News Americas, WASHINGTON, D.C., Tues. April 9, 2024: The Organization of American States, (OAS), has issued a stern condemnation of the Venezuelan regime’s endorsement of the so-called “Law for the Defense of Essequibo.”

The General Secretariat of the OAS, known for its dedication to fostering peace and security across the Americas, expressed strong disapproval of this move, citing its blatant disregard for fundamental principles of international law and its further indication of Venezuela’s dictatorial tendencies.

The approval of the “Law for the Defense of Essequibo” comes in the wake of another controversial piece of legislation passed by the Venezuelan regime, namely a fascist-inspired “law” aimed at combatting “fascism, neo-fascism, and similar expressions.” These actions, according to the OAS, evoke dark chapters in history characterized by forcible annexations, military aggression, and widespread devastation.

The OAS emphasized that regional peace and security are at stake if the Venezuelan regime continues to pursue such dangerous objectives. The organization underscored the condemnation of aggression, threats of aggression, unilateral actions to resolve bilateral disputes, and breaches of existing arbitration awards as laid out in international law. Additionally, it called upon the global community to denounce any form of belligerent behavior or intimidation tactics employed by nations and international actors. The OAS also commended Guyana for accepting the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice in this matter, seeing it as a positive step toward peaceful resolution.

The Venezuelan regime’s recent actions, including attempts to annex a portion of the territory of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, have been deemed as violations of international law and unacceptable by the OAS. Furthermore, these actions are seen as direct threats to the Chavista legacy of fostering peaceful relations with CARICOM member states and undermining Guyana’s ability to develop its natural resources in a peaceful manner, the OAS said.

The organization characterized the “Law for the Defense of Essequibo” as not only an external threat but also a tool for internal repression, marking a concerning turn of events in Venezuela’s political landscape. The organization warned that such legislation poses a risk not only to Guyana’s security but also to the peace and security of the entire hemisphere.

News Americas, WASHINGTON, D.C., Fri. April 5, 2024: Caribbean immigrants from three countries in the region lead the top 10 nations with the most naturalizations for Fiscal Year 2023.

Hector Morejon, orginally from Cuba, and others become American citizens during a U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services naturalization ceremony at the Hialeah Field Office on January 12, 2018 in Hialeah, Florida. 150 people from different countries around the world took part in the Oath of Allegiance. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Immigrants from the Dominican Republic, Cuba and Jamaica rank in the Top 10 list of countries whose nationals qualified for US cirtizenship and took the oath of naturalization in Fiscal Year 2023.

The Dominican Republic led the Caribbean with 35,200 naturalizations to rank at number 4 on the Top 10 list.

Cubans ranked at 5th with 33,200 naturalizations.

Jamaicans rounded out the list for the Caribbean, ranking at 9 out of 10 with 20,200 naturalizations in the last fiscal year. They, however, had the shortest time on the path to becoming a citizen of the United States at 7 years.

By contrast, Cubans waited 7.9 years while nationals from the DR waited 9.5 years.

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. Mar. 13, 2024: With so many moving parts on the situation in Haiti, we at News Americas are bringing you 12 of the latest fast facts happening now.

1: Efforts to introduce new leadership in Haiti faced setbacks today, with several political factions rejecting the international community’s proposal for a presidential council to oversee the country’s transitional period.

A protester reacts while tires burn in the street during a demonstration following the resignation of its Prime Minister Ariel Henry, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on March 12, 2024. A political transition deal in Haiti marks a key step forward for the violence-ravaged country but far more needs to be done, with some experts warning the situation could deteriorate further. (Photo by CLARENS SIFFROY/AFP via Getty Images)

This council was intended to appoint an interim prime minister and ministers to navigate Haiti out of its current turmoil, exacerbated by widespread gang violence affecting education, business, and daily life.

Jean Charles Moïse, a former senator and presidential hopeful allied with ex-rebel leader Guy Philippe, publicly denounced the international proposal, advocating instead for a three-person council he had formed with Philippe and a Haitian judge.

Other notable figures like Himmler Rébu, a former army colonel and political party leader, and supporters of Prime Minister Ariel Henry expressed their dissent, each proposing different leadership solutions.

Despite the international effort to stabilize Haiti through a transitional council, the rejection from key Haitian political players underscores the deep divisions and challenges in finding a unified path forward.

