August 16, 2023

VOL. XLII NO. 2129 WEEK OF AUGUST 16 - 22, 2023

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JAMAICAN

HARLEM WEEK 2023

CARIBBEAN IMPACT ON HARLEM See Scroll on pages 10-11

THE RODNEYS HONORED BY JAMCCAR

Karl and Faye Rodney, publishers of Carib News and others celebrate at the organization’s 33rd anniversary and Jamaica’s Independence gala.

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TRINIDAD & TOBAGO ELECTIONS STATUS QUO: 7 - 7 Both parties maintain their position - but claiming victory bth looking to general elections

Page 5 HAITI

RAPID INTERNATIONAL INTERVENTION Needed says Human Rights Watch group

Page 4 BROOKLYN

HUD TO HELP CHURCHES

Build affordable housing to address the shortage in the communities

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ADVISOR TO BIDEN

C. KIRABO JACKSON, A RENOWNED ECONOMIC SCHOLAR JOINS THE PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL OF ECONOMIC ADVISERS

CELEBRATING WORLD STEELPAN DAY

QUEENS, NY

STREET TO BE CO-NAMED

Trinidad & Tobago Street - 131st Street - commercially bustling street with Caribbean businesses

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MEMBER, NATIONAL NEWSPAPER PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION (NNPA) BLACK PRESS OF AMERICA GATEWAY TO 20 MILLION READERS WEEKLY

PAN IN TIMES SQUARE CENTER OF NEW YORK CULTURE

CARIBNEWS

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CaribNews OPED Democratic Lawmakers Introduce Legislation to Raise Minimum Wage

by Stacy Brown - P 9

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 22, 2023

AFRICA UN agencies continue to deliver aid in Niger

Agencies continue to reach people despite the challenges, including the ongoing rainy season, UN Spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, told journalists in New York on Monday.

Roughly 4.3 million people in the West African country rely OPED on humanitarian aid.

Unlikely Allies and Uncomfortably Last week, 22,000 people in the Maradi region, located in the Large Coalitions centre, received cash assistance and food items.

by Ben Jealous - P 9 “We and our humanitarian partners are also working with de facto authorities to identify and prepare a site to accommodate about 13,000 internally displaced people in SPIRITUALITY Ouro Gueladjo, in the Tillabéri region,” Mr. Dujarric said.

Celebrating The Life of Walter Edison He added that the people had been displaced from several Lowe - P 18 villages in mid-July, before the current political crisis.

Mediation and concern The attempted overthrow of President Bazoum has been condemned by the UN and the Economic Community of SPORTS West African States (ECOWAS).

Five West Indian Rookies Who Secretary-General António Guterres and other senior UN Could Become Big Names in the CPL - P 19 officials have repeatedly called for the reinstatement of the democratically elected leader, who remains under house arrest. Last week, both Mr. Guterres and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, voiced concern following reports that the President and his family are living without electricity, water, food or medicine.

Sudan: ‘Grim prediction’ now ‘harsh reality’ as hunger engulfs over 20 million

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Of that figure, 6.3 million people – 13 per cent of Sudan’s population – are experiencing emergency levels of hunger – classified as Phase 4 of the Integrated Food Security Classification – just one step from famine, with the conflict continuing to disrupt access to humanitarian aid and forcing millions to flee their homes.

“The operating environment in Sudan is without a doubt the most challenging that I have experienced in my career,” said Eddie Rowe, WFP Country Director for Sudan, recalling his more than 30 years with the UN agency.

“Since mid-April, the conflict has continued to spread, and its dynamics have become increasingly more complex. Gaining access to people in need of life-saving food assistance has also become more challenging and increasingly urgent.”

Bureaucratic barriers, looting of humanitarian facilities, and insecurity hamper aid delivery. At least 18 relief workers have been killed, with many others injured or detained. The situation is further compounded by funding shortages, fuel scarcity and inadequate infrastructure. Despite the immense difficulties, WFP had a major breakthrough last week, successfully delivering food assistance to West Darfur State, which has been heavily affected by the conflict.

A convoy of five trucks transporting 125 tons of food commodities travelled from eastern Chad to West Darfur, where WFP delivered one month’s worth of food assistance to around 15,400 people, Mr. Rowe said.

WORLD BRIEFS Yemen: UN concludes removal of one million barrels of oil from decaying tanker UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the news of the successful transfer of oil aboard the FSO Safer to a replacement vessel, thus “avoiding what could have been a monumental environmental and humanitarian catastrophe.”

The FSO Safer was built as a supertanker in 1976 and converted a decade later into what is in effect a floating oil container.

Risk to the region The tanker was abandoned off the Red Sea port of Hudaydah after civil war broke out in 2015. Prior to the conflict, it was used to store and export oil from fields around Ma’rib, but the fighting brought production, as well as maintenance of the vessel, to a halt.

The UN had repeatedly warned of the danger the decrepit tanker posed to Yemen and the wider region as it was at risk of leaking, breaking apart or exploding, which would have resulted in catastrophic environmental and humanitarian consequences.

Top UN aid official in Ukraine condemns latest wave of indiscriminate attacks Denise Brown issued a statement deploring the “indiscriminate” attacks impacting civilians and civilian infrastructure.

She stressed that people in the south, including in the Kherson and Odesa regions, had endured “a particularly harsh weekend” after reports that strikes left many civilians, including children, killed and injured.

An entire family, including an infant, were among the victims, according to media reports. Homes, hospitals and schools also were damaged.

Humanitarians also affected “The attacks also affected humanitarians and our capacity to support those suffering the consequences of the war,” Ms. Brown said.

She reported that partners from the non-governmental organisation ADRA had to stop distribution of vital items after their warehouse and cars were damaged by shelling in the Kherson region.

“Civilians and civilian infrastructure must be respected – they should never be a target,” she stressed.

Last Thursday, Ms. Brown condemned a Russian attack targeting a hotel in Zaporizhzhya used by UN and NGO personnel, in which one person was reportedly killed and 16 injured.

Meanwhile, the UN and partners continue to support people across Ukraine.

Last week, two inter-agency convoys delivered assistance to front-line communities in the Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions.

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 22, 2023

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Washington DC – Jamaican Appointed to Biden’s Council of Economic Advisers

WASHINGTON – Today, President Biden announced his intent to appoint C. Kirabo Jackson to be a Member of the Council of Economic Advisers: C. Kirabo Jackson, Member of the Council of Economic Advisers C. Kirabo Jackson is the Abraham Harris Professor of Education and Social Policy at Northwestern University. He is also a Professor of Economics, a Fellow at the Institute for Policy Research, and a Faculty Research Fellow at the National Bureau of Economic Research.

Currently, Jackson serves as the Editor-In-Chief of the American Economic Journal: Economic Policy. He was previously Co-Editor for the American Economic Journal: Economic Policy and the Journal of Human Resources. Jackson earned his Bachelor’s in Ethics, Politics, and Economics from Yale University, and obtained his Ph.D. in Economics from Harvard University. His research interests include labor economics, public finance, and applied econometrics, with a focus on the economics of education. His research has explored the role of teachers in the K-12 system, the causal impact of public-school spending on students,

methods to measure impacts on students’ socio-emotional skills, and other education-related subjects.

His work has been published in the highest-impact economics journals, including the Quarterly Journal of Economics, the Journal of Political Economy, the Review of Economic Studies, the American Economic Review: Insights, the Review of Economics and Statistics, the American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, and the American Economic Journal: Applied Economics. His research findings have garnered attention from numerous media outlets, including the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, Bloomberg, and others.

In 2020, Jackson was elected to the National Academy of Education and received the David N. Kershaw Award from the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management in recognition of his contributions to the field of public policy analysis and management. In 2022, Jackson was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, an honor that celebrates excellence and leadership across various disciplines and practices.

Pan in Times Square Marks World Steelpan Day NEW YORK, CMC – Trinidad and Tobago is observing World Steelpan Day with a concert at Woodford Square in Port of Spain and a presentation, “Pan in Times Square,” here on Friday, as the country celebrates the United Nations declaration of August 11 as World Steelpan Day. “World Steelpan Day will celebrate the musical instrument, which originated in Trinidad and Tobago in the early 1930s and is the only new instrument invented in the 20th century,” a Trinidad and Tobago government statement said.

Pan Trinbago’s president Beverley Ram-

sey-Moore, said, “Our main focus at this time is the development of the industry.

When we talk about the industry, it is not only about the manufacturing of the instrument, but the heavy focus on our export markets, getting into continents.

“Pan Trinbago is extremely grateful to all the pioneers, those who would have labored, those who were branded rogue and vagabonds, those who gave of their time and talent to ensure that the instrument’s evolution is today a world success,” she added.

In a statement, the Trinidad and Tobago

Consulate General in New York said, “Times Square is the most visited spot on earth and perfect for letting the world know what steelpan means to Trinidad and Tobago and the world community of pannists.”

