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Grenadian Police Officer Charged With Incest Due Back in Court This Month

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News Americas, New York, NY, October 1, 2024: A police officer in Grenada facing multiple sexual offense charges, including incest, is scheduled to return to court later this month.

Grenada police officer Nigel Joseph, facing 15 sex-related charges, including incest, is set to return to court on October 28, 2024.

Corporal Nigel Joseph, attached to the Special Services Unit (SSU) of the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF), appeared in the Sauteurs Magistrate’s Court on September 23, 2024, where he was charged with 15 sex-related offenses, including incest with one of his daughters. Dressed in a blue and white shirt with black pants, Joseph covered his face with a red bandana as he arrived at the court.

Joseph, 48, was arrested on September 21, 2024, and has since been granted EC$50,000 bail with two sureties. As part of his bail conditions, he must surrender his travel documents, relocate from St. Patrick, report to the Hermitage Police Station weekly, and avoid contact with the victim. He is also required to seek permission from the court to leave Grenada and inform the authorities of any travel to Carriacou.

Joseph is due back in court on October 28, 2024. He has been suspended from active duty pending the outcome of the case.

The charges against Joseph highlight growing concerns about incest cases in Grenada. Senior Crown Counsel Howard Pinnock, of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, recently noted an increase in such cases during the opening of the Assizes.

This case is reminiscent of a 2016 conviction in which Cpl. Lennard Benjamin was sentenced to 15 years in prison for incest with his daughter in River Road, St. George’s.

Joseph faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted of incest involving a child under 13 years of age. His alleged offenses are said to have taken place in areas like River Antoine and Mt. Rose in St. Andrew and St. Patrick.

Belize Police Investigate Drug Discovery On Minister’s Boat

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News Americas, New York, NY, September 30, 2024: Belize police are continuing their investigation into the discovery of a quantity of suspected cocaine found on a boat owned by government Minister Andre Perez, who holds the portfolios of Blue Economy and Disaster Risk Management. Authorities reported that 474 grams of the suspected drug were found aboard Perez’s boat in San Pedro last Friday, September 27, 2024.

Drugs has been found on a boat owned by Belize Minister Andrew Perez.

According to a police statement, Perez has stated that the boat had been docked for repairs and left unused for over six months. Preliminary findings suggest the drugs may have been placed without his knowledge, and the minister is fully cooperating with the investigation.

The boatyard owner has corroborated Perez’s account, confirming that the minister had been paying a monthly docking fee of BDZ$250 (One Belize dollar = US$0.49) during the boat’s inactive period.

Perez recently returned to the government after taking leave in August last year due to an unrelated investigation. He was previously embroiled in a scandal involving a female attorney.

When questioned by reporters about the drug discovery, Perez said he had “no idea” how the drugs ended up on his boat but emphasized his cooperation with the police, adding, “I have, there is nothing to worry about.” When asked if he believed someone was trying to set him up, he responded, “probably.”

Prime Minister John Briceño, however, dismissed the idea of a setup. “I don’t think it’s someone trying to set him up,” Briceño said, adding that the boat had been docked for more than six months, making it an unlikely target for suspicion. “When somebody tipped off the police, they searched it, and they found the drugs. But it’s clear Andre had not been using his boat.”

The United States has identified Belize as a significant transshipment point for cocaine and precursor chemicals used in illicit drug production. Belize’s geographic location along the Central American isthmus, between drug-producing countries in South America and the U.S., makes it vulnerable to drug trafficking. The country’s borders with Guatemala feature large, unpopulated jungle areas, while its relatively unpatrolled coastline, dotted with small islands and atolls, presents challenges for drug interdiction efforts. The remote jungles also provide an ideal environment for cannabis cultivation and trafficking.

Belize’s proximity to countries where drug trade operations are controlled by highly organized and violent cartels further compounds the issue. While cannabis use is generally tolerated within Belizean society, laws against it are enforced by local authorities.

Despite stepped-up efforts by the Belize Coast Guard and the Anti-Drug Unit to patrol coastal waters, both agencies face significant challenges due to limited funding, insufficient equipment, and personnel shortages. Belize’s counter-narcotics initiatives are further hindered by corruption, outdated intelligence and judicial systems, and a lack of political will, all of which impede progress in combating drug trafficking.

Popular Caribbean Sex Tourism Destinations

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 By NAN News Editor – News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. May 27, 2016. It’s less often talked about but seen widely in many Caribbean & South American nations – sex tourism! People want to know where is prostitution legal in the Caribbean. So where are the top destinations for sex tourism in the Caribbean? Here are the top four:

Some tourists travel for the “big banana” as promoted by this local Caribbean singer in song at a tourist hot spot.

