The King of Calypso turned 90 - will be celebrated in concert and tributes throughout the country
At age 62, former President and CEO of GraceKennedy
CaribNews
EDITORIAL
AFRICA WORLD BRIEFS
Benin Appoints
Spike Lee and Tonya Lewis Lee as Ambassadors to African-Americans in the U.S.
OPINION
TRAVEL
SPORTS
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The Republic of Benin has appointed acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee and his wife, producer and author Tonya Lewis Lee, as thematic ambassadors to African-Americans in the United States. The appointment is part of the West African nation’s efforts to strengthen ties with people of African descent across the diaspora.
According to French public broadcaster RFI, the agreement was formalized during the couple’s recent visit to Cotonou, Benin’s economic capital. As thematic ambassadors, the Lees are expected to support cultural and heritage-based initiatives that reconnect African-Americans and other members of the global African diaspora with their historical, spiritual, and ancestral roots in Benin.
The Beninese government emphasized that the appointment aligns with its broader strategy to promote cultural tourism and heritage reclamation. In recent years, the country has introduced measures to encourage descendants of enslaved Africans to return, explore their heritage, and even pursue citizenship.
In 2023, Benin passed a landmark law offering nationality to individuals with at least one African ancestor who was forcibly taken from the continent during the transatlantic slave trade. The initiative complements the launch of a dedicated citizenship portal, where descendants of enslaved Africans can apply for nationality.
Sudan: UN sounds the alarm as health and food crises worsen across the country
As conflict between rival militaries rages on, millions of people keep on being displaced.
While the UN and its partners continue to provide assistance to newly displaced families in North Darfur, “nearly 60 per cent of displaced families still lack adequate shelter support,” said Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General, Farhan Haq, at a daily press briefing on Monday.
In Abu Shouk camp in El Fasher, the North Darfur capital, displaced families are facing acute shortages of food and medicine, with local sources reporting four hunger-related deaths last week, as food insecurity continues to worsen across the entire country.
In North Darfur state notably, low cereal supply, poor harvests and a prolonged food deficit have severely affected food availability.
Meanwhile, cholera cases continue to rise in Tawila. More than 1,500 suspected and confirmed serious infections have been reported since June, with over 500 people currently receiving treatment.
While local authorities have introduced emergency measures, including market closures and a ban on public gatherings, humanitarian organizations urgently require $120 million to scale up life-saving support in Tawila over the next three months.
Syria: Fragile ceasefire in Sweida ‘largely holding’ amid volatility
Declared on July 19, the ceasefire followed a harrowing wave of sectarian clashes, Israeli airstrikes and grave human rights violations.
UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen told ambassadors in the Security Council on Monday that the recent escalation had “rocked” the country’s already precarious transition and highlighted the need for “major course corrections” on security and political fronts.
“Syrians are reeling after appalling violence in Sweida – violence that should not have happened and which also saw unacceptable foreign intervention,” Mr. Pedersen said.
The unrest began on July 12 when mutual kidnappings escalated into armed conflict between Druze groups and Bedouin tribes, drawing in Syrian security forces. The violence spiralled, with reports of extrajudicial executions, desecration of corpses and looting. Footage circulated widely on social media fanned sectarian tensions and disinformation.
Though fighting has largely subsided, Mr. Pedersen warned the situation “remains tense and volatile”. Civilians suffered the most, with hundreds killed and widespread accounts of abuses by both State and non-State actors.
UN chief: Israeli-Palestinian conflict at ‘breaking point,’ urges push for twoState solution
Addressing the high-level conference on the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine and the implementation of the two-State solution, Mr. Guterres delivered a stark message about the urgency of action and the cost of delay.
“For decades, Middle East diplomacy has been far more process than peace,” he said.
“Words, speeches, declarations may not have much meaning to those on the ground. They have seen it before. They have heard it before. Meanwhile, destruction and annexation bulldoze ahead.” He reiterated that the only just and sustainable path forward is the establishment of two independent, democratic States – Israel and Palestine – living side by side in peace and security, with Jerusalem as the capital, based on pre-1967 lines and in line with international law and UN resolutions.
Mr. Guterres challenged those resisting that vision.
“What is the alternative? A one-State reality where Palestinians are denied equal rights, and forced to live under perpetual occupation and inequality?
A one-State reality where Palestinians are expelled from their land?” he asked.
“That is not peace. That is not justice. And that is not acceptable.”
Speaking earlier in the day at the conference’s pre-opening session, Mr. Guterres warned that the conflict had reached “a breaking point”.
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Africa Pledges $3 Billion in Caribbean Investment Amid Shifting Global Alliances
In a bold signal of South-South cooperation, African financial institutions are pledging billions in investments to the Caribbean, quietly redrawing global economic alliances as Western focus turns inward and China recalibrates its global ambitions.
The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has announced its readiness to double disbursements to the Caribbean to US$3 billion, part of a broader push to deepen trade and financial ties between Africa and CARICOM nations. The announcement was made Sunday by Afreximbank Communications and Events Manager Vincent Musumba, ahead of the Africaribbean Trade and Investment Forum 2025 (ACTIF2025), held at the
Radisson Hotel in Grenada.
“Trade between Africa and the Caribbean remains below 1 percent despite deep historical and cultural bonds,” said Musumba. “Afreximbank’s mandate is to reverse that trend.”
Of the pledged amount, US$1.5 billion has already been disbursed, signaling tangible momentum in the relationship. Musumba stressed the urgency of translating shared heritage into strategic economic engagement.
The renewed investment appetite comes amid geopolitical uncertainty and retreating multilateralism—an opening that Africa and the Caribbean are increasingly looking to fill together.
CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla
Barnett, addressing delegates at Monday’s opening ceremony, underscored the stakes. “CARICOM trade with the continent must grow from current levels of less than 3 percent of our overall trade, particularly given the uncertainty that looms over trade with traditional partners,” she said. “This is not just a pivot of convenience—it’s a strategic imperative.”
Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of the International Trade Centre (ITC), projected that Africa-Caribbean trade could reach US$2.9 billion annually within five years, provided tariffs and other barriers are eased.
Now in its fourth iteration, the ACTIF conference is fast becoming a key fixture in Africa-Caribbean diplomacy and commerce. Previous forums generated notable economic traction:
Barbados (2022): US$2 billion in opportunities
Guyana (2023): US$551 million (excluding oil-related agreements)
The Bahamas (2024): US$4 billion in potential deals
Expectations remain high for the 2025 edition, which continues this week with sessions on innovation, tourism, logistics, air and sea connectivity, and cultural collaboration.
Founded in 1993, Afreximbank has a
mandate to expand intra-African and diaspora trade. The bank currently reports US$28 billion in loans, US$37 billion in assets, and a capital adequacy ratio of 26 percent as of March 2025.
Yet concerns remain. Earlier this month, Fitch and Moody’s downgraded Afreximbank’s credit rating by one notch, citing growing exposure to sovereign risk and a rise in non-performing loans. Fitch flagged that the bank’s NPL ratio had crossed the 6 percent threshold. Moody’s warned that Afreximbank’s shift toward unsecured lending to high-risk sovereign borrowers, such as Ghana and Zambia, represents a significant deviation from its traditionally conservative trade finance model.
When asked to respond to the downgrades, Musumba declined to address the specifics but stood by the bank’s mission.
“The bank was formed by African nations—it would be disingenuous not to support the very countries that built its foundation,” he said. He added that both public and private sector funding channels remain open.
As traditional geopolitical anchors become increasingly volatile, ACTIF2025 reveals a deeper truth: the global South is no longer waiting for inclusion—it is actively shaping its own path.
Washington, D.C. – Trump Welcomes Jamaican Ambassador, Signals Deeper Bilateral Cooperation
In a ceremony at the White House on Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump formally welcomed Major General (Ret’d) Antony Anderson, Jamaica’s new ambassador to the United States, underscoring the strength and strategic depth of US-Jamaica relations.
Ambassador Anderson presented his Letters of Credence in the Oval Office, officially completing his credentialing and signaling a renewed chapter in bilateral engagement. The moment, both ceremonial and substantive, affirmed over six decades of diplomatic partnership between the two countries.
“This occasion marks more than just a diplomatic tradition,” President Trump remarked. “It underscores over 60 years of enduring friendship and our ongoing commitment to mutual prosperity through trade, investment, and security.”
Trump praised the Government and people of Jamaica, expressing strong support for furthering a “special relationship” rooted in shared democratic values and longstanding cultural ties. He reiterated Washington’s interest in deepening cooperation in regional security, particu-
larly through the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) and joint efforts in Haiti. On the economic front, Trump signaled expanded interest in bilateral trade and U.S. investment, highlighting Jamaica’s energy and tourism sectors as key areas of collaboration. “We see tremendous opportunities to work together on economic growth and to strengthen our commercial ties,” he stated.
Welcoming Jamaica’s 14th ambassador to the US, the President concluded: “Mr. Ambassador, I look forward to working with you to advance our shared agenda. It is a pleasure to welcome you to Washington.”
Ambassador Anderson, in his inaugural address, conveyed greetings from the Government and people of Jamaica, noting the depth of the US-Jamaica relationship, shaped by shared history, culture, and proximity.
“Our relationship has evolved over time, producing tangible benefits in security, health, and energy,” Anderson said. “The bonds between our people run deep, and our collaboration has grown stronger through years of bilateral and multilateral cooperation.”
