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Caribbean Roots Actor Noel Clarke Arrested In London Following Libel Case Loss

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News Americas, LONDON, UK, Fri. Sept. 26, 2025: British actor, writer, and filmmaker Noel Clarke, whose parents hail from Trinidad and Grenada, was arrested Thursday, September 25th, just weeks after losing a high-profile libel case against The Guardian.

FLASHBACK – Noel Clarke, former Doctor Who actor, arrives at the Royal Courts of Justice on 29th January 2025 in London, United Kingdom. His lawyers were applying for Guardian News and Media’s defence to his libel claim to be struck out in advance of a full trial expected to be held in March. (photo by Mark Kerrison/In Pictures via Getty Images)

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that Clarke’s London home was searched for several hours, with officers leaving the property carrying seized items. The reason for his arrest has not been publicly disclosed.

Clarke, 49, is best known internationally for his role as Mickey Smith in the Doctor Who revival (2005–2010) and for writing, directing, and starring in the critically acclaimed “Hood Trilogy” films Kidulthood (2006), Adulthood (2008), and Brotherhood (2016), which spotlighted the lives of working-class Black British youth. He has been credited with bringing authentic depictions of Britain’s inner-city communities to mainstream cinema and television.

But in recent years, Clarke’s career has been overshadowed by scandal. In 2021, 26 women came forward with allegations of sexual misconduct, bullying, and verbal abuse. While Clarke denied the allegations, BAFTA suspended his Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award and his membership.

In April 2025, Clarke’s six-week libel trial against The Guardian concluded with Justice Steyn of the High Court ruling that the paper’s reporting on the allegations was “substantially true” and “in the public interest.” Clarke was ordered to pay an interim £3 million towards the publisher’s legal costs, with a final amount expected to exceed £6 million. Clarke expressed disappointment after the loss, stating that the reporting contained inaccuracies and damaged his career and family. 

He maintained that he was not the person described in the articles but admitted he was not perfect, though he vowed to continue fighting the judgment. In his 2021 initial response to the allegations of sexual misconduct, he had sincerely apologized for any discomfort but vehemently denied all allegations of misconduct and intended to defend himself against the false claims. 

The Thursday September 25th arrest marks the latest chapter in the ongoing fallout from the case. Police have not released further details about whether the arrest is connected to the civil judgment or to any new criminal investigation.

Clarke, born in London to Trinidadian parents Gemma and Alf Clarke, has frequently spoken about how his Caribbean heritage shaped his storytelling. In a 2018 episode of the BBC’s Who Do You Think You Are?, Clarke traced his family roots to Trinidad, Saint Vincent, and Grenada.

The actor has not yet issued a statement regarding his arrest.

FAST FACTS ABOUT CLARKE

He is among the 25 actors to have acted in both the Star Trek and Doctor Who franchises.

Voted Best Male Guest Actor by readers of Doctor Who Magazine for his appearances in the 2006 Season.

He was awarded BAFTA’s Orange Rising Star Award in 2009.

Third son born October 2015.

He was awarded the 2003 Laurence Olivier Theatre Award for Most Promising Newcomer of 2002 for his performance in “Where Do We Live” at the Royal Court Theatre.

His top quotes

“I’m just who I am. I don’t try to change myself for other people.”

“I’d always much rather be second choice on anything because it makes you work harder.”

“I wouldn’t say that I’m a jack-of-all-trades, master of none, but I wouldn’t say that I’m brilliant at any.”

“I think it’s important that we have a new batch of British film-makers that aren’t doing the same old stuff. And that includes me.”

“I just started to write because I was fed up of not seeing the stories that I wanted, so I was like ‘Stop moaning and write something.”

“I don’t like doing things that are too easy.”

“I couldn’t tell you the ratio, but probably for every job you see me do, there would be 20 rejections.”

“I think that’s important for all ages, to not be afraid of being an individual. I grew up on my own, as an only child, so early on I think I was quite capable of making decisions by myself and being an individual.”

“I don’t think I’m egotistical, and I know what my limits are: I’m a black guy who’s probably losing his hair. But I’m happy to play roles that I’m given, and I’m happy to play roles that I write.”

NYC Council Introduces Aland Etienne Safety and Security Act To Honor Murdered Haitian-Born Security Guard

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By News Americas Staff Writer

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Thurs. Sept. 25, 2025: The New York City Council has introduced sweeping new legislation aimed at raising safety standards and pay for the city’s 82,000 private security officers – in honor of Haitian-born security officer Aland Etienne, who was killed while protecting office workers during the July Midtown mass shooting at 345 Park Avenue.