1: Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is seeing a rise in sex tourism, especially female sex tourism. It is estimated that anywhere from 6000 to 10,000 female work in the sex trade in the Dominican Republic, and many cross over from Haiti as well. The Dominican Republic’s sex tourism trade may be so popular due to its relative accessibility from both the United States of America and Europe. According to the sex tourism global guide, tourists seeking sex can find it in the following areas in the DR:

The Metropolitan Area: the cosmopolitan capital and its surrounding beaches.

The Eastern Plains and the East Coast: home to the world-famous all inclusive hotels of Bavaro and Punta Cana, and the major resorts of Casa de Campo and Cap Cana.

The Eastern Cibao and the Bay of Samaná: a beautiful bay often described as a “Paradise on Earth”

The Western Cibao and the North Coast: the second largest city, the highest mountains in the Caribbean, and the popular beaches of the Atlantic Coast.

The Enriquillo Valley and the South: the most secluded area of the country, almost untouched by tourism, with a unique scenery and wildlife.

Both male and female homosexual activity is legal in the Dominican Republic. Same-sex couples are not eligible for the same legal protections available to opposite-sex married couples. The age of consent—regardless of sexual orientation—is 18.

2: Cuba

In Cuba, jineterismo is a category of illegal or semi-legal economic activities related to tourism in Cuba. Prostitution is a way some Cubans use to get out of Cuba, having sex with a tourist for help getting out of the island. These activities include prostitution and pimping, as well as other forms of hustling, such as selling black-market and counterfeit goods. The term derives from the Spanish jinete (“horserider”). A jinetera is Cuban slang for a female sex-worker.

The United States Department of State defines jinetero as: “Street “jockeys,” who specialize in swindling tourists. Most jineteros speak English and go out of their way to appear friendly, by offering to serve as tour guides or to facilitate the purchase of cheap cigars, for example. However many are in fact professional criminals who will not hesitate to use violence in their efforts to acquire tourists’ money and other valuables.” The Justice Minister of Cuba reported that the government convicted 224 people for pimping activities in 2012. It was previously reported that many tourists, particularly from Canada and Europe, travel to Cuba in order to have access to prostitution.

Since prostitution is illegal in Cuba you will need to pay the doorman (10-20 CUC). This is totally normal and the doorman will accept your payment happily 90% of the time. Leave the girl outside and ask him discretely. If you are a bit shy you can also just give the girl your room number, wait there and let her do the talking. If you don’t pay the doorman directly wait until she is escorted to your room. Don’t let her do the payment unless you want to risk spending the time alone…

Needless to say: don’t fall into deep sleep afterwards if you have valuable stuff in your room. Normally the doorman will come knocking at the end of his shift to pick up the girl.

Areas Frequented:

Western Cuba (Pinar del Rio, Havana, Matanzas, Isla de la Juventud): the capital, the rolling hills of Pinar del Rio and an off-the-beaten-path island with good scuba diving add up to an exciting region

Central Cuba (Villa Clara, Cienfuegos, Santi Spíritus, Ciego de Avila)

Eastern Cuba (Camaguey, Las Tunas, Holguín, Santiago de Cuba, Granma, Guantánamo)

3: Jamaica

Jamaica is a caribbean country where prostitution is illegal but widely tolerated and is a frequent choice for sex tourism. Female prostitutes solicit from their homes or join customers in their hotel rooms or private homes. A number of prostitutes dance in adult night clubs and a percentage of them are from other countries. These imported prostitutes work in the more sophisticated night clubs in Kingston, which cater mainly to tourists, foreign workers, diplomats and affluent locals. Other clubs have mostly local prostitutes, some of whom have regular day jobs.

Massage parlors in Jamaica sometimes operate as fronts for brothels. These are well advertised in local pornographic magazines and in official newspapers.

Gay prostitutes can be found working in hotels as entertainment coordinators. Blatant male prostitution is rare, since the homophobic nature of the country makes male prostitutes generally conduct their business in more subtle ways. Still, some male prostitutes have been seen soliciting in the streets.

In the tourist areas of Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, prostitutes, and other citizens, sometimes solicit themselves in the hopes of gaining a connection via their client, with whom they will later travel to a developed country. Sexual favors are often the result and money will be exchanged. Some of these result in long-term relationships.

