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All-Inclusive Fun: Blue Diamond Resorts Takes the Lead With Pickleball Courts

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News Americas, MIAMI, FL, Weds. Sept. 27, 2023: Blue Diamond Resorts is showcasing its dedication to guest well-being with the introduction of Pickleball as a highlight in its innovative fitness programs, Royalton FIT and PUMPED. Having successfully launched this popular sport at its all-inclusive properties in Cancun, the hotel management company is now poised to extend this trend-setting entertainment option to its resorts in the Caribbean by the end of this year, further solidifying its commitment to providing guests with engaging activities.

This addition to their fitness portfolio is an integral part of the Royalton FIT and PUMPED programs, available at Royalton Luxury Resorts and Planet Hollywood Beach Resorts, respectively. These programs are comprehensive entertainment packages with a strong fitness focus, offering a diverse range of workout options to ensure that travelers can stay active and engaged with their fitness goals even while on vacation.

“The introduction of Pickleball courts to our resorts, along with modern facilities and state-of-the-art equipment and instructor-led activities, reflects our dedication to staying at the forefront of the industry, ensuring that our guests can both relax and maintain their workout routines during their getaway,” said Jurgen Stutz, Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Distribution for Blue Diamond Resorts. “By having a dedicated space for this sport, which has rapidly gained popularity in the United States and Canada, we not only adhere to the latest trends but also meet our guests’ demand and exceed their expectations,” he added.

The hotel management company initially introduced this trendy sport at its newest resort, Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort, and after the huge success on guests’ satisfaction, it was expanded to all other selected properties. The response from guests has been overwhelmingly positive, with a significant number of them eager to participate in this activity during the 13 hours the courts are open for service. Guests can also anticipate spirited matches at all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Antigua, Saint Lucia, and Grenada.

As part of the all-inclusive experience, guests are provided with all the necessary equipment for Pickleball, including paddles and balls, and can participate in sessions and classes by appointment.

Blue Diamond Resorts’ indoor and outdoor fitness program stands as one of the most comprehensive in the hotel industry. With Royalton FIT & PUMPED programs, they continually innovate, transcending traditional offerings to provide an extensive array of options tailored to diverse preferences and goals. The introduction of new activities like Pickleball further underscores their commitment to creating unforgettable vacation experiences.

For more information about Blue Diamond Resorts and its innovative offerings, please visit www.bluediamondresorts.com.

About Blue Diamond Resorts  

Blue Diamond Resorts encompasses over 60 properties, exceeding 18,000 rooms in eight countries located in the most popular holiday destinations in the Caribbean. Its nine leading hotel brands include the Award-winning, All-In Luxury® Royalton Luxury Resorts, where Everyone is Family. Whether guests come as friends, parents, kids, couples, weddings, corporate or incentive retreats, or solo travelers everyone is family in these properties that feature personalized services and signature amenities including All-In Connectivity™, DreamBed™, and the Sports Event Guarantee™.  To refocus on valued relationships and friendships, Hideaway at Royalton offers an adults-only experience with exclusive dining and preferred accommodations to enhance Togetherness among their guests. Party Your Way at Royalton CHIC Resorts, an adults-only vibrant and effervescent all-inclusive brand to revel in the unexpected. Mystique by Royalton is Miles from Ordinary, offering their visitors the chance to connect with their surroundings in a boutique-style resort collection full of endless beauty and hip vibes. In Jamaica, Grand Lido Negril offers guests over the age of 21, a unique and all-inclusive Au Naturel vacation along with a secluded shore for the utmost privacy. Memories Resorts & Spa offers a vacation designed whether you´re planning a family vacation, reuniting with friends, or just have a relaxing moment with your significant other, while Starfish Resorts provides amazing value, breathtaking surroundings, and rich culture and heritage. Planet Hollywood Hotels & Resorts invites guests to Vacation Like A Star™ with an engaging and interactive experience, plus famous pop culture items from iconic movies, music, and sports while you will Dodge the Paparazzi at Planet Hollywood Adult Scene  where your adults-only vacation will be the center of fascination and attention with glam and exclusivity.  

