Caribbean Corner

After his first nominee, Randy Mastro, withdrew his candidacy to succeed Barbadian-born Justice Sylvia Hinds-Radix as New York City’s Corporation Counsel, embattled New York City Mayor Eric Adams has announced his intention to nominate Muriel Goode-Trufant as the city’s next corporation counsel. Adams said Goode-Trufant is a longtime public servant, having spent more than 30 years in the New York City Department of Law, where she has served as acting corporation counsel since this summer. As corporation counsel, the mayor said Goode-Trufant will lead the New York City Department of Law, which is primarily responsible for providing legal representation to the City of New York — for the Mayor’s Office, the Public Advocate’s Office, the Comptroller’s Office, city agencies and the City Council — in all affirmative and defensive civil litigation. “I am excited to announce my intention to nominate of Muriel Goode-Trufant as New York City’s next c...

New York City’s Blue & Bougie party promoters announced on Monday that they will be hosting a chic “Wine N Chill” event on Nov. 3 at the Redline Room on Fairfield Avenue, Block Rock, Connecticut. ‘“Fairfield, Connecticut, get ready to indulge in ‘Wine N Chill,’ an upscale, premium party that embodies important features of our successful Bleu & Bougie party that we have been hosting in New York for the past seven years,” Event conceptualizer Jamaican Jerry McDonald told Caribbean Life, stating that the event is “a food-inclusive party.” “’Wine N Chill’ is more than an experience; it is a lifestyle,” added McDonald, urging patrons to “come out early; the event begins at 4 p.m., and ends at 10 p.m. sharp. “It is a party that embodies excellence by embracing and amplifying the love of fashion, fun music, females and fine wines,” he continued. “We are targeting on social media, not just Jamaican/Caribbean nationals living in Connecticut but patrons from New York, New...

St. Lucia’s Prime Minister, Philip J. Pierre has lauded the new Caribbean Premier League (CPL) champions, the St. Lucia Kings on capturing their first title. The Kings defeated defending champions Guyana Amazon Warriors by six wickets in an exhilarating final at Providence Stadium on Oct. 6. A statement issued by the Office of the Prime Minister recently, Pierre congratulated the Kings on their historic winning performance. “Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre on behalf of the government and people of Saint Lucia congratulates the Saint Lucia Kings on their impressive achievement in securing the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) title. This victory has brought immense pride to our island nation,” it read. “The Saint Lucia Kings have demonstrated remarkable resilience and teamwork throughout the tournament. “Their success further amplifies Saint Lucia’s achievement in sports on the world stage, with Julien Alfred blazing the trail. “This victory is an inspiration, showc...

Trinidadian attorney Gemma Thomas-Ahayse says she has been forced into semi-retirement after her most recent breast cancer diagnosis, stating that “the fright from the cancer diagnosis is still quite unbearable.” “My last PET scan showed a significant reduction of cancer in my breast, lymph nodes, and lumbar vertebra to which it had spread,” Thomas-Ahyase, a Canarsie, Brooklyn resident, who practiced law for several years, told Caribbean Life on Sunday. According to the Cleveland Clinic, positron emission tomography (PET) scans detect early signs of cancer, heart disease, and brain conditions. The clinic says PET involves an injection of a safe radioactive tracer that helps detect diseased cells. “This very encouraging news has boosted my confidence, but the fright from the cancer diagnosis is still quite unbearable,” said Thomas-Ahyase, disclosing that her recent cancer diagnosis came in the middle of her doctoral studies in business administration.  She said she had written a...

In celebration of Small Women-Owned Business Month, Haitian-American sisters Marie Driven Theodore and Cindy Theodore have come together to launch Room 43, an event space dedicated to connecting and uplifting the community through various events. Driven, a Brooklyn-based, pre-eminent entertainment publicist, told Caribbean Life on Monday, Oct. 7 that their mission is “to create a platform where local businesses can thrive while giving back to the community.” Committed to empowering other small business owners, Driven, the managing partner of PlayBook MG, an entertainment promotion company, said she and her sister have teamed up with local entrepreneurs who specialize in helping people establish their limited liability companies (LLCs) and provide business structure support for aspiring brands. “By offering a space for collaboration and resources, Room 43 is a cornerstone for community development, supporting local women in business, and fostering a sense of unity...

Prime Minister Andrew Holness ‘ financial integrity troubles continue as Jamaica prepares for next year’s general elections. The oversight body shows no signs of backing down in refusing to certify the PM’s financial declarations and hiring its battery of attorneys to fight him. The war between the head of government and the Integrity Commission has arisen because Holness is contesting the body’s annual report, which was recently tabled in the 63-member parliament. Holness contends that the more than 150-page report contains “inaccurate and unlawful” information designed to impugn his integrity, casting doubts about the sanctity of his income statements submitted to the commission. So, he has asked the Supreme Court to judicially review or cancel the investigations into his personal finances and even invalidate the report because they appear to be laying the groundwork for unwarranted criminal proceedings against him. Specifically, he is challen...

Gil Figaro, Sr., the Trinidadian-born chairman and founder of the Teaneck, NJ-based SUNSHINE Awards Organization , says the women’s section of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Band , renowned for its unique and electrifying live performances, will make its highly anticipated debut in the United States, appearing at the prestigious 36 th Annual SUNSHINE Awards Celebration on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024 at the Robert Treat Hotel, 50 Park Place, Newark, NJ 07102. “This performance is regarded as a milestone as the band continues to expand its global reach,” Figaro told Caribbean Life on Thursday. “This appearance is expected to be one of the highlights of the evening. “We are very excited and thrilled that the women’s section of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Band will be joining us this year to celebrate the SUNSHINE Awards recipients for their contributions and accomplishments,” he added. “The band’s presence and performance will ensure an unforgettable experience for our guests. It wil...