News Americas, New York, NY, May 5, 2025:Trinidad and Tobago’s newly re-elected Prime Minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, has unveiled a bold and reform-driven Cabinet, signaling a clear shift in national priorities with a strong emphasis on security, justice, energy strategy, and legislative reform.

Trinidad and Tobago’s elected Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar (C) poses for a picture next to Attorney General John Jeremie (L) after her swearing-in ceremony in Port Spain on May 1, 2025. Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the head of Trinidad and Tobago’s centrist United National Congress party, vowed Thursday to create wealth that would benefit “seven generations” to come, as she was sworn in as prime minister. (Photo by Prior Beharry / AFP) (Photo by PRIOR BEHARRY/AFP via Getty Images)

Following her coalition’s commanding victory in the April 28th general elections, Persad-Bissessar named a 24-member Cabinet during a swearing-in ceremony before President Christine Kangaloo, placing several key ministries under fresh leadership and introducing entirely new portfolios aimed at tackling crime, economic recovery, and regional energy diplomacy.

Security and Justice Get Top Billing

In a major restructuring, the Prime Minister dismantled the traditional Ministry of National Security model and introduced specialized ministries. Wayne Sturge has been appointed as Minister of Defense, Roger Alexander—a former senior police officer—is now Minister of Homeland Security, and Devesh Maharaj will serve as Minister of Justice.

“These changes reflect our seriousness in addressing security holistically and with precision,” Persad-Bissessar said. “My Attorney General will work swiftly to introduce ‘stand your ground’ laws, home invasion penalties, and expand access to legal firearm ownership for law-abiding citizens.”

Energy Diplomacy Beyond Dragon Field

Former Energy Minister Dr. Roodal Moonilal returns as Minister of Energy and Energy Industries, with a fresh directive: shift Trinidad and Tobago’s energy focus away from the uncertain Dragon Field project with Venezuela and toward strategic partnerships with Guyana, Suriname, and potentially Grenada.

“My Minister of Energy has been mandated to explore offers from Guyana, and even investigate offshore energy prospects in Grenada, which may hold greater potential than the Dragon Field,” Persad-Bissessar told attendees, drawing applause.

Revenue, Finance, and Economic Recovery

Davendranath Tancoo takes over the critical Ministry of Finance, tasked with assessing the country’s fiscal status and collaborating with planning and trade ministries to reinvigorate national revenue. Persad-Bissessar also pledged to revoke the Revenue Authority Act, signaling the end of the Trinidad and Tobago Revenue Authority (TTRA), which her party has long opposed.

A Cabinet with a Vision for National Unity

The new Cabinet also includes expanded ministries such as the Ministry of Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence, led by Dominic Smith, and a renewed focus on Tobago and rural development.

“This is a Cabinet of action and accountability,” Persad-Bissessar declared. “Every minister has a mandate, and we intend to deliver—not just to those who voted for us, but to every citizen.”

Full List of Cabinet Members:

Kamla Persad-Bissessar – Prime Minister

John Jeremie – Attorney General

Ravi Rattiram – Minister of Agriculture, Land & Fisheries

Devesh Maharaj – Minister of Justice

Michelle Benjamin – Minister of Culture & Community Development

Wayne Sturge – Minister of Defense

Dr. Michael Dowlath – Minister of Education

Dr. Roodal Moonilal – Minister of Energy and Energy Industries

Davendranath Tancoo – Minister of Finance

Sean Sobers – Minister of Caricom & Foreign Affairs

Lackram Bodoe – Minister of Health

Rishard Seecharam – Minister in the Ministry of Health

Roger Alexander – Minister of Homeland Security

Dr. David Lee – Minister of Housing

Leroy Baptiste – Minister of Labour

Saddam Hosein – Minister of Legal Affairs

Barry Padarath – Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister & Public Utilities

Vandana Mohit – Minister of Social Development & Family Services

Kennedy Swaratsingh – Minister of Planning & Economic Affairs

Dominic Smith – Minister of Public Administration & Artificial Intelligence

Khadijah Ameen – Minister of Rural Development & Local Government

Phillip Watts – Minister of Sport & Youth Affairs

Prakash Persad – Minister of Tertiary Education

Eli Zakour – Minister of Transport & Civil Aviation

Jerlean John – Minister of Works & Infrastructure

Colin Gosine – Minister of Trade and Investment

Persad-Bissessar affirmed her administration’s commitment to transparency and delivery, saying, “I look forward to working with all of you. The time for bold action is now.”

