Building a digital army: UN peacekeepers fight deadly disinformation
Designing ways to fight back against falsehoods that can trigger tensions, violence, or even death, the UN has been monitoring how mis- and disinformation and hate speech can attack health, security, stability as well as progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“It has become clear that business as usual is not an option,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in a policy brief launched in June on information integrity on digital platforms.
“The ability to disseminate large-scale disinformation to undermine scientifically established facts poses an existential risk to humanity and endangers democratic institutions and fundamental human rights,” he wrote in the brief. Disinformation can be dangerous in other ways. Several UN missions have reported social media campaigns in recent years targeting their peacekeeping work.
In 2019, the UN mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), known by its French acronym MONUSCO, raised grave concerns about social media disinformation campaigns calling for violence against peacekeepers during an Ebola epidemic and following a deadly attack by an armed group in the restive eastern region.
The country was deeply impacted by a brutal conflict which began in 2020 across the north between Ethiopian Government forces and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), although a peace deal between the sides was brokered by the African Union, ending the fighting last November.
Briefing journalists at UN Headquarters in New York on Friday, Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said that humanitarians were providing medical supplies, logistics support and boosting communications efforts in response to a cholera outbreak in Oromia, Sidama, and the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People’s Region, as well as Somali regions. “According to national authorities, more than 16,800 cases of cholera have been reported, including 212 related deaths, as of 2 August”, he said.
“We are also providing medical supplies for the response to malaria which, as of 30 July, has impacted over 1.7 million people and claimed 200 lives.”
He said more than 30 UN agencies and international and national NGOs were working hard to combat the effects of malnutrition which remains a concern in several regions including Afar, Amhara, Oromia, Sidama, South West and Tigray.
In June and July, more than 26,000 mothers and children received nutrition support in Amhara and Southern Oromia, Mr. Dujarric continued, with humanitarian colleagues providing cash transfers to more than 310,000 people in Somali region.
Israeli-Palestinian death toll highest since 2005: UN envoy
It represents the highest number of fatalities since 2005 and reflects “concerning trends” seen in recent months throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territory “Palestinians and Israelis are killed and injured in near daily violence –including just hours before this briefing when another fatal shooting attack killed an Israeli in the West Bank,” he said, speaking from Jerusalem. Extremists taking advantage
The violence is fuelled and exacerbated by a growing sense of despair about the future, said Mr. Wennesland, whose official title is UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process.
“The lack of progress towards a political horizon that addresses the core issues driving the conflict has left a dangerous and volatile vacuum, filled by extremists on both sides,” he told the Council.
“We are a long distance apart from the sentiments prevailing when the Oslo Accord was signed 30 years ago on 19 August.”
Guterres condemns assault against UN peacekeepers in Cyprus
Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said in a statement issued on behalf of Secretary-General António Guterres that several members of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) had been injured while UN vehicles had also been damaged inside the buffer zone that divides the Turkish Cypriot north and Greek Cypriot south. Security Council mandate
Mr. Dujarric said the peacekeepers had been preventing unauthorized construction work in the Pyla/Pile area, “in accordance with their mandate” provided by the UN Security Council.
According to news reports, Turkish Cypriot bulldozers moved in to clear UN vehicles, bollards and barbed wires placed in the buffer zone, and three UNFICYP personnel required hospital treatment following the assault, including one who had been kicked to the ground.
UNFICYP also condemned the attack saying in a statement that threats to the safety of UN peacekeepers and damage to UN property were “unacceptable and constitute a serious crime under international law, which will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”
The Secretary-General urged the Turkish Cypriot side “to respect the authority of UNFICYP as mandated by the Security Council and to withdraw all personnel and machinery from the UN buffer zone immediately.medicines, shelter materials, hygiene kits, and household items to support more than 15,000 people who remain in these areas.
As we celebrate another West indian Day Parade in Brooklyn, New York in September, a conversation arose from the Carib News’ staff meeting about something that would add to the pride and joy of being a Caribbean person in the United States this year. The only thing we could think of that we have not yet achieved, is Calypso/Soca as a Grammy category.
Staff reached out to a few music afiicionados in the community to get a sense of why this has not been a serious intiative since Calypso was introduced in the 1970s.
It is evident from information we received that this initiative is not without previous effort on the part of some.
However, the fact that other groups have been able to record this as an achievement for their music genres leaves much to be desired about why Calypso/Soca is not there yet in the last four or five decades.
To explain this, let’s start at the beginning...
