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US Announces $60 Million Aid Package To Haiti

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News Americas, New York, NY, July 23, 2024: The United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, announced on Monday a US$60 million humanitarian aid package to support the Haitian people and alleviate the suffering caused by gang war in Haiti.

Thomas-Greenfield, during her one-day visit to the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country, stated that the aid would be channeled through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

US Ambassador to the United Nation Linda Thomas-Greenfield (C) greets Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille as they gather for a group photo with the Transitional Presidential Council after a meeting at the Villa d’Accueil in Port-au-Prince, Haiti on July 22, 2024. (Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

This funding will enable USAID partners to address critical gaps in nutrition, food security, and shelter; improve water and sanitation services; provide market-based cash assistance to help affected communities purchase essential commodities; and support crucial protection services for Haiti’s most vulnerable populations, including survivors of gender-based violence.

Currently, an estimated 5.5 million people in Haiti require immediate humanitarian assistance amid a complex crisis fueled by civil unrest, disease, economic instability, and organized criminal groups. These factors, combined with recurring natural disasters like droughts, earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes, have led to shortages of basic supplies and increased food insecurity across the nation.

Ongoing violence has further restricted access to essential healthcare, causing several hospitals and clinics to close, disrupting supply chains, elevating prices for staple foods, and reducing agricultural production.

Washington noted that this new funding builds on previous commitments of more than US$105 million earlier this year, bringing the total USAID humanitarian support for Haiti this fiscal year to over US$165 million.

Last week, UN Women, the agency dedicated to gender equality, highlighted the unprecedented levels of insecurity and sexual violence faced by displaced women in Haiti. The instability in the country has led to a surge in sexual violence against women and girls as armed gangs continue their assaults on the population.

A new report by UN Women reveals the dire living conditions and lack of security faced by approximately 300,000 displaced women and girls amid ongoing political instability, escalating gang violence, and the threat of the current hurricane season.

Women and girls constitute more than half of the 580,000 displaced individuals in Haiti, and the UN Women Rapid Gender Assessment underscores how makeshift camps, which lack basic necessities, are putting them at particular risk of sexual and gender-based violence.

The survey was conducted in April in the six most populated and diverse displacement sites in the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince.

In addition, Thomas-Greenfield announced that the US Department of Defense would provide a “substantial increase” in the number of armored vehicles to the Kenyan-led, UN-backed multinational mission assisting the Haitian National Police (PNH) in combating widespread gang war in Haiti.

This Caribbean Nation Has Recorded Over 320 Murders This Year

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News Americas, New York, NY, Tues. July 16, 2024: In just 198 days into 2024, the Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago has already recorded over 320 murders. The oil-rich nation surpassed this grim milestone following a violent weekend that left at least 18 people dead. Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley expressed serious concerns about the escalating violent crime and the use of illegal high-powered assault weapons in the CARICOM nation.

T&T sees rise in crime.

Following a meeting of the National Security Council on Monday, July 15th, chaired by Dr. Rowley, there was agreement among the security services to deploy sustained joint operations in areas with high concentrations of criminal activity. The Prime Minister emphasized the government’s support for the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) in carrying out its duties within legal parameters.

Opposition Leader Kamla Persad Bissessar and the United National Congress (UNC) have called for the resignation of National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds. Persad Bissessar urged citizens to remain strong and promised that a new UNC government would provide legal firearms and legislation to combat criminals effectively.

Private sector groups have expressed dissatisfaction with the measures taken by the Ministry of National Security (MNS) and the Police Commissioner to curb crime. Baldath Maharaj, President of the Chaguanas Chamber of Industry and Commerce (CCIC), stated that businesses had lost faith in the current measures, seeing them as public relations maneuvers rather than actionable solutions.

