Colors: Blue Color

Ceremonies have taken place to mark 100 years since the massacre in the Indian city of Amritsar.

Hundreds of Indian civilians were shot by British troops while attending a public meeting, in defiance of a ban by colonial authorities.

British Prime Minister Theresa May described the incident as a "tragedy" and "a shameful scar on British Indian history", but stopped short of the formal apology that some have called for.

British High Commissioner Dominic Asquith stopped short of a formal apology. Speaking at the scene in India as he laid a wreath, he said: “The revulsion that we felt at the time is still strong today.’ ‘You might want to rewrite history, as the Queen said, but you can’t. ‘What you can do, as the Queen said, is to learn the lessons of history. ‘I strongly believe we are.

“There is no question that we will always remember this. We will never forget what happened here.”

The death toll is disputed. An inquiry set up by the colonial authorities put the figure at 379, but Indian sources put it nearer to 1,000.

The vision for the brand is to celebrate individuality, by offering unique experiences through landmark hotels that have their own legacy and charm.

Speaking on the occasion, Puneet Chhatwal, chief executive, IHCL, said: “SeleQtions will allow IHCL to cater to a broader audience of travellers who prefer staying in hotels with a distinctive character.

“SeleQtions also includes hotels that have a slice of history, defining location or a differentiated theme.

“We believe the brand has immense potential to grow.”

The 12 hotels in the first phase include properties present in seven key lodging markets of India: President, Mumbai; Ambassador, New Delhi; The Connaught, New Delhi; Blue Diamond, Pune; Cidade de Goa; Tajview, Agra and Devi Ratn, Jaipur.

The other hotels are Pratap Mahal Ajmer; Savoy, Ooty; Gateway Coonoor; Gateway Chikmagalur and Gateway Varkala.

For those hotels which are independent – IHCL offers its robust infrastructure including global reservation systems, the award-winning Taj InnerCircle loyalty program and sales and marketing support.

Antigua & Barbuda’s Tourism Delegation led by the Hon. H. Charles Fernandez held a series of meetings with the country’s critical cruise line Partners at Seatrade Cruise Global, the cruise industry’s largest annual conference being held at the newly rebuilt Miami Beach Convention Centre.

The annual Seatrade Cruise Global Conference presented Antigua and Barbuda with a not to be missed opportunity to showcase its products and services to the cruise industry buyers and decision makers. It provided unique networking opportunities with industry leaders from all facets of the industry, and exposed its tourism executives to the conference’s educational industry programs, which allows participants to stay ahead of the curve.

The Country’s vibrant destination booth was a hub of activity as Antigua and Barbuda tourism officials conducted a series of one-on-one meetings, and media interviews.

In its communication to the major cruise lines the destination provided updates to its industry partners on its recently announced partnership with Global Port Holdings (GPH) and the Government’s strategic plans to expand the St. John’s Port facilities, to position the destination to take advantage of the growing industry trend towards larger cruise ships.

GPH also used the opportunity to announce its partnership with its two new Caribbean destinations Antigua and Barbuda and the Bahamas at a gala reception attended by over 600 cruise industry stakeholders.

In meeting after meeting Cruise-line executives reconfirmed their support for the initiative taken by Antigua & Barbuda to improve its infrastructure to offer the best possible service to cruise passengers. This more than anything else will ensure it remains well positioned as a premier cruise destination of choice within the Caribbean on many of the cruise line itineraries.

A major increase for the destination comes from a Key European cruise line partner TUI Cruises whose new ship the Mein Schiff 2, will increase calls to the destination after an absence of three years. Mein Schiff 2 will visit the destination on its inaugural call on November 6th with a total of 13 calls for season 2019/20 bringing over 37,000 passengers.

Another key Partner Norwegian Cruise Lines will return with the Norwegian “Epic” which was a diversion that has now become permanent, along with the Norwegian “Bliss” in the breakaway plus class. This ship will make its inaugural call on December 9th with over 4,000 passengers.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines (RCCL) one of the Country’s key partners confirmed that larger ships will be serving the destination this upcoming season and we will see an increase to approximately 250,000 passengers this year from its various lines. Antigua and Barbuda continues to record strong customer satisfaction scores of 8.8 out of a maximum of 10 with RCCL guests.

