In 2003,Pirates of the Caribbean was an unprecedented success for Disney, allowing the production of four sequels over the years. Not all have been as successful in terms of criticisms as the first, but a new release is expected to meet the demands of critics and fans of the franchise.The franchise has seenmany changes in recent years, which could now include the end of Jack Sparrow.

RELATED: 15 Movies To Watch If You Love Pirates Of The Caribbean

Disney has considered the possibilities and is expected to soon start working on two reboots starting from the original premise, but rewriting the story and adding new characters. Although the work has already been advanced, it is not yet known if the productions will be completed, if they will modify more elements or if these new plots will work or not. Here are five ways this reboot will work and five it won't.

Right now, Disney is working on two films, and apparently neither is a continuation of the story. This effort to make the franchise work can make positive changes that will lead to success.

One of the reboots would potentially star Margot Robbie and the script would be written by Christina Hodson. Another story would be made by the writer of the first fourPirates of the Caribbeanfilms, Ted Elliot, and by Craig Mazin from the acclaimedChernobyl series. Details have not been fully disclosed but so far, it is believed that Jack Sparrow will not be back. These decisions may change in the coming months.

Like him or not,Johnny Depp has been one of the main reasons why the franchise has been successful. When the first film was released, it was not clear whether the audience would like it, but Jack Sparrow was able to charm the audience and bring it to theaters again and again.

People might think that a version without Jack Sparrow won't work, he is the main attraction of the story. His character is one of the most famous in Disney and has a lot of fans who are demanding Depp's return to the franchise.

Although many fans want Johnny Depp to return to the franchise, it must be taken into account that the character of Jack Sparrow may be depleted, and for that reason, the latest films have not had the same creative and critical success.

RELATED: Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Worst Thing About Each Main Character

A reboot can help the franchise gain greater strength, because new characters can offer a fresh face. The new story could generate sequels that will position Pirates of the Caribbeanas one of the longest-lasting and most successful franchises in cinema.

Although Pirates of The Caribbean is a highly successful franchise at the box office, so farnone of the films have ever surpassed The Curse of the Black Pearl. The first movie's excellent box office and good reviews allowed it to return four times, but these sequels did not manage to equal the first one.

This may suggest that a reboot will also be in the shadow of The Curse of the Black Pearland without certain elements and by changing the creative direction, a new story may follow a downhill path.

While nothing has been confirmed just yet, it seems that Disney is looking to some of Hollywood's biggest names to carry the franchise forwards. Some of these actresses include:Margot Robbie, Daisy Ridley, Karen Gillan and Emma Watson. Besides, Disney has not confirmed yet if Johnny Depp will be totally absent or will be part of the reboots, so the possibilities are still open.

The fact that the production company is looking for recognized actresses means that they are trying to bet big, to guarantee that the film will work. This suggests that the release will have an excellent reception.

Johnny Depp's removal is the product of controversy generated by his ex-wife, Amber Heard. She claimed to have been a victim of domestic violence, but after a few months it was proven that the accusations were false.

Now with Depp seemingly on the comeback, his fans are very upset with the situation and his dismissal from the franchise. They are demanding through internet campaigns and hashtags on social media that the actor be reinstated. If Depp doesn't reprise his role, there is a chance that the fans of the franchise and Depp will boycott the next Pirates of The Caribbean,dealing it a significant financial blow.

Pirates of The Caribbean has had strong female characters throughout its films. The most important is Elizabeth Swann, who became a heroine and had some of the best dialogue in the film. But this time, rumors indicate that it would be the opportunity for a version with a larger female cast.

Related: 10 Things That Make No Sense About Pirates Of The Caribbean

There is now a greater interest in supporting feminist causes, and Hollywood has joined in. These opportunities offer actresses the chance to play stellar and more in-depth characters that were previously more dedicated to men. Audiences have responded positively to these efforts, and it is hoped that this will be reflected in the cinema box office.

In the past, viewers went to these movies to enjoy the adventures of Jack Sparrow, knowing what to expect. A film without the character could put the franchise in a similar spot at the beginning, where it was not known if it would be successful.

While this creative risk may be exciting for some, it's undeniable that the risks could outweigh the gains.Piratesas a franchise is in a precarious stage, and an all out reboot may not be the best course of action.

It's pretty obvious thatPirates of The Caribbean is a fantasy franchise, and, movies of this genre are a trend at the moment. Viewers love going to the theater to see adventure films where it is possible to appreciate a great creativity.

This type of film is not afraid of experimentation, and that guarantees success most of the time, because in them the story can be oriented towards unexplored corners, but at the same time it can fascinate the audience.

Few franchises manage to stay active after a few years, because time takes its toll. Even the most popular franchises begin to lose momentum at some point, andPirates of the Caribbeanis no exception. Even during the time ofAt World's End,some critics and fans cited that the franchise should end soon.

Holding the interest of the audience after such a long time can be difficult, so, a sixth movie that's following a previously concluded trilogy and a pair of lackluster sequels has less chances to work.

NEXT: Which Pirates Of The Caribbean Character Are You Based On Your Zodiac

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Edgary Rodrguez R. is a writer, video producer and journalist. She writes in different publications about films, TV, politics, human rights, travel, art, environment, social justice, among others. Can also be found in Siena Post.

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5 Reasons The New Pirates Of The Caribbean Reboot Will Work (& 5 It Won't) - Screen Rant

There be no pirates among these dishes, just a treasure of wonderful flavor! The Islands of the Caribbean marketplace is making its fifth festival appearance at this years Taste of EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival.

The Patagonia Booth from 2017 (and previous years) didnt return for 2018, which left a festival staple without a home. Thankfully, Islands of the Caribbean stepped up to foster the beloved Empanada. This year, its a Ropa Vieja Empanada that tastes exquisite. Sure, a little pricey for the single fried meat pocket, but therere a few great bites of tender and flavorful ropa vieja inside of the crispy dough. Recommended!

In 2018, this dishwas presented as a Jerk Chicken Lollipop and we absolutely loved it. Then they changed the chicken up and it was met with mixed reviews. We all agreed that the jerk chicken wasreallygood jerk chicken. The mango chutney, however, was not good. The texture was off and didnt seem to compliment the chicken well at all.

This flancocho was fabulous. It was light, fruity, and the sprinkle of toasted coconut on top was perfect. The cake held up against the flan. It was sweet, but not too sweet. The mango flavor was natural and complimented the vanilla cake.

We would place this in our top three dishes of the festival, and the best dessert overall.

Red Stripedescribes their Lager as a beautiful amber lager with low butterscotch flavour, full bodied and a smooth post palate sensation.

FromOpici Wines: White wine made from the Airen grape is blended with all-natural citrus fruit essences and spice extract. Subtle tropical fruit flavors of banana and pineapple meet crisp aromas of orange, grapefruit, and a hint of peppermint. The vibrant and clean palate is accented by notes of ginger and nutmeg on the finish.

The frozen slushy machines always have issues at the EPCOT festivals, especially Food & Wine in the direct heat. Frozen is a relative term, and if you get a frozen version of any drink at the festival consider yourself lucky. Dont waste your time on this mojito that tastes like artificial mint and sadness.

The Islands of the Caribbean Marketplace Booth is located in World Showcase Plaza, just to the left as you enter via the main walkway from Future World.

You wont have to travel too far to try these flavors from the islands! Which one are you eager to try first?

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REVIEW: Islands of the Caribbean Brings a Delicious New Flan to the Taste of EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival 2020 - wdwnt.com

MANCHESTER, England Head coach Phil Simmons on Monday chided West Indies batting as disappointing, once again lamenting the absence of hundreds and calling on batsmen to stand up, following a comprehensive 113-run defeat in the second Test at Old Trafford.

In the face of a massive first innings score of 469 for nine declared by England, West Indies under-performed in reply, crashing from 242 for four to 287 all out to lose their last six wickets for 45 runs on Sundays penultimate day.

And set 312 for victory on Mondays final day after England declared their second innings on 129 for three, West Indies declined to 37 for four and following a brief recovery, lost their last six wickets for 61 runs to perish for 198.

