US NATIONAL NEWS
Prime Minister Proud of Dominicans Living in UAE
Published
10 years agoon
By
Willie David
DUBAI, UAE, (FNN NEWS) — Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica, Dr. Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit has hailed as “very significant” the contributions of Dominica citizens living in Dubai and elsewhere in the United Arab Emirates.
Mr. Skerrit visited Dubai and Sharjah recently and said his government was very appreciative of the generosity and ongoing interest of citizens of the small Caribbean island, who had acquired that status through the very popular Citizenship By Investment Program, promoted in the UAE by outstanding and trustworthy company CTrustGlobal, Caribbean Trust Immigration Services led by CEO Dr. Aly El Dakroury and Mrs. Nivin Ali.
The Prime Minister emphasized that all citizens of Dominica were equal in the sight of the Constitution of the country. He said there were not two class of Dominicans and therefore he welcomed the ongoing interest and investments of Dominicans living in the UAE in the economic development of the Caribbean island.
“I am always very pleased and encouraged when Dr Aly El Dakroury report to me on the enormous desire of our citizens living in Dubai to invest in and play a greater role in the social and economic development of their country. I wish to make clear, this morning, that you are 100 per cent Dominican and that you have all the rights and privileges of any other Dominican, resident on Dominica or elsewhere in the Diaspora.
“Therefore, I urge you today to pursue with pride and determination, your investments in the island. Your contributions to date have assisted with the revitalization and maintenance of our infrastructure, especially since the passage of Tropical Storm Erika, in August last year.
“The Citizenship By Investment Program has been invaluable in its contribution to the social upkeep of the country. The proceeds from the services offered by promoters such as CTrustGlobal, have been used to sustain our National Employment Program, for example, where we introduce hundreds of young men and women, living on the island, to the wonderful world of work. Funds generated also go to the upkeep of healthcare, public education and the nurturing of our vital agricultural sector,” Mr. Skerrit explained.
The Prime Minister assured citizens, in Dubai, Sharjah and elsewhere in the UAE, that the Government of Commonwealth of Dominica is working feverishly to conclude plans for the creation of a diplomatic presence on Dubai.
“Mrs. Nivin Ali and her husband Dr. Aly El Dakroury have been outstanding citizens of Dominica and very prolific producers in the Citizenship By Investment Program offered by their company, CTrustGlobal. We are very appreciative of their efforts. I would like for other promoters in the UAE to follow their very professional approach to the marketing of the Program, so that it remains the premier citizenship program in this region,” Mr. Skerrit said.
Dominica’s CBIP has been credited for its strict due diligence regime, whereby even though persons may readily wish to participate and qualify for citizenship of the country, they are subjected to rigid due diligence that ensures they are of good character and integrity, and are worthy of the status of citizen of the country.
“This due diligence means a lot to us as a country. We do not focus merely on quantity. We wish to ensure that the quality of our program is observed and respected by friendly nations around the world. That is why I urge Promoters here in UAE to fly the Dominica flag with pride. Let prospective citizens and investors know how proud we are of our status in the program and how we look forward to their continued interest and involvement, not only on the island of Dominica, but in the wider Caribbean region as well.”
During his recent visit to Dubai, Prime Minister Skerrit presided at the launch of the new Silver Beach Resort project which will start on Dominica later this year. He also toured several projects owned and operated by nationals of Dominica living in the UAE.
Politics
FORMER PRESIDENTS, CIVIL RIGHTS LEADERS GATHER FOR OPENING OF OBAMA PRESIDENTIAL CENTER
Published
2 weeks agoon
June 18, 2026
CHICAGO (FNN NEWS) — The long-awaited Barack Obama Presidential Center officially opened Thursday with a star-studded dedication ceremony on Chicago’s South Side, drawing former presidents, national leaders, celebrities, and thousands of invited guests.
The ceremony began at 11 a.m. CDT with Chicago native and Grammy Award-winning singer Jennifer Hudson performing the national anthem.
Obama Center Opens
Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama delivered remarks celebrating the opening of the center, which is designed to serve as a cultural, educational, and civic engagement hub.
The opening marks the formal debut of one of the most anticipated presidential centers in modern history. The campus opens to the public on Juneteenth and is expected to attract visitors from across the United States and around the world.