MSC cruise lines the world’s fastest growing cruise line, indicated Antigua is and will continue to be a key port of call as the company has 10 new ships on order and will be increasing its fleet to 29 ships with the delivery of one new ship per year up to 2027.

In a joint meeting with representatives for all the Carnival Corporation Cruise Lines the commitment was given at the highest level by all the attendee member lines to continue to work together with Antigua and Barbuda to our mutual benefit.

The Country’s presence at Seatrade also facilitates local stakeholder partners to also meet cruise line executives to increase their tours and excursion business. Local partners included Wadadli Cats, South American Ventures Ltd, The Rendezvous Company and Tropical Adventures.

Minister of Tourism the Hon. Charles Fernandez in all meetings thanked our cruise line partners for their support over the years and reconfirmed our commitment to work with all partners for win-win outcomes as the country continues on its development path to be a premier port of call for all cruise lines visiting the Caribbean.

The Industry leaders have reported that 2018 was the best year for profitability and have forecasted that, with a record orderbook for 70 new ships over the next three years and a record 25 million set to cruise in 2019, the Caribbean continues to be the world’s number one cruising destination.

The renewed focus on improving our infrastructure by the Government has now positioned the destination to increase its share of this business,” said Minister Fernandez.

 

Ahead of the Arabian Hotel Investment Forum, Marriott International expects to add 19 new properties and more than 3,000 rooms to its Middle East and Africa portfolio in 2019.

Underpinning a strong demand for its diverse brands, the new additions are in line with the company’s expansion plans to add more than 100 new properties and nearly 26,000 rooms across the region by the end of 2023.

Marriott estimates its development pipeline through 2023 represents up to $8 billion of investment from property owners and is expected to generate over 20,000 new jobs across the region.

“Our growth across the Middle East and Africa is fuelled by a strong demand for our diverse range of well-established brands, each offering different attributes that cater to this region’s ever changing and evolving marketplace,” said Jerome Briet, chief development officer, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International.

“This region continues to present us with opportunities to further grow and enhance our portfolio across new and established markets.

“While the majority of our growth will be through new-builds, we are seeing an increasing number of conversion opportunities, especially in the luxury space.”

Year-to-date, the company has opened five new properties in the region and is expected to add 14 more – bringing its portfolio across the Middle East and Africa to nearly 270 properties and over 60,000 rooms – by the end of the year.

The company is poised to expand its luxury footprint in the region by more than 70 per cent by the end of 2023, with more than 25 luxury properties under development.

The company expects to grow its luxury portfolio in 2019 with seven anticipated openings across four brands, including W Hotels, St. Regis, the Luxury Collection and JW Marriott.

The growth of Marriott’s premium brands also remains steady across the region with more than 30 hotels expected to be added to the portfolio by the end of 2023.

By the end of 2019, the company expects to have added four new hotels under the Autograph Collection, Marriott Hotels and Marriott Executive Apartments brands.

In addition to the openings in 2019, Marriott is also focused on the transformation journey of Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, the company’s most global brand.

In the region, Sheraton Jeddah Hotel and Sheraton Grand Hotel, Dubai are currently undergoing renovations that represent the brand’s vision for the future.

Currently representing over 40 per cent of the company’s development pipeline through 2023, select-serve brands continue their rapid growth trajectory across the Middle East and Africa.

Building on the momentum from 2018 – with ten properties added across the region, including four Aloft hotels in the UAE – the company expects to add seven new properties by the end of this year.

A Commonwealth group is observing Maldives’ 2019 parliamentary elections as the nation elects 87 members to parliament for the next five years.

The former Prime Minister of Jamaica, Bruce Golding, is leading the group of eight Commonwealth observers. He was at Kurumba Island in Male atoll when the voting started. During the day, he will visit polling stations in the capital to observe how the elections are being carried out.