I think it was disappointing, the way we started chasing 300. If we had batted normally between when we started and tea time [we would have been in a better position], Simmons told media afterwards.

The plan was to see what was happening at tea and what we had left to chase, and decide if we were going to go at it or if we were going to bat out the day. But the way we started the inning, it didnt augur well for us and we had to be fighting to save the game.

He continued: You had five, maybe six half-centuries and no conversion [to triple figures]. Its something that weve been talking about a lot and no one has taken up that opportunity in this game yet again so it is disappointing.

I think thats where things lie because had we continued from [242 for four] yesterday and one of the guys in got a hundred another hundred-run partnership because weve had two for three fifty-run partnerships [things could have been different].

These are the little things that help you control a Test match. We had things under control up to that point.

Rookie Shamarh Brooks hit a half-century in each inning while opener Kraigg Brathwaite, Roston Chase and Jermaine Blackwood all added fifties but failed to carry on.

In contrast, Ben Stokes struck a superb 176 in the first innings while opener Dom Sibley got 120, to underpin Englands large total.

Simmons, who had underscored the need for hundreds prior to the game, said this area was one of the major concerns for the Caribbean side heading into Fridays start of the third and deciding Test here.

I think we have to do something different we just lost a Test match. We have to add to things weve done in the first Test match and subtract from some of the things weve done in this Test match, and I think it is critical that our batsmen carry on and make big hundreds, he reiterated.

Stokes [made] 176, [Sibley made] 120-odd. Our batsmen need to make hundreds because our bowlers are doing their jobs and now the batsmen need to stand up and do what they have to do for West Indies cricket.

Simmons also stressed it was important batsmen were tuned into team plans, warning that individualism would not be tolerated.

If I find that out and I think that youre more concerned about your current form rather than what you can do for the team then you can think about your current form on the sidelines, Simmons asserted.

Because so far everyone has been looking to work hard for the team and if someone changes that train of thought, then theyre not there for the team so wed have to think about that very, very seriously.

CMC

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Simmons Beseeches Batsmen to 'Stand Up' in Wake of Defeat - caribbeannationalweekly.com

Pirates of the Caribbean star Zoe Saldana explains why she left the franchise after the first film, and how the experience almost ended her career.

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearlwas a box-office smash for Disney, skyrocketing its cast to global-stardom but actress Zoe Saldana neglected to return for any of its many sequels, citing her treatment off-screen as the reason why. Though she later made waves starring in James Camerons Avatar, and the J.J. Abrams-led Star Trek reboot, Saldanas earlier experience with the then-fledgling Pirates franchise left a sour taste in her mouth and almost led her to quit Hollywood filmmaking altogether.

In The Curse of the Black Pearl, Saldana plays Anamaria: a no-nonsense pirate from Jack Sparrows past. She hunts him down for stealing her boat, and after dealing out a few deserved slaps ends up joining his crew. By the end of the film, having crossed blades with undead pirates, Anamaria and Jack (Johnny Depp) appear to be on better terms; skeleton battles clearly at the heart of any good relationship.

Related:Zoe Saldaa's 5 Best & 5 Worst Movies (According to IMDb)

Unfortunately, in Saldanas experience, this on-screen camaraderie wasnt reflected in the films production though she insists that the cast were not to blame. Talking with THR in 2014, Saldana said, Those weren't the right people for me. I'm not talking about the cast. The cast was great. I'm talking about the political stuff that went on behind closed doors. It was a lot of above-the-line versus below-the-line, extras versus actors, producers versus PAs. It was very elitist. She then went on to discuss the films impact on her career, saying: I almost quit the business. I was 23 years old, and I was like, F this! I am never putting myself in this situation again. People disrespecting me because they look at my number on a call sheet and they think I'm not important. F you.

These statements expanded on previous comments from a 2011 interview with The Independent, in which Saldana said, I didn't like the experience of working on Pirates and I feel that it is my job to be completely honest. To me, that's what a Hollywood movie felt like. If that's what I have to witness, and have to go through, to do a Hollywood movie, I'd rather do something else." Saldana's frustrations were also felt by star Johnny Depp, who revealed in a 2018 interview with GQ that, "The trouble with working with these big studios is they can get uncomfortable about certain creative decisions you make. That happened withPirates." Depp went on to clarify: "Disney hated me. [They were] thinking of every way they could to get rid of me, to fire me."

Clearly, Disney's approach left a lot to be desired, and while Depp signed on forPirates of the Caribbean sequels Saldana questioned whether she would continue in an industry with such allegedly toxic working practices. Thankfully, Saldana stuck around, going on to star as Gamora in the hugely-successful Guardians of the Galaxy a role she has returned to readily across several films within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. That the MCU andAvatarare both Disney-owned brands doesn't appear to phase Saldana, suggesting that her negative experience working onThe Curse of the Black Pearlwas specific to the company at the time (under then-CEO Michael Eisner), and not reflective of Disney's current workplace culture.While thePirates franchise continued, Saldana remained absent though her character, Anamaria, did go on to appear in various spin-off materials, including a short-lived comic book series and a Lego-themed video game.

After a string of critical failures, and diminishing box-office returns of late, the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise is in deep water, and reports abound that Disney are attempting to revive the property with fresh blood. Only time will tell whether Zoe Saldanas Anamaria will regain her sea-legs and re-join the franchise, but the actresss ongoing relationship with Disney via Marvel, along with reports that the new Pirates film will be female-driven, certainly lend credence to such a possibility.

Next:Disney's TWO New Pirates Of The Caribbean 6 Movies Explained

Tenet Is Nolans Doctor Strange In Time-Bending Fan Art

Joe Simpson is a writer, filmmaker, and cynic based in Edinburgh, Scotland. He likes pia coladas, getting caught in the rain, and hates referring to himself in the third person. Alas, them's the breaks.

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Pirates of the Caribbean: Why Zoe Saldanas Anamaria Didnt Return - Screen Rant

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados Barbados says it has no intention of ending a programme through which Cuban nurses are engaged in the fight against the coronavirus (COVID-19) on the island, despite a threat by the United States to target countries benefiting from the medical missions from Havana.

Barbados is a sovereign country and we make decisions in the interest of the country just like other countries large and small. We have engaged the nurses from Cuba. Barbados had diplomatic relations with Cuba when other countries were trying to do the same . . . and we are not going to buckle under the pressure of any other nation, said Health Minister, Jeffrey Bostic.

He told a branch meeting of the ruling Barbados Labour Party (BLP) in St. Phillip, south-east of the capital on Sunday evening that Bridgetown would maintain its policy of being friends of all, satellites of none.

Florida Republican Senator Rick Scott has introduced a new bill that would target countries that hire Cuban doctors through the medical missions controlled by the islands government.

The Cut Profits to the Cuban Regime Act requires the State Department to publish the list of countries that contract the doctors through the Cuban government and to consider that as a factor in their ranking in the State Departments annual Trafficking in Persons report.

Scott is being supported by Florida and Texas Republicans, Senators Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz. He said the Cuban government was participating in the human trafficking of doctors and that any country that requests medical assistance from Cuba is aiding such efforts.

Rubio also called the missions a form of modern-day human trafficking, but the Cuban government, which has almost 30,000 healthcare workers contracted in more than 50 countries, including in several Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries, has dismissed the accusations and insists that the missions are examples of cooperation and solidarity.

Bostic said that Barbados was doing what was in the interest of its people and the nurses would remain here because we expect we will have more cases and we are a tourism-based country which depended on almost 40 per cent of GDP.

CMC

Originally posted here:

Barbados Not Worried by US Threat Over Cuban Medical Missions - caribbeannationalweekly.com

There is a lot up in the air about the new reboot forPirates of the Caribbean,but fans can finally be sure that Margot Robbie will be taking a leading role. On top of that, this female-led flick will also have a female writer, Christina Hodson. These two talented ladies worked together onBirds of Preyand are teaming up again.

