Author: Opastaff
Each year, as November arrives, Haitians across the country gather to honor their ancestors in a vibrant, soulful celebration known as Fèt Gede—Haiti’s version of the Day of the Dead. Unlike the more commonly known Día de los Muertos in Mexico, Fèt Gede blends elements of Vodou spirituality, African traditions, and Haitian culture, creating a uniquely Haitian experience that is both joyful and solemn. However, despite its rich history, the festival is often clouded by misunderstandings, especially in communities unfamiliar with Haitian Vodou. Let’s dive into the history, meaning, and customs of Fèt Gede to shed light on this fascinating…
In a recent bombshell interview, Courtney Burgess, a key witness in the ongoing investigation involving Sean “Diddy” Combs, provided unsettling new details about what may be one of Hollywood’s most controversial cases. Burgess claims to have received 11 flash drives containing videos featuring intimate encounters involving Combs and at least eight celebrities. According to Burgess, these tapes show various well-known figures whom he describes as “victims” of Combs, with two or three of the recorded individuals potentially being minors at the time of the encounters. Burgess detailed how the tapes allegedly feature six men and two women, and all appear…
Haiti is facing an unprecedented wave of gang violence, with a significant increase in deaths, injuries, and displacement that has stretched both local and international resources to their limits. The latest reports reveal an alarming escalation: between July and September 2024 alone, over 1,740 people were either killed or injured due to gang-related activities. Tragically, this figure marks a 30% rise from the previous quarter, with children increasingly becoming victims in a conflict spiraling out of control. Of these recent casualties, 1,223 deaths are attributed directly to gangs, and 106 have been classified as extrajudicial killings by law enforcement. The…
Haitian singer, actor, and former senator Gracia Delva is mourning the loss of his beloved mother, Marie Saintilia Delva, affectionately known as “Mante Titine,” who passed away on October 29, 2024, at the age of 85. Born on June 19, 1939, in Gonaïves in the town of Trois Ponts, Ms. Delva spent most of her life in Dessalines. As a devoted single mother, she was an unwavering support to her only child, Gracia, raising him with love and resilience. Their close bond often surfaced in Delva’s music, especially in the song “Manman” with Mass Konpa. One of his popular expressions,…
At this point, Trump and his followers seem to have dropped any attempt at subtlety. This past weekend, Madison Square Garden became the spotlight for a showcase where attendees didn’t hold back—telling it exactly how they felt about race, immigration, and the “good ol’ days” they’re so eager to return to. The crowd, filled with a “who’s who” of Trump’s comedy-leaning yet deadly serious fanbase, served up opinions that made one thing clear: they are proudly, boldly, and loudly…united against unity. When Trump ran for office in 2016, many Americans were shocked by the sudden, loud unveiling of attitudes we…
The World Creole Music Festival made a grand return to Dominica’s Windsor Park Sports Stadium from October 25th to 27th, uniting diverse Caribbean artists in a celebration of Creole culture. Since its inception in 1997, the festival has grown into a signature event in the Caribbean, showcasing a rich blend of Afro-Caribbean genres. Among past headliners is Kassav’, the zouk pioneers from Guadeloupe and Martinique, who set the stage for the Creole music fusion that defines the festival. https://youtu.be/4OlprEKTPlY This year, Haiti was represented by two iconic bands: Kai, led by Richard Cave, and T-Vice, led by the Martino brothers.…
TD Bank recently found itself at the center of a $3 billion settlement with the U.S. government over massive failures to comply with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations. Known for its extended hours and tagline, “America’s Most Convenient Bank,” TD Bank may have taken convenience to the next level by allegedly allowing criminals to enjoy hassle-free banking for almost a decade. The settlement followed findings from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) that TD Bank hadn’t meaningfully updated its AML protocols between 2014 and 2023. In that time, the bank failed to monitor more than…
Tomorrow afternoon, Blondedy Ferdinand and her partner, Jameson “D-Perfect” Danger, will exchange vows once again, this time in the presence of close friends and family in sunny Florida. Although the couple officially wed at city hall earlier this year, this October 26th celebration will serve as their formal wedding ceremony, marking another joyous chapter in their relationship. The two also welcomed their beautiful baby girl, Verity Danger, earlier this year, adding to the list of exciting milestones the couple has celebrated. Blondedy, a powerhouse in Haitian entertainment and business, first rose to prominence through Haitian cinema with films like I…
Over the past ten years, some of the biggest names in entertainment have faced allegations of sexual misconduct, assault, and even trafficking. From the fashion world to film and music, these cases expose a deeply troubling side of Hollywood, where power and influence often overshadow accountability. Mike Jeffries: The Abercrombie Scandal One of the latest allegations involves Mike Jeffries, former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch. Jeffries allegedly organized secret parties where young models, expecting career opportunities, were exploited and trafficked. According to reports, Jeffries leveraged Abercrombie’s prestigious image to set up these gatherings, escaping scrutiny for years. Now, he faces…
Miami, FL – Popular Haitian musician Joubite Dessalines, better known by his stage name K-Dilak, was arrested early this morning around 3 a.m. in Miami-Dade County. He was charged with fleeing or eluding a police officer during a lawful traffic stop, according to public records (case number F-24-022388). The artist, recognized for his impact on the Haitian music scene, was booked and later released on $2,500 bond. Currently, no mugshot or additional details have been provided regarding the case, including whether he will be required to appear in court. This arrest raises concerns about K-Dilak’s legal status in the United…