March 19, 2025

VOL. XLIV NO. 2210 WEEK OF MARCH 19 - 25 , 2025 UNITES STATES/CARIBBEAN

TRUMP’S TRAVEL RESTRICTION ON CARIBBEAN C’TRIES

WWW.NYCARIBNEWS.COM

(OUT OF TOWN) $1.50

MIA MOTTLEY TO U.S.

Leaders of the nations have stated they have not received any official notification from the Trump administration

Page 5

NEW YORK

AG JAMES WINS LAWSUIT TO RETURN FEDERAL WORKERS To their jobs. Thousands forced out

by Trump administration were reinstated under court order

Page 3

JAMAICA

JAMAICA’S NEW AMBASSADOR TO WASHINGTON Antony Anderson, a former Police Commissioner who has replaced Audrey Marks Page 4 THE UWI

PROSTATE CANCER BREAKTHROUGH RESEARCH

Focusing on Black men conducted

by Dr. Simone Badal with cross promise

Page 12

TRAVEL

BEACHES $1 BILLION EXPANSION PLAN The exciting announcement was made

by Chairman Adam Stewart and extends throughout the region

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REVOKE MY VISA IF YOU SO WISH BUT I WILL BE STANDING WITH THE CUBAN HEALTH WORKERS AND THEIR VALUE AND WORK IN THE REGION

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

STUART YOUNG

LIFESTYLE

RIHANNA/PUMA COLLABORATION Launched in Barbados.

Page 19

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NEW PRIME MINISTER

SWORN INTO OFFICE - APPEALS FOR UNITY PROMISES PROGRESS

CARIBNEWS

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CaribNews EDITORIAL L.A. Mayor Bass Fights Recall with Action as Violent Crime Falls

by Stacy M. Brown- P 9

WEEK ENDING MARCH 25, 2025

AFRICA Sudan war: Children facing ‘unimaginable suffering’, warns UNICEF chief

Sudan is now the world’s largest and most devastating humanitarian crisis, the head of the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) warned on Thursday. After two years of war, over OPINION 30 million people – more than half of them children – are living in the grip of mass atrocities, famine and deadly disease.

Trump’s EPA is at War with the Americans it is Supposed to Protect “This is not just a crisis, it is a poly-crisis affecting every secby Ben Jealous - P 9 tor, from health and nutrition to water, education and protection,” Catherine Russell, UNICEF Executive Director, told ambassadors in the Security Council.

HEALTH Since war erupted between the former allies-turned-rivals, Mental Health: the Hidden Pandemic, the Sudanese army (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and their associated militias in April 2023, tens of thousands Theme for 69th Annual Health of civilians have been killed and more than 12 million forced Research Conference - P 16 to flee their homes – around 3.5 million as refugees in neighbouring countries.

SPORTS Fertile farmlands have been decimated, famine declared in West Indies Breakout League to several areas and critical infrastructure – including hospitals Launch in 2025 - P 20 – destroyed or abandoned in the fighting.

Heartbreaking situation Children are bearing the brunt of the violence. UNICEF has received alarming reports of grave violations against children, including killings, sexual violence and forced recruitment into armed groups.

WHO injects fresh support into DR Congo vaccination drive The UN World Health Organization (WHO) has stepped up efforts to improve vaccination coverage in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) by providing vital logistical support, including boats and motorcycles to reach remote communities along the Congo River.

The initiative aims to curb the spread of preventable diseases such as polio, measles and yellow fever which remain a persistent threat in hard-to-reach areas.

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Speedy response WHO delivered 79 outboard motors, two speedboats, 14 motorcycles and other essential equipment worth $750,000 to the country’s Ministry of Public Health to expand vaccination campaigns in 89 health zones in nine provinces, the agency said in a news release on Tuesday (in French).

“These boats and vehicles will allow health workers to quickly reach children and communities who have long been cut off from essential services,” said Boureima Hama Sambo, WHO Representative in the DRC. “This will significantly reduce the number of missed vaccinations and ensure that no child is left vulnerable to diseases that we can prevent.”

Fighting preventable diseases The Congo River and its many tributaries form a vast network of isolated islands and remote settlements, particularly in provinces such as Équateur, Mongala, Tanganyika and Tshopo.

WORLD BRIEFS ‘Haiti’s survival is at stake,’ says UN expert, warning of worsening crisis Haiti is in freefall. Gangs are tightening their grip on the capital, violence is spreading, and “suffering permeates all social strata” in a nation teetering on the brink, according to the UN human rights office’s designated expert on the country, William O’Neill.

After his fourth visit to assess conditions on the ground, Mr. O’Neill briefed journalists at UN Headquarters in New York, describing a nation overwhelmed by pain and despair.

“I hate to sound like a broken record,” he said, “but the situation is more dire each time I go”.

Despite the efforts of the Haitian National Police (PNH) and the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission, the threat of the capital falling under full gang control looms larger than ever.

“These violent criminal groups are expanding beyond the capital,” he told reporters. “They kill, rape, terrorise, set fire to homes” and “infiltrate all spheres of society.”

“All this, with the utmost impunity and sometimes, as many sources point out, with the complicity of powerful actors.”

Mr. O’Neill shared harrowing testimonies from Haitians caught in the turmoil.

Funding shortages risk undermining a ‘watershed moment’ for Syria Fourteen years of war have left Syria’s people in desperate need – but international support is dwindling, UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned on Monday, calling for urgent investment in the country’s recovery.

In a video message to the conference Standing with Syria: Meeting the Needs for a Successful Transition, organized by the European Union in Brussels, he underlined the gravity of the situation.

“This is a watershed moment,” said the UN chief, stressing that the future of Syria depends on ensuring access to food, shelter, healthcare and sustainable livelihoods.

Over two-thirds of the population requires humanitarian assistance. However, critical aid efforts are in jeopardy due to severe underfunding.

The $1.25 billion UN-coordinated humanitarian response for the country is only 12.5 percent funded, with vital sectors such as shelter, non-food relief, water and sanitation, and agriculture and nutrition suffering from lack of resources.

Reconsider funding cuts Mr. Guterres underscored the need for support from the international community.

Donors must urgently expand humanitarian support and reconsider funding cuts, he said. They must also invest in Syria’s recovery – including addressing sanctions and other restrictions – alongside helping an orderly and inclusive political transition.

WEEK ENDING MARCH 25, 2025

CARIBNEWS

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NY - AG James Wins Suit to Reinstate Thousands of Federal Workers

New York Attorney General Letitia James released the following statement after winning a court order forcing the Trump administration to reinstate thousands of illegally fired probationary federal employ

ees by March 17. The court order is the result of a lawsuit brought by Attorney General James and a coalition of 19 other attorneys general, alleging the Trump administration violated federal law by

illegally firing thousands of probationary federal workers without providing advance notice: “Federal workers dedicate their careers to serving our country. They go to work every day to keep our communities safe, provide health care to those in need, and more. The Trump administration’s illegal mass firings of federal workers are causing destruction and confusion throughout the country, and they must stop. I applaud this ruling that restores thousands of federal workers’ jobs, and I will continue to fight to protect our federal workforce, and the services New Yorkers rely on, from this administration’s chaos.”

On March 6, Attorney General James joined a coalition of 19 other attorneys general in suing the Trump administration for illegally firing probationary employees. The attorneys general argued that the administration’s mass terminations of workers violated federal law requiring written notice to states and affected workers of any mass layoffs.

The United States District Court for the District of Maryland granted Attorney General James and the coalition’s motion for a temporary restraining order (TRO).

As part of the TRO, the Trump administration must reinstate thousands of illegally fired probationary employees that have been laid off since January 20 and is barred from conducting further mass firings in violation of the law.

This is the latest example of Attorney General James taking action to protect federal workers and the critical services they provide. On March 13, Attorney General James led a coalition of 20 other attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration to stop the dismantling of the Department of Education, including the firing of approximately half of its workforce. On February 11, Attorney General James joined a coalition of 20 other attorneys general in filing an amicus brief in support of federal employees challenging the Trump administration’s harmful and misleading federal “buyout” plan. On February 3, Attorney General James led a coalition of 11 other attorneys general in warning federal workers against the Trump administration’s deceptive buyout offers.

U.S. Judge Blocks Some of Trump’s Deportations

In response to a lawsuit by two non-profit organizations arguing that President Donald Trump may use a wartime legislation to expedite the deportation of unauthorized migrants, a federal court temporarily barred the U.S. government from deporting further Venezuelans.

Earlier on March 15, 2025, the case was filed by Democracy Forward, another nonprofit organization, and the American Civil Liberties Union.

In the complaint, the organizations claimed that the Aliens Enemies Act of 1798 was “imminent” and that its use would be unlawful since it has only ever been “a power invoked in a time of war, and plainly only applies to warlike actions.”

The court issued a temporary restraining order, preventing the government from deporting five Venezuelans for a period of 14 days, but it did not decide on the wartime legislation. In their case, the ACLU stated that they are requesting asylum.

An inquiry was not immediately answered by the White House. The government has challenged the judge’s temporary restraining order, according to court documents.

The complaint pointed out that only the War of 1812, World War I, and World War

II had made use of the wartime statute.

Chief Judge James Boasberg of the District of Columbia federal court said in his decision, “Given the exigent circumstances that it has been made aware of this morning, it has determined that an immediate Order is warranted to maintain the status quo until a hearing can be set.”

The judge scheduled an initial court hearing for later March 15 and a follow-up hearing for March 17.