RELATED:Pirates Of The Caribbean: 10 Questions We Still Have (That Could Be Answered In A 6th Movie)

While fans wait patiently for more information about their favorite pirate franchise, they should at least get refreshed, or up-to-date, about these two women. So, here are five things that everyone needs to know about Margot Robbie, and five about Christina Hodson.

This talented and versatile actress is far from a new face to the big screen, and she's certainly also dabbled in some pretty incredible and critically-acclaimed films.

With two Oscar nominations under her belt (forI, Tonya,andBombshell), fans should know that this actress is one of the most talented in the business today. It will be refreshing to see her join a popular franchise.

This new writer is definitely a baby in the business, but she's definitely already proved herself. She's becoming a pretty big name in the DC universe, too. FromBumblebeetoBirds of Prey,Hodson is also signed up forThe FlashandBatgirl.

She's obviously got the action genre down-pat and knows her way around female leads and popular franchises. It will be incredible to see what she does with the pirate series.

Many of the actors and actresses that have joined this pirate franchise are not actually American, and Margot Robbie is no exception. She was born and raised in Australia and has an adorable accent to prove it.

RELATED:Birds of Prey: 10 Harley Quinn Mannerisms & Traits That Margot Robbie Nailed

She starred in an Australian soap! Then, her Hollywood career took off in the 2010s. Since then, the rest is truly history, and it will be fascinating what this Australian actress makes of her pirate character.

Just like Margot Robbie, this writer is also not American. This is definitely fit for this popular franchise, and this English writer is of both English and Taiwanese descent.

Fans have seen what actors like Keira Knightley and Penelope Cruz brought to the table, and it's exciting that this new reboot will also have some more diverse views.

Margot Robbie had been in the acting business for a while, but her starring role alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in Martin Scorsese's popular flick,The Wolf of Wall Street,definitely put her name in lights.

Their chemistry on-screen matched with the unique and mesmerizing characters scored this movie serious attention, and there was no doubt in anyone's mind after it that Robbie would be a star.

Obviously, Hodson has worked with Robbie and some other big names, but her very first writing credit was forShut In,which starred the iconic Naomi Watts. This psychological thriller was released in 2016 and marked Hodson's transition into screenplay writing.

RELATED:Pirates Of The Caribbean: 5 Ways To Reboot The Franchise (& 5 Reasons It Should Be Left Alone)

Clearly, her screenplaywas adapted to the big screen, and, while this film didn't exactly take off, it was definitely the start of something big. It definitely got Hodson to where she is now.

Every movie lover out there should at least know that this stunning and talented woman is the actress behind Harley Quinn inSuicide SquadandBirds of Prey.Robbie is pretty well-known for beating out incredible names for parts, including Emma Stone forTarzanandBlake LivelyforThe Wolf of Wall Street.

Probably what is most impressive though, is that Margot Robbie was simply offered the part of Harley Quinn,she didn't even have to audition. Now, it makes sense, because nobody else could slay it as well.

In many interviews, Christina Hodson has spoken up about how important it is to have powerful females on the big screen. With Hailee Steinfeld's character inBumblebeeto the female-ledBirds of Preyto her upcoming screenplay ofBatgirl,it's clear she's invested in women.

RELATED:Birds Of Prey: 10 Action Movie Ladies Who Should Join Harley Quinn's Gang

Partnering up these strong ladies with a female writer is definitely making waves in Hollywood, and every fan waiting patiently for this spin-off flick should be prepared for a stellar flick with incredible women.

For anyone that isn't convinced about this bombshell, it's also important to know that she was incredibly humble beginnings. With a modest background, this actress used to be a 'sandwich artist' at Subway.

She's certainly come a long way, but she will be the first to admit she was pretty great at building a hoagie. However, no fan is upset that she moved on because her talent is out of this world.

Margot Robbie was actually the one that her heart set on doing a girl gang flick with her character, Harley Quinn. After pitching it to the studio, she was linked up with Christina Hodson.

Apparently, they hit it off, and the two worked together on bringing the movie to the big screen. Clearly, these two are a match made in heaven, and this spin-off film should definitely be highly-anticipated because of it.

NEXT:15 Movies To Watch If You Love Pirates Of The Caribbean

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I am a university student studying Criminology & Psychology at St. Thomas University, with a burning passion for film! I am an avid reader, writer, and film-goer, and I love learning about movies, actors, directors, and sharing my passion and knowledge with others.I am a List Writer for ScreenRant, and love being a part of a film community where we all share the same passions.

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Pirates Of The Caribbean Reboot: 5 Things You Need To Know About Margot Robbie (& 5 About Christina Hodson) - Screen Rant

Back in 2003, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl hit cinemas, making over $650 million worldwide and bagging a Best Actor Oscar nomination for Johnny Depps Captain Jack Sparrow. Almost 20 years later and the gamble of a film based on a Disneyland Ride has massively paid off, spawning four sequels to date, with a sixth film in the works, and billions made at the box office. But now Greg Ellis, who played Lieutenant Commander Theodore Groves in three of the five Pirates movies has revealed how there was a feeling of nervousness and low expectations at the first films cast reading.

Speaking exclusively with Express.co.uk, the 52-year-old who was promoting his video podcast series The Respondent said: I remember the first cast read-through we had at The Viper Room on Sunset, the famous club.

Depp owned the venue at the time, which is presumably why the script reading took place there.

Painting a picture of the scene, Ellis continued: It was this strange mixture of LA-based actors, superstars, celebrities.

There were about eight or nine actors who had flown in from England; literally jet-lagged, pasty faced.

READ MORE:Pirates of the Caribbean star reveals Johnny Depps acting process

The Lieutenant Groves actorspoke of how representatives from Disney and producer Jerry Bruckheimer were all sitting around the outside of a big long table with Depp, Barbossa star Geoffrey Rush and others.

Apparently many of the actors were smoking and you could hear the coughs from the executives.

Ellis said: I remember that day I read quite a few characters because only about 15 of the core cast were there.

There was nervousness and low expectation.

It had been almost a decade since the last Hollywood movie about pirates (other than Muppet Treasure Island) hit cinemas.

Cutthroat Island, starring Geena Davis and Matthew Modine, was a total bomb and led to the closure of Carolco Pictures as a result.

With this in mind, Ellis said of the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie: Nobody expected it to do as well as it did.

And Disney were particularly concerned with Depps Jack Sparrow character, who would go on to be one of the most iconic blockbuster leads of the 21st century so far.

DON'T MISSPirates of the Caribbean fans FURIOUS Johnny Depp not star of new film[FAN BACKLASH]Pirates of the Caribbean 6 producer on Johnny Depp Jack Sparrow role[INTERVIEW]Pirates of the Caribbean 6 is SEPARATE to potential female spin-off[PIRATES 6]

Ellis said: Johnnys career up until that point, he was a superstar who did seemingly independent movies.

For him to combine with the huge corporate world of Disney and play a doddering, slightly drunken, effeminate, overly-dressed pirateI think there was a lot of nerves on the studios part of how audiences would receive it.

The Pirates actor even pointed out how Depp overdressed himself by a third for a Jack Sparrow costume fitting as he knew the studio would want to tone down his look.

Even Depp himself has previously claimed, in an interview with GQ, how Disney hated his vision for the pirate and were thinking of every way they could to get rid of me, to fire me.

Ellis new video podcast series The Respondent explores a whole host of topics includingpositive masculinity, family law, parenting, sexuality, men's rights, comedy and greek gods.

The actor also explores how families communicate, how we cope with device dependency and finding the good in people.

He argued: All of that conversation seems to have been very stilted, stopped and stunted in the court of public opinion, [which is] judging everyone and cancelling so many people who are losing their livelihoods.

To watch the first episode of Greg Ellis video podcast,click here.

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Pirates of the Caribbean: How Johnny Depp OVERCAME Disney's nervous low expectations - Express

When singer Krisirie first met musicians Willie Stewart and Handel Tucker at Stewarts On The Beat recording studio in South Florida three years ago, there was an instant synergy.

