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United States President Donald Trump announced earlier today (Tuesday 2nd September, 2025) that U.S. Military Forces conducted a strike against Tren de Aragua (TdA) narcoterrorists, in international waters off the coast of Venezuela. The strike occurred while the terrorists were transporting illegal narcotics, heading to the U.S. from Venezuela. The targeted operation resulted in eleven (11) terrorists killed in action. No U.S. Forces were harmed in this strike, the President said.

​Preisent Trump made the announcement during a speech this afternoon at the White House.

Shortly after the President’s announcement, a video of the deadly strike was released by the U.S. Government.

In a Truth Social post, President Trump stated the following: “Earlier this morning, on my Orders, U.S. Military Forces conducted a kinetic strike against positively identified Tren de Aragua Narcoterrorists in the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility. TDA is a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization, operating under the control of Nicolas Maduro, responsible for mass murder, drug trafficking, sex trafficking, and acts of violence and terror across the United States and Western Hemisphere. The strike occurred while the terrorists were at sea in International waters transporting illegal narcotics, heading to the United States. The strike resulted in 11 terrorists killed in action. No U.S. Forces were harmed in this strike. Please let this serve as notice to anybody even thinking about bringing drugs into the United States of America. BEWARE! Thank you for your attention to this matter!!!!!!!!!”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said earlier on X that the vessel was being operated by a “designated narcoterrorist organization.” He described the operation as a lethal strike. Rubio also addressed the strike on Tuesday with reporters, shortly before he was scheduled to depart for Mexico and Ecuador for talks on drug cartels, security, tariffs and more.

The U.S. recently announced plans to boost its maritime force in the waters off Venezuela to combat threats from Latin American drug cartels.

The U.S. has so far not signaled any planned land incursion by the thousands of military personnel being deployed to the area. However, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s Government has responded by deploying troops along Venezuela’s coast and border with neighbouring Colombia, as well as by urging Venezuelans to enlist in a civilian militia.

Maduro has insisted that the U.S. is building a false drug-trafficking narrative to try to force him out of office.

Maduro on Monday (1st September, 2025) told reporters he “would constitutionally declare a republic in arms” if his country were attacked by U.S. forces deployed to the Caribbean.

More on this as it becomes available.

This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates.

​[Source: CNC3]

“The US Government's deployment of American military assets into the Caribbean region to destroy the terrorist drug cartels has the full support of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago. The only persons who should be worried about the activity of the US military are those engaged in or enabling criminal activity. Law abiding citizens have nothing to fear.” This from Prime Minister the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP, in response to reports that several warships and thousands of service members have been ordered to deploy off the coast of Venezuela by U.S. President Donald Trump.

In a Media Release today (Saturday 23rd August, 2025), the Prime Minister said, “The Trinidad and Tobago Government has not engaged and has no intention of engaging CARICOM on this matter; each member State can speak for themselves on this issue. NO requests have ever been made by the American Government for their military assets to access Trinidadian territory for any military action against the Venezuelan regime. Trinidad and Tobago has always had good relations with the Venezuelan people and that will continue. However, I want to make it very clear that if the Maduro regime launches any attack against the Guyanese people or invades Guyanese territory and a request is made by the American Government for access to Trinidadian territory to defend the people of Guyana, my Government will unflinchingly provide them that access.”

According to Mrs. Persad-Bissessar, “The US Government's deployment of American military assets into the Caribbean region to destroy the terrorist drug cartels has the full support of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago. Due to drug, human and firearms trafficking, Caribbean countries, and in particular Trinidad and Tobago have experienced massive spikes in transnational crime, gang activity, murders, violence and financial crimes. Most Caribbean countries and in particular Trinidad and Tobago have been dealing with out-of-control crime for the last twenty (20) years. Small island States like ours simply do not have the financial and military resources to take on the drug cartels. Cartels have been enabled to embed themselves into the high echelons of Caribbean societies, thereby exhibiting significant influence in political, legislative, media, banking, security and economic decisions, often rendering Governments toothless to enact actual change to stop criminal activity.”

Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar continued, “Record murder rates, gang activity, drug addictions, violent crime and increasing poverty throughout the Caribbean and especially in our country, certainly do not paint a peaceful existence. Therefore, it is shocking to hear some persons using referrals to the Caribbean region as a zone of peace to push negative commentary on the US military deployment against these terrorist cartels. The only persons who should be worried about the activity of the US military are those engaged in or enabling criminal activity. Law abiding citizens have nothing to fear. Despite the misinformation being peddled, the US military is operating legally in international waters within the region and have not breached any nations’ sovereignty.”