Anderson specifically acknowledged the importance of Jamaica’s security partnership with the United States, calling it a
cornerstone of regional stability. “Through various mechanisms, U.S. support has significantly strengthened our national security capabilities,” he noted. “As ambassador, I look forward to further deepening this collaboration in pursuit of a safer and more secure Western Hemisphere.”
Beyond security, Anderson emphasized priorities in energy, trade, and investment, pointing out that the U.S. remains Jamaica’s largest trading partner and a critical source of foreign direct investment. He also highlighted the island’s growing popularity among American tourists. Reflecting on recent high-level engagement, Anderson referenced the March visit of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Jamaica, calling it a “symbolic reaffirmation” of the strong bilateral ties and mutual interests guiding both nations.
The presentation of credentials marks a diplomatic milestone for Jamaica–U.S. relations and sets the stage for enhanced cooperation across multiple sectors— reinforcing a partnership shaped by shared values, regional aspirations, and a common future.
Jamaica – Abi-D Wins 2025 Festival Song Competition With “Sweet JA”
Abigail “Abi-D” Dunstan has been crowned the winner of the 2025 Jamaica Festival Song Competition, earning national acclaim
for her entry Sweet JA. The results were announced at a celebratory live show held at Emancipation Park in St. Andrew on Saturday, July 26.
Dunstan’s uplifting tribute to the island was selected through a combined process of public voting and evaluations by a professional judging panel. Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia “Babsy” Grange, presented the Festival Song Trophy to Abi-D and confirmed that the $3 million grand prize would be shared equally between the performer, songwriter, and producer — recognizing the collaborative nature of the winning production.
Securing second place was the energetic duo Brother C and Jegz with their entry Come Mek Wi Rally. They also took home the Best Performer Award for their dynamic stage
presence. Raldene “Loaded Eagle” Dyer rounded out the top three with JamDung. Chief Judge Owen Brown praised the remarkable talent showcased in this year’s competition, which received over 160 entries from aspiring and seasoned artists across the island.
“Our team of experienced music professionals carefully reviewed each submission and selected the top 10 finalists based on originality, lyrical content, cultural relevance, production quality, and overall performance,” Brown stated.
Saturday’s show was more than a competition — it was a celebration of Jamaican music and culture. Attendees were treated to performances from reggae icon Richie Spice and 2024 Festival Song winner Kimiela “Candy” Isaacs, who returned to the stage
with her hit #One Jamaica. The 2025 finalists also performed their entries alongside renditions of iconic festival songs from previous years.
Organized by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport through the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), the Jamaica Festival Song Competition remains the longest-running original song contest on the island. Over the decades, it has become a vital platform for discovering and promoting the next generation of Jamaican musical talent.
This year’s competition once again demonstrated the enduring power of music to unite and inspire, as artists sought to capture the heart and soul of the Jamaican people through melody, message, and national pride.
NYC - Legal Services Network for Immigrants
Across the City
New York City Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) has launched what it describes as the largest, most comprehensive, and coordinated municipal legal services and community support network for Caribbean and other immigrants in the United States.
MOIA said this initiative will deliver “free, high-quality immigration legal assistance, support services, and immigrant rights education directly in the neighborhoods” where Caribbean and other immigrant New Yorkers live and work.
“This effort is the realization of a long-held vision: a more integrated, community-rooted approach that connects NYC government to immigrant neighborhoods across the five boroughs,” Manuel Castro, commissioner of the New York City Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC).
“This effort builds upon three and a half years of hard work by our team, navigating unprecedented challenges and multiple crises that have deeply impacted our immigrant communities,” he added.
“During this time, MOIA has invested more funding and issued more contracts to nonprofit partners than at any other point in its history, laying the foundation for this moment. With this, we are building infrastructure not just for today, but for years to come,” Castro said.
The network features 38 MOIA Immigration Legal Support Centers that will serve as community-based hubs and provide immigration legal screenings, full representation, pro-se assistance, immigrant rights education, and referrals to city services.
MOIA said these centers are strategically distributed across all five boroughs of New York City, with additional high-capacity hubs operated by citywide providers.
Together, MOIA said these legal hubs represent a total investment of US$18.8 million in
three-year contracts and US$11.6 million in one-year contracts.
It said complementing these hubs are specialized and targeted investments, including a network of three MOIA centers for rapid response support (US$500,000); seven MOIA centers for Haitian community support (US$1.65 million); 17 MOIA centers for immigrant rights education located in trusted neighborhood-based organizations (US$443,600); a partnership with New York City’s three library systems to offer rightsbased English language classes; and information at over 60 library branches across the five boroughs (US$600,000).
To further strengthen this network, MOIA said it is also investing in “quality, consistency, and service coordination” through the MOIA Legal Technical Mentorship Program, a program to strengthen the consistency and sustainability of immigration legal services citywide (US$1.2 million over three years) and the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline, providing legal navigation and referrals across the five boroughs (US$632,500).
“This layered, citywide model is designed for both scale and depth.. It blends high-capacity legal hubs with culturally specific services and broad community access points, ensuring that immigrant New Yorkers, regardless of borough, language, or immigration status, have meaningful, trusted pathways to legal help and city resources.,” MOIA said.
MOIA said the network can expand and adapt to evolving needs and crises.
“Above all, it is transformative by design, replacing fragmented access with an integrated, community-rooted approach and establishing long-term, durable infrastructure designed not only to serve today’s needs, but also to grow and adapt in the years ahead,” MOIA said. (CMC)
Haiti - Son of Assassinated President Appeals to the U.S. for Help
Joverlein Moïse, the son of the assassinated Haitian president, Jovenel Moïse, has written to the United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, urging him to exert his influence so that those Haitians accused of involvement in the July 7, 2021 assassination of his father and residing in the United States, can be brought before the American justice system.
In his open letter to Rubio, Joverlain wrote that both the United States and Haiti are among the two oldest sovereign nations on the continent and that their histories are intertwined with citizens sharing a common responsibility to uphold the
democratic ideal while defending human dignity.
He wrote that for several decades, the Haitian people have endured a succession of crises that continue to worsen and that the “brutal assassination” of his constitutionally-elected father felt like “we reached the bottom of this descent into hell.”
“This despicable and unprecedented act killed a president, but not the hope, the vision, or the dignity that Jovenel Moïse, the man, embodied for his people,” he wrote of his father’s killing at his private residence overlooking the capital. Moise’s wife was also injured during the attack and several former Colombian soldiers have since been detained in connection with the murder.
The younger Moïse told Rubio that as a former Senator from the State of Florida, home to the largest Haitian diaspora, “you are well aware of the economic and political dynamics that have undermined Haiti.”
“You are also aware of the nefarious role played by certain powerful oligarchs who have long financed terrorist activities, political instability, multiple coup d’état, and ultimately, the assassination of my father.
“An assassination accompanied by unspeakable acts of torture. A bullet-riddled body, which I myself donned before it was buried. This tragedy paved the way for
looting and massacres: children, women, men, all victims of a corrupt and predatory system,” he wrote in the letter that is also posted on his Facebook page.
Joverlain told Rubio that he knows that competent American institutions have apprehended some of these “oligarchs, yet, others, who have fomented more than one plot against Haiti…still enjoy the protection of your territory today, unmolested.
”It goes without saying that, with your influence, you have the capacity and moral authority, to contribute to ensuring that justice is done. You are also aware that the financial resources of these criminals far exceed those of our weakened judicial institutions, many of which they have already infiltrated, corrupted, and neutralized.”
Joverlain said it is imperative that the perpetrators of such serious crimes be tried in a country with institutions capable of guaranteeing real and appropriate justice.
“The entire world knows that the Haitian judicial system has been dismantled by those it should be prosecuting. As long as chaos reigns, Haiti’s law enforcement and prisons will remain dysfunctional.
“Consequently, extraditing such criminals to a country in a state of institutional decay would be an act of blatant irresponsibility, a gesture that the very spirit of
republican fraternity, at the heart of the American nation, cannot condone. This is especially true given that these oligarchs have been able to take advantage of the technological infrastructure, communications networks, financing, and weaponry of the United States of America—a friendly country,” he told Rubio.
He said the impunity for these crimes, planned on American soil and then committed on Haitian soil, “tarnishes your nation’s reputation and further weakens the sovereignty of Haiti, which nevertheless aspires to recover with dignity.
”This letter is not a call for interference, but a call for decency and justice. It is the expression of a Haitian youth standing firm, rejecting inevitability, but knowing that they will need time, peace, and loyal and good-faith allies to reconquer and then rebuild their free homeland.
”This letter is also an exhortation to a historic-ally to finally understand the extent of the trauma suffered, and to act in the name of the common good and the principles our two nations have always defended.”
Joverlain said he is hopeful for “every act of solidarity that will allow Haiti to finally emerge from the shadows and march proudly towards its rebirth”. (CMC)
Haiti’s Humanitarian Collapse: Bishops Decry ‘Barbaric Acts,’ Urge National Awakening
Haiti’s ongoing crisis has reached catastrophic levels, with an estimated 1.3 million people fleeing the country amid spiraling violence, state collapse, and institutional decay. Armed clashes in recent weeks have displaced an additional 15,000 people. Meanwhile, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reports that 21,500 children have already been treated for acute malnutrition in 2025—a number expected to rise to 129,000 by year’s end.
Against this backdrop of suffering, the Episcopal Conference of Haiti (CEH) issued a stark and urgent pastoral letter on July 23, condemning what it termed the “barbaric acts” plaguing the nation and lamenting the erosion of human dignity.
