Caribbean National Weekly

🗳️ The Miami-Dade Elections Office has begun mailing ballots for the upcoming Coral Gables special election, where residents will vote entirely by mail on key city issues. Eligible voters should receive their ballots ahead of the April 21 election. bit.ly/40KRTfE

🇯🇲🎖️ Jamaica-born Colonel Mark Denton is set to make history as the first Black Commandant of Cadets at Norwich University, becoming both the first Black and first Jamaican to hold the role. bit.ly/4t1ZWRa

A Jamaica-born bishop and his wife were killed in a six-vehicle crash. 💔 Bishop Donald Maxwell and his wife Liscent Maxwell died in a tragic pile-up on Long Island’s Southern State Parkway after a suspected drunk driver crossed into oncoming traffic. bit.ly/4dDQ9fI

Vybz Kartel has announced Vybz Island Experience 2027, a first-of-its-kind luxury event set on a private island with floating hotels, nonstop parties, and premium lifestyle experiences. bit.ly/47f1n6C

Popcaan just secured his 8th UK silver certification. 🇬🇧🔥 The dancehall star earned the milestone with “Saturnz Barz,” his collaboration with Gorillaz, marking another major international win for Jamaican music. bit.ly/4sYch8X

🚤 Four men, including Caribbean nationals from The Bahamas and the Dominican Republic, were charged after allegedly attempting to smuggle 15 migrants into Miami-Dade before being stopped by federal authorities. bit.ly/4bJsojU

🇭🇹 ⚖️ A federal court revoked the citizenship of a Haitian-born man in South Florida after he was found to have defrauded COVID-19 relief programs and lied during the naturalization process. bit.ly/47L54Ry

🇯🇲 💰Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced a smaller-than-expected increase to Jamaica’s minimum wage, moving from $16,000 to $17,000 starting July 1. bit.ly/47kkKLv

The U.S. has expanded its visa bond program to 50 countries, now including Grenada, requiring some applicants to post a refundable bond for short-term travel visas. The move is aimed at reducing visa overstays but could impact Caribbean travelers. bit.ly/3NELb7O

🇧🇸 🦈 A new study off Eleuthera found traces of drugs like cocaine, caffeine, and painkillers in multiple shark species, raising concerns about human pollution in Bahamian waters. bit.ly/3PstSHJ

🇬🇾 Guyana President Irfaan Ali is warning that escalating Middle East conflict, especially disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, could shake global markets and impact countries like Guyana. He’s calling for dialogue as energy supply risks grow worldwide. bit.ly/4stieec

🇯🇲 Vybz Kartel and Mavado are set to reunite at Reggae Sumfest in St. Ann, turning one of dancehall’s biggest rivalries into a historic moment of unity. Fans worldwide are already calling it a once-in-a-lifetime event. bit.ly/4sW0zM6

Dancehall star Aidonia was honored by the City of Boston during a sold-out show, with Mayor Michelle Wu recognizing his global impact and role in pushing Caribbean culture worldwide. bit.ly/4bPxXNU

🇯🇲 PM Andrew Holness revisits Jamaica’s Cold War era, questioning Michael Manley’s democratic socialism and foreign policy choices. The debate highlights lasting impacts on the economy, global alliances, and national direction. bit.ly/3NnPeWe

🇯🇲 Yvette Clarke has introduced bipartisan legislation to exempt doctors and other medical professionals from a steep H-1B visa fee hike. bit.ly/4by8k3X

🇧🇸 Prime Minister Philip Davis says the government is taking steps to cushion the impact of surging oil prices, including energy reforms to stabilize electricity costs and a planned VAT reduction on food starting April 1. bit.ly/4dvnA3W

🇯🇲 Rosie Gordon-Wallace, founder of Diaspora Vibe Cultural Arts Incubator, is being recognized during Women’s History Month for her impact on Miami’s tourism and cultural landscape. bit.ly/40KFW9I

🇯🇲 Shenseea is set to hit the MOBO Awards stage for the first time this month. The Jamaican dancehall star has been confirmed as a performer at the 2026 MOBO Awards in Manchester on March 26, joining a global lineup celebrating Black music and culture. bit.ly/4bp0eu8

🇹🇹 Hundreds of Trinidad and Tobago nationals have been sent back home from the UK after seeking asylum. bit.ly/4lLWIz2

🇺🇸 Florida’s Attorney General James Uthmeier pushed back against Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd and other officials who want more leniency for undocumented immigrants without criminal records. bit.ly/40GwrIF