The Origins of Soca Music
Soca Music developed as a by-product of Calypso. In the 1970s in Trinidad, Calypso was losing favor with the younger generation as reggae from Jamaica and Soul and Funk from the USA rose to popularity. As a result, Lord Shorty (Ras Shorty I), developed Soca in an effort to restore Calypso’s prevalence. Shorty was the first to define his music as “Soca” during 1973 when his hit song “Indrani” caused musical waves on radio stations and at parties and clubs - not just in his native Trinidad and Tobago, but also in cities like New York, Toronto and London.
Soca literally means the ‘(So)ul of (Ca)lypso’, and represents a fusion of African and Caribbean Kaiso, Calypso and South Asian rhythms. At its introduction, it combined the musical traditions to the two major ethnic groups of cosmopolitan Trinidad and Tobago. It started as a two-category genre - Chutney Soca - the fusion of Chutney music, Indian music and Soca; and Groovy Soca – a slower beat of 115 beats per minute.
by Mell PGil Figaro, the Chairman and Founder of the SUNSHINE Awards gave us a bit of history on the topic.
He said, “There is no doubt that Calypso music has come of age to be a part of the Grammy Awards with it’s own category. In fact, Calypso has been around in the United States since the 1940s. Dr. Hollis “Chalkdust” Liverpool stated in his book “Rituals of Power and Rebellion” that Calypso music reached many Americans through the famous “Rum and Coca Cola” case of the 1940s. A Calypso by that name originally composed by calypsonian Lord Invader was brought to the United States by Morey Amsterdam, an American comedian who entertained troops in Trinidad around 1943.
“Rum and Coca Cola” was speedily recorded by the Andrews Sisters on Decca Records (US 18636) on October 18, 1944. It reported sold 2.5 million copies. Plagiarism was proved and Lord Invader was compensated. This case helped to popularize Calypso in the United States.
What are the Grammys?
The Grammy Awards, or simply known as the Grammys, are awards presented by the Recording Academy of the United States (NARAS) to recognize “outstanding” achievements in the music industry. They are regarded by many as the most prestigious and significant awards in the music industry worldwide.
Reggae music (Jamaica) has been a Grammy category since 1985. According to the category description guide for the 52nd Grammy Awards, eligible works are vocal or instrumental reggae albums “containing at least 51% playing time of newly recorded music”, including roots reggae, dancehall and ska music.
Based on the evolvement of Calypso/Soca through the years, the genre seems a good fit for consideration.
Figaro added, “One can further emphasize the need for a Calypso music category by citing the Baha Men and their recording “Who Let The
Dogs Out.” This group and their track received the 2000 Grammy Award for the “Best Dance Recording.”
Most world renowned music producers categorized this recording as a Calypso. On the other hand, isn’t it ironic that the legendary Harry Balafonte received the 2000 “Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award for Calypso, an artform for which there is no category?”
Mr. Figaro also shared that even back in the day there was support for a Calypso/Soca as a Grammy category, and the United Nations was supportive.
He said, “I can also recall, in 2002, world renowned career Diplomat of the United Nations, Dr. Hans Geiser wrote the following in a letter to the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS – the organization that promotes the annual Grammy Awards)”.
Dr. Geiser said, “We at the United Nations, for quite some time now, have become keenly aware of the importance of Calypso and Sttelband music as a unique and authentic art form that has been growing and expanding over the years from it humble beginnings in Trinidad and Tobago onto the stage of world music.”
“We recognize Calypso music not only as a unique art form with worldwide appeal, but an art form that lends itself par excellence to effectively promote and disseminate values and messages the United Nations stand for. We have indeed used this artform and some of the more prominent recordings artistes in United Nations campaigns against drug abuse, HIV/ AIDS, domestic violence and in support of youth development worldwide.”
In the past two decades the genre has wellevolved, and the effort by artists has increased tenfold to put Soca on the world stage.
Soca music has gained massive popularity over the years and is now Caribbean music with artists from the small islands being highly popular. It is also still closely allied with Carnivals, with a number of releases mainly focused on the Trinidad Carnival cycle, effectively from late November to February of the following
year.
In modern times, Soca’s development as a musical genre includes its fusion with Calypso, Chutney, Reggae, Zouk, Latin, Cadence and traditional West African rhythms. Soca artists year after year put Soca music on the map, and around the globe. Collaborations with popular world music artists in these different categories gives Soca its uniqueness.