The United States has issued a Level Three travel advisory for Trinidad and Tobago, urging nationals to reconsider travel due to escalating crime rates. The advisory highlights the risks of terrorism and kidnapping in areas like Laventille, Beetham, Sea Lots, Cocorite, and the interior of Queens’ Park Savannah in Port of Spain. Similarly, Canada has advised its nationals to exercise a high degree of caution due to violent crime, particularly in Port of Spain, where tourists have been targeted.

Jamaica

Jamaica reported 24 murders over the seven-day period ending July 13th, four more than the previous week. This brings the total number of murders this year to 626, an increase of 20 compared to July 6th. However, overall crime has declined by 14 percent year-on-year, with 103 fewer murders committed compared to the same period in 2023.

Barbados

Barbados has also seen an increase in murders, with authorities reporting approximately 30 killings so far this year, more than double the total for last year.

As the Caribbean grapples with rising crime rates, urgent measures and international advisories highlight the pressing need for effective security solutions.

Former Slave Honored Posthumously as National Hero

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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.

10 Fast Facts About The UK’s New Caribbean Roots Foreign Secretary

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News Americas, LONDON, England, July 8, 2024: David Lammy’s appointment as the UK’s Foreign Secretary underscores the vital role of Caribbean heritage individuals in shaping global leadership.Here are 10 things to know about David Lammy, the UK’s new Foreign Secretary with Caribbean roots:

Caribbean roots David Lammy, UK foreign secretary, during a bilateral meeting with Melanie Joly, Canada’s foreign minister, in London, UK, on Monday, July 8, 2024. Lammy said, in May, that if his side wins, it would “get into negotiation” when the post-Brexit trade agreement is reviewed in 2025. Photographer: Neil Hall/EPA/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Guyanese Heritage:
David Lammy, 51, is the son of Guyanese immigrants. His appointment as Foreign Secretary highlights the significant contributions of Caribbean immigrants to British society. Lammy was born on 19 July 1972 in Whittington Hospital in Archway, London, to Guyanese parents David and Rosalind Lammy. He and his four siblings were raised solely by his mother, after his father left the family when Lammy was 12 years old.

Educational Background:
Lammy grew up in Tottenham, and went to Downhills Primary School. At the age of 10, Lammy was awarded an Inner London Education Authority choral scholarship to sing at Peterborough Cathedral and attend The King’s School, Peterborough. He went on to study law at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) and later attended Harvard Law School, becoming the first black Briton to do so.

Legal Career:
Called to the Bar of England and Wales in 1994, Lammy also worked as an attorney in California and is a visiting professor of practice at SOAS.

Political Career:
Lammy was elected as Labour MP for Tottenham at the age of 27 in June 2000. He has been a prominent figure in British politics for over two decades.

Ministerial Experience:
Lammy served nine years as a Minister in the Labour government and was appointed to the Privy Council in 2008. He has held various ministerial roles, including Minister for Culture and Minister for Higher Education.

Author and Advocate:
He authored ‘Out of the Ashes: Britain after the riots,’ a book exploring the causes of the 2011 riots and proposing solutions to prevent future unrest. He also chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Fatherhood.

Labour Party Victory:
The centre-left Labour Party won a landslide victory in Thursday’s parliamentary election, ending 14 years of Conservative government and promising to bring change to Britain.

Focus on International Relations:
In his first international trip as Foreign Secretary, Lammy plans to address key issues like the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the Israel–Hamas conflict, while seeking to reset the UK’s relations with the European Union.

Commitment to Regional Issues:
Lammy has expressed continued support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He is also aware of the impact of regional events, such as Hurricane Beryl, and advocates for international support and collaboration.

Critical of Slavery and Windrush

Lammy has spoken extensively on Britain’s history of slavery, calling for a deeper acknowledgment and understanding of its impact. He has also criticized the University of Oxford for its low admission rates of black students and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. He has also been vocal about the Windrush scandal, highlighting it as a grave injustice to a generation of British citizens who have contributed significantly to the country and deserve fair and respectful treatment.