In a joint statement, Democracy Forward and ACLU said they will request that the interim restraining order be extended to include everyone who may be removed under the legislation.

Many Japanese Americans were forcibly interned in camps during World War II. In 1988, the U.S. government issued an official apology for the acts and compensated the surviving victims.

A federal court in Washington, D.C., recently refused to prematurely stop the transport of ten migrant prisoners to the U.S. military facility in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in a different case spearheaded by the American Civil Liberties Union.

Carl Nichols, a judge appointed by Trump, stated that the migrants had not yet experienced “irreparable harm” that would

warrant halting the transfer.

The ACLU had claimed that the transfers were illegal under U.S. immigration law because they took the inmates abroad and were intended to incite fear without a valid reason. In similar court papers, former Trump administration prisoners described

severe circumstances and suicide attempts.

During the hearing, a Justice Department lawyer stated that all the immigrants who had previously been detained at Guantanamo had been returned to the United States.

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CARIBNEWS

WEEK ENDING MARCH 25, 2025

T&T - Stuart Young Sworn in As New Prime Minister Stuart Richard Young was sworn in on March 17, 2025, as the eighth prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago, a few months before voters in this twin island republic go to the polls to elect a new government.

Young, the former minister of Energy and Energy Industries, replaced 75-year-old Dr. Keith Rowley, who stepped down from office after nine and a half years and ended 45 years of active politics.

“As we begin this new chapter together, this is my commitment to you. I will lead with integrity, inclusion and accountability,” Young said, soon after he was sworn into office by President Christine Kangaloo.

“We will harness our unique strength, diversity, and aspiration to build a future where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive. We will put aside differences, leverage our collective experiences and expertise and champion the necessary reforms to transform and strengthen our nation,” said Young, who said he would be naming his new cabinet later on Monday.

Former planning and development minister, Camille Robinson Regis, was sworn in as Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs.

Young told the ceremony, attended by his parents, other relatives as well as his two sons, that the cultural and religious diversity of Trinidad and Tobago “offers us a powerful way forward, a new chapter for Trinidad and Tobago.”

Young, who must name the date for the general election constitutionally due by November this year, said he believes in Trinidad and Tobago and “I believe in us as a people.”

“Nowhere else in the world where such profound and dynamic blend of cultural religious diversity that not only co-exists but strives, shapes and strengthens a collective national identity.

“It is this very foundation, our national unity, built on respect, inclusion and shared purpose along with our fighting spirit that I believe holds the power to propel our nation forward. This also the very foundation that shaped a boy born on Upper Henry Street in Port of Spain, into the person who stands before you today, honored to be the prime minister,” he stated.

He said his parents, which included the former managing director of Scotia Bank here, had taught him to work hard, serve others and take on injustices, “when I had the power to make a difference”.

He said that’s why he studied law adding “it has been my life’s work to fight for the people of this nation and at every step I have borne witness to what we can achieve when we fight together.”

“The challenges of the past have tested our resilience, but they have also revealed the depth of our strength, purpose and our fighting spirit,” said Young, who is expected to outline his new administration’s pol-

icy as he leads the ruling People’s National Movement (PNM) into the campaign for the next general election, with the main challenger being the United National Congress (UNC).

Meanwhile, Barbados Prime Minister, Mia Mottley, who is also chair of the 15-member regional integration movement, CARICOM, welcomed Young, offering heartfelt congratulations on his installation as the eighth Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. ”I also warmly welcome him to the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government. We look forward to the continued robust participation of Trinidad and Tobago in shaping and executing CARICOM’s response to current and emerging global affairs, including Energy and Security (Drugs and Illicit Arms), for which Prime Minister Young will have lead responsibility in the CARICOM Quasi-cabinet,“ she said.

Mottley said CARICOM commits its full support as the prime minister and his government continue to chart a stable, secure and prosperous future for the people of Trinidad and Tobago and the region.

(CMC)

Jamaica - Antony Anderson Named Jamaican Ambassador to the U.S. In a significant diplomatic move, the Jamaican government has announced the appointment of Major General (Retired) Antony Anderson, former Commissioner of Police, as the country’s new Ambassador-designate to the United States of America and Permanent Representative-designate to the Organisation of American States (OAS). The announcement was made by Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness on Thursday, following the resignation of Ambassador Audrey Marks, who has since been appointed to the Senate.

Anderson, a seasoned leader with decades of experience in defence, security, and strategic policy, is expected to assume his role in Washington, D.C., in the coming weeks. His appointment comes at a pivotal time for Jamaica, as the nation seeks to deepen its security partnerships with the United States and strengthen its influence within the OAS.

A Legacy of Leadership and Reform Major General Anderson’s distinguished career includes serving as Chief of Defence Staff of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and later as Jamaica’s first National Security Advisor. In these roles, he played a pivotal part in shaping the country’s national security policies and fostering international cooperation. As Commissioner

of Police, Anderson spearheaded transformative modernization efforts within the Jamaica Constabulary Force, driving technology integration and organizational reforms that significantly enhanced public safety and law enforcement capabilities.

“We are very pleased that Major General Anderson will assume this role at a time when Jamaica is prioritizing the strengthening of its security partnerships,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kamina Johnson Smith. “His leadership and expertise will be critical in advancing Jamaica’s broader priorities, fostering deeper collaboration with the United States, and engaging strategically within the OAS. He will build on the strong foundation laid by Ambassador Audrey Marks, whose service has been instrumental in advancing our bilateral agenda.”

A Strategic Diplomatic Choice Anderson’s appointment underscores Jamaica’s commitment to placing experienced and capable leaders in key diplomatic positions. With a strong background in regional security coordination, he has facilitated joint security initiatives across the Caribbean, advised governments on national security frameworks, and led multinational security operations. His expertise is expected to bolster Jamaica’s

efforts in addressing transnational crime, cybersecurity, and other shared security challenges.

Educationally, Anderson brings a robust academic foundation to his new role. He holds a Master of Defence Administration from the Royal Military College of Science in Shrivenham, United Kingdom, and a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from Cranfield University, also in the UK. Building on a Strong Foundation Anderson steps into the role previously held by Ambassador Audrey Marks, who served with distinction and played a key role in advancing Jamaica’s bilateral relations with the United States. Marks’ transition to the Senate marks a new

chapter in her public service career, while Anderson’s appointment signals a continued focus on strategic diplomacy and regional collaboration.

As Jamaica looks to the future, Major General Anderson’s leadership is expected to play a vital role in strengthening the nation’s global partnerships, enhancing regional security, and advancing its diplomatic priorities on the international stage.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade confirmed that Anderson will assume his duties in Washington, D.C., imminently, where he will begin the critical work of representing Jamaica’s interests and fostering stronger ties with the United States and the broader Americas.

WEEK ENDING MARCH 25, 2025

CARIBNEWS

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Barbados - PM Mottley Open to Revocation of Visa BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) — Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley says she is prepared to have her United States (US) visa revoked as she urged Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries to ensure they are able to explain “what the Cubans have been able to do for us” as they seek to defend the Cuban health brigade program.

“This matter, with the Cubans and the nurses, should tell us everything that we need to know.

Barbados does not currently have Cuban medical staff or Cuban nurses, but I will be the first to go to the line and to tell you that we could not get through the (COVID-19) pandemic without the Cuban nurses and the Cuban doctors,” Mottley said in a statement in Parliament.

The United States has raised questions about the program that CARICOM countries have insisted has benefitted the region significantly.

US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio announced recently that Washington would be expanding an existing Cuba-related visa restriction policy that targets forced labour linked to the Cuban labour export program.

“This expanded policy applies to current or former Cuban government officials, and other

individuals, including foreign government officials, who are believed to be responsible for, or involved in, the Cuban labour export programme, particularly Cuba’s overseas medical missions,” Rubio said.

Rubio, the son of Cuban immigrants who left Cuba in pursuit of the American dream, said in the statement posted on the US Department of State’s website that the new policy also applies to the immediate family of those people supporting the Cuban program.

“The department has already taken steps to impose visa restrictions on several individuals, including Venezuelans, under this expanded policy,” he added.

The Antigua and Barbuda, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago prime ministers have publicly expressed their support for the Cuban program, while Grenada’s Foreign Minister Affairs Minister, Joseph Andall, said St. George’s not only has a “legal, moral and ethical obligation to stand by the people of Cuba but that it should avoid being opportunistic or transactional as it pertains to the relations between the two countries”.

Mottley, the latest CARICOM leader to address the issue, said that she would be the first to

inform the world that Cuban health professionals have been paid “the same thing that we pay Bajans (Barbadians), and that the notion, as was peddled not just by this government in the US, but the previous government, that we were involved in human trafficking by engaging with the Cuban nurses was fully repudiated and rejected by us”.

“Now, I don’t believe that we have to shout across the seas, but I am prepared, like others in this region, that if we cannot reach a sensible agreement on this matter, then if the cost of it is the loss of my visa, to the US, then so be it.

“But what matters to us is principles. And I have said over and over that principles only mean something when it is inconvenient to stand by it. Now we don’t have to shout, but we can be resolute.”

Mottley, the Caribbean’s only female head of government, said she is looking forward “to standing with my CARICOM brothers…to be able to ensure that we explain that what the Cubans have been able to do for us, far from approximating itself to human trafficking, has been to save lives and limbs and sight for many a Caribbean person”.

Caribbean Countries Face US Travel Restrictions

Five Caribbean nations—Saint Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St Kitts and Nevis, and Cuba—have been included in a proposed list of countries facing potential travel restrictions under the Trump administration.