It said the event will feature a performance by a nine-by-a-nine-piece ensemble and will include “some of the most skilled and infectious steelpan players to be found anywhere in the world.”

The Trinidad and Tobago Consulate General also said that “some of the Caribbean’s greatest friends in Office in the State of

New York will be on hand to witness the historic event,” adding that the World Steelpan Day declaration comes after “years of strenuous diplomatic efforts by Trinidad and Tobago.

“This official confirmation of the global embrace of the steelpan, the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago, is a colossal victory for our country,” it said, adding that the twin-island republic is “the birthplace and cradle of the steelpan, an instrument birthed in struggle and determination for self-expression.”

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CARIBNEWS

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 15, 2023

T&T – Integrity Commission on PM’s Townhouse Probe

In response to an editorial by the Express Newspaper in Trinidad asking the Integrity Commission on Tuesday to explain why it terminated the investigation of the Prime Minister’s purchase of a

townhouse in Tobago, the following statement was issued: The Integrity Commission (“the Commission”) notes, with concern, the issues raised in the Editorial of the

Trinidad and Tobago Express Newspaper, dated August 09, 2023, with the headline, “Integrity Commissionmust explain”. This editorial comes on the heels of a press statement released to media professionals of all the daily newspapers on August 08, 2023. It is somewhat surprising that the five paged press statement did not make the Commission’s position clear on the investigation into the statutory filings of the Honourable Dr Keith Rowley for 2019 which lead to the call for further clarification of its position. The Commission has made it clear that it understands its statutory duties and wishes to assure the public that it carefully reviews all positions taken, being fully cognizant of the need to ensure public confidence in the institution.

It must also be understood that persons in public life are expected to familiarize themselves with the requirements of the Integrity in Public Life Act (IPLA). The Commission has always made its resources available to explain to persons

in public life, the statutory requirements that must be adhered to on assumption of office. Indeed, the Commission has made presentations, when required, to bodies falling under its purview.

Notwithstanding the press statement of August 08, 2023, the Commission wishes to take the opportunity to once again explain the workings of the IPLA. As a starting point, Part III of the Integrity in Public Life Act, Sections 11 to 22, deals with financial disclosures...

The statement comes on the heels of the termination of an investigation into a complaint over the Prime Minister’s purchase of a townhouse in Tobago; in response to a signed pre-action protocol letter, dated August, to the commission’s registrar from attorneys for UNC activist Ravi Balgobin Maharaj.

The Commission stands by a statement it issued and takes umbrage with the editorial.

T&T – Election Results, Status Quo With 7-7 Tie Between PNM and UNC On Monday night minutes after 10 pm, the Prime Minister for the PNM and Kamla Persad-Bissessar for the UNC, both declared victory in the local government elections.

The election results show that the PNM won seven councils – Port of Spain, San Fernando, Arima, Point Fortin, Diego Martin, San Juan/ Laventille and Tunapuna/Piarco, while the UNC won retained its seven – Chaguanas, Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo, Mayaro/Rio Claro, Penal/Debe, Princes Town, Siparia and Sangre Grande.

Other smaller parties – the NTA (allied to the UNC), PEP, MSJ and PDP – failed to win any seats.

Rowley declared, “You have changed nothing,” in his speech at Balisier house as the results came in. “We went in with seven and came out with seven. We lost a seat in San Fernando, by a few votes.”

He says the nation has serious work to do, but “they are very, very happy”.

Earlier in the day, PM Rowley said regardless of the result of the local elections results, the government will still press on with local government reform. He made the statement after voting at the International School of Port of Spain in Westmoorings.

“We are the government of Trinidad and Tobago and our responsibility is not going to fade. We will still be active and we will continue to keep our commitment to the people of TT,” Dr Rowley said while speaking to media outside the school.

“This is not about the government being elected. The government is in office and will remain there until the next election is called, and we will work until the very last day. We will continue to contribute so the country could keep moving upward and forward.”

He said local government reform will give citizens more say in governance and will better connect the people with the government.

Meanwhile Persad-Bissessar said, “We’ll work harder to bring home the next election, whenever it is called, because we have a vision for the country.” She mentioned that the “PNM lost votes in almost all seats” and that the party would would have “gained the popular vote”.

Approximately 30-35 percent of citizens turned out to vote in these local elections.

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 15, 2023

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Haiti – Caricom Welcomes International Security Forces

Georgetown, Guyana – The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) grouping on Friday welcomed the announcement by two of its members that they are willing to join Kenya in sending a multi-national force to deal with the security situation in Haiti.

The Bahamas and Jamaica said they are willing to send up to 350 personnel to he French-speaking CARICOM nation after Kenya’s Foreign Minister, Alfred Mutua, said last weekend that his country’s commitment is to deploy a contingent of 1,000 police officers to help train and assist Haitian police restore normalcy in the country and protect strategic installations.

“The Caribbean Community hopes that the establishment of the multi-national force will be given full endorsement by the United Nations Security Council as a demonstration of the commitment of the international community to improve the security and humanitarian conditions of the people of Haiti and support restoration of law and order,” the 15-member regional integration movement said in a statement.

It recalled that regional leaders at their summit in Trinidad and Tobago last month, had “underscored their grave concern over the severe humanitarian, security and governance crises facing their sister member state.

“The Caribbean Community reiterates its pledge to continue efforts to collaborate with the Haitian Government and all stakeholders to find a Haitian-led solution to the plight facing their nation,’ the statement added.

A statement issued from the Office of the Jamaica Prime Minister on Friday, quoted him as informing the President of the Kenya, William Ruto, that Kingston and Nassau were committed to providing 350 personnel.

Holness expressed hope that more countries, whether in the region of the Americas, the continent of Africa, or elsewhere, would also step forward with personnel commitments, and that the requisite UN Security Council Resolution will be adopted in order to provide the appropriate jurisdictional framework for the security force. (CMC)

Haiti – Kidnapped US Nurse and Child Returned The American nurse and her child kidnapped in Haiti have been freed after nearly two weeks in captivity.

Alix Dorsainvil and her child were kidnapped near Haiti’s capital Port-au-Prince on July 27, just days after the US government ordered its nonessential personnel out of the impoverished Caribbean country due to spiraling violence and insecurity.

Her husband, Sandro Dorsainvil, who is the director of El Roi Haiti, where they both work issued the following statement: “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57).

It is with a heart of gratitude and immense joy that we at El Roi Haiti confirm the safe release of our staff member and friend, Alix Dorsainvil and her child who were held hostage in Port au Prince, Haiti. Today we are praising God for answered prayer!

We are so thankful for everyone who joined us in prayer and supported us during this crisis. “El Roi” is a Hebrew name of the God of the Bible that means “the God who sees.” It is with that vision that we now rest upon God’s truth that, “In his kindness God called you to share in His eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, He will restore, support, and strengthen you,

and he will place you on a firm foundation” (1 Peter 5:10). We praise God that He has proven Himself faithful as He restores, supports, and strengthens Alix and her family, the ministry of El Roi Haiti, and the community that Alix has impacted – and continues to impact – with her ministry in Haiti.

There is still much to process and to heal from in this situation, so we are asking that no attempts be made to contact Alix or her family at this time. We will continue to release information as appropriate on our website.

Please keep checking back. And again, thanks for all of the prayers and support through this incredibly difficult time.

Haiti – Rapid International Intervention Needed Says Rights Group Human Rights Watch is urging the international community to take “urgent action is needed to address the extreme levels of violence, lack of security and near-total impunity, and the palpable feelings of terror, fear, hunger, and abandonment that so many Haitians experience today.”

In a report posted on their website, the organization “calls on the US, Canada, France, Caribbean Community (CARICOM) members and other governments to support the facilitation of the establishment of a transitional government that would work to re-establish rights-respecting rule of law and provide access to basic necessities for all Haitians, until democratic elections can provide the basis for the formation of a regular government”.

The group is also calling on the “UN Security Council to heed these calls and, if it authorizes the consensual deployment of an international force in Haiti, ensure that it is based on clear human rights protocols and has adequate funding and robust oversight mechanisms”.

HRW has documented the experience of Haitians while visiting the violence-torn country earlier this year,

specifically the experience the members of one family – of two sisters and a brother – who were kidnapped by G9 gang members in Brooklyn, Port au Prince. The sisters were raped repeatedly and their brother killed along with other kidnapped men.

Ida Sawyer, the HRW’s crisis and conflict director, who visited Haiti to compile a report on the violence said, “The longer that we wait and don’t have this response, we’re going to see more Haitians being killed, raped and kidnapped, and more people suffering without enough to eat.”

“The main message we want to get across is that Haitian people need support now,” Sawyer said. “We heard again and again that the situation is worse now in Haiti than it’s been at any time people can remember.”

However, the group is adamant that whatever help comes to Haiti, “steps must be taken to avoid repetition of past harms and to support implementation of a Haitian-led reparations process”.