Call it Caribbean chemistry: Krisirie who is from Barbados and Stewart and Tucker who are Jamaicans, gelled so much that day, they co-wrote the stirring Return to Love.

That ballad was finally released in June. With Tucker on piano, Krisiries emotional plea for a peaceful world, tugs at the heart strings.

Stewart, former drummer with Grammy-nominated band Third World, and Tucker, World-Renowned Grammy Producer were blown away by the then 19-year-olds maturity and talent. From left: Tucker, Krisirie and Stewart

She has a unique sound and a sincerity in her delivery. She really has a style of her own, said Stewart. It should come as little surprise that Krisirie hit it off with her more experienced colleagues.

Born Kristen Walker, she grew up in the parish of Christ Church, Barbados listening to mainly reggae; Bob Marley, Beres Hammond and Third World are some of her biggest influences.

Because of the COVID-19, promoting Return to Love has been restricted to social media. A gripping music video has attracted a rush of longtime admirers and new fans of Krisirie who began recording three years ago.Were very happy with how things are going. The social media and public response has been great, said Stewart.

Krisirie is the latest act he and Tucker have worked with at On The Beat. Others include Krisiries compatriot, Arturo Tappin; sibling Jamaican trio, 3B4Jhoy, Josef George, a singer from the British Virgin Islands, and Norre Stephenson, brother of singer/songwriter Duane Stephenson.

Stewart, who has promoted to the successful Rhythms of Africa show in South Florida for the past 11 years, is confident Return to Love and Krisirie have the potential to go all the way. She is singing a message that the world needs to hear. Its timeless. If we dont have love, we dont have nothing, he reasoned.

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"Return to Love" - A Song of Inspiration by Bajan Singer Krisirie - Caribbean News - caribbeannationalweekly.com

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) A new restaurant is bringing a taste of the islands to downtown Grand Rapids.

Art Caribbean Fusion Cuisine opened last weekend with an experience that doesnt stop at the plate. The restaurant at 55 Monroe Center NW immerses guests in Caribbean culture with original art everywhere, including traditional hand-painted metal coffee cups from the Dominican Republic, called jarros de caf.

The local artists can bring their pictures here, their art, and if customers are willing to buy it, then theyll be able to do that from here. So its a way of support also for our local artists, owner and chef Gilma DeLaCruz said.

Island music also floats through the Caribbean restaurant, which is the first of its kind downtown, according to DeLaCruz.

When you travel to the Caribbean, when you get to the airport, the first thing that they have is music, live music. So we want to be able to give you have that experience here without having to travel right now, (since) that is impossible to do, she said.

DeLaCruzs food made its mark on downtown Grand Rapids in September 2018 with the areas first Caribbean food truck, El Caribe. The pandemic forced the popular food truck to shut down for about 45 days, but it is once again feeding visitors in Rosa Parks Circle and other areas, now by pre-order.

DeLaCruz says inquiries from visitors in love with El Caribes food pushed her to expand to a place that wont have to close when winter hits.

With the food truck, we kept traveling and traveling and we had a lot of customers asking, When, where are you going to have a brick and mortar? When are we going to be able to find your food in one spot and not moving around? DeLaCruz said.

Some of the food that has made El Caribe so popular is on the menu at Art Caribbean, including the Cuban sandwich with plantain chips, steak jibarito made with plantains instead of bread, and empanadas made from scratch.

The menu also has some new options, including Caribbean nachos. Visitors can also order yuca fries and malanga fries.

Caribbean (food) is the seasoning, too. All of the flavors that we bring together in a meal when you taste it, its not just blend, but youll have different tastes, DeLaCruz said. Your taste buds will be able to have so many explosions when you try Caribbean food, from spiciness to sweet, being able to explore all of that in one dish.

Creating food is in DeLaCruzs blood. Her mother runs Rincon Criollo restaurant off Grandville Avenue near Clyde Park Avenue and her sister-in-law is the executive chef for Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

Her relatives inspired her to pursue a career in culinary arts and helped her open Art Caribbean, from the menu planning to preparing the space.

Were a very strong family and we try to support each other, she said. So when were open, youll see my mom here running around and telling me how to do things and how to open because thats how we are. We are a family of support and we have each others back.

DeLaCruzs restaurant combines her childhood experiences of growing up in the restaurant industry and in the Dominican Republic.

I wanted to bring, share with Grand Rapids, that culture, she said.

My husband and I have always traveled to Florida (and) New York. When we go there, we love the fact that we can visit so many different restaurants and be able to have that diversity. And we wanted to have that change here in Grand Rapids. We wanted to bring that diversity and food to the downtown area, she added.

COVID-19 delayed Art Caribbeans opening by about three months. While DeLaCruz was waiting, a riot erupted downtown near her restaurant.

I did not sleep at night, she said. My husband and I were sitting on in the bed and we were like, we dont know whats going to be tomorrow morning. I mean, if they, if our business got destroyed, whats next?

Daylight brought relief in the form of a friends phone call the restaurant only needed its sign fixed and windows cleaned.

My husband was able to come here and help other businesses clean up their windows, put boards up. And it was very amazing. The night of the riots (was) a lot of sadness, (being) anxious. And the next morning was happiness, seeing how our community came together to help clean up and get all these businesses back to open, she said.

DeLaCruz says challenges created by COVID-19 are still emerging.

Probably one of my biggest right now is food supply. Prices and food have gone up. So we have had to make changes to our original menu to make sure that were not losing money and still being able to offer authentic and quality food to our guests, she said.

DeLaCruz also had to change the dining experience, spacing out seating for social distancing, using disposable menus, adding hand sanitizing stations and utilizing outdoor seating set up by Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. for takeout customers.

All staff will be wearing masks. Guests are asked to do so as well when theyre not eating.

We ask that every guest that comes in is also mindful of the staff thats here trying to offer you an experience, she said. That (we) all work together to make sure that were all staying healthy. So thats one of the challenges making sure that were all protecting each other.

Normally, the restaurant could fit 50 people. Coronavirus precautions cut that in half.

Its day by day. I mean, we were at a point where we asked ourself, Are we going to go through this? We thought this was not going to happen. And then they decide to open this (outdoor seating) thing, she said.

While there have been plenty of obstacles, DeLaCruz remains positive and determined to diversify downtown.

There is a lot of opportunities for us to create new things, she said. Grand Rapids is growing and its such a beautiful city that sometimes we lack the movement of making change. So Im here to make a change, to make a difference, to be part of a community and to bring something new to everybody.

Art Caribbean Fusion Cuisine will celebrate its grand opening Thursday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3:30 p.m.

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Art Caribbean Fusion Cuisine brings island experience to downtown GR - WOODTV.com