To learn more about Blue Diamond Resorts, please visit www.bluediamondresorts.com   

Eric Schmidt Backs Out Of Mega Yacht Purchase, Leaving Antigua Government With $28,000 Weekly Bill

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The superyacht Alfa Nero docked in Falmouth Harbour in Saint Paul Parish, Antigua. It's been more than a year since the Russian superyacht Alfa Nero all 267 feet and 2,500 gross tons of it was abandoned in Falmouth Harbour, Antigua. Photographer: Bing Guan/Bloomberg via Getty Images

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Tues. Sept. 26, 2023: In a surprising turn of events, Eric Schmidt, the former Google CEO, has backed out of his intended purchase of the Alfa Nero, a $120 million mega-yacht seized by the Antigua and Barbuda government. This unexpected development has left the small Caribbean nation grappling with a substantial $28,000 weekly maintenance bill for the idle vessel, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.

The Alfa Nero, which had been anchored in Antigua’s Falmouth Harbor since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in August 2022, was linked by the US Treasury Department to Andrey Guryev, a Russian oligarch known to have close ties to Vladimir Putin. Despite winning the yacht auction in June for $67.6 million, Schmidt’s change of heart came after a legal action, filed by a company connected to Guryev’s daughter, thwarted the sale.

The superyacht Alfa Nero docked in Falmouth Harbour in Saint Paul Parish, Antigua, on Wednesday, April 20, 2023. It’s been more than a year since the Russian superyacht Alfa Nero all 267 feet and 2,500 gross tons of it was abandoned in Falmouth Harbour, Antigua. Photographer: Bing Guan/Bloomberg via Getty Images

As a result, the megayacht, renowned for its opulence and amenities, including an infinity pool that doubles as a dancefloor, has remained stationed in Falmouth Harbor for over 19 months. The financial burden of maintaining the vessel has now fallen upon the shoulders of Antigua and Barbuda’s taxpayers, who are footing the $28,000-a-week bill. These expenses cover various costs, such as the salary of an Italian captain and a daily diesel bill of $2,000 to keep the vessel’s air conditioning operational. The constant cooling is necessary to prevent mold from damaging the yacht’s hardwood interior and priceless artwork, including a Joan Miró painting.

The unexpected outcome has posed a significant challenge to the Caribbean nation, which is home to just 93,000 residents. While the Antigua and Barbuda government initially sought to auction the Alfa Nero due to concerns about its inadequate maintenance, Eric Schmidt’s withdrawal from the deal has created an ongoing financial burden that the nation now faces.

We Asked AI To Write A Song Bob Marley Would Write Today. The Result Will Shock You

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Bob Marley performing on stage in the UK in 1977. (Photo by Vincent McEvoy/Redferns)

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Tues. Sept. 26, 2023: Robert Nesta ‘Bob’ Marley was and remains, the greatest reggae singer of all time even though he has been dead since 1981. With songs like “One Love,” “Redemption Song” and “Buffalo Soldier,” his legacy will live on forever.

Bob-Marley-1978

What if Bob could write another song? While it’s not possible in real life, it is possible, in a way, thanks to ChatGPT. News Americas reached out to the artificial intelligence system to see what it thought a Bob Marley song would resemble today.

Here are the lyrics to the song ChatGPT wrote:

(Verse 1)
In this modern world, full of chaos and strife,
Searching for a path to a better life.
Where the people stand divided, in their daily grind,
But I can hear the call of unity, it’s deep inside.

(Chorus)
One love, one heart, let’s come together today,
In this world of confusion, we’ll find a better way.
One love, one heart, let’s rise above the hate,
With compassion and kindness, it’s never too late.

(Verse 2)
In the concrete jungles, where the sirens wail,
Lost souls looking for hope, as they set sail.
Through the storms of life, we must find our guide,
In the spirit of togetherness, we won’t be denied.

(Chorus)
One love, one heart, let’s come together today,
In this world of confusion, we’ll find a better way.
One love, one heart, let’s rise above the hate,
With compassion and kindness, it’s never too late.

(Bridge)
Though the world may try to tear us apart,
We’ll stand as one, with love in our hearts.
In the face of darkness, we’ll be the light,
Spreading peace and harmony, day and night.