Even with its legacy, there seems to be some disorganization within the Calypso and Soca music industry that prevents the movement of the genre to consideration at the Grammy level. Elizabeth ‘Lady’ Montano, mother of Soca King Machel Montano, shared that “we (the Caribbean region) don’t have enough representation”...Soca Music is based on live performances more than sales. [Becoming a Grammy category is] based on the number of sales, and the number of people registered with the Recording Academy (NARAS) - writers, artists, producers - which would enable us to vote/ nominate people to the category...
“We need numbers and a Caribbean front for this effort. We need to support each other and do more work with our music. Then there is the issue of seasonality...”
Despite all of this, Figaro believes “a Grammy Award category for Calypso Music will enhance and expand NARAS outreach to a truly universal artform and, in so doing, will significantly increase its membership base. A Grammy Award category for Calypso music is long overdue.”
Based on every comment we received, the question is - Can we come together as a united front in the Caribbean to meet this milestone for the Calypso/Soca genre? And will that happen this lifetime?
Maybe Jamaica will share what they did to ensure Reggae made the list.
We are hopeful, and only time will tell.
On Sunday Former New York Gov. David Paterson warned about a “city versus country revolt” against the federal government over the migrant crisis — and claimed “we probably need” such drastic action to wake up the clueless Biden administration.
Speaking with John Catsimatidis on WABC 770AM radio’s “Cats Roundtable”, Paterson was speaking directly to the migrant issue currently facing New York. He said, “The federal government just decided they are sending the people in, and we should just be happy. I don’t know what it is that they expect. They sent really no money.”
“It could in some ways backfire when other cities have the same problem as New York City,” he said of the White House’s stance. “There might be a kind of city-vs.-
country revolt — which we probably need at this point.
“I think most people are very sympathetic to the plight of the migrants and would like to help. But as in any situation, even when you’re giving to charity, you give as much as you can, not as much as they think you should.”
Paterson also mentioned a court order, which was publicized, that compelled the state to write a letter to the city and Mayor Adams about complying with some of the shelter laws. to that he said, “Further more, I don’t think this is a problem by the city or the state. I think it’s because by the federal government who shipped 160,000 in their current venture and there is no municipality on the planet that can handle that number of people coming in at the same time.”
He defended Mayor Adams on his open stance to welcome migrants to New York City, saying that at that time, he could not have possibly envisioned the massive number that would come all at one time. He believes in the next few months, “as we get into September, October, November, the same discussion that we’ve had is just going to intensify”, supporting Adams’ call for urgency int his matter.
In addition, Paterson mentioned another cause for concern are the increasing number of new students coming in upstate and the shortage of teachers there who do not have the resources to deal with the influx.
“This is the kind of plan that should never have been enacted within a year. [The Biden administration] should have taken a year to try to adjust the facilities and the
capacity of a city or a town or wherever you’re sending migrants,” Paterson said.
Gregory Aboud of the The Downtown Owners and Merchants Association (DOMA) in Trinidad says the country is in a state of near-panic.
The association issued a media release last week that said it had been “inundated” with communications from the business community and the public “in tones of near panic” regarding the acceleration in violence and uncontrolled lawlessness currently being visited on the country.
The association is calling for changes to be made to the management approach of law an order, border protection and a “return to basic parameters of public safety” in Trinidad and Tobago saying,“We stand ready to join with the many business leaders who are devoting hundreds of hours of their time to many
other issues in the interest of building a better Trinidad and Tobago…Silence and withdrawal is not an option—collaboration will assist to restore some sense of hope and quell the rising tide of panic.”
The release pointed out – “This state of near panic is a direct result, in our view, of a sense of hopelessness that has been growing consistently. The constant, stark images of persons dead and dying are overpowering our natural buoyancy and creating a demoralized population of citizens living in greater and greater distress.“In contrast, criminals are living in an encouraging landscape of zero consequence.
“The overall result of hopelessness and potential panic is destroying community life, visiting pain and suffering on the families and friends of victims and permeating the national
economy by not only stagnating investment decisions but also by destroying consumer confidence.
“There is little or no job creation and existing jobs are at risk by shrinking levels of confidence,” the release stated.
“The porous borders which are being talked about so often and in which fingers are being pointed have seen no improvement in the passage of guns because no courage exists to discuss the real heart of that danger.
“This country is filled with administrative aptitude in many categories of the private sector—those capable of managerial analysis and problem solving have been kept outside of strategic decision making in crucial matters for every wrong reason,” the release added.
