Carib Scope

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  • Chaka Demus & Pliers hit platinum in New Zealand with She Don’t Let Nobody

    Chaka Demus & Pliers hit platinum in New Zealand with She Don’t Let Nobody

    Three decades ago, in a late-night recording session at Kingston’s iconic Aquarius Recording Studio in Half Way Tree, Jamaican reggae artist Pliers teamed up with collaborator Chaka Demus to cut a track that neither could have predicted would resonate across generations and continents. That track, *She Don’t Let Nobody*, just added a major new milestone to its decades-long legacy: last week, it earned platinum certification from music regulators in New Zealand, marking another global accolade for the track that already holds a silver certification from the United Kingdom.

    In a recent conversation with *Observer Online*, Pliers opened up about the unexpected and enduring success of the 1993 recording. “I tried to lay down the track the best way I possibly could,” he said. “I never really expected it would get that big.”

    Unlike many of the duo’s original hits, *She Don’t Let Nobody* is a reimagined cover of a 1981 track from legendary American soul singer-songwriter Curtis Mayfield. Mayfield’s original version climbed to number 15 on Billboard’s R&B Singles chart and served as the lead single for his 1982 studio album *Love is the Place*. For Pliers, covering the track was a personal project decades in the making.

    “Growing up, that song always stuck with me, I loved it,” Pliers recalled. When the duo signed a deal with Island Records, he immediately brought the idea of recording a reggae-infused take to Sly Dunbar, the track’s lead producer. The idea quickly got the green light, and the finished track was co-produced by Dunbar, his frequent production partner Robbie Shakespeare, Lloyd “Gitsy” Willis, and Island Records’ Trish Farrell. At the time, Chaka Demus & Pliers were signed to Mango Records, Island Records’ reggae-focused subsidiary.

    Between 1993 and 1997, Chaka Demus & Pliers notched seven charting hits on the UK Singles Chart, and *She Don’t Let Nobody* was one of their most successful. The track peaked at number four on the UK chart, and also earned top 20 placements across Europe and Oceania: it hit number nine in Ireland, 17 in the Netherlands, 20 in New Zealand, and 19 in France. That initial chart success laid the groundwork for the track’s ongoing popularity, which led to the new platinum certification three decades after its release.

    For the duo, the long-running success of the track did more than just boost record sales — it cemented their status as a globally relevant reggae act. “It impacted our lives in a very positive way,” Pliers said. “We toured the world and it is a song that is included in our catalogue that the fans love. Those were good times.”

  • Antiguans voting for a new government

    Antiguans voting for a new government

    Residents across Antigua and Barbuda have turned out to 190 polling stations nationwide on Thursday for a snap general election, called nearly two years ahead of its constitutionally mandated schedule by sitting Prime Minister Gaston Browne. Polling got underway at 6:00 a.m. local time, with voting scheduled to wrap up 12 hours later at 6:00 p.m. the same day.

    According to the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission (ABEC), a total of 63,330 eligible voters are registered to select representatives for 17 contested parliamentary seats – marking an increase of nearly 3,000 eligible voters from the previous election cycle. The electoral body has publicly committed to running a fully transparent, smoothly coordinated voting process for all participants.

    To address common last-minute administrative issues, ABEC announced that eligible voters needing to replace expired voter identification cards will be able to obtain a temporary Special Identification Card at on-site constituency registration units open throughout election day, from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ABEC Public Relations Officer Elisa Graham urged all qualified residents to exercise their democratic right to vote, while noting that no voter will be permitted to cast a ballot without valid official identification. Voters applying for the temporary special ID are required to bring one passport-sized photograph to complete their application on site.

    The election is being overseen by independent international observer delegations from three major regional and global bodies: the Caribbean Community (Caricom), the Organization of American States (OAS), and the Commonwealth. These observers will monitor the voting process to assess its compliance with international democratic standards.

    Prime Minister Browne, who leads the incumbent Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP), is campaigning to secure an unprecedented fourth consecutive term in office – a milestone no other prime minister in the nation’s history has achieved. Framing his party’s platform as a “renaissance in changing times,” Browne urged voters to stick with the incumbent administration, warning against supporting an opposition that he claims is unprepared to govern. “On election day, do not take a risk on a leader and a team that’s just not ready. Let’s keep Antigua and Barbuda in strong and safe hands,” Browne said.