Prime Minister Golding said: “This election is an opportunity for the people of Maldives to continue to shape and strengthen their democracy by voting for leaders who are committed to realising their aspirations.

“On behalf of the observers, I wish the people of Maldives well as they prepare once again to exercise their democratic right to vote.”

This is Maldives’ 11th parliamentary elections and 386 candidates from 10 political parties are competing in the poll today.

264,442 Maldivians are registered to vote according to the Election Commission of Maldives. 501 ballot boxes have been set up across the country and additional eight ballot boxes are available overseas.

Observers have been deployed to various atolls in small teams since 4 April. They observed the campaign environment in those areas ahead of the polling day. They were present when the voting began this morning at 8.00 am and will observe voting and counting processes until polls close at 4.00 pm.

The Chair, Prime Minister Golding, will present the group’s initial findings at a press conference on 9 April in Male and a final report will be made available to the public at a later stage.

After withdrawing from the Commonwealth in 2016, Maldives has recently expressed an interest in re-joining the organisation. The Election Commission of Maldives invited the Commonwealth to observe the April elections. The findings of the observers will be considered as part of the Secretary-General’s ongoing informal assessment of Maldives reapplication.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade congratulates Senator the Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr. on his recent appointment as Minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation (MEGJC).

Minister Charles Jr., had responsibility for the Diaspora and other regional portfolios at the Foreign Ministry, served as Minister of State since April 2018.

In expressing her commendations and well wishes, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith, noted that Minister Charles Jr added a new and youthful energy to his portfolio responsibilities and that he will be greatly missed by the team.

Minister Johnson Smith recalled that Minister Charles Jr, always presented himself with professionalism and showed a willingness and passion for Jamaica’s foreign policy. She said, “I speak on behalf of the Jamaica’s Foreign Service in wishing Minister Charles Jr. all the best in his new role. With his proven track record at the Ministry of National Security and at the Foreign Affairs, I am confident he will make significant strides at the Ministry of Economic Growth”.

The newly appointed Cabinet Minister also commended Minister Johnson Smith and the Foreign Affairs Ministry on their stewardship of Jamaica’s Foreign Policy. “I am proud to have witnessed and participated in the diligent and efficient delivery of the Ministry’s mandate of national development through foreign policy execution, under the leadership of Minister Johnson Smith. As I express my willingness and anticipation of contributing to Jamaica’s infrastructural development as Minister in (MEGJC), I say thank you to the wonderful Foreign Service family and its Missions overseas for such an opportunity to represent Jamaica across the world”

 

 

 

Jeremy Clarkson has today backed Extinction Rebellion’s call for International Rebellion and nonviolent civil disobedience in light of the inaction of Government in the face of the Climate and Ecological Emergency.

The TV presenter said: “I know that people may think of me as a petrol head but given the daily news about changes to the climate and the world around us, I have been considering changing from car racing to carpooling.

“I have been so deeply inspired by the work of Greta Thunberg, the Swedish activist who sparked off the Global School Strike movement. Last night in her acceptance acceptance speech at the Golden Camera Awards - Germany’s most prestigious media awards - she said that celebrities must use their fame to do more to support the movement to address climate change, saying “people see you celebrities as gods, you influence billions of people, we need you, you can use your voice to raise awareness about this global crisis”.

“Greta, you went to Davos by train from Sweden, while the great and good of the world flew. Your actions have made me think, think about the world that we are leaving for our children. It is time that we adults make some changes, so that we can safeguard their future, and the future of their children to come. For this reason, I’m giving my backing to Extinction Rebellion as it clear the Government is not acting. There have been petitions, marching, lobbying, but it has not worked. It is now time for more radical action, for civil disobedience, for each one of us to find our power within and to collectively create a better world together.”

Extinction Rebellion in a statement said: “It is fantastic that Jeremy Clarkson has chosen to take this step and we hope that he will open the gates so that all of these hugely influential people do the right thing and use their fame to alert the world that this is the greatest crisis in history. Unless we move to an emergency footing immediately and governments start to cooperate to find ways to address climate breakdown, we are risking unimaginable horrors and a hell-like existence for our young to inherit.”