(Verse 3)
From the mountains to the oceans, and the cities wide,
Let’s bridge the gaps that separate, let love be our guide.
No matter where we’re from, or the color of our skin,
We’re all part of this world, let the healing begin.

(Chorus)
One love, one heart, let’s come together today,
In this world of confusion, we’ll find a better way.
One love, one heart, let’s rise above the hate,
With compassion and kindness, it’s never too late.

(Outro)
So let’s sing this song of unity, loud and clear,
In the spirit of togetherness, there’s nothing to fear.
With one love, one heart, we’ll find our way,
In this world of unity, we’ll seize the day.

Guyana Amazon Warriors Win CPL 2023 Finals

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Saim Ayub and Shai Hope of Guyana Amazon Warriors led their team to win the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League Final between Trinbago Knight Riders and Guyana Amazon Warriors at Providence Stadium on September 24, 2023 in Georgetown, Guyana. (Photo by Ashley Allen - CPL T20/CPL T20 via Getty Images)

News Americas, GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Sun. Sept. 24, 2023: The Guyana Amazon Warriors came back with a vengeance Sunday night to silence the Trinibago Knight Riders on their fifth try in the competition’s history and win the finals of the 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League, CPL, competition by 9 wickets on home turf at the Providence Stadium on the East Bank of Demerara in Guyana.

Odean Smith of Guyana Amazon Warriors lifts the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League Trophy during the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League Final between Trinbago Knight Riders and Guyana Amazon Warriors at Providence Stadium on September 24, 2023 in Guyana. (Photo by Ashley Allen – CPL T20/CPL T20 via Getty Images)
Guyana Amazon Warriors players celebrate victory during the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League Final between Trinbago Knight Riders and Guyana Amazon Warriors at Providence Stadium on September 24, 2023 in Guyana. (Photo by Ashley Allen – CPL T20/CPL T20 via Getty Images)

Fans of Guyana Amazon Warriors cheer during the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League Final between Trinbago Knight Riders and Guyana Amazon Warriors at Providence Stadium on September 24, 2023 in Guyana. (Photo by Ashley Allen – CPL T20/CPL T20 via Getty Images)
Imran Tahir, captain of Guyana Amazon Warriors lifts the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League Trophy after winning the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League Final between Trinbago Knight Riders and Guyana Amazon Warriors at Providence Stadium on September 24, 2023 in Guyana. (Photo by Ashley Allen – CPL T20/CPL T20 via Getty Images)

The Warriors won the toss and chose to bowl, unleashing a fire storm that left the Knight Riders floundering at 94 all out from their 18.1 overs.

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA – SEPTEMBER 24: Guyana Amazon Warriors celebrate winning the 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League during the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League Final between Trinbago Knight Riders and Guyana Amazon Warriors at Providence Stadium on September 24, 2023 in Guyana. (Photo by Ashley Allen – CPL T20/CPL T20 via Getty Images)
Imran Tahir of Guyana Amazon Warriors appeals during the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League Final between Trinbago Knight Riders and Guyana Amazon Warriors at Providence Stadium on September 24, 2023 in Guyana. (Photo by Ashley Allen – CPL T20/CPL T20 via Getty Images)

The Warriors then took to the crease with the Pakistani-born Saim Ayub and Kemmo Paul opening the batting. However, Paul was bowled for 11 with the score at 15 for 1. Ayub was then joined by Guyanese-born Shai Hope at the crease and the two settled into a partnership that took the Warriors from 15 for 1 to 99 for 1 in 14 overs.

A fan dressed as a chicken shows his support during the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League Final between Trinbago Knight Riders and Guyana Amazon Warriors at Providence Stadium on September 24, 2023 in Guyana. (Photo by Ashley Allen – CPL T20/CPL T20 via Getty Images)

Ayud ended with a half-century knock of 52 not-out while Hope ended on 32 not out.

Saim Ayub of Guyana Amazon Warriors hits four runs during the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League Final between Trinbago Knight Riders and Guyana Amazon Warriors at Providence Stadium on September 24, 2023 in Guyana. (Photo by Ashley Allen – CPL T20/CPL T20 via Getty Images)

The pick of the bowlers for Guyana was the South Africa born Dwaine Pretorius, who bagged 4 wickets for 26 runs while Gudakesh Motie grabbed 2 for 7 and Imran Tahir, 2 for 8. The top scorer for the Knight Riders was Keacy Carty who scored 38.