NYC Council Introduces Aland Etienne Safety and Security Act To Honor Fallen Haitian-Born Guard.

City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams joined hundreds of security officers, union leaders from 32BJ SEIU, elected officials, and Etienne’s family on the steps of City Hall Thursday morning to unveil the Aland Etienne Safety and Security Act.

The legislation, which was announced ahead of the Council’s Stated Meeting, will create citywide standards for training, wages, and benefits for the security workforce, which currently faces a 77 percent turnover rate.

“Aland Etienne was a beloved father, son, brother, and partner who cared deeply about the safety of the people who call this city home,” Speaker Adams said. “Security officers like Aland are integral to New York City’s public safety infrastructure, but too often they are not compensated or treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. I’m proud to introduce the Aland Etienne Safety and Security Act, which would establish and enforce minimum pay standards, benefits, and training for our city’s security guards, while ensuring they have the support and preparation they need. This historic legislation is part of the legacy of Aland Etienne, whose fierce love and commitment to New York City will be remembered forever. I thank 32BJ, Aland’s family and loved ones, and Council Member Hudson for their support of this legislation.”

What The Act Does

Under the bill, security employers would be required to provide an additional 16 hours of emergency preparedness and active shooter response training within an officer’s first 120 days of hire, followed by annual 8-hour refresher courses.

The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) will also be tasked with setting fair wage, benefits, and paid time-off standards, phased in over four years to give employers and building owners time to adjust.

A 2025 UC Berkeley Labor Center report underscored the urgency for reform, revealing that New York City security guards earn a median annual income of $40,311 — less than 40% of the city’s area median income. Nearly 38% have no access to employer-provided health insurance.

Remembering Aland Etienne

Etienne, a member of 32BJ SEIU, was killed on July 12, 2025, after confronting the shooter at 345 Park Avenue. His younger brother, Smith Etienne, told supporters: “If he were with us today, he’d be fighting for this legislation. Let’s honor his legacy by uplifting and protecting his colleagues across the city. Protect the protectors. Aland is a New York hero.”

Colleagues also spoke about the risks they face every day. “As security officers, we’re really on the forefront. Whatever happens, we’re there,” said Brian Telfair, who worked alongside Etienne.

Broader Impact

Union leaders hailed the bill as a first-of-its-kind measure that would make New York safer while helping retain experienced officers. “Security officers are on the frontlines of every imaginable emergency,” said 32BJ SEIU President Manny Pastreich. “That was made tragically clear when our union brother Aland Etienne was gunned down while trying to save the lives of others during a mass shooting. Unfortunately, the security officers who we trust to watch over our loved ones are often overlooked. But New York City is a city that stands with first responders. Let’s make that clear by showing our support for this essential workforce and passing the Aland Etienne Safety and Security Act to ensure all officers get the training they need to respond to crises, and the wages, benefits and time off to stay in the force. Investing in our brave security officers will make us all more safe.”

Smith Etienne, Aland Etienne’s younger brother, said: “My brother was someone who protected and uplifted others. He protected the public on the job. And as a father, partner, brother, son and mentor he did whatever he could to uplift not just his family and friends, but strangers and colleagues alike. If he were with us today, he’d be fighting for this legislation. Let’s honor his legacy by uplifting and protecting his colleagues across the city. Protect the protectors. Aland is a New York hero.”

The measure will now move through the legislative process, with advocates pressing for swift passage to honor Etienne’s sacrifice and improve public safety for millions of New Yorkers.

US Ramps Up Naval Presence In The Caribbean

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News Americas, WASHINGTON, D.C., Tues. Sept. 23, 2025: As Caribbean leaders gather at the 80th United Nations General Assembly, (UNGA), the United States Donald Trump administration has added yet another warship in the region, bringing the number of U.S. Naval surface vessels in the region to eight.

The US Navy’s USS Stockdale, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, docked at the Frigate Captain Noel Antonio Rodriguez Justavino Naval Base, near entrance to the Panama Canal in Panama City, Panama, on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025. Last week, US President Donald Trump said the US military had knocked off a third drug boat from Venezuela, despite the Pentagon so far only detailing two such strikes. Photographer: Enea Lebrun/Bloomberg via Getty Images

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stockdale (DDG-106) is now operating in Caribbean waters, U.S. Navy sources confirmed to USNI News, after a port stop in Panama over the weekend. The destroyer joins USS Jason Dunham (DDG-109) and USS Gravely (DDG-107), forming a powerful destroyer presence in the area.