By Elesha georgeElesha.george@antiguaobserver.comDiscrimination against LGBTQ people in the Caribbean has come under fresh scrutiny following the sentencing of the killer of a transgender woman in Antigua.Arnal Angel Joseph, 25, was stabbed to death in September 2018 by her partner Timothy Jackman, who was last week sentenced to almost 12 years in prison for manslaughter.And while Josephs death was not due to a hate crime, the case has caused residents in Antigua and Barbuda, the Caribbean and internationally to flood Twitter with messages of support for LGBTQ people and the hurdles they face.The sentencing sparked a lively discussion about growing up queer in the Caribbean with Josephs picture posted on various social media sites with the hashtag #sayhername.Voices from across the region openly shared their opinions about the hurdles facing the LGBTQIA which stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex, and asexual community in the Caribbean.Among those tweeting was Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) Senator Aziza Lake who pointed out that black men who identify with the gender they were born as (known as cishet men) but who are queer, have to hide in the proverbial closet.Lake said that men who exhibit what are viewed as feminine traits experience violence and ostracisation, and suggested that transexual women as part of the LGBTQ+ community are more vulnerable because their presence challenges peoples ideas of masculinity.Others shared that they thought being a black queer person conflicts with Christianity a system which has a long history of fighting against and killing them.Sarah-Anne Gresham cofounder of feminist group Intersect Antigua tweeted that shame is a large part of Christian teaching and another example of violence that compounds emotional distress, trauma and self-hatred among what she termed Queeribbean people.One person remarked that they were no longer practicing Christianity because of the shame and conflict it caused them to feel. They also identified Christian colonial ideas as a barrier that prevents the decriminalisation of buggery and the legalisation of same sex marriage within the region.As it relates to violence against other genders, one participant tweeted that it was mentally taxing to go about their day knowing that people are out there who will go out of their way to bring them harm just because they exist differently to others.Many queer persons have a close relationship with depression and anxiety, they tweeted.Another participant this time from St Vincent and the Grenadines said ending general public discrimination, having laws in place to protect queer and transpeople from being victims of hate crimes. Basically seeing queer people as people (worthy of living) can go a long way.Persons also called for Caribbean lawmakers to prioritise decriminalising laws against transgender people, saying that these people have been at the forefront of LGTBQ+ activism but have benefited the least.Further questions and comments spoke of marriage equality, allowing comprehensive sex education inclusive of other genders to be taught at schools, and the psychological impact of violence and discrimination of Queeribbean people.Todays Twitter conversation is actually part of an educational campaign that we initiated this year called the Caribbean Feminist Stories project. We are launching a website where we will be curating Caribbean and Queeribbean feminist stories which will allow people to share their fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and art around different thematic areas, a statement written by Nneka Nicholas and Sarah-Anne Gresham, co-founders of Intersect read.The women explained that they have been sharing infographics on Instagram, excerpts from early submissions, and hosting Twitter chats around various themes.One of them is Growing Up Queer in the Caribbean which, for a lot of people, means fighting every day for their existence to be affirmed and validated and being subjected to violence. The murder of Angel Joseph is a stark reminder that despite people thinking that they dont have it so bad, that isnt the reality, the statement continued.The theme was also relevant because the women believe that it is important to show up for, and celebrate, queer voices while they are still alive and not offer empty condolences after they have been murdered.Transwomen, especially black transwomen, are extremely vulnerable to violence around the world, including the Caribbean. Amplifying the voices of Queeribbean people, especially transwomen, is imperative. The best way to do so is to let them tell their own stories, the statement added.Through this project, the women say they hope to emphasise that transwomen and LGBTQ+ people in Antigua and Barbuda deserve to live in a society where they are cared for, valued, loved, and cherished.Intersect has been advocating for an end to violence against members of the LGBTQIA community since 2015.

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Being LGBTQ in the Caribbean; Sentencing of transgender woman's killer throws spotlight on discrimination - Antigua Observer

Why Cruise to the Caribbean?

Thousands of islands make up the Caribbean, a tropical region stretching across the Atlantic Ocean. Home to some of the most popular cruise ports in the world, the Caribbean offers variations on a theme: sun, white-sand beaches and fun with a local twist, depending on the port. From Dutch and French isles to U.S. territories, the destinations of the Caribbean have cultural experiences to spare that extend well beyond the tip of the umbrella in your fruity cocktail.

A cruise offers the chance to visit multiple islands within the span of a few days, providing visitors with a sampler of new places plus balmy sea breezes along the way. Caribbean cruises offer endless variety giving vacationers the chance to get away for a long weekend or two weeks. With so many departure ports, your ship to the Caribbean might be a short flight or even a drive away.

The Caribbean offers as much -- or as little as you want to do during your time ashore, making it an ideal cruise vacation for families or for couples.

Water sports are abundant in the Caribbean and anyone who likes spending time in the sea will enjoy snorkeling, diving, paddleboarding and swimming through clear, turquoise waters like the remote beaches of Bonaire. Or fly high through the sky on a number of active zipline courses, including the steepest zipline in the world in St. Maarten. Lazily lounging on the beach is almost always a fantastic option. Pair a beach day with a hike on a day trip from St. Thomas to Virgin Island National Park in St. John.

If you need a break from the sun, air-conditioned island tours, duty-free shopping trips and even scenic rail trips -- such as the one around St. Kitts -- provide wonderful ways to spend a day off the ship.

All-inclusive lovers will be able to pamper themselves with excursions to resorts, while those looking for a more local flavor will be able to learn from chefs, artisans and other experts for an authentic taste of each island's culture

Winter and spring are great seasons to travel to the Caribbean due to a slight reduction in crowds and moderate temperatures, though the warm weather holds year-round here.

Atlantic hurricane season, from June through October, means a higher chance of rain and possible storms, though summer is still one of the most popular times to visit the Caribbean. If you book a summer sailing in a Caribbean region within the hurricane zone, there's a chance nothing will happen -- but buying insurance and keeping a flexible schedule helps manage expectations.

Cozumel, St. Thomas, Grand Cayman and St. Martin/Maarten are some of the most common ports of call in the Caribbean. You could also experience Jamaica, Cuba, Aruba, Grand Turk or the Dominican Republic. Many Caribbean cruises also include stops at private islands, such as Royal Caribbean's CocoCay or Disney's Castaway Cay, located in The Bahamas.

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Collaboration amongst policymakers and regulators will help accelerate the resiliency and installation of solar projects across the Caribbean, according to a new report.

The report has been released by the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), the Clinton Foundation and the United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States.

The study highlights how solar projects can help improve communities livelihoods, enable cost savings, build resilience, and reduce dependency on foreign oil.

By collaborating, Caribbean island nations can ensure the correct equipment is available, known practices are enforced and that solar projects are developed and built with the highest standards.

Related articles:Solar installations market slows in China and IndiaSunny weather brings solar record to EuropeGlobal corporate funding for solar energy declines by 25%

Key recommendations for collaboration presented in theSolar Under Storm for Policymakersreport include:

The release of the study comes at a time grid networks in Caribbean and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) continue to be affected by more frequent and intense weather events. Due to severe weather, critical infrastructure like hospitals and schools are without power and communities suffer deeply.

Although solar PV systems are a way to increase the resilience of the grid and greatly improve peoples access to reliable electricity, they are useless if they are not resilient to severe weather.

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Fekitamoeloa Katoa Utoikamanu, high representative for the UN-OHRLLS, said: In the Sustainable Development Goals, the world committed to ensuring access to affordable, reliable and modern energy for all. Many Small Island Developing States are emerging as frontrunners in the pursuit of renewable energy, with solar power leading the way. International support in the form of access to finance, investments and technology will be critical to accelerate their transitionand their resilience.

The study is the third in a series of reports by RMI and partners that focuses on installing hurricane-resilient solar systems. The firstSolar Under Storm guidediscussed the root causes of past solar failures focused on ground-mounted systems.Solar Under Storm Part IIexplored best practices for equipment and procedures for rooftop systems.

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Collaboration is key to accelerate resilient solar projects in the Caribbean - Power Engineering International

NEWS AMERICAS, KINGSTON, Jamaica, Mon. July 20, 2020: A Caribbean reporter got straight to the point with a government minister recently, asking him bluntly if he was cheating on his wife.

The minister snapped back that it was none of your business.

The drama unfolded in Kingston, Jamaica, where the countrys health and wellness minister is facing scrutiny over contracts granted to a company there and allegations on social media that a principal of the company was having an affair with the minister.

At a digital press conference on July 16, 2020 to update the country on COVID-19-related matters, Dr Christopher Tufton, was asked by Zahra Burton of 18 Degrees North directly: Did you cheat on your wife with any of the principals (voice fades out)?

The question agitated the minister so much that he added: I would prefer you would stick to questions around the operations of the ministry, and just as I leave you to your private life, I would like you to allow me mine. Thank you very much.

The controversy relates to Market Me Consulting Limited, a public-relations agency, which has benefited from coronavirus-related contracts through an unsolicited proposal. The initial contract was in the sum of $15.9 million and another contract was awarded in the sum of $31 million for the Jamaica Moves programme in June 2019.

Allegations on social-media platforms claim that Tufton and one of the principals of Market Me Consulting Limited may be having an affair. This triggered a caustic statement on Thursday from the minister, who threatened legal action against those responsible for the filthy and scandalous claims.