Kieron Pollard (R) and Chadwick Walton (L) of Trinbago Knight Riders react to a DSR decision shown on the big screen during the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League Final between Trinbago Knight Riders and Guyana Amazon Warriors at Providence Stadium on September 24, 2023 in Guyana. (Photo by Ashley Allen – CPL T20/CPL T20 via Getty Images)

Guyana’s Strength In Numbers

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Fans of Guyana Amazon Warriors cheer during the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League Final between Trinbago Knight Riders and Guyana Amazon Warriors at Providence Stadium on September 24, 2023 in Georgetown, Guyana. (Photo by Ashley Allen - CPL T20/CPL T20 via Getty Images)

By Dr. Lorraine Sobers

News Americas, PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad, Mon. Sept. 25, 2023: The start of the new academic year, often prompts me to search for linkages between the state of education and the state of the nation. This brought me to consider that much of the information about Guyana’s prosperous future is conveyed using numbers: 11 billion barrels of oil reserves; 62.3% growth in real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reported by the International Monetary Fund (IMF); 12.3% non-oil GDP growth in the first half of 2023 and; production capacity expected to exceed 560,000 barrels per day (bbl/) when all three Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessels (FPSO), Liza Unity, Liza Destiny and Prosperity are fully operational.

Contentious issues are also communicated with the gravitas of numbers: 10% royalty, up from 2%, to be paid to the Guyana Government for future leases; Guyana government allocated 50% oil profit on the Stabroek block, calls for GYD 50,000 per month for 50,000 citizens to pursue or continue their education. As legions of voices join in public discourse on the anticipated windfall of petrodollars, it is fair to ask, how many Guyanese appreciate what these numbers actually mean. Are their expectations realistic?

Without an in-depth knowledge of how GDP or royalty, for instance, are calculated, it is easy for someone to reject a low number in favour of a higher number without context or reference. The purpose of this column is not to dispute the fairness or validity of numbers reported, this has been addressed on many occasions. My objective is to emphasize that poor mathematical skills will limit individual and national progress in Guyana.

To not know math is a severe limitation to understanding the world. –  Richard P. Feynman

Earlier this year moderator, Dr. Terrence Blackman, Mathematician and founder of the Transforming Guyana series posed the question: How do we ensure that (Guyanese) youth would play a vital, sustaining, central role in what is emerging? It is no mistake that each panellist elaborated on mathematical skills, statistics and technology. The oil and gas sector rests on the not only dollars and cents reported in the news but essentially on advance mathematical principles that give rise to technologies that powers the industry.

The youth of far east countries such China, Japan and Korea are known worldwide for impressive numeracy at an early age. It is no coincidence that these countries are also recognized as leaders in innovation, technology and manufacturing. These countries are not in the top ten per capita oil production or forests cover or precious metal reserves. National prosperity and growth is bolstered by the level education, literacy and numeracy at the primary school level, that the average person has mastered.

We will always have (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) STEM with us. Some things will drop out of the public eye and go away, but there will always be science, engineering, and technology. And there will always, always be mathematics.
— Katherine Johnson, African-American mathematician

During his presentation, panellist and Economic and Youth Advisor to the Leader of the Opposition Guyana, Eslon Low, highlighted the fact that 80% of Guyanese do not have a passing grade in both Math and English at the CSEC (Caribbean Secondary School) examination level. Karen Abrams, founder of STEM Guyana linked this statistic to another equally eyebrow raising situation reported by the Guyana Bureau of Statistics in 2021: more than 75% of the working age population were not educated beyond Upper Secondary Education (48.4%  up to primary school education). This is a weak point for Guyana; low math scores will hinder progress in business, science, trade and local content in the energy sector. The low achievement in math at CSEC level (less than 40% pass rate) can account for the problem of employment mismatch in the Guyana’s energy, agriculture, healthcare and business sectors.