Harlem – As part of the 49th annual Harlem Week, on Sunday, the family of the late artist and civil rights advocate Harry Belafonte was presented with the key to the city. The key was presented to Pamela Belafonte, Harry Belafonte’s widow.
The late Emmy-award winning singer was hailed as a a pioneer in music and a trailblazer in Black empowerment. He was recognized as being the embodiment of the Harlem’s musical significance and activism. Elected officials celebrated his life in front of thousands on stage at West 135th Street and Frederick Douglas Boulevard and declared August 20 as Harry Belafonte Day.
Ingrid Lewis-Martin said, Chief Advisor to Mayor Adams said, “Harry used his powerful voice to advocate for racial equality and advanced a variety of civic and humanitarian causes. He was a close friend of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and played an important role
in the 1963 March on Washington. His remarkable life and legacy continue to inspire all of us.”
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 one-day 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. During our 49 years of producing HARLEM WEEK, the event has grown from a one-day event to a month-long festival and now, as a 10-day live and virtual event.
targeted by the Grand Ravine gang since 25 July. The violence intensified between 11 and15 August, with gang members killing or injuring some 28 people, and looting or setting on fire at least 50 homes.
Two police officers associated with the self-defense groups were also killed. Specialised police units were eventually deployed on 15 August and forced the gang out of the immediate area. However, the situation remains extremely insecure as the police are still operating in surrounding areas.
year, at least 2,439 people have been killed and a further 902 injured. In addition, 951 people have been kidnapped. In response to the ongoing gang violence and pervasive insecurity, there has been a rise in “popular justice” movements or self-defense groups, also leading to violence. Since 24 April up to mid-August, more than 350 people have been lynched by local people and vigilante groups. Those killed have included 310 alleged gang members, 46 members of the public and a police officer.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights: Ravina Shamdasani shared a report from the recent wave of violence in Haiti. The reports from Haiti have underscored the extreme brutality of violence being inflicted on the population and the impact it is having on their human rights.
(UNHCR) – On the night of 14-15 August, a local municipal representative, his wife an child were shot and killed in their house in the Decayette neighborhood of Port-au-Prince by alleged gang members.
The man was apparently targeted in retaliation for his reported support for a local self-defense group set up to confront the gangs. Hours earlier, on 14 August, five men and two women from the same family were burned alive when their home in the Carrefour-Feuilles neighborhood was set on fire by the Grand Ravine gang. They were also reportedly targeted because of their support for a self-defense group. These neighbourhoods, as well as the Savanne Pistache neighbourhood, had been
Some 5,000 people have fled these neighborhoods since last weekend and are either sheltering in improvised sites or with host communities, often in dire circumstances and still vulnerable to attack.
Other neighbourhoods in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince, such as Tabarre and Croix des Bouquets, have also seen spikes of violence in recent weeks, as gangs vie to move into new areas while also consolidating their control over areas already in their grip.
Between 1 January and 15 August this
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, who visited Haiti in February this year, calls for urgent action to be taken on the UN Secretary-General’s appeal for a non-United Nations multinational force to support the Haitian police in addressing the grave security situation and restoring the rule of law, in strict compliance with international human rights norms and standards. The human rights of the Haitian people must be protected and their suffering alleviated.
Kingston – Prime Minister Andrew Holness, says Jamaica is close to full employment as the country reached a record low unemployment level of 4.5 percent.
In a statement Wednesday, Holness described as “welcomed news’ the report by the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) that the out-turn, based on the April 2023 Labour Force Survey, was 1.5 percentage points lower than the figure for the corresponding period in 2022. “We are now close to full employment… [and] that our economy continues to expand,” Holness said, adding “but what it really means is that more Jamaicans have
income.
“It means that more Jamaican families can do much better than they were doing before,” said Holness, who is also the Minister of Economic Growth and Job Creation.
“This is the best news that our economy can have…we are building Jamaica”.
Speaking at STATIN’s quarterly digital media briefing on Tuesday, Director General, Carol Coy, said that the number of unemployed people in April this year fell by 19 700, or 24.3 per cent, to 61 300, compared to the corresponding period in 2022.
She noted that the number of unemployed males fell by 8 900, or 26.3 per cent, to 24
900, while the corresponding out-turn for females dropped from 47 200 last year to 36 400 in April.
The number of unemployed youth, aged 14 to 24, was 24 600, a decrease of 6 800 or 21.7 per cent.The number of employed people increased by 43 300 to 1 312 600. “Females accounted for over two-thirds of this increase. Employed females grew by 5.1 per cent or 29 700, while employed males increased by two per cent or 13 600,” Coy said.
