Hilton Makes Strides In Caribbean Expansion

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News Americas, SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO, Mon. Mar. 25, 2024: Hilton (NYSE: HLT) has announced the signing of an agreement to welcome Palacio Provincial to the Curio Collection by Hilton, marking an exciting expansion for the renowned hotel chain in the Caribbean.

Owned by Hostal El Convento and managed by International Hospitality Enterprises (IHE), the prestigious Palacio Provincial Hotel, situated in the heart of Old San Juan, will join over 160 distinctive, upscale hotels and resorts under the Curio Collection by Hilton brand. This move represents Hilton’s inaugural venture into the historic city.

Palacio Provincial, a charming 43-room boutique hotel, resides within the Old San Juan Historic District, boasting a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. Following a meticulous restoration in 2021, the property seamlessly blends timeless elegance with modern luxury, offering guests an unforgettable experience.

“We are delighted to announce the signing and forthcoming conversion of Palacio Provincial to Curio Collection by Hilton, expanding Hilton’s presence in Puerto Rico to include such a sought-after destination,” stated Pablo Maturana, Vice President of Development for the Caribbean and Latin America at Hilton. “This signing underscores our commitment to growing our robust pipeline in the region and nearly doubling our footprint in Puerto Rico.”

Nestled within an architecturally significant building, Palacio Provincial boasts chic interiors that exude urban sophistication and laid-back charm. Its guest rooms feature thoughtfully designed spaces, including 12-foot wooden window doors leading to Juliet balconies, offering picturesque views of Old San Juan.

Palacio Provincial offers an array of culinary experiences, including the Consular Restaurant & Bar, nestled in an oasis-like courtyard, and the Atelier Rooftop Terrace, providing stunning views of San Juan Bay and the Colonial city. The property also offers versatile event spaces, ideal for gatherings of all sizes.

Hilton currently operates nine hotels across six of its leading brands in Puerto Rico and more than 30 hotels across the broader Caribbean region. Palacio Provincial will extend the benefits of Hilton Honors, the company’s award-winning guest-loyalty program, to its guests.

NYC Gala To Honor Eminent Caribbean Leaders At Esteemed University Of The West Indies Event

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. March 20, 2024:  The countdown is on to the 27th annual American Foundation for The University of the West Indies (AFUWI) fundraising gala, set for Thursday, April 18th, from 6:30 p.m. at the classy 583 Park Avenue venue in New York City.

This year’s honorees of the 27th annual AFUWI gala are from top left: His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the ninth President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces as well as the current chairman of the Caribbean Community, (CARICOM.); Mr. Don Christian, a Partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP; Attorney Darren Skinner, Co-General Counsel of the law firm of the Washington, D.C. office of Arnold & Porter; Bottom L-R: Mr. Anthony Mark Desnoes Hart, Executive Chairman of the Caribbean Producers Jamaica Ltd.; Ms. Michele Chow-Tai, the Managing Director of Business Development at Fairview Capital Partners; and Rev. Patrick Perrin, recently retired as a United Methodist Elder after serving St. John’s United Methodist Church of Elmont, in Valley Stream, New York. (AFUWI image)

This year’s gala, presented under the theme, “The Legacy Continues,” will build upon the history of providing hundreds of scholarships over the past decade. These scholarships have opened doors for Caribbean students from underprivileged backgrounds, allowing them to achieve their dreams of pursuing higher education.

“The AFUWI annual gala awards has been a significant funding source for the scholarship program, giving us the finances urgently needed to assist with tuition expenses for many young, talented, and ambitious Caribbean nationals who would not be able to fulfill their aspirations of a college education because of their dire financial circumstances,” said Ann-Marie Grant, executive director of the American Foundation for The University of the West Indies, (AFUWI). “We are so thankful to all our donors who, by contributing to this endeavor, help to create their own impactful legacy.”

This Year’s Distinguished Honorees Are:

His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the ninth President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, and current chairman of the Caribbean Community, (CARICOM).

Mr. Don Christian, a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, with a 35-year career in technology, aerospace, defense, and more. He is also a trustee at Howard University and the McDonogh School and the founder of the Jamaica Howard University Affinity Network, (J-1 or JHUAN), which has raised over $250,000 for Jamaican students.