The Navy’s buildup in the Caribbean currently includes:

Three guided-missile destroyers – Stockdale, Jason Dunham, and Gravely

USS Lake Erie (CG-70), a guided-missile cruiser

USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul (LCS-21), a Littoral Combat Ship

The Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, which includes USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7), USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD-28), and USS San Antonio (LPD-17)

Earlier reports also noted the presence of at least one U.S. nuclear attack submarine in the region, though the Pentagon has not confirmed its current location.

The amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima was spotted near Guayama, Puerto Rico last Thursday, where it was conducting exercises as part of its deployment.

Part of a Wider Strategy

This show of force is part of what the Trump administration calls its “revamped approach” to countering transnational drug trafficking. Traditionally, maritime counter-narcotics enforcement is the responsibility of the U.S. Coast Guard, which regularly partners with the Navy to interdict shipments.

According to the Coast Guard, its teams have seized over 75,000 pounds of cocaine in the Eastern Pacific since launching Operation Pacific Viper on August 8th. Navy ships operating in the Caribbean often embark Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachments, (LEDETs) to board and search suspicious vessels.

U.S. Northern Command has been tasked with coordinating these operations, which now feature a much heavier Navy presence than in previous years. Analysts say the deployment of destroyers, cruisers, and amphibious ships sends a signal that Washington is willing to escalate its interdiction efforts beyond traditional Coast Guard operations.

Strikes on Suspected Smuggling Vessels

In a more aggressive turn, the Pentagon has confirmed that U.S. forces have carried out at least three lethal strikes in recent weeks on boats suspected of being linked to Venezuelan cartel operations, leading to some 14 people being killed. Few details have been released about the strikes, and Pentagon spokespersons have frequently referred press inquiries to the White House.

President Trump personally announced the most recent strike via a post on Truth Social, calling it part of his administration’s effort to “end the flow of poison into America.”

Questions Raised About Legal Authority

The heightened U.S. military presence and targeted strikes have raised questions in Congress and among international law experts about whether these actions fall within accepted norms. While the administration frames the effort as part of its border security policy, critics have argued that such strikes may constitute acts of war and could set a precedent for expanded military engagement in the Caribbean.

Still, the administration appears determined to maintain pressure.

With eight surface ships now operating in the region, the Caribbean has become one of the most militarized zones in the Western Hemisphere — a development that regional observers warn could inflame tensions with neighbors such as Venezuela and Cuba.

Meanwhile, at the UN, Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Tuesday called for a criminal investigation into the three strikes ordered by President Trump on ships allegedly transporting narcotics in the Caribbean.

“Criminal proceedings must be opened against those officials, who are from the U.S., even if it includes the highest-ranking official who gave the order: President Trump,” Petro said during his speech before the U.N. General Assembly.

This as Venezuela deployed over 2,500 troops and Russian-made fighter jets to La Orchila for military exercises, escalating tensions after Trump announced further US attacks on Venezuelan vessels. Venezuela deployed more than 2,500 troops to the Caribbean island of La Orchila for military exercises featuring Russian-made fighter jets armed with anti-ship missiles, escalating tensions after President Donald Trump announced US attacks on three Venezuelan vessels.

Venezuelan Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino said the “Caribe Soberano 200” manoeuvres involve 12 ships, 22 aircraft and around 20 vessels conducting amphibious landings and air operations. State television broadcast images of the exercises, which began in response to US warship deployments in the region.

Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro said Tuesday he is considering declaring a national state of emergency, citing what he called growing “aggressions and threats” from the United States amid an expanded U.S. military deployment in the Caribbean.

Jamaican Immigrant Deported To Eswatini Quietly Returned To Jamaica

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News Americas, KINGSTON, Jamaica, Tues. Sept. 23, 2025: Jamaican national Orville Etoria was deported to Eswatini by the Donald Trump administration. This week, Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith confirmed that Etoria was successfully repatriated to Jamaica.

Jamaican immigrant Orville Etoria was sent to Africa – not Jamaica. He was returned to Jamaica on Sept. 22, 2025.

He returned to the homeland he had left behind decades ago, on Monday, September 22nd, after weeks of sustained diplomatic engagement. The operation involved coordination between the Ministry’s headquarters, Jamaica’s High Commission in Pretoria – which is accredited to Eswatini, the Government of Eswatini, and the International Organization for Migration, (IOM).

“We are pleased to welcome home Mr. Etoria and we trust the Jamaican public understands and joins the Government in respecting his desire for a quiet return,” Minister Johnson Smith said in a statement. “This case is another example of the importance of international cooperation and the role of our diplomatic network in protecting the rights of Jamaicans overseas.”

Representatives of the Ministry of National Security, which oversees the return of deported nationals, were on hand to receive Etoria, who has requested privacy as he settles back into life in Jamaica.

From Deportation to Repatriation

Etoria’s case has been closely followed by immigration and US Diaspora advocates since July, when reports first surfaced that he was among a group deported from the United States and subsequently transferred to Eswatini. His detention there prompted the Jamaican government to remain in contact with him and his family, monitoring his welfare and negotiating his safe return.

Etoria migrated legally to the United States from Jamaica decades ago. In 1996, he was convicted of murder after fatally shooting a man in Brooklyn and was sentenced to 25 years to life. While serving his sentence, Etoria earned a bachelor’s degree and later, after release, began pursuing a master’s degree in divinity. He completed parole, worked at a men’s shelter, and, according to supporters, sought to rebuild his life.

For many observers, the case highlights the growing complexity of Jamaican migration. According to government figures, more than 1.3 million Jamaicans live outside the island, making consular assistance a critical service. Each year, hundreds of nationals face detention or deportation abroad, requiring Jamaica’s network of embassies and high commissions to intervene.

Jamaica’s Expanding Consular Role

In recent years, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade has stepped up its public messaging around consular services, urging Jamaicans travelling abroad to register with the nearest embassy or consulate and to seek assistance immediately if detained or facing legal difficulties.

“The wellbeing of Jamaicans overseas is a constant priority for the Government of Jamaica,” Minister Johnson Smith reiterated. “Our combined efforts – government, international partners, and our diplomatic network – ensured Mr. Etoria’s safe return.”

This latest case is one in a series of high-profile interventions. Jamaica has recently coordinated repatriations from as far away as Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and several African countries, often working with organizations like the IOM to provide humanitarian and logistical support.

Broader Implications

Etoria’s return also underscores the importance of bilateral and multilateral cooperation at a time when migration enforcement has become more aggressive globally. Deportation and detention cases involving Caribbean nationals have been on the rise, particularly in the United States, Canada and Europe.

Diplomats argue that protecting citizens abroad is not just a humanitarian issue but also a matter of national security and public confidence.

The Ministry is again reminding nationals that consular assistance is available worldwide. Jamaicans facing distress abroad can contact the nearest embassy or high commission, or email consular@mfaft.gov.jm for guidance.

As for Etoria, his story may soon fade from headlines, but it stands as a reminder of the importance of robust diplomatic networks — and of a government’s duty of care to its people, no matter where they may be.

U.S., Kenya Push For Stronger UN-Backed Gang Suppression Force In Haiti As Two Ex-Officials Sanctioned

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By News Americas Staff

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. Sept. 22, 2025: The United States and Kenya are intensifying calls for global action on Haiti’s security crisis, urging the United Nations to approve a new Gang Suppression Force, (GSF) and support office before the current Multinational Security Support (MSS), mandate expires on October 2, 2025.

Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and Kenyan President William Ruto led a high-level meeting on Haiti during the UN General Assembly’s High-Level Week today, rallying more than 30 nations to back a proposed UN resolution that would dramatically scale up international security operations.

People attend funeral ceremony of four Haitian police officers, two of them killed by armed gangs in Kenscoff, and the two SWAT officers by a drone kamikaze explodes on the SWAT base in Kenscoff, at the National Police Academy in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on September 06, 2025. (Photo by Guerinault Louis/Anadolu via Getty Images)

If adopted, the resolution would establish a UN Support Office for Haiti, (UNSOH) and authorize a GSF with more than 5,500 personnel — five times the size of the current MSS mission. The force would operate under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, empowering it to target gang networks, secure key infrastructure, and restore territorial control to the Haitian state.

“This is Haiti’s hour of need,” Landau said, warning that gangs continue to terrorize Port-au-Prince, extort communities, and recruit children. He stressed that while Haiti must ultimately lead its own recovery, the international community cannot allow the mission to run out of time or resources.

“Our proposed resolution would address Haiti’s immediate security challenges, but we must also not ignore the long-term recovery of Haiti,” he added. “The era of impunity is over for individuals promoting violence and undermining the country’s stability and governance. The United States has already taken decisive action to support restoring democratic governance, but we are not done. We welcome others to join these efforts.”

Sanctions on Former Haitian Officials

In a parallel move aimed at ending impunity, the U.S. State Department announced public designations against two former Haitian lawmakers – Arnel Belizaire, a former member of the Haitian Chamber of Deputies, and Antonio Chéramy, a former senator.

Both men, according to the Department of State, abused their positions by interfering with public processes, further destabilizing Haiti’s fragile democratic institutions. The designations bar them and their immediate family members from entering the United States.

Washington said these steps are part of a wider effort to hold corrupt actors accountable while supporting Haiti’s path back to elected governance.

Regional & Global Support Building

All 32 member states of the Organization of American States (OAS) have signed a joint statement backing the call for the GSF and UNSOH. The United States and Panama introduced the Security Council resolution, which still faces potential opposition from some members but enjoys what Landau described as “overwhelming support.”

Kenya, which has led the MSS mission since its launch, has been praised for its contributions and sacrifices, including the loss of three Kenyan personnel in Haiti.

Urgency For Action

Security experts warn that without immediate reinforcement, Haiti risks further descent into lawlessness that could destabilize the wider Caribbean region.

“The time for action is now,” Landau told delegates. “The people of Haiti cannot wait.”

The U.S. is also calling on other UN member states to step up funding and resources, saying Washington cannot shoulder the financial burden alone. Between April 1 and June 30, 2025, at least 1,520 people were killed and 609 injured in armed violence, primarily in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area, followed by Artibonite and Centre. In addition, there were at least 185 kidnappings and 628 victims of sexual violence, UN data days. So far this year, some 50 cops have been murdered.

You May also Like: From Silos To Solidarity: Why Guyana’s Rice Surplus Should Feed Haiti’s Crisis

Safer Nicotine Alternatives Can Save Caribbean Lives – New Report

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News Americas, PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, September 18, 2025: International health experts are today urging Caribbean policymakers to embrace safer nicotine alternatives as a major new report reveals their life-saving potential worldwide.

The landmark study, The Safer Nicotine Revolution: Global Lessons, Healthier Futures, shows that smoke-free alternatives such as vapes and nicotine pouches are cutting smoking rates dramatically and producing measurable improvements in public health: fewer deaths, fewer cases of chronic disease and fewer years lost to disability.

Dr. Delon Human, a co-author of the report and leader of Smoke Free Sweden, said: “This ground-breaking research represents a substantial public health opportunity for the Caribbean, where more than one in five adults still smokes.

“By integrating safer nicotine alternatives like vapes and oral pouches into tobacco control strategies, Caribbean policymakers could prevent thousands of premature deaths, with their citizens as the eventual beneficiaries.”

The report, which comes ahead of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) conference (COP11) in Geneva in November, reveals:

Sweden has cut smoking to just 5.3%, the lowest in Europe, by making snus and nicotine pouches widely accessible. Swedish men now have 61% lower lung cancer rates than the EU average, and overall cancer deaths are a third lower. Without snus, smoking-related male mortality would have been 70% higher.

Japan has halved its cigarette sales since the introduction of heated tobacco products a decade ago. Smoking prevalence dropped from 21% to 16%, and health modelling suggests switching just half of smokers to heated tobacco could prevent 12 million cases of smoking-related disease.

The UK has integrated vaping into NHS quit-smoking services, with smoking rates falling from 20.2% in 2011 to 11.9% today. Real-world data already show declines in cardiovascular deaths, cancer mortality, COPD cases and smoking-related hospital admissions.

New Zealand halved its smoking rate in just six years after legalising and promoting vaping and heated tobacco, while vaping prevalence rose more than fourfold. Almost 80% of daily vapers are ex-smokers. COPD hospitalizations have fallen nearly 30% and smoking-related cardiovascular deaths are down 20%.

“These figures make one thing clear: safer nicotine alternatives are saving lives today,” said Dr. Human.

“COP11 is a moment of truth. If Parties adopt harm reduction within the framework of the FCTC, millions of lives could be saved worldwide. This report should be essential reading for every policymaker in Geneva.”

CPL 2025 – Nicholas Pooran, Alex Hales Fire Trinbago Into Finals — Can This Be Their Redemption Run?

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. Sept. 17, 2025: The Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) are back in business — and back in contention for their first Caribbean Premier League (CPL) title since 2020 — after a commanding nine-wicket win over the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons in Tuesday’s Eliminator at Providence Stadium, Guyana.

Usman Tariq (R) and Nicholas Pooran (L) of Trinbago Knight Riders celebrate the dismissal of Andries Gous of Antigua and Barbuda Falcons during the Men’s 2025 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League Eliminator, match 31 between Trinbago Knight Riders and Antigua and Barbuda Falcons at Guyana National Stadium on September 16, 2025 in Providence, Guyana. (Photo by Randy Brooks/CPL T20 via Getty Images)

Coming into the knockout fixture on a three-match losing streak, TKR’s form had been under heavy scrutiny. But Nicholas Pooran and Alex Hales produced a masterclass in controlled aggression, putting on an unbroken 143-run stand that powered the Knight Riders to victory with 15 balls to spare and sent a warning shot to the rest of the playoff field.

Falcons Falter After Strong Start

The Falcons, playing their first-ever CPL knockout match, appeared well-set to post a daunting total after a magnificent 108-run second-wicket partnership between Andries Gous (61 off 45) and Amir Jangoo (55 off 49). At 129-1 with four overs remaining, a score in excess of 180 looked likely.

But the innings unraveled spectacularly. Spinner Usman Tariq struck twice in quick succession, removing both set batters to trigger a collapse. The Falcons lost four wickets for just five runs in a 12-ball span, finishing on 161-8 — well short of what their position had promised.

Tariq finished with 2-19, while Saurabh Netravalkar (3-23) and Andre Russell (2-30) were clinical in the death overs, strangling the scoring and denying the Falcons a strong finish.

Pooran, Hales Seal It In Style

TKR’s reply was clinical. Although Colin Munro fell early for 14 to Rahkeem Cornwall, any hopes the Falcons had of a fightback quickly evaporated. Hales anchored the innings with a composed 54* from 40 deliveries, while Pooran unleashed his full range of strokeplay, blasting an unbeaten 90 from 53 balls.

Their partnership dismantled the Falcons’ bowling attack and ensured there was no repeat of TKR’s recent batting collapses. By the halfway stage of the chase, the result was already a formality, and the Knight Riders coasted home comfortably.

Momentum at the Right Time

This victory could prove to be a turning point for TKR, who looked in danger of crashing out early after a poor finish to the group stage. Snapping a three-match losing run in such emphatic fashion gives them renewed confidence as they look ahead to the next playoff clash against the loser of Qualifier 1 between the Guyana Amazon Warriors and Saint Lucia Kings.

TKR will need two more wins to capture their fifth CPL title — but with Pooran and Hales in sublime form and their bowling unit back to its best, they suddenly look like a team peaking at the perfect time.

For now, TKR fans can celebrate a performance that brought back memories of their dominant campaigns of the past — and keeps alive hopes of reclaiming CPL glory in 2025.

Scores

FALCONS 166-8 in 20 overs (Andries Gous 61, Amir Jangoo 55, Shakib Al Hasan 26 not out; Saurabh Netravalkar 3-23, Usman Tariq 2-19, Andre Russell 2-30).

KNIGHT RIDERS 168-1 in 17.3 overs (Nicholas Pooran 90 not out, Alex Hales 54 not out, Colin Munro 14).

Maduro Warns U.S. “Wants A War In The Caribbean”

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Tues. Sept. 16, 2025: Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is accusing Washington of provoking a potential armed conflict in the Caribbean following a second U.S. military strike on what the Trump administration claims was a drug-laden boat from Venezuela.

Speaking at a press conference in Caracas, Maduro lashed out at the United States, saying the latest strike — which killed three people aboard the vessel — is part of a broader campaign to “intimidate and seek regime change.”

A US Air Force Boeing C-17 Globemaster takeoff at José Aponte de la Torre Airport, formerly Roosevelt Roads Naval Station, on September 11, 2025, in Ceiba, Puerto Rico. The Trump administration recently carried out a drone strike in the southern Caribbean against a boat that had left Venezuela and was suspected of transporting drugs. Eleven people died in the attack. The president claimed that the vessel was operated by the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. (Photo by Miguel J. Rodríguez Carrillo/Getty Images)

“They are looking for a military incident,” Maduro charged. “When 18 armed Marines raid a tuna fishing vessel in Caribbean waters, they are not looking for snapper — they are looking for war.”

The comments come as Lockheed Martin F-35B fighter jets were spotted flying over the Roosevelt Roads Naval Station in Puerto Rico, a move seen by military analysts as a show of force just miles from Venezuelan waters.

Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro makes a speech at the end of a press conference with international media at Hotel Eurobuilding in Caracas, Venezuela on September 15, 2025. (Photo by Ivan Mcgregor/Anadolu via Getty Images)

The U.S. military footprint in Puerto Rico is expanding as F-35B stealth fighters touched down last Saturday at the former Naval Station Roosevelt Roads — now José Aponte de la Torre Airport — transforming the once-surplus base into a major staging ground for Washington’s counternarcotics operations and pressure campaign against Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.

The arrival of the fifth-generation fighters comes amid heightened tensions in the southern Caribbean following two recent U.S. strikes on alleged Venezuelan drug boats.

Even before the F-35s landed, the base had seen a flurry of activity. Heavy-lift cargo planes including the C-5 Galaxy and C-17 Globemaster III have been spotted delivering equipment, alongside Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey tiltrotors and CH-53K King Stallion helicopters. The aircraft are part of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Readiness Group and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, which began a training exercise on the island on August 31st.

The surge in operations has reignited debate over whether Roosevelt Roads — decommissioned more than two decades ago — should be permanently reopened as a U.S. military installation, especially as the Trump administration leans on Puerto Rico’s strategic location to project power into the Caribbean.

Trump’s Expanding “War on Cartels”

President Donald Trump confirmed a second strike on a Venezuelan boat on Monday, calling it a necessary step to protect U.S. communities from narcotics.

“These extremely violent drug trafficking cartels pose a threat to U.S. national security, foreign policy, and vital U.S. interests,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Big bags of cocaine and fentanyl were found all over the ocean.”

Trump hinted the campaign could expand beyond maritime operations, saying cartels smuggling drugs by land could also face military strikes: “We’re going to stop them the same way we stopped the boats.”

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed the president, warning cartels the U.S. would “track them, kill them, and dismantle their networks throughout our hemisphere.”

A Growing Risk for the Wider Caribbean

Regional security experts warn that the militarization of anti-narcotics operations in the Caribbean could destabilize a region already struggling with gang violence and illegal trafficking routes.

The Caribbean has increasingly become a transshipment point for cocaine and fentanyl entering the U.S., but human rights advocates question whether drone and missile strikes are a proportional response.

“This is not just a war on cartels — this is extrajudicial killing at sea,” said Amnesty International’s Daphne Eviatar, who called the strikes “murder” under international law.

Regional Governments on Edge

So far, CARICOM leaders have stayed largely quiet on the escalation, but Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, has rejected an accusation by Maduro that she “went crazy… threatening to authorize attacks from Trinidad and Tobago against Venezuela. That is like declaring war against Venezuela.”

Responding to the comments, she clarified her position. “I am not concerned about their comments. The U.S. has never requested access to our territory for any military action against Venezuela,” she told the Express. “I have no issue with a respectful relationship with the Venezuelan government — but it must be mutual.”

She pressed Caracas to accept the repatriation of roughly 200 Venezuelan nationals, saying their government had stalled the process for over two months.

“The relationship between our two countries would improve if they helped curb illegal drug, arms, and human trafficking across the Gulf of Paria, which fuels gang violence here,” she added.

Meanwhile, during the inauguration of Guyanese President Irfaan Ali in Georgetown on Sunday, two U.S. AV-8B aircraft conducted a flyover, which “symbolizes our full solidarity with the people of Guyana,” the U.S. Embassy in the South American country said. This as Guyana, which established a partnership with the U.S. in 1966, has a centuries-long border dispute with its western neighbor Venezuela over the oil-rich Essequibo region, a Guyana-administered territory that makes up two-thirds of the country’s land area.

For now, the Caribbean Community watches anxiously as Washington and Caracas edge toward confrontation — a standoff that threatens to turn the region from a tranquil tourism haven into the next front line in America’s war on drugs.

FAKE NEWS – Charlie Kirk Has No Ties To St. Kitts And Nevis – Government

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News Americas, BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, Sept. 15, 2025: The government of St. Kitts and Nevis is pushing back forcefully against fake online reports suggesting that Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old Utah State University student accused in the fatal shooting of right-wing podcaster Charlie Kirk, had visited the Caribbean nation and did target shooting there.

Tyler Robinson, the alleged killer of Charlie Kirk, has no ties to St. Kitts & Nevis, official say.

Robinson, who was arrested some 33 hours after Kirk was shot during a public event at Utah Valley University, was later killed during a police confrontation in Orem. Utah’s Governor Spencer Cox has said Robinson “is not cooperating” with investigators, leaving many questions about motive and connections unanswered. Robinson has been booked on aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury and obstruction of justice. These are all state charges.

In a detailed statement Monday, St. Kitts and Nevis officials said they found “no evidence” that Robinson or his family had ever entered the Federation. “Our official records show no evidence that neither the individual nor his family entered St. Kitts and Nevis,” the government said in a statement. “We remain open to reviewing any credible information to the contrary, as accuracy and truth are paramount.”

Authorities also used the opportunity to reassure both citizens and visitors that border controls and firearm regulations remain strict. “We also wish to clarify that in the Federation, access to the shooting range is tightly regulated and permitted only to individuals holding a firearm license issued in St. Kitts and Nevis, under Police authorization and strict supervision. Those without such a license are prohibited from access,” the statement added.

Protecting Tourism and CBI Reputation

St. Kitts and Nevis, home to just over 47,000 people, has long marketed itself as a high-end travel destination and as the birthplace of the region’s pioneering CBI program. Industry observers say that any rumor linking the country to a high-profile U.S. political assassination could harm its global reputation — and by extension, its tourism-driven economy.

Tourism accounts for nearly 40 percent of the Federation’s GDP. In addition, CBI — which allows vetted foreign investors to obtain citizenship through significant financial contributions — is a key revenue stream. Both sectors rely heavily on the perception of safety, stability, and strong governance.

“Negative headlines, even unsubstantiated ones, can impact investor confidence and visitor arrivals,” noted a regional economic analyst. “That’s why the government moved so quickly — they cannot allow viral misinformation to undermine decades of work positioning St. Kitts and Nevis as a secure destination for tourism and investment.”

Disinformation in the Digital Age

The swift response also underscores how small states must now navigate a global information environment where rumors can spread in minutes. Officials urged residents and the diaspora to share only verified information and to help “protect the reputation of our beloved country.”

This plea comes amid a wider Caribbean debate on how to balance freedom of expression with the need to counter online disinformation that can damage economies reliant on foreign perception.

Looking Ahead

For now, there is no evidence of any Caribbean connection to Robinson’s actions. U.S. law enforcement continue to investigate the case, and Turning Point USA, the group Kirk co-founded, has called the shooting an attack on free speech not hate speech.

St. Kitts and Nevis officials say they will continue monitoring developments while focusing on safeguarding the country’s borders and reputation.

The government said it is urging all nationals “to act responsibly in sharing information and to help protect the reputation of our beloved country by ensuring that only verified facts are circulated.”

“Citizens and residents are encouraged to rely on official government sources for reliable updates and information,” it added.

24 Years Later, Caribbean Victims Of The September 11th Attack Risk Being Forgotten

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Thurs. Sept. 11, 2025: As the United States marks the 24th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks, the ceremonies at Ground Zero and across the nation remain solemn and moving. Bells toll, names are read, and politicians, including those with xenophobic agendas, pledge to “never forget.”

But for many in the Caribbean diaspora, the phrase “never forget” feels incomplete. More than 100 victims of 9/11 were born in Caribbean or CARICOM nations — from Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, and Haiti, to smaller islands like Grenada, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, and Antigua. They died working in offices, kitchens, and security posts high in the World Trade Center towers or as first responders rushing toward danger.

The Caribbean victims of September 11. (Copyright: NewsAmericasNow.com)

Yet their stories rarely get the same attention even though their names are listed in the 911 Memorial. As the years pass, their names risk fading into the tide of history.

Take Patrick Adams, born in Georgetown, Guyana, who worked security at Fuji Bank on the 80th floor of Tower Two. Or Karl Henry Joseph, a Haitian firefighter with Engine 207 in Brooklyn, who was among the first to respond and never made it out. John Sylvester White, from St. Ann, Jamaica, was working a shift at ABM Industries that morning, while Rena Sam Dinnoo of Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, was at her desk at Marsh & McLennan.

These were mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters — Caribbean immigrants who helped keep New York’s economic engine running. They were the embodiment of the immigrant dream, working hard and building lives for their families.

But in official ceremonies, their Caribbean roots are largely ignored. Their home countries hold no national memorials. Many of their names are absent from Caribbean history lessons. For a region with such a strong diaspora presence in New York City, that silence stings.

Immigrant advocates argue that this lack of visibility reflects a broader erasure of immigrant contributions in American history. This is not just about symbolism — it’s about memory and belonging. Honoring Caribbean victims is honoring the immigrant backbone of New York. It is acknowledging that these men and women were part of the city’s heartbeat.

Some have called for Caribbean-specific commemorations each September, whether through school programs, church services, or cultural centers across the region and diaspora. Others want scholarship funds and community initiatives established in the names of those lost.

The examples are there: Sweden, after a 2017 terror attack, built a dedicated memorial listing each victim’s name. Rwanda has made genocide remembrance a central part of its national identity. Why not the Caribbean for its own fallen?

As we pass the two-decade mark, there is a danger that 9/11 will become history only read in textbooks. The immigrant stories – the Caribbean stories – risk vanishing even faster.

This September 11, as the world pauses to remember, the Caribbean diaspora must call for something more: to keep these names alive, not just on plaques in lower Manhattan, but in the collective memory of the islands they once called home.

Because “never forget” must mean remembering everyone — not just the most prominent, but also those who left early for work that day, never knowing they would not return.