Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago – Caribbean Airlines has expanded its route network with the launch of a new service to San Juan, Puerto Rico, commencing July 14, 2024. (Subject to approval by the Trinidad and Tobago Civil Aviation Authority (TTCAA) and pending approval by the Government of Barbados.) Old San Juan, Puerto Rico | Photo Courtesy: Depositphotos.com This strategic addition sees the airline operating flights three (3) times per week from its base in Trinidad, offering convenient connections via Barbados, to other destinations across the region. Cargo services will also be availa ..read more

KINGSTON, Jamaica – KPMG in Caricom announces that, effective 1 October 2024, Raymond Campbell will succeed R. Tarun Handa as Country Leader of KPMG in Caricom, which includes offices in Jamaica, Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, and Trinidad and Tobago. Raymond returned to the firm in 2006 as a partner, following a notable career in banking and corporate finance, both in Jamaica and across the Americas. At KPMG, he has led or supported several significant deals and has various internal accreditations as a specialist. To his new role, therefore, Raymond brings over 36 years’ experience, incl ..read more

Washington, D.C. – The World Bank Group’s Board of Directors endorsed a new strategic partnership for Jamaica today. This new plan for the 2024-2027 period focuses on advancing green, resilient, and inclusive development, while also supporting the government’s efforts toward debt reduction and fiscal resilience under three priorities: boosting human capital, creating higher-quality jobs, and strengthening resilience to shocks. This strategy comes at a crucial time when Jamaica – building on ten years of effective macroeconomic management and fiscal consolidation – is focused on achieving ..read more

By Jason Walker An interview with David Mullings, Chairman and CEO of Blue Mahoe Capital Chairman and CEO of Blue Mahoe Capital, David Mullings SOUTH FLORIDA – Blue Mahoe Capital’s founder is no stranger to the Jamaican Diaspora, having served as the first Future Leaders Representative for the USA on the Jamaica Diaspora Advisory Board for almost 3 years, writing a weekly Sunday opinion column in the Jamaica Observer for almost 2 and making an appearance on Bloomberg TV in January 2020 to speak about the performance of the Jamaica Stock Exchange which at the time was ranked as the best perform ..read more

KINGSTON, Jamaica – Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett is reporting significant growth in Jamaica’s tourism sector with preliminary gross earnings of US$4.38 billion, a 9.6% increase over the fiscal year 2022/23 and “the largest revenue flow from tourism in the history of the tourism industry.” Concurrently, an estimated 2.96 million stopover arrivals reflect a 9.4% increase while cruise arrivals were up by 9.0% from the previous period in 2022/23 to reach 1.34 million passengers. The Minister also noted that “2024 began with a bang,” with Jamaica now set to achieve its target of 5 mill ..read more

by Howard Campbell KINGSTON, Jamaica – Call it fashion stitched by pop music. Designer Daniela Stone made Ocean Melodies, her latest creations, based on hit songs from dancehall and soca artistes. Ocean Melodies, which was released on March 1 by Stone’s DTS Swim Company, comprises eight pieces. They bear names of hip songs such as Drift by Teejay (a cover-up), a Continent kaftan inspired by Nigy Boy’s hit, Surreal (by Tessanne Chin) pants set and Radar (Kes) dress. “I’m inspired by the ocean and we all love music, so it just seemed natural we named the pieces after songs from the Caribbean ..read more

by Howard Campbell SOUTH FLORIDA – Fans who have followed Rad Dixon’s career know his preference for roots music, but on his latest project the singer and his producers went for a techno feel which he savors. Giving Thanks For Life and I Remember are two songs on the EP, also titled Giving Thanks For Life, which was released in March. It is co-produced by James Smith for Tasjay Productions and DJ Treasure. Dixon, who is based in South Florida, said he and the producers agreed to go for a different sound. Rad Dixon “We came to an understanding that it’s what di people want rhythm-wise, but lyri ..read more

FORT LAUDERDALE – The commitment to foster educational opportunities in Haiti received a significant boost as the CHTA Education Foundation (CHTAEF) and sponsor Curtain Bluff are once again collaborating with École Hôtelière d’Haiti to launch a new cohort of the Spoken Hospitality English Course. With 30 enthusiastic students joining the program on April 29, 2024, the initiative aims to empower Haitian youth with essential language skills vital for thriving in the hospitality sector. Photo credit: Depositphotos.com The students are all in their final year at École Hôtelière d’Haiti completing ..read more

MIAMI – The SumFest Mizik 2024 Festival marks the commencement of Haitian Heritage Month, announcing their return in 2024 with the theme “Bigger Than Us,” heralding a vibrant celebration of Caribbean culture, music, resilience, and commitment to global unity. Set against the backdrop of the vibrant beats of Soca, Kompa, and Dancehall, originating from Haiti, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica & other islands, the festival will take place on Saturday, July 7th, at the historic Virginia Key Beach Park (4020 Virginia Beach Dr, Miami). Originating in Haiti and now finding its home in South Florida f ..read more

ANGUILLA– The Anguilla Summer Festival celebrates its 50th anniversary! From July 21st to August 11th, locals and visitors are invited to join the festivities and enjoy a week full of cultural events, music, and fun activities. The 50th edition of the Anguilla Summer Festival, aptly coined “The Family Reunion,” will attract record numbers of visitors and returning residents to the island. In its pure form, The Anguilla Summer Festival is a celebration, affirmation and expression of culture coined by the island’s people. Family, friends, well-wishers and guests from ports worldwide will descend ..read more