Author: Opastaff
January 22 , 2025 – Oh, Haiti! If there were ever an Olympic event for government spending that makes absolutely no sense, we’d be taking home the gold, every single time. This time, the prize goes to the $3.8 million spectacle put on to welcome Colombian President Gustavo Petro, a visit that, wait for it, lasted only a few hours. Yes, dear reader, while Haitians continue to dodge bullets, beg for basic services, and wonder where their next meal will come from, our government was out here playing “Extreme Makeover: Presidential Visit Edition.” They extended the runway at Jacmel Airport,…
On January 24, 2025, the Trump administration issued new guidance allowing federal immigration officials to bypass protections and potentially deport hundreds of thousands of migrants who entered the U.S. legally through Biden-era programs. This includes individuals who entered through a mobile app appointment system or under the Biden administration’s humanitarian parole program for migrants from countries like Cuba, Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Haiti. The new guidelines could affect over a million immigrants and prioritize rapid deportations, extending beyond the southern border to nationwide application. This directive also expands the fast-track deportation authority known as expedited removal and potentially revokes the parole…
MIAMI – Jan. 24, 2025 – B.E. RELATIONS PUBLISHING — Miami, FL – Iconic Haitian roots band Rara Lakay, a cornerstone of cultural pride in Miami since 2003, proudly announces the release of their first official track, “Pou Ayiti” (For Haiti). This powerful and thought-provoking song, written by Rotshild Festa, Woosny Grange, and Luvertu Rene, with vocals by Gerald Alexis, boldly addresses Haiti’s ongoing challenges while critiquing the nation’s leadership. With its heartfelt lyrics and signature Rara rhythms, Pou Ayiti vividly captures the frustration and despair of a nation struggling with instability and social injustices. The song calls for justice and meaningful change, resonating with audiences both within Haiti…
Oh, how the mighty have fallen! Once upon a time, Love & Hip Hop was a gritty, emotional platform where aspiring artists fought to make their mark. It gave us stars like Cardi B, who turned her reality TV stint into a ticket to global superstardom with charisma, humor, and—let’s not forget—actual talent. Fast forward to today, and the Miami iteration of the series is essentially a free-for-all of manufactured drama, questionable talent, and lace front wigs that would make even a mannequin cringe. Leading this circus is Florence El Luche, who somehow managed to stumble onto our screens with…
On January 12, 2010, Haiti was forever changed. A 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck near Port-au-Prince, the nation’s capital, unleashing devastation on an unimaginable scale. Over 230,000 lives were lost, 300,000 people were injured, and more than 1.5 million were left homeless. Schools, hospitals, and the very heart of Haiti’s infrastructure crumbled in an instant. Today, as the nation marks the anniversary of this disaster, it reflects not only on the lives lost but also on the long road of recovery—one marked by resilience, moments of progress, and ongoing challenges. The Immediate Aftermath The earthquake’s impact was profound, with entire neighborhoods…
Press Release from Anie Alerte: “With great shock and disappointment, we discovered that an individual with bad intentions has hacked and published our official debut song without our consent. At ZILE, we take this matter very seriously and are conducting an investigation with our legal team. We are determined to take all necessary legal actions to address this unauthorized release and to protect our creations for the future. We truly appreciate your support and understanding during this difficult time, and we promise that this will not stop us. Thank you for standing by us and continuing to follow us everywhere.”…
Haiti is currently grappling with a severe security crisis, as gang violence continues to escalate, leading to significant loss of life and widespread displacement. In 2024, over 5,600 people were killed due to gang-related activities, marking a more than 20% increase compared to 2023. Additionally, more than 2,200 individuals were injured, and nearly 1,500 were kidnapped. The violence has also resulted in approximately 700,000 Haitians becoming homeless, many of whom are now living in unsanitary conditions. In response to the escalating crisis, a U.N.-backed multinational mission led by Kenya has been deployed to assist the Haitian National Police (PNH) in…
Luigi Mangione, a 26-year-old app developer, has been charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, and the reactions have been anything but subtle. On December 4, 2024, outside the New York Hilton Midtown hotel—an appropriate venue for discussions on profit margins over human lives—Thompson met a fate many argue was long overdue. While his death was undeniably tragic, let’s not pretend the man wasn’t part of a machine that left countless others fighting for their lives, or worse, dying without access to basic care. The Crime and Arrest: A Bold Statement? Mangione was arrested on December 9, 2024,…
Saturday, December 28, 2024, marked a historic day for Cap-Haïtien’s cultural legacy. In a ceremony filled with emotion, pride, and fanfare, a statue honoring the legendary maestro of compas direct, Richard Jean Hérard, affectionately known as Richie, was unveiled at Carrénage Square. The event was attended by Mr. Patrick Almonor, one of the city’s mayors, members of the renowned band Klass, the press, and a devoted crowd of fans. The statue, located at the intersection of 28th and 29th A streets, was erected as a vibrant tribute to a native son whose influence on Haitian music has spanned generations. Richie,…
FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Jan. 6, 2025 — MikaBen, born Micheal Benjamin, was a beacon of light in the Haitian music industry. His untimely passing left a profound void in the hearts of his fans, colleagues, and loved ones. As we navigate the challenges surrounding his legacy, it is essential to approach these conversations with empathy, understanding, and respect for all involved. For the past two years, Vanessa Fanfan, Mika’s wife and a valued client of B.E. Relations has been the target of unwarranted social media attacks. This situation has deeply affected not only Vanessa but also her family, pushing…