Areas frequented:

Cornwall County: the western region consisting of the parishes of Hanover, Saint Elizabeth, Saint James, Trelawny and Westmoreland.
Middlesex County: the central region consisting of the parishes of Clarendon, Manchester, Saint Ann, Saint Catherine and Saint Mary.
Surrey County: the eastern region consisting of the parishes of Kingston, Portland, Saint Andrew and Saint Thomas.

4: Barbados

Prostitution is illegal in Barbados, but brothels with women from Guyana, the Dominican Republic, and other Caribbean islands operate in the country.

Barbados, like many other Caribbean nations, is a major stop over for girls traveling from South American and Caribbean nations to Canada, the USA, and Europe. Barbados is also a destination country for women from Guyana, the Dominican Republic, and other Caribbean nations, and thus a place for sex tourism . Most will come to Barbados to work in strip clubs and brothels.

Red Light Districts

Barbados’ Red-light district is located at Nelson street.  Almost 50 percent of sex workers in Barbados are Guyanese. There are also some street prostitutes around The Garrison at night after 9 p.m., as well as at Club Rolexx.

Caribbean Immigrant Philanthropist Audrey Tomlinson Highlights That the Greatest Gift Is Giving Of Ourselves

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News Americas, New York, NY, Fri. September 27, 2024: “My personal journey has taught me that the greatest gift we can give to others is to give of ourselves. That is why making it my life’s mission to do exactly that – whenever and however I can – has become my top priority,” says Caribbean immigrant philanthropist and corporate executive, Audrey Tomlinson.

Jamaican philanthropist and corporate executive Audrey Tomlinson shares her personal journey of service, emphasizing the importance of giving time, resources, and support to others. (Photo courtesy of Ian Buddington)

The Jamaican-born Tomlinson, who serves as Vice President of Human Resources and General Services at Nippon Life Insurance Company of America, has built a successful career spanning more than 25 years, all while maintaining a commitment to community service and helping those in need.

“As I rose throughout the corporate ranks, balancing family, work, and community activities was very difficult,” she recalls. “But after the life-altering changes brought by COVID, my priorities shifted, and I became much more intentional about what truly matters.”

Mrs. Audrey Tomlinson. (Photo courtesy of Ian Buddington)

Tomlinson credits much of her drive for service to her husband, Trevor Tomlinson, an IT Director at the Children’s Learning Center in Connecticut, saying, “He is deeply involved in philanthropic work within the Jamaican diaspora in New York and serves as my inspiration to make a difference.”

Despite her dedication, Tomlinson was once reluctant to identify as a philanthropist, believing that “philanthropy” was reserved for the ultra-wealthy. However, her perspective evolved. “Whether it’s money, resources, professional expertise, or simply your time, the term still applies,” she says. “You don’t need to be wealthy to make a meaningful impact. You could have two dollars and still change lives because you gave of yourself.”

Born to Dr. Artnel Henry and Merle Henry, Tomlinson was raised with the belief that “to whom much is given, much is expected.” Her parents instilled the value of helping others, often opening their home to young people in need. These lessons shaped her early volunteer efforts, which began during her time at Stella Maris Preparatory School, where she tutored adults through Jamaica’s Adult Literacy Program (JAMAL).

Tomlinson initially planned to pursue a career in medicine but shifted focus after attending the University of the West Indies, later earning an MBA and PhD in Human Resources Management. Her HR career provided her with invaluable skills in listening, empathy, and adapting to others, qualities that now inform both her professional and philanthropic work.

Over the years, Tomlinson has sponsored children in Haiti and Africa through ChildFund and World Vision International, mentored young professionals, and served on the boards of the Immaculate Conception High School Alumnae Association and the Greyston Foundation. She also spearheads a mentoring program at Ridgeway Alliance Church, which fosters connections between younger and older individuals in a reciprocal learning environment.

An in-demand emcee for Jamaican community events, Tomlinson’s long-term goal is to open a consulting and coaching business to help others navigate life’s challenges, manage their careers, and make sound decisions.

Her advice for those wishing to make a positive impact? “Treat others how you want to be treated, walk in someone else’s shoes, and remember: “it’s not about thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less.”

“We all need each other, now more than ever,” she added.

Caribbean American US DA Says Focus On Right And Wrong In Eric Adams Indictment

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News Americas, New York, NY, September 26, 2024: “We are not focused on the right or the left. We are focused only on right and wrong.”

Those were the profound words of Caribbean-American U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Damian Williams today, as he unsealed the indictment against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, charging him with campaign finance violations, bribery, and conspiracy.