Mr. Anthony Mark Desnoes Hart, the executive chairman of Caribbean Producers Jamaica Ltd. and a key figure in its establishment. He previously served as CEO, and is also a founding shareholder of the company, which is currently listed on the Jamaica Stock Exchange, (JSE).

Attorney Darren Skinner, co-general counsel of the Washington, D.C. office of Arnold & Porter, a law firm that provides sophisticated regulatory, litigation, and transactional representation to nearly half of the Fortune 100 and many other clients.

Ms. Michele Chow-Tai, the managing director of Business Development at Fairview Capital Partners, where she spearheads strategic planning and client strategies to enhance the firm’s private equity and venture capital endeavors. Ms. Chow-Tai is also actively involved in several boards, including the National Association of Securities Professionals – New York Chapter and the Greater New Haven Chambers of Commerce.

Rev. Patrick Perrin, who from Jamaica to New York, has dedicated most of his life to guiding his congregation and youth. Rev. Perrin recently retired as a United Methodist Elder after serving St. John’s United Methodist Church of Elmont in Valley Stream, New York, ending 32 years of service to the United Methodist Church.

Each ticket, table, sponsorship, or donation helps to fund education in the Caribbean and create the next generation of leaders in a region that struggles with a lack of access to capital. Get your tickets today for the AFUWI 27th annual gala at https://www.afuwi.org/

ABOUT AFUWI

The American Foundation for The University of The West Indies, (AFUWI), a US-based non-profit, seeks to transform the lives of exceptionally talented young women and men who are in dire financial circumstances by providing access to higher education so they can break the cycle of generational poverty and make an economic impact in their local communities and throughout the Caribbean region. During the past 10+ years alone, AFUWI has provided approximately 600 tuition scholarships to students across the Caribbean region, donated $7.5M in goods, and brokered multiple relationships with other tier-one institutions. All contributions – cash or in-kind – are tax-deductible to the full extent of state and federal laws. Donate to support education today at afuwi.org

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ABOUT UWI

The University of the West Indies, (UWI), initially known as the University College of the West Indies, is a public university network that fulfills the higher education needs of 17 English-speaking Caribbean nations and territories. These include both members of the Commonwealth and British Overseas Territories.  The UWI aims to foster economic and cultural growth across the West Indies, enhancing regional independence. Initially affiliated with the University of London, UWI has become a cradle of excellence in various fields, including arts, sciences, business, and politics, with its alums and faculty earning global recognition such as Nobel Prizes, Rhodes Scholarships, and more. The UWI operates across multiple campuses: Mona in Jamaica, Cave Hill in Barbados, St. Augustine in Trinidad and Tobago, Five Islands in Antigua and Barbuda, and the Open Campus serving the broader Caribbean.

Shaggy and Bruce Melodie Light Up NYC with ‘When She’s Around’ TV Debut

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Thurs. Mar. 21, 2024: Grammy-winning, Jamaican-born reggae legend, Shaggy, and East African sensation Bruce Melodie, recently took New York City by storm with their electrifying national TV debut on “Good Morning America” and “Live with Kelly & Mark,” performing their hit “When She’s Around (Funga Macho).”

Grammy-winning, Jamaican-born reggae legend, Shaggy, r., and East African sensation Bruce Melodie, l.

Their appearance, which marks a significant milestone in their collaboration, has already captivated audiences worldwide, amassing over 120 million views across social media platforms. Following their TV debut, the pair engaged with the NYC radio community, sharing insights on their dynamic partnership and the success of their genre-blending hit.

This track has not only achieved streaming milestones but also signaled a broader cultural resonance, underscored by nearly 150,000 Shazam tags. Amidst this buzz, Shaggy reflected on his journey in an intimate “Nightline” interview, adding depth to their week-long media tour.

Their collaboration, which debuted at the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball concerts, continues to draw acclaim, setting the stage for Melodie’s upcoming music releases and a much-anticipated European tour. This collaboration between Shaggy, with his storied career and diamond-selling status, and Melodie, a multifaceted artist making waves across the African music scene, highlights a confluence of talent and cultural exchange that promises to redefine musical boundaries and captivate audiences worldwide.