The other area of shortfall is functional literacy which is closely linked to problem solving, critical thinking, communication, confidence and core academic skills. The corporate world, international business and the energy sector, is looking for these characteristics in employees. Before I go any further with doom and gloom, I would interject here that Abrams pointed out that Guyanese youth are enthusiastic about technology. Also, her work with STEMGuyana has rediscovered that “genius is everywhere, opportunity is not”.

The study of mathematics, like the Nile, begins in minuteness but ends in magnificence.
— Charles Caleb Colton, English cleric, writer and collector

Back to the main question: How do we ensure that (Guyanese) youth would play a vital, sustaining, central role in what is emerging? It may seem minute but Guyana’s education has to focus on basic numeracy and literacy. STEMGuyana has provided an excellent working example how to achieve this. Nationwide, they have 42 learning pods currently engaging more than 800 students, 44 teachers and over 40 volunteers. STEMGuyana learners are entering national and international robotics competitions, creating mobile apps at all age levels alongside a parent academy to support students at home.

The vision for STEMGuyana is to create engaged citizens who will spearhead tech start-ups, solve local and regional problems, fulfil capacity for local content in the all sectors and generate a ‘spirit of cooperation for national development’. In other words, programs like STEMGuyana support the core of national magnificence.

Without mathematics, there’s nothing you can do. Everything around you is mathematics. Everything around you is numbers.
— Shakuntala Devi, Indian writer and mental calculator

National magnificence in the form of skyscrapers, fast cars and beautiful homes may not be everyone’s dream for Guyana. However, at the very least, Guyanese youth anticipate access to affordable housing, education, healthcare and employment opportunities as petrodollars flood into the country. Economists, policy and law makers will reduce their wants and needs to hard numbers. These hard numbers influence what is promised on political platforms, discussed in board rooms and encapsulated in policy documents. Eventually the numbers bounce around in the minds of elected leaders and ricochet into laws and national budget allocations, impacting lives and livelihood everywhere. There is strength in numbers.

Not every Guyanese will be a mathematician. But national development depends on a greater fraction of the populace having a better grasp of the ‘strength in numbers’ that predetermines which hopes and dreams for One Guyana will come true.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Dr. Lorraine Sobers is a Petroleum Engineering lecturer at the University of the West Indies. She has 20 years’ experience in the energy sector specialising in Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR). She has a keen interest in using her technical expertise for the development of low carbon development policies. Dr. Sobers is a Fellow of the Caribbean Policy Consortium and a member of the Global Americans Global High-Level Working Group on Climate Change in the Caribbean.

Immigrant Companies Can Embrace These Five Essential Practices For Effective Press Releases

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. Sept. 25, 2023: To ensure your press release makes a significant impact as an immigrant owned company, whether from the Caribbean or Latin America, consider these five crucial factors before sharing your news releases. Releasing countless press releases without careful consideration can result in being perceived as a brand that generates noise rather than valuable information. This can hinder your efforts to build meaningful relationships with journalists, as they can quickly discern if your motives are solely focused on SEO.

Here are the vital questions to ponder before crafting your press release:

Is Your News Truly Newsworthy?
It’s important to discern whether your announcement genuinely qualifies as news. Announcing a new website or a logo change may not meet the criteria. However, reaching a significant industry or company milestone, obtaining a patent, or introducing a high-profile executive team are all examples of highly newsworthy events that will capture attention.

Who Is Your Audience?
Remember, press releases are primarily meant for the media to communicate information to the public. Focus on conveying facts to the media so they can incorporate your news into broader narratives. While your primary audience is not the end consumer, include all pertinent details to prompt the reader to take a specific call to action, which we’ll discuss later.

Where Do You Want Your News to Appear?
While you’ll likely distribute your press release via a newswire, it’s essential to identify specific media targets. Determine which journalists are likely to be interested in your news and which media outlets you aspire to be featured in. Preparing these strategies in advance ensures a well-planned release that doesn’t go unnoticed.

What Key Messages Should the Reader Take Away?
The call to action is often overlooked in many press releases. To enhance readability and credibility, provide clear instructions for the reader and journalist. What action do you want them to take? Whether your release is educational, informative, or anticipates a product launch, ensure it guides the reader toward the next step.

Now that you’ve addressed these questions, you’re prepared to proceed with your press release. Enhance it by incorporating images or videos and having a comprehensive press kit ready for follow-up and media pitching.

