Month: December 2024

As 2024 ends, I am proud of a year of great progress for The City University of New York that has given us good reason to feel optimistic. In 2024, our colleges welcomed more students and implemented more programs to help guide them to careers. It was a year of record-breaking funding for the University’s research, and a year of growth with the expansion of one school. CUNY’s enrollment growth […]

The Consulate General of Jamaica, New York, recently hosted an event that transported attendees to Rita Marley's heart and home. "From the refreshing sorrel and ital treats to the evocative storytelling and music by Zion Marley and Tuff Luke Iron, the atmosphere was rich with connection to the matriarch of reggae," Jamaican entertainment publicist Micahaela Samuels told Caribbean Life. She said the event featured excerpts from Rita Marley's books, merchandise […]

Caribbean-American legislators have been extending holiday greetings to their respective constituents – whether it’s Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa. “As we come to the close of another year, I want to take a moment to wish you and your loved ones a joyful and peaceful holiday season,” said Assembly Member Brian Cunningham, the son of Jamaican immigrants, who represents the 43rd Assembly District in Brooklyn. “Whether you are celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, […]

In the spirit of giving and community, New York State Sen. Kevin Parker is proud to announce the success of the 21st Annual Free Toys for Tots Giveaway. This year, the Senator and his team distributed over 1,000 toys to local families, churches, daycares, and organizations, ensuring that children in our community have a safe and joyful holiday season. The Dec. 20, 2024, distribution at the Senator's district office on […]

Andrew Albert Terrance Lockhart, the oldest of four children, was born on the island of St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands. Lockhart’s father, Randolph, is a pastor and religious scholar, while his mother, Gloria, is an educator. He considers them the most significant influences on him. He said his parents were always happy to share and help anyone in need growing up. “My mother always said, ‘Never deny anyone […]

Police in Suriname Thursday said they had launched a major probe into the death of former president Desi Bouterse, the details surrounding the mysterious emergence of his body at his closely monitored home, where exactly he was hiding and who was protecting him since he fled from justice in mid-January. Bouterse, 79 was pronounced dead by a doctor at his riverside home on Christmas Day, nearly a year after he […]

New York City’s jails were overwhelmingly the place used to house unauthorized immigrants held by federal immigration authorities. However, the city was accused of illegally detaining over 20,000 immigrants on their planned release dates in order to comply with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) between 1997 and 2012. These illegal detentions would occur whenever the immigrants were in police custody or serving a brief jail term. The US Immigration and […]

While Sorrel (the dried sepals [the outer parts] of the genus Hibiscus [Roselle] flower which create a versatile and colorful red liquid when infused with hot water) is predominantly made around Christmas-time in the Caribbean (that’s when the flowers are ready for harvest), there’s no reason why this refreshing passionfruit and citrus infused version cannot be enjoyed all year long. You’ll Need… 1 1/2 cup dried sorrel 4 cloves 1 […]

U.S. Rep. Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY) on Monday led 20 of her colleagues in a letter to President Joe Biden urging the exoneration of Jamaica's first national hero, Marcus Mosiah Garvey, for a 1923 conviction for the fraudulent use of the mail.  Clarke, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, represents the 9th Congressional District in Brooklyn and is chair-elect of the Congressional Black Caucus. "Exactly 101 years ago, Mr. Garvey was […]