    The ABLP’s hold on power is being challenged by the nation’s main opposition bloc, the United Progressive Party (UPP), led by first-time election candidate Jamale Pringle. Pringle has campaigned on widespread discontent with the current administration, arguing that Antiguans and Barbudans have endured too many hardships under Browne’s government. “No longer will the people be subjected to the whims and fancy of a political party or a candidate or political person,” Pringle said. He pledged that a UPP government would implement inclusive policies that benefit all citizens, free of partisan political interference.

    For this election cycle, the incumbent ABLP is fielding candidates in all 17 parliamentary seats. The UPP is running candidates for the 16 seats located on Antigua, while its political affiliate, the Barbuda People’s Movement (BPM), contests the single seat allocated to the island of Barbuda. Three independent candidates are also running for office across multiple constituencies.

    The 2026 snap election comes three years after the 2023 general election, where the ABLP secured a narrow majority, winning 9 of the 17 available seats. The UPP won the majority of the remaining seats, with one seat going to an independent candidate. All eyes are now on the final vote count, which will determine whether Browne makes history as the first prime minister to win four consecutive terms, or if the opposition UPP will unseat the incumbent after three terms in power.

  • Man accused of fatally stabbing woman over ‘ice’ killed by cops

    Man accused of fatally stabbing woman over ‘ice’ killed by cops

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — What began as a trivial disagreement over a block of ice devolved into a double fatal tragedy on the streets of downtown Kingston this Wednesday, leaving one woman dead at the hands of her accused attacker, who was himself shot and killed by police hours later.

    Local law enforcement has identified the suspect as 35-year-old Davar Dacres, who went by the street name “Davy” and maintained a residence on King Street in central Kingston. His alleged victim was 50-year-old Katherine Wallace, widely known as “Kathy” from the nearby Fleet Street neighborhood. Surveillance camera footage from the area captured the entire stabbing incident, according to initial police reports.

    Authorities have reconstructed the timeline of the confrontation: shortly after 5:20 p.m., Dacres and Wallace were both drinking at a small, unlicensed corner bar near Love Lane, where the argument over ice first broke out. What started as a verbal shouting match quickly escalated into a violent physical clash, during which Dacres pulled a 6-inch ratchet knife and stabbed Wallace multiple times in her chest and upper torso. Bystanders rushed the injured woman to the nearest public hospital, but medical teams were unable to save her, and she was pronounced dead less than an hour after arrival.

    By 11:25 p.m. the same evening, law enforcement had tracked Dacres to Hanover Street, just a 10-minute walk from the scene of the stabbing, and moved to intercept him. Police accounts confirm that Dacres, still carrying the same ratchet knife used in the attack, charged at responding officers when they ordered him to surrender and drop the weapon. After repeated warnings went unheeded, officers opened fire, striking Dacres multiple times. He was transported to the same hospital where Wallace had been pronounced dead, and he also succumbed to his injuries before emergency treatment could begin.

    Superintendent Mischka Forbes, head of the Kingston Central Police Division, told reporters that the incident underscores a worrying shift in violent crime patterns across central Kingston this year. So far in 2025, this killing marks the third homicide recorded in the division, and the second to involve a knife as the murder weapon.

    Forbes voiced growing concern over the changing face of violence in the area. “What we are seeing is a reduction in gang-related conflicts and a rise in domestic and interpersonal disputes since 2025,” she explained. While long-standing gang violence has dropped thanks to targeted enforcement operations, petty disagreements that turn deadly now account for a growing share of homicides, a trend police say they are working to counter.

    In response to the uptick in knife-related violence, the Kingston Central Police Division has ramped up “Operation Blade”, a aggressive zero-tolerance initiative focused on rooting out illegal possession and use of offensive weapons across the district. “We will continue this operation alongside our community engagement efforts in partnership with key stakeholders aimed at promoting conflict resolution and discouraging violence,” Forbes said. The division is working with local churches, community groups, and mediation nonprofits to host public workshops on de-escalation and peaceful dispute resolution.

    Forbes is urging all local residents to avoid resorting to violence when disagreements arise, and to reach out to trained community mediators or police to resolve conflicts before they turn deadly. In line with standard protocol for police-involved fatalities, the Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom) and the Inspectorate and Professional Standards Oversight Bureau (IPROB) have launched independent probes into the shooting of Dacres to determine whether the use of force complied with national policing guidelines.