Remember, a press release marks the beginning of a conversation. Your responsibility is to nurture and cultivate these relationships, ultimately securing the media coverage you desire. In conclusion, embrace the classic practice of press releases as a gateway to disseminate news and lay the foundation for a broader media relations program through companies like CARIBPR Wire and Cision PRNewswire.

How Immigrant Business Owners Can Unlock Business Potential With SBA Loans

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. Sept. 25, 2023: A buzz of excitement is spreading through the US immigrant small business community. It’s a story of possibilities, financial empowerment, and growth that begins with five simple words: “NO Fee* SBA 7(a) Business Loan.”

For a limited time, entrepreneurs and business owners are seizing the opportunity offered by Invest Caribbean to get started with an SBA 7(a) Business Loan up to $500,000 with no fees attached or a reduced fee loan up to $1,000,000. This offer, provided by a trusted financial institution, is a game-changer for those looking to take their businesses to new heights.

Consolidate Debt
Imagine a business owner who, for years, has been juggling multiple high-interest loans and credit card debts just to keep the lights on. With this limited-time SBA loan offer, they can consolidate their debts into one manageable, low-interest loan, reducing financial stress and freeing up cash flow to invest in their business.

Access Working Capital
A growing business often needs working capital to seize opportunities, hire talent, and expand operations. With an SBA loan, entrepreneurs can access the necessary funds to fuel their business growth, all while benefiting from the ease of repayment thanks to favorable terms.

Start a Business
The dream of starting a business is within reach for aspiring entrepreneurs. Whether it’s a tech startup, a neighborhood cafe, or a boutique clothing store, the SBA loan can provide the capital needed to turn dreams into reality.

Purchase a Business or Equipment
Buying an existing business or upgrading essential equipment can be a costly endeavor. The limited-time SBA loan offer makes it feasible for entrepreneurs to acquire businesses or machinery, helping them stay competitive in their industries.

Construct, Purchase, Refinance, or Renovate Business Real Estate
For those looking to expand their footprint, renovate their existing space, or acquire new real estate, the SBA loan offers a lifeline. With affordable terms and favorable interest rates, business owners can invest in their properties, positioning themselves for long-term success.

Access Financing
Sometimes, the biggest challenge is obtaining the necessary financing to propel a business forward. The SBA loan program, now easier to navigate thanks to major guideline changes, simplifies the application process. Business owners can access the funds they need more quickly and with less bureaucracy, ensuring they can seize opportunities as they arise.

Pro Tip: The SBA process is now easier than ever thanks to major guideline changes.

Business owners and entrepreneurs are taking advantage of this limited-time opportunity. They’re visiting their trusted financial institutions, consulting with experienced loan officers, and exploring the possibilities that come with a NO Fee* SBA 7(a) Business Loan. As they do, they’re not only improving their own prospects but also contributing to the vibrant tapestry of the local business community.

This limited-time SBA loan offer is writing a new chapter of success stories. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this narrative. Click to get started and unlock the potential of your business today.

US border city ‘at breaking point’ amid surge in refugee, migrant arrivals

The content originally appeared on: Al Jazeera – Latin America News

Thousands of refugees and migrants are continuing to cross the United States border from Mexico, pushing the city of El Paso in the state of Texas “to a breaking point” and leaving President Joe Biden’s administration scrambling to stem the influx of people.

Nearly 9,000 people made the crossing on Saturday, according to officials, marking one of the highest rates of arrivals in recent months.

Oscar Leeser, the mayor of El Paso, said more than 2,000 people were seeking asylum in the city per day, up from 350-400 as recently as six weeks ago, straining resources and filling up shelters.

Over the past 10 days, the city has worked with the US Border Patrol to provide shelter for 6,500 people, he said.

“The city of El Paso only has so many resources and we have come to … a breaking point right now,” Leeser told a news conference.

The influx of asylum seekers, mostly from Venezuela, Honduras and Haiti, is part of a larger swell of migrants who have travelled dangerous routes on buses and cargo trains to Mexican border towns near the cities of El Paso and Eagle Pass in Texas, as well as San Diego in California. Many are searching for opportunity or escaping hunger, violence or political turmoil in their home countries.