Former Presidents in Attendance
Among the dignitaries attending the ceremony were:
- Former President Joe Biden
- Former President George W. Bush
- Former President Bill Clinton
- Former First Lady Jill Biden
- Former First Lady Laura Bush
- Former Secretary of State and former First Lady Hillary Clinton
National Leaders and Celebrities Attend
The event also attracted prominent political leaders, civil rights advocates, entertainers, and business leaders, including:
- California Gov. Gavin Newsom
- Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro
- Civil rights leaders Andrew Young and Al Sharpton
- Media icon Oprah Winfrey
- Comedians David Letterman, Conan O’Brien, and Stephen Colbert
- Actor Tom Hanks
- Tennis legend Billie Jean King
- Chicago Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts
Several attendees, including Newsom and Shapiro, are widely viewed as potential contenders for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination.
A Landmark for Chicago’s South Side
The opening of the Obama Presidential Center represents a significant milestone for Chicago’s South Side, bringing national attention, tourism, and economic development opportunities to the community.
Thousands of invited guests attended the ceremony, while residents and supporters gathered at a free public watch party to celebrate the historic occasion.
The center is expected to serve as a lasting tribute to the legacy of the nation’s 44th president while inspiring future generations of leaders through civic engagement, education, and public service.
About the Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Presidential Center is a world-class campus dedicated to preserving and advancing the legacy of President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. The center includes museum exhibits, public gathering spaces, educational programming, and community resources aimed at fostering leadership and civic participation.
Politics
State Department Offers Up to $15 Million in Rewards for MS-13 Leaders Wanted on Terrorism, Drug Trafficking Charges
Published
2 weeks agoon
June 18, 2026
WASHINGTON (FNN NEWS) — The U.S. Department of State announced Thursday that it is increasing reward offers totaling up to $15 million for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of two senior leaders of Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), a transnational criminal organization designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO).
Reward Offers Increased
The State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs announced a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of Yulan Adonay Archaga Carías, also known as “Porky,” and up to $5 million for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of Víctor Eduardo Morales Zelaya, also known as “Cuervo.”
The reward offers were announced by Thomas “Tommy” Pigott, spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State.
MS-13 Leadership in Honduras
According to federal court documents, Archaga Carías and Morales Zelaya are the highest-ranking members of MS-13 operating in Honduras. Authorities allege they direct the gang’s criminal operations, including:
- Drug trafficking
- Money laundering
- Murder
- Kidnappings
- Other violent criminal activities
Federal authorities also allege the two men are responsible for coordinating the importation of significant quantities of cocaine into the United States. Both remain fugitives.
Among America’s Most Wanted
Archaga Carías is listed on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list and is also among the most wanted fugitives sought by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
The case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) established under Executive Order 14159. The task force is a permanent, whole-of-government initiative focused on dismantling criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking networks operating in the United States and abroad.
How to Provide Information
The reward offers were authorized by the Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security under the Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program (TOCRP), which supports global law enforcement efforts to combat transnational criminal organizations.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the FBI through WhatsApp, Signal, or Telegram at +1-832-267-1688.
Individuals located outside the United States may also contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Those within the United States may contact their local FBI field office.
Confidentiality Guaranteed
U.S. officials emphasized that all identities of individuals providing information will be kept strictly confidential. Government officials and employees are not eligible for rewards based on information obtained through their official duties.
US NATIONAL NEWS
Rubio, Jaishankar Discuss Strait of Hormuz Security During Diplomatic Call
Published
3 weeks agoon
June 13, 2026
WASHINGTON (FNN NEWS) — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar to discuss recent developments in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a State Department readout released Friday.
According to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott, the conversation focused on maritime security and commercial shipping in one of the world’s most strategically important waterways.
Focus on Maritime Security
During the call, Rubio stressed that commercial vessels operating in the Strait of Hormuz should immediately comply with instructions issued by U.S. forces as they work to maintain regional peace and security.
The secretary also emphasized U.S. concerns regarding the transportation of Iranian oil and warned that violations of U.S. enforcement measures would not be tolerated.
Critical Global Waterway
The Strait of Hormuz serves as a vital shipping route connecting the Persian Gulf to international markets and is one of the world’s most important energy transit corridors. Any disruption to commercial traffic through the region can have significant implications for global energy supplies and international trade.
The call highlights continued diplomatic coordination between the United States and India on regional security issues and freedom of navigation in key international waterways.
