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A passenger aboard the Icon of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship, was reported dead after jumping off the vessel on Sunday, May 26. The unidentified individual leaped from the 1,200-foot-long Royal Caribbean cruise ship shortly after it set sail from Florida to Honduras, as confirmed by the Coast Guard to the New York Post. The cruise ship deployed one of their rescue boats, located the man, and brought him back aboard, according to the Coast Guard. He was pronounced deceased. The US Coast Guard's involvement in this incident was primarily limited to assisting in the search. Cruise tracking data indicates that the ship paused for approximately two hours during the search. Last month, another search was conducted for an individual who reportedly jumped from the upper deck of a different Royal Caribbean cruise ship in front of his family. That incident occurred in the Bahamas.

Themed "Advancing Together: Embracing Innovation for Sustainable Growth and Regional Integration", the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States' 43rd anniversary celebration will span the month of June. The official anniversary date is commemorated on June 18 every year. This year's calendar of events aims to engage citizens across all ages and sectors of the OECS’ 11 member states. One highlight of the 43rd anniversary includes the launch of OECS French digital platforms including an updated website, Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), WhatsApp channel, and a digital pressroom. The introduction of these platforms represents new steps towards increasing communication with OECS' French citizens as part of the broader regional integration movement. Martinique and Guadeloupe are associate member states, and Saint Martin is currently planning its accession to the OECS. Other OECS 43rd Anniversary activities include: OECS in the Classroom School Campaign - May 28 - June 6 OECS French Digital Platforms Launch - June 1 OECS Thanksgiving Service at Benedictine Nuns, Mount of Prayer, Coubaril, Saint Lucia - June 10 The OECS Sports Desk Documentary Premiere: Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira - June 14 OECS Fun Walk, Saint Lucia - June 16 OECS Colours Day - June 18 OECS Colours Day will be the most widespread activity inviting OECS citizens to wear green, yellow, white, and navy blue. People can share the unique ways they celebrate by using the hashtags #OECS43 and #OECSDay2024. Look out for the unveiling of exciting new billboards in Saint Kitts and Saint Lucia to sensitize citizens on the free movement of people regime of the OECS. Also, sports fans and the many viewers who enjoyed the work of Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira will get a treat with the YouTube documentary premiere of his work with the OECS Sports Desk. The official OECS 43rd Anniversary webpage in English and French provides information on all the events. Stay connected via the OECS social media platforms where updates and features will be shared throughout the celebration. 🎉 OECS Media Release

On Thursday, Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew addressed two major civil lawsuits alleging misconduct in the Federation’s Citizenship By Investment Programme (CBIP). The lawsuits, filed in the United States and St. Kitts, allege that between 2021 and 2022, there were instances of developers offering citizenship for amounts below the statutory minimum investment required. The lawsuit in Florida also claims that these practices are still occurring in another region. Prime Minister Drew stated, that the King’s Counsel has been directed to proceed with this judicial review, and should any investments be proven unlawful, he is ready to take the necessary legal steps under the Citizenship Act to revoke citizenships obtained through fraudulent means. However, he will only act based on solid evidence, ensuring due process for every citizen. These lawsuits were brought forth by Phillipe Martinez and his MSR Entities, who were recently designated as the sole public benefactor of the St. Kitts and Nevis CBIP Public Benefactor Option by the Drew administration. This legal challenge, along with Prime Minister Drew’s readiness to potentially revoke thousands of citizenships, could significantly impact the program, which has been vital to the nation’s economy over the past decade. The CBIP has attracted considerable foreign investment, strengthening the nation’s economic base. Nonetheless, these allegations and potential revocations jeopardize the program’s reputation and future. The Prime Minister’s position could profoundly affect the program’s sustainability. As the judicial review moves forward, the emphasis will be on confirming the legitimacy of previous investments and ensuring all involved parties receive due process. The outcome may critically influence the future of the CBIP and its economic role in St. Kitts and Nevis.

