President Obama declares June 2013 as Caribbean Heritage month

This is a good look…love it!! Now lets throw some memorable Caribbean events, with class and passion…

Here is the Proclamation taken from the US Embassy website:

31 May 2013

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
May 31, 2013

NATIONAL CARIBBEAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH, 2013

- – - – - – -

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

For centuries, the United States and nations in the Caribbean have grown alongside each other as partners in progress. Separated by sea but united by a yearning for independence, our countries won the right to chart their own destinies after generations of colonial rule. Time and again, we have led the way to a brighter future together — from lifting the stains of slavery and segregation to widening the circle of opportunity for our sons and daughters.

National Caribbean-American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate those enduring achievements. It is also a chance to recognize men and women who trace their roots to the Caribbean. Through every chapter of our Nation’s history, Caribbean Americans have made our country stronger — reshaping our politics and reigniting the arts, spurring our movements and answering the call to serve. Caribbean traditions have enriched our own, and woven new threads into our cultural fabric. Again and again, Caribbean immigrants and their descendants have reaffirmed America’s promise as a land of opportunity — a place where no matter who you are or where you come from, you can make it if you try.

Together, as a Nation of immigrants, we will keep writing that story. And alongside our partners throughout the Caribbean, we will keep working to achieve inclusive economic growth, access to clean and affordable energy, enhanced security, and lasting opportunity for all our people. As we honor Caribbean Americans this month, let us strengthen the ties that bind us as members of the Pan American community, and let us resolve to carry them forward in the years ahead.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2013 as National Caribbean-American Heritage Month. I encourage all Americans to celebrate the history and culture of Caribbean Americans with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand thirteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.

BARACK OBAMA

You may also find the original Release on the US Embassy website

May 31, 2013 3:22 pm 0 comments

IMF officials have arrived in Jamaica to seal recent US$900 million deal

With all the recent buzz regarding the debt bailout which Jamaica is set to receive from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), officials are finally meeting in the island to wrap up the deal.

On May 1st, an IMF deal was approved where Jamaica is to receive over US$900 million to help offset debt. There has been mixed views across the nations as to whether this move will help the actual growth of the economy amongst other concerns.

The Jamaica Gleaner reports that the IMF officials arrived in the island yesterday to meet with Minister of Finance, Dr. Peter Phillips and other Jamaican government officials and expected to be in the island until the weekend.

In addition to the IMF deal of US$932.3, Jamaica will also receive over US$1 billion dollars in loan support from the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank.

Sources say the first installment of the loan has already been paid to Jamaica, in the amount of over US$200 million, with roughly $90 m going to budget support.

May 16, 2013 2:10 pm 0 comments

Listen: Dancehall artiste Khago does cover for John Legend’s ‘Tonight’

High riding dancehall star Khago recently released a cover of R&B superstar John Legend’s Tonight (Best You’ve Ever Had). Khago’s version of Tonight which was produced by Downsound Records is currently blowing up FM radio.

Khago said after listening to Tonight a number of times the lyrics of the song got stuck in his head and he decided to cover it.

“This song is a type of song that once you listen to it; it just sticks in your brain. After listening to it over and over I liked it so much I found myself singing it, the lyrics are awesome, John Legend is a superb vocalist too, everything about the song is just wonderful,” said Khago.

“I couldn’t resist I had to cover Tonight, people who really know Khago know I am not just a deejay, I’m also a very good singer so I did this song to show my versatility as well,” he added.

Khago is also enjoying much attention with hit singles such as Road Dawg and the highly controversial Marina Stretch Out.

February 21, 2013 7:01 pm 0 comments

New AAFFRM label, Array has acquired US distribution rights for Jamaican film ‘Better Mus’ Come’

(AAFFRM) African American Film Festival Releasing Movement, has acquired US distribution to the rights to Jamaican film ‘Better Mus’ Come’, under their new label ‘Array’.

The film has made stops on the Caribbean and overseas Film Festival circuit, and won numerous awards such as, Best Picture (2011 Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival), Best Picture (2011 Bahamas International Film Festival), Best Director (2012 Pan African Film Festival) and Best Actor (2012 American Black Film Festival).

‘Better Mus’ Come’ is written and directed by the very consistent, hard-working Jamaican Film Director Storm Saulter.

‘Synopsis :

‘A stunning love story unfolding at one of the most violent moments in Jamaican history, when rival gangs were enlisted by warring political factions to disrupt the democratic process – and bloodshed was unleashed on the streets.’ (See trailer below)

This is the first acquistion for ARRAY and def a good look for the Jamaican/Caribbbean Film Industry..Congrats to Director Storm, the Cast and Production team !!!

WATCH: (Trailer): Jamaican-based film ‘Home Again’ ft. Tatyana Ali, set for Spring 2013 release

February 2, 2013 1:03 am 0 comments