“Being part of the Commonwealth means being part of an immense Caribbean diaspora living across the globe. Having an inter-generational connection to people on the other side of the world gives me a sense of belonging, comfort and solidarity,” Lammy said as MP of Tottenham. “Every day I am inspired by my mother who came to Britain from Guyana as part of the Windrush Generation. She worked so hard to look after me and my siblings – without her efforts I would not be where I am today. As somebody who walks on the same pavement, past the same shops and through the same parks as I did as a boy, I want my constituents to know that people like them can and should sit in the Palace of Westminster.”

Water Mission Responds with Emergency Safe Water for People in the Caribbean Displaced by Hurricane Beryl

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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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U.S. Reiterates Support For Haiti

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News Americas, WASHINGTON, D.C., Tues July 2, 2024: US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken today welcomed new Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille and Foreign Minister Dominique Dupuy to Washington, emphasizing the strong support of the United States for Haiti during a pivotal time in the nation’s history.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (3L) meets with Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille (2R) and Haitian Foreign Minister Dominique Dupuy (3R) at the State Department in Washington, DC, on July 2, 2024. (Photo by DREW ANGERER/AFP via Getty Images)

The meeting also highlighted the deployment of the Multinational Security Support mission, led by Kenya, to assist the Haitian National Police in restoring control over critical areas of Port-au-Prince and the broader country.

Blinken underscored the importance of Haiti’s transition towards free and fair elections and the essential role of international support in this process. He commended Prime Minister Conille’s leadership and expressed optimism about the positive impact of the Transitional Presidential Council and the newly established government.

The Secretary of State also noted the United States’ readiness to provide assistance to Haiti and other partners in the region in the event of any damage caused by Hurricane Beryl, which is being closely monitored.

Prime Minister Conille expressed gratitude for the continued solidarity and support from the American people and President Biden. He acknowledged the challenges ahead but says he remains confident in Haiti’s ability to overcome them with the new governmental structures in place.

TPS For Haitians

The meeting comes on the heels of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian immigrants for an additional 18 months. This extension is critical for the many Haitian nationals who have sought refuge in the United States due to ongoing violence and environmental disasters in their homeland.

TPS is a designation that allows foreign-born individuals who cannot return to their home countries safely due to armed conflict, environmental disasters, or other extraordinary conditions to stay in the U.S. temporarily. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas noted in a recent release that several regions in Haiti continue to face severe challenges, including violence, lack of access to basic necessities, and frequent natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes.

Originally set to expire on August 4, 2024, Haiti’s TPS designation has now been extended until February 3, 2026. This allows Haitian immigrants to remain in the United States with work authorization and protection from deportation.

Haitians currently holding TPS have until August 29 to re-register, while those eligible to apply for the first time can do so until February 2026. This extension is expected to benefit an estimated 309,000 Haitian nationals, provided they have been residing in the U.S. since before June 3, 2024.

Hurricane Beryl Death Toll Rises To Four

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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.

Hurricane Beryl Forces Postponement of CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting

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News Americas, New York, NY, July 1, 2024: As the dangerous Category Four Hurricane Beryl roared through the Windward Islands Monday, delivering violent winds, intense rainfall, and life-threatening storm surges, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) postponed its 47th Regular Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government, originally scheduled for Grenada from July 3-5.

Sea water splashes on the rocks as hurricane Beryl passes near to Bridgetown, Barbados on July 1, 2024. (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images)

Beryl made landfall shortly after 11:00 a.m. EDT today on Carriacou Island in the Grenadines, with maximum sustained winds of 150 mph. The storm triggered power outages, flooded streets, and caused storm surge flooding in parts of the Grenadines, Grenada, Barbados, and Tobago, according to the National Hurricane Center.

“The primary focus of the Community is now on citizen safety and security. Several Member States, including host nation Grenada, are now engaged in emergency preparations and planning to address the aftermath of the hurricane,” CARICOM said in a statement. “We implore everyone in the path of this hurricane to take all necessary protective measures. The Community stands ready to support our Member States which will be affected by this dangerous hurricane.”