These disgusting, vicious, and false attributions made under the cover of social media have caused great pain and suffering and are clearly aimed at damaging my career, as well as causing emotional distress, he stated prior to the presser.

Tufton also said he has reported the matter to the Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Division of the Jamaica Constabulary Force. He has also placed the issue in the hands of his attorneys to use all available legal steps to ensure the prosecution of these cybercriminals, and, in any event, to seek recourse in the civil courts when their identities are ascertained.

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Caribbean News - A Caribbean Reporter Asked A Government Minister If He Was Cheating; His Response Is Priceless - Caribbean and Latin America Daily...

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos, July 20, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --interCaribbean Airways is pleased to announce new connecting services in the Eastern Caribbean between Barbados, Grenada, St. Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines.

With flights already available to St. Lucia, interCaribbean announces effective August 1, connecting services will commence from Barbados' Grantley Adams International Airport to Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Dominica. The scheduled expansion in the Eastern Caribbean will give connective travel to the existing 22 cities served by interCaribbeanacross its Pan-Caribbean network as services are restored.

For more than two decades, interCaribbean' operations have been focused to the western area of the Caribbean, with services in some of the region's major cities in Antigua, Bahamas, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, the British Virgin Islands, St. Lucia, Turks and Caicos.

Established over 28 years ago by founder and present-day Chairman Lyndon Gardiner, a Turks & Caicos Islander, interCaribbean has been aggressively broadening its scope across the region in the last decade.

In commenting on the actualization of his vision to become a household name in Caribbean travel, Founder and Chairman, Mr. Gardiner, states, "Building interCaribbean into what it is today has taken the full dedication of my entire team. The direction of the last 10 years culminates in introducing these new services to deliver a Caribbean-born and grown airline and become a leader in the region. It is my desire that every budding entrepreneur follows their calling and works towards their dreams. I did not start out imagining what we have become today, but continually calibrated and maximized every potential opportunity to grow this company. Our goal now is to fully consolidate ourselves in the region and become a globally recognized brand."

The company rebranded in 2013 from Air Turks & Caicos to interCaribbean Airways, to create a true Caribbean brand that each country could proudly call their own.

Company CEO, Trevor Sadler, stated, "the demand for our flights across the Caribbean continues to grow, with the introduction of jet aircraft into our fleet with more coming soon. We truly look forward to offering an optimal interCaribbean experience to the satisfaction of all customers. Never has it been easier to get around the Caribbean."

With an impeccable safety record, and a pledge to offer more affordable air travel, interCaribbean promises to take advantage of the existing and emerging opportunities to propel Caribbean integration, and deliver a service that is accessible to everyone across a region bound together by history and culture.

Visit interCaribbean.com to learn more about the company and its operations.

About interCaribbean

interCaribbean operates ERJ145 50 seat jets, EMB 120 30 seat Turbo Prop and 19 seat Twin Otter aircraft. Connecting the Turks & Caicos Islands, Antigua, the British Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Dominica, St Lucia and St. Maarten. Domestic flights are operated in the Turks & Caicos Islands, as well as in Jamaica between Kingston and Montego Bay.

Media contact: Trevor Sadler 649-443-3102 [emailprotected]

SOURCE interCaribbean Airways

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interCaribbean Announces New Flights Between Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean - PRNewswire

The newPirates of the Caribbean reboot for this classic and hilarious franchise is finally coming to the big screen, but there is still a lot of speculation about who is going to be in the movie, and what all will come of it. All fans really know so far is that Margot Robbie will be taking a leading role.

RELATED:10 Roles That Margot Robbie Slayed

Unfortunately, there's a lot of controversy over the fact that Johnny Depp, the iconic Jack Sparrow, will not be returning to this film. In light of that, fans focus on who they all want to join Margot Robbie in the pirate universe.

It's no secret that fans would love to see someone from the original franchise make an appearance in this reboot. While it's probably unlikely, having Knightley show up alongside Robbie would be phenomenal.

These two actresses are so unique, and together they might just explode on the big screen. Plus, this franchise is definitely not the same without Keira Knightley's beautiful self.

This is definitely no dig at this actress, because everyone knows that Ronan is talented beyond belief. This Oscar-nominated actress has already starred alongside Robbie inMary Queen of Scots.

While she's played many different roles, and is one of the most popular actresses out there today, it's time for someone new to join Robbie and the pirate universe. Plus, there's something about Ronan that's better without a pirate costume.

This Marvel actress has been eyed up by the producers of this movie, and it was very likely for a time that she would be cast in it. With rumors still flying, many people are obsessed with her still joining, but alongside Margot Robbie.

RELATED:Karen Gillan's 10 Most Memorable Roles, Ranked

Gillan has also starred in the reboot ofJumanji,and proves she's pretty fierce, hilarious, and a total bombshell. These two could definitely make for a great pirate partnership.

It seems almost crazy for anyone to say that they don't want this Oscar-winning actress in a flick, but it feels like it needs to be said. She's already starred with Margot Robbie, inBombshell,and it's obvious they have chemistry.

However, this is enough of a reason to keep their on-screen relationship in a more dramatic and serious role. For some reason, this actress doesn't seem like the type to adorn a sword and a parrot.

There's something about this young, upcoming, and totally versatile actress that could definitely excel at being a fierce pirate. Pugh has done thrillers and dramas, and from playing Amy March to being Lady Macbeth, fans can definitely see her playing a pirate.

Plus, Margot Robbie and Florence Pugh sounds like a partnership that would bring everyone to the theater, and their talents could only lift each other to their full potential. Plus, this movie would be as stunning as ever.

This Spanish queen is definitely full of talent, and while she may havestarred alongside Johnny Depp in the original series, she's not someone that fans are arguing over to reappear, especially without Depp.

RELATED:Pirates Of The Caribbean: 5 Ways To Reboot The Franchise (& 5 Reasons It Should Be Left Alone)

While time wearing a pirate hat was definitely entertaining, this fierce actress should likely dedicate her efforts to other films, where she can shine even more.

This actress is also a young woman that's looking to make a big name for herself. She actually also starred alongside Margot Robbie inOnce Upon A Time... in Hollywood,but the two never got to act together.

This spunky, quirky, and gorgeous actress could definitely get dressed up in a pirate costume and conquer the seas alongside Robbie. There's a lot this Emmy-nominated actress could bring to the table.

This actress has been working in Hollywood for years, and while she's never partnered up with Margot Robbie, fans of this Oscar-winning actress probably don't expect to see her in the pirate universe.

This woman might just be one of the most popular actresses of today, and while she's super talented and versatile, her face is not one that fans totally need to see on a pirate ship.

Saldana is definitely bursting in popularity in Hollywood today, and she's even starred alongside another fellow actress on this list, Karen Gillan. If both of thesewomen could join Margot Robbie, it'd be as fierce, hilarious, and entertaining as this movie could be.

RELATED:Zoe Saldana's 10 Best Movies (According To Rotten Tomatoes)

Saldana has a lot of talent to offer, and it'd be refreshing to see her sway away from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and step over into the pirate franchise.

This list has nothing against any of these incredible woman, but there's definitely some that just fans just can't see with a sword and a pirate hat. Unlike Robbie or the previous women from the franchise, Hathaway has something too elegant about her for this universe.

While she even made for a pretty impressive Catwoman, it's safe to say that her work in action is better left there. This popular actress has enough to offer without being a pirate.

NEXT:Which Pirates Of The Caribbean Character Are You Based On Your Zodiac?

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I am a university student studying Criminology & Psychology at St. Thomas University, with a burning passion for film! I am an avid reader, writer, and film-goer, and I love learning about movies, actors, directors, and sharing my passion and knowledge with others.I am a List Writer for ScreenRant, and love being a part of a film community where we all share the same passions.

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Pirates Of The Caribbean Reboot: 5 Actresses We Want To Join Margot Robbie (& 5 We Don't) - Screen Rant

Ten artists from Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean recorded tracks using birdsong from their country, with all profits of the vinyl and digital release going to bird conservation projects. Courtesy of the artist hide caption

Ten artists from Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean recorded tracks using birdsong from their country, with all profits of the vinyl and digital release going to bird conservation projects.