STATIN also advised that there was increased employment in all age groups. (CMC)
On Monday, Haiti police met with a Kenyan delegation, one day after arriving in the country to assess leading a possible UN-backed multinational security force to help fight escalating gang warfare. The Kenyan officers are on a reconnaissance mission.
Nearly a dozen senior police officers left the Toussaint L’Ouverture international airport in the capital, Portau-Prince, in armored cars heading to the U.S. embassy. Deputy Inspector General of Administration Police Noor Gabow is leading the Kenyan mission.
“We are here to assess the needs of Haiti’s national police, better understand the situation and do our best
to help the Haitian people,” Kenyan ambassador and head of bilateral and political affairs, George Orina, said in a Haitian government statement.
The 10-person Kenyan delegation met senior police staff early on Monday, the statement said, and will stay until Wednesday, holding further meetings with national police and Haiti’s Prime Minister, Ariel Henry.
After the Kenyan assessment, the plan to send a security force to Haiti will pass to a vote at the UN Security Council. The United States has already voiced its support, though the date remains undecided.
The U.S. Embassy to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean, and the Organization of the Eastern Caribbean States has announced that Barbadians Krystal Delaney and Christopher Brathwaite are the 2023 recipients of the Fulbright Foreign Student Scholarship. Ms. Delaney, a Principal Crown Counsel in the Office of the Attorney General will pursue a Masters in Law degree (LLM) at the University of Texas at Austin, while Mr. Brathwaite, who previously served as a Secretary to the Ambassador of Japan to Barbados will be heading to the University of Washington to pursue a
Master’s degree in Public Administration.
The Fulbright program is the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government and is designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries.
The Fulbright Foreign Student program enables graduate students, young professionals, and artists from abroad to research and study in the United States for one year or longer at U.S. universities or other appropriate institutions.
Nine Guyanese have been awarded scholarships to further their studies in China, for post-graduate and under-graduate programs in various disciplines from finance to civil works. The held an Award Ceremony for Chinese Scholarship Winners 2023. The students were named during a ceremony by the Chinese Embassy in Guyana at Mandela Avenue, Georgetown on Friday August 18.
Ambassador Guo Haiyan, together with Ms Candida Daniels, Director of Department of International Cooperation of Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation and Ms Deomattie Seeram, Manager of Scholarships Administration of Ministry of Public Service attended and addressed the event. Mr Li Hanqing, Councilor in charge of economic and commercial affairs, moderated the ceremony. This year’s recipients are Yvongelene Kissoon, Chabeeraj Francis, Ansel Campbell, Shameeza Baksh, Joshua Solomon, Abike Barker, Kerri-Ann Khan, Wan Yameng and Oswin Harte- Trisson.
Six scholarships are provided by China’s central government through China Scholarship Council, and three by Jiangsu provincial government. The scholarships are for a variety of academic disciplines ranging from studies in medicine, civil engineering, trade, finance and art.
Since the signing of the cultural agreement between the two governments in 1984, China has provided a total of 222 scholarships to Guyanese students.
“Education is the foundation of national development in the long run…Education and training are always important elements of our cooperation,” she said.
According to the Ambassador, Guyana has embarked on a fast development track and its work force is in dire need of persons. She urged the scholarship recipients to take full advantage of the opportunity and at the same time explore China culture and cuisine. “We look forward to your return to serve your country and your people,” the Ambassador said.
E. Dale Abel, MD, PhD, chair of the Department of Medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and executive medical director of the UCLA Health Department of Medicine has received the Endocrine Society Fred Conrad Koch Lifetime Achievement Award. The award, the group’s highest honor, recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the field of endocrinology through their lifetime.
Dr. Abel’s pioneering work on glucose transport and mitochondrial metabolism in the heart guided his research interest in molecular mechanisms responsible for cardiovascular complications of diabetes. His laboratory has provided important insights into the contribution of mitochondrial dysfunction and aberrant insulin signaling to heart failure risk in diabetes.
Dr. Abel’s research on cardiovascular complications of obesity and insulin resistance has garnered recognition and continuous support from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for over two decades. Among the honors he
has received for scholarship, scientific and academic achievement, Dr. Abel is an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine, the National Academy of Sciences, the Association of American Physicians and the American Society for Clinical Investigation.