The SLU government is actively addressing employee exploitation and striving to create a fairer job market for Saint Lucian workers by introducing a minimum wage. Prime Minister Pierre and his Cabinet are committed to enhancing the living standards of working-class Saint Lucians. In 2022, Prime Minister Pierre established the Minimum and Equal Wages Commission. This commission, in collaboration with local employers and labor unions, engaged in extensive discussions to propose a suitable minimum wage rate. The proposed minimum wage mandates that employees in Saint Lucia receive at least $1126 per month, $52 per day, or $6.50 per hour. This measure is expected to boost the incomes of approximately 13,000 workers. This new minimum wage is part of a broader strategy to reduce poverty, strengthen the workforce, and ensure a dignified living standard for all citizens. The Minimum and Living Wage Bill, set to take effect on August 1, 2024, is open for public input before its implementation.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the Cabrits Marina took place on Saturday, May 25th, 2024. The Cabrits Marina will be built in an area adjacent to the Intercontinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa, with slips for berthing superyachts of up to 150ft. The marina waterfront will feature food and beverage outlets, retail shops, supermarkets, and a craft market. The plan also includes essential administrative and government support services such as a harbour master’s office, and offices for immigration, customs, operations and maintenance. As Dominica reimagines its tourism product to increase access, improve infrastructure and attract greater numbers of visitors, the Cabrits Marina will enhance our appeal to yachting enthusiasts, contribute to sustained growth of the tourism industry and boost the local economy of Portsmouth and the North. Credit OPM

The individual fatally shot during an attempted catalytic converter theft in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday has been identified as actor Johnny Wactor, according to his family. Wactor, 37, portrayed Brando Corbin in 164 episodes of the well-known soap opera General Hospital from 2020 to 2022. He also had roles in shows like Westworld and Criminal Minds. TMZ first reported his death, which was later confirmed to KTLA by Wactor’s younger brother, Grant. The Los Angeles Police Department reported that officers responded to a call at the intersection of Pico Boulevard and Hope Street at approximately 3:25 a.m. on Saturday. They discovered a man with a gunshot wound upon arrival. Authorities stated that the man had confronted three individuals who were attempting to steal the catalytic converter from his vehicle. In response, they shot him. Wactor was taken to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The suspects are still at large, according to the police. No further details have been provided at this time.

McClaude Emmanuel, CEO of the St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment Unit, has assured that Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre will sign the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) aimed at establishing common standards and regulations for Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs across OECS territories. In March 2024, Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, and St. Kitts and Nevis signed the MOA. This agreement mandates that, starting June 1, all territories with CBI programs will cooperate and share information to improve the integrity, security, and efficiency of their programs. St. Lucia did not sign the MOA on March 20. However, on May 23, during a panel discussion on “Resilience: Strengthening the Adaptability and Sustainability of Caribbean Investment Migration” at the 2024 Caribbean Investment Summit, Emmanuel confirmed St. Lucia's intent to sign the non-legally binding agreement but did not specify a date. The summit, held from May 22-24 at the Radisson Conference Centre, gathered over 200 participants. The MOA outlines that the five participating CBI territories will establish a regional competent authority by June 30, 2024, to set standards in line with international requirements and best practices, and to regulate the programs. It also stipulates common standards for the regulation of agents, marketing, and promotions, including prohibiting the marketing of CBI programs for “visa-free access” and the use of passport photographs in advertisements. The agreement is a statement of intent and does not create legal obligations. It can be amended or terminated by unanimous consent of the signatories, and any disputes will be resolved through negotiations.

Dr. Vince Henderson, Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Business, Trade, and Energy, emphasized the need for foreign ministers to foster environments that enhance opportunities for collaboration and strategic partnerships. He made these remarks during the opening ceremony of the 27th Meeting of the Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR) at the State House Conference Center on Thursday. The meeting took place from Thursday, May 23 to Friday, May 24, 2024. Dr. Henderson welcomed the attendees, noting their presence in Dominica as a strong commitment to strengthening regional ties within the Caribbean, with the exception of Haiti. He highlighted that the council will review important engagements with third states and discuss plans for the 2024 CARICOM Friendship Year. Dr. Henderson mentioned that the council would consider geopolitical issues impacting sustainable development, provide updates on associate membership applications from various states, and discuss the implications of expanding observer status. He added that the COFCOR will review significant upcoming international meetings, such as the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting and the future summit, emphasizing the need for coordinated attention and unified positions. As the hurricane season approaches, Dr. Henderson stressed the importance of climate justice and sustainable development in interactions with third states and international organizations. Dr. Henderson highlighted that as Dominica faces increasing debt to build resilience, it remains vigilant against the threat of another hurricane season.