An international collective of electronic music DJs and composers is taking beats from the dance club to jungles and forests and back, all to help save nature's greatest singers. A Guide to the Birdsong of Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean is a new album that samples the sounds of endangered birds and whose proceeds go directly towards efforts to save them.

Robin Perkins is a 33-year-old DJ, composer and producer originally from Glassup, England. He goes by the name El Bho or "the Owl." Perkins produced the first volume of this project in 2015, A Guide to the Birdsong of South America.

"The whole project," Perkins says, "was born out of this idea of taking the songs of endangered birds and challenging musicians to make a piece of music from them, and so trying to marry these worlds of activism of conservation, birdsong and electronic music."

Perkins invited artists from each of the endangered or threatened birds' homelands to build their own songs around the birds' songs. Electronic music, he says, allows artists to do that in a special way.

"The beautiful thing about electronic music is that it opens up this whole toolbox of things that you couldn't otherwise do, right?" he says. "So you can take a sample of a bird song and do 5 million things to it. You can turn it into an instrument itself. You can reverse it, you can add effects, you can sample it."

Perkins has just finished the second project, A Guide to the Birdsong of Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. One of the musicians who responded to his call is Nicaraguan sonic artist Tamara Montenegro. She chose the turquoise-browed motmot, or Guardabarranco.

"To me it was a very clear choice," Montenegro says. "As a child, I would see this bird freely flying around and meeting his partner they travel in pairs most of the time in my backyard for sunsets. It was a beautiful, mystical moment every day."

The Guardabarranco is threatened by loss of habitat primarily due to deforestation. It's also Nicaragua's national bird.

"This bird represents a lot of symbology in my area of the world because it represents freedom," she says. "And these Central American countries have been striving for political, social, economic freedom for a long time."

The idea of freedom was also part of the impetus for Al Ovando's choice. Ovando is a member of the renowned group The Garifuna Collective that also includes musicians from Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. For the collective's contribution to the album, Ovando chose the endangered Black Catbird. Like the Guardabarranco, the Black Catbirds's freedom is threatened by loss of habitat. Ovando feels his people have a special kinship with the bird and its struggle for survival.

"You just imagine us coming all the way from the coast of West Africa into the Caribbean, ending up in Belize and still continuing the struggle and trying to be part of what the world is today," he says.

Ovando also happens to be a devoted birder. He even convinced the band to add a technical rider to its contracts when the group performs at festivals.

"If there is anybody at the festival who would like to go birding," he says, he wanted it to be known that they "would love to go birding with them, or if they would know some places, some hotspots we could check out some birds."

As with the first album, all of the profits from the new release will support specific organizations, including Birds Caribbean. Its executive director, Lisa Sorensen, explains how A Guide to the Birdsong of Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean will not only help her efforts but may also yield extended benefits.

"There might be a beautiful place to go see birds but there's no trail, there's no interpretive signage there to tell you about what you're seeing," Sorensen says. "So we're envisioning that funding from this project will help us advance both those efforts: building the supply and building the demand for sustainable bird and nature tourism."

That's project founder Robin Perkins' wish too.

"Hopefully people will come away from the album feeling inspired and feeling the need to listen again to the bird song around them," Perkins says, and "to do something to protect the natural spaces that we need to survive."

A Guide to the Birdsong of Central America, Mexico & the Caribbean is out now via Shika Shika. All proceeds generated from album sales go towards Fundacin Txori, Aves de Costa Rica and Birds Caribbean.

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'A Guide To The Birdsong: Volume II' Uses Electronic Music To Save The Birds - NPR

Key Figures

3.2M CONFIRMED COVID-19 CASES IN LATIN AMERICA & THE CARIBBEAN AS OF 12 JULY

UN SECRETARY-GENERAL POLICY BRIEF

On 9 July, UN Secretary-General Antnio Guterres launched a policy brief on the impact of COVID-19 on Latin America and the Caribbean highlighting that the region, plagued by weak social protection and high inequality, is home to some of the most affected areas in the world.

The brief notes that COVID-19 will cause a 9.1 per cent contraction in regional GDP in 2020, the worst recession in a century, which could push the number of poor and extremely poor by 45 million and 28 million, respectively.

Short-term policy recommendations include immediate multilateral response for middle-income countries largely excluded from cooperation and full access to economic and humanitarian assistance and basic services for all.

The policy brief is available in English and Spanish.

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Latin America & The Caribbean - Weekly Situation Update (6-12 July 2020) As of 13 July 2020 - Colombia - ReliefWeb

Published Jul 20, 2020 at 8:00 am(Updated Jul 20, 2020 at 8:35 am)

Elite but not elitist: Sir Hilary Beckles

Densil Williams, pro vice-chancellor

Just short of a year ago, Sir Hilary Beckles, vice-chancellor at The University of the West Indies indicated the intention of the university to be located in the top 3 per cent of ranked universities by the end of the current strategic planning cycle in 2023.

Referencing an energetic and proactive leadership team of campus principals, pro vice-chancellors, multilayered administrators and academics, research professors and student leaders, the vice-chancellor expressed confidence in the teams ability to remove doubt from the institution in respect of its capacity to break new ground.

On July 17, vice-chancellor Beckles declared a resounding surpassing of this target by the Caribbeans leading university, as Times Higher Education, the globally recognised and most prestigious ranking agency for higher education, announced its 2020 rankings, and The University of the West Indies secured top spots on its three latest lists Latin America University Rankings, Golden Age University Rankings and Impact Rankings.

Triple Firsts, as coined by vice-chancellor Beckles, marks The UWIs breaking into the top 1 per cent of universities in the Latin America and Caribbean region; the top 1 per cent of Golden Age universities that is, the category of global universities between 50 to 80 years old and retention of its No 1 position as the only Caribbean university to be ranked.

Vice-chancellor Beckles added: This remarkable achievement puts The UWI in an elite band. We are elite, but not elitist.

He went on to explain that, the magnitude of this achievement is further contextualised within a landscape comprised of at least 209 Caribbean-based higher education institutions, an approximate 5,497 universities within Latin America and the Caribbean, and over 30,000 universities registered worldwide.

In 2016, when vice-chancellor Beckles conceived and began rolling out the strategic plan together with The UWIs leadership, he set an immediate objective to radically upgrade and globalise the regional universitys reputation and enhance its international visibility and competitiveness. THEs Latin America University Rankings and Golden Age University Rankings have both allowed for The UWI to be assessed by standardised indicators that judge research-intensive universities worldwide across all their core strategic missions of teaching, research, knowledge transfers and international outlook.

According to professor Densil Williams, the pro vice-chancellor, planning, who is credited with overseeing the implementation of The UWIs strategic plan, The UWIs excellent performance in these rankings demonstrate the success of a series of deliberate strategic initiatives implemented under the framework of its Triple A strategy (Strategic Plan 2017-2022).

These include but are not limited to global expansion through partnership with internationally recognised universities to establish centres and institutes across the globe; advancement in the entrepreneurial ethos of The UWI through greater linkages with the corporate sector; and production of impactful research to address societal problems in climate change, nutrition, economic development inter alia.

The vice-chancellor offered special commendation to the entire UWI community, recognising, the tremendous work being done university-system wide to meet the Triple A targets, which has not only driven overall productivity, but has stirred an upsurge in engagement and brand reputation regionally, internationally and in scholastic advocacy on multiple issues of global significance.

He concluded: In spite of this years myriad challenges for the Caribbean community and the wider world, our university has had some high moments, signalling our strength and the success of our strategic plan and efforts. This is yet another of The UWIs finest hours.

The ranking criteria used by the British-based agency provide comprehensive and balanced comparisons that are trusted and used by students, academics, university leaders, industry and even governments. The UWIs continued appearances and progressions in these rankings affirm its prestige and leadership as a now familiar and consistent name in the global higher education arena.