She added, “The Trinidad and Tobago Government has not engaged and has no intention of engaging CARICOM on this matter; each member State can speak for themselves on this issue. Trinidad and Tobago has been helplessly drowning in blood and violence for the last twenty (20) years; Vice President [JD] Vance spoke the truth when he mentioned our high murder and crime rates. Therefore, no amount of Trump derangement syndrome tantrums and anti-American propaganda will prevent my Government from welcoming assistance to combat the terrorist drug cartels. Other CARICOM countries are free to make their decisions based on the best interests of their citizens.”

The Media Release concluded by saying, “Finally, NO requests have ever been made by the American Government for their military assets to access Trinidadian territory for any military action against the Venezuelan regime. Trinidad and Tobago has always had good relations with the Venezuelan people and that will continue. However, I want to make it very clear that if the Maduro regime launches any attack against the Guyanese people or invades Guyanese territory and a request is made by the American Government for access to Trinidadian territory to defend the people of Guyana, my Government will unflinchingly provide them that access. May good sense and peace prevail.”

More on this as it becomes available.

​This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates.

According to reports, three (3) United States warships and thousands of service members have been ordered to deploy off the coast of Venezuela by U.S. President Donald Trump, and they could arrive by this weekend. The escalation comes as the Trump administration increases pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, after the reward for his arrest was recently doubled from US $25 million to US $50 million, due to what the U.S. claims are drug offences linked to cocaine trafficking.

Reports on Wednesday (20th August, 2025) stated that an amphibious squadron consisting of three (3) U.S. Aegis-class guided missile destroyers (USS San Antonio, USS Iwo Jima and USS Fort Lauderdale) is heading to the waters off Venezuela, carrying 4,500 U.S. service members, including 2,200 Marines, and they could arrive as early as Sunday (24th August, 2025).

These recent deployments are said to be aimed at addressing threats to U.S. national security from specially designated “narco-terrorist” organizations in the region.

Venezuela’s President Maduro said on Monday (18th August, 2025) that he would be deploying millions of militia members across Venezuela in response to U.S. “threats,” which included the reward for his arrest and the launch of a new anti-drug operation in the Caribbean. “This week, I will activate a special plan with more than 4.5 million militiamen to ensure coverage of the entire national territory — militias that are prepared, activated and armed,” the Venezuelan President said in a televised address.

Washington has previously accused Maduro of leading the Venezuela-based “Cartel de los Soles” (Cartel of the Suns) — a cocaine trafficking gang.

The U.S. Department of Treasury designated the cartel as a global terrorist organization last month, accusing it of supporting the Venezuelan crime group Tren de Aragua (TdA) and Mexico’s Sinaloa drug cartels, which were also designated as foreign terrorist organizations earlier this year.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt spoke about Venezuela on Tuesday (19th August, 2025): “President Trump has been very clear and consistent, he’s prepared to use every element of American power to stop drugs from flooding into our country and to bring those responsible to justice.” She added, “Maduro, it is the view of this administration, is not a legitimate President; he is a fugitive head of this cartel who has been indicted in the United States for trafficking drugs into this country.”

More on this as it becomes available.

​This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates.

[Source: Al Jazeera]

According to the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS), a Tropical Wave with its axis presently located near 54W is likely to reach the Lesser Antilles by Tuesday morning (19th August, 2025). The associated weather is expected to be spread mostly over the Northern Windward and Southern Leeward Islands but will likely influence increased convergence and moisture build-up over Trinidad and, to a lesser extent, over Tobago.

Another Tropical Wave extends with its axis presently near 32W with an associated disturbed area, indicating moderate vorticity. This area has been flagged with a medium (60%) chance for cyclonic development through the next seven (7) days. Models’ projections and analysis indicate that this area is expected to reach the Lesser Antilles from Thursday night (21st August, 2025) into Friday (22nd August, 2025), with most of the associated weather over the Northern Windward Islands and the Leeward Islands. The inflow winds coming from Southeast to South are expected to cause some instability and also pull equatorial moisture over Trinidad and Tobago and the Windward Islands. This is expected to raise the probability for thunderstorm activity to moderate to high on Friday (22nd August, 2025).