  • Keywee tackles the vicious cycle of ‘9 to 5’

    Keywee tackles the vicious cycle of ‘9 to 5’

    Rising Jamaican dancehall creative Keywee has tapped into universal working-class frustration with his latest infectious release, 9 to 5 — a track that pulls back the curtain on the exhausting, repetitive grind that defines traditional full-time employment for millions around the world.

    In discussing the creative inspiration behind the single, Keywee explained that the concept grew directly from observing the inherent contradictions of modern conventional work. In his view, the existing employment system is structured to trap working people in an unforgiving loop: the more hours and effort they put into their jobs, the more taxes they are required to pay, leaving them with less take-home pay even as household costs and bills continue to climb steadily. For many ambitious people chasing personal and financial dreams, this endless cycle acts as an unexpected dream killer, turning daily work into a soul-draining routine rather than a path to progress. The track’s core refrain — “9 to 5 ah kill we, ah beat we / man affi work so hard to make ends meet” — distills this widespread exhaustion into a memorable, relatable hook that resonates with listeners across demographic lines.

    Far from landing with a thud, the single has already generated a groundswell of positive organic engagement on social media. Keywee confirmed that user-generated videos featuring the track have racked up thousands of likes and shares across platforms, with TikTok users in particular quickly embracing the song’s catchy beat and on-the-nose lyrics. This outpouring of fan enthusiasm has moved up the timeline for the project’s next step: Keywee and his team are now fast-tracking plans to film an official music video for 9 to 5 to capitalize on its growing momentum.

    9 to 5 is featured as part of the new Jamtor riddim compilation, a collective project that also includes contributions from a roster of fellow dancehall talent: Semojrah Naki (a collaborative duo made up of Nature Ellis and Keywee himself), Empress Leh Leh, Planky Don, Izrel Di Cotton Pikka, and Kae Music.

    This latest release marks another milestone in Keywee’s steady decade-plus career building his brand and refining his craft. He dropped his debut single, Blessings a Pour, back in 2010, and spent the next nine years honing his signature raw, hard-hitting dancehall sound that often centers themes of love, women, and everyday life. In 2019, he locked in a production and management deal with Canadian-based independent label Seven Gate Record, which has supported his output in the years since. Some of his most well-received previous tracks include 2020’s Melanin Pop and Clean Like Skeleton, as well as 2021’s Nuh Use to Gyal, all of which have helped grow his global fanbase ahead of 9 to 5’s breakout success.

  • Man shot and killed in Mount Pleasant ambush

    Man shot and killed in Mount Pleasant ambush

    A shocking act of gun violence has shaken the close-knit Mount Pleasant neighborhood, after a middle-aged man was killed in an ambush attack directly outside his residence on Monday evening. Local law enforcement confirmed that the victim, believed to be in his 40s, was gunned down by unidentified attackers who waited for him to leave his property.

    Emergency radio dispatches brought police cruisers to the Hamilton Road location within minutes of the first 911 calls placed shortly after 7 p.m. When first responding officers reached the scene, they discovered the victim unresponsive on the ground, with clear visible wounds from multiple gunshots. Emergency medical teams pronounced the man dead at the scene not long after their arrival.

    Early investigative findings paint a clear picture of the pre-planned attack: as the victim stepped out of his home, a small Japanese-made vehicle carrying the gunmen pulled up alongside the curb. The attackers immediately opened fire on the target before fleeing the area, leaving the man fatally wounded. No suspects have been named or arrested as of the latest update.

    Chief Superintendent Sheria King, the lead law enforcement official on the case, told reporters that investigators have not yet confirmed whether the victim had prior ties or interactions with police. She confirmed that the active investigation remains ongoing, with detectives working to trace the vehicle, identify the gunmen, and uncover a potential motive for the killing.

    The violence drew a prominent local political figure to the scene: Shanendon Cartwright, Deputy Leader of the Free National Movement and the party’s candidate for the St James constituency, arrived to speak with investigators and extend his sympathy to the victim’s grieving family. Cartwright, who has personal ties to the community and the victim, noted that the killing had deeply affected the entire area.