The number of people seeking asylum in the US had plummeted in recent months, following the announcement of new restrictions in May, but the recent dramatic increase has put the Biden administration on its heels again. The city of Eagle Pass has declared a state of emergency to deal with the influx, while democratic mayors and governors are seeking more relief for hosting asylum seekers and Republicans are seizing on the issue ahead of the 2024 presidential election.

Lesser told reporters on Saturday that El Paso plans to open a new shelter. On Saturday, five buses were chartered to take the asylum seekers to New York, Chicago and Denver.

Republican governors in Texas and Florida have been criticised for sending migrants to cities perceived as liberal such as New York and Sacramento. But Leeser, a Democrat, said all of the migrants on the El Paso buses were going voluntarily to the cities of their choice.

Leeser said Biden had been a good partner but added that the overall US immigration system was broken.

Many migrants from Venezuela, he said, lacked transportation to their desired destinations, while El Paso’s shelter houses only 400 people and must also be available to help the homeless. About two-thirds of those crossing into El Paso currently are single men, he said. About 32 percent are families and 2 percent are unaccompanied children.

“I think it’s really important to note that we have a broken immigration system,” he said. “It’s the same thing over and over again.”

With tensions rising in Texas, the Biden administration has sent 800 troops to the border, adding to the 2,500 National Guard members there. It has also attempted to stem the migratory flow through special programmes to process asylum and visa requests in migrants’ home countries, pledging consequences for those who do not follow the rules, including deportations and expulsions.

The administration has also extended temporary legal status to an estimated 472,000 Venezuelans who arrived in the US as of July 31, making it easier for them to work in the country.

On Saturday, US Homeland Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas met with Honduran President Xiomara Castro in the city of McAllen in Texas to discuss a bilateral strategy to curb migration.

Mayorkas pledged to crack down on those who fail to use designated pathways to enter the US and said Castro’s leadership was critical to disrupting smuggling networks.

“Together, we are arresting and prosecuting smugglers, disrupting and dismantling their networks and seizing their assets and funds,” he said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Castro blamed violence by criminal organisations for the outflow of people from her country.

“I believe that in our history, we have never seen an exodus of entire families from our country, seeking opportunities, due to the levels of violence,” she told Mayorkas.

In the city of Eagle Pass, which declared a state of emergency on Wednesday, US authorities have set up a thicket of barbed wire to deter crossings. A military convoy was seen at the scene on Saturday, closing gaps in the fence made by earlier arrivals.

Several asylum seekers – many of whom have walked thousands of kilometres on foot, passing through the Darien Gap from Colombia to Panama – told the AFP agency that the fence was no obstacle.

Many burrowed through the sand under the wire, or squeezed through, inch by painful inch on Saturday, as soldiers watched on.

“This here is nothing,” said 17-year-old Venezuelan Dileidys Urdaneta. “Because what we have experienced, what we have gone through, is much worse. And what we left behind – don’t even mention it.

“There is no comparison.”

She told AFP she had reached Eagle Pass carrying only her documents, a phone with no battery and the clothes she was wearing – shorts and a sport top.

“Now,” she added, “it can only get better”.

 

Venezuela takes control of gang-run jail, ‘dismantles’ criminal group

The content originally appeared on: Al Jazeera – Latin America News

Venezuela says it has dismantled the Tren de Aragua gang after retaking control of a prison controlled by the feared criminal group in the northern state of Aragua.

Interior Minister Remigio Ceballos made the claim on Saturday, days after the Venezuelan government sent in 11,000 soldiers and police into the Tocoron prison, which had restaurants, bars and even outdoor swimming pools, and functioned as the operating centre for Tren de Aragua.

“We have total control of this prison and we have completely dismantled the self-proclaimed former Tren de Aragua,” Ceballos told reporters.

He did not offer additional details, however.

The Tren de Aragua gang, which reportedly numbers some 5,000 criminals, emerged in 2014, specialising in kidnapping, robberies, drugs, prostitution and extortion, according to officials. It has extended its influence to other activities, some legal, but also to illegal gold mining.

Authorities claim the raid to retake the Tocoron prison on Wednesday has dealt a “devastating blow” to the gang, but civil society groups have questioned its success, noting that the leader of Tren de Aragua had escaped before the operation.