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CARIBNEWS

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 22, 2023

Jamaica CG to Assume Chair of CARICOM Group On July 19th, Consul General Alsion Wilson-Roach assumed the Chair of the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) Consular Corps in New York.

As CARICOM commemorates its 50th year, as one of the oldest surviving integration movements in the developing world, she assumes leadership of the New York regional Group at a pivotal time.

In reflecting on the significance of this appointment, CG Wilson welcomes the opportunity to represent the Group, with a renewed mandate geared towards the following: investment promotion within the region; enhanced Caribbean Diaspora engagement and empowerment, fostering partnerships including through internship programs with New York City’s Summer Youth Employment Program; as well as other strengthened partnerships for sustainability.

During her tenure, CG Wilson will leverage the many connections forged over the years to support the hosting of the USA-Investment Forum in New York City,

planned to take place in the latter part of 2023. It is important that we all support this forum which aims to promote the Caribbean as a premier investment destination and explore renewed partnership with the Caribbean Diaspora with a special focus on attracting investment in the following priority sector areas: AgriTech, Hotel Development, Renewable Energy, Business Process Outsourcing and Logistics and Transportation.

In accepting this noble responsibility, CG Wilson commended the outgoing chair, Mr. Mackie Holder, for his efforts toward achieving the common agenda of the group over the period he served CG Wilson also used the opportunity to encourage her fellow Consuls General to join me in continuing to build on the solid foundation of CARICOM, in keeping with the region’s theme for its 50th anniversary, “50 Years Strong: A Solid Foundation to Build On”.

HUD Wants to Help Brooklyn Churches Build Affordable Housing

United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Marcia Fudge and regional administrator Alicka Ampry-Samuel are helping pastors and developers in Brooklyn kick-start housing development on their properties that could allow congregants to stay in the neighborhoods where they have lived for much of their lives. A roundtable with stakeholders was held last week.

An $85 million federal grant program will become available to local governments and planning agencies starting in September. This grant will help churches pay for the expertise needed to handle property rezonings, and draft plans for new housing projects.

Another tranche of HUD funding, this one close to $1 billion from the Green and Resilient Retrofit Program, could help with upgrades for existing buildings more energy efficient and climate-resistant infrastructure.

Ampry-Samuel is hoping the new funds will encourage churches to work with

affordable housing developers, as construction costs have risen.

Some churches have already started to develop their lots.

The Christian Cultural Center, the city’s largest megachurch, partnered with the Gotham Organization on a proposal that would rezone the church’s 10.5-acre Starrett City campus to allow 11 new buildings with 2,000 affordable homes.

The Church of God of East Flatbush worked with Brisa Builders in 2018 to turn a two-block lot in Brownsville, Brooklyn into its nine-story, 43,000-square-foot headquarters with 513 units of affordable housing.

They are also seeking to tear down a two-story building across from its East 95th Street sanctuary to create more housing for seniors on the site. Bishop Hugh Nelson said the federal grant would help the church work with a developer to determine how many units they could build using the church’s air rights.

CARIBNEWS

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 22, 2023

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Feeding the Freedom to Grow

Ford is honoring Black Business Month by supporting entrepreneurship, culture and cuisine to the table. We’re celebrating those who inspire us through their stories like Peace Tree Parks, a nonprofit that works to convert vacant land into gardens allowing them to beautify the city while feeding the community. The founders are proud Ford owners dedicated to increasing access to fresh produce in the community they know and love.

“To repurpose the land, our goal was to feed the community once we discovered Detroit was pretty much a food desert at the time,” said Eric Andrews, Co-founder of Peace Tree Parks.

Peace Tree Parks plays a vital role in increasing access to fresh organic produce in Metro Detroit. In 2015, when the nonprofit was established, the city had been a food

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desert for almost a decade. High school best friends Eric Andrews and D’Andre Riggins began this movement after noticing an increase in vacant land, lack of grocery stores, and realizing the need for more access to fresh organic produce and healthy food options.

It began as an awareness campaign for Peace Tree Parks to educate community members on the variety of produce that could be grown in Detroit. Each month, they hosted volunteer events where they taught others how to plant, maintain their garden, and harvest crops. They worked with the Detroit Land Bank Authority to begin repurposing vacant land throughout the city into community spaces. This partnership led to a process that now allows neighborhoods across the city to duplicate the concept that was developed at their first community garden site.

“So, we started growing produce – we grew everything from watermelon, pumpkins, peppers, tomatoes, zucchini, and strawberries. It was more of an awareness thing, we wanted to show the community that this is the variety of produce that you can grow in your backyard,” said Andrews.

Planting the Future Peace Tree Parks has two initiatives which work together to reach those in need, regardless of race, age, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Their community

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garden program is for residents in the surrounding area to pick produce at no charge. The organization has converted a total of 13 vacant lots into community gardens which has inspired many to begin growing their own produce.

The organization’s other initiative is the residential garden program which was created as an extension of the community garden program to provide access to those that don’t live nearby. The program’s mission is to bring organic gardening to the backyards of those who want direct access to produce options. Those interested in joining this program should begin by completing an online application. Although the program is free for local residents, donations are encouraged to support its growth.

Peace Tree Parks also offers farm-toschool programming and has collaborated with various schools in the Detroit Public School District (DPSD) to implement aspects of their programming. They currently partner with four local educational institutions in Detroit where they provide supplies and teach students skills needed to grow their own produce. Peace Tree Parks actively collaborates with Blackowned food businesses like local chefs to cook at their community events.

Driving for Change Through Entrepreneurship

Peace Tree Parks is one of many with a drive for change, and Ford is proud to be their vehicle of reliance as they go out and make things happen. They started out building residential garden beds for friends and family, and it was their Ford Explorer that allowed them to load the vehicles up with enough bags of compost to complete two residential gardens per day. They now own a Ford F-150®, helping them to tow heavy equipment to and from their current job site, and their Ford Expedition® SUV which allows them to tow while still arriving in style. Their Ford vehicles have helped the organization increase the number of people able to provide produce from local food businesses to homeless shelters.

This nonprofit strives to help community members appreciate the value of volunteering by allowing them to have a handson therapeutic and inspiring experience.

Their aim is to remind others that when you plant a seed… a plant will grow when given the time, consistency, and care.

A concept in which their organization was founded on from taking their idea (a seed) and now harvesting what they’ve produced in the last decade through consistency and care. Like Peace Tree Parks, Ford believes in the power of Black businesses.

Learn more about their organization at peacetreeparks.org.

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CARIBEDITORIAL

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 22, 2023

Harlem Month The Spirit of Harlem is Revitalized on the 45th Anniversary

Harlem Week is celebrated, but we all know that this celebration goes beyond the week; in fact it’s a celebration of the spirit of Harlem and what it means to so many people throughout the community of Harlem and the communities like Harlem throughout the United States.

This year’s Harlem Week theme is: The change, hope, joy and love, and it represents that journey of 45 years that we can now celebrate. It was in 1974 when New York City was having the most challenging economic times and the city was suffering immensely - You can well imagine that if New York City is suffering then Harlem at that time was totally neglected; there were no resources or organizations to work in Harlem and the blight of the city was felt heaviest in Harlem and by the Harlem community.

This wonderful prized community was left to suffer and we all know and read of the plight of Harlem, the significant damage that was done to the economy and to the community- but the leaders of Harlem

never gave up on the spirit and soul of Harlem and leaders Percy Sutton, Charles Rangel, David Dinkins, Basil Patterson and many others where supportive of Harlem to the core. It was Percy Sutton who had the notion that something needs to be done to restore the soul of Harlem and he saw in a young man, at the time, Lloyd Williams, the ability and the vision and gave Lloyd the task to create an event that would lift the spirit of Harlem, not only lift the spirit but bring back the resources and recognition to Harlem. It was out of this vision and the mission that was given to Lloyd Williams that Harlem day has transformed itself into Harlem week, Harlem month and Harlem, a state of mind and the mission of recovery and expansion. So as we celebrate Harlem Week, now Harlem Month, we also celebrate this visionary Lloyd A Williams who had the focused vision to motivate and engage the right people and making the right moves, bringing in politicians, business persons entertainers and civic leaders

CARIB NEWS THE VOICE OF THE CARIBBEAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY

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together as a trademark support for this community, a gem in New York.

Harlem week presented by the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce is one of the most successful events in New York City - it has presented to the city and the world the benefit of a most culturally enriched neighborhood where so many cultural activities have begun, the birthplace of many black businesses, black institutions, and Lloyd who constantly reminded us of the Harlem brand that is internationally known and is revered, is really something to be treasured and is in fact a state of mind that we can all aspire to where we bring the consciousness of freedom, liberty and join that with cultural enrichment, business acumen and development, and make a whole community.