    “I grew up out here in Mount Pleasant. I knew the family personally and the person who was killed tonight, I knew him personally,” Cartwright told assembled reporters at the scene. “This really hit home tonight. This does not happen in a small community like Mount Pleasant village so this is something that has really touched the heart of every community and it is felt by every home here in Mount Pleasant.”

    According to ongoing murder tracking maintained by the Tribune, this fatal shooting marks the 22nd homicide recorded in the country so far this year, bringing the national violence toll to a new milestone that will likely reignite conversations about public safety and gun control in the region.

  • 30+ Fashion Show and Expo 2026 delivers style, empowerment and vision for the future

    30+ Fashion Show and Expo 2026 delivers style, empowerment and vision for the future

    On April 25, 2026, Portmore, Jamaica played host to a dynamic, sold-out celebration of style, empowerment and community at the 30+ Fashion Show and Expo, held this year at Club ALIV in Naggo Head. The multi-faceted event, which merged runway fashion, industry networking, motivational speaking and live entertainment, drew rave reviews from attendees, designers and participants alike, marking a major milestone for its founder and cementing its place as a signature cultural gathering for the Jamaican municipality.

    Stephanie Elliott-Gunning, the creative mind and promoter behind the 30+ concept, opened up about her excitement surrounding the 2026 staging, which marked the third iteration of her event. After hosting the first two editions in other Portmore venues, she said the team has finally found their permanent home at Club ALIV, pointing to the space’s energy and accessibility as a perfect fit for the event’s growing audience.

    A core mission of the 30+ Fashion Show and Expo has always been centred on celebrating body diversity, a value that shaped every element of the 2026 programming. Elliott-Gunning explained that Portmore was selected as the long-term base for the event as part of a larger vision to support the municipality’s goal of becoming the “Miami of the Caribbean” — a vibrant regional hub for tourism, culture and commerce. “You cannot build a world-class city without a thriving fashion scene,” she noted, hinting at the organizers’ next ambitious step: launching the first-ever Portmore Fashion Week, a regional gathering that will bring together designers from across the Caribbean. Early planning and discussions with regional design talent are already underway, she confirmed.

    This year’s event raised the bar with a star-studded lineup of emerging and established Caribbean designers, including Bebie Powell Designs, Yanique Designs, Kool Klothes, Vashmar’s, and Tweedle Teews. Attendees got an exclusive first look at Bebie Powell’s upcoming summer bikini collection, while Tweedle Teews’ handcrafted swimwear designs stole the show, earning enthusiastic applause from the crowd for their unique craftsmanship and bold aesthetic. The runway also featured a roster of experienced, high-profile models, including current and former titleholders and contestants from major pageantry circuits such as Mrs Universe, Miss Universe and Miss Cosmos, bringing professional polish and diverse representation to the event.

    Beyond the runway, the expo offered attendees meaningful programming that blended inspiration and entertainment. Renowned motivational speaker Patrice “Big and Boasty” Pinkney took the stage to deliver an empowering talk centered on “Becoming the Modern, Mature Woman”, resonating with the event’s focus on uplifting women over 30. Guests were also treated to show-stopping live performances from recording artist Delano McFarlane and beloved Jamaican reggae artist Lady Jo, keeping the energy high throughout the evening.

    Participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with both first-time and returning designers highlighting the event’s supportive community and unmatched exposure opportunities. Nadine Pennicooke, founder of Montego Bay-based Rocking Kool Klothes, described her first experience at the 30+ show as transformative: “I was nervous at first, as this was my first fashion show, but I’m good now. 30+ was a hit. The exposure has been tremendous. I’ll be back and look forward to working again with these amazing designers and models.” Tashalee Richards Cooper, of Old Harbour-based Vashmar’s Designs, echoed that praise, noting that the event’s organized structure and professional, friendly models made for a seamless, rewarding experience. “I thank Mrs Elliott-Gunning for the opportunity and will definitely return,” she said. One attendee, Jody, summed up the guest experience, saying she left the event with a new perspective on maturity, a deeper appreciation for Caribbean fashion, and was already planning to share the word about the show with friends and colleagues.

    As the 30+ Fashion Show and Expo continues to grow in profile and influence, it has secured key corporate backing to support its expansion plans. Elliott-Gunning announced that JN Small Business, Compass Communication, and FESCO have already committed to partnering with the event moving forward, with all three organizations prioritizing support for local and regional female entrepreneurs. With solid community support and growing industry backing, organizers are optimistic about the event’s future as a cornerstone of Portmore’s cultural calendar and a launchpad for Caribbean fashion talent.