2:  The US said today it has sent a specialized Marine unit to help secure the U.S. Embassy in Haiti as the country struggles through a political transition amid rising gang violence. This as  the Biden administration pledged an additional $100 million to facilitate the deployment of the Multinational Security Support Mission, (MSS), bringing the total U.S. contribution thus far to $300 million – 200 from the Department of Defense, $100 million commitment from the Department of State.  Secretary Blinken also announced an additional contribution of $33 million in humanitarian assistance to help the Haitian people at this difficult time.

Gang leader Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherizier speaks into his walkie talkie before a mission, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, March 5, 2024. (Photo by CLARENS SIFFROY/AFP via Getty Images)

3: Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier, one of the major gang leaders in Haiti, has said his coalition of gangs would oppose a new council appointed by CARICOM and top international leaders, including the US. He threatened to attack hotels where “the traditional politicians” typically stay and said a new government should be chosen by his coalition and “the Haitian people.”

4: Kenyan officials have paused putting the deployment of a U.N.-approved multinational security force to the beleaguered Caribbean nation until a new government is in place, according to media reports.

5: The UN World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that Haiti is on the brink of a devastating hunger crisis, with aid operations at risk of “grinding to a halt” amid rampant violence armed gangs tightened their grip on the capital, Port-au-Prince.

The lack of goods and resources is worsening an already precarious economic situation, with water and basic services being “stretched to the limit”, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said.

6: In Florida, Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis has ordered more than 250 law enforcement officers and soldiers to the Florida Keys to help stop what he anticipates to be an increase in Haitian migrants fleeing violence in their country

But so far, the Coast Guard hasn’t seen increased migrant traffic in the waters off Florida. The Coast Guard has repatriated 131 migrants found at sea to Haiti since Oct. 1, including 65 on Tuesday who were found on a boat near the Bahamas last week.

7: Despite the violence in Haiti and food insecurity, the Dominican Republic continues to deport thousands of Haitians back to Haiti as gangs now control 80 percent of Port-Au-Prince.

8: US House Minority Leader, Hakeem Jeffries, has written to the Republican Speaker of  the House, Mike Johnson, calling for “the full $50 million in security support” for Haiti.

“Congress must join the Biden administration in their crucial work and meet the moment by fulfilling our essential responsibility to ensure security in the Western Hemisphere and release the full $50 million funding allocation forthwith,” Jeffires wrote.

9:Bestselling author and award-winning journalist Mitch Albom said he was trapped in chaos-ridden Haiti and had to flee in the dead of night on a helicopter with nine others, including his wife.

Albom, the author of the blockbuster book, “Tuesdays With Morrie,” said in an interview with NBC News’ Gabe Guiterrez that a visit to an orphanage he established in Haiti turned terrifying when prisoners were freed, setting off bedlam on the troubled island. The orphanage, called Have Faith Haiti, is run by a nonprofit founded by Albom. He and the volunteers there found themselves stuck in Port-au-Prince, the capital, as the nation descended into violence by armed rebels and militias in recent weeks. Routes out of Haiti had been cut off, stranding the group.

Albom said a private helicopter was arranged by two congressional members — Rep. Cory Mills, R-Fla., who was tapped by Michigan Republican Rep. Lisa McClain — to help his group escape on Tuesday. After “a couple of failed attempts,” Albom and crew were able to fly “from an undisclosed location,” he said, to the Dominican Republic.

10: The United Nations said today it is reducing its footprint in Haiti because of the volatile security situation.

A spokesperson said non-essential personnel would be reduced, while those carrying out “lifesaving activities” will stay to continue operations. The organization has about 1,500 personnel in Haiti.

11: The German foreign ministry said its ambassador to Haiti joined other European Union representatives in leaving for the Dominican Republic as the country spiraled deeper into gang violence.

“Due to the very tense security situation in Haiti, the German ambassador and the permanent representative in Port-au-Prince left for the Dominican Republic today together with representatives from the EU delegation,” a ministry spokesman told AFP, adding that they would work from there “until further notice.” The US has also airlifted its staff out of Haiti.

12: The US State Department and Canada are still warning nationals not to travel to Haiti as the Caribbean nation continues to grapple with spiraling gang violence. The airport is closed currently.

Haiti has been listed as a Level 4: Do Not Travel destination by the US for the past four years.