“This needs to be a time when celebrities join us and engage in nonviolent civil disobedience with us - not as celebrities but as members of the human race who care enough about future generations to put their bodies in front of their convictions and stand with us as we take action. Jeremy Clarkson is leading the way.”

Beginning Monday April 15, Extinction Rebellion in the UK and around the world is calling for an International Rebellion to demand decisive action on the climate and ecological collapse from governments around the world. They say ‘Come to stay, book two weeks, and bring your tents and family. Let’s rebel for all life on earth’.

Pakistan have been fined for maintaining a slow over-rate against Australia in the fourth ODI in Dubai.

Jeff Crowe of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees imposed the fine after Imad Wasim’s side was ruled to be one over short of its target after time allowances were taken into consideration.

In accordance with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to minor over-rate offences, players are fined 10 per cent of their match fees for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time, with the captain fined double that amount.

As such, Imad has been fined 20 per cent of his match fee, while his players have received 10 per cent fines. If Pakistan commit another minor over-rate breach in an ODI within 12 months of this offence with Imad as captain, it will be deemed a second offence by him and Imad will face a suspension.

Imad pleaded guilty to the offence after the end of the match and accepted the proposed sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing. On-field umpires Kumar Dharmasena and Rashid Riaz, third umpire Michael Gough and fourth umpire Ahsan Raza levelled the charge.

 

Ethiopian Airlines, has been chosen as the Official Carrier for the 2019 World Press Freedom Day Global Conference to be held in Addis Ababa from May 1-3..

This conference is not without controversy, however.  According to Journalists without Border, terrorism charges have been systematically used against journalists ever since the 2009 terrorism law took effect. The charges carry long jail sentences and allow the authorities to hold journalists without trial for extended periods. There has been no significant improvement since the purges that led to the closure of six newspapers in 2014 and drove around 30 journalists into exile. On the contrary, another six-month state of emergency was proclaimed in February 2018, which the government could again use to arrest critical journalists and ban the public from watching or listening to certain broadcast media. The Internet and social networks are often disconnected while physical and verbal threats, arbitrary trials, and convictions are all used to silence the media.

The conference is jointly organized by UNESCO, the African Union and the Government of Ethiopia under the theme ‘Media for Democracy: Journalism and Elections in Times of Disinformation’.

UNESCO Spokesperson Roni Amerlan said: ” The offer by countries to host World Press Freedom Day marks their recognition of the value of the right to press freedom and freedom of expression.

We have often held World Press Freedom Day celebrations in countries in transition and we do not think that we should restrict our support for the recognition of press freedom and their participation in this awareness-raising event to countries which rank at the top of NGOs’ rankings.

Every year, 3 May is a date which celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom, to evaluate press freedom around the world, to defend the media from attacks on their independence and to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession. World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993 following a Recommendation adopted at the twenty-sixth session of UNESCO’s General Conference in 1991. This in turn was a response to a call by African journalists who in 1991 produced the landmark Windhoek Declaration(link is external) on media pluralism and independence.

At the core of UNESCO’s mandate is freedom of the press and freedom of expression. UNESCO believes that these freedoms allow for mutual understanding to build a sustainable peace.

It serves as an occasion to inform citizens of violations of press freedom – a reminder that in dozens of countries around the world, publications are censored, fined, suspended and closed down, while journalists, editors and publishers are harassed, attacked, detained and even murdered.

It is a date to encourage and develop initiatives in favour of press freedom, and to assess the state of press freedom worldwide.

3 May acts as a reminder to governments of the need to respect their commitment to press freedom and is also a day of reflection among media professionals about issues of press freedom and professional ethics. Just as importantly, World Press Freedom Day is a day of support for media which are targets for the restraint, or abolition, of press freedom. It is also a day of remembrance for those journalists who lost their lives in the pursuit of a story.

The 26th celebration of World Press Freedom Day is jointly organized by UNESCO, the African Union Commission and the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. The main event will take place in Addis Ababa, on 1 – 3 May at the African Union Headquarters. This year’s theme'Media for Democracy: Journalism and Elections in Times of Disinformation'  discusses current challenges faced by media in elections, along with the media’s potential in supporting peace and reconciliation processes.

World Press Freedom Day will also be celebrated worldwide. Events will be organized in several countries to raise awareness about the importance of press freedom and journalists’  safety. More information of events will be available in the Events Map soon.

As the United Nations agency with a specific mandate to promote “the free flow of ideas by word and image”, UNESCO works to foster a free, independent and pluralistic media and the safety of journalists.

As the official carrier, Ethiopian will provide air transport service to the 1000-1500 participants who will be coming to Addis Ababa from around the globe.

Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, Mr. Tewolde GebreMariam, remarked, “We are honored to have been chosen to serve as the official carrier for this year’s World Press Freedom Day Global Conference. We are all the more delighted to be part of this noble cause which seeks to advance press freedom around the world.

Global, regional and national media stakeholders, high-level government officials, and journalists from across the globe will take part in the conference which will be held at the African Union Commission headquarters.

 

Travellers have been warned to think twice when packing their bags after researchers named some of the more unusual items banned around the world.

Baby walkers and chewing gum were just two of the items which some nations won’t allow to cross their borders, experts aMyBaggage.com have revealed.

They warned all travellers to research what is and isn’t allowed into their destination country and said failure to comply could result in serious legal action overseas.

Unusual banned items include baby walkers in Canada and certain masks in Saudi Arabia, due to the popularity of a particular Hollywood blockbuster.

A spokesperson from MyBaggage.com explained: “Prohibited items are usually down to risks to domestic citizens such as weapons, however some lawmakers abroad have taken this a step further.

“Being found with prohibited items can lead to the traveller facing hefty fines which is the last thing anyone would want on a holiday.

“Granted, most people won’t be planning on taking a wheelbarrow abroad but it’s still interesting to consider why these items aren’t allowed to be imported.

“By spending a few minutes simply checking up on what is allowed into the particular country you’re going to, you can avoid any issues whilst travelling abroad.”

Here is the MyBaggage.com list of strangest items banned across the world:

  1. Baby Walkers
Due to health concerns, baby walkers in Canada are banned from being sold or imported. If found guilty of advertising or attempting to purchase the item, it could lead to a $100,000 fine or a six months jail sentence. Researchers in Canada claimed that baby walkers endanger children and delay both motor and mental development. After 15 years of retailers voluntarily refusing to sell the item, a bill was passed in 2004.
  1. Gum
Since 1992 chewing gum has been banned from being consumed or bought into Singapore. This was due to a previous prime minister noticing how much money was spent on cleaning gum off the streets and issuing a crackdown on cleanliness. Nowadays gum is still prohibited unless for a medical necessity (for which documentation must be provided). Streets and monuments are no longer paved with gum and if found on a person can result in a substantial fine, alongside being named and shamed by the local government.
  1. Masks
Seven years after the popular movie V for Vendetta was released, the Minister of Interior for Saudi Arabia banned the selling and importing of Guy Fawkes masks made popular by the film. This was under the premise that the film ‘installs a culture of violence and extremism’ in young people. The government later went on to destroy the masks already in country.
  1. Haggis
Patriotic Scots will be disappointed to know that traditional haggis has been banned from entering the US for over 44 years. The US department of Agriculture banned the import of British lamb following the outbreak of mad cow disease. Many retailers have opted to replace the core ingredient of sheep lung to break into the American market.
  1. Wheelbarrows
Nigeria has placed restrictions on many imports including wheelbarrows, much to the dismay of many green fingered travellers. The bill was placed in order to encourage a thriving domestic economy. However, you can purchase wheelbarrows once in the country from a local merchant.
  1. Japanese shaving brushes
Due to a contamination scandal in the early 1900s, Saint Lucia has banned all imports of shaving brushes produced in Japan due to incidents involving anthrax which lead to serious health problems. The ban has never been lifted in Sant Lucia even with assurances from Japan of safe products.
  1. Vicks inhalers
Due to Japan’s extremely strict anti-stimulant drug laws, any drugs containing pseudoephedrine such as Vicks inhalers are banned from the country. The popular decongestant could land a suffering Brit in prison if not careful. Instead substitute Vicks for essential oils as a natural DIY alternative.
  1. Honey
Zimbabwean honey is famous around the globe especially in Europe known for its high quality often referred to ‘liquid gold’. The country has now banned any imports of honey from abroad due to the fear of low quality ‘fake’ honey flooding the market as it has abroad. However, Zimbabwe has been criticised to not taking full advantage of the export potential only making just enough to satisfy domestic needs, missing out on the European market.

 

A statue of Ethiopia's last emperor, Haile Selassie, has been unveiled outside the African Union's headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in recognition for his role in establishing its predecessor, the Organization of African Unity (OAU).

Ethiopia - which has never been colonised although it was subjected to a five-year military occupation by Mussolini's Italy - had served as a symbol of African independence throughout the colonial period.

Marcus Garvey told his followers in 1920 that they should "look to Africa, when a Black king shall be crowned, for the day of deliverance is at hand". When a man called Ras Tafari was crowned in Ethiopia, in 1930, many saw that as a sign Garvey’s prophecy had come true.

His appeal to the League of Nations after his country was invaded by Mussolini's Italy is still remembered today.

The statue reminds people that he was a great advocate for pan-African cooperation, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to have an effect on millions of people across the continent today.

 

Former Jamaica Prime Minister Bruce Golding will lead a Commonwealth group to observe Maldives Parliamentary Elections next month.

Despite withdrawing from the Commonwealth in 2016, Maldives recently expressed an interest in re-joining. As part of this process, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has requested a group observe the vote, scheduled for April 6.

The observer group’s report on the election will contribute to the Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland’s informal assessment of the Maldives’ re-application.

The Secretary-General said: “I am extremely pleased to be deploying a group to observe the elections.

“Its report on the electoral process will give member countries a clear view of adherence to Commonwealth values in Maldives, including democracy and rule of law and protection of human rights such as freedom of expression.

“Our Heads of Government will then decide whether Maldives should be invited to make a formal application to re-join the Commonwealth.

“On behalf of the Commonwealth Observer Group, I wish the people of Maldives well as they embark upon this important step in strengthening the democratic culture of their country.”

The group will comprise eminent persons drawn from across the Commonwealth with backgrounds in election management, law, civil society, politics and diplomacy, among others.

The group will submit its final report to the Commonwealth Secretary-General, who will forward it to the Government of Maldives, Election Commission of Maldives, and political parties taking part in the elections and to the Governments of all Commonwealth member countries. Thereafter, the final report will be made public.

The group is expected to arrive in Maldives on March 30 and return on April 13. A Commonwealth Secretariat team led by Yvonne Apea-Mensah, Head of Africa at the Governance and Peace Directorate, will support the group.

Observers will receive briefings from the Election Commission of Maldives, political parties, civil society, media and those responsible for security, and various stakeholders.

Commonwealth Observer Groups were present for previous elections in Maldives in 2008, 2009 and 2013 while Bruce Golding led a Commonwealth Observer Group to Maldives Parliamentary Elections in 2014. The Group will be deployed to various provinces from 4 April and return to Male on 8 April to consider their report.  

Amazon is bringing a new Prime Original series ‘El Presidente’ to audiences across Latin America and around the world, an eight one-hour episode stylised drama series from Gaumont inspired by the real‐life characters and events behind the 2015 “FIFA Gate” corruption scandal. The series, which goes into production this year, will be helmed by Academy Award-winning director and screenwriter Armando Bo (Birdman) who will direct and executive produce the series.

He (Bo) said: “El Presidente will show the world, with loads of irony, how the most beloved sport of all is in fact a multimillionaire business run by a ridiculous mob we have never seen before: the Football Mafia,”

In addition to Bo, the series will feature a star-studded cast led by Andrés Parra (Pablo Escobar: El Patrón del Mal), Paulina Gaitán (Diablo Guardian) and Karla Souza (How to Get Away with Murder), among others.