The Venezuelan Prison Observatory (OVV), a group that follows developments in the country’s notoriously dangerous detention centres, said the head of the gang, Hector Guerrero, and other leaders were tipped off before the raid and managed to flee the prison and the country a week beforehand.

The OVV did not specify which countries they went to, accusing authorities of “opacity”.

The authorities have denied those allegations.

Ceballos said on Saturday that some 88 members who escaped during the raid by security forces have been recaptured and that most of the prison’s 1,600 inmates have already been relocated to other jails across the country.

“This is a long-term operation,” he told journalists.

The minister added that authorities would continue to look for people suspected of belonging to the gang.

The government on Saturday took some 30 journalists on a limited tour of the prison, where excavators were seen taking down some of the infrastructure built by the prisoners.

The AFP news agency said the few streets that reporters were allowed to see were littered with beer bottles, clothing, TVs, appliances and stuffed animals.

It said there were abandoned food stands near the pool and a basketball court and that reporters did not get to see what was left of the zoo with its pink flamingos.

The government has previously said four prison officials had been arrested and charged with complicity with the criminals.

 

US says Haiti security mission could deploy ‘in months’, urges support

The content originally appeared on: Al Jazeera – Latin America News

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said a Kenya-led, international security mission to Haiti could deploy “in months”, urging the United Nations Security Council to authorise the deployment as soon as possible.

Speaking on Friday morning at a start of a UN meeting in New York on the situation in Haiti, Blinken said the United States would supply “robust financial and logistical assistance” to the proposed mission.

“We urge the international community to pledge additional personnel, as well as equipment, logistics, training and funding. We cannot be successful without these contributions,” the top US diplomat said.

“And we strongly urge the Security Council to pass a resolution to authorise this mission … The United States is working with Ecuador to put forward a text,” Blinken added. “With our support, this mission can deploy within months, and we really have no time to lose.”

Haiti has seen a surge in gang violence over the past several years, particularly after the July 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise, which created a power vacuum.

Gangs control most of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and armed confrontations have disrupted access to health care and other services, according to the UN and rights observers.

Haitians face a barrage of attacks, including kidnappings for ransom and sexual violence, and thousands have been displaced from their homes.

In October of last year, Haiti’s de facto leader, Prime Minister Ariel Henry, called on the international community to help set up a “specialised armed force” to quell the violence.

The request for an international mission to Haiti enjoyed the backing of the US and the UN, but a deployment has been stalled for months because no country had agreed to lead such a mission to the country.

Several rights activists also have raised questions around the prospect of foreign intervention, saying past missions have brought more harm than good, and called on countries to ensure adequate safeguards are in place.

However, in July, Kenya said it was prepared to lead a “multinational force” in Haiti – provided the mission gets a mandate from the UN Security Council – to help train and assist the Haitian police to “restore normalcy”.

On Friday, Blinken welcomed “the Kenyan government’s willingness to serve as the lead nation in this mission”.

He said the deployment would have three key aims: “Providing operational support to the Haitian National Police to combat the gangs; ensuring static security of key installations and thoroughfares, and strengthening the Haitian National Police for the long-term.”

Blinken also said President Joe Biden’s administration would work with the US Congress to provide $100m to support the mission, and the US Department of Defense was ready to provide “planning assistance, intelligence support, airlift, communications and medical support”.

But he acknowledged that a mission would not serve as a substitute for addressing a political deadlock in Haiti.

Government institutions in the Caribbean nation are largely non-functioning, and Henry – the Haitian prime minister – has delayed elections due to the violence.

“Improved security must be accompanied by real progress to resolve the political crisis,” Blinken said.

In an open letter addressed to Blinken and Biden on Friday, a group of Haitian-American elected lawmakers and officials from across the US said they “strongly oppose” to the prospect of foreign intervention in Haiti.

“Any military intervention supporting Haiti’s corrupt, repressive, unelected regime will likely exacerbate its current political crisis to a catastrophic one,” they wrote (PDF).

“It will further entrench the regime, deepening Haiti’s political crisis while generating significant civilian casualties and migration pressure.”

 

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