In addition, Dr. Abel has been recognized for a longstanding commitment to mentoring the next generation of endocrine researchers and biomedical scientists. He has served as the program chair for the annual Network of Minority Investigators workshop sponsored by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders to increase the success of minority biomedical researchers. Since 2012, he has been a principal investigator for the Endocrine Society’s FLARE program, which has successfully increased the pipeline of underrepresented groups into productive careers in endocrinology and diabetes research.
“I am humbled to be the recipient of the highest award from the Endocrine Society, the world’s largest professional association of endocrinologists,” said Dr. Abel. “The
Endocrine Society has been my professional home for nearly 30 years. During this time, I have benefitted immensely through the Society, from mentorship to numerous opportunities for professional development within the field. As such it has been easy to give back and provide mentorship to emerging leaders in the field. My accomplishments as an endocrine investigator reflects the efforts of many trainees with whom I have been privileged to work over the past three decades and generosity of mentors and collaborators. I hope that our work, will ultimately impact the lives of many patients with diabetes.”
Abel has held several leadership positions at the Endocrine Society including Past President. He is currently a Deputy Editor for the peer-reviewed journal Endocrine Reviews.
Before joining the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, he served as the Chair and Executive Officer of the Department of Internal Medicine and Professor of Medicine, Biochemistry and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa. Since
2012, he has been a principal investigator for the Endocrine Society’s Future Leaders Advancing Research in Endocrinology (FLARE) program, which has helped individuals from underrepresented groups establish successful careers in endocrinology and diabetes research.
In about a week we will be experiencing the greatest one-day show in the United States, the Caribbean Carnival Brooklyn Labor Day Festival on Eastern Parkway, where millions will be gathered to enjoy the splendor of the Caribbean culture. This presentation will be of all the Caribbean cultural genres, but it will be dominated primarily by that of Trinidad and Tobago Calypso and Soca. It is the music born of the community and the music to which a large community responds, that community is growing and has grown over the years to advance the international community of music lovers.
Harry Belafonte’s album, `Calypso’ sold over 1,000,000 copies, moving Calypso music into the mainstream. Calypso has been a mainstay in so many concerts, presentations and recordings around the world, so when we look at this cultural expression that is so vibrant, so rich it is what motivated Carib News, back in 1983, to petition NARAS, National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences; this petition was to bring to their attention the musical contribution of Reggae and Calypso and its rightful place to be considered for categories at the Grammy’s. It took a couple of years to get their attention and to wade through their bureaucratic consideration, but Reggae was given the category after much lobbying, and has proven to be successful in creating a viable
economic basis for artists and producers. Calypso did not get a category at the time and it was felt that the combination of producers and artists were not In sync to produce the kind of music that the Academy was prepared to, at that time, make a category. Time has changed and we know that in the interim between then and now several efforts have been made to approach the Academy with respect to Calypso/Soca category - some approach by governmental sources, some by recorded industry producers and some by artists and all with good intention and all of course faced the winds of the bureaucratic structure of NARAS. NARAS’ criteria at the beginning in 1958, when it was founded, stated that the Grammy was to honor artistic achievement, technical proficiency and overall excellence in the recording industry without regard to album sales or chart position but in reality a combination of restrictions and demands by NARAS of producers and artists through the years has made it difficult to break through with new categories.
The effort for Calypso/Soca category was met with some resistance and while these combined efforts must continue and coordinate, there needs to be a petition from the community to the board of trustee of NARAS bringing to their attention this musical genre that has been so impactful over the years, and has appreciation and
community support.
It is about time that we engineer the approach to NARAS for the category of Calypso/Soca - it’s about time that we have a petition signed by as many community members, musicians, producers, artists, entertainers, not just in the art form of Calypso/Soca but artists and entertainers who know the value of Calypso and its strong roots in the music world. So it is about time that we take on this challenge again and move forward in the effort to bring this about.
We can also be encouraged by the updated terms from NARAS’ governance and their commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion fighting for creative rights, protecting music people in need and saving music in our schools, those are categories that NARAS has updated in its mission statement and we can further take courage because NARAS has now approved Afrobeats as a Grammy category when in May the trustees voted to introduce the best African music performance category. The reason in a quote given my NARAS is that “these changes reflect our commitment to actively listen and respond to the feedback from our music community, accurately representing the diverse range of relevant musical content,” further stating “we are excited to honor and celebrate the creators and recording in these categories while exposing a wider range of music to
fans worldwide.”
