News

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 […]

Intimate Concert Jamaica says Beres Hammond, Buju Banton, Marcia Griffiths, Wayne Wonder, Romain Virgo and Bugle will headline Intimate Concert 2025. Organizers said on Dec. 17 that it was “thrilled to unveil the complete lineup for its upcoming event,” set to take place on Saturday, Jan. 4, at the picturesque Plantation Cove in St. Ann, Jamaica. “The second staging promises to be an unforgettable evening of music, culture and good […]

Surinamese citizens awoke to the sad news on Christmas Day after authorities confirmed the death of former military strongman and two-time elected president Desi Bouterse, almost a year after he went into hiding to avoid a 20-year jail sentence for mass murder committed 42 years ago. It is unclear as to exactly where and how Bouterse, 79, had died and how his lifeless body ended up in his riverside home, […]