News
Fraud in the Name of God: Whitney Foster’s $800,000 Scam Exposed
Whitney Foster, a 56-yearold pastor from Dallas, Texas, has been sentenced to 35 years in prison for stealing three church buildings worth over $800,000. Foster, who led a small congregation without a physical place of worship, filed fraudulent deeds to acquire the properties.
The churches affected were First Christian Church of Lancaster, Canada Drive Christian Church, and Church at Nineveh. Two of the properties remain in Foster’s name, with his congregation still gathering at one of them. The third property is entangled in legal complications. Foster’s scheme involved creating fake leadership for the victim churches and listing his own church as the grantee. He claimed the buildings were vacant, but evidence showed he attended a Sunday service at one of the churches and spoke with its leadership before filing the fraudulent deed.
The prosecution presented evidence of seven additional fraudulent deeds tied to Foster, bringing the total number of properties involved to ten. Foster has prior convictions for identity theft and arson.
The sentence was handed down by a Dallas County jury, with the district attorney’s office emphasizing the seriousness of deed fraud and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable. The case serves
as a warning to property owners to monitor their assets and take action against suspicious activity. Foster’s actions have left a trail of damage, disrupting congregations and undermining trust in religious leadership. His 35-year sentence reflects the severity of his crimes and the need to protect communities from fraudulent activities.
News
Guyana Government Approves $123 Million For CARICOM Nations
In a move to strengthen regional stability and provide humanitarian support, Guyana’s National Assembly has approved $123 million (approximately $587,940 USD) for CARICOM nations, Diaspora Watch can report. This decision was made during the 89th Sitting of the National Assembly, where Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting its neighbors in need.
Diaspora Watch was told the funds will primarily support Haiti, which has been plagued by severe gang violence, resulting in over 2,500 people killed or wounded between January and March this year. Recall that the violence has led to a shortage of food, water, and other essential items, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Minister Todd highlighted Guyana’s history of providing support to its Caribbean neighbors, citing the recent example of Hurricane Beryl, which devastated several Small Islands Developing States (SIDS) in the region.
Guyana provided contributions in kind to affected OECS countries, demonstrating its commitment to regional solidarity. The approval of these funds comes on the heels of a recent meeting between Heads of Government of Caribbean nations in Guyana, where they discussed the pressing issues of crime and gang violence in the region. The meeting highlighted the need for collective action to address these challenges, which have resulted in a 154% increase in regional security budgets between 2019 and 2024. In July, Guyana provided its first shipment of relief aid to Grenada, comprising vital items such as generators, water purification tablets, and hygiene products. This donation demonstrates Guyana’s commitment to providing tangible support to its neighbors in need.
News
Cybersecurity and Data Protection in Africa
Kimma Wreh (CIO, Excel Global Media Group Inc) provided keynote address on Cybersecurity and Data Protection in Africa at the Innovate Africa Conference 2024. The conference was held at George Washington University in Washington DC in September 2024.
To book Kimma, send email to exceltekay@gmail.com or call 832-483-4864.
News
Olojo Festival: Honoring the Gods and Celebrating Yoruba Heritage
The Olojo Festival, an ancient and vibrant Yoruba festival, is a grand celebration held annually in Ile-Ife, Nigeria, to honor Ogun, the god of iron and war, and the rich heritage of the Yoruba people. This deeply spiritual festival brings thousands of people together, showcasing traditional customs, colorful attire, music, and rituals that highlight Yoruba history and mythology.
The highlight of the event is the appearance of the Ooni of Ife, who dons the sacred Are Crown, believed to hold immense spiritual power. Through processions, sacrifices, and community gatherings, the Olojo Festival strengthens cultural identity, unites people, and pays homage to the gods. As an enduring celebration of Yoruba pride, it captivates locals and visitors alike, reminding all of the deep cultural legacy of Ile-Ife.
Welcome to the highly anticipated 23rd volume of Diaspora Watch, your indispensable source connecting the vibrant African diaspora around the world! This edition is packed with captivating stories and in-depth analysis.
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