‘El Presidente’ is co-produced by Gaumont with production partners, Fabula, the Academy Award-winning production company led by Pablo and Juan de Dios Larraín; and Argentina-based production company Kapow. Set against the backdrop of cities across Latin America, the U.S. and Europe, the series explores the sports scandal that rocked the world through the story of Jadue (Parra), a small‐time Chilean football club president who rose from obscurity to become a key player in a $150MM bribery conspiracy at the hand of the infamous president of the Argentine football association, Julio Grondona.

Kapow’s Agustín Sacanell explains, "El Presidente represents the opportunity to narrate the Latin American plot of FIFA Gate, with fascinating characters and their real stories that surpass any fiction imaginable. Money, corruption, power and lust. A catch-all cocktail that will be sure to capture audiences everywhere." Whilst Pablo Iacoviello, Head of Latin America Content Acquisition, Amazon Prime Video, said: “We are excited to bring ‘El Presidente’ to Prime Video, a title that strengthens our commitment to producing compelling local stories told by the very best in local talent for our customers around the world.”

“El Presidente presents a story filled with corruption and lies around one of the biggest religions in Latin America: soccer.”

Vanessa Shapiro, President, Worldwide TV Distribution and Co-Production at Gaumont, added: “Gaumont is thrilled to be working with Amazon Prime Video on our first project coming out of our Latin American TV co-production efforts,”

“Based on true facts, El Presidente packs massive global appeal and provides an unfiltered, behind the scenes look into the world’s most watched sport, soccer.”

Further, Fabula’s Pablo Larraín went on to say: “Behind the passion that thrilled the masses was a web of corruption and intrigue that seemed impenetrable, until one day, someone let the wrong man into the family,"

‘El Presidente’ is among the seven newly greenlit and returning Mexican Prime Original series announced recently by Amazon. The series will join the streaming service’s growing slate of local original productions in Latin America which to date include the critically acclaimed Diablo Guardián and hit series ‘Un Extraño Enemigo’, as well as the wildly hilarious ‘LOL: Last One Laughing’ with Eugenio Derbez.

At launch, Prime members will be able to stream the series exclusively via the Amazon Prime Video app for TVs, connected devices including Fire TV, mobile devices and online. Members can also download the series to mobile devices for offline viewing at no additional cost to their membership. The series will be a global release and available on PrimeVideo.com for Prime Video members in more than 200 countries and territories.

 

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The life and times of Trinidadian war hero, judge and diplomat, Ulric Cross, will be portrayed in a new film – ‘HERO’ to be screened at the BFI Southbank, London on May 18.

The feature film, produced by former UK resident, Frances-Anne Solomon, has already received international acclaim at its screenings in Trinidad and Tobago and Canada.

The story told is of Cross, a trailblazer who made his mark on history as a Navigator of fighter planes in World War II.  He became one of the RAF’s most decorated West Indian Airmen. He then went on to play a central role in the independence struggles of both Africa and the Caribbean.

“Ultimately, the story is about us. About who we are as Caribbean people and as citizens of the world,” says filmmaker Frances-Anne Solomon. “In that spirit, we’re thrilled to be bringing ‘HERO’ to the UK where much of the filming took place.  It is particularly poignant that this year is the seventy-fifth anniversary of the first major generation of Caribbean arrivals in Britain -- on the Empire Windrush.”

Filmed across the UK, Trinidad, Ghana, and Canada, ‘HERO’ features a host of celebrated British actors including Joseph Marcell of Fresh Prince of Bel Air fame, playing the role of writer CLR James; Fraser James, of Terminator Salvation, playing the role of George Padmore and British-Nigerian actor Jimmy Akingbola, of BBC’s Holby, playing Ghana’s first president Kwame Nkrumah.

Following its premier at the BFI, HERO will be taken across the UK in the lead up to the 75th Windrush celebrations in June.

 

‘Dressed Up’, a soon to be launched retail shop specializing strictly in dresses, has been generating quite a buzz in several fashion-forward circles as well as on social media. Eagerness for the unveiling on this novel concept has only grown with news of the owner’s aspiration to use the platform to showcase the works of Caribbean designers and to assist victims of domestic abuse.