Caribbean American US Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams speaks at a press conference in New York, on September 26, 2024, on the indictment of New York City Mayor Eric Adams. US federal agents raided the official residence of Mayor Adams early September 26 ahead of the expected announcement of criminal charges against the former city cop once touted as a rising Democratic Party star. The search at the residence known as Gracie Mansion began before dawn, and is the latest shock twist in a graft investigation against the Adams administration. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)

Williams, the first black USDA in the Southern District and the son of Jamaican immigrants, described Adams’ actions as a “grave breach of the public’s trust,” alleging that the mayor knowingly accepted illegal campaign contributions and personal luxury benefits from foreign sources, including Turkish businessmen and officials.

Caribbean American US Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams speaks at a press conference in New York, on September 26, 2024, on the indictment of New York City Mayor Eric Adams. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)

According to the indictment, Adams, only the second black NYC Mayor and former Brooklyn Borough President, began soliciting illegal foreign donations for his 2021 mayoral campaign as early as 2018. The mayor allegedly received over $100,000 in luxury travel perks, including business-class flights and hotel stays, which were never disclosed as required by law. In exchange for these benefits, Adams is accused of also intervening in the fire safety inspection of a Turkish consulate building, pressuring the New York City Fire Department to approve the building despite safety concerns.

Williams, whose high profile indictments recently have included Sean “Diddy” Combs as well as the conviction of Sam Bankman Fried, emphasized that the ongoing investigation aims to hold accountable all individuals involved in this long-running conspiracy. He reiterated that the Southern District of New York’s focus is on rooting out corruption, regardless of political affiliation.

The charges come after an extensive investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s office, the FBI, and the New York City Department of Investigation. Commissioner Jocelyn Straub, from the NYC Department of Investigation, highlighted that Adams’ actions undermined public trust, stressing the profound impact such corruption has on the integrity of public service.

While the indictment represents a significant moment in New York City’s political landscape, Williams and other officials encouraged the public to come forward with any additional information related to the case, reinforcing the importance of transparency and accountability in government.

Adams is the first sitting mayor to be indicted. He has vowed to fight the charges.

U.S. Sanctions Former Haitian MP and Gang Leader

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News Americas, New York, NY, September 25, 2024: The United States Treasury Department has sanctioned another Haitian politician, former parliament member Prophane Victor, as part of its ongoing efforts to address the escalating violence in Haiti.

Prophane Victor has been sanctioned by the US.

A spokesperson from the U.S. State Department stated that Victor is being sanctioned for his role in forming, supporting, and arming gangs that have committed severe human rights abuses in Haiti.

In addition to Victor, the Treasury also sanctioned Luckson Elan, the current leader of the Gran Grif gang, for his involvement in human rights violations related to gang activity in Haiti’s Artibonite department.

The new sanctions come just over a month since former President Michel Martelly was also sanctioned.

“Victor and Elan, through their influence over or leadership of the gangs in Haiti, have sought to perpetuate the horrific violence and instability,” said Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Bradley T. Smith. “Treasury remains committed to holding accountable those who seek to leverage human rights abuses, violence, and corruption to achieve their political aims.”

Both Victor and Elan were identified in the latest United Nations Panel of Experts report as key figures responsible for Haiti’s crisis. The report described the gang-related violence as unprecedented, citing “indiscriminate attacks against the population” and the obstruction of humanitarian aid. It also highlighted the rise of sexual and gender-based violence, particularly rape, as one of the most horrific forms of violence over the past two years.

“Promoting accountability for gender-based violence is a top priority for the U.S. government and for our use of the Global Magnitsky sanctions program,” a State Department spokesperson emphasized. “We will continue to use the tools at our disposal to expose those who commit such heinous crimes anywhere they occur.”

Victor, a former Haitian legislator, began arming young men in Petite Rivière, Artibonite, to secure his political control over the area, culminating in his 2016 election. Those men later formed the Gran Grif gang, now the largest gang in the Artibonite region and a major perpetrator of abuses, including sexual violence. Victor continued to support the gang until at least 2020 and is also implicated in arms trafficking and financial support of other gangs in Haiti.

Elan, as the current head of Gran Grif, is responsible for numerous atrocities, including kidnapping, murder, rape, and the forced recruitment of children. His gang’s violence has left communities devastated, with innocent civilians paying the price for the ongoing gang conflict.

Following these sanctions, all U.S.-based property and assets of Victor and Elan are blocked, and U.S. persons are prohibited from engaging in transactions with them. Violations of these sanctions could result in civil or criminal penalties. Non-U.S. persons are also barred from facilitating activities that would violate the sanctions.

Financial institutions and individuals who engage with the sanctioned entities risk facing enforcement actions or additional sanctions. These restrictions include prohibiting contributions or provisions of funds, goods, or services to or from any designated person.

The sanctions come as U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken announced an additional $160 million in development, economic, health, and security assistance for Haiti, bringing the total U.S. foreign aid to over $1.3 billion since FY 2021.

“The United States supports the Haitian people and their aspirations for a peaceful and democratic Haiti,” Blinken said.

France Deploys Elite Riot Police To Martinique

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News Americas, New York, NY, September 24, 2024: France has deployed special anti-riot police to Martinique to address violent protests over the high cost of living that erupted last week, leaving at least six police officers and one civilian injured by gunfire. Demonstrators continue to gather despite a government ban on protests in parts of the island.

A French gendarmes controls a man at a roadblock, in Saint Louis on the way to Mont-Dore, in France’s Pacific territory of New Caledonia, on September 23, 2024. (Photo by SEBASTIEN BOZON/AFP via Getty Images)

The elite riot police, known as the Companies for Republican Security (CRS), were previously banned from Martinique after being accused of using excessive force during deadly protests in 1959. Though rarely deployed in French Caribbean territories, they were called in during the 2009 Guadeloupe riots.

A pedestrian walks past a burnt car and between debris following recent protests over the cost of living, in Fort-de-France, Martinique, on September 23, 2024. (Photo by ED JONES/AFP via Getty Images)

The government has imposed a curfew and banned protests in Fort-de-France, Le Lamentin, Ducos, and Le Robert, citing concerns over looting and violence. Officials stated the restrictions aim “to protect the population and businesses targeted by vandals” and to end disruptions to daily life.

Pedestrians walk past a burnt car and between debris following recent protests over the cost of living, in Fort-de-France, Martinique, on September 23, 2024. Authorities are under pressure in the French Caribbean island of Martinique, home to around 350,000 people as riots are following protests that began in early September 2024 over rising prices. (Photo by ED JONES/AFP via Getty Images)

Over the weekend, peaceful protesters were seen marching along highways, demanding lower food import taxes, as prices are reportedly up to 40% higher than in France. Talks between stakeholders have so far failed to reach a resolution.

Béatrice Bellay, a representative of the socialist party, criticized the decision to deploy the CRS, stating, “Martinique is not in a civil war, it is a social war,” and warning that the move could escalate tensions further.

French statistics office Insee conducted a year-long study in Martinique in 2022, which revealed the island’s food prices were 40% higher than in mainland France. Experts cited transport costs, an uncompetitive market between local retailers and customs tariffs, as reasons for the expense.

Martinique Mayor Calls For Dialogue Amid Escalating Violence

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News Americas, New York, NY, September 18, 2024: The Mayor of Fort-de-France, Didier Laguerre, has called for urgent dialogue and consultation in response to escalating urban violence affecting parts of the Martinique city. In a press release and at a press conference held today, Mayor Laguerre expressed his deep concern over the unrest, emphasizing that action must be taken “in the best interests of the Martinicans.”

An image taken from an AFP video released on September 17, 2024 shows a car burning in a street of Fort-de-France in the French Caribbean island of Martinique following a night of riots amid protests over the high cost of living. (Photo by THOMAS THURAR/AFP via Getty Images)

The neighborhoods of Sainte-Thérèse and Dillon have been particularly affected, with significant violence and damage reported. Fort-de-France and nearby Le Lamentin experienced clashes, thefts, and fires overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday, with hooded youths confronting law enforcement. In Sainte-Thérèse, fires erupted near the local church, and in Dillon, a McDonald’s restaurant was extensively damaged by flames, prompting firefighter intervention around 1:49 a.m.

An image taken from an AFP video released on September 17, 2024 shows Rodrigue Petitot, leader of the RPPRAC (Union for the protection of African-Carribean people and ressources) answering questions at a road blockage set as part of protests over the high cost of living in Fort-de-France in the French Caribbean island of Martinique. (Photo by THOMAS THURAR/AFP via Getty Images)

The unrest appears to stem from an incident on September 11th at Carrefour Dillon, where peaceful protests against the rising cost of living turned violent after a reported crackdown by law enforcement. The RPPRAC, an organization representing protesters, condemned what they described as “police repression” and called for calm while urging the prefect to halt the “spiral of violence.”

“Children and elderly people who came to peacefully protest were brutally repressed,” the RPPRAC stated in an open letter today, which also reiterated their demands for public negotiations and price alignments with mainland France. Gladys Rogers, treasurer of the RPPRAC, acknowledged that while their calls for calm have been effective, the growing anger among the population is becoming harder to control.

The violence has led to widespread looting in Fort-de-France and Le Lamentin. Stores, including Cash Converters in downtown Fort-de-France and several businesses in the Jambette area, were broken into and robbed. The Fort-de-France municipal police headquarters were also targeted, and numerous roadblocks were erected, disrupting traffic in key areas like the Jeanne d’Arc roundabout. Officials in the French Caribbean island of Martinique say on September 17, 2024 at least six police officers were injured by gunfire during violent protests.

Despite the growing unrest, Mayor Laguerre continues to appeal for calm and stresses the need for immediate dialogue to resolve the tensions. “We must act swiftly to protect the safety and well-being of all Martinicans,” he said.

Caribbean Nations Named Major Drug Transit Countries for 2025

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News Americas, New York, NY, September 17, 2024: Several Caribbean nations, including The Bahamas, Belize, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Jamaica, have been designated by U.S. President Joe Biden as Major Drug Transit or Major Illicit Drug Producing Countries for Fiscal Year 2025. This designation was outlined in a memorandum issued by the President to the U.S. State Department on September 15th.

FLASHBACK – A Haitian Coast Guard officer, on a Port-au-Prince dock, guards cocaine and marijuana confiscated. The drugs were confiscated in the southeastern port of Jacmel from a boat that arrived from Colombia. (Photo credit: THONY BELIZAIRE/AFP via Getty Images)

The memorandum highlights that these countries play a significant role as direct sources of precursor chemicals used in the production of drugs that have a considerable impact on the United States.

Other nations included in this list are Afghanistan, Bolivia, Burma, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Laos, Mexico, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela.

President Biden clarified that a country’s presence on this list does not necessarily reflect its government’s efforts or level of cooperation with the U.S. in countering drug trafficking. Instead, the inclusion stems from geographic, commercial, and economic factors that allow drug transit or production, even in cases where governments have implemented strong narcotics control and law enforcement measures.

Additionally, Biden named Bolivia, Burma, and Venezuela as countries that have failed demonstrably in the past 12 months to meet their obligations under international counternarcotics agreements.

Antigua & Barbuda Ambassador Keisha Schahaff Walks NYFW Rise Survivor Fashion Show

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News Americas, New York, NY, September 16, 2024: Keisha Schahaff, Antigua and Barbuda’s inspiring ambassador, continues to break barriers by advocating for survivors’ rights on one of fashion’s most prestigious stages. Schahaff, who made headlines as part of the first Caribbean mother-daughter duo to travel to space, recently walked the runway at the 4th annual NYFW Rise Survivor Fashion Show during New York Fashion Week.

Antigua & Barbuda Ambassador Keisha Schahaff Walks NYFW Rise Survivor Fashion Show

In 2023, Schahaff and her daughter, Anastasia Mayers, gained global recognition when they were selected to travel to space with Virgin Galactic. Now, Keisha is using her platform to advocate for empowerment and support for survivors at one of the world’s most prominent fashion events.

The Survivor Fashion Show, founded by Nobel Peace Prize nominee Amanda Nguyen, celebrates resilience and advocates for survivors of sexual violence. This year’s show, co-hosted by Forbes and Rise, highlighted changemakers from various fields, including astronauts, Olympians, and global leaders. Schahaff’s participation not only underscores her personal courage but also shines a spotlight on Antigua and Barbuda, the twin-island nation she proudly represents.

“As a mother, astronaut, and proud ambassador for Antigua and Barbuda, I hope to inspire others to conquer their fears and pursue their dreams,” Schahaff shared. “Walking in this fashion show is another step in reclaiming my power and helping others find theirs. I want this moment to empower survivors everywhere to know they have the strength to rise.”

Schahaff’s involvement in this prestigious event also serves as an opportunity to highlight the beauty and culture of Antigua and Barbuda on the global stage. The country is known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and 365 stunning beaches, continues to attract travelers from around the world. Antigua, home to the UNESCO World Heritage site Nelson’s Dockyard, and Barbuda, famous for its untouched pink sand beaches and the largest Frigate Bird Sanctuary in the Western Hemisphere, remain iconic destinations.