So NARAS is taking a broader view of consideration for categories and have in fact stated they are listening and responding to the music community and they are committed to diversity and inclusion and it is about time then that we hold NARAS to its mission.
Calypso/Soca has a strong community of music lovers worldwide, has a deep history of providing the kind of music that is appreciated and has been used in so many ways in the world of entertainment and if they want to live up to their word of listening to the music community and to incorporate in their categories music that represent a diverse range of relevant music genre and stay aligned with the ever-evolving music landscape, then the category for Calypso/ Soca should be very high on their list and we should help them by pushing this petition by working with producers, artists, and creators in a combined and determined effort to tell the Academy, it’s about time for a Calypso/Soca category. It is about time that we come together from a community-wide basis and look to bring this musical genre to its rightful place in the international world of music and expand the culture- that’s what we are all about.
Members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) firmly stated that Black Americans are being attacked in various ways nationwide, with Republicans leading these efforts.
“We refuse to be victims, and we will not be silenced,” declared CBC Chairman and Representative Steven Horsford (D-Nev.) during a State of Black America press event held at the Capitol.
“Our fundamental rights are under siege, and our history is being denied. But we will not passively witness these actions.
Too many people count on us to fight for them.”
Recent events in several GOP-led state legislatures have intensified concerns within the CBC.
Despite a Supreme Court order, Alabama and Louisiana legislatures refused to create an additional district with a majority of Black residents.
The Florida State Board of Education has approved new education guidelines that downplay the harsh history of slavery. Instead, they emphasize the perceived
benefits gained from the skills of enslaved people.
Rep. Maxwell Frost from Florida, the youngest member of the House, expressed frustration with his state’s guidelines. He said these guidelines aim to erase and indoctrinate this generation with white supremacy.
However, Frost warned that Florida officials should not underestimate Black America’s determination to organize and resist.
Members of the CBC said that statements made by their GOP counterparts at the Capitol have deeply disturbed them, adding to the mounting discontent. Rep. Eli Crane from Arizona made an offensive comment during a House floor debate by referring to Black people as “colored people.”
Meanwhile, Sen. Tommy Tuberville from Alabama defended a controversial statement by denying the racism of white nationalists. Horsford acknowledged that expectations from Republican leaders are minimal at this point, but Representative Troy Carter (D-La.) demanded that the party’s leaders take a stand against such bigotry.
“The silence from Republicans and others in the face of such egregious statements is deafening,” Carter said. “We will not
condone the erasing of history. We must stand together to put an end to this.”
The CBC has issued a list of demands, calling on the Department of Justice and the Department of Education to launch investigations into education policies. The caucus recently met with Education Secretary Miguel Cardona to discuss policies about Black history. They also sent formal letters to Cardona and Attorney General Merrick Garland, urging for a “strong legal strategy.” “Black people did not benefit from slavery; we built this country,” emphasized Horsford.
“Our toil, sweat, and tears went into constructing the very foundation of this nation. Elevating Black America is an elevation for all. We will not tolerate this assault on our rights.”
President Biden couldn’t have said it any more plainly when he said last week in Milwaukee, “When I think climate, I think jobs.”
He was speaking the day before the one-year anniversary of the historic clean energy and jobs package that he and Congress agreed on; that was the third major economic push that federal government has made since 2021 along with earlier boosts for infrastructure and technology.
So it’s a good moment to check the scorecard for what officially is called the Inflation Reduction Act. To date, Americans are winning.
More than 190 clean energy projects across 41 states have been announced in the last year, according to the group Climate Power. Those projects are adding more than 140,000 jobs in those states. While no Republicans in Congress voted for the $350 billion clean energy package, those jobs are being spread
across both red and blue states. In the 2020 election, the President lost five of the top 10 states in terms of new jobs created and five of the 10 states with the most projects announced since last year. Just as importantly, it appears we’re growing those jobs in communities where they are needed most. The Treasury Department found that two-thirds the projects announced involving clean energy, electric vehicles or batteries are in counties with above-average poverty rates. The projects are going to places with low college graduation rates, low weekly wages, and high unemployment, federal officials reported. Those are the same places that far too often must bear far more than their share of the impact from pollution and climate change. Throughout our nation’s history, the least powerful people have had to make unfair choices because they needed jobs, whether it’s strip-mining mountains they love or
living in cancer alleys that the plants where they work create with their toxic discharge.