This year is projected to be one of the most active Atlantic hurricane seasons, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicting the development of 17 to 25 tropical storms, and up to 13 of these could become hurricanes of category one or higher. NOAA's Climate Prediction Centre indicated that the increased activity is due to a combination of factors such as near-record warm ocean temperatures in the Atlantic, the onset of La Nina conditions in the Pacific, weaker Atlantic trade winds, and reduced wind shear, all of which promote tropical storm formation. NOAA anticipates 17 to 25 named storms (with winds of 39 mph or higher). Of these, 8 to 13 are expected to develop into hurricanes (with winds of 74 mph or higher), and 4 to 7 could become major hurricanes (category 3, 4, or 5, with winds of 111 mph or higher). The agency has a 70% confidence level in these predictions. NOAA emphasized the importance of preparedness. The 2023 Atlantic hurricane season was notably active, tying with the 1933 season for fourth place in terms of activity, with twenty named storms. Seven of these became hurricanes, and three reached major hurricane status. The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30.

Rapper Sean Kingston was taken into custody during a performance in California, shortly after his mother faced a similar fate in Florida, all related to the purchase of a massive TV, according to a lawyer familiar with the case. The Broward County Sheriff's Office reported that Kingston, 34, was apprehended without incident on a Florida warrant near Fort Irwin, an Army base roughly 150 miles northeast of Los Angeles. Earlier that day, Broward detectives arrested his 61-year-old mother, Janice Turner, during a raid on Kingston's 14,000-square-foot rented mansion in Southwest Ranches, seizing several items from the property. This unusual case revolves around Kingston's purchase of a 17 x 9 foot TV in September 2023. Lawyer Dennis Card, who has filed a lawsuit against Kingston regarding the $150,000 entertainment set, was present during Turner's arrest. Card alleges that Kingston bought the TV on credit with a minimal down payment, promising the seller, Ver Ver Entertainment, which sells the sets under the brand name Colossal TV, that Justin Bieber would endorse their products.

The National Cooperative Credit Union (NCCU) Ltd has inaugurated its Member Care Centre, a new initiative designed to elevate the quality of member service. The launch event was held on Wednesday. Branch Manager Glenda Smith-Baron expressed her enthusiasm, stating that the day marked a significant milestone in the history of the credit union. She emphasized the importance of this initiative, noting that members deserve the highest standard of service. The Member Care Centre aims to provide comprehensive support, ensuring that members’ inquiries are handled promptly and efficiently. She highlighted the goal of creating a seamless and enjoyable experience for members. Smith-Baron assured members of the high level of service they can expect from NCCU’s dedicated team, reaffirming that exceptional member care is central to the organization’s mission. She further explained that member care is integral to the identity of the credit union and discussed the credit union's principle of member economic participation, which underscores that members are the primary stakeholders and beneficiaries. She reiterated that for the credit union, member care is about striving for excellence in every aspect. Additionally, NCCU has introduced the role of a member success advocate, which is central to the new member care initiatives.

The Government of Dominica announces the appointment of Mr. Leroy 'Wadix' Charles as a Cultural Ambassador for the Commonwealth of Dominica. The appointment recognises Mr. Charles’ outstanding contributions to the promotion of Dominica’s cultural art forms and expressions and underscores the Government’s commitment to the preservation of the nation’s cultural heritage. As Cultural Ambassador, Mr. Charles will assist the Government in the development of a Creole Language Policy for Dominica and provide consultancy services on the organisation of national festivals and events including Independence Celebrations, the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF), Carnival, DOMFESTA and Emancipation Day Observance. The new Ambassador will also assist in the promotion of Dominica’s festivals in the French West Indies and encourage cultural and sporting exchanges with these territories. Leroy ‘Wadix’ Charles has championed the preservation of Cadence-lypso and other forms of Creole music since his early days as a member of the Young Cultural Dramatists and Co-Founder of WadiCole. He is a founding member of the World Creole Music Festival and served as chairman of the festival’s band selection committee. He also served on the “Konmité pou Etid Kwéyòl (KEK) and the Board of Directors of the Alliance Française de la Dominique, is the President of the Creole Heartbeat Movement and the host of the long-running creole music programme, Hit Parade Creole, on DBS Radio. Among many accolades for his tireless advocacy, Mr. Charles is the recipient of the prestigious Golden Drum Award and the Meritorious Service Award from the Government of Dominica. In 2023 he was honoured by the Folk Research Center in St. Lucia for promotion and preservation of the Kwéyòl language. The Government of Dominica honours Leroy ‘Wadix’ Charles for his efforts to ensure Dominica’s culture remains vibrant, dynamic, and well-preserved for future generations and looks forward to his continued contributions as Dominica’s newest Cultural Ambassador.