Hurricane Erin, meanwhile, was centred near 23.1N 70.8W at 18/1500 UTC, moving WNW, and it poses no further threat to the Lesser Antilles.

​Looking Beyond This Outlook Period

• An area indicating low to moderate vorticity develops in the far-Eastern Tropical Atlantic on Tuesday (19th). This area is likely to produce low-level convergence and moisture build-up from Sunday night (24th) and a trough/wave from Monday (25th) into Tuesday morning (26th), with medium to high chances for thunderstorm activity over Trinidad and Tobago and the Southern Windward Islands.
• An area indicating at least low vorticity enters the far-Eastern Atlantic on Thursday (21st). Early analysis is not indicating any further development across the Tropical Atlantic and is likely to be reduced to an open wave passing Northeast of the Leeward Islands by Friday (29th).

Seas

• The wind waves in the open waters to the near-East and Northeast of Trinidad and Tobago are expected to be mostly between 1m to 1.5m for this outlook period but peaking to over 1.5m by Saturday (23rd).

Wind

• The wind in the near-surface to the lower mid-level over Trinidad and Tobago and the Windward Islands (2,000 ft to 5,000 ft), is expected to be mostly between 10 kts to 15 kts from the East-Northeast and East until Thursday (21st). By Friday (22nd) and Saturday (23rd), the wind veers (i.e., rotates direction in a clockwise sense) to come from the Southeast to South at 5 kts to 10 kts.

Dust

• Generally mild/occasionally moderate concentrations of Saharan dust are expected until Wednesday (20th), when the concentration increases to moderate to high.
• Persons who are adversely affected by the elevated concentration of the dust are advised to take the necessary precautions.

Synopsis And 5-Day Outlook

• The weather produced by a Tropical Wave on Tuesday (19th) is expected to produce partly cloudy periods over the Northern Windward and Southern Leeward Islands, with some light to moderate showers and a medium chance for isolated heavy showers. Increased convergence and moisture build-up over Trinidad, and to a lesser extent, over Tobago, are expected to produce a medium to high chance for isolated thunderstorms.
• By Thursday night (21st) into Friday (22nd), conditions associated with, at least a strong Tropical Wave, is expected over the Northern Windward Islands, Northward to the Leeward Islands, with high chances for showers and thunderstorm activity. The inflow winds coming from Southeast to South is expected to cause some instability, and also pull equatorial moisture over Trinidad and Tobago and The Windward Islands. This is expected to raise the probability for thunderstorm activity to moderate to high, especially over Trinidad on Friday (22nd).

Tuesday (19th August, 2025)

• Trinidad and Tobago: From early morning to afternoon, skies will be partly cloudy to at times cloudy. Periods of light to moderate showers will interrupt fair conditions. There will be a medium to high chance of an isolated heavy shower or thunderstorm, mainly over Trinidad.
• The remainder of the Lesser Antilles: Conditions will be partly cloudy at times, interrupting generally fair weather. Showers will occur over varying areas, with a medium chance of an isolated heavy shower or thunderstorm.

Wednesday (20th August, 2025)

• Trinidad and Tobago and the Windward Islands: Partly cloudy periods will interrupt fair to sunny conditions, with a few brief, light to moderate showers expected. There will be a medium chance of an isolated heavy shower or thunderstorms over Tobago and the Southern Windward Islands during the morning, and over Trinidad during the afternoon.
• The Leeward Islands: Conditions will be mostly fair with a few brief showers over varying areas. There will be a low chance of a moderate to heavy shower, mainly near hilly areas.

Thursday (21st August, 2025)

• Trinidad and Tobago and the Southern Windward Islands: Partly cloudy to at times cloudy from morning to mid-afternoon. There will be a medium chance of an isolated heavy shower and a low chance of an isolated thunderstorm, especially over Trinidad during the afternoon.
• The remainder of the Lesser Antilles: A mostly fair day with an increase in cloudiness during the evening and night.

Friday (22nd August, 2025)

• Trinidad and Tobago and the Windward Islands: There will be inflow winds coming from Southeast to South, which is expected to cause instability and also pull equatorial moisture over Trinidad and Tobago and the Windward Islands. This is expected to produce partly cloudy periods with light to moderate showers over varying areas, and raise the probability for thunderstorm activity to moderate to high, especially over Trinidad during the late morning to afternoon.
• The Leeward Islands: Cloudy conditions with showers over broad areas and medium to high probability for thunderstorm activity over varying areas.

Saturday (23rd August, 2025)

• Trinidad and Tobago and the Windward Islands: The inflow winds coming from Southeast to South, from early morning to mid-afternoon, is expected to cause instability and also pull equatorial moisture over Trinidad and Tobago and the Windward Islands. This is expected to produce partly cloudy periods, interrupting fair conditions, with a few light to moderate showers over some areas, and raise the probability for isolated heavy showers to moderate to high, and a low probability for an isolated thunderstorm.
• The Leeward Islands: Cloudy conditions with showers over broad areas and medium to high probability for thunderstorm activity, especially over the Northern Leeward Islands.

The TTMS said it continues to analyze and monitor all developments within the Area of Interest.

Please continue to pay attention to the latest forecasts, alerts, and information issued by the TTMS.

According to the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS), Hurricane Erin is centred near 18.2N 56.1W at 15/1500 UTC, moving WNW at 16 kts (18 mph). Maximum sustained winds are at 65 kts (75 mph). The centre of Erin is likely to move near-North of the Northern Leeward Islands over this weekend. Tropical Storm conditions are possible for portions of the Northern Leeward Islands and Erin could become a major Hurricane by this weekend.

A Tropical Wave with its axis presently located near 32W and moving Westward at 10 kts to 15 kts is expected to reach the Lesser Antilles from Monday night (18th August, 2025) into Tuesday morning (19th August, 2025).

A Tropical Wave with its axis presently located near 19W in the Eastern Tropical Atlantic and moving Westward at 5 kts to 10 kts is expected to reach the Lesser Antilles by Thursday (21st August, 2025).

Looking Beyond This Outlook Period

• A weak low-level trough/wave is likely to affect the Windward Islands between Saturday (23rd) and Sunday (24th).
• By Thursday (28th), a high amplitude trough/wave is likely to mainly affect the Leeward Islands.

Seas

• ​The wind waves in the open waters to the near-East and Northeast of Trinidad and Tobago are expected to be near 1.5m for this outlook period.

Wind

• ​Winds in the near-surface to lower mid-levels (2,000 ft to 5,000 ft) over Trinidad and Tobago and the Windward Islands are expected to remain mostly near 15 kts during this outlook period. On Saturday (16th) and Sunday (17th), wind direction at these levels is expected to be generally from the South, backing to the Southeast and East-Southeast on Monday (18th) and Tuesday (19th). By Wednesday (20th), further backing to a Northeasterly direction is expected as a wave approaches.

Dust

• ​Generally mild/occasionally moderate concentrations of Saharan dust are expected during this outlook period.

Synopsis And 5-Day Outlook

• On Saturday (16th) and Sunday (17th), some Tropical Storm conditions are expected over the Leeward Islands.
• Weak Southerly winds on Saturday (16th) and Sunday (17th) are likely to pull equatorial moisture across Trinidad and Tobago and the Windward Islands and, together with some sunshine heating and local dynamics, produce the opportunity for the development of isolated heavy showers or an isolated thunderstorm.
• From Monday night (18th) into Tuesday morning (19th), a Tropical Wave is expected to produce partly cloudy to, at times, cloudy conditions with a medium chance for isolated heavy showers or thunderstorms.

Saturday (16th August, 2025)

• ​Trinidad and Tobago and the Windward Islands: Partly cloudy to cloudy conditions in varying areas are expected to interrupt some sunshine, with light to moderate showers and a medium chance for isolated heavy showers or an isolated thunderstorm.
• The Leeward Islands: Closely passing tropical cyclone Erin is expected to produce some Tropical Storm conditions, especially over the Northern islands.

Sunday (17th August, 2025)

• Trinidad and Tobago and the Windward Islands: Partly cloudy conditions will interrupt the day at times, with a few light to moderate showers expected and a low to medium chance of an isolated heavy shower or thunderstorm.
• The Leeward Islands: Closely passing tropical cyclone Erin is expected to produce some Tropical Storm conditions over the Northern islands.

Monday (18th August, 2025)

• Trinidad and Tobago: Partly cloudy to cloudy at times from late morning to afternoon, with a medium chance of an isolated heavy shower or thunderstorm.
• The remainder of the Lesser Antilles: Partly cloudy to at times cloudy, with light to moderate showers developing over varying areas and a medium to high chance of isolated heavy showers or thunderstorms.