According to The New York Times, the proposal developed by diplomatic and security officials categorizes countries into three levels of restrictions: a “red” list of 11 nations whose citizens would be flatly barred from entering the United States, including Cuba and Venezuela; an “orange” list of 10 countries for which travel would be restricted but not cut off; and a “yellow” list of 22 nations, including the four Eastern Caribbean nations, which would be given 60 days to clear up perceived deficiencies, with the threat of being moved to one of the other lists if they did not comply.

The reasons for the categorization of the countries were not given, but The New York Times report said concerns may include inadequate security practices for issuing passports, insufficient information-sharing on travelers, or the selling of citizenship to people from banned countries.

All the Caribbean islands on the yellow list have Citizenship by Investment programs which offer foreign investors the opportunity to obtain citizenship.

Cuba and Venezuela, meanwhile, are long-standing adversaries of US foreign policy.

The proposed restrictions, if implemented, would significantly expand the travel bans imposed during President Donald Trump’s first term. However, the final decision rests with the White House, and the list may be subject to change, according to The New York Times.

During his first presidency, Trump’s travel bans faced legal challenges, but a revised version banning citizens from eight nations, six of them predominantly Muslim, was upheld by the US Supreme Court. His successor, Joe Biden, revoked the bans in 2021.

With Trump back in office, his administration argues that reinstating the bans is necessary to protect US citizens “from aliens who intend to commit terrorist attacks, threaten our national security, espouse hateful ideology or otherwise exploit the immigration laws for malevolent purposes.” (CMC)

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WEEK ENDING MARCH 25, 2025

Guyana - - Retains Lobbyists in Washington at $50,000 per Month

According to analysts, Georgetown would want to make sure that Washington supports Guyana’s stance on the boundary dispute with Venezuela and the arbitral ruling from 1899 that supports it. Georgetown would be anticipating strong backing from Washington given Venezuela’s increased hostility, which was demonstrated on March 1st when one of its military ships entered Guyana’s seas. Remarkably, the US Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs sent a statement on X (previously Twitter) on March 1, just hours after the raid.

The declaration said “Venezuelan naval vessels threatening ExxonMobil’s floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO)

unit is unacceptable and a clear violation of Guyana’s internationally recognized maritime territory. Further provocation will result in consequences for the Maduro regime”. The United States reaffirm Guyana and the Caribbean are becoming increasingly concerned about the Trump administration’s policies, and in response the Irfaan Ali administration has enlisted a consultancy firm led by Carlos Trujillo, one of his Latino advisors.

A document filed under the US Foreign Agents Registration Act states that Trujillo, who works for the consulting firm Continental Strategy LLC, signed the contract on December 13, 2024. On February 5th, this year, Elisabeth Harper, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, signed the agreement on Guyana’s behalf.

The signature of the agreement was not announced by the local administration.

According to the terms of the contract with the Virginia-based lawyer, it will run for six months starting on December 16, 2024, and it can be extended to the client’s request, provided the firm performs well.

For the term of the contract, the customer will pay the business US$50,000 ($10 million) per month.

The business will also send the customer a monthly charge for acceptable engagement-related expenditures, such as registration fees and travel expenses.

“The Firm will act prudently in its under-

takings and in any instance where monthly costs will exceed (US$15,000), seek prior written approval from the Client,” the agreement states.

Trujillo was appointed U.S. Ambassador to the Organization of American States by President Trump in October 2017. In addition, he provided the Trump team with Latin vote advice prior to the November elections.

Trump has declared his intention to appoint Trujillo as the new Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs in March 2020. Trujillo took part in a Senate Committee on Foreign Relations hearing in July 2020, however, his nomination was sent back to the president on January 3, 2021.

Georgetown will probably also try to influence the Trump administration on the issue of deportees’ return here and the possibility of sanctions on officials of nations participating in Cuban medical missions, which Washington has called human trafficking.

According to Continental Strategy’s website, “We specialize in advising and representing our clients across a wide range of issues in Washington, D.C., Florida, and throughout Latin America. Our team has decades of experience working in state and federal government, lobbying, and advising on policy, politics, and communications. Our relationships with policymakers, legislators, elected officials,

and staff have been cultivated over decades while working in the executive and legislative branches of federal and state government. We specialize in guiding our clients in public and private sector endeavors, spearheading political and diplomatic initiatives, and collaborating with multilateral institutions and non-governmental organizations. Our team analyzes and evaluates policies, legislation, and market conditions, to create custom strategies to advance our client’s objectives”.

In addition to being a founding partner of Trujillo, Vargas, Gonzalez and Hevia LLP and an assistant state attorney in Florida’s 11th Judicial District, Trujillo was elected to the Florida House of Representatives for eight years.

Before joining the OAS, Trump had nominated Trujillo to represent the US at the 72nd UN General Assembly, where he was accompanied by former Ambassador Nikki Haley.

Before working in Washington, Trujillo was elected to the Florida House of Representatives as the State Representative for the 105th District, according to the website. He held several positions there, including Chairman of the Florida House Appropriations Committee, which required him to oversee and appropriate a $83.5 billion budget, Chair of the Economic Development Subcommittee, and Chair of the Criminal Justice Subcommittee.

Guyana - Venezuela’s Threat to Guyana’s Sovereignty Will Not Be Allowed, says US Ambassador The United States has reiterated its steadfast support for Guyana in the face of ongoing aggression from Venezuela over the long-standing border controversy. Speaking at an event in Georgetown on Thursday, US Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot, emphasized that her country stands firmly with Guyana against any threats posed by the Nicolás Maduro administration.

“We support Guyana 100% against this unacceptable aggression, and we will not allow Venezuela to threaten Guyana’s territory or sovereignty,” Ambassador Theriot stated during a media launch at the Marriott Hotel. She highlighted the United States’ unwavering commitment to Guyana, noting that Washington was among the first to condemn the recent incursion into Guyana’s waters by a Venezuelan coastguard vessel.

“We will always stand shoulder to shoulder with Guyana, supporting and defending you,” Theriot added, underscoring the strong bilateral ties between the two

nations.

The United States is closely monitoring the escalating tensions between Guyana and Venezuela, which have raised concerns about regional stability. On Wednesday, John Kirby, spokesman for the US National Security Council, described the situation as “concerning” and called for a peaceful resolution to the dispute.

“It’s concerning. We’re watching this very, very closely,” Kirby told reporters. “The 1899 arbitral decision must be respected. We do not want to see any violence or conflict, and we are in close contact with all our partners to ensure a peaceful outcome.”

The 1899 arbitral award, which established the land boundary between Guyana and Venezuela, has been a point of contention for decades. Venezuela has recently renewed its claims to the Essequibo region, a resource-rich area that constitutes a significant portion of Guyana’s territory.

Ambassador Theriot’s remarks reflect the deepening partnership between the United

States and Guyana, particularly in the face of external threats. The US has consistently supported Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while also advocating for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the border controversy.

Guyana has welcomed the international community’s support, including from the United States, as it seeks to defend its sovereignty and maintain regional peace.

The recent incursion by a Venezuelan vessel into Guyana’s waters has further heightened tensions, prompting calls for de-escalation and adherence to international law.

As the situation unfolds, the United States has pledged to remain a steadfast ally to Guyana, ensuring that its sovereignty is protected and that any disputes are resolved peacefully. The international community continues to urge Venezuela to respect the 1899 arbitral award and refrain from actions that could destabilize the region.

With the US closely engaged in the matter, Guyana remains confident in its ability to navigate the challenges posed by the border controversy, bolstered by the support of its allies and the principles of international law.

WEEK ENDING MARCH 25, 2025

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Atlanta - Marcus Garvey Plaque to Be Unveiled A plaque will be unveiled in Atlanta, Georgia, on March 25 to honor Jamaica’s first National Hero, the Rt. Excellency Marcus Mosiah Garvey.

The event will take place at the Big Bethel AME Church where Garvey made his first appearance and delivered a public lecture on March 25, 1917, marking the 108th anniversary of the historic address.

The unveiling ceremony will form part of the second annual Atlanta Marcus Garvey Lecture, initiated by Garveyism professor and President of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA), Steven Golding, in collaboration with the Atlanta Jamaica Association.

Adding to the significance of the event, March 25 is also commemorated by the United Nations as the International Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Slavery and the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade.

Mr. Golding explained that the plaque to be unveiled was designed by Nubian Jak, a British Jamaican who has produced more than 100 black history heritage markers (blue plaques) in the United Kingdom (UK) since the beginning of

the 21st century.

Mr. Jak will be on hand for the event.

He said that guests will be treated to an exclusive screening of the 40-minute narrative film ‘Mosiah’, the first movie to depict the life of Garvey.

The movie features Atlanta writer and actor Samuel Lee-Fudge as Garvey.

Mr. Fudge will appear as a guest at the plaque unveiling.

As the founder and first President-General of the UNIA and African Communities League (UNIA-ACL), Garvey built the largest mass movement of Black people in history, establishing a powerful framework for economic independence, cultural pride, and political self-determination that reached from the streets of Harlem to the shores of Africa, the Caribbean, and beyond.

