World News
New portrait of King Charles for public buildings across the UK unveiled
A new official portrait of King Charles III has been unveiled – and is ready to be displayed in public buildings across the UK as part of a controversial £8 million government-funded scheme.
Charles is pictured in full regalia inside Windsor Castle wearing his Royal Navy uniform as an Admiral of the Fleet and an abundance of official medals and decorations.
The monarch was captured last year by photographer Hugo Burnand, who also took the King and Queen’s coronation portraits and their 2005 wedding photos. A serious-looking Charles can be seen standing in the royal residence’s Grand Corridor as he rests his right hand on his pristine white gloves on an antique table, and grasps a sword in his left.
Councils, courts, schools, police forces and fire and rescue services are among the UK institutions now able to apply to claim the formal, framed portrait of the monarch for free – though it is completely optional for them to do so. The Cabinet Office said the move carries on the tradition which saw many institutions display official portraits of Queen Elizabeth II.
But anti-monarchy campaign group Republic branded the initiative a “shameful waste of money” when it was announced ahead of the coronation last year. Graham Smith, chief executive of Republic, said: “At a time when a majority of local councils are raising taxes and cutting public services, when schools and hospitals are struggling, to spend even £1 on this nonsense would be £1 too much.”
He added: “The Government has lost the plot if they think people want their money spent on pictures of Charles. They need to scrap this scheme and direct the money where it’s really needed.”
Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden said: “The accession of His Majesty The King marked a new chapter in our national story. Displaying this new portrait will serve as a reminder to us all of the example set by our ultimate public servant and I hope as many eligible organisations as possible will wish to continue this proud British tradition and honour our King’s reign.”
The Cabinet Office said: “His Majesty’s accession has marked the beginning of a new reign and the UK Government considers it right that public authorities, as part of the fabric of our nation, have the opportunity to commemorate this moment, strengthen civil pride and reflect the new era in our history.”
On his Admiral of the Fleet (No. 1 Tailcoat), the King is wearing his Garter Collar and Sovereign’s badge and Garter Star, his Thistle Star, the Bath Sovereign’s badge, his Order of Merit, the Royal Victorian Order’s Royal Victorian Chain and GCVO Sash, as well as a host of medals on his medal bar.
In February, the scheme will be extended to include town, parish and community councils and Ministry of Defence-sponsored cadet forces. The portraits are expected to be delivered between February and April this year.
SOURCE: MIRROR
World News
Former British high commissioner to Ghana sacked for pointing gun at staff in Mexico
Jon Benjamin, a former British High Commissioner to Ghana, who is currently serving as the British ambassador to Mexico has been removed from office after a video of him pointing an assault rifle at a local embassy employee in a car emerged online. (more…)
World News
Usher to be honoured with Lifetime Achievement BET Award at Culture’s Biggest Night, “BET Awards” 2024
BET announces GRAMMY® award winning global entertainment icon USHER will be honoured with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement BET Award at “BET Awards” 2024. The coveted award commemorates industry pioneers who have powerfully shifted culture and the entertainment industry. Surprise guests who will take the stage to celebrate USHER and his ever-growing musical legacy will be announced soon. The Lifetime Achievement BET Award recognizes special achievements and distinguished public service, with previous recipients including Whitney Houston, Prince, Queen Latifah, Anita Baker, Mary J. Blige, Samuel Jackson, Lionel Richie, New Edition, Busta Rhymes, among others. Culture’s Biggest Night, “BET Awards” 2024, will air LIVE on Monday, 1 July at 2:00 am WAT/3:00am CAT on BET Africa DStv Channel 129 and GOtv Channel 21.
To APPLY for media credentials to COVER “BET Awards” 2024 red carpet, press room, and BET Experience 2024 Fan Fest, concerts, and more, click here: “BET Awards” 2024 Media Application.
World News
SECOND ANNUAL CARIBBEAN MUSIC AWARDS ANNOUNCED FOR AUGUST 29TH IN BROOKLYN, NEW YORK
Prepare for the most diverse music event of the year as Caribbean Elite Group proudly presents the nominees for the highly anticipated Caribbean Music Awards! With over 150 nominees and over 40 categories spanning a diverse range of islands and genres, this year’s awards promise to celebrate Caribbean music’s finest talents. Check out the official recap of last year’s inaugural event HERE.
Carefully chosen through a rigorous selection process, the nominees represent the pinnacle of Caribbean music excellence. From the infectious rhythms of Reggae and Soca to the pulsating beats of Dancehall and beyond, these artists embody the rich tapestry of the Caribbean musical landscape. This year, we’re thrilled to introduce exciting new categories such as International DJ, French Caribbean Artist, Latin Caribbean Artist, and Bouyon Artist of the Year, alongside Chutney, Calypso, and Konpa Honors.
Voting is underway and will conclude on Thursday, June 30th, 2024, so be sure to cast your vote and make your voice heard! The celebration of the nominees will reach its peak at a star-studded event on Thursday, August 29th, at King Theatre, where music enthusiasts and industry insiders alike will come together to honor the extraordinary talents and tracks that have graced this prestigious list.
Leading the nominations this year are the sensational Dexta Daps with eight nominations, the energetic Skinny Fabulous with six nominations, and the dynamic Masicka, Yung Bredda, Bounty Killer, and Machel Montano with five nominations each. Also receiving noteworthy nominations are Asa Bantan, Tee Jay, Cham, Byron Messia, Patrice Roberts, Rajah Wild, Nailah Blackman, and Problem Child, each with four nominations.
Don’t miss your chance to have a say in the 2024 Caribbean Music Awards! Nominees, including self-nominations and peer acknowledgments, can vote through the official Caribbean Music Awards website at caribmusicawards.com. Fans will also have the opportunity to vote, ensuring that the awards truly reflect the vibrant and diverse voice of the Caribbean music community.
For the latest updates and information about the 2024 Caribbean Music Awards, visit CaribMusicAwards.com and/or
Join us in the excitement as we celebrate the vibrant music culture of the Caribbean region and recognize the remarkable talents that define it. Caribbean Elite Group is dedicated to showcasing the best of the Caribbean music scene, and we can’t wait to see you at the Caribbean Music Awards.
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World News
The 77th Festival de Cannes winners’ list
After 11 days of an exceptional edition, the Jury of the 77th Festival de Cannes, chaired by American director, screenwriter and actress Greta Gerwig, surrounded by Turkish screenwriter and photographer Ebru Ceylan, American actress Lily Gladstone, French actress Eva Green, Lebanese director and screenwriter Nadine Labaki, as well as Spanish director and screenwriter Juan Antonio Bayona, Italian actor Pierfrancesco Favino, Japanese director Kore-eda Hirokazu and French actor and producer Omar Sy, presented its winners’ list among the 22 films presented in Competition this year.
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World News
Sean Kingston, mother arrested after singer’s Florida mansion raided
Singer Sean Kingston has been arrested in California, hours after a police raid of his Florida mansion, during which his mother was also arrested. (more…)
World News
The winners of the 27th La Cinef Selection
The Short Films and La Cinef Jury presided by Lubna Azabal and comprised of Marie-Castille Mention-Schaar, Paolo Moretti, Claudine Nougaret and Vladimir Perišić has awarded the 2024 La Cinef Prizes today during a ceremony held in the Buñuel Theatre, followed by the screening of the winning films. La Cinef consisted of 18 student films, chosen out of 2 263 entries coming from 555 film schools around the world.
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