  • G Cole salutes Ernie Smith on new track, ‘There Goes That Man’

    G Cole salutes Ernie Smith on new track, ‘There Goes That Man’

    For two decades, emerging Jamaican singer-songwriters have looked to one iconic figure as the gold standard of the craft: Ernie Smith, who passed away on April 16 at the age of 80 at Miami’s University of Miami Hospital, leaving behind an enduring mark on reggae and Caribbean music. The legendary performer, who defined Jamaican singer-songwriter culture in the 1970s as Federal Records’ leading artist in Kingston, had been admitted to the hospital two weeks prior for surgery, and his death has prompted an outpouring of respect from peers and the next generation of musical talent he inspired.

    Smith’s decades-long catalog features some of reggae’s most beloved tracks, including chart-topping hits like *Pitta Patta*, Life is Just For Living, and *I For Jesus*, alongside fan favorites such as Sunday Morning Coming Down and *Duppy Gunman*. His signature folksy style carved out a unique space for him during the golden age of roots-reggae, earning him a broad, loyal cross-regional following that endures to this day. For newer artists like Jamaican performer G Cole, who also grew up in St Ann alongside Smith, the late legend was more than an icon — he was a close friend and lifelong inspiration.

    Within days of Smith’s passing, G Cole teamed up with producer Ed Robinson to release *There Goes That Man*, a heartfelt tribute honoring Smith’s unparalleled talent and influence. The track dropped on April 28, and it comes on the heels of a years-long friendship between the two St Ann-born musicians. “I first met Ernie in 2023, and you’d swear we’ve known each other for years. That was one of his great attributes,” G Cole shared in an interview, reflecting on their instant bond.

    The pair shared the stage most recently last December, performing together at a fundraising concert in Riviera Beach, located in southeastern Florida. G Cole was able to connect with Smith one final time before his death: he spoke to the legend by phone after the December show, and visited him just 24 hours before he passed at the Miami hospital. During that final visit, G Cole fulfilled an unmet promise to Smith: the late singer was a fan of G Cole’s track *Old Days*, which G Cole was supposed to perform at Smith’s birthday party before the event was canceled. Sitting by Smith’s hospital bed, G Cole sang the song for him one last time.

    Beyond music, G Cole’s admiration for Smith extended to his character and lifelong dedication to his craft. “As an artiste, he was an enigma. Big voice, awesome storyteller, his smile was as big as his voice, and he lived for that stage. No doctor, no management could keep him off it,” G Cole recalled. “A true showman, and he loved his fans as much as they loved him.”

    A longtime resident of South Florida, G Cole has already dropped three full-length albums, with his fourth collection scheduled to hit streaming services and record shelves this summer. For fans of Ernie Smith, a public thanksgiving service to honor his life and legacy will be held on May 16 at Metropolitan Baptist Church in Davie, South Florida, bringing together loved ones, fans, and fellow artists to celebrate the decades of joy and music he brought to the world.

  • Dr Marjorie Fullerton resumes role as principal at Merl Grove High School

    Dr Marjorie Fullerton resumes role as principal at Merl Grove High School

    After four years of protracted legal wrangling, Dr. Marjorie Fullerton has officially stepped back into her position as principal of Jamaica’s Merl Grove High School, carrying out a Supreme Court order for her reinstatement issued earlier this March. The veteran educator arrived at the St. Andrew-based campus as early as 7:00 a.m. on Thursday, but chose to decline all interview requests from reporters on her first day back.

    Accompanying Fullerton on her return was Doran Dixon, a two-time past president and current assistant general secretary of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA). In comments to media, Dixon shared that Fullerton is deeply pleased to resume her substantive role, and is already laser-focused on advancing her work in education and contributing to Jamaica’s national development.

    “Dr. Fullerton is happy to be back in her substantive role as principal and she looks forward to continuing to do what she would have been doing before the situation was disrupted — contributing to national development and making sure that the nation’s children receive as good an education as possible,” Dixon explained.

    Dixon emphasized that while the four-year process has been long and arduous, the final ruling delivers long-awaited justice to Fullerton. As a teachers’ union, the JTA has consistently prioritized upholding due process and fair outcomes for educators, he noted, adding that the union is deeply satisfied that Fullerton has been formally vindicated.