See the GMA performance HERE

ExxonMobil Announces New Oil Discovery In Guyana

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News Americas, GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Fri. Mar. 14, 2024: ExxonMobil Guyana announced today that it has made its first discovery for 2024 at the Bluefin site in the Stabroek block offshore Guyana.

The discovery included about 197 feet (60 metres) of hydrocarbon-bearing sandstone, drilled by the Stena Drillmax drillship at a depth of 4,244 feet (1,294 metres) of water.

Located roughly 8.5 kilometres southeast of the Sailfin-1 well, in the Stabroek block’s southeastern part, the Bluefin well adds to the block’s impressive discovery record.

President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge, stated, “Our ongoing exploration efforts are further unlocking the block’s potential for sustainable oil and gas production. This discovery underscores our team’s ability to leverage our expertise, technology, and commitment to responsibly and efficiently harness Guyana’s energy resources.”

This discovery adds to the over 30 finds in the Stabroek block since 2015, marking a significant contribution to the region’s energy development.

Privy Council Overturns Vybz Kartel’s Murder Conviction Amid Jury Misconduct Concerns

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News Americas, KINGSTON, Jamaica, Thurs. March 14, 2024: The UK-based Privy Council has overturned the murder convictions of dancehall artist Vybz Kartel, whose real name is Adidja Palmer, and his co-accused Shawn Campbell (also known as “Shawn Storm”), Kahira Jones, and Andre “Mad Suss” St. John.

Vybz Kartel in New York City, New York, United States in a past photo. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

The group was originally sentenced to life in prison for the 2014 murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams.

The overturning came after the Privy Council reviewed the case, specifically scrutinizing the decision to continue the trial despite revelations of a bribery attempt within the jury. This incident, revealed during the appeal heard on February 14 and 15, raised significant concerns about juror misconduct.

Delivered nearly a decade after the initial guilty verdict, the Privy Council’s judgment highlighted a “material irregularity” in the handling of the jury issue by the trial judge, ultimately leading to the decision to quash the convictions based on this juror misconduct.

The matter has been sent back to the Jamaican Court of Appeal to determine whether a retrial for the murder of Clive Williams is warranted, leaving the future legal proceedings of Vybz Kartel and his co-accused in question.

Oil Giants Face Off In Battle For Oil Supremacy In Guyana

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By David Lewis

News Americas, WASHINGTON, D.C., Fri. Mar. 15, 2024: Not since the 1996 “cola wars” when Coca-Cola secretly purchased Pepsi’s operations in Venezuela from the Cisneros Group have we had U.S. global corporate majors competing head to head in any market in the Americas. That deal of $500 million in 1996 ($983 million in 2023 dollars) is a standard on B-school case studies of M&A business.

Today, it is greatly overshadowed by the $53 billion competition between ExxonMobil and Chevron for the purchase of the Hess Corp. share in the Stabroek Block in Guyana, the world’s new major oil and gas “hot spot.”

Exxon Mobil operates the Stabroek Block and holds 45 percent interest. Hess holds 30 percent interest, and CNOOC from China holds the remaining 25 percent interest. Production capacity at the field is expected to reach more than 1.2 million barrels per day by the end of 2027, according to Exxon’s 2023 end-of-year report.

By industry standards, the development of this project has been remarkably efficient with the current consortium in place – making new discoveries and developing new projects at astonishing rates. That has been good for all involved, including Guyana, both at the government level and in the rapidly growing private sector. The small country notched the world’s highest rate of GDP growth in both 2022 and 2023, according to the IMF.

In October, Chevron announced it was acquiring Hess, including its share in the Stabroek, for $53 billion. But now, ExxonMobil is reaffirming its right of first refusal, which was spelled out in the contract, that could potentially block the sale. Just two weeks ago, Exxon Mobil stated it intends to “preserve our right to realize the significant value we’ve created and are entitled to in the Guyana asset.”

The company is “working closely with the Guyanese government to ensure their rights and privileges” and has moved to push the case to arbitration in order to retain its pre-emption rights.