Harlem, this once struggling neighborhood is now one of the most valuable pieces of real estate in the city, a vibe with a vibrant community and a revival of an economic engine. It all started with the vision but it needed the expertise, the drive, the determination and the pride that brought Harlem from blight to brightness.

It is the hard work, determination and tenacity of Lloyd Williams that have been instrumental in bringing revival to this community.

Harlem Week, Harlem Month, the community of Harlem comes together looking at not just economic development, it is looking at the senior citizens and how they’re doing, it is looking at health and health services, it is looking at the future of Harlem, like Silicone Harlem is highlighting the jazz tradition of Harlem and how that can be constructed for more economical development; it is looking at so many pieces of Harlem and to bring everybody to be involved and engaged and bring the youth of our community in a constructive manner to have hope and to be motivated for their future.

We at Carib News who have been involved with Harlem week for over 40 years take pride in the contribution of the Caribbean Americans to Harlem, Harlem week and Harlem development, and as we celebrate Harlem we celebrate the partnership that exists between African- Americans and KARLISA RODNEY VICE PRESIDENT

KARL B. RODNEY CHAIRMAN/CEO

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Caribbean American that’s exemplified so much by Harlem and its development and its history, with the combination of the Caribbean Americans and African Americans together, in what we call the partnership for progress. We have listed in our scroll celebrated Harlem and Harlem week outstanding Caribbean Americans who have made a difference and from Marcus Garvey to Cicely Tyson, from Harry Belafonte to Malcolm X, from Basil Paterson to Susan Taylor, from Claude McKay to Arturo Schomburg, and so many others.

Caribbean and African Americans working together, Caribbean Americans building institutions in Harlem like Carver Federal Savings and loan associations, The Renaissance business complex , the Amsterdam News, The United Mutual Insurance company and so many other Harlem institutions that live today. Of course the genius of the organizer himself, like Lloyd Williams who is Harlem to the core, but has Caribbean heritage.

We congratulate the Harlem Week Board and the Board of Directors of the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce for their tenacity, determination and drive that has brought a celebration to Harlem to be the lynchpin to its celebration and the revival and the renewal of our community. It is a great example of what inspired leadership can do and should do. To the dedicated team who work tirelessly on making Harlem Week what it is and brings Harlem to what we celebrate today, we are pleased to extend our congratulations and to continue to foster the relationship between all our communities and especially between the African American and the Caribbean American communities that have been such a team working through challenges, and for 45 years Harlem Week has been driving the forces to success. We wish them many more years of continued success and pledge our support for their mission. Congratulations to all - we all have made a difference that matters - the change, joy, hope and love, the theme for this year, let us live up to it.

KARL B. RODNEY PUBLISHER/EDITOR IN CHIEF TONY BEST SENIOR EDITOR KARLISA RODNEY NEWS EDITOR MELL P MANAGING EDITOR

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 22, 2023

CARIBOPINION

9

Democratic Lawmakers Introduce Legislation to Raise Minimum Wage

by Stacy Brown

U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA), the ranking member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), the chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, have introduced the Raise the Wage Act of 2023.

The legislation would gradually increase the minimum wage to $17 an hour by 2028.

Scott and Sanders said it would provide about 28 million Americans with a long-overdue raise.

“No person working full-time in America should be living in poverty,” Scott stated.

“Raising the minimum wage is good for workers, good for business, and good for the economy. When we put money in the pockets of American workers, they will spend that money in their communities.”

Republican members of Congress have repeatedly stifled efforts to raise the minimum wage, with many claiming it

would harm businesses, even causing some to close.

“The $7.25 an hour federal minimum wage is a starvation wage. It must be raised to a living wage—at least $17 an hour,” Sanders insisted.

“In the year 2023, a job should lift you out of poverty, not keep you in it. At a time of massive income and wealth inequality and record-breaking corporate profits, we can no longer tolerate millions of workers being unable to feed their families because they are working for totally inadequate wages.”

Sanders continued: “Congress can no longer ignore the needs of the working class of this country. The time to act is now.”

The Democrats and the legislation’s 146 co-sponsors said that after more than a decade with no increase in the federal minimum wage—the most prolonged period in U.S. history— millions of workers are working full-time jobs but are still struggling to

make ends meet.

They noted that one in eight workers in the United States earns wages that leave them in poverty, even when working full-time and year-round.

“And there is now no place in America where a full-time worker making the federal minimum wage can afford to cover the rent for a modest twobedroom apartment,” Scott asserted.

“The Raise the Wage Act is good for workers, businesses, and the economy,” he continued.

“When we put money in workers’ pockets, they will spend that money at local businesses. The Raise the Wage Act will ensure that everyone can share in a stronger economy.”

The lawmakers noted that the Raise the Wage Act of 2023 would: • Gradually raise the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $17 by 2028; Index future increases in the federal minimum wage to median wage growth to ensure the value of minimum wage does not once again

erode over time; • Guarantee that tipped workers are paid at least the full federal minimum wage by phasing out the subminimum wage for tipped workers, which will ensure decent, consistent pay without eliminating tips; • Guarantee that teen workers are paid at least the full federal minimum wage by phasing out the rarely used subminimum wage for youth workers; • End subminimum wage certificates for workers with disabilities to provide opportunities for workers with disabilities to be competitively employed and participate more fully in their communities.

Unlikely Allies and Uncomfortably Large Coalitions

by Ben Jealous

“Spend your energy figuring out what’s the one thing that you can agree on with a political foe,” Gen. Colin Powell told me years ago. “Figure that out and you can get a lot done.”

We’re seeing that proven across the Midwest from Illinois to North Dakota where unlikely allies with different interests and perspectives are joined in fighting against several multi-state carbon dioxide pipelines proposed by huge agribusiness and fossil fuels companies.

For some, it’s a simple as private companies trying to take private land that belongs to someone else to make private profit for themselves. For others, the pipelines would extend our reliance on dirty fuels and prolong pollution from industrial farming and the ethanol producers it supplies. Together they see the pipelines as unnecessary, destructive to precious land, and potentially dangerous.

“We might not agree on a lot of things, but this is something we will all oppose, these pipelines,” says Kim Juncker, who farms land with her husband in Butler County, Iowa, that could be grabbed for what’s called the Navigator project. “We

will lock arms on this one.”

Juncker calls herself a “constitutional conservative” and explains her political leanings and in her view those of many landowners simply: “We like our property rights and we like our freedom.”

Environmental activists have seen that opposing pipelines demands the voice of the people who own land that they don’t want to sell to the developers.

For their part, landowners appreciate that environmental groups bring their organizing experience and their capacity to monitor the smallest details in the fight. One of the biggest challenges is farmers are busy farming and can’t make opposition a full-time job.

Tim Baughman, who owns land with his sister in Crawford County, Iowa, that could be disrupted by the Summit pipeline, attended a safety meeting with the developer last week; the only reason he learned of the session was hearing about from a farmer in another part of the state. In turn, he does his best to keep two other landowners informed.

They’re among nine in the county who haven’t signed voluntary easements for

the pipeline to cross their land and are less connected to the digital world, he says.

More than 150 landowners now join weekly Zoom calls with environmentalists to share information and strategy. One outcome is that more than 460 landowners have filed to intervene when the Iowa Utilities Board holds its hearing in a few weeks over the Summit pipeline’s request to take land through eminent domain. That’s no small feat as Baughman’s own filing to intervene was 51 pages long.

Our system allows for the power of enough people to thwart the power of money, which the pipeline developers certainly have. That’s how opponents have managed to claim some big wins.

In North Dakota, the public service commission last week denied Summit the permit it needs to move forward, citing issues from impact on cultural sites and wildlife areas to property values; the company can reapply. In Iowa, the House of Representatives passed a bill that would have significantly limited the pipelines’ ability to take land involuntarily with nearly two-thirds of Democrats and 80

percent of Republicans in support (the bill unfortunately was killed in the state Senate).

To really harness that people power, we need to build coalitions that are uncomfortably large. That’s what pipeline opponents have done.

People who will question whether arbon is damaging the climate are fighting alongside people who will question the role of biofuels in prolonging our fossil fuel addiction.

In a country that can feel so divided, there’s promise in that beyond the pipeline fight. As General Powell told me, “As you win one victory together, you might just discover along the way that there’s something else you agree on.”

CARIBAROUND

10

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 22, 2023

Caribbean-Americans Impact on HARLEM JOE CUBA (Puerto Rico) MUsician

CELIA CRUZ (Cuba) Singer

Born Gilberto Calderon in New York in 1931, and originally a conguero, Cuba and his band were part of a pivotal generation of NY-raised Puerto Rican Americans (Nuyoricans) who helped define the city’s Latin music styles following the mambo-era of the 1960s - including the popular boogaloo craze, and then became an elder in the salsa scene during the 1970s and beyond. He was the director of the Museum of La Salsa in Spanish Harlem, which celebrated New York’s Puerto Rican community.