    “As a union, the Jamaica Teachers’ Association is always wanting to ensure that justice is done and in this case, justice has been done and we are happy that she was vindicated. We look forward to her continuing to be a good educator,” Dixon said. “We respect the court. We respect the process and we are always convinced of the court’s ability to make a balanced, fair judgment. So we’re always happy when teachers are vindicated.”

    The dispute that led to Fullerton’s removal stretches back to 2021, when she was first suspended from her post on September 10 that year. A disciplinary hearing followed, after which the school’s personnel committee drafted a report claiming the charges against Fullerton had been proven. In 2022, acting on the committee’s recommendation, the school board voted to terminate her employment.

    Fullerton immediately challenged the dismissal in court, launching the multi-year legal fight that concluded with the Supreme Court’s March 2025 ruling ordering her immediate reinstatement. The ruling represents a major reversal for the school board, Jamaica’s Ministry of Education, and the Associated Gospel Assemblies (AGA) Church — the owner of Merl Grove High. All three entities had publicly supported Fullerton’s dismissal, which stemmed from internal clashes with staff over her leadership approach.

  • First US-Venezuela flight in years takes off as relations improve

    First US-Venezuela flight in years takes off as relations improve

    MIAMI, Fla. – After a years-long hiatus marked by bitter bilateral tensions, the first direct commercial flight between the United States and Venezuela departed Miami early Thursday, marking the most visible milestone to date in a rapidly unfolding normalization of relations between the two nations. American Airlines Flight 1236, the first scheduled service between the two countries since 2019, lifted off from Miami International Airport at 10:26 a.m. local time, bound for Caracas’ Simon Bolivar International Airport, commonly called Maiquetia, with an expected flight time of just over three hours. The flight’s passenger list is primarily composed of U.S. diplomatic officials and international journalists, as senior Washington envoys prepare for unprecedented talks with Caracas’ new interim government — a meeting that would have been considered impossible just six months ago. Greeting passengers at the departure gate were Miami city representatives and Venezuela’s ambassador to the United States Felix Plasencia, a fitting welcome for Miami, long a hub for Latin American diaspora communities and a strategic gateway for trade and travel between North and South America. In a nod to the historic occasion, American Airlines has rolled out a custom Venezuelan-inspired in-flight menu for these inaugural flights, featuring regional staples such as cachapas (traditional sweet corn pancakes) and Venezuelan-style chicken salad. The resumption of air links comes amid a sweeping shift in U.S.-Venezuela relations that has unfolded since early January, when U.S. special operations forces conducted a targeted raid in Caracas that removed former leftist president Nicolas Maduro, who was subsequently transported to New York City to face trial on federal drug trafficking charges he and his allies have repeatedly denied. Maduro was replaced by his former vice president Delcy Rodriguez, whose government has moved quickly to court U.S. investment and align with Washington’s policy priorities despite her longstanding leftist ideological background. U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly praised Rodriguez’ policy approach, particularly her administration’s opening of Venezuela’s critical energy and mining sectors to private foreign investment, and has gradually rolled back crippling economic sanctions that isolated Venezuela for years — including dropping personal sanctions targeting Rodriguez directly. Even amid this detente, significant points of tension remain. Trump has simultaneously moved to ramp up deportations of Venezuelan migrants residing in the U.S., terminating a longstanding protected status program that shielded migrants from deportation to a country grappling with widespread violent crime. The aviation industry as a whole is also facing significant headwinds, driven by a sharp spike in global oil prices following recent U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Iran. The resumption of direct air connections fills a critical gap for the roughly 1.2 million Venezuelans who have built lives in the United States, many of whom have been separated from family members for years amid the travel ban. Policy analysts also expect the restored links to open the door for expanded U.S. business activity in Venezuela, which holds the world’s largest proven crude oil reserves. The daily route will be operated by American Airlines’ regional subsidiary Envoy Air, which will run one round-trip service between Miami and Caracas daily. American Airlines has already announced plans to add a second daily round-trip route starting May 21, matching growing demand for travel between the two countries. American Airlines first launched service to Venezuela in 1987, and for decades carried more passengers between the U.S. and Venezuela than any other carrier. The airline suspended all service in 2019, when bilateral relations collapsed after the U.S. and a coalition of Western and Latin American nations refused to recognize Maduro’s re-election, citing widespread voting irregularities. While the U.S. State Department has relaxed its travel guidance for Venezuela — ending a years-long blanket ban on all travel to the country in March — it still urges U.S. citizens to reconsider travel plans due to ongoing high rates of violent crime across the nation.