The outcome of this dispute could have significant implications for the global oil industry, particularly in the emerging basin of Guyana, which is considered vital to the crude markets. The situation underscores the strategic importance of the Stabroek block and the lengths to which companies will go to secure a stake in high-potential oil assets. Chevron has hinted previously that without the Guyana assets, it would not be interested in Hess.

It is fundamentally good business practice for any management team to assess their available options – especially when this kind of money is on the line. It is a simple fiduciary duty to shareholders.

Much of Hess’s financial value is attributable to just how well this project has performed. As the anchor incumbent, ExxonMobil is right to consider its options before changing that balance.

It is curious that Exxon Mobil has taken several months to exercise its first refusal right, but such rights do not expire and are embedded in the original contract.

The potential derailment of Chevron’s ambitious acquisition underscores the intricate dynamics of global oil exploration agreements and the competitive tensions among the world’s oil giants. The resolution of this dispute will not only determine the fate of the Hess acquisition but also set a precedent for how rights of first refusal are interpreted and enforced.

Ultimately, the Chevron deal may still happen. But no company would let such a prize slip away without at least having a closer look.

Now, with ExxonMobil’s filing for arbitration at the International Chamber of Commerce in Paris, the matter will head to the courts. None of us are privy to what these companies are negotiating and on what terms. However, we know that the result will be a plus for Guyana: either two major global oil companies in its market or a larger incumbent investment stake by ExxonMobil. Either way, Guyana wins.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Dr. David E. Lewis is Vice President of Manchester Trade and co-chair of the Caribbean Policy Consortium. He has worked on trade and investment issues in Guyana since 1991, when he led the first U.S. Investment Mission under the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI).

Caribbean Heritage Former Athlete Embraces Major  Corporate Role At Google

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News Americas, New York, NY, Thurs. March 14, 2024: Jamaican-Canadian former professional ice hockey player, Chelsea Ziadie, who retired from the sport in 2020, is embracing the challenge of her major new role with corporate giant Google.

Ziadie, a Harvard graduate and daughter of former Jamaican soccer players Debbie Doyle Ziadie and the late Christopher Ziadie, was recently promoted to the position of Senior Account Manager, Google Customer Solutions.

Former Jamaican Canadian professional athlete and rising star, Chelsea Ziadie is now at Google. (PHOTO COURTESY OF ANTHONY LEGG)

 In her new capacity, Ziadie now works on developing and executing business strategies for nearly 60 small to medium sized Google business accounts.

“I specialize in growth in the retail and commerce sectors,” she says. “And in addition to my core role, I am also a Sales Inclusion Taskforce Ambassador as well as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Pillar Lead- working with my colleagues to ensure that Google continues to prioritize and develop inclusivity and overall wellbeing for its employees across the organization.”

Prior to joining Google in 2021, Ziadie was also employed at Morgan Stanley as a Financial and Wealth Advisor Associate, managing accounts worth several million dollars.

Ziadie in her days as a hockey player ( PHOTO COURTESY OF SYDNEY CLAIRE)

Her latest professional accomplishment is a far cry from her days as a rising star in the fast paced world of women’s ice hockey, in which she was deeply immersed for much of her life until stepping away some four years ago. Yet according to Ziadie, “There’s no doubt in my mind that my ability to transfer many of the skills that I employed in my sport- leadership, tenacity, team building and empathy- assisted me in making the transition from the locker room to the boardroom. In many ways, being part of a professional sports team is the same as being part of a business organization- everyone has a role to play in helping the team to win.”

A career in professional sports- even temporarily- was perhaps always in the cards for Ziadie, considering her unique family background.

She was born in Montreal into a family of athletes. In addition to both her parents having represented Jamaica in soccer at the international level, her uncles Nicholas and Craig Ziadie and her grandfather the late Dennis Ziadie were all national soccer players for Jamaica also. Additionally, her older brother Ryan briefly pursued a pro career in ice hockey as well.

 After spending her early childhood years in Jamaica, she moved with her mother and brother back to Montreal. There, she played  soccer and ice hockey, ultimately going on to the prestigious Hotchkiss School in Connecticut where she represented the institution in both sports as well as in track and field.