Celia Cruz was a singer and recording artist born and raised in Havana, Cuba. When she lost her life to cancer nearly 16 years ago, Cruz left behind an incomparable legacy. Today, the “Queen of Salsa” (a title she earned after rising to fame in Cuba during the 1950s as a singer of guarachas) lives on in radio stations, television programs and internet memes. Not to mention in the hearts of fans from around the globe who find joy, solace and pride in her music - one of the iconic artists of the 20th century.

WILFRED A. DOMINGO (Jamaica) Activist and Journalist

MAYMIE DE MENA (Martinique) Activist

The Jamaican-born Wilfred Adolphus Domingo was part of an influential community of West Indian radicals active in Harlem’s New Negro movement in the early 20th century.

In the 1930s Domingo became increasingly focused on his homeland and the issue of Jamaican independence. In 1936 he confounded the Jamaica Progressive League in Harlem, which agitated for Jamaican self-rule, universal suffrage, unionization, and the organization of consumer cooperatives.

Maymie De Mena’s grandparents were from Martinique.

She joined the UNIA in Chicago and in 1924 was sent as a delegate to the annual convention in Harlem. At the convention, she asked the leadership to recognize the Daughters of Ethiopia, an honorary group making contributions to racial improvement, as an official auxiliary of the UNIA. She has been credited with keeping the organization alive after Marcus Garvey’s conviction for mail fraud and deportation from the United States.

AMY JACQUES GARVEY (Jamaica) Editor, feminist, and Activist

MARCUS GARVEY (Jamaica) Activist

Amy Jacques was Marcus Garvey’s second wife and his principal lieutenant during his incarceration in an Atlanta penitentiary from 1925 to 1927. She became involved in the Universal Negro Improvement Association the following year, after hearing Garvey speak, and then his personal secretary and traveling companion, as well as the office manager at U.N.I.A. headquarters and secretary of the Negro Factories Corporation, in 1920. She was major propagandist for her husband.

Marcus Garvey was a Black leader who organized the first important American Black nationalist movement (1919–26), based in New York City’s Harlem. He taught that Blacks would be respected only when they were economically strong, and he preached an independent Black economy within the framework of white capitalism.

To forward these ends, he established the Negro Factories Corporation and the Black Star Line (1919), as well as a chain of restaurants and grocery stores, laundries, a hotel, and a printing press.

HERMINA HUISWOUD (Guyana) Huiswoud, having edited the magazine The Negro Worker (1928–1937) and traveled the world for the Communist International (Comintern), would later become an active voice for the Caribbean-Dutch community, notably through her close connection with artists from the Harlem Renaissance. Her approach in her respective area of specialization were through the ideals and practices associated with the early years of the Soviet Socialist Republics.

JOHN RAYMOND JONES (USVI) Politician

JAMES WELDON JOHNSON (Bermuda) Distinguished Lawyer and Diplomat A key figure of the Harlem Renaissance, Johnson was a man of many talents. Not only was he a distinguished lawyer and diplomat who served as executive secretary at NAACP for a decade, he was also a composer who wrote the lyrics for “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” known as the Black national anthem. He served as the UC consul in Venezuela and Nicaragua. He joined the NAACP, became executive secretary, and fought against segregation and voter disenfranchisement in the South.

CLAUDE MCKAY (Jamaica) Poet

John Raymond Jones, also known as the Harlem Fox, was a Harlem politician and the first African American to lead New York City, New York’s Tammany Hall. He became involved in politics in Harlem in the early 1920s, just as it was rapidly becoming the largest African American community in New York City. He taught political skills to Harlemites, including voter registration, political campaigning, and effective petitioning efforts. He ran the most powerful Democratic organization in the nation from 1964 to 1967. At the time, he was the highest ranking African American party official in the country.

Claude McKay poet best known for his novels and poems, including “If We Must Die,” which contributed to the Harlem Renaissance. In addition to giving a voice to black immigrants, McKay was one of the first African-American poets of the Harlem Renaissance. As such, he influenced later poets, including Langston Hughes. He paved the way for black poets to discuss the conditions and racism that they faced in their poems.

ARTURO SCHOMBURG (Puerto Rico) Renowned Researcher

ERIC D. WALROND (Guyana) Pioneer Writer

Arturo Alfonso Schomburg was a noted historian, bibliophile, academic, and chronicler of the Black experience.

He made it his life’s mission to seek out artifacts, historical records, and information about the history of Black people both on the African continent and throughout the African diaspora. Over the years, he collected literature, art, slave narratives, and other materials of African history, which were purchased to become the basis of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, named in his honor.

The 1926 collection of short fiction Tropic Death by Eric Derwent Walrond (1898-1966) was one of the most lauded “New Negro”/”Harlem Renaissance” books. Walrond, who was born in Guyana and raised in Barbados and Panama, resided in the US between 1918 and 1929. Most of the fiction he wrote, including all eight (of the total ten) stories from Tropic Death included by Louis J. Paranscandola in his collection of Walrond writings, are set in the Caribbean (including coastal Panama).

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 22, 2023

CARIBAROUND

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Caribbean-Americans Impact on HARLEM LEON ELLIS (Jamaica) Founder at Chocolat Restaurant & Bar

ADRIANO ESPAILLAT (Dominican Republic) U.S. Representative - 13th District

Ellis’ impeccable work ethic and great relationships with the community has earned him a reputation as one of Harlem’s most upstanding business leaders. Some of his ventures include MOCA Bar and Grill, a full service lounge which has become the destination of choice for people who want to entertain friends and business associates in a fun, trendy, and appealing environment. His entrepreneurial spirit goes beyond just food and hospitality. He is also the owner of Harlem Underground - the largest line of the Harlem USA merchandise in the country for over 22 years.

U.S. Rep. Adriano Espaillat proudly represents NY’s 13th Congressional District. Rep. Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill, and the north-west Bronx. He is a staunch advocate of a fair living wage, immediate and effective investments in affordable housing, meaningful criminal justice reform, infrastructure improvements, expanded youth programs, and better educational opportunities.

DR. ENRIQUE A. RIGGS (Panama) Dentist and Businessman

VOZA RIVERS (Jamaica) Media Executive

Born in Panama City, Dr. Riggs is an active member of several civic organizations and the Army Reserve. He was a co-founder in 1983 of the Small Business Stock Exchange of America, providing growing and emerging companies with expansion capital. He has been active in a number of civic and professional organizations, including the 100 Black Men, the American Association of Securities Dealers and the American Dental Association. He sits on the Boulé Foundation Board. He and hiswife, Carole own a dental company in Harlem.

Voza Rivers is a leading theater, music, and events producer and documentary filmmaker, born in Harlem, New York. Rivers is the executive producer and founding member of the New Heritage Theatre Group and executive producer and co-founder of IMPACT Repertory Theatre, the Oscar-nominated youth division of New Heritage Theatre Group led by U.S. director, activist and educator Jamal Joseph. He has produced and co-produced theater, music, and television projects, film festivals, and music tributes in the United States, Japan, South Africa, and the UK.

DENISE SOARES (Jamaica) Senior Vice President at NYC H+H (Retired)

MICHELLE D. STENT, J.D., M.P.A. (St. Lucia) Attorney

Soares has spent 42 years, a lifetime in nursing and hospital administration. The senior vice president of the Generations+ / Northern Manhattan Health Network, executive director of Harlem Hospital Center and the Renaissance Health Care Network, and a HHC corporate officer, she was the first nurse in the history of Harlem Hospital to hold the position. Her role included the operational and fiscal oversight of the hospitals, diagnostic and treatment centers in the network and nearly 20 community and school based health centers in Northern Manhattan and the South Bronx.

Stent is a federal, state and municipal government representative with a specialty in government relations, political and policy advocacy, legislative drafting, community outreach, grants, press, communications and nonprofit administration. Currently Project Manager for former Congressman Charles B. Rangel, Statesman-in-Residence, City College of New York, she was previously Assistant Director, Community Relations Coordinator at MetroPlus Health Plan and a management consultant specializing in government relations and public policy.

HON. J. MACHELLE SWEETING (Bahamas) Acting Justice of the New York State Supreme Court

SUSAN TAYLOR (T&T/St. Kitts) Founder, National CARES Mentoring

Sweeting was elected from the historic 10th Municipal Court District in Harlem, NY. She the first and only legal practitioner admitted to practice law in both the federal and state courts in New York; Washington, D.C.; the US Court of Appeals for the 2nd, 4th Circuits; the US Supreme Court; and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. She previously presided, for five years, in the New York County Family Court, over cases involving the most intimate disputes about child custody, visitation, guardianship and domestic violence.

Taylor was born in the Harlem neighborhood to a Trinidadian mother and a father from St. Kitts. She grew up in East Harlem, where her father owned a clothing store. She owned one of the first companies to create beauty products for African American women. She became editor-in-chief of Essence Magazine in 1981 -2000. During her tenure, she succeeded in building the Essence brand. She left in 2008 she left Essence to concentrate on her nonprofit organization, the National Cares Mentoring Movement.

MARTA MORENO VEGA (Puerto Rico) Visual Artist/Activist

LLOYD A. WILLIAMS (Jamaica) President/CEO, Harlem Chamber of Commerce

Marta Moreno Vega is the founder of the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute (CCCADI). She led El Museo del Barrio, is one of the founders of the Association of Hispanic Arts, and founded the Network of Centers of Color and the Roundtable of Institutions of Colors. In 2011 Vega was one of five New Yorkers featured in the HBO documentary called The Latino List. In 2012, Vega gave a talk at the TEDxHarlem. She has received numerous honors from various organizations.

Lloyd A. Williams, has served as the President and CEO of GHCC Williams for over 25 years. He is also the Vice-Chairman of Harlem Arts Alliance, (HAA), an organization dedicated to artistic growth and development in Harlem and surrounding communities. The organization consists of over 800 richly diverse emerging artists, as well as internationally acclaimed performers. He is considered a prominent figure in the community - a leader and role model.

KEITH L.T. WRIGHT (Jamaica) Leader, New York County Democrats

SHEENA WRIGHT (Jamaica) First Deputy Mayor

Wright is the current Leader of the New York County Democrats, a position he has held since 2009. From 1992 through 2016, he served as a Member of the New York State Assembly. Wright served as Co-Chair of the New York State Democratic Committee from 2012-2014. A lifelong Harlem resident, Keith has made strides in increasing worker’s rights, criminal justice reform, helping small businesses and creating affordable housing for not only his district but also all of New York.

Deputy Mayor Wright previously served as the first female president and CEO of United Way of New York City and president and CEO of Abyssinian Development Corporation. Before joining the Adams administration, she was appointed to the city’s Education Sector Advisory Council and the state’s New York Forward Re-Opening Advisory Board. She’s lived in Harlem since she was 17 and attended Columbia University.

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CARIBNEWS

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 22, 2023

HARLEM WEEK 2023 - Reimagined Hybrid Festival Home of the Harlem Renaissance and the “capital of black America” until 1945, Harlem has been a cultural, artistic, literary, social, and political center for decades. Harlem Week celebrates the past and present while looking towards the future of this vivacious and fertile neighborhood by holding exhibitions, fairs, live entertainment, conferences, expos and sports events at various venues.

HARLEM WEEK is an annual celebration of the best of Harlem which works to promote its rich African-American, African, Caribbean, Hispanic, and European history, as well as arts, culture, religion, business, entertainment, and sports.

HARLEM WEEK began in 1974 as HARLEM DAY, a oneday event of encouragement and fellowship in Harlem for New Yorkers and beyond. Given the huge success of the celebration, additional days were added to showcase the community’s rich economic, political, and cultural history.

HARLEM WEEK 2023 looks to uplift, direct and encourage you with a series of events built around the theme, “INSPIRATION, IMPACT, LEGACY” For the schedule of events, vist https://harlemweek.com/ calendar/

CARIBNEWS

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 22, 2023

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CARIBNEWS

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 22, 2023

JAMCCAR Celebrated Its 33rd Anniversary and Jamaica’s 61st Year of Independence

The Jamaican Civic and Cultural Association of Rockland, Inc. (JAMCCAR) celebrated its 33rd Anniversary Gala and Scholarship Awards and commemoration of Jamaica’s 61st year of independence on Saturday, August 5, 2023 at GREENTREE Country Club, 538 Davenport Avenue, New Rochelle.

The Distinguished Patronage of the Consul General of Jamaica to New York, Alsion Wilson, Her Excellency Audrey P. Marks, Ambassador of Jamaica to the United States

of America will joined the elegant black-tie event.

In support of this year’s theme, “Celebrating Community Excellence”, JAMCCAR saluted the following 2023 Honorees at the Independence Gala: Louis Grant and Robert “Bobby” Clark of Irie Jam Radio, Donna Duncan-Scott, CEO of Jamaica Money Market Bank (JMMB), Lorna Hawthorne, Owner of LLHOMD Beauty Care, Cynthia Ramos, CSO of Krasdale Foods Inc, and Karl & Faye

Rodney, Owners Carib News.

Additionally, JAMCCAR awarded six (6) scholarships to college-bound students who have demonstrated academic excellence and community service. A special scholarship was presented by Sabrina HoSang-Jordan, Director of the Vincent HoSang Family Foundation to Shaniah Smith who is pursuing entrepreneurship. The remaining 2023 recipients are: Christian Brewster, Mekaeli Cox, Randie Davies, Sequan McLaren, Joshua Morgan. It is particularly noteworthy to highlight that over these past 33 years, JAMCCAR has awarded over $300,000 in scholarships to deserving students and we hope to continue to do so for many more years to come.

In the spotlight was esteemed Keynote Speaker, Jamaican Donna Duncan-Scott, CEO of Jamaica Money Market Bank (JMMB). Orchestrating the evening’s event was Mistress of Ceremonies, Sharon Gordon, a multi-talented, acclaimed journalist, publicist, producer, and actress within the Jamaican Diaspora. JAMCCAR’s own Ek-

klipse Steelband wowed guests at the grand cocktail reception along with live entertainment throughout the night by the dynamic JAMORE BAND (popular festival & reggae songs) and dancing to the melodious tunes of Soul Tone Music by DJ Prentice & the Crew that provided a very memorable night.

Reflecting on JAMCCAR’s thirty-three years of service to the community, and the 2023 theme “Celebrating Community Excellence”, Sonia Tracey, one of the founding members of JAMCCAR and Gala co-chair said, “On this special occasion, let us note that it is not just our rich culture that defines us, but also the great collective and collaborative contributions of Jamaicans and Friends Working Together.” President Hope Wade also added “JAMCCAR is fulfilling its mission with our reach in the immediate community and extending our reach internationally by awarding a scholarship to a Jamaican student. We are inviting everyone to come out and support this gala as funds raised goes towards the scholarship program.”

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 22, 2023

CARIBBRIEFS

15

CARICOM Youth Ambassador Wants Youth on the Frontline of Region’s Green Transition The 2023 theme for the observance of International Youth Day (12 August), “Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World”, aligns with CARICOM’s efforts to ensure all stakeholders, including youth, are given a platform and their voices heard in discussions surrounding the impact of climate change on Small Island Developing States (SIDs).

Ensuring a sustainable future for our people is particularly important as attention turns to the upcoming 2023 UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP 28).

The 2023 observance of International Youth Day is particularly significant as the CARICOM Youth Ambassador Programme celebrates its thirtieth anniversary.

In this regard, the Secretariat highlights Anguillian Tiffany Moore, the new Dean of the CARICOM Youth Ambassador Programme, as she advocates for the full involvement of Caribbean young people in the Region’s sustainability.

“Today, more than ever, the world faces the urgent task of transitioning towards a sustainable future. Climate change, dwindling resources, and environmental degradation have become existential threats that demand immediate action. At this critical juncture, empowering youth with green skills has emerged as a promising solution to build a sustainable world. By equipping young people with the knowledge, expertise, and opportunities to participate in this transition actively, we can unlock their tremendous potential as change-makers and catalysts for positive growth.

The shift towards a sustainable world is not merely a buzzword; it reflects a fundamental

rethinking of how societies operate. This transition demands a workforce capable of navigating complex ecological, economic, and social intersections. Green Skills encompass diverse abilities, from renewable energy technologies and circular economy practices to sustainable agriculture, waste management and conservation sciences. By cultivating these skills, young individuals enhance their employability and contribute to fostering a harmonious relationship between humanity and the planet.

Moreover, green skills empower young people to take proactive measures against climate change. Today’s youth are more connected, engaged, and passionate about environmental issues than ever before. By equipping them with the tools to engage in sustainable practices, we empower them to become green leaders of tomorrow. From innovative ideas to transformative projects, young people with green skills can contribute substantially to reducing carbon emissions, promoting clean energy alternatives, and influencing sustainable policies.

Beyond environmental stewardship, green skills also offer immense economic opportunities. As the world transitions towards cleaner and more sustainable technologies, there is a growing demand for professionals with expertise in the green sector. By providing young people with relevant training and skills, we prepare them for the green jobs of the future. This ensures a sustainable job market and brings about socio-economic benefits for communities.

Green skills can drive economic growth, foster entrepreneurship, and create new opportunities for a more inclusive and equitable society.

Creating an enabling environment for young

Bahamas – Gov’t Legislator Detained on Rape, Death Threat Charges

NASSAU, Bahamas, CMC – Bahamas Government legislator Kirk Cornish has been remanded after he was charged Wednesday with two counts of rape against a 35-year-old woman.

In addition, Cornish, who on Tuesday was forced to resign as Parliamentary Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, faces two additional counts of assault and threats of death against the same woman.