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Education of highest order in Caribbean - Royal Gazette

Indicative of the growing political influence of Caribbean Americans in South Florida is the record number of Caribbean-American candidates actively vying for several political offices in the region.

In Floridas August 18 primary elections for U.S. Congressional, state, county, city, judicial, and school board seats, there are 33 Caribbean-American candidates. And for the November general elections, an additional 14 Caribbean Americans will be seeking seats on city commissions and city councils.

The record number of Caribbean Americans running for political office is a major advancement from 1996 when Jamaican American Hazelle Rogers created history as Floridas first elected political representative with her election to the City of Lauderdale Lakes Commission.

Rogers, who went on to be elected to the Florida House of Representative, and is currently Mayor of Lauderdale Lakes, paved the way for the election of other Caribbean Americans including Haitian American Yoli Roberson, to the Florida House, and Jamaican Americans George Pedlar, Fitzroy Salesman, Winston Barnes, Dale Holness, Barrington Russell, Astor Knight and Yvonne Garth.

Currently, the city commission of Miramar, home to one of the largest Caribbean-American communities in the U.S., is fully represented by Caribbean Americans: Mayor Wayne Messam, and Commissioners Barnes, Alexandra Davis, Yvette Colbourne and Maxwell Chambers.

Outside of Cuban Americans, Jamaican and Haitian Americans lead the slate of Caribbean-American candidates this political season.

In the August primary, 12 Jamaican Americans and 12 Haitian Americans are actively campaigning to be elected. Additionally, eight Jamaican Americans and five Haitian Americans will be seeking to be elected in November.

Among this crop of candidates are some prominent figures or those who are in high-profile races. For example, Jamaican American Andrew Smalling is in a high-profile race for Broward Sheriff.

He goes up against front runners, incumbent Sheriff Gregory Tony and former Broward Sheriff Scott Israel. Smalling, who as a part of BSO served as Lauderdale Lakes Police Chief and later as Lauderhill Police Chief, has an uphill climb in what is shaping up to be a two-man race between Tony and Israel.

Another high-profile race is for the position of Broward County Public Defender. Barbadian American Gordon Weekes is among five candidates seeking to represent District 17 in this capacity. The Public Defenders office, which serves mostly blacks and other minorities, could benefit from a candidate who understands them better, retiring Public Defender Howard Finklestein was quoted saying. Weekes was appointed as Chief Assistant Public Defender in charge of the Juvenile Division, in which he dramatically reduced the number of youth in the system, tackling abusive practices in juvenile jails.

Rep. Anika Omphroy is seeking reelection to the Florida House for a second term representing District 95 in Broward County.

Omphroy, a Democrat, was in April appointed to Gov. Ron DeSantis Reopen Florida Task Force to help with strategies for reopening amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Attorney Marlon Hill, a staple servant leader in the Caribbean community, is running for Miami-Dade County Commissioner, District 9. The Jamaican American, who is celebrated as a business and professional leader, said he wants to elevate what I have been doing for years on a different platform. My primary role in this campaign process will be to listen and learn from the residents of South Miami Dade County, and to help magnify their voices and needs to the hallways of county government.

Ann Marie Sorrell, a Jamaican American author, philanthropist and award-winning business leader, is seeking election to Group 2 of Palm Beach Countys Soil and Water Conservation Board. Sorrel has done great work across the Tri-County area, focusing on matters such as social justice, economic development as well as issues that impact women and minorities.

A staunch advocate and activist for women and girls, Lavern Deer is campaigning for mayor of Miami Gardens. The Jamaican American, who founded the Female Development World Organization Inc. (FDWO), has been focused on education, health, social development as well as ending the abuse of girls and young women, especially in socio-economically challenged communities. Deer is a Human Trafficking Expert who has worked with Florida legislators to propose language for the Human Trafficking Education in Schools Bill.

Former Senator Daphne Campbell, a Haitian American, is seeking a new Florida Senate seatDistrict 35. As a former Florida state representative and senator for District 38, Campbell earned a reputation for getting things done. While in office, she passed some 40 bills which include waiving college fees for post-secondary students and facilitating smooth reintegration of convicts back into society among others. A registered nurse by profession, Campbell is passionate about representing the voiceless, focusing on the disabled and the needs of working-class families and vulnerable communities.

Other Jamaican Americans running in the August 18 primary are:

Carla Spalding, a Republican candidate challenging incumbent Debbie Wasserman Schultz for her U.S. congressional seat in District 23; Dennis Hinds to the Florida House to represent District 102; Dale Holness, currently Broward Countys mayor, is seeking reelection to the Broward County Commission, District 9;

Judge Ian Richards is vying for a seat as a Broward County judge; Attorney Joan Anthony is running for Circuit Court Judge in Browards 7th Judicial Circuit; Elizabeth Burns is running for a seat on the City of Pembroke Pines Commission and Dr. Jeff Holness, who is seeking election to the Broward County School Board.

Leading the charge for the Haitian-American contingent of candidates is:

Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick who is challenging incumbent U.S. Congressman Alcee Hastings for his District 20 congressional seat, including parts of Palm Beach and Broward County.

Additionally, Dotie Joseph and Georges Boussous, Jr. are competing against each other to be elected to the Florida House representing District 108;

Marie Woodson and Jessica Laguerre Hylton, representing Florida House Districts 101 and 117, respectively; Phoebee Francois is seeking to retain her seat as a Broward County Judge in Group 27;

Gepsie Metellus is running for Miami-Dade Commission, District 3; Stephanie Thomas is seeking a seat on the City of Miami Commission, District 5; Linda Julien is a candidate for City of Miami Gardens Council, Seat 5;

Marie Flore Lindor-Latortue, Miami-Dade School Board; and Narniki Nikki Pierre-Grant is seeking election to the Broward School Board.

Attorney Melba Pearson, who has both Trinidadian and Jamaican heritage, is challenging Florida State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle to take over that position in Circuit 11 in Miami-Dade County.

Two Kittitian (St. Kitts & Nevis) Americans, Attorney Christopher Benjamin and Elvis Austin Caines are seeking office to be elected to the Florida House, District 107 and Seat 1 on the Miami Gardens City Council, respectively.

In Miami-Dade County, three Trinidadian Americans are vying for political office: Ashira Mohammad to the Florida House in District 101; Tisa McGhee to the Miami-Dade Commission, District 3 and Francis Ragoo to the City of Miami Gardens Council, Seat 5.

Bahamian American Shevrin Jones is seeking election to the Florida Senate representing District 35; and rounding out the Caribbean American candidates in this election cycle is Puerto Rican Alexandria Ayala, who is seeking to be elected to the Palm Beach School Board representing District 2.

*Credit to Tanya Ragbeer, of Soca-de-Vote for information related to the compilation of this article.

Originally posted here:

Record Number Of Caribbean Americans Vying For Elected Office In South Florida - caribbeannationalweekly.com

The RIU Hotels brand announced it has reopened several properties in key Caribbean destinations, including Aruba, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and The Bahamas.

The hospitality company revealed its Riu Palace Bavaro in Punta Cana and the Riu Palace Paradise Island in The Bahamas reopened on July 1, while the Riu Palace Aruba opened its doors to the public on July 10.

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Earlier this month, RIU Hotels reopened the Riu Reggae in Jamaica for the first time since coronavirus-related closures began in March, days after welcoming its first guests at the Riu Ocho Rios.

With the latest openings, RIU Hotels is welcoming guests in all the countries and Caribbean destinations where the company operates. The facilities and their employees have been extensively trained in the latest health and safety protocols.

As for the RIU Hotels properties in the Mexican Caribbean, the company opened its four hotels in Cancun, but has yet to welcome guests at its four establishments in Playa del Carmen and one in Costa Mujeres.

RIU Hotels has now opened 12 of its 27 establishments in the Caribbean, with more expected in the coming weeks.

Airlines have also stepped up service to the region, with American Airlines recently announcing the relaunch of service to several key Caribbean destinations.

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RIU Hotels Reopening Properties Across the Caribbean - TravelPulse