Among those expected to attend the plaque unveiling are the Mayor of Atlanta, Hon. André Dickens; Jamaica’s Consul General for the Southern United States, Oliver Mair; Jamaica’s Honorary Consul in Atlanta, Dr. Elaine Bryan; and President of the Atlanta Jamaica Association, Evette Taylor-Reynolds. (JIS)

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CARIBEDITORIAL

WEEK ENDING MARCH 25, 2025

​US Revoking Caribbean Leaders Visas

In a commendable display of leadership and solidarity, Caribbean nations have united to oppose a recent U.S. policy targeting Cuban medical missions. These missions have long been instrumental in bolstering healthcare systems across the region, providing essential services to underserved communities. The U.S. administration’s stance not only threatens to disrupt these vital services but also undermines the sovereignty of Caribbean nations striving to meet the healthcare needs of their populations.

Since the early 1960s, Cuba has championed medical internationalism, dispatching healthcare professionals worldwide to assist nations in crisis and to support under-resourced medical systems. This commitment began in 1960 when Cuba sent a team of medics to Chile following a devastating earthquake. Three years later, in 1963, Cuba dispatched medical workers to help newly independent Algeria build its healthcare sector. Over the decades, Cuban medical professionals have served in numerous countries, offering services ranging from emergency response to the establishment of sustainable healthcare infrastructure.​ In the Caribbean, Cuban doctors have been a cornerstone of healthcare delivery.

Their contributions have been particularly significant in nations grappling with limited resources and challenging health indicators. For instance, in Haiti, Cuban medical teams have been active since 1998, providing continuous support through natural disasters and health crises. They

have been credited with performing over 207,000 surgeries, restoring eyesight to 45,000 individuals, and assisting in the birth of 100,000 children. Such interventions have not only saved lives but have also strengthened the healthcare capacities of these nations.​ The recent U.S. policy threatens visa restrictions on individuals involved with Cuban medical missions, labeling these programs as “forced labor” that enriches the Cuban regime. This characterization has been met with staunch opposition from Caribbean leaders who recognize the indispensable role of Cuban healthcare professionals in their countries.​ Jamaica’s Foreign Minister, Kamina Johnson Smith, highlighted the significance of over 400 Cuban medical personnel working in Jamaica, stating, “Their presence here is of importance to our healthcare system.” These professionals include doctors, nurses, biomedical engineers, and technicians who fill critical gaps in the nation’s healthcare delivery.​ Similarly, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines emphasized the critical nature of Cuban medical assistance, particularly for patients requiring dialysis treatment. He remarked, “I will prefer to lose my visa than to have 60 poor and working people die.” This statement underscores the profound ethical considerations at play, where the well-being of citizens is prioritized over diplomatic pressures.​ Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister, Keith Rowley, before stepping down, also

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expressed his readiness to forgo his U.S. visa rather than compromise his nation’s healthcare services. He asserted, “I just came back from California, and if I never go back there again in my life, I will ensure that the sovereignty of Trinidad and Tobago is known to ... .” Rowley highlighted the long-standing reliance on Cuban medical professionals, who are compensated on par with their local counterparts, refuting claims of exploitation.

Barbados has maintained a robust relationship with Cuba since establishing formal diplomatic ties in 1972. Over the years, this relationship has been marked by mutual support and collaboration, particularly in healthcare. Cuban medical teams have assisted Barbados in various capacities, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, where 126 medical professionals from the Henry Reeve Brigade were dispatched to aid in the country’s response efforts. This collaboration has been pivotal in enhancing Barbados’ healthcare delivery, especially during times of crisis.​ The U.S. administration’s decision to impose visa restrictions on those involved with Cuban medical missions is predicated on allegations of labor exploitation.

However, this perspective fails to consider the agency of Caribbean nations and their leaders, who actively seek and value Cuban medical assistance. The characterization of these missions as “forced labor” is contradicted by the testimonies of Caribbean leaders who attest to the equitable treatment and essential contributions of Cuban medical personnel.​ Furthermore, the policy overlooks the historical context of Cuban medical internationalism, which has been rooted in principles of solidarity and mutual aid. Cuba’s medical missions have been a lifeline for many countries, providing services that would otherwise be inaccessible to large segments of their populations. The unilateral move by the U.S. not only threatens to deprive these nations of critical healthcare services but also undermines regional efforts to achieve health equity.​ The firm stance taken by Caribbean leaders is a call for the U.S. to respect the sovereignty of nations in choosing their development partners. The decision to engage Cuban medical professionals is based on pragmatic considerations of healthcare needs and the proven track record of these missions in delivering results. By attempting to curtail these collaborations, the U.S. risks alienating its neighbors and disruptKARLISA RODNEY VICE PRESIDENT PROMOTIONS/SPECIAL EVENTS CARIB NEWS welcomes letters from readers. Short typed letters stand the best chance of being published. Include your name address and phone number. Names will be withheld at your request.

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ing healthcare systems that rely on Cuban support.​ It is imperative for the U.S. to reassess its policy through a lens of mutual respect and understanding. Engaging in dialogue with Caribbean nations and acknowledging the value they place on Cuban medical assistance would be a constructive step forward. Such an approach would not only preserve essential healthcare services but also strengthen diplomatic relations in the region.

The unwavering support of Caribbean leaders for Cuban medical missions is a testament to the profound impact these programs have had on the health and well-being of their populations. The U.S. policy targeting these missions is not only misguided but also detrimental to the progress made in regional healthcare. As the world continues to grapple with health challenges, fostering collaboration and honoring the choices of sovereign nations in determining their healthcare partnerships is more crucial than ever.

The resilience of Caribbean nations in defending their right to access quality healthcare—regardless of geopolitical tensions—demonstrates a commitment to their people’s well-being above all else.

Leaders like Prime Minister Mia Mottley, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, and Prime Minister Keith Rowley, among others, have set an example of principled leadership, standing up against external pressures to protect their healthcare systems.

The United States should respect the autonomy of Caribbean nations and recognize that their partnerships with Cuba are a matter of health, not politics. Rather than seeking to dismantle these life-saving collaborations, At the end of the day, the issue at hand is not about ideology—it is about human lives. The Caribbean has made its position clear: healthcare should never be used as a pawn in political disputes. The international community must acknowledge and support the right of these nations to choose their own healthcare solutions, free from external coercion. It is a stance rooted in justice, self-determination, and, above all, the fundamental principle that access to healthcare is a human right.

KARL B. RODNEY PUBLISHER/EDITOR IN CHIEF KARLISA RODNEY NEWS EDITOR MELL P MANAGING EDITOR

WEEK ENDING MARCH 25, 2025

CARIBOPINION

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Trump’s EPA is at War with the Americans it is Supposed to Protect

By Ben Jealous

As they say in horror movies, the call is coming from inside the house.

Under Donald Trump, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reversed its own mission. And last week, EPA Administration Lee Zeldin outright declared war on the American people.

Zeldin announced 31 actions he celebrated as “the largest deregulatory announcement in US history.” The administration is attempting to undo critical progress that is currently saving lives and saving Americans’ money – on health care costs, energy bills, and more. Moreover, Trump and Zeldin are trying to undercut the EPA’s very ability to do its job and protect our health, our communities, and our futures.

If Trump and Zeldin are successful in undoing the rules they have targeted, the consequences are guaranteed to be dire.

Dire for the thousands of Americans who will die needlessly every year. Dire for the thousands of children who spend more days in the hospital and fewer days in school. Dire for working families whose electricity and health care bills will go up, and whose air and water will become the things that are killing them rather than keeping them alive.

Dire for the tens of millions of American children and adults living with asthma – like Kyla Peck, whom I spoke with last

World Asthma Day. Kyla recalled her first rude awakening with how poor air quality was not just a threat to her daily physical wellbeing but also her bank account: “I was home in Chicago from college, maybe 20 years old, and I had a really, really bad asthma attack. I was hospitalized for maybe about 12 hours. Then I received the bill. Even after insurance paid their part, I owed about $500. I was in college; I had no money … It was stressful, not only having to navigate the asthma attack but having to learn to navigate my own financial situation living with this illness.”

Now let us look at just one of the rules under attack by the Trump administration that are helping people like Kyla every day. Just over a year ago, when the EPA was fulfilling its mission, it finalized improved air quality standards. At the time, the agency estimated that, come 2032, that one rule alone would “prevent up to 4,500 premature deaths and 290,000 lost workdays, yielding up to $46 billion in net health benefits;” that in that year, for every dollar spent from that rule, “there could be as much as $77 in human health benefits.”

Announcing that rule back in February of 2024, then EPA Administrator Michael Regan said, “Cleaner air means that our children have brighter futures, and people can live more productive and active lives.”

It is pretty hard to argue with that statement… unless you are not bothered by your actions killing Americans and making their lives worse. And that is exactly what we are seeing with this presidential administration. What a difference a year makes.

Among Zeldin’s 31 actions is doing away with the EPA’s own 2009 finding that planet-warming greenhouse gas pollution “threatens the public health and welfare of current and future generations.” That finding has been the underpinning of years of EPA actions that have protected Americans, saved countless lives, and made it possible for us to combat the climate crisis on multiple fronts.

This week we celebrate three global days of recognition meant to highlight the importance and urgency of protecting our environment – for the sake of both nature and mankind. This Friday is the International Day of Forests, highlighting how forests and trees “fuel food security, support livelihoods, and sustain our planet.” Saturday is World Water Day, with a theme this year of fighting the climate crisis to mitigate the devastation of our rapidly melting glaciers.

And Sunday is World Meteorological Day, with this year’s theme focused on the importance of early warning systems in reducing the harm of climate-driven

extreme weather events. These three days all highlight areas in which the Trump administration is decimating America’s leadership and gutting our own government’s ability to address threats – including the administration’s mass firings and reckless budget slashing at agencies like the US Forest Service (which helps lead US efforts to combat wildfires) and the National Weather Service.

With last week’s move by the EPA, it is sadly ironic that the Trump administration’s efforts to undermine science, common sense, climate resilience, and public health are coming to a crescendo – so far – right as the world turns its attention to the necessity of environmental protection.

Americans will not take these attacks lying down. We are -- and will keep – fighting back.

Ben Jealous is the Executive Director of the Sierra Club and a Professor of Practice at the University of Pennsylvania.

L.A. Mayor Bass Fights Recall with Action as Violent Crime Falls

By Stacy M. Brown, BlackPressUSA.com Senior National Correspondent Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is pushing forward with her administration’s crime reduction efforts as she faces a recall campaign. Standing with Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell, members of the Board of Police Commissioners, and community members in the Hollenbeck Division, Bass addressed the latest crime data, which shows a 14% decrease in homicides in 2024 compared to the previous year. The Operations-Valley Bureau saw a 28% drop, while communities involved in the Gang Reduction and Youth Development program and the Community Safety Partnership recorded a 40% decline in homicides. Chief McDonnell reported that shooting victims decreased by 19%, with 7,634 illegal firearms—790 of which were ghost guns—seized as part of the city’s crime prevention strategy.

Property crimes, including burglary and motor vehicle theft, dropped by more than 7,200 incidents in 2024. The Organized Retail Crime Task Force recovered over $36 million in stolen merchandise, and the Heavy Metal Task Force made more than 100 arrests while recovering thousands of

pounds of stolen copper wire.

Bass’ handling of the Palisades Fire has drawn criticism, leading to a recall effort led by Nicole Shanahan, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s former running mate. To move forward, the campaign needs 330,000 signatures within four months. Bass, the first woman and second African American to serve as the city’s mayor and who has already launched her 2026 reelection campaign, said she remains committed to leading the city. Following a multi-victim shooting in MacArthur Park in January, Bass directed the LAPD to increase foot patrols and target gang-related activity.

The city installed fencing to disrupt illegal drug and stolen goods sales, reducing violence in the area. In the three months before these measures, nearly 100 violent crimes were reported in the neighborhood. Over the last five weeks, violent crime decreased by 57%, including reductions in robberies and aggravated assaults.

Property crime, including burglaries and thefts from vehicles, also declined. Bass said work continues to make MacArthur Park safer for residents, businesses, and

vendors. She is working with Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez on establishing legal vending spaces where vendors can operate without gang intimidation and extortion. LAPD’s ongoing actions include disrupting drug sales through patrols, investigations, and arrests, while public health services are assisting individuals struggling with addiction.

Hernandez’s office has implemented several community safety initiatives, including two full-time Peace Ambassador teams that work to reduce violence and prevent retaliation following incidents. The teams responded immediately after the January shooting on Alvarado Street. A Mobile Overdose Response team launched in December has collected hazardous materials and reversed 24 overdoses in one month.

The team reported a 44% reduction in dangerous materials left in the park after four weeks. “We know there is still much work to be done in the MacArthur Park community but over the past month, progress has been made in returning the park to the community. Crime in the area is down – theft and organized retail crime

will not be tolerated in the City of Los Angeles,” said Bass. “I want to thank the LAPD for their dedication to stopping crime in MacArthur Park and across the city. I also want to thank Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez and community organizations for their continued work to improve this area for all.” “There is progress in the neighborhood here in MacArthur Park and I know the work will continue even as assistance is being provided to Angelenos impacted by the Palisades fires,” said Norm Langer, owner of Langer’s Deli.

“I want to thank the city for the work being done to help our community.”

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Dr. Simone Badal Receives Prestigious Anthony N. Sabga Award for Innovative Cancer Research

Dr. Simone Badal, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Basic Medical Sciences has once again done The University of the West Indies, Mona proud. Dr. Badal has been awarded one of the Caribbean’s most prestigious awards, the Anthony N. Sabga Awards for Caribbean Excellence, for her pioneering contributions to the field of Science and Technology. Dr. Badal’s paradigm-shifting research in cancer treatment, specifically the development of Caribbean cancer cell lines, has significantly advanced treatment options for breast and prostate cancer in populations of African descent globally.

Dr. Badal was honoured for her historic achievement in 2022, when she created ACRJ-PC28, the first-ever Caribbean prostate cancer cell line. This vital breakthrough addresses a critical gap in cancer research - existing models predominantly represented Caucasian populations which limits treatment efficacy for diverse ethnic groups. Through her work, Dr. Badal has expanded cancer research to be more inclusive, paving the way for tailored treatments that can be used by people of mixed and/or African descent regionally and across the globe.

This significant recognition comes as part

of the 2025 Anthony N. Sabga Awards for Caribbean Excellence, which has celebrated the exceptional work of Caribbean nationals in various fields since 2005. Dr. Badal was one of four laureates named in

this year’s awards, which were announced at a ceremony in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, earlier today. Alongside Dr. Badal, the other recipients include a human rights activist from Guyana, a jazz trumpeter and an E-commerce/ Agri-entrepreneur both from Trinidad and Tobago. Each laureate will be awarded TT$500,000 at a gala ceremony in Port of Spain on June 7, 2025.

Dr. Badal’s recognition not only highlights her outstanding academic and research contributions but also underscores the ongoing excellence of The UWI Mona’s academic staff and community. As a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Dr. Badal is dedicated to advancing medical science directly through her research and indirectly by moulding the next generation of researchers from the Caribbean. Dr. Badal has published over 45 peer-reviewed papers. Her research on screening natural and synthetic compounds for anti-cancer properties has expanded across The UWI’s landed campuses; fostering pan-Caribbean collaboration.

Cumulatively, her innovative work has attracted over US$1 Million in funding, including the prestigious US$520,000 NIH

Fogarty International Center’s Emerging Global Leader Award in 2020. She has secured additional grants from organizations like the Chan-Zuckerberg Initiative and Pfizer to advance inclusive cancer research.

Dr. Badal’s memoir, “No Cell Left Behind” was published in 2023 highlighting the arduous but rewarding journey in developing the cell lines. She also founded the ACRJ Foundation, an anti-cancer research foundation which has raised over 1.5 Million JMD for educational opportunities. She was selected for the 2024 Springer Nature and Breast Cancer Research Foundation Rising Scholars Program, received the 2022 Flair Distinguished Award for Science & Technology, and was recognized as a pioneer by Jamaica’s Scientific Research Council among her long list of noteworthy achievements.

The University of the West Indies extends its warmest congratulations to Dr. Badal on this outstanding achievement and continues to support her in her dedicated mission to drive transformative advancements in the field of cancer research.

Claudette Werleigh: Haiti’s Trailblazing First Female Prime Minister As the world celebrates Women’s History Month in 2025, the remarkable life and legacy of Claudette Werleigh, Haiti’s first female prime minister, stand as a testament to the power of women’s leadership and resilience. Born on September 26, 1946, in Cap-Haïtien, Werleigh broke barriers and paved the way for future generations of women in Haiti and beyond.

Her journey from medicine and pedagogy to law, economics, and ultimately political leadership embodies the theme of this year’s Women’s History Month: “Empowering Women, Shaping the Future.”

A Trailblazer in Haitian Politics Claudette Werleigh made history when she was appointed Haiti’s prime minister on November 7, 1995, becoming the first woman to hold the position. Her tenure, though brief, was a groundbreaking moment in a nation grappling with political instability and social challenges.

Werleigh’s leadership during this critical period demonstrated her unwavering commitment to democracy, social justice, and the empowerment of marginalized communities.

Her appointment was not just a personal achievement but a symbolic victory for

women in Haiti, a country where gender equality has often been hindered by systemic barriers. Werleigh’s rise to the highest levels of government inspired countless women to pursue leadership roles and advocate for their rightful place in shaping Haiti’s future.

A Lifelong Advocate for Peace and Justice Beyond her historic role as prime minister, Claudette Werleigh’s contributions to peacebuilding and human rights have left an indelible mark on the global stage.

After her political career, she dedicated herself to international advocacy, serving as Secretary General of Pax Christi International, a Catholic peace movement. In this role, she worked tirelessly to promote nonviolence, conflict resolution, and the empowerment of women in post-conflict societies.

Werleigh’s work aligns perfectly with the 2025 Women’s History Month theme, as she has consistently championed the idea that women’s leadership is essential to creating a more just and equitable world.

Her efforts to address systemic inequalities and promote peace resonate deeply in today’s global context, where women continue to face disproportionate chal-

lenges in conflict zones and beyond.

An Enduring Legacy Claudette Werleigh’s life and career serve as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact women can have when given the opportunity to lead. Her journey—

from studying medicine and pedagogy in Switzerland, Mexico, and the United States, to shifting her focus to law and economics, and ultimately becoming a pioneering political leader—reflects the resilience, adaptability, and determination that define women’s contributions throughout history.

As we honor Women’s History Month 2025, Claudette Werleigh’s story inspires us to celebrate the achievements of women who have broken barriers and to continue advocating for gender equality in all spheres of life. Her legacy reminds us that empowering women is not just about recognizing their potential but also about creating the conditions for them to thrive and lead.

In a world still grappling with inequality and conflict, Claudette Werleigh’s life stands as a beacon of hope and a call to action. Her contributions to Haiti and the global community underscore the importance of women’s leadership in shaping a more inclusive, peaceful, and prosperous future for all.