News Americas, New York, NY, April 30, 2025: A 44-year-old Haitian woman in U.S. immigration custody has died at a Florida detention center, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has confirmed.

Marie Ange Blaise, a Haitian woman held in U.S. immigration custody, has died at a Florida detention center; ICE has launched an investigation into her death.

Marie Ange Blaise was pronounced dead at 8:35 p.m. on Friday, April 25, at the Broward Transitional Center in Pompano Beach, Florida, according to a statement issued by ICE on Tuesday. The cause of death remains under investigation.

ICE said it has notified the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Office of Inspector General, and the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility. The Haitian consulate in Miami was also informed of Blaise’s death.

Blaise had reportedly entered the U.S. without legal admission or parole. She first came into contact with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on February 12 at the Henry E. Rohlsen International Airport in Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, as she attempted to board a flight to Charlotte, North Carolina. Authorities issued her a Notice of Expedited Removal that same day due to her lack of a valid immigrant visa.

She was taken into ICE custody two days later and initially detained at a staging facility in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She was then transferred to the Richwood Correctional Center in Oakdale, Louisiana, before arriving at the Broward Transitional Center on April 5.

ICE policy mandates that in-custody deaths be reported to Congress, advocacy organizations, and the media within two business days. Additionally, a comprehensive report must be completed within 90 days as required by federal law.

The agency emphasized that all individuals in ICE custody are provided with comprehensive medical care, including 24-hour emergency services, throughout their detention.

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ABU DHABI, UAE, April 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The 34th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF), organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, has launched its activities, offering a platform for cultures and innovations of the world to converge, interact, and explore new horizons of knowledge.

Continuing until 5 May 2025 under the theme ‘Knowledge Illuminates Our Community’, the fair brings 1,400 exhibitors from 96 countries, offering a comprehensive programme of 2,000 activities that cater to all community members, while spotlighting Caribbean culture as Guest of Honour, in recognition of its intellectual distinction and impact on global culture.

Moreover, ADIBF 2025 celebrates Ibn Sina as its Focus Personality, marking the 1,000-year anniversary of his book The Canon of Medicine, and highlighting his legacy as one of the scientists that contributed most to humanity’s advancement. It also features One Thousand and One Nights as Book of the World, underlining its timeless, cross-cultural, and enduring influence.

The fair welcomes 20 countries participating for the first time. It also introduces the ‘On the Path of Knowledge’ initiative, honours pioneers of Arab publishing, and welcomes prominent writers, thinkers, publishers, and content creators from the Arab region and the world to present various activities under five themes: Society, Fantasy, Sustainability, Arab Sciences, and Artificial Intelligence & Innovation. The exhibition also hosts the Poetry Majlis, which celebrates diverse poetic experiences with prominent poets, authors, and experts for 10 days.

Additionally, ADIBF 2025 hosts the third season of Podcast from Abu Dhabi, presenting high-quality content that discusses the evolving literary scene, while launching its inaugural ‘Digitising Creativity’ conference, which explores where AI and art intersect and how emerging technologies affect content creation.

Visitors can enjoy arts, entertainment, photography, and the World’s Cuisine experience, while children and youth can join workshops that blend learning and fun, with scientific and creative activities that develop their skills and strengthen their connection to their cultural heritage.

Meanwhile, the Under the Ghaf’s Shade experience offers readings from selected books, followed by book signings with guest authors, whereas the Business Lounge connects publishers and content creators to encourage collaboration in the industry.

Furthermore, the ADIBF Professional Programme offers a platform for supporting the publishing and creative industries, embracing the latest trends including AI and digital technologies. Meanwhile, the Digital Square offers activities and initiatives aimed at developing the publishing sector.

The ADIBF will launch initiatives to promote reading and creativity, and support the Arabic language, in line with the UAE and Abu Dhabi’s vision to nurture emerging literary talent, enrich the Arabic library, and build a community of avid readers, capable of producing Arabic content for the digital era.

News Americas, New York, NY, April 26, 2025: The Trinidad and Tobago-born, University of the West Indies-trained Chief Medical Examiner of the State of Delaware, Dr. Gary L. Collins, has been confirmed to conduct the autopsy on 11-year-old Guyanese pre-teen Adrianna Younge, whose tragic death has sent shockwaves across Guyana and the global Guyanese diaspora.

Dr. Gary L. Collins, the Trinidadian-born Chief Medical Examiner of Delaware, will lead the autopsy of Guyanese 11-year-old Adrianna Younge amid calls for transparency.

Dr. Collins, a highly respected forensic pathologist, was selected following the Younge family’s request for an independent post-mortem examination to ensure transparency and impartiality. With a distinguished career that includes serving as Deputy Chief Medical Examiner for the City of Philadelphia, Dr. Collins has certified the manner and cause of death in over 4,000 cases. He completed his medical education at the University of the West Indies before advancing his training at the University of South Florida and Drexel University College of Medicine. He is board-certified in anatomic, clinical, and forensic pathology.

As second-in-command of Delaware’s Medical Examiner’s Office for the past two years, Dr. Collins has supervised forensic operations, collaborating closely with investigators and autopsy technicians. His extensive experience and impeccable credentials bring renewed hope for a thorough, transparent process.

The autopsy is set to be conducted on Monday. Younge had disappeared during a family outing at the Double Day Hotel in Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, on Wednesday. Despite intensive searches that day, her body was not discovered until Thursday morning, floating in the hotel’s pool. The shocking discovery, coupled with visible signs of violence on her body, has fueled nationwide protests and calls for justice.

The tragic death of 11-year-old Guyanese pre-teen Adrianna Younge has sent shockwaves across Guyana and the global Guyanese diaspora.

President Irfaan Ali, addressing the grieving family directly, reaffirmed his administration’s full commitment to transparency. “All of us want the truth, and that is the only thing I’m interested in,” he said during his second visit to the Younge family, emphasizing that all their requests regarding the autopsy would be honored.

The Guyana Police Force has pledged cooperation and confirmed that both the independent pathologist and a police-appointed medical examiner will be present during the procedure. The police also announced that former Region Three Police Commander Khalid Mandall has been sent on leave as investigations intensify.

Public outrage escalated Thursday after irate villagers set fire to the Double Day Hotel and the home of its owner, underscoring long-standing frustrations tied to previous incidents at the property. The discovery of Adrianna’s body – with visible injuries – has revived chilling memories of a similar unsolved death at the same hotel over a decade ago.

Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage and tracking a vehicle of interest as the investigation continues. Meanwhile, the Younge family and the broader Guyanese community await answers, hopeful that with Dr. Collins’ independent expertise, the truth surrounding Adrianna’s tragic death will soon come to light.

News Americas, New York, NY, April 22, 2025: The Caribbean’s private sector is celebrating a massive trade victory after the United States Trade Representative (USTR) officially exempted Caribbean shipping from crushing port fees originally proposed on China-built vessels — a move that could have cost regional economies millions and triggered widespread shipping chaos.

Under the initial plan, ships constructed in China docking at U.S. ports would have been slapped with fees exceeding US$1 million per call. But thanks to powerful advocacy from the CARICOM Private Sector Organisation, (CPSO) and regional governments, Caribbean short-sea shipping is now off the hook.

“This tremendously beneficial outcome is the product of leadership and collaboration,” said CPSO Chairman Gervase Warner, giving credit to Caricom Heads of Government, particularly Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, for her diplomatic and strategic engagement — including direct conversations with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and written appeals to President Donald Trump.

Here’s What the Caribbean Won:

Short-Sea Shipping Exemption: All vessels operating within 2,000 nautical miles between the Caribbean and U.S. are now excluded from the fees.

Size-Based Exemption: Ships under 55,000 deadweight tons and 4,000 TEUs are in the clear.

Specialized Cargo Exemption: Tankers carrying energy and chemical products (up to 80,000 DWT) also avoid penalties.

The CPSO had initially asked for broader exemptions, but most of their requests made it into the final USTR ruling — a major diplomatic and economic win.

Warner emphasized that this decision shields the region from inflation spikes, product shortages, and shipping delays, calling it “a vital protection for Caribbean economies in a fragile global trade environment.”

The move is not just a policy reversal — it’s a testament to what unified Caribbean advocacy can accomplish on the world stage.