we have been working with CARICOM to restore stability and security in Haiti by facilitating meaningful and inclusive political dialogue and supporting the deployment of the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support mission. We must complement our security investments with economic support. This is why my Administration supports the reauthorization of the HOPE/HELP trade preferences program in order to spur greater economic prosperity in Haiti.

At the same time, we have been working since day one of my Administration to fix the broken immigration system so that it is safe, orderly, and humane — especially for those in the Caribbean community who are fleeing oppressive rule and trying to escape gang violence to ensure a better life for them and their families. We are working to expand lawful pathways to the United States for Caribbean individuals and establish a faster process for deciding claims of asylum for people who are credibly seeking protection from persecution. My Administration will continue to do everything we can, including calling on the Congress to finally act and pass critical resources and reforms.

America was founded on the idea that all people are created equal and deserve to be treated equally throughout their lives. That promise beats in the hearts of all Caribbean Americans, who have added new meaning to our Nation’s founding values. That idea is what connects us to all the Caribbean nations and territories working toward a future rooted in freedom and democracy. This month, may we celebrate all that Caribbean heritage, history, and contributions have meant to our Nation.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2024 as National Caribbean American Heritage Month. I encourage all Americans to join in celebrating the history, culture, and achievements of Caribbean Americans with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
thirty-first day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-eighth.

JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.”