WEEK ENDING MARCH 25, 2025

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Gateways Festival Orchestra Returns to Carnegie Hall on April 27

NEW YORK — Gateways Music Festival returns to New York City with a celebration of the transformative power of Black classical artistry April 24-27. After launching with a series of concerts and conversations in Rochester, New York, on April 21, Spring Festival 2025 lands in Manhattan for performances, lectures and masterclasses from April 24 to April 27, rounding out the week-long event.

At the heart of the festival is the Gateways Festival Orchestra, composed of Black professional classical musicians drawn from the nation’s leading orchestras and music faculties. Gateways’ finale concert at Carnegie Hall (April 27) marks the orchestra’s highly anticipated first return to the venue since its historic, sold-out debut in 2022. Led once again by conductor Anthony Parnther, this season’s finale program complements folk-inspired symphonies by Antonín Dvořák and William Levi Dawson with the New York premiere of a new Gateways commission from Damien Sneed, featuring Grammy-winning mezzo-soprano J’Nai Bridges. Other festival highlights include solo recitals by Grammy-nominated violinist Curtis Stewart and pianist Rochelle Sennet; inspiring talks, discussions, and educational initiatives; and performances by the Gateways Brass Collective. Spring Festival 2025 is presented in association with the University of Rochester’s Eastman School of Music.

Gateways’ rich spring offerings continue to make a profound impact on the classical music landscape. By celebrating and sustaining the tradition of Black classical artistry, providing a home for musicians who carry the tradition forward, and presenting performances that bring together multiracial, multigenerational audiences, Gateways is writing its own classical narrative.

“Gateways isn’t just a festival—it’s a home. A place where Black classical musicians bring their full selves to the stage, and where audiences can come together to listen, connect, and celebrate” said Gateways Music Festival President & Artistic Director, Alex Laing.

“This April, we invite everyone to come out, see world class artists, and be part of a cultural moment. Whether it’s your first festival, or you never miss one, if classical music has been part of your life for decades or you’re experiencing it for the first time, Gateways Spring Festival promises to challenge,

inspire, and uplift.”

Fresh off a landmark 30th anniversary season in 2023-2024, which included major debuts in Chicago and Washington, D.C.’s Kennedy Center as well as a $1 million dollar Mellon Foundation award, the Gateways Festival Orchestra heads to New York with a thoughtfully curated program that honors the enduring power of folk traditions, with special focus on Negro spirituals. The finale concert on April 27, at 2 p.m. at Carnegie Hall opens with Antonín Dvořák’s Eighth Symphony, a work inspired by the dances and folk tunes of the composer’s Bohemian homeland. Dvořák believed that “Negro melodies … must be the real foundation of any serious and original school of composition to be developed in the United States.”

The program concludes with William Levi Dawson’s Negro Folk Symphony, a towering landmark in American composition, first heard at Carnegie Hall just days after its 1934 world premiere. Rooted in the spiritual tradition and shaped by Dawson’s travels in West Africa, his work represents a resounding declaration of Black cultural pride.

The two symphonies bookend the New York City premiere of Reflections of Resilience: Five Spirituals, a new Gateways Music Festival commission from NAACP Image Awardand Sphinx Medal of Excellence-winning musical polymath Damien Sneed, featuring the Grammy-winning mezzo-soprano J’Nai Bridges. Sneed describes the new work as “five spirituals carefully woven together in a musical tapestry highlighting the tradition of the African American spiritual.”

The Carnegie Hall concert will stream live to home audiences worldwide as part of WQXR’s Live from Carnegie Hall series.

Spring Festival 2025 shines a light on the work of two important Black artists. “Combining omnivory and brilliance” (The New York Times), six-time Grammy nominee Curtis Stewart is a violinist and composer who serves as Artistic Director of the American Composers Orchestra and professor at The Juilliard School. He will be presented in recital at Merkin Hall on Friday, April 25, at 8 p.m., where he is a 2024-25 Artist-in-Residence. Showcased will be Seasons of Change, his re-composition of The Four Seasons as an Afrofuturist meditation on climate change, memory and resilience. This

interlayers Vivaldi’s music with Stewart’s digital soundscapes and recordings of the unhoused in Phoenix, whose voices and personal stories form the emotional backbone of his work. Also featured will be his world premiere performance of selections from his ambitious new project, American Caprices, which explores the intersection between classical violin techniques and the diverse musical traditions that shape the American soundscape.

Rochelle Sennet is the inaugural Associate Dean of DEI at the College of Fine and Applied Arts at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she is Professor of Piano in the School of Music. Albany Records recently released the third volume in her series Bach to Black, Suites for Piano, which juxtaposes the keyboard suites of J.S. Bach with those of Black composers including Margaret Bonds, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, William Grant Still, Adolphus Hailstork, James Lee III, Florence Price, and George Walker. Gateways presents Dr. Sennet in a solo piano recital at Harlem School of the Arts on Saturday, April 26, at 7:30 p.m.

The nation’s only all-Black professional brass quintet, Gateways Brass Collective — comprised of trumpeters Herbert Smith and Courtney Jones, horn player Larry Williams,

Jerome Stover — will offer an inspiring afternoon of masterclasses, sectionals and performance at Harlem School of the Arts for the educational institution’s young brass players on Thursday, April 24, at 4 p.m.

Members of Gateways Festival Orchestra will also offer an immersive afternoon of master classes and mentorship to aspiring young performers at Gateways’ Spring 2025 Young Musicians Institute, hosted by Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute on Saturday, April 26, at 3 p.m.

Rounding out the Spring Festival will be the William Levi Dawson Symposium: A Paul J. Burgett Lecture and Community Conversation at the Resnick Education Wing of Carnegie Hall on Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Presented in collaboration with the William Levi Dawson Institute for Classical and Folk Music at Tuskegee University, the event will mark the legacy of Dawson, a pioneering composer, arranger, musicologist and choral director. Lectures by Tuskegee University, professors Dr. Wayne Barr and Dr. Yi Cheng will complement a presentation

by University of Michigan’s Dr. Louise Toppin and a recital by soprano Amber Rogers, winner of the 2024 National Association of Negro Musicians (NANM) Competition. The event is free with RSVP.

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T&T - Wants Fast Review of CARICOM - Foreign Ministers Meet with US UK Visa Restrictions Special Envoy PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – The Trinidad and Tobago government Friday reiterated its ‘disappointment” at the decision of the United Kingdom to impose visa restrictions on nationals from the oilrich twin island Republic with immediate effect.

CARICOM and Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr. Amery Browne, speaking on a local radio program, gave the impression that Port of Spain might have been blindsided by the decision from London, even as he acknowledged that the UK had given a 48-hour notice before making its position

public.

“We were given two days notice. On Monday of this week, the government of the United Kingdom conveyed correspondence to the government of Trinidad and Tobago informing of the imposition of a visa regime beginning on Wednesday of this week,” Browne told radio listeners.

“Yes, there was some notice, but just two days, which really is insufficient time, certainly when dealing with friends to deal with a matter of this import. Their decision had already been made and simply was being conveyed to us in his circumstances.

Caribbean Community (CARICOM) foreign ministers have been told that the United States (US) Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, is expected to travel to the Caribbean region before the end of March for discussions on several issues affecting CARICOM relations with the US. Last Sunday, US Special Envoy for Latin America and the Caribbean, Mauricio Claver-Carone, met in Washington with representatives from Barbados, the

Bahamas, Belize, Dominica, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica. St. Kitts-Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago.

Informed sources told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) that while the regional representatives were informed of the pending visit of Rubio, no specific date or countries to be visited had been disclosed.

Jamaica - Marks and Seiveright Named to the Holness Cabinet

In the Office of the Prime Minister, Ambassador Audrey Marks was appointed as a minister without a portfolio, responsible for efficiency, innovation, and digital transformation, according to a recent announcement by Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

In a statement, Holness noted that Marks,

who took the oath of office as a senator on Friday, offers a lot of expertise to the position because she was Jamaica’s ambassador to the US, where she was instrumental in fostering closer ties between the two countries. As the creator of the bill payment business Paymaster, Marks also had a distinguished career in the private sector.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Tourism has named Senator Delano Seiveright as its minister of state. Previously serving as the ministry’s principal advisor, Seiveright has been involved in Jamaica’s tourism industry and has helped with several projects that have improved the country’s travel offerings.

To ensure that more Jamaicans directly profit from the expansion of the tourist industry, Senator Seiveright’s new position will concentrate on strengthening ties between the industry and the larger economy, according to Holness.

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CARIBHEALTH

WEEK ENDING MARCH 25, 2025

Mental Health: the Hidden Pandemic, Theme for 69th Annual Health Research Conference Mental health is a growing public health issue.

In the Caribbean in particular, mental health is influenced by a range of socio-economic factors, cultural attitudes, and the availability of mental health services. Socio-economic factors, such as poverty and unemployment contribute significantly to stress, anxiety and depression while natural disasters, epidemics/pandemics can also lead to trauma, displacement, and long-lasting psychological effects.

Dr. Lisa Indar, Executive Director of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), speaking at the media launch for the Health Research Conference stated “Mental health touches each and every one of us whether personally, through our loved ones or within our communities. It impacts how people relate to others, make decisions, and handle stress. People’s ability to live fulfilling lives often depends on their mental health. This makes protecting and restoring mental health of immediate concern to public health professionals with increasing impact, and especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

CARPHA, in collaboration with the Government of Barbados, through the Ministry of Health and Wellness will host the 69th Health Research Conference from 7- 9 May 2025. The three-day conference, which gives delegates a platform to network, share research and

insights, will take place at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, Two Mile Hill, St. Michael, Barbados.