As a teenager, Ziadie was a part of Team Quebec and Team Canada Under 18 Women’s Hockey, winning a bronze medal at the Canada Winter Games in 2011. Moving on to Harvard , she was part of the school’s Varsity Ice Hockey team, became an Ivy League Champion and was awarded several accolades during her four year college sojourn, including the 2018  MVP Award- all while pursuing her BA Degree in Sociology and Economics.

It was in 2018 after graduating from Harvard that she signed her first professional ice hockey contract with the Metropolitan Riveters in the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL) and Professional Women’s Hockey Player Association (PWHPA).

She would remain with the league for two years, juggling her ice hockey career with her job at Morgan Stanley- a challenging experience but one that provided invaluable lessons in the art of multitasking.

“I would routinely wake up at 4am and leave my Manhattan apartment to travel to New Jersey for my 6:30am practice,” Ziadie recalls,  “And then return to the city to start my full day of work as a financial professional in the corporate world. My ability to balance both professions was due entirely to my  discipline and time management skills, which continue to serve me very well today.”

Ultimately, she elected to retire from the sport after two years in the league when the 2020 season was cancelled due to COVID. Having played for over twenty years she decided that amidst the uncertainty, the time had come to hang up her skates. However, she is happy to note the changes that have taken place in the sport in the years since her retirement.

“The sport was -and still is- a growing one for women in North America, and at that time the financial support unfortunately wasn’t available to compensate players sufficiently for us to make it a full time profession. So I chose to step back to focus fully on my business career. But I’m happy to see that as the popularity of the sport has increased, so have the contracts that players can now negotiate.  And I’m hopeful that the trend continues so that ice hockey will become yet another sport that young girls can aspire to actually earn a living from.”

She remains grateful for the role that professional sports has played in enhancing her personal and professional lives, in much the same way it did for her parents.

“My parents have always been my greatest role models and I saw firsthand how they applied the lessons they learnt as sporting professionals to the careers they undertook afterwards.  They were my biggest motivators as I pursued my own athletic endeavors. My mom is still my number one cheerleader and although my dad passed away in late 2022, I still feel his presence encouraging me constantly, urging me to stay focused and to go for my goals.”

For now, her current goal is to apply her lifelong commitment to excellence to her new role at Google.

“Working at Google has been an incredible opportunity to collaborate with truly creative thinkers and growth oriented individuals,” said Ziadie. “One area that I will continue to focus on while here is the blending of my finance background with my new experience in tech, which I hope will ultimately lead to my working on the Google Growth fund.”

12 Fast Facts On The Latest Situation On Haiti

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. Mar. 13, 2024: With so many moving parts on the situation in Haiti, we at News Americas are bringing you 12 of the latest fast facts happening now.

1: Efforts to introduce new leadership in Haiti faced setbacks today, with several political factions rejecting the international community’s proposal for a presidential council to oversee the country’s transitional period.

A protester reacts while tires burn in the street during a demonstration following the resignation of its Prime Minister Ariel Henry, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on March 12, 2024. A political transition deal in Haiti marks a key step forward for the violence-ravaged country but far more needs to be done, with some experts warning the situation could deteriorate further. (Photo by CLARENS SIFFROY/AFP via Getty Images)

This council was intended to appoint an interim prime minister and ministers to navigate Haiti out of its current turmoil, exacerbated by widespread gang violence affecting education, business, and daily life.

Jean Charles Moïse, a former senator and presidential hopeful allied with ex-rebel leader Guy Philippe, publicly denounced the international proposal, advocating instead for a three-person council he had formed with Philippe and a Haitian judge.

Other notable figures like Himmler Rébu, a former army colonel and political party leader, and supporters of Prime Minister Ariel Henry expressed their dissent, each proposing different leadership solutions.

Despite the international effort to stabilize Haiti through a transitional council, the rejection from key Haitian political players underscores the deep divisions and challenges in finding a unified path forward.