Tuesday (19th August, 2025)

• Trinidad and Tobago: From early morning to afternoon, partly cloudy periods will interrupt fair to sunny conditions, with a few light to moderate showers expected. There will be a medium chance of an isolated heavy shower or thunderstorm over Trinidad during the afternoon.
• The remainder of the Lesser Antilles: Partly cloudy to cloudy periods with showers over varying areas and medium to high chances for isolated thunderstorms, becoming fair by afternoon.

Wednesday (20th August, 2025)

• Trinidad and Tobago and the Windward Islands: Partly cloudy periods will interrupt fair to sunny conditions, with a few brief, light to moderate showers expected and a low chance of an isolated heavy shower.
• The remainder of the Lesser Antilles: Mostly fair with a few patches of clouds, producing brief showers over varying areas and a low chance of a moderate to heavy shower, mainly near hilly areas.

The TTMS said it continues to analyze and monitor all developments within the Area of Interest.

Please continue to pay attention to the latest forecasts, alerts, and information issued by the TTMS.

According to the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS), as at 5:00 AM this morning (Wednesday 13th August, 2025), the centre of Tropical Storm Erin was located near latitude 16.5 North, longitude 41.9 West, and moving Westward at 31 Km/h. This general motion is expected until Thursday (14th August, 2025), with a West-Northwestward motion expected from Thursday night.

In an Official Statement issued this morning (Wednesday 13th August, 2025), the Met Office said Erin is expected to move near to or just North of the Northern Leeward Islands over the weekend. At this time, Erin does not pose any direct threat to Trinidad and Tobago. There are currently no alerts, watches and warnings in effect for Trinidad and Tobago.

The TTMS said it continues to monitor this system and notes that this is the only issuance of an Official Statement for Tropical Storm Erin, unless the situation warrants.

Please continue to pay attention to the latest forecasts, alerts, and information issued by the TTMS.

The Digicel Group has announced the immediate closure of its digital news platform, Loop News, as well as the upcoming closure of its SportsMax platform, scheduled for 8th August, 2025. The move marks a deliberate pivot for the company from consumer-facing media to scalable, enterprise-grade services within Digicel Business, according to a statement sent to customers via email today (Tuesday 8th July, 2025).

The company said in its statement, “While SportsMax will broadcast for the final time on Friday, August 8, the fan-favourite sports content that Caribbean viewers know and love will thereafter be available on other sports channels. Loop News will cease to operate as a news provider with immediate effect. Trend Media will continue to operate under Digicel Business and will double down on its ad tech and digital media management for brands.”

Digicel notes that affected employees have been advised and it is committed to providing transition support and ensuring the process is managed in line with all local labour laws.

Loop News was launched in 2014 and quickly became a trusted source of news, winning several awards and building an engaged community of readers and viewers. The Loop websites for all countries displayed a message today (Tuesday 8th July, 2025), titled “Loop News Bids the Caribbean a Grateful Goodbye.”

The message states: “They say all good things must come to an end and so it is, that after 11 years of proudly serving the Caribbean as a trusted media partner, Loop News is today announcing the end of our operations. We're proud of what we have achieved and of the people who came on the journey with us. Since our inception, Loop has become a trusted source of news, winning several awards and building a passionate, engaged community of readers and viewers. As we reflect on over a decade of journalism and community impact, we are deeply grateful for the relationships we have built and the stories we have told. This decision marks the end of an era. While it wasn't an easy choice, we believe it is the right one for this moment. We would like to say thank you for the incredible support we have received from our readers and viewers across the Caribbean and beyond over the years and are deeply honoured to have been a part of your daily lives. Walk good.”

Launched in 2002, SportsMax earned its place as the Home of Champions featuring local, regional and international premier sporting content and forging the careers of many successful on-air and behind the scenes talents.

Digicel Group Chief Business Officer, Liam Donnelly, said, “We extend our gratitude to the teams behind these brands and to the audiences who welcomed them into their lives. Their work has left a lasting mark, and we thank them for it. Likewise, we would like to thank the readers and viewers of Loop News and SportsMax for spending time with us over the years. It’s been a privilege to inform and entertain you.”