The conference is the Caribbean Region’s foremost gathering of health research professionals.

More than 200 participants will benefit from over 160 oral and poster presentations and concurrent sessions. During the close of the conference, health researchers will be awarded at for their outstanding contributions to public health in the Region.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Kenneth George, Chief Medical Officer of Barbados underscored the role of CARPHA in public health research.

“CARPHA has been instrumental in supporting scientific and public health research for several decades. Through rigorous data analysis, research and dissemination of information, CARPHA continues to shape the health policy agenda not only within our region but on the international stage as well. In addition to the research agenda CARPHA is central to the provision of technical assistance to the 26 Member States of the region in the areas including surveillance, epidemiology, port health, vector control, non-communicable diseases, and reference laboratory services.”

Delivering his address on behalf of the Minister of Health and Wellness, Senator Mr. the Most Honourable Jerome Walcott, Mr. Wayne Mar

PAHO Director Meets With Newly-Elected OAS Secretary General

The Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, met with Albert Ramdin, newly elected Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), following his election during the 56th Special Session of the OAS General Assembly in Washington, D.C. Ramdin, from Suriname, will officially take office on May 25, 2025, succeeding Luis Almagro, and will serve a five-year term through 2030.

Dr. Barbosa congratulated Ramdin on his election and expressed confidence that the OAS will make significant progress in addressing key regional challenges under his leadership.

The two leaders emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between PAHO and the OAS to shape the Americas’ health priorities. Dr. Barbosa stressed that integrating health into the broader inter-American agenda is essential for addressing the region’s most pressing issues.

Dr. Barbosa congratulated Minister Ramdin on his former contribution to advancing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) on the OAS agenda, particularly his leadership in establishing the Inter-American Task Force on NCDs in 2014, which continues to be instrumental in addressing chronic diseases in the region.

Looking ahead, the two leaders outlined key upcoming events, including the OAS General Assembly in Antigua and Barbuda (June 2025), where PAHO is closely working with the host country to advance on a mental health resolution; the Fourth High-level Meeting of the UN General Assembly on the prevention and control of NCDs (HLM4) in September 2025; and the 10th Summit of the Americas (December 2025), when Heads of State and Government will gather in the Dominican Republic to address shared political issues and commit to collective actions on building a secure and sustainable hemisphere with shared prosperity.

Dr. Barbosa and Secretary General-elect Ramdin reiterated their commitment to better coordination among inter-American organizations such as OAS, PAHO, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), as well as deepening collaboration to address common challenges in the Americas and foster a more resilient and healthier region. PAHO and the OAS share a long-standing relationship with organizations working together to address regional health and development challenges.

shall Permanent Secretary stated “The Government of Barbados last hosted this prestigious Conference in 2013, and we are thrilled to once again bring together a diverse group of health professionals, researchers, and policymakers from across the region and the globe. This collaboration with CARPHA ensures that the 2025 Annual Health Research Conference and its pre-conference events, including meetings and training workshops, will be a platform for sharing groundbreaking research and clinical findings that can significantly influence public health policies.

Mr. Marshall expressed gratitude to CARPHA, sponsors, and all the participants who will make this Conference a resounding success. In

closing he urged all to work together to elevate the discourse on mental health and other critical public health issues, fostering a healthier future for all.

The Conference will be attended by Chief Medical Officers (CMOs), researchers, physicians, nurses, psychologists, environmental health officers and other public health officials from across the Caribbean Region, Latin America, North America, and Europe.

Local, regional and international organisations and companies will be exhibiting and presenting their programmes, innovations, products and services.

Meetings and training workshops leading up to the conference include: Meeting of the CARICOM Chief Medical Officers Pandemic Fund and Antimicrobial Resistance forum for the CMOs and partners Monitoring and Evaluation Workshop Meetings of the Caribbean Vector Borne Disease Network, and Meeting of the Regional Health Communication Network More information about the conference, and special rates for residents, students, including sponsorship and exhibition opportunities, can be found at http://conference.carpha.org/ and on social media at CARPHA1.

WEEK ENDING MARCH 25, 2025

CARIBA&E

17

Cocoa Tea, Reggae Legend, Dies The reggae legend Cocoa Tea, who helped shape modern dancehall music, passed away in South Florida on Tuesday at the age of 65. The experienced artist passed away after battling cancer for years.

Cocoa Tea, whose real name was Calvin Scott, was born in Clarendon’s Rocky Point fishing community. He originally trained to be a jockey, but in a 2012 interview with the Jamaica Observer, he remembered that at the age of 13, he recorded his first song.

He had his debut in the early 1980s with the song “Rocking Dolly,” which was recorded for the successful Volcano label by Henry “Junjo” Lawes. Cocoa Tea, together with Barrington Levy and Yellowman, made that label famous with follow-up tracks like Kingston Hot and Lost My Sonia.

He formed successful collaborations with producers Lloyd “King Jammy” James and Bobby “Bobby Digital” Dixon during that decade. Young Lover, Tune In, Lonesome Side, and Who She Love—a joint effort with Home T and Shabba Ranks—are among his popular hits from that period.

Young Lover was sampled by British singer Joss Stone for

her song Harry’s Symphony, which is taken from her 2015 album Water for Your Soul.

Richie Stephens, a fellow artist and personal friend, honored Cocoa Tea. Stephens stated, “He was one of di artistes who came in di business an’ change things up. His style, his personality and charisma on stage was large…he wasn’t a simple man.”

He added, “He was very influential, people love him an’ he made a lot of hit songs, so yuh have to give him full credit.

When music come up, yuh have to mention Cocoa Tea.” Cocoa Tea released Wey Di Reggae Dey, a self-produced CD, thirteen years ago. He claimed that a question he was asked a lot while on tour served as inspiration.

In his “Wi want to address dat,” Cocoa Tea wrote, “Dem sey, ‘how nuh reggae coming outa Jamaica?’, a jus’ pure dancehall.” Despite being best known as a lovers rock singer, he released Barack Obama in 2008, a tribute to the well-liked US senator who became that nation’s first black president.

HBCU Week NOW Launches Inaugural Student Film Festival

HBCU Week NOW, a public media partnership project offering films about the incredible impact and contributions of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, is announcing the launch of its inaugural Student Film Festival and an open call for submissions. The virtual festival, which will premiere during Black History Month in 2026, is seeking short films created

by HBCU students. The Harlem-based national media arts nonprofit Black Public Media will administer the open call for the project.

The HBCU Week NOW Student Film Festival, a celebration of creativity, innovation and storytelling by the next generation of filmmakers from HBCUs, seeks submissions of completed films in all genres, with a special focus on stories reflecting Black

experiences, culture and history. Ten short films of up to 30 minutes will be selected, with each filmmaking team receiving $5,000. Submissions are due by Saturday, April 12, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). Find the submission link at: https://bit.ly/HBCUWNSFFOpenCall.

Eligible filmmakers are currently enrolled HBCU students and recent graduates (from the last three years). Students do not have to be enrolled in a film program.

HBCU faculty members and administrators are encouraged to share this opportunity with their students and networks, facilitate resources (such as providing access to equipment, workshops, or mentorship to help students prepare their submissions) and to nominate talent by encouraging participation.

An information webinar is scheduled for Thursday, March 13, at 2 p.m. EDT. To register or for more information, visit: https://bit.ly/HBCUWNSFFOpenCall. A recording of the webinar will be posted and available at the link.

“We welcome this opportunity to partner with HBCU Week Now to identify and amplify young talent and their stories,” said Qiona Woffard, director of talent development at BPM. “We look forward to helping push the new voices of the film community to the forefront with this exciting new festival.”

Those with questions should contact Woffard at qiona@blackpublicmedia.org.

The #HBCUWeekNOW story is made possible through a public media partnership led by Maryland Public Television with support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and PBS.

CARIBTRAVEL

18

WEEK ENDING MARCH 25, 2025

Sandals Resorts Celebrates “Made of Caribbean” Campaign in New York Sandals Resorts, the Caribbean’s most awarded all-inclusive resort brand, celebrated its new global campaign, Made of Caribbean, at an exclusive launch event in New York City. The event brought together a prestigious guest list including travel industry leaders, media, celebrities, dignitaries, influencers, creatives, and VIPs from music and fashion.

Sandals’ Made of Caribbean global launch event, hosted at New York’s iconic Hall des Lumières, immersed guests in the essence of the Caribbean through a two-story, 360° experience.

Real Housewives of New York cast members Kelly Bensimon, Dorinda Medley and Luann de Lesseps at Sandals’ Made of Caribbean global launch event in New York City.

Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts, reveals exciting plans for the future.

Blue Mountain Coffee Martinis, made to order, were served through an artisan ice luge.

DJ Zuri Marley, granddaughter of the legendary Bob Marley, delivered unforgettable Caribbean vibes.

The celebration was hosted by Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts at the landmark Hall des Lumières. Attendees were transported into the Caribbean through an immersive, two-story, 360° experience. Guests were provided an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the making of the Made of Caribbean campaign, created in collaboration with the award-winning agency, Leo. Event Highlights: The event featured Zuri Marley, granddaughter of reggae

legend Bob Marley, as DJ and a range of celebrities including actors Michele Hicks from “The Shield” and “Law & Order”, Amir Arison of “The Blacklist”, Lorraine Toussaint star of “The Equalizer”, Ebonee Noel from “FBI” and “The Real Housewives of New York City” stars Luann de Lesseps, Kelly Bensimon, Dorinda Medley and Carole Radziwill. Other reality TV stars included Matt James from “The Bachelor” and Jason Tartick from “The Bachelorette”, supermodels Carol Alt and Alex Lundqvist, Sophie Sumner winner of “America’s Next Top Model British Invasion”, and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model Mariah Strong. The cast of iHeartRadio’s nationally syndicated Elvis Duran and the Morning Show also attended, including Danielle Monaro, Medha Gandhi, Skeery Jones, Nate Marino, Scotty B, and more.

Caribbean cocktails and canapés showcased the diverse flavors of Sandals’ dining destinations, from Jamaica to Curacao to Saint Vincent, while guests savored an extravagant Appleton Rum Bar, Blue Mountain Coffee Martini Bar, and signature libations like the Dunn’s Old Fashioned, bringing the essence of the Sandals Dunn’s Rum Club to the heart of the city.

Sandals-branded cars transported VIPs to the venue, where illuminated projections brought to life the company’s newest branding and expanded color palettes, inspired by the Caribbean’s natural vibrancy. Select campaign elements, first unveiled during the Golden Globes, offered a glimpse into the brand’s exciting direction.

During the evening, Adam Stewart took the stage to share the company’s storied family legacy and vision for its growing portfolio – bringing forward the essence of Sandals 2.0.

T&T - PM Rowley Hints at Sandals Return to Tobago Before stepping down, Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley has alluded to Tobago’s potential for a second opportunity to build a Sandals hotel.

When he spoke during the celebration of the actual completion of the new terminal at ANR Robinson International Airport in Tobago on March 15, 2025, he brought up this point as part of a larger plan for the country’s economic growth.

March 16, 2025, marked the last day that Dr. Rowley will serve as prime minister. On March 17, Energy Minister Stuart Young will take the oath of office as prime minister.

Rowley noted in his address, “Tobago’s potential is far from being realized. Tobago’s economy is still fledgling and there is so much more we can do if we have the right infrastructure and the right attitude is associated with the right infrastructure.”

Rowley claimed that not allowing Sandals to construct a hotel in Tobago while he was prime minister was one of his regrets.

He had no idea that there were any significant hotel room development projects underway in Tobago.

In the past, the Sandals organization had considered building a hotel in Tobago, and Rowley recalled that they “agreed that Tobago was a place they could invest.”

However, he remarked, “We chased them away. Accused them of all manner of evil.”

Sandals CEO Gebhard Rainer stated during a press conference on January 15, 2019, that the company’s decision to get out of the project at that time was mostly due to bad press.

Some people at the time expressed worries

about environmental harm and whether the hotel’s construction had received the necessary approval.

Sandals may eventually return to the notion of a hotel in Tobago, as Rainer mentioned in 2019.

Rowley revealed that the prospect of a Sandals hotel in Tobago remained a possibility.

“Recently, I spoke to the leadership of Sandals and I asked them to come look at us again.”

Rowley said, “If I was the problem, I will not be there tomorrow.”

He said that Adam Stewart, the chairman of Sandals Group, will be visiting Tobago in April.

He stated, “When he comes he will meet Prime Minister Stuart Young and you Tobagonians...especially you (Tobago House of Assembly Chief Secretary) Farley (Augustine)... and you (PDP leader) Watson (Duke). I am inviting both of you from this platform... whenever Adam Stewart comes to Trinidad and Tobago...sit down with him...and all of you become salesmen and saleswomen.... for the potential of Tobago...and success will be that you all manage to convince them to look at Tobago again and give Tobago, one or more of those Sandals’ projects that the Caribbean has been benefiting from.”

The audience included Duke and Augustine.

Another significant economic gain for Tobago, according to Rowley, is a marina next to the Magdalena Hotel.

He said that customers pay for those services in foreign currencies and that this opens job opportunities in vessel repair.

He unveiled plans for beloved family brand, Beaches Resorts, starting with the announcement of three new sought after locations: Beaches Barbados, Beaches Exuma in The Bahamas, and Beaches Runaway Bay in Jamaica. He also shared news for the upcoming opening of the new Treasure Beach Village at Beaches Turks and Caicos, set to debut in Spring of 2026.

WEEK ENDING MARCH 25, 2025

CARIBLIFESTYLE

19

Barbados - Rihanna in Country to Launch Collaboration with PUMA

Rihanna, a Grammy-winning vocalist, Fenty founder, business mogul, and mother, will be celebrating the launch of her latest collaboration with Puma. Rihanna will be heading to Barbados, a stunning island, for a brand visit.

The new collection includes the Cat Cleat Jelly for beach wear and go, the Pocket Bag

for convenient accessorizing and necessities, and the Avanti LS in two striking, gorgeous colorways: Pumpkin Pie-Pinktastic and Lime Sheen-Pumpkin Pie. Shericka Jackson, a two-time world 200-meter champion, and Charokee Young, another Jamaican Olympian, were among the high-profile attendees. Along with Love Island stars Serena Page and Kordell Beckham, as well as digital creative Achieng Agutu, WNBA player Skylar Diggins-Smith was in Barbados for the festivities.

On March 13, 2025, the new designs from the German global design company and the Rihanna-founded business were shown.

Antigua and Barbuda Culinary Month Announced With Exciting Lineup of Events May 1 - 31

St. John’s, Antigua – The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority introduces Antigua and Barbuda Culinary Month, a new, exciting extension of the island’s annual culinary series that has grown steadily since its launch in 2023.

During the month-long celebration in May, food lovers can discover local cuisine through the Eat Like A Local experience and also enjoy a robust schedule of signature dining events with visiting guest chefs exclusively of Caribbean heritage from Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom who’ll partner with local chefs and restaurants on the island. Also on the month’s schedule is the evolved Food and Art Experience, now the FAB (Food, Art & Beverage) Festival, the Caribbean Food Forum - a regional food and hospitality industry symposium, and the much-anticipated Restaurant Week, featuring prix fixe menus at over 30 restaurants throughout the island.

“We are excited to see the growth of our annual culinary series,” said The Honourable Charles Fernandez, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment. “Since launch-

ing in 2023, our signature culinary initiative has grown into a beloved and highly anticipated month for food lovers, both locally and from abroad. Antigua and Barbuda Culinary Month will continue to raise the visibility of our culinary excellence in the region and around the world, and we are certain our guests will be thrilled and impressed by the diverse food and cultural offerings. It is an important part of the Antigua and Barbuda Experience, along with other elements of our rich cultural identity to include music, art, and dance! I invite everyone to join us in Antigua and Barbuda for this exciting month of celebration!”

This year’s lineup of guest chefs welcomes new faces as well as past attendees such as London-based Antiguan Chef Kareem Roberts, British Chef and TV personality Andi Oliver, and Cookbook Author and Creator behind Metemgee.com, Althea Brown. The roster of 11 visiting food and beverage professionals will feature a fresh array of talented individuals.

20

CARIBSPORTS

WEEK ENDING MARCH 25, 2025

West Indies Breakout League to Launch in 2025

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua - Cricket West Indies (CWI) and the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) are jointly launching the inaugural West Indies Breakout League, a new cricket tournament designed to spotlight emerging talent across the region.

The competition is scheduled to take place from 25 April

to 10 May 2025, featuring six teams and 17 matches. All the games will take place at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad.

The six teams taking part will be Barbados Pelicans, Guyana Rainforest Rangers, Jamaica Titans, Leeward Islands Thunder, Trinidad & Tobago Legions and the Windward Islands Infernos.

Players eligible to participate must be under 30 years old or at the start of the 2025 event, with limited professional experience—fewer than 40 List A T20 matches and fewer than 10 International T20s.

This initiative aims to bridge the gap between domestic, CPL and international cricket, with each team closely associated with their local territorial board and a CPL franchise.

The tournament will provide a crucial platform for the next generation of T20 stars, allowing them to showcase their skills and take significant steps in their careers.

Miles Bascombe, CWI’s Director of Cricket, expressed his enthusiasm for the tournament, stating:

“This tournament is a fantastic opportunity for the next wave of players to get the game time they need to push through to the next level and add depth in our T20 talent pool. We are delighted to collaborate with the CPL on this initiative, which promises to provide a strong platform for up-and-coming talent in the West Indies.”

Pete Russell, CEO of Republic Bank CPL, echoed these sentiments, saying: “We are excited to join forces with Cricket West Indies to deliver a world-class and sustainable tournament. This initiative is not only an investment in the future of West Indies cricket but also a valuable opportunity for stakeholders to witness exceptional talent and great cricket.”

The West Indies Breakout League is poised to become a key element in the region’s cricketing calendar, offering fans, players, and franchises a chance to play their part nurturing the next wave of cricketing stars.

El Salvador Wins 2025 Beach Soccer Championship Final NASSAU, The Bahamas — El Salvador won the 2025 Concacaf Beach Soccer Championship, earning a 2-1 win against Guatemala in the final on Sunday at the Malcolm Park Beach Soccer Facility in Nassau, The Bahamas.

Guatemala took the lead in the 6’ 1P on a strike from Miguel González. Elmer Robles equalized for El Salvador in the closing minute of the first period.

El Salvador goalkeeper Erick Nájera struck the match-winning goal from long range in the 11’ 2P to secure a third title for La Selecta.

Guatemala finished in second, its best ever finish to best its third place finish at the 2021 edition.