The prosecution said the crimes allegedly

took place in Coopers Town, Abaco and Nassau, New Providence. Cornish was not required to plead to the allegations when he appeared before the acting chief magistrate Roberto Reckley.

The matter was adjourned to October 17, with attorney Owen Wells indicating that he wants an early trial date and would be seeking bail immediately for his client.

people to harness their potential is crucial to successfully embark on the green transition.

This includes adequate investment in green education and training, the promotion of sustainable career pathways, and facilitating mentorship and networking opportunities.

Collaborative efforts between governments, educational institutions, businesses, and civil society organisations are essential to ensure a coordinated approach that maximises the impact of green skills initiatives. Access to these skills must be democratised, ensuring that all segments of society, regardless of background, can participate in the green transition.

Lastly, it is essential to recognise that today’s youth are not merely passive beneficiaries of these efforts but dynamic agents of change.

Their energy, enthusiasm, and fresh perspectives breathe life into the sustainability movement. By empowering young people with green skills, we equip them with the tools to actively shape a more sustainable world. Their voices are needed at the decision-making tables, their ideas are crucial for driving innovation, and their commitment to sustainability will shape future generations.

In conclusion, the world stands at a critical juncture where the green transition is no longer a choice but a necessity. Young people are

poised to play a pivotal role in this transformative process, and Green Skills are the compass that guides them. We can harness their energy, creativity, and passion to drive the green transition by equipping young people with knowledge, expertise, and opportunities in sustainable practices. Let us seize this moment and collectively work towards a more sustainable world where today’s youth are champions of tomorrow’s green future”.

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CARIBNEWS

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 22, 2023

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WEEK ENDING AUGUST 22, 2023

CARIBHEALTH

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NYC H+H’s MOSAIC Program – Medical Opportunities for Students and Aspiring Inclusive Clinicians

NYC Health + Hospitals today announced that as part of its Medical Opportunities for Students and Aspiring Inclusive Clinicians (MOSAIC) program, 94 rising college students accepted in the BS/MD program at the Sophie Davis Biomedical Education Program/CUNY School of Medicine (CUNY Med) visited NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem to meet with health system leaders, attend two lectures, and receive a tour of the hospital.

The students received an introduction to the social determinants of health and the history of health disparities, which was followed by a hospital tour of several units, including pediatrics, hemodialysis, labor and delivery, and in-patient medicine.

MOSAIC is designed to create a pathway for students and early doctors who are under-represented in medicine to help them succeed in medical school and increase physician diversity across the health system. CUNY Med’s novel BS/MD program allows students to complete their undergraduate and medical school in seven years, compared to traditional programs that take eight years. The Sophie Davis Biomedical Education Program/CUNY School of Medicine pre-matriculation program for entering students is six weeks long. It provides a pre-medical curriculum and foundation of the school’s mission to address healthcare inequities in New York City and beyond; increase diversity and representation in medicine; and promote inclusive excellence in medicine.

“I’m truly excited about the NYC Health + Hospitals collaboration with CUNY,” said Machelle Allen, MD, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, NYC Health + Hospitals. “I grew up in Harlem at the time when the uptown CUNY campus was ‘City College New York’ (CCNY), also known as the ‘Harvard of the Proletariat’ or the ‘Harvard on the Hudson.’ As a 4-year-old I had a CCNY stuffed animal sporting the ‘CCNY’ lavender letters on a cute little black cap – the school colors being black and lavender. My relationship

to CCNY continued in 1963 when I had the privilege of attending the legendaryAndre Watt’s piano concert performed with conductor Seiji Ozawa at CCNY’s outdoor Lewisohn Stadium. CCNY’s luminous alums include Colin Powell, Henry Kissinger, Jonas Salk, Jean Tomer, to name a few. While I cannot say I am among that storied group – I was quite proud of my acceptance letter from CCNY. Today, it gives me personal and professional great joy and pride to see this formal collaboration between the city’s public hospital system and the city’s public institution of higher learning.”

“NYC Health + Hospitals and the CUNY School of Medicine are two institutions that are making a difference in the composition of our physician workforce,” said Donnie Bell, MD, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, NYC Health + Hospitals. “An introduction to the clinical environment, coupled with foundational learning about the social forces that shape the patient experience, will help these future doctors gain the perspective necessary for practicing medicine in high need areas.”

“We are excited that Sophie Davis Biomedical Education Program/CUNY School of Medicine’s newest entering class of undergraduates are participating in today’s MOSAIC program and partnership with NYC Health & Hospitals and Harlem Hospital,” said Carmen Renée Green, MD, Dean, CUNY School of Medicine.“Most of our students, who were in high school in New York a few weeks ago, are diving into our novel accelerated pre-medical curriculum and learning about the social determinants of health and the importance of equity, access, and advocacy in health and healthcare. NYC needs doctors and The CUNY School of Medicine is creating the doctors New Yorkers want to see. Our first-year Pre-Med students (the MD Class of 2030) proudly demonstrate how CUNY Med is changing the face and future of medicine one student and one doctor at a time.”

NYC Health + Hospital’s Vice President for Population Health Dr. Nichola Davis introduced the students to the social determinants of health. These are conditions that can influence a person’s health, which concentrate on where they grew up, live, work, among other factors that can affect health, function, and quality-of-life.

NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem’s Dr. Joan Culpepper-Morgan, Chief of Gastroenterology, spoke about the history of health disparities in New York City and the U.S. MOSAIC includes programs to train and hire future and existing doctors: Visiting Scholars Program: Medical students will spend four to six weeks in clinical rotations, simulation and experiential training to refine their professional development skills, gain clinical exposure, and strengthen their commitment to serving vulnerable populations. Visiting Scholars will receive either a $2,000 or $3,000 stipend (for a four- or six-week rotation) and a $2,000 housing allowance for

scholars visiting from outside the NYC metro area. MOSAIC will fund up to 20

scholars in the first year of the program and up to 30 scholars per year in subsequent years. Medical students can apply here.

Youth training: MOSAIC will partner with Mentoring in Medicine to provide underserved middle and high school students with training, mentorship, and Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) preparation to help expand the pool of students interested in going into careers in medicine.

MOSAIC will partner with East Side House to help at-risk 16- to 24-year-old students train for careers in healthcare, including as a pharmacy technician, phlebotomist, home health aide, or nursing assistant.

Recruitment: MOSAIC will create targeted recruitment and retention programs for attendings from groups under-represented in medicine to grow the diversity of NYC Health + Hospitals’ physician workforce.

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CARIBSPIRITUALITY

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 22, 2023

Celebrating The Life of Walter Edison Lowe Walter Edison Lowe, Jr. was born on February 24, 1928 at Harlem Hospital in New York City. He was the only child of Susie E. Lowe and Walter Edison Lowe, Sr. His father died when he was very young. Walter attended the famous Dunbar High School inWashington, DC and graduated from Jamaica High School in Queens, New York.

His interest in all things mechanical took him to Adelphi University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. He subsequently, continued his engineering studies with extensive coursework at the Tandoe School of Engineering at New York University.

Following college he served in the United States Navy, stationed in the South Pacific on board the USS Kearsarge LHD -2. He achieved the rank of 2nd Class Petty Officer and was honorably discharged from the Anacosta Naval Station, Washington, D.C. Taking advantage of his knowledge and experience in electrical engineering, Walter joined the Republic Aviation Corporation as a project engineer in the electronic products division.

Later he joined NYNEX, now Verizon, as a project engineer in the transmission section. At NYNEX, he rose through the corporate ranks to become staff manager in affirmative action compliance, diversity, inclusion and urban affairs.

He was also a member of the Institute of Electronics, Information and Communications Engineers, the American Rocket Society, the American Society of Standards Engineers, and the Public Relations Society of America.

He also believed in giving back to the community and contributed his time to the youth

in Queens County through the Boy Scouts of America, where he was certified as an Advanced Scoutmaster. Walter was active in community affairs and has served as Chairman of the Harlem YMCA, the President of the Upper Manhattan Rotary Club, the UNCF Advisory Council and Concerned Black Executives of New York.

His affable personality and his keen interest in people ensured that he would be an active member of the Brooklyn Chapter of the National Association of Guardsmen and he attended many of their annual events domestically and internationally. He was known for being outspoken and could definitely hold his own when it came time to agree or disagree on the many topics discussed at monthly meetings.

Walter enjoyed traveling and would make an annual trip to Barbados for an extended stay during the winter months. He also enjoyed sports as a spectator and traveled to many of the Olympic games. He took great pride in having attended the Mexico Games in 1968, when John Carlos and Tommie Smith raised their fists with the Black Power salute. There is a signed photograph of the occasion in Walter’s home.

His intellectual curiosity allowed him to be well versed on many topics from politics to climate change, the economy and world affairs.

In all areas, he considered himself to be the most well read and informed.