The CEH described its statement as a moral and spiritual intervention “to sound the alarm on the extent of the collapse, to denounce all that degrades human dignity, and to propose—guided by the light of the Gospel—paths of conversion, justice, and hope.”
Central to the bishops’ message was a grave warning: Haiti is undergoing a societal breakdown so profound that it threatens not only institutions, but the moral and spiritu-
al fabric of the nation. “We are witnessing the breakdown of society and the decay of the institutions that support it,” the bishops wrote, declaring that the state has ceased to provide “security, justice, or even the basic necessities of life.”
The statement painted a harrowing portrait of the population: displaced, humiliated, impoverished, and wounded—both physically and psychologically. The bishops emphasized that no person or place has been spared from the terror inflicted by armed gangs. Schools, hospitals, churches, and cultural symbols have all come under assault, leaving the nation in a state of pervasive insecurity. Reflecting on the humanitarian fallout—including food shortages, collapsed health services, and mass displacement—the bishops posed two poignant questions: What lies behind this dehumanization? And why have public authorities failed to act in defense of life, liberty, culture, and memory?
The CEH also addressed the most recent draft of Haiti’s constitution, proposed in May 2025. While acknowledging that the draft represents “a significant moment in our national life,” the bishops expressed both cautious optimism and deep concern.
They recognized the potential for the proposed text to lay the groundwork for a more inclusive and just national project. Promising elements include commitments to transparency, anti-corruption efforts, greater recognition of basic social rights, and the inclusion of the Haitian diaspora in national life.
However, the bishops also issued strong warnings. They highlighted the dangers of expanding presidential authority, the absence of mechanisms to ensure the enforcement of social rights, and the exclusionary nature of a constitutional process largely conducted
without public engagement.
A constitution, the CEH stressed, is not merely a legal instrument—it is a “social covenant” that must be grounded in Haiti’s historical, cultural, and social realities. Crafting such a document requires broad consultation and national consensus, both of which are currently lacking. “The appropriate time for such a process,” they argued, “is not now.”
Instead, the bishops called for immediate action on the country’s most pressing needs: security, peace, and good governance. These, they asserted, are the necessary preconditions for any credible national reform. Despite their grave tone, the bishops closed on a note of guarded hope. “There is still time to avoid the irreversible,” they wrote. Yet they cautioned that passivity and silence in the face of injustice only deepen the crisis. “Too much blood has been shed. Too many families are shattered. Too many young people have lost hope,” the CEH lamented. In their final appeal, the bishops extended their prayers to all victims of the crisis and invoked the intercession of the Virgin Mary, asking that she grant the Haitian people “the graces of conversion, peace, and renewal.”
NY - Tough Times for Black-Owned Bookstore
For a quarter of a century, Sister’s Uptown Bookstore and Cultural Center has been a sanctuary for Black literature, a hub for local artists, and a place where children of color could finally see themselves reflected in the stories they read. But now, the beloved Harlem institution—founded in 2000 by Janifer Wilson, a Georgia native who grew up under segregation—is in danger of closing its doors.
Wilson opened the bookstore with a simple but powerful mission: to give young readers the representation she never had. Over the years, it grew into much more—a cultural center hosting book clubs, author readings, workshops, and a platform for local writers.
But today, the store is five months behind on rent, struggling with declining sales, and fighting to stay open.
“Our history is trying to be eradicated, between banned books and closing institutions,” Wilson told Patch. “They are
trying to write us off, as if we don’t exist or belong here. So, I’m holding on—for dear life.
The challenges are many:
- Post-pandemic economic shifts have reduced foot traffic.
- Gentrification has changed the neighborhood’s dynamics.
- Online retailers like Amazon continue to dominate book sales.
- Children are reading less, opting for screens over books.
Yet Wilson refuses to give up. She and her daughter, Kori, now run the store together, keeping free books at the front for kids—a small but crucial effort to keep young minds engaged.
“If you don’t know from whence you came, you’re going to have a difficult time moving forward,” she said, echoing the store’s motto: “Knowledge of the self is key to our growth.”
After tense negotiations, the store has
secured a month-to-month lease, but the future remains uncertain.
“We don’t have enough online or in-store sales to pay our bills,” Wilson admitted.
“We’re trying to figure out how to move into another dimension of literacy, because
the script hasn’t been written for this era.”
To rally support, the bookstore is hosting a Summer Celebration Fundraiser on Friday, July 25, featuring games, live music, and food—a last-ditch effort to keep the lights on.
For Wilson, this fight isn’t about profit— she doesn’t even take a salary. Every dollar goes back into the store.
“This is a labor of love,” she said. “The legacy that’s been built can’t go away— because it’s not about me. It’s about the community.”
How to Help:
- Attend the fundraiser on July 25
- Shop in-store or online
- Donate directly to keep the store alive
Sister’s Uptown isn’t just a bookstore—it’s a lifeline. And Harlem isn’t ready to let it go.
For event details and donations, visit Sister’s Uptown Bookstore.
Don Wehby, the former Group Chief Executive Officer of GraceKennedy Limited and one of Jamaica’s most respected business leaders, passed away on Saturday at the age of 62, following a period of illness. His death marks the end of an era for corporate Jamaica.
A transformative force in the private sector, Wehby retired from GraceKennedy in February 2025 after more than a decade at the helm. Under his leadership from 2011 to 2025, the century-old conglomerate experienced unprecedented growth, with revenues more than doubling from J$58 billion to J$155 billion. His strategic focus on mergers and acquisitions redefined GraceKennedy’s regional and international presence, expanding its operations throughout the Caribbean, North and Central America, the United Kingdom, and Europe.
Wehby’s corporate journey began in 1995 when he joined GraceKennedy as a chartered accountant. Over the following decades, he rose through the ranks, holding several executive roles across the company’s food and financial divisions. In 2011, he was appointed Group CEO, succeeding Douglas Orane,
a business titan in his own right. From that point on, Wehby became synonymous with a modernized, globally focused GraceKennedy—anchored in Jamaican values, but outward-looking in scope.
Beyond the boardroom, Wehby brought his expertise to the public sector. He served as a Government Senator and Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service from 2007 to 2009, before returning to the Senate in 2016 and serving until his resignation in late 2024. He was widely respected for bridging the gap between business and government with integrity and policy acumen.
His contribution to national life was recognized with some of Jamaica’s highest honors. In 2017, he was conferred with the Order of Distinction (Commander Class), and in 2024, he received the Order of Jamaica—an honor reserved for exemplary national service. In April 2025, the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica named him its 31st Hall of Fame inductee, with the official ceremony scheduled for October.
Wehby’s legacy also includes his steady leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, for which GraceKennedy received the RJRGLEANER Honour Award for Business in 2021. The citation praised the company’s resilience, expansion, and principled governance amid global uncertainty.
Born on July 14, 1963, Don Wehby was more than a corporate executive. He was a devoted husband to Hilary, a loving father to their three children, and a proud Jamaican who believed in building institutions that outlast individuals. His enduring impact on Jamaica’s business landscape and his commitment to ethical leadership will be remembered for generations to come.
Atlanta – Lee ‘Priest’ Johnson Wins Jamaica Diaspora Festival Song Competition
Lee “Priest” Johnson emerged victorious at the fifth staging of the Jamaica International Independence Foreign Song Competition (JIIFSC), held Saturday, July 26, at the Shiloh High School Theatre in Snellville, Georgia.
Originally from Blenheim, Manchester, Jamaica, Johnson—now a resident of Conyers, Georgia—won over the judges and audience with his patriotic entry “Jamaica ina mi Blood.” He walked away with the top prize of US$8,000 (J$1.28 million) and a commemorative trophy, besting six other finalists in the diaspora-based competition.
Placing second were Ernel Earlington and Doxology, the 2024 champions, with their spirited submission “If yuh Love Jamaica sey Yes.” They received US$4,000 and a trophy. Third place went to Boston-based artist Dion Knibb for “My Sweet Jamaica,” earning a US$1,000 cash prize.
The event is the brainchild of Dr. Garfield McCook, a Jamaican businessman living
in Atlanta, who launched the competition in 2021 as a diaspora counterpart to Jamaica’s iconic Festival Song Contest. He said this year’s show had its largest turnout yet.
“We had a great turnout, with intense audience participation,” McCook told Observer Online. “It was a high-energy launch to our 63rd Jamaica Diaspora Independence Celebrations—yardie style.”
The 2025 edition of the JIIFSC featured artists from across North America, including Chawlih Crux of Washington, D.C. (“Jamaica Now”), Lisa Blackford from Virginia (“My Jamaica Home Sweet Home”), IJAHKNOWAH out of Georgia (“Yardie”), and Tania Lou from Canada (“Jamaica Soul”).
Open exclusively to Jamaican artists living abroad, the JIIFSC continues to serve as a cultural bridge between the island and its global diaspora—celebrating national pride through music and creative expression.
Barbados – Unions Urge International Support as Crime Surge Threatens Stability
Amid a sharp uptick in gun-related violence and homicides, the Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB) is calling on the Government to urgently seek assistance from international intelligence and law enforcement agencies to combat what it describes as a growing national security crisis.
“The use of high-powered weapons in the commission of murders and other serious crimes clearly signals the elevated threat level to public safety,” CTUSAB declared in a statement. “Given that these firearms are reportedly being smuggled into the island without any clear indication of the source or supply chain, it is imperative that the Government engages internation
al policing bodies to help stem the tide.”
General Secretary Dennis de Peiza described the crime situation as reaching “unprecedented proportions,” warning that the country risks descending into “chaos, anarchy, and fear” if decisive action is not taken. Barbados has recorded 30 murders so far this year—an alarming figure that marks a historic high.
De Peiza expressed particular concern about the dominant role of firearms in these crimes. “The prevalence of gun violence—whether in murders, armed robberies, or home invasions—has deeply unsettled ordinary Barbadians,” he said.
“We can no longer afford to treat this as business as usual.”
As part of its recommendations, CTUSAB
is urging the Government to amend the Bail Act to prohibit bail for individuals charged with murder or caught in possession of illegal firearms. The union body emphasized that the protection of citizens, residents, and visitors must take precedence, even if it requires difficult policy shifts.
“The current climate demands tough decisions. We must send a clear message to the criminal element that the rule of law will be upheld and enforced.”
While acknowledging the strain on the Royal Barbados Police Force, de Peiza commended officers for their ongoing efforts under difficult circumstances. He, however, raised concerns about staff burnout and possible breaches of labor law.
“There is growing concern about officers being required to work indefinitely without adequate rest. This contravenes labor standards, which provide for two days of rest after a 40-hour work week,” he noted. “While extraordinary circumstances such as a de facto state of emergency may justify extended hours, this must be matched by fair compensation—including overtime pay.”
CTUSAB also drew a link between the escalating violence and systemic failures in education and youth development. De Peiza highlighted that the majority of violent offenders fall within the 18–35 age bracket, underscoring the urgency of educational reform and youth intervention.
“Discipline has eroded within the school system, and teachers now face threats not only from students but also from parents and guardians,” he said. “Educators are increasingly afraid—vulnerable to both physical attacks and legal reprisals. If we are to reclaim our schools, we must restore authority, structure, and respect in the classroom.”
As Barbados grapples with a wave of violent crime, CTUSAB’s call for international collaboration and domestic reform serves as a sobering reminder that restoring safety will require bold leadership, institutional support, and the collective will of the nation.
The Ties That Bind Us
Africa to Invest $3 Billion in the Caribbean: Converting Cultural and Historic Ties into Economic Engagement
For centuries, the world has treated Africa and the Caribbean like distant cousins separated by oceans and colonial trauma. But history, as it turns out, has a sense of irony and an impeccable memory. And now, as global powers shift and new alliances are forged, those toes that once walked in shackles are ready to step together—forward.
This month’s announcement that Africa will invest a staggering $3 billion into the Caribbean is more than a headline. It is a seismic shift, a bold declaration, and a fulfillment of a vision that dates back over a century—a vision championed by Marcus Garvey, whose mission was to unify the people of African descent worldwide and leverage their collective strength. For Garvey, unity wasn’t some abstract kumbaya sentiment—it was strategy. It was about economic self-determination, about not just surviving but thriving. It was about reclaiming dignity and power through enterprise, education, and cooperation. And now, as we stand on the precipice of this $3 billion commitment, we are finally seeing the contours of that Pan-African economic blueprint coming into focus. This investment marks more than just a monetary exchange. It is a reawakening of shared identity, a reclaiming of agency, and a recognition that the Caribbean and Africa are not merely regions—they are reflections of one another. With this move, Africa is not just investing in Caribbean ports, agriculture, or infrastructure. Africa is investing in legacy. For over 25 years, Carib News has been the drumbeat for this movement. Through our annual multinational business conferences, we have laid the groundwork for what we call the “Golden Triangle”—Africa, the Caribbean, and the African diaspora in the United States. This triangle is not only symbolic of geographic convergence, but of economic synergy, political solidarity, and cultural kinship. It is a concept
long overdue in its time and long obstructed by the divisions of colonial residue and modern geopolitical gamesmanship.
But that time is changing. Rapidly. Let’s be clear: the global economic order is under reconstruction. The West no longer wields uncontested economic supremacy. China, India, Brazil, and other nations of the Global South are rewriting the rules of engagement. Supply chains are being redrawn. Energy dependencies are being recalculated. Trade routes are being reimagined. And in the midst of all this, the Caribbean and Africa stand to gain—if we act strategically and united. Africa’s recent move to establish a $3 billion investment channel into the Caribbean is a recognition of these opportunities. But it’s also a warning bell. Because while the potential is great, the window may not stay open forever. The choice before us is stark: cooperate or stagnate.
As it stands, trade between the United States and the Caribbean accounts for less than 2% of U.S. international commerce. That’s not just disappointing—it’s unacceptable. The diaspora here in the U.S. represents a multi-trillion-dollar market, yet its potential remains largely untapped. The question isn’t “Can we do better?” The question is, “Why haven’t we already?”
That’s why the investment from Africa is more than capital—it’s a catalyst. It provides the funding to build trade infrastructure, but it also builds trust. It creates space for dialogue, partnership, and new value chains that link Kingston to Kigali, Port of Spain to Pretoria, and Harlem to Harare.
Garvey understood that liberation without economics is just another form of dependency. He knew that true freedom requires ownership— not just of land, but of destiny. His Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA), established in 1914, wasn’t just about speeches
and slogans. It was about creating black-owned shipping lines, banks, schools, and industries. It was about connecting Africa and her diaspora through commerce and cooperation. He famously said, “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.” But just as importantly, he warned that a tree without branches is equally barren. Today, the Caribbean and Africa are rediscovering each other—not as relics of colonial histories, but as partners in a shared future. That future is built on trade, investment, innovation, and collaboration.
Imagine a regional supply chain where goods flow seamlessly from Caribbean ports to West African markets. Where cultural tourism between the two regions becomes a billion-dollar industry. Where youth in Barbados partner with fintech entrepreneurs in Ghana. Where U.S.-based diaspora investors channel capital into new clean energy ventures in the Caribbean, with African technical expertise on board. That’s not just fantasy. That’s the power of the Golden Triangle. A connected economic bloc spanning the Caribbean, Africa, and the diaspora in the U.S. could rival many existing regional partnerships. It would have the numbers, the talent, the resources—and finally, the will.
Think about it: Africa has the resources, the Caribbean has the proximity and cultural connectivity, and the diaspora in the U.S. has the capital and institutional access. That is a triangle of transformation.
And here’s the kicker: this isn’t about handouts or charity. This is about mutual benefit. Africa gains access to Caribbean markets, logistical nodes close to the U.S., and a strengthened position in global diplomacy. The Caribbean gains investment, expertise, and a deeper integration into rising African economies. The diaspora gains economic footholds in both regions, an-
choring their heritage in tangible prosperity. Of course, there are challenges. Centuries of division don’t dissolve overnight. Colonial languages, bureaucratic hurdles, outdated trade laws, and yes—internalized inferiority complexes—still linger. But those are not insurmountable. They are excuses waiting to be unmade.
The real barrier is mental. Do we see each other as partners, or as strangers? Do we trust each other enough to build together? Or do we let another century go by admiring our potential from a distance?
The answer lies in how we move forward from this moment.
The African-Caribbean investment is a call to action. And Carib News is here to ensure that action is taken. Through continued dialogue, convening business leaders, pushing for policy changes, and spotlighting success stories, we intend to push the needle forward. Because for over 25 years, this has been our mission. And we’re not done yet.
The toes that once walked through the Middle Passage are moving again—this time toward a future they get to shape. If we convert our shared heritage into shared economic power, there is no limit to what we can achieve.
The Golden Triangle is not a myth. It is within reach. But only if we grasp it—with open minds, bold strategies, and the kind of collective ambition that Garvey dreamed of. As he said, “Lift up yourselves, men, take up the fight for liberty and freedom, for it is yours by the grace of God.”
Let’s take up that fight—not just with words, but with investments, partnerships, and purpose. The toes that bind us are marching—and they’re marching toward prosperity.
Health Costs Explode Under Trump’s Big Ugly Law
by Stacy M. Brown, Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent
With Donald Trump’s “Big Ugly” legislation now signed into law, health insurance premiums for millions of Americans are projected to spike in 2026, while critical subsidies for working families are being wiped out. The law is a direct attack on the working class, the poor, and anyone not shielded by extreme wealth. According to multiple filings reviewed by KFF and the Peterson Center on Healthcare, premiums in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces are poised to jump by a median of 15% nationwide in 2026. More than a quarter of insurance companies are seeking increases of 20% or more. KFF found that, at the center of this spike, is the law’s provision to end enhanced premium tax credits—financial assistance that helped more than 24 million people afford health coverage. Beginning in January 2026, these subsidies will disappear, and individual premium payments will increase by more than 75% on average for those who have been receiving them.
The impact will be especially devastating for low-income Americans. As healthier individuals exit the market due to rising costs, insurers warn that the remaining risk pool will become sicker and more expensive to cover. That’s expected to push gross premiums even higher, with the Congressional Budget Office projecting increases of at least 7.9% beyond the subsidy loss. “The enhanced premium subsidies are set to expire at the end of 2025,” Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont stated. “We expect that some healthy individuals with lower claims than average will forego health insurance… this will cause the premiums to increase by 6.6 percent”. Tariffs introduced under the new law are compounding the crisis. Trump’s tariffs on imported goods, including pharmaceuticals, are already pushing insurers to raise premiums beyond medical inflation. UnitedHealthcare, Optimum Choice, and other carriers cited the tariffs as justification for rate hikes ranging from 2.2% to 3.6% above their standard increases.