Donelly said this is a strategic repositioning to ensure Digicel is best placed to deliver secure, scalable services for the future. “While we are proud of the legacy of SportsMax and Loop News, we are now focused on where we can create the greatest value for our customers and the communities we serve.”

With the recent 100% acquisition of Symptai, Digicel Business now offers an integrated suite of information communication and technology (ICT) services, including cyber, cloud, digital media, and compliance, supported by strategic partnerships and a growing demand for end-to-end managed solutions across the region.

More on this as it becomes available.

​[Source: Newsday]

The back-and-forth of words between the President of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, and the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, have escalated following Maduro‘s claim on Wednesday (4th June, 2025) that a T&T national attempted to enter Venezuela as part of an armed group, with intentions to destabilize its Government.

At the Post-Cabinet Media Briefing on Thursday (5th June, 2025), Mrs. Persad-Bissessar strongly denied the accusations, stating that there is no evidence to validate the claims of Venezuelan Officials that a paramilitary group entered Venezuela through Trinidad. There is also no evidence to validate the claim made by Venezuelan Justice Minister Diosdado Cabello of the supposed capture of Trinidadian Kendel Jheron by the paramilitary group.

The Prime Minister made it clear that as a responsible Government, all threats against any incursion into our territory will be taken seriously. She noted that following the comments of Maduro and Cabello, we now have to take seriously the threat of the Maduro Government sending their agents into T&T to commit acts that can be adverse to our welfare. She added that we will also look at how we go forward with the Venezuelan migrants here who are military-aged and able-bodied men and women.

​Regarding Venezuela, the Prime Minister stated: “We are peaceful neighbours. Let us leave it at that.”
​
Mrs. Persad-Bissessar also issued a warning to T&T nationals who are drug and human smugglers masquerading as fishermen, that if they commit illegal acts and are held by Venezuelan authorities, there will be no intervention by T&T.

According to the Prime Minister, Trinidad and Tobago stands solidly with the United States Government on issues concerning Venezuela.

However, in a statement issued today (Friday 6th June, 2025), the Venezuelan Government said, “The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela expresses its profound surprise at the irate and unjustified reaction of the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, in response to a legitimate complaint made by President Nicolás Maduro Moros about the entry of criminal elements from Trinidadian territory into Venezuela.”

The Venezuelan Government added, “Venezuela has captured criminals of Trinidadian origin, who have confessed their plans, statements that have been duly supported with compelling evidence presented by the competent authorities. The appropriate thing to do in the face of this serious situation is to offer co-operation and willingness to clarify the facts. The Prime Minister's virulent and high-sounding attitude raises serious suspicions of complicity with this incursion and compromises the good relations of co-operation that exist between our countries in fundamental areas.”

The statement concluded by saying, “Venezuela urges the authorities of Trinidad and Tobago not to engage in geopolitical games that are alien to the interests of our peoples, and reaffirms its commitment to peace, sovereignty, and mutual respect, recalling that any legitimate concern must be channeled through diplomatic channels, not through threats or unfounded statements that only fuel artificial tensions.”

More on this as it becomes available.

​This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates.

Following a comprehensive review of the now-infamous One Caribbean Music Festival, which was held on Saturday night (31st May, 2025), Island eTickets is confirming that three (3) of the advertised headline performers (including Vybz Kartel) did not appear at the event. The company will therefore be issuing full refunds to all patrons who purchased tickets through its platform.

In a statement issued this afternoon (Monday 2nd June, 2025), Island eTickets said, “At Island eTickets, our top priority is protecting the interests of our customers and maintaining the integrity of events listed on our platform. We have conducted a thorough review of the One Caribbean Music Festival and can now confirm that three (3) of the headline performers who were advertised to appear did not perform.”

The company added, “As the ticketing platform for this event, we are deeply disappointed that the experience delivered did not match what was promoted to the public. In line with our Merchant Service Agreement and internal policies, we have determined that the differences between the advertised event and what occurred are significant. Accordingly, Island Tickets will be issuing full refunds to all patrons who purchased tickets through our platform. Refunds will be processed automatically to the original payment method over the next five (5) to seven (7) business days. If you do not see the funds reflected by 17th June, 2025, please contact our support team at [email protected] with your order number for assistance.”

The statement from Island eTickets concluded by saying, “We understand the inconvenience this has caused and want to assure you that we are taking every step necessary to resolve this matter responsibly and fairly. Thank you for your understanding and continued support.”

More on this as it becomes available.