The highly anticipated Dressed Up will carry ready-to-wear casual, contemporary and designer dresses for women from various walks of life such as corporate professionals, college students, stylish homemakers, trendy fashionistas or high-profile celebrities.  The shoppe will also offer a few very high-end, one-of-a-kind couture dresses for the discerning client with a desire for the exclusive.

Set to open soon in Newark, New Jersey, this garment-exclusive venture has so far been met with excitement by the general public and has received positive feedback and support from several fashion industry insiders.

‘Dressed Up’ is the brainchild of Trinidadian-born, New York-based Diane Wiltshire, known professionally and affectionately in the fashion world by the sobriquet ‘Fury’.

Fury has graced numerous international catwalks as a professional model and through her work honing her skills in this industry, fostered her passion for fashion and penchant for distinctive style.

With regard to her current mission with this retail initiative she shared, “I use fashion to express my feelings about where I am going and I use my style to honour who I am seeing. So being able to create a space where I can facilitate other women (and the men who love them) with finding that special piece that allows them to honour not only themselves but the ambiance, occasion and company, brings me incredible joy and excitement!”

In addition to her long-time modelling career, Fury brings an almost 20 year career in the Hospitality industry and a team which is highly experienced in business development, fashion merchandising and branding to this bourgeoning enterprise.

As a proud and determined Caribbean woman, Fury intends to pay homage to her heritage by featuring dresses and collections by both established and emerging designers from the region and diaspora and has already established a collaboration to carry the line of a major Caribbean fashion icon.

Notably, as a domestic abuse survivor, she will be partnering Dressed Up with a domestic abuse women’s shelter and will be dressing survivors who have lost everything but their lives. The program entitled ‘reDRESSed’ will dress survivors as they re-enter the workforce.

With an imminent launch, an already growing buzz and a unique concentration on dresses, 'Dressed Up' is poised to become the focused option and solution for satisfying this specific need in busy and savvy consumers saving them from the overwhelming, time consuming and often annoying task of sifting through racks of shirts, pants & tops in average department stores.

 

 

 

 

One of the gems of the Caribbean rolled out the red carpet yesterday for the arrival of Their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, who set foot on Nevisian soil as part of their historic Caribbean Tour.

“We are delighted that the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall visited our beautiful island of Nevis. Hundreds turned out to welcome the Royals who received a truly warm welcome from the people of Nevis” said Honorable Nevis Premier Mark Brantley. “We are especially pleased that Prince Charles has returned to Nevis since his last visit was some 45 years ago. Nevis continues to have a love affair with the Royals who have at various times visited our shores. We wish the Royal couple continued success on their Caribbean trip.”

On their arrival at the Charlestown Port, the Royal couple was greeted by a welcome party, comprising of Deputy Governor General Her Honour Hyleeta Liburd, Premier of Nevis Hon. Mark Brantley, Deputy Premier Hon. Alexis Jeffers, Hon. Spencer Brand, Hon. Eric Evelyn, Hon. Troy Liburd and Hon. Hazel Brandy-Williams, as well as scores of students and members of the general public

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall were escorted to Government House at Bath Plains, where a reception had been planned that included cultural presentations by the masquerades of the Nevis Cultural Development Foundation, the Bath Village Community Tourism Group, and the Charlestown Primary School Pan Jammers.

While His Royal Highness Prince Charles departed the island, to return to St. Kitts to participate in engagements planned there, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Deputy Governor General visited The Hermitage Inn owned by the Lupinacci family. Before it was transformed into a plantation inn, The Hermitage was a Great House built sometime between 1670 and 1740.  Today, it is a plantation inn that offers traditional Nevisian hospitality and lifestyle for up to 35 guests, who stay in reconstructed gingerbread cottages “uniquely-named for the stories they tell.” A “must see” on Nevis, The Hermitage boasts of original cuisine, a collection of antiques, old-fashioned gardens, horses, carriages and local arts and crafts.