2:  The US said today it has sent a specialized Marine unit to help secure the U.S. Embassy in Haiti as the country struggles through a political transition amid rising gang violence. This as  the Biden administration pledged an additional $100 million to facilitate the deployment of the Multinational Security Support Mission, (MSS), bringing the total U.S. contribution thus far to $300 million – 200 from the Department of Defense, $100 million commitment from the Department of State.  Secretary Blinken also announced an additional contribution of $33 million in humanitarian assistance to help the Haitian people at this difficult time.

Gang leader Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherizier speaks into his walkie talkie before a mission, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, March 5, 2024. (Photo by CLARENS SIFFROY/AFP via Getty Images)

3: Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier, one of the major gang leaders in Haiti, has said his coalition of gangs would oppose a new council appointed by CARICOM and top international leaders, including the US. He threatened to attack hotels where “the traditional politicians” typically stay and said a new government should be chosen by his coalition and “the Haitian people.”

4: Kenyan officials have paused putting the deployment of a U.N.-approved multinational security force to the beleaguered Caribbean nation until a new government is in place, according to media reports.

5: The UN World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that Haiti is on the brink of a devastating hunger crisis, with aid operations at risk of “grinding to a halt” amid rampant violence armed gangs tightened their grip on the capital, Port-au-Prince.

The lack of goods and resources is worsening an already precarious economic situation, with water and basic services being “stretched to the limit”, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said.

6: In Florida, Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis has ordered more than 250 law enforcement officers and soldiers to the Florida Keys to help stop what he anticipates to be an increase in Haitian migrants fleeing violence in their country

But so far, the Coast Guard hasn’t seen increased migrant traffic in the waters off Florida. The Coast Guard has repatriated 131 migrants found at sea to Haiti since Oct. 1, including 65 on Tuesday who were found on a boat near the Bahamas last week.

7: Despite the violence in Haiti and food insecurity, the Dominican Republic continues to deport thousands of Haitians back to Haiti as gangs now control 80 percent of Port-Au-Prince.

8: US House Minority Leader, Hakeem Jeffries, has written to the Republican Speaker of  the House, Mike Johnson, calling for “the full $50 million in security support” for Haiti.

“Congress must join the Biden administration in their crucial work and meet the moment by fulfilling our essential responsibility to ensure security in the Western Hemisphere and release the full $50 million funding allocation forthwith,” Jeffires wrote.

9:Bestselling author and award-winning journalist Mitch Albom said he was trapped in chaos-ridden Haiti and had to flee in the dead of night on a helicopter with nine others, including his wife.

Albom, the author of the blockbuster book, “Tuesdays With Morrie,” said in an interview with NBC News’ Gabe Guiterrez that a visit to an orphanage he established in Haiti turned terrifying when prisoners were freed, setting off bedlam on the troubled island. The orphanage, called Have Faith Haiti, is run by a nonprofit founded by Albom. He and the volunteers there found themselves stuck in Port-au-Prince, the capital, as the nation descended into violence by armed rebels and militias in recent weeks. Routes out of Haiti had been cut off, stranding the group.

Albom said a private helicopter was arranged by two congressional members — Rep. Cory Mills, R-Fla., who was tapped by Michigan Republican Rep. Lisa McClain — to help his group escape on Tuesday. After “a couple of failed attempts,” Albom and crew were able to fly “from an undisclosed location,” he said, to the Dominican Republic.

10: The United Nations said today it is reducing its footprint in Haiti because of the volatile security situation.

A spokesperson said non-essential personnel would be reduced, while those carrying out “lifesaving activities” will stay to continue operations. The organization has about 1,500 personnel in Haiti.

11: The German foreign ministry said its ambassador to Haiti joined other European Union representatives in leaving for the Dominican Republic as the country spiraled deeper into gang violence.

“Due to the very tense security situation in Haiti, the German ambassador and the permanent representative in Port-au-Prince left for the Dominican Republic today together with representatives from the EU delegation,” a ministry spokesman told AFP, adding that they would work from there “until further notice.” The US has also airlifted its staff out of Haiti.

12: The US State Department and Canada are still warning nationals not to travel to Haiti as the Caribbean nation continues to grapple with spiraling gang violence. The airport is closed currently.

Haiti has been listed as a Level 4: Do Not Travel destination by the US for the past four years.