  • Sebas reveals over 20 government contracts in election public filing

    Sebas reveals over 20 government contracts in election public filing

    As candidates vying for parliamentary seats in the Bahamas move to meet mandatory constitutional transparency rules, a comprehensive look at Sebas Bastian’s declared business interests has revealed an extensive network of over 20 active contracts and lease agreements with multiple Bahamian government agencies, as the aspiring Fort District MP positions himself for election.

    The mandatory disclosures, required under Article 48 of the Bahamian Constitution, demand that all political candidates publicly declare any direct or indirect financial interests tied to government work to prevent conflicts of interest. Bastian’s filing is among a series of similar public releases from senior ruling party figures, including Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper, who is also standing for election.
    Bastian’s declaration details both direct and indirect holdings spanning multiple core sectors of the Bahamian public sector. Direct arrangements include service agreements with Bahamas Power & Light (BPL), the Water & Sewerage Corporation, and the National Insurance Board for utility and employment-linked social insurance services. Beyond core service provisions, the filing outlines multiple commercial lease agreements that see Bastian-linked entities rent out office and warehouse space to major public bodies, including the Public Hospitals Authority, the National Insurance Board, and the Bahamas Bureau of Standards.
    Among the most substantial contracts listed are vehicle lease agreements tied to Bastian-controlled EV Motors Ltd. The company holds multi-year leases of up to 60 months with three public entities: the Ministry of Finance, BPL, and Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC). The single largest contract is an agreement to lease 62 vehicles to the Ministry of Finance, a major commitment for the public finance body.
    Insurance brokerage represents another key line of Bastian’s government-linked business, handled through his BMGIA Insurance Ltd. The firm acts as the broker of record for a range of public sector entities, from the Civil Aviation Authority and Ministry of Tourism to the Public Hospitals Authority, Nassau Flight Services, Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre, and the Bahamas Union of Teachers.
    The declaration also includes a 2022 heads of agreement linked to Bastian’s Venetian Village Holdings Ltd and its affiliate entities, granting a 20-year concession for the $200 million Venetian Village development project in western New Providence, a large-scale commercial and residential development previously reported by local business media. The filing also references a separate construction contract with the Ministry of Works and Family Island Affairs to build a public access road connected to the development project.
    In a rare added note to his declaration, included to reinforce his commitment to transparency, Bastian clarified that a large portion of assets connected to his family are held in pre-existing trusts valued at approximately $160 million, over which he holds no formal control. In his personal filing, Bastian declared a total of $28,945,545 in personal assets, $930,000 in annual income, and just $175,000 in outstanding liabilities, placing him among the candidates with the highest declared personal wealth in this election cycle. He explained that he is only a discretionary beneficiary of the trusts, holding no legal ownership or controlling interest over the assets, and thus is not required to include the $160 million in trust holdings in his personal asset declaration.
    Turning to other senior candidates, Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper’s own declaration revealed holdings in office space rental agreements and insurance-linked arrangements with multiple public entities, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nassau Airport Development Company, the Education Loan Authority, and the Disaster Risk Management Authority. Cooper, who is a principal owner of BAF Financial & Insurance (Bahamas) — the rebranded former British American Insurance Company of the Bahamas — has declared a current net worth of $28 million, a sharp increase from his 2021 declaration of $14.8 million and 2017 declaration of $7.9 million.
    Other candidates across the country have also filed their required disclosures, revealing their own government-linked business interests. Edward Whan II, the candidate for Marco City, has declared janitorial service contracts covering 14 different public locations, alongside warehouse and office rental agreements with Control Chemicals Freeport Ltd, Grand Bahama Health Services/Public Hospitals Authority, and the Ministry of Public Service. These contracts are set to run from July 2025 through June 2030. Whan II also disclosed a financial stake in Cash N Go Ltd, a company that holds debt collection service agreements with major public agencies including BTC, BPL, the Water & Sewerage Corporation, Bahamasair, Bahamas Immigration, and DigiPay.