In the 1940’s his mother purchased a cottage on 47 Vineyard Ave. in Oak Bluffs, which became their homestead on the Vineyard. Walter came to love this community for its spring and summer periods as it became populated with people who came seasonally and the cohesive

The Power of Peace

By Toni Cardarella

Eight Ways to Discover Inner Peace in Your Life Today Affirmation: In quiet times of prayer, I am filled with a sense of tranquility.

1. Pray: Find your inner spirit of harmony with prayer. Whether privately or aloud with others, express your sacred value for peace in the world through words of prayer. Join a community prayer vigil for peace, a prayer event at a center, church, or temple, or connect with Silent Unity.

2. Pause: Take a few moments each day—in the morning, at lunch, or before bed—to pause.

Write or speak gratitude or take a minute to enjoy the peace of a simple moment, like petting your cat or dog.

3. Radiate: Let peace radiate in your easygoing tone with others. Allow your infinite peace to show in your facial expressions and actions.

Speak with a voice that resonates with kindness and encouragement. Your spirit of peace will be felt around you.

4. Meditate: Visualize your peaceful heart as you let go of all that surrounds you. Experience your sense of tranquility in the quietness or experience your peace in a guided meditation. Listen to a meditation or try a meditation video.

Brief Meditation Featuring the Unity Village

Fountains and Rose Garden 5. Movement: Awaken your peace by moving around in the spaces you occupy and enjoy.

Feel peace flow as you walk on a nature trail or sway in dance across your living room. Do a yoga pose or a head-to-toe stretch and activate your spirit of peace.

6. Give: A helping hand, emotional support, or just your sense of optimism—give to others as often as you can. Just like love and kindness, giving freely and willingly will deliver peace to your heart.

7. Affirmations: Affirm the power of peace.

Remind yourself that you are in the peace of Spirit. Speak with zeal and Truth. Embrace your peace with affirmations such as I AM peace, or Peace flows through me to the world.

(More peace affirmations can be found here.)

8. Music: Whether listening to or creating it, music can open your heart to peace. Let it lift your peaceful spirit. Get out your instrument, sing, or just sit and let the music soothe your soul and fill you with magical peace.

Know that you are the power of peace, even in the midst of chaos. Discover your calming spirit and live your life from a peace-centered consciousness. Let your peace prevail to create harmony in the world.

social atmosphere accelerated. Walter and his mother had an arrangement with the house that allowed him to invite his friends from New York City and elsewhere to stay over as long as the property was taken care of and maintained.

Oh, if those walls could talk? Well, we will not go there in order to protect the innocent and the guilty. Walter’s “ white parties”, hosted on the Vineyard, were infamous and at the same time famous for the good times, quality food and beverages. Walter liked a good party, and knew how to curate a fun filled event. As a result of his engaging personality, social graces and acumen he was well known and often called the “ Mayor of Oak Bluffs “. Walter loved his friends and up until Covid he took pride in hosting guests at his summer cottage.

With his knowledge and experience in engineering, he had an in-depth understanding of audiology, speaker construction, development and installation of mid to high end sound systems, resulting in the founding of WEL Productions . The company was sought out to install sound systems in many of the clubs and music venues in and around the Tri-state area.

Walter was married years ago for a brief time and divorced. He was a confirmed bachelor for a number of years, that was until he met and established a longterm relationship with Cheryle Wills of Cleveland, Ohio.. A beautiful couple they were, as

they traveled the world enjoying themselves along the way. Sadly, Cheryle’s health declined over the past two-three years and she transitioned last February. He was devoted to her even as her health declined.

Toward the end of Cheryle’s life, Walter’s long time heart challenges reoccurred. He was most recently hospitalized and transferred to a rehabilitation center to regain his mobility and strength. The prognosis for his recovery was not optimistic and he transitioned while asleep.

Walter’s spirituality was fulfilled by his weekly attendance at Riverside Church, where his ashes will be interred in the church’s columbarium. He was also a frequent worshiper at the Abyssinian Baptist Church located in Harlem, pastored at the time by the late Dr. Rev. Calvin O. Butts III. Whenever, Rev. Butts was on Martha’s Vineyard, Walter took it upon himself and considered it his responsibility and honor to provide transport for Rev. Butts while on the island.

Walter Edison Lowe, Jr. lived a long, fun filled life where the world was his oyster and made friends over the decades that lasted a lifetime. He will be missed in New York City, New Jersey, Barbados and Martha’s Vineyard. He now joins the love of his life Cheryle Wills in heaven. May they begin the party anew.

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 22, 2023

CARIBSPORTS

19

Five West Indian Rookies Who Could Become Big Names in the CPL under the ‘potential’ category. He has tremendous potential, but if given an opportunity, he has the tools to come up and produce the goods required.

“He is someone who bowls real fast offspin and his batting has improved leaps and bounds. He’s batting at one-down and scoring hundreds in T20 cricket. So that’s the amount of work he’s put in, in his game. Also, he’s a brilliant fielder, so I think the world is his oyster now and he will only get better playing with experienced players at St Kitts.”

Alick Athanaze (Barbados Royals)

Matthew Forde (St Lucia Kings)

When Alick Athanaze was on his way to the joint-fastest half-century on ODI debut, Carlos Brathwaite, who was on TV commentary at the time, dubbed him the “future of West Indies cricket”. Then, after the left-hand batter made his Test debut against India at his home ground in Dominica, in front of his family, R Ashwin picked him among a group of players who could dominate the next decade in cricket. A CPL debut for Barbados Royals this season will only embellish his CV. Athanaze hasn’t played any official T20 cricket yet, but showed during the ODIs against UAE and India that he has a variety of shots in his repertoire, including the reverse-sweep. He also has the experience of having featured in Global T20 Canada and the Vincy T10 league.

His ability to bowl offspin and patrol the infield as the outfield makes him a particularly attractive package.

Matthew Forde shares a birthday with Andre Russell and has modelled his game on the T20 phenom. He can launch sixes down the order, hit hard lengths with the ball, and also bowl deceptive slower cutters, skills that have put him on the radar of T20 leagues even outside the Caribbean.

Most recently, he finished Global T20 Canada as the tournament’s highest wicket-taker, with 15 wickets in eight games at an average of 10.80 and economy rate of 6.43 in Surrey Jaguars’ run to the final. Though his hero Russell had the final say in that final for Montreal Tigers, Forde did well enough to keep Chris Lynn and Shrefane Rutherford quiet. Forde was also impressive with the ball during the Cool & Smooth T20 tournament, conceding just five runs an over across seven matches.

Forde played only seven games for Kings last season but could have a bigger role this CPL after having proven his white-ball chops in the LPL and GT20 Canada.

Kevin Wickham (Barbados Royals) Another former West Indies Under-19 player and another Royal, Kevin Wickham is also set for his CPL debut. Wickham, now 20, has played just six first-class and six List A games so far, but has already been part of CWI’s Emerging Players camp and was recently name-checked by Ian Bishop during an interview with ESPNcricinfo.

Like Athanaze, Wickham is yet to play any official T20 cricket, but he did produce a Player-of-the-Match performance in the Barbados T10 final, which Settlers won. Opening the batting, he cracked 45 off 21 balls in that final, and could be among the top-order options for Royals too in the CPL. Wickham had also been on St Kitts & Nevis Patriots’ radar and even played for their developmental team against a visiting Scotland side earlier this year.

Kofi James (St Kitts & Nevis Patriots) Kofi James was part of Patriots’ development sides and is a product of their extensive scouting system. James started his career as a lower-order batter but has now slid up the order after having expanded his range. It was on display during the Cool & Smooth T20 tournament, where he was the top-scorer with 330 runs in nine innings, including a century, ahead of Scotland internationals like Richie Berrington and Matthew Cross. James’ dartit-in offspin has also attracted the attention of Patriots’ new head coach Malolan Rangarajan.

“Adhishwar (The director of cricket at St Kitts) was on ground during our scouting camps, and he was speaking very highly about Kofi’s potential,” Malolan told ESPNcricinfo in the lead-up to CPL 2023. “I would term him

Nicholson Gordon (Jamaica Tallawahs)

Nicholson Gordon, 31, is the oldest among the five players in this list but is young in terms of T20 experience. The fast bowler hadn’t played an official T20 until CPL 2022 and ended up winning the tournament with Jamaica Tallawahs. In the final against Royals, Gordon stepped up in the absence of the injured Mohammad Amir, taking out Najibullah Zadran, Corbin Bosch and Devon Thomas.

Gordon is a bit like India’s Shardul Thakur. He has a tendency to leak runs but also has the knack of taking key wickets under pressure.

And going for boundaries doesn’t prevent him from exploring attacking lengths. Gordon suffered a thigh injury earlier this year but is fit now and ready to bowl the difficult overs for Tallawahs once again.

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CARIBHEALTH

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 22, 2023