Romain Virgo Amplifies International Women’s Day Celebration With Music

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Mar. 8, 2024: Renowned Jamaican reggae artist Romain Virgo continues to use his platform to uplift and honor women, showcasing their strength and diversity through his music. Notably, tracks like “Good Woman” and “I Believe” from his latest album, The Gentle Man, highlight his dedication to empowering women in their journeys.

Romain Virgo

In “Good Woman,” Virgo expresses gratitude, singing, “She’s the full package / Everything I need / Maybe I am lucky ’cause I can’t believe / She’s more of everything that’s guaranteed.” Similarly, “I Believe” features infectious melodies and vocals alongside Nigerian star Patoranking, encouraging listeners to recognize the profound impact women have on society.

Reflecting on the significance of International Women’s Day, Virgo emphasized, “Good women surround us everywhere. Today we celebrate you for the amazing impact you have on our lives.” He stressed the importance of men acknowledging and honoring the accomplishments of women across various roles and industries.

“‘Good Woman’ is an everlasting classic because it celebrates good women from around the world,” remarked Jamaican radio host Richie B, echoing sentiments shared by influencers and fans worldwide.

Romain Virgo, celebrated for his soulful crooning, has released three albums to date and numerous hit singles, garnering millions of streams on platforms like YouTube, Spotify, and Pandora. With a global fanbase and widespread radio play, his music resonates across borders, affirming his status as a reggae icon.

Stream HERE

St Kitts and Nevis Paves the Way for its Global Citizens to “Connect, Collaborate and Celebrate” at the Investment Gateway Summit

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News Americas, Basseterre, St. Kitts, Fri. March 08, 2024: The Government of St Kitts and Nevis have ushered in a new era of investing through the “Investment Gateway Summit”, calling for its economic citizens to visit their home. Global investors and high-net-worth individuals (HWNIs) can explore endless opportunities whilst being hosted by the Government. 

St. Kitts & Nevis

The Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, along with his Government, extends a personal invitation to citizens and investors to attend the exclusive inaugural Investment Gateway Summit from 11 to 15 May 2024.  

This significant event is an opportunity for Kittian and Nevisian citizens around the world to return home to discover how the twin-island federation is utilising economic diversification to advance developments and our citizens. 

This personal invitation from Honourable Dr. Drew, is an experience not to be missed to learn about the Sustainable Island State Agenda from the Government and key speakers , while connecting and building with visionary leaders, global businesspeople, and economic citizens. 

During the five-day Summit, economic citizens can engage and interact with national leaders and global experts. They can also explore the natural wonders the islands have to offer, with unique premium experiences to share with the world. 

Please click here to secure your exclusive spot at the Investment Gateway Summit. 

What to Expect from the Summit?

As an economic citizen, this will be your opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals in various businesses and network with businesspeople. 

Economic Citizens will have the opportunity to experience firsthand what initiatives St Kitts and Nevis are engaging in and the progress of each development. 

Learn about St Kitts and Nevis’ economic outlook for 2024 and beyond in addition to understanding how economic diversification can inspire change. Investment-led projects in the twin-federation and how you can become part of these exciting developments will be presented. 

Gain insights into the Sustainable Island State Agenda and why it is an essential element in the “Investment Gateway Summit” in May 2024. 

The Sustainable Island State Agenda key focus is on seven pillars: 

1. Food security 

2. Green energy transition 

3. Economic diversification 

4. Developing the Creative Economy 

5. Post-pandemic recovery 

6. Attract and support sustainable organisations 

7. Extend social protection and safety for vulnerable individuals 

These seven pillars form part of the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC), which is an exciting new investment option under the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme. 

The SISC is an opportunity to contribute to the development of a new nation. It’s a secure and sustainable option for savvy investors looking to make a strategic investment. 

Collaborative sustainable development initiatives will nurture economic and community development and extend shared values of excellence. 

“Connect, Collaborate and Celebrate” with Us

If you’re interested in promoting your brand, business services, or exploring sponsorship opportunities, feel free to leave a comment here along with your inquiry in the contact form. We’ll promptly respond with details on available packages. 

Tickets are limited – make sure to get your early bird tickets! 

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St Kitts and Nevis