For the rest of us, the benefit isn’t just environmental, it’s economic as well. As the Treasury Department noted, the best way to grow U.S. productivity overall is to increase it in these places that have the most growth potential. But these wins haven’t convinced the opponents on Capitol Hill who didn’t support the plan in the first place. While they are happy to celebrate the clean energy jobs that are sprouting in their states, they continue to work against everything from limits on the carbon pollution that threatens the climate to the tax credits to encourage people and businesses to buy electric vehicles.
It’s increasingly clear that Americans no longer must make a false choice between a vibrant economy and a safe, livable planet. There are more good jobs
in nearly every state every day that are tied to clean companies. The protectors of an unsustainable status quo the relies on dirty fuels and toxic waste want to fool the public into believing that is not a certainty. It’s an old play, stoking fear to try to divide people enough to keep them from joining together in their own best interest.
We can let them know that we won’t be fooled that way. We can read the score.
Trinidadian calypso vocalist, songwriter, and guitarist Known as the "Calypso King of the World", he is one of the best-known and most successful calypsonians
The undisputed Calypso Queen. Wrote writes her first Calypso “Glass Thief” in 1955 - the first Calypso denouncing inequality between the sexes Still singing and putting out hit records
The grand master of calypso" and "the greatest calypsonian of the post-war age"
Prominence throughout the 1950s, when calypso achieved international success. His statue is on display in Arima.
Trinidadian calypsonian, known to be one of the most successful of all time.
Performed as lead singer for the brass band Charlie's Roots for 9 years Goodwill Ambassador to UNDP.
Won the Calypso Monarch competition on five occasions and the Calypso King of the World title in 1999.
Awarded the Hummingbird Medal (Silver) for his contribution to the culture of T&T.
Soca singer, record producer and songwriter. Known for his high energy, fast-paced, and often unpredictable on-stage performances, he is one of the genre’s most popular artists.
Lead vocalist for Kes The Band Kes' style has elevated them to mainstream popularity, allowing Kes to become a household name in their country and throughout the Caribbean circuit.
One of the most popular soca singers in the world. Lead singer of "The Alison Hinds Show", formed in 2005.
Previously lead vocalist of "Square One" from 1987 - 2004.
Trinidadian ragga soca artist. He is also affectionately known as the Viking of Soca.
Leader of his band the Godfather’s Asylum, he mentors soca artists who are talented but have not found a way to break into the business
Trinidadian singer, songwriter, producer and model.
In 2011, she announced the launch of her allfemale band, SASS Nation, alongside lead vocalists Terri Lyons and Megan Walrond.
“We don't have enough representation. Soca Music is based on live performances more than sales.
[Becoming a Grammy category is] based on the number of sales, and the number of people registered with the Recording Academy (NARAS) - writers, artists, producers - which would enable us to vote/nominate people to the category
We need numbers and a Caribbean front for this effort We need to support each other and do more work with our music Then there is the issue of seasonality "
Elizabeth 'Lady' Montano, Executive Producer/Author
“There is no doubt that Calypso music has come of age to be a part of the Grammy Awards with it’s own category In fact, Calypso has been around in the United States since the 1940s Dr Hollis “Chalkdust”
Liverpool stated in his book “Rituals of Power and Rebellion” that Calypso music reached many Americans through the famous “Rum and Coca Cola” case of the 1940s...I can also recall, in 2002, world renowned, career Diplomat of the United Nations, Dr Hans Geiser wrote a lett
Jamaicans are being encouraged to reflect on the teachings of Jamaica’s first National Hero, the Right Excellent Marcus Mosiah Garvey, which continue to resonate deeply with the principles of nation-building.
The call was made by Minister of State in the Ministry of Education and Youth, Hon. Marsha Smith, during Thursday’s (August 17) civic ceremony organized by the St. Ann Municipal Corporation’s Civic Affairs and Community Relations Committee at Lawrence Park in St. Ann’s Bay to commemorate the 136th anniversary of Mr. Garvey’s birth.
The event was held under the theme: ‘Garvey’s Teachings Still a Pillar of ‘Nation-Building’.
Ms. Smith encouraged Jamaicans to use Mr. Garvey’s teachings as stepping stones for self-improvement, re-examining goals and forging new paths forward as one people.
She noted that in endorsing Mr. Garvey’s philosophy, Jamaicans are embracing the responsibility and opportunity to contribute to the country’s ongoing development, just as he envisioned.
“So today, let us not solely go through the motions of remembrance, but let us see today as an opportunity for self-evaluation and accounting,” Ms. Smith stated.
“This self-evