News Americas, New York, NY, July 11, 2024: A former slave in The Bahamas has been honored posthumously with the nation’s highest award as the country celebrated its 51st anniversary of independence from Britain.

On July 10th, The Bahamas conferred the Order of National Hero on Kate Moss, a former slave recognized for her courage in the fight against racism and slavery. The Office of the Governor General announced that the National Honours Committee acknowledged Moss for her “timely and determined courage demonstrated against racism and slavery.”

Slave ruins in Eleuthera, Bahamas. (Islands of the Bahamas image)

In the 1820s, Kate Moss was a young house slave on a plantation in Crooked Island owned by Henry and Helen Moss. Accused of theft, insubordination, and insolence, Kate consistently refused to follow the orders of her owners, particularly those she found demeaning. Her defiance led to severe punishment, ultimately resulting in her death.

Statue of Christopher Columbus still stands in New Providence Island, Nassau infront of Government House.

The Governor General’s statement detailed how Kate’s plight caught the attention of abolitionists in England, who referred to her as “Poor Black Kate.” When authorities in Nassau learned of her death, Henry and Helen Moss were charged with murder, found guilty, and fined £300 or sentenced to five months in jail. Kate’s resistance and subsequent death became significant news, bolstering the abolitionist movement in England, led by William Wilberforce.

“Kate’s actions to stand up for herself became an act of defiance that significantly impacted the abolition of slavery worldwide and must never be forgotten,” the statement emphasized.

In related celebrations, CARICOM Secretary General Dr. Carla Barnett praised The Bahamas for its socio-economic progress since independence and its leadership in addressing regional issues such as climate change and human rights. She highlighted The Bahamas’ role as the host of the Regional Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and its historic position as the first CARICOM member to serve on the UN Human Rights Council.

Dr. Barnett extended her congratulations to Prime Minister Phillip Davis and the Bahamian people, expressing appreciation for The Bahamas’ contributions to regional development and its indomitable spirit.

Additionally, US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken congratulated The Bahamas on its anniversary, recognizing the strong partnership between the two nations. Blinken noted the shared efforts to address urgent concerns, including irregular migration, transnational crime, and climate change. He reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to deepening its partnership with The Bahamas, ensuring long-term prosperity and security for both countries.

“As you mark your 51st year of independence, the United States and the American people extend their best wishes to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and the Bahamian people in the year ahead,” Blinken said.

NEWS AMERICAS, CHARLESTON, S.C., Fri. July 05, 2024: Water Mission, a Christian engineering non-profit, is responding to the ongoing destruction from Hurricane Beryl impacting multiple countries throughout the Caribbean region, including Barbados, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Jamaica, Cayman Islands, and heading toward Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.

A Water Mission Disaster Assistance Response Team has been deployed to Grenada, bringing safe water treatment equipment with the ability to meet daily safe water needs for thousands of people. Union Island, part of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, was particularly hard hit, with the country’s Prime Minister recently sharing that 90 percent of structures, including homes, have been destroyed. Water Mission is actively coordinating water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) efforts with local government authorities.

“Waterborne diseases are a critical concern in the days and weeks after a disaster,” said Water Mission CEO and President George C. Greene IV, PE. “Water Mission’s Disaster Assistance Response Team is well versed in quickly mobilizing and collaborating with partners on the ground to bring emergency safe water as quickly as possible where it is needed most.”

Hurricane Beryl is the earliest category five storm to ever form in the Atlantic Ocean and has caused deaths and displaced thousands of people across several countries. It is expected to hit Mexico today as a weakened, yet still destructive, storm that will bring high winds and potential flash flooding. Water Mission has in-country offices in Mexico with established WASH programs. Staff and resources in the region have mobilized to help assess and respond to emerging safe water needs as they arise.

Water Mission has more than 20 years of experience responding to natural disasters and humanitarian crises with immediate and long-term safe water solutions. Over the last two years, Water Mission has responded to flooding in East Africa, earthquakes in Turkey, flooding in Pakistan, cholera outbreaks in Malawi, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Water Mission’s global operations have served more than 8 million people since 2001.

Click here to learn more about Water Mission’s Hurricane Beryl disaster response efforts as the organization rushes staff and equipment to get clean, safe water flowing where it’s needed most for displaced men, women, and children.

About Water Mission
Water Mission is a Christian engineering nonprofit that builds sustainable safe water solutions for people in developing countries, refugee camps, and disaster areas. Since 2001, Water Mission has served more than 8 million people in more than 60 countries, sharing safe water and the message of God’s love. Water Mission’s global headquarters is in North Charleston, SC, and the organization serves people in Africa; Asia; and North, South, and Central America. Charity Navigator has awarded Water Mission its top four-star rating 17 years in a row, a distinction shared by less than 1% of the charities rated by the organization. To learn more, visit watermission.org, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, or Twitter.

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News Americas, New York, NY, July 2, 2024: Hurricane Beryl has claimed at least four lives in the Caribbean as it slammed into Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines as a category four hurricane Monday.

Hurricane Beryl devastation in Carriacou, Grenada. Dexter Leggard/Facebook image

In Grenada, Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell earlier today said so far, the death toll there from the devastating storm, is three – two on the island of Carriacou and one on the mainland of Grenada. Efforts are being made to secure a helicopter to reach Carriacou, where the hurricane made land fall, due to rough seas hampering Coast Guard operations.

Hurricane Beryl devastation in Carriacou, Grenada. Dexter Leggard/Facebook image

“There is widespread destruction and possibly more fatalities,” Mitchell said, adding that internal movement between Carriacou and Petite Martinique remains restricted.

Hurricane Beryl devastation in Carriacou, Grenada. Dexter Leggard/Facebook image

Meanwhile, in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves confirmed one death on the island of Bequia and warned that more fatalities could occur. Gonsalves described the hurricane as “devastating and dangerous,” causing immense destruction and suffering across the nation. Union Island has been particularly hard hit, with 90% of homes severely damaged or destroyed.

Gonsalves reported significant damage to buildings, including the airport and government facilities, and a severe impact on the housing sector. The island is currently without electricity and facing water shortages, but efforts are underway to restore these services.

In response to the disaster, Gonsalves announced the reopening of government facilities and encouraged businesses to resume operations, acknowledging the challenges faced by employees whose homes were damaged. He highlighted the support from regional countries and the need for a coordinated rebuilding effort.

Prime Minister Gonsalves acknowledged the need for financial resources to support the rebuilding efforts. “We have some resources in the Contingency Fund, but it will not be sufficient. We will have to raise other monies and borrow on concessional terms,” he said, highlighting the limited availability of grants.

JAMAICA

At 5:00 PM EDT, Hurricane Beryl was moving west-northwest at about 22 mph (35 km/h) and is expected to maintain this trajectory through Wednesday, before turning more westward on Wednesday night or Thursday. The forecast indicates that Beryl will swiftly cross the central Caribbean Sea tonight, passing near or over Jamaica on Wednesday. The center is anticipated to approach the Cayman Islands on Wednesday night or early Thursday and near the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico by Thursday night.

Beryl has maximum sustained winds of approximately 155 mph (250 km/h), with higher gusts, making it a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Although some weakening is expected over the next day or two, Beryl is projected to remain near major hurricane strength as it passes close to Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. Further weakening is expected thereafter, though Beryl is likely to stay a hurricane in the northwestern Caribbean.

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. A Hurricane Watch is in effect for the south coast of Haiti from the border with the Dominican Republic to Anse d’Hainault.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the south coast of Dominican Republic from Punta Palenque westward to the border with Haiti and the south coast of Haiti from the border with the Dominican Republic to Anse d’Hainault.

News Americas, New York, NY, June 17, 2024: New York City Mayor Eric Adams has announced the appointment of a Caribbean-born advocate, Johnny Celestin, as the executive director of the New York City Mayor’s Office of Nonprofit Services. The appointment comes during National Caribbean American Heritage Month in the U.S.

Haitian American Johnny Celestin is now Executive Director Of the NYC Mayor’s Office Of Nonprofit Services

In his new role, the Haitian immigrant will lead efforts to engage and communicate with nonprofits, develop capacity-building programs to facilitate easier contracting with the city, and advance the recommendations of the Joint Task Force to Get Nonprofits Paid on Time.

“For nearly three decades, Johnny Celestin has led by example, advocating across multiple nonprofits to uplift those who need a helping hand, ensuring our social safety net catches New Yorkers most in need, and providing relief to those in his home country of Haiti,” said Mayor Adams. “In this new role, Johnny will use his expertise to help nonprofits continue to deliver compassion and care to New Yorkers across the five boroughs. Together, with government and nonprofits working together, we can work to build a better, stronger city.”

Celestin expressed his gratitude and commitment to the role, stating: “The nonprofit sector is critical for our city, providing essential services and enriching our communities. My experience fostering opportunity and advocating for equity at the New York City Mayor’s Office of Minority- and Women-Owned Businesses has prepared me for this exciting new challenge. Together, we can ensure the office fulfills its multifaceted mission head-on, including streamlining funding access for nonprofits, promoting equity, and maximizing community impact.”

Celestin brings nearly 30 years of leadership experience across various sectors, including his previous role at the New York City Mayor’s Office of Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises. He has also worked with organizations such as the Robin Hood Foundation, Atlantic Philanthropies, and the Clinton Foundation. Celestin is currently a faculty member at the Studley Graduate Program in International Affairs. He was recently the executive director of the Future Leaders Foundation (FLF) and the Centre Haïtien du Leadership et de l’Excellence (CLE), a Haitian foundation focused on identifying, shaping, and connecting Haitian leaders to build a stronger and more equitable Haiti.

Before joining CLE, Celestin served as the deputy chief of staff for Haiti’s Minister of Planning, overseeing various special projects. He brings extensive leadership and international experience in administration, program management, change management, governance, leadership development, and community development. His diverse career includes roles at Accenture LLP, The Robin Hood Foundation, and The Clinton Foundation.

Celestin is also an entrepreneur, having founded several businesses and organizations, including The Black Pearl Café and 420Lenox LLC in Harlem, the Haiti Innovation Fund at Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, the Center for Innovation and Management in Haiti, and Black Pearl Innovation S.A. in Haiti.

He holds a master’s degree in International Affairs from The New School University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Iona College. Celestin has also earned various certifications in Organizational Performance from Accenture, Leadership and Teamwork from MIT, New Communities Movement (Saemaul Undong) from Yeungnam University, and Community Development from Coady International Institute.

Celestin is a change maker, bridge builder, and engaged citizen passionate about social change and social justice. He serves on numerous boards, including CLE, SOIL (Sustainable Organic Integrated Livelihoods), and the advisory board for New School University’s Graduate Program of International Affairs (GPIA). He co-hosts Le Mo-Jo show, a weekly live show aiming to inform and engage the Haitian diaspora community.

Johnny Celestin is married to Leila and is the proud father of Jenna Emily.

Mayor Adams’ administration has made significant investments to support the city’s nonprofit sector, including a $741 million investment for human services workers employed by nonprofit organizations. The administration’s initiatives have unlocked over $6 billion for nonprofits and reformed discretionary contract processes to ensure timely payments.

With this appointment, Celestin is set to lead the Mayor’s Office of Nonprofit Services into a new era of collaboration and impact, supporting New York City’s nonprofits in their vital work for the community.