Prescription drugs made up 12% of private health insurance spending in 2023. With costs expected to climb under the new import restrictions, families will shoulder higher bills at the pharmacy and in their premiums. These changes hit vulnerable groups hardest. In 2023, nearly 30% of U.S. adults delayed or skipped medical, mental health, or dental care due to cost. Black and Hispanic adults, uninsured individuals, and people in poor health reported the highest rates of unmet care needs. About 16% of Black adults said they or a family member had trouble paying medical bills. Nearly half of all uninsured adults reported worrying about affording care if they got sick. That concern is now reality.
Insurers across the country are responding with steep rate hikes. Out of 105 ACA insurers reviewed, none proposed cutting premiums for 2026. Last year, at least some insurers lowered rates. The new law has erased that possibility. The United States
already spends more per person on health care than any other wealthy nation—$13,432 per person in 2023, nearly twice the average of peer countries. And yet, U.S. residents remain more likely to go into debt for care, avoid treatment due to cost, and face financial ruin from an illness. “The expiration of these federal benefits increases premium costs for individuals and families and is expected to result in more people deciding to forego insurance coverage,” Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont warned. “This will shrink the population with coverage and worsen the risk pool, requiring higher premiums for the remaining members”.
Black Church and Black Press Unite to Empower Black America
In a historic announcement, a coalition of leading Black faith organizations and the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) unveiled a strategic partnership and plan to confront systemic disparities impacting African American communities nationwide.
Dr. Boise Kimber, President of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.; Bishop J. Drew Sheard, Pre- siding Bishop of the Church of God in Christ (COGIC); Dr. Samuel Tolbert, President of the National Baptist Convention of America; and Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., veteran civil rights leader and President of the NNPA, are leading this collaboration between the Black church and Black Media.
“There is strength in unity. There is power in our collective voice. There is hope in our actions,” said Dr. Boise Kimber. For generations, African American communities have endured deep-rooted inequities in healthcare, education, criminal justice, economic opportunity, and access to capital. These challenges are not new. The coalition intends to put an end to fragmented responses and speak with one
clear, concise and consolidated voice.
The Black Church and Black Media, two institutions that have long anchored and uplifted Black America, are now coming together with renewed focus and purpose. This partnership is grounded in shared values, spiritual conviction, cultural empowerment, and an unwavering commitment to truth, justice, and progress.
The coalition will focus on five core initiatives:
Pat L. Houghton, Jamaican Travel Industry Stalwart in New York Has Passed
New York, NY — The travel industry mourns the loss of Patricia Lawrence Haughton, the visionary leader who transformed Alken Tours & Apel Travel into New York’s premier Black-owned travel agency and a gateway for cultural tourism to Jamaica, the Caribbean, and Africa. She passed away Tuesday at 67 after an extended illness.
Lawrence Haughton inherited the family business from her father, Al Lawrence, who founded Alken/Apel in the 1970s. Under her leadership, the agency became a powerhouse in group and events travel, securing a historic contract with American Airlines in the 1980s—the first Black-owned agency in the tri-state area to do so.
Her work elevated travel opportunities for Black and Caribbean communities, fostering cultural and economic ties through music festivals, heritage tours, and luxury vacations.
John Lynch, Chairman of the Jamaica Tourist Board, recalled: “Alken was my
first client. Pat’s dedication to promoting Jamaica was unmatched.”
David Lampel, media mogul and longtime friend, praised her legacy: “She didn’t just sell trips—she built bridges between cultures.”
Vinette K. Pryce, journalist and confidante, noted: “Pat made it possible for thousands to experience reggae, jazz, and African festivals worldwide. This is the end of an era.”
Even in her final months, Lawrence Haughton remained engaged, attending the Jamaica Tourist Board’s 70th anniversary weeks before her passing.
A savvy entrepreneur, she leveraged her influence to support Caribbean tourism—even hosting her 1990s wedding at Jamaica’s then-new Ciboney resort (now Sandals Ochi) to spotlight the destination.
She is survived by her husband Noel, brother Alex, and a global network of colleagues and friends. Funeral arrangements are pending.
Shaping a unified national narrative that challenges harmful stereotypes and amplifies stories of Black resilience, excellence, and innovation
Mobilizing faith-based and media networks to address community disparities through solutions-focused advocacy and outreach
Holding corporate America accountable by demanding responsible reinvestment in Black communities through sustainable partnerships, economic equity, and com-
munity-led development
Empowering the next generation by reclaiming our narratives and creating new pathways for education, leadership, and entrepreneurship
Holding elected officials accountable by spotlighting those whose policies do not align with the interests of the Black community. To earn our votes, they must heed our voices.
“This is more than a symbolic gesture; it is a strategic and spiritual alignment.” When the Black Church and Black Media speak as one, we can ignite a movement. When we organize as one, we can shift the narrative. When we act as one, we cannot be ignored or denied,” the coalition stated. The coalition invites all stakeholders, faith leaders, media professionals, community organizers, educators, business leaders, and concerned citizens to join this movement for unity, justice, and progress. Signed, Coalition Leaders
New York - Celebrates Jamaica’s 63rd Independence
The Consulate General of Jamaica in New York invites the diaspora and friends of Jamaica to celebrate the island’s 63rd Anniversary of Independence under the national theme: “Be Proud. Be Bold. In the Black, Green and Gold.”
From flag-raising ceremonies to a spectacular
gala, the month-long celebration honors Jamaica’s rich heritage while raising critical funds for charitable causes back home.
Schedule of Events
1. Flag Raising Ceremony
Monday, August 4, 2025 | 9:00 AM
Bowling Green, Manhattan
In partnership with the NYC Mayor’s Office, the Jamaican flag will soar over New York City in a symbolic tribute to the nation’s independence.
2. Independence Church Service Sunday, August 10, 2025 | 9:30 AM Community Baptist Church of Englewood (224 First Street, Englewood, NJ)
A morning of prayer, reflection, and thanksgiving for Jamaica’s continued progress.
3. Jamaica Independence Gala – The Grand Finale
Saturday, August 23, 2025 | 6:30 PM Marriott Marquis, Times Square
The highlight of the celebrations—an elegant, high-energy evening featuring:
- Live performances by Skip Marley, Nadine Sutherland, Big Youth, and Sharon Marley
The Statement Band (led by Derrick Barnett) delivering an electrifying live experience
Afterparty with Road International spinning reggae, dancehall, and soca hits
Party with a Purpose
This year’s gala aims to raise $500,000+ for four vital Jamaican causes:
Scholarships for Tertiary Students – Investing in Jamaica’s future leaders
Jamaica Cancer Society – Expanding mammogram access and public education
Rita Marley Foundation Resource Centre for Girls – Empowering at-risk youth
Rose Town Foundation – Driving community revitalization
How to Participate
Tickets & Donations: www.jamaicaindependencegalany.com
Table Reservations: Limited premium seating available
“This is more than a celebration—it’s a movement to uplift Jamaica while honoring our culture,” said a Consulate spokesperson. “We’re calling on the global Jamaican family to come together in pride, purpose, and joy.”
Don’t miss the biggest Jamaican independence celebration in NYC!
Federal Appeals Court Rules Trump’s Birthright Citizenship Policy Unconstitutional
A federal appeals court has ruled that former President Donald Trump’s attempt to end birthright citizenship was unconstitutional, upholding a nationwide block on the controversial executive order.
In a 2–1 decision issued Wednesday, a three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed an earlier ruling by U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour of Seattle, who had previously halted the policy. The court found that Trump’s order violated the 14th Amendment of the U.S.
Constitution, which guarantees citizenship to all individuals born or naturalized in the United States and subject to its jurisdiction.
“The district court correctly concluded that the Executive Order’s proposed interpretation, denying citizenship to many persons born in the United States, is unconstitutional. We fully agree,” wrote the majority opinion, authored by Judges Michael Hawkins and Ronald Gould, both Clinton appointees.
Trump’s 2018 executive order sought to deny automatic citizenship to children born in the U.S. if their parents were undocumented immigrants or temporary visitors. The administration’s interpretation of the Citizenship Clause—specifically the phrase “subject to the jurisdiction thereof”—was that birthright citizenship should not apply to children whose parents lacked legal status.
The majority opinion rejected this view, citing the plain language of the Constitution and longstanding Supreme Court precedent, including the 1898 case United States v. Wong Kim Ark, which held that a child born in the U.S. to Chinese parents who were not citizens was nevertheless entitled to citizenship by birth.
The decision also keeps intact a nationwide injunction, which the Supreme Court has increasingly scrutinized in recent years. However, the 9th Circuit found that the injunction was justified in this case due to the sweeping nature of the policy and the logistical challenges it posed to state governments.
“We conclude that the district court did not abuse its discretion in issuing a universal injunction in order to give the States complete relief,” the majority wrote,
responding to arguments from plaintiff states—Washington, Arizona, Illinois, and Oregon—that allowing the policy to apply in some states but not others would create chaos in citizenship recognition.
Judge Patrick Bumatay, a Trump appointee, issued a dissent, arguing that the states lacked legal standing and warning against the overuse of universal injunctions. “We should approach any request for universal relief with good faith skepticism,” he wrote. However, Bumatay stopped short of weighing in on the constitutionality of the policy itself.
The White House and Department of Justice have not yet commented on the ruling. Meanwhile, legal experts suggest the case is now positioned to move swiftly to the U.S. Supreme Court, which could issue a definitive ruling on the scope of the 14th Amendment in the modern immigration context.
To date, at least nine lawsuits have been filed across the country challenging Trump’s birthright citizenship order. The 9th Circuit’s decision represents a major setback to efforts aimed at redefining the constitutional guarantee of citizenship based on birthright.
NY - Call for ICE Inhumane Detention Center to Close by NYIC
The New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) says a newly released video shows inhumane conditions inside a United States (US) Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Detention Centre at 26 Federal Plaza in lower Manhattan.
“Today, newly released video shows what immigrant New Yorkers have been telling their families and attorneys for months: the 10th floor of 26 Federal Plaza is an ICE detention facility,” said NYIC on Wednesday. “ICE has repeatedly claimed that the 10th floor is not subject to Congressional oversight because it is classified as a holding center.”
US Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin insisted that “26 federal plaza is not a detention center. It is a federal building with an ICE law enforcement office inside of it”.
But NYIC said the video backs up what has been widely communicated by people inside. “They are detained there for days and weeks at a time without showers, medication or a change of clothes, sleeping on the floor, and with minimal food and outside contact.”
McLaughlin has also said, “Any claim that there is overcrowding or subprime condi-
tions is categorically false.”
However, NYIC said the video shows that Caribbean and other immigrants detained on the 10th floor are being held in crowded and unsanitary conditions.
NYIC said that, “On May 20, federal agents began making arrests and disappearing people after they left their immigration court cases at 26 Federal Plaza, 290 Broadway, and 201 Varick Street.”
Starting on June 8, NYIC said US Congress members Nydia Velazquez, Adriano Espaillat, Dan Goldman and Jerry Nadler have been “categorically denied their legal authority to view the detention facility on multiple attempted visits”.
NYIC said all members of Congress have the authority to “conduct unannounced inspections of detention facilities holding individuals in federal immigration custody”, under 2019’s Congressional Public Law 116-93, Sec 405 (this was further codified by 2025’s Congressional Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, Sec 527a).
“All New Yorkers should be able to attend their immigration court cases without being separated from their families simply because they followed the process,” Murad
Awawdeh, NYIC’s president and chief executive officer, told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC). “ICE is kidnapping so many people from New York’s immigration courts that they had to create a new detention facility on the 10th floor of 26 Federal Plaza.”
“But instead of sharing the truth with the public, ICE has skirted accountability by consistently lying about what’s happening on the 10th floor, and breaking the law by not allowing Congress members to view the conditions,” he added. “New Yorkers deserve accountability and justice at 26
Federal Plaza and must be able to safely attend their court proceedings without fear of being detained and disappeared.”
“The 10th floor detention facility must be shut down immediately, and regularly inspected to ensure that ICE adheres to federal guidelines as mandated by law,” Awawdeh demanded.
Likewise, Velázquez said the 10th floor at 26 Federal Plaza has become “the epicenter of the Trump administration’s mass deportation campaign in New York City”.
“Since May, ICE has been snatching New Yorkers off the streets and out of immigration court and taking them to this floor,” she said. “They’ve claimed it’s not a detention facility, just a ‘processing center’, to block members of Congress from exercising our legal right to conduct oversight.”
“They’ve also dismissed repeated reports of overcrowding and inhumane conditions,” Velázquez added. “This video confirms what we’ve feared all along: ICE has been lying and locking us out to hide what’s happening inside.”
“There is no more excuse. ICE must grant members of Congress immediate access to the 10th floor and shut this facility down,” the congresswoman added. CMC
One Love Concert Returns with Caribbean Vibes on August 30
(Queens, NY) Get ready for a Labor Day weekend warm up with real Caribbean vibes during the One Love ConcertNYC Edition on Saturday, August 30. Enjoy live reggae, soca and dancehall music from the Bad Boys of Reggae Inner Circle, Big Mountain, Anslem Douglas, Riddim Section and Tassa Drummers. Kiss Entertainment Center is located at 130-135 91st Avenue in Richmond Hill, New York. Doors open at 2 pm. Performances start at 3 pm and go until 8pm.
The legendary reggae band the Bad Boys of Reggae Inner Circle are world renowned for the Bad Boys movie and *COPS* theme song Bad Boys. After three decades Bad Boys is still one of the most played songs. The Grammy Award winning reggae band will also be performing their hit song Sweat (A La La La La Long). Joining them that night is Big Mountain who are known for their cover
of “Baby I love Your Way” and Anslem Douglas with “Who Let The Dogs Out”. In addition, enjoy more Caribbean fusion vibes from Riddim Section, Tassa Drummers, Music by Rory from Stone Love, DJ Patrick, DJ Tek Vybez and NYC based DJ Fabulous One. The event is hosted by MC Wassy, the #1 singing MC. The event also features Caribbean cuisine (Jerk, Doubles, Roti and more) plus a cash bar with island themed cocktails.
“From Reggae to Soca to Dancehall – It’s One Love, One Sound, One Vibe! We look forward to this unforgettable night of Caribbean music,” said One Love presenter/promoter Mr. and Mrs. Singh. For more information or reservations for the August 30th One Love Concert, visit Ticketgateway.com or call (844)6222400. This event is 21 and over.
19th International Human Rights Summit: Youth Leading the Charge for Global Change
New York, NY – The 19th International Human Rights Summit, hosted by United for Human Rights and Youth for Human Rights International in partnership with leading NGOs and proudly sponsored by the Permanent Mission of Timor-Leste to the United Nations, has brought together youth leaders, diplomats, and advocates from over 60 countries to advance
human rights education as a foundation for peace-- July 24-26.
Since its inception in 2004, the Summit has served as a critical platform for fostering international collaboration, uniting changemakers under a shared vision of justice, dignity, and education. This year’s theme, “Education for Peace,” underscores the transformative power of human rights learning—drawing from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 2024 UNESCO Recommendation on Education for Peace, Human Rights, and Sustainable Development.
Day 1 Highlights: Voices of Change
The Summit opened with a powerful address from H.E. Ambassador Mutryce Williams, Permanent Secretary of St. Kitts and Nevis to the UN, who urged delegates: “To deny people their human rights is to deny them their humanity.”
An idea is often attributed to Nelson Mandela, she encouraged young leaders to “immerse yourselves in the study of the activist and politician” and draw strength from his legacy
of courage.
A dynamic panel, “Generation of Change: Youth at the Forefront of Human Rights,” featured:
* Mukta Bain (Bangladesh) and Nfamara Jawneh (Gambia), who highlighted how social media has revolutionized activism. Jawneh shared how Gambian youth mobilized nationwide in 2016 to demand democracy, leading to the historic ousting of long-time President Yahya Jammeh.
Carib News spoke with inspiring young leaders from the Caribbean, including:
* Senska Madgscherly O’Donnell (Haiti)
* Lawanda Samantha Blake (Jamaica)
* Andrea Carina Princess Bernard (Trinidad & Tobago)
Each shared their passion for advocacy, education, and systemic change—stay tuned for exclusive interviews on our Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
One of Day 1’s standout moments was an exclusive interview with Dr. Mary Shuttleworth, Founder of Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI). Born under apartheid in South
Africa, she turned personal adversity into a lifelong mission, traveling 1.1 million kilometers (669,000 miles) across 90+ nations to advance human rights education.
Her organization’s 30-point booklet, What Are Human Rights?, has become a cornerstone of global advocacy. Watch her full interview on our social media.
Day 2: A Call to Action
The second day began with an empowering address by Dr. Delois Blakely, the Community Mayor of Harlem and Ambassador of Goodwill to Africa, who reminded delegates: “You are the ones the world has been waiting for.”
Her traditional blessing set the tone for a day of strategy, solidarity, and solutions—as young leaders continue shaping the future of human rights.
In a world grappling with conflict, inequality, and censorship, the Summit stands as a beacon of hope, proving that education and youth leadership are the keys to lasting peace. https://bit.ly/HumanRightsSummit2025
Brooklyn Caribbean Literary Festival Announces Theme and Sponsors —Welcome
to the Literary Botanica
Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Caribbean Literary Festival (BCLF) proudly welcomes the return of Hawthornden Foundation, NYU, and TSZ Limited (Trinidad & Tobago) and the arrival of Brooklyn Arts Council, Story Shyft (Barbados), Island Pops as sponsors of its seventh installation. The 2025 edition, “Root & Remedy: Prescriptions for an Uncertain World,” Sept 5-7, 2025, converts the festival into a Caribbean Literary Botánica devoted to stories, rituals, and remedies that meets our present moment of upheaval with imagination and resolve.
Aptly based in Little Caribbean, Brooklyn is known as the gateway to the diaspora and home to the largest concentration of Caribbean people outside the region. BCLF is a living, breathing affirmation of the Caribbean’s enduring spirit, relevance and creative power. The organization charts that ‘“from Flatbush to Crown Heights, Brooklyn is not just where we gather; it is a diasporic crossroads where “gone foreign” becomes home and where the Caribbean story unfolds daily in food stalls, corner stores, and stoops filled with song.”
As a festival, BCLF’s programming is intentionally fluid and unorthodox, mirroring the organic way Caribbean culture weaves through life itself. In its events, literature meets music, visual art, food culture, and oral tradition, challenging conventional boundaries and inviting audiences to feel Caribbean narratives, not merely hear them. This approach democratizes the story for new generations born in the diaspora who crave connection, context, and authenticity. While the seventh annual BCLF Short Fiction Story Contest officially closed on
July 1, 2025, its six guest judges, including UK-based editor Jacob Ross, and the US-domiciled Patricia Powell and Kei Miller, are adjudicating the entries for its two prizes, issued in the name of the late, acclaimed author Dr. Elizabeth Nunez. Winners will be announced during festival week, receiving cash awards, publication, and opportunities for global exposure.
The 2025 festival is made possible by the generous backing of Hawthornden Foundation, NYU, Brooklyn Arts Council, TSZ Limited, Story Shyft, Island Pops, and Poets & Writers. The Center for Fiction, Furious Flower Poetry Center, Greenlight Bookstore, MoCADA, Akashic Books and the Brooklyn Museum are among its programming partners, deepening community ties and expanding the festival’s creative reach. Events will be hosted at the Center for Fiction in downtown Brooklyn, an institution dedicated to the craft and community of storytelling. In typical BCLF fashion, the best of the Caribbean literary canon are expected to line the shelves of the Literary Botanica. Root & Remedy invites readers, writers, and seekers into a space where every panel is a ritual offering and every story a potent medicine. Readers, writers and bibliophiles are invited to come to Brooklyn not only to listen, but to be transformed.
Full programming and ticket information at https://events.humanitix. com/2025-brooklyn-caribbean-literary-festival-or-root-and-remedy/tickets
Visit www.bklyncbeanlitfest.org for updates, volunteer opportunities, and press materials.
UN Report: Global Hunger Declines, But Rises in Africa and Western Asia
An estimated 8.2 percent of the global population, or about 673 million people, experienced hunger in 2024, down from 8.5 percent in 2023 and 8.7 percent in 2022. However, progress was not consistent across the globe, as hunger continued to rise in most subregions of Africa and western Asia, according to this year’s The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI 2025) report published today by five specialized agencies of the United Nations. Launched during the Second UN Food Systems Summit Stocktake (UNFSS+4) in Addis Ababa, SOFI 2025 indicates that between 638 and 720 million people faced hunger in 2024. Based on the point estimate* of 673 million, this represents a decrease of 15 million people from 2023 and of 22 million from 2022. While the decline is welcome, the latest estimates remain above pre-pandemic levels, with the high food inflation of recent years contributing to the slow recovery in food security. Notable improvements are seen in southern Asia and Latin America. The prevalence of undernourishment (PoU) in Asia fell from 7.9 percent in 2022 to 6.7 percent, or 323 million people, in 2024. Additionally, Latin America and the Caribbean as a region saw the PoU fall to 5.1 percent, or 34 million people, in 2024, down from a peak of 6.1 percent in 2020. Unfortunately, this positive trend contrasts sharply with the steady rise in hunger across Africa and western Asia, including in many countries affected by prolonged food crises. The proportion of the population facing hunger in Africa surpassed 20 percent in 2024, affecting 307 million people, while in western Asia an estimated 12.7 percent of the population, or more than 39 million people, may have faced hunger in 2024.
It is projected that 512 million people could be chronically undernourished by 2030. Almost 60 percent of those will be in Africa. This highlights the immense challenge of achieving SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), warned the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the United Nations agency for children (UNICEF), the UN World Food Programme (WFP), and the World Health Organization (WHO).
From 2023 to 2024, the global prevalence of moderate or severe food insecurity – an assessment registering the experience of constraints on access to adequate food during part of the year – decreased slightly, from 28.4 to 28.0 percent, accounting for 2.3 billion people. This is 335 million more than in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, and 683 million more than in 2015, when the Sustainable Development Agenda was adopted.
Among the indicators of child nutrition, the prevalence of stunting in children under five
declined from 26.4 percent in 2012 to 23.2 percent in 2024, reflecting global progress.
The prevalence of child overweight (5.3 percent in 2012 and 5.5 percent in 2024), and in child wasting (7.4 percent in 2012 and 6.6 percent in 2024) remains largely unchanged.
The percentage of infants under six months exclusively breastfed increased significantly, from 37.0 percent in 2012 to 47.8 percent in 2023, reflecting growing recognition of its health benefits.
The prevalence of adult obesity rose from 12.1 percent in 2012 to 15.8 percent in 2022.
New data show an increase in the global prevalence of anaemia among women aged 15 to 49, from 27.6 percent in 2012 to 30.7 percent in 2023.
Estimates for a new SDG indicator introduced in the report reveal that about one-third of children aged 6 to 23 months and two-thirds of women aged 15 to 49 years met minimum dietary diversity.
Food inflation
SOFI 2025 also examines the causes and consequences of the 2021–2023 food price surge and its impact on food security and nutrition.
The report highlights that the global policy response to the COVID-19 pandemic – characterized by extensive fiscal and monetary interventions – combined with the impacts of the war in Ukraine and extreme weather events, contributed to recent inflationary pressures. This food price inflation has hindered the post-pandemic recovery in food security and nutrition. Since 2020, global food price inflation has consistently outpaced headline inflation. The gap peaked in January 2023, with food inflation reaching 13.6 percent, 5.1 percentage points above the headline rate of 8.5 percent.
Low-income countries have been particularly hit hard by rising food prices. While median global food price inflation increased from 2.3 percent in December 2020 to 13.6 percent in early 2023, it climbed even higher in low-income countries, peaking at 30 percent in May 2023.
Despite rising global food prices, the number of people unable to afford a healthy diet fell from 2.76 billion in 2019 to 2.60 billion in 2024. However, the improvement was uneven. In low-income countries, where the cost of a healthy diet rose more sharply than in higher-income countries, the number of people unable to afford a healthy diet increased from 464 million in 2019 to 545 million in 2024. In lower-middle-income countries (excluding India), the number rose from 79 million in 2019 to 869 million over the same period. The report recommends a combination of policy responses to food price inflation. They include targeted and time-bound fiscal measures, such as social protection programs, to safeguard vulnerable households; credible and transparent monetary policies to contain inflationary pressures; and strategic investments in agrifood R&D, transport and production infrastructure, and market information systems to improve productivity and resilience.
FAO Director-General, QU Dongyu: “While it is encouraging to see a decrease in the global hunger rate, we must recognize that progress is uneven. SOFI 2025 serves as a critical reminder that we need to intensify efforts to ensure that everyone has access to sufficient, safe,
and nutritious food. To achieve this, we must work collaboratively and innovatively with governments, organizations, and communities to address the specific challenges faced by vulnerable populations, especially in regions where hunger remains persistent.”
IFAD President, Alvaro Lario: “In times of rising food prices and disrupted global value chains, we must step up our investments in rural and agricultural transformation. These investments are not only essential for ensuring food and nutrition security – they are also critical for global stability.”
UNICEF Executive Director, Catherine Russell: “Every child deserves the chance to grow and thrive. Yet over 190 million children under the age of 5 are affected by undernutrition, which can have negative consequences for their physical and mental development. This robs them of the chance to live to their fullest potential. The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report for 2025 underscores the need to act urgently for the world’s youngest and most vulnerable children, as rising food prices could deepen nutrition insecurity for millions of families. We must work in collaboration with governments, the private sector and communities themselves to ensure that vulnerable families have access to food that is affordable and with adequate nutrition for children to develop. That includes strengthening social protection
produced nutritious food for children, including the importance of breastfeeding, which provides the best start to a baby’s life.
WFP Executive Director, Cindy McCain: “Hunger remains at alarming levels, yet the funding needed to tackle it is falling. Last year, WFP reached 124 million people with lifesaving food assistance. This year, funding cuts of up to 40 percent mean that tens of millions of people will lose the vital lifeline we provide. While the small reduction in overall rates of food insecurity is welcome, the continued failure to provide critical aid to people in desperate need will soon wipe out these hard-won gains, sparking further instability in volatile regions of the world.”
WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus: “In recent years, the world has made good progress in reducing stunting and supporting exclusive breastfeeding, but there is still much to be done to relieve millions of people from the burdens of food insecurity and malnutrition. This report provides encouraging news, but also shows where the gaps are and who is being left behind, and where we must direct our efforts to ensure that everyone has access to a healthy and nutritious diet.”
*The point estimate is the value considered to be more likely among those included in the range of possible values given the information on which the estimate is based.
The Mighty Sparrow Turns 90 – “Calypso King of The World”
The Caribbean and the global music community are celebrating a monumental milestone as The Mighty Sparrow—Slinger Francisco—turns 90.
Born in Grenada in 1935 and raised in Trinidad from the age of one, Sparrow’s name has become synonymous with calypso. His razor-sharp wit, electrifying stage presence, and masterful lyricism earned him the well-deserved title of Calypso King of the World.
Sparrow’s contributions to music, culture, and social commentary have shaped the sound and spirit of the Caribbean for over seven decades.
Growing up in Port of Spain, Trinidad’s vibrant capital, Sparrow was immersed in the colorful rhythms of calypso—nurtured in tents, on street corners, and during Carnival festivities. He sang in the choir at Newtown Boys’ RC School, where he developed his vocal strength and rhythmic intuition.
As a teenager, he began performing informally at community events and neighborhood gatherings. His stage name, The Mighty Sparrow, was reportedly inspired by his lively energy—small in frame but
bold and commanding on stage, like the feisty bird.
His formal debut came in the early 1950s in Trinidad’s calypso tents. In 1956, his breakout hit “Jean and Dinah” earned him the Calypso King title, setting him on a legendary path. That song, with its clever social commentary, marked the beginning of a career that would redefine Caribbean music.
Over the years, Sparrow released dozens of albums and composed hundreds of songs spanning humor, romance, and political commentary. His repertoire includes iconic hits like Congo Man, Melda, Sparrow Dead, Slave, and Education—each blending entertainment with incisive observation.
Noted historian, academic, and fellow calypsonian Chalkdust (Dr. Hollis Liverpool) once remarked, “No one has documented the Caribbean condition with as much wit, skill, and courage as Sparrow. His calypsoes are historical records. He is, and will always be, the Calypso King of the World.”
A true cultural ambassador, Sparrow has toured across Europe, North America,
Africa, and Asia, earning accolades and admirers everywhere. His influence can be heard across generations—from classic calypsonians to modern soca and reggae artists.
His legacy has been honored with Trinidad and Tobago’s highest national awards, including the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (ORTT) and the Chaconia Gold Medal.
As Sparrow reaches this significant milestone, tributes are pouring in from across the Caribbean and the diaspora:
David Rudder:
“Sparrow is the reason many of us picked up a microphone. His courage, humor, and lyrical brilliance set the standard for what calypso should be. Happy 90th to the Calypso King of the World.”
Calypso Rose:
“Sparrow has always been a brother in music. He inspired me and pushed me to be better. Ninety years young and still the greatest. Long live the Birdie!”
Machel Montano:
“We stand on Sparrow’s shoulders. He paved the way for all Caribbean artistes to reach the world stage. His music is forever. Happy 90th, King Sparrow.”
While he is no longer performing due to age and health, his last major live show— “Live at 85!” at Joe’s Pub in New York (2019)—remains etched in the memories of fans. Since then, his appearances have been limited to special events and tributes. Despite health challenges, The Mighty Sparrow remains mentally sharp and ever-charismatic in interviews, where he shares stories of his career, musical rivalries, and cultural reflections. He continues to split his time between Trinidad and New York, and while his personal life remains largely private, he is deeply devoted to family and to the preservation of calypso.
As the Birdie turns 90, one thing is certain—his voice, legacy, and impact will continue to echo across the Caribbean and the world for generations to come.
Army Veteran and Grandmother Stops Passenger From Rushing Cockpit on Delta Flight
A Delta Airlines flight from Atlanta to Tucson was forced to turn back after a disruptive passenger attempted to breach the cockpit—only to be stopped by a quick-thinking Army veteran and grandmother of seven.
Nicole Pruitt, an African American woman with military training and a calm demeanor under pressure, was seated aboard Delta Flight 937 when she noticed a fellow passenger behaving erratically. The woman reportedly made repeated attempts to enter the cockpit, alarming those seated nearby.
“I felt like my life was in danger,” Pruitt
later told ABC 7. Drawing on her Army training, she didn’t hesitate to intervene.
“I got her down on the ground. It wasn’t hard to do because I think she wasn’t even expecting it. And at that moment, I told the flight attendants, ‘Could you please get some restraints for her?’ She was very strong—but my determination was even stronger.”
Pruitt said her military experience helped her remain composed during the ordeal.
“I knew I had to take care of myself at the end of the day,” she said.
Following the incident, the flight returned to Atlanta as a precaution before continu-
ing its journey to Tucson. All 180 passengers onboard were reported safe, with no injuries.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) later confirmed the disruptive passenger was experiencing a medical emergency. She has not been charged in connection with the incident.
Delta Airlines released a statement thanking Pruitt, the crew, and other passengers for their swift and coordinated response. The flight ultimately arrived safely in Arizona.
Jamaica - Gastronomy Academy Launched, Bartlett Calls it ‘Culinary Revolution’
Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has announced the commencement of training for the first cohort of executive sous-chefs enrolled at Jamaica’s Gastronomy Academy.
“We are about to launch, next week, the first Gastronomy Academy in Jamaica. But we are training, already, the first cohort of executive sous-chefs. Six hotels are participating in the program, and 20 executive sous-chef students are now in training for certification,” Minister Bartlett shared.
He made the disclosure while delivering the keynote address during the inaugural Jamaica Forum on Gastronomy Tourism at the AC Hotel by Marriott Kingston on Wednesday (June 18).
The event coincided with the United Nations’ observance of World Sustainable Gastronomy Day and was held under the theme ‘Strengthening Linkages Through Culinary Innovation’. Mr. Bartlett said the Academy represents the Government’s commitment to developing human capital and elevating Jamaica’s gastronomy to world-class standards.
He emphasized that gastronomy lies at the heart of Jamaica’s experiential tourism, noting that food remains one of the primary motivators for travel.
Mr. Bartlett pointed out that, on average, 42 per cent of a tourist’s expenditure is dedicated to culinary experiences.
The Minister noted that this presents a significant opportunity for Jamaica to deepen its earnings from gastronomical experiences, leveraging the growing global demand for culinary tourism.
“The consumption pattern of the visitor is three to five times that of the local. So if we want to produce for the tourists, there’s a great opportunity here. I want to emphasise that it is the consumption pattern of the visitors that we must tap into, to secure the wealth and prosperity that tourism offers,”
Mr. Bartlett stated.
He further noted that gastronomical experiences need not be formal, as tourists often embrace street food for its authenticity and cultural richness.
“What we’re saying is that the range of benefits that flow from food arrangements in Jamaica [is] wide, and it means that almost any layer of entrepreneurship can be embraced in our gastronomy… and that’s the power of tourism. You don’t have to be a great sous-chef to be able to make money in food preparations in tourism. You just need to have a good idea, and you are able to put your thoughts properly together and blend the ingredients and create a product with value,” the Minister maintained.
In her remarks, Chair of the Gastronomy Tourism Network, Nicola Madden-Greig, noted that while gastronomy was not traditionally viewed as a tourism driver, it is now recognized as a premier experiential offering that significantly enhances destination appeal.
“It acts as a pull factor and can create loyal visitors, and thus, gastronomy has become a core marketing element in different destinations. You will see some top destinations worldwide using gastronomy to really up their ante in terms of their visitor numbers.
We can think about Peru, Thailand, Spain, the traditional France… but [also] so many new and upcoming destinations, and Jamaica is no less striving to be in that race,” she stated.
Mrs. Madden-Greig explained that gastronomy is not just about eating well but also experiencing a place through its food, adding that “what better place than Jamaica, where every dish is a celebration of history, identity, and community”.
She challenged tourism stakeholders to “stir the pot” with bold ideas, strong partnerships, and a shared vision of Jamaica, where gastronomy is not just a delight, but a driver of progress.
Meanwhile, Executive Director of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), Dr. Carey Wallace, stated that Jamaica continues to make significant strides in gastronomy tourism.
“Last year, we actually won the number-one Culinary Destination of the Caribbean [Award], so the opportunity is there for us to continue to climb. Let’s get to number one in
the Americas. Let’s get to number one in the West. Let’s get to number one in the world,” he challenged.
The Jamaica Forum on Gastronomy Tourism was hosted by the Tourism Linkages Network
Panelists explored a range of topics, including the historical roots of jerk cuisine, culinary innovation, cultural expression and experimentation, and the evolving role of technology in shaping food experiences. (JIS)
Trinidad Cricket West Indies to Host USA U-19 Women’s Team in Five Match T201 Series
ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Cricket West Indies (CWI) is pleased to announce the 16-member squad that will contest a fivematch T20 International series against the USA Cricket Under 19 Women’s National Team, from 26 July to 3 August 2025, at the Sir Frank Worrell Cricket Ground in St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago. The squad will be led by Trinidadian off-spinner Samara Ramnath with 16-yearold Barbadian Theanny Herbert-Mayers as the vice-captain.
The West Indies squad was selected after the recently concluded Rising Stars Under 19 35-over Championships in Trinidad, which was won by Barbados under Herbert-Mayers’ leadership and features a
squad bustling with young talent eager to impress.
There are some familiar names and faces including skipper Ramnath who led the team at the second-ever ICC Under 19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Malaysia earlier this year. She will have some other previous regional representatives for company including Jamaican Abigail Bryce, off spinning all-rounder NaiJanni Cumberbatch, who ended as leading wicket taker in the Rising Stars Under 19 tournament, 16-year-old Amrita Ramtahal and 17-year-old Brianna Harricharan.
Both teams appeared at this year’s ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup which
took place in Malaysia and reached the Super 6 stage.
The upcoming series will be the third such bi-lateral series between the two teams after successful outings in 2022 at the Central Broward Stadium in Lauderhill, Florida and 2024, also at the Sir Frank Worrell Cricket Ground, in Trinidad. The Head Coach is Merissa Aguilleira, former West Indies Women’s captain, who coached Trinidad and Tobago to the CG United Women’s Super 50 title in March. She will have former West Indies players Tremayne Smartt and Ryan Hinds as assistants while former Windward Islands fast bowler and captain Yasmine St. Ange is the Team Manager.
Cricket West Indies CEO Chris Dehring said,
“We are proud to welcome the USA Under-19 Women’s team and look forward to an exciting series that we hope will inspire even more young girls across the region to take up the sport.”
“This bilateral series reflects CWI’s strategic commitment to expanding competitive opportunities for young female cricketers, while also building meaningful partnerships to drive the growth of the game across the Americas.”
Cricket West Indies Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe shared the importance of the series for women’s cricket development in the region.
“This series marks the start of an eighteen-month campaign to the 2027 Women’s Under-19 World Cup. Most of the players selected for this series will be World Cup eligible and this series will go a long way in assessing the work that needs to be done with the group to get them ready.”
“Following what is expected to be a competitive series with the USA, development plans will be created to further the skill and holistic development of the players in the squad with a view to giving them the best chance to compete at the 2027 World Cup.”
All five matches will be held at the Sir Frank Worrell Cricket Ground from 10 am each day and live streaming will be provided on the Cricket West Indies YouTube channel.