Beryl is the strongest known hurricane to pass through this region, according to data from NOAA that dates back to 1851. Its arrival marks an exceptionally early start to the Atlantic hurricane season. On Sunday, it became the earliest Category 4 on record in the Atlantic Ocean and the only Category 4 in the month of June. The unusually warm ocean waters that facilitated Beryl’s rapid strengthening indicate that this hurricane season will be far from normal in a world warming due to fossil fuel pollution.

“Beryl is breaking records for June because the ocean is as warm now as it would normally be at the peak of hurricane season,” said Jim Kossin, a hurricane expert and science advisor at nonprofit First Street Foundation.

Saint Lucia Opens Path To Citizenship For Overseas-Born Descendants

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News Americas, New York, NY, Thurs. June 27, 2024: Second and third-generation Saint Lucian descendants born overseas now have a clear path to acquiring Saint Lucian citizenship.

This development follows a vote by legislators on Wednesday to amend the Citizenship of Saint Lucia Act, paving the way for descendants of Saint Lucian parentage to become naturalized citizens.

Once the amendment to the Citizenship of Saint Lucia Act takes effect, a person born outside Saint Lucia will become a citizen at the date of their birth if, at that date, their father, mother, grandfather, or grandmother is a citizen by birth.

This means the children and grandchildren of Saint Lucians who migrated and started families abroad now have the opportunity to inherit their birthright – Saint Lucian citizenship.

The historic amendment to the Citizenship of Saint Lucia Act will enable Saint Lucian descendants born overseas to represent the country on a national level and create new avenues for second and third-generation Saint Lucians to contribute to the development of Saint Lucia.

Tens of thousands of Saint Lucian descendants living in diaspora communities around the world will benefit from the amended Citizenship of Saint Lucia Act.

This Haitian Immigrant Will Represent Her Country At The Olympics

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News Americas, New York, NY, Fri. June 21, 2024: Haitians have something positive to cheer about in the midst of all the bad news that features daily globally on the crime and gang violence in the Caribbean country.

Lynnzee Brown of Haiti performs her floor routine during Women’s Qualification at the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships-Antwerp 2023 at the Antwerp Sportpaleis on October 2nd, 2023 in Antwerp, Belgium. She is now heading to Paris 2024. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)

Penn State women’s gymnastics assistant coach and Haitian immigrant Lynnzee Brown earned a universality place qualification from the Olympic Games Tripartite Commission and will represent Haiti in women’s artistic gymnastics competition at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Brown will compete in her very first Olympics this summer in Paris following her previous outings on the global stage at the 2023 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Antwerp this past September, as well as multiple Pan American competitions within the last year. When she steps foot in the gym in Paris, she will become the first Haitian gymnast ever to compete in the Olympic Games. She will begin competition in the women’s qualification round, slated to begin July 28.

“I’m trying to think of what to say but I honestly have nothing that feels good enough,” Brown said. “I’m grateful for this journey and those that have supported me through it. I am honored that the Haitian federation is supporting me through this process, and I look forward to seeing what the next generation of athletes will do.”

The former Denver standout gymnast joined Penn State’s coaching staff in the summer of 2023 following an incredible career as a Pioneer. She was a ten-time WCGA Postseason All-American, a co-National Champion, and a two-time AAI Award finalist during her collegiate career. In her first season with the Nittany Lions, Brown and her fellow Penn State assistant coaches were named the WCGA North East Region Assistant Coaches of the Year following Penn State’s phenomenal 2024 campaign.

“We are so excited for Lynnzee,” said head coach Sarah Brown. “Making the Olympics was one of the first goals Lynnzee and I talked about when we connected last year, and I couldn’t be more proud of the work she has put in to turn her dream into reality. Being named the first Haitian gymnast to ever compete in the Olympics is a tremendous accomplishment, and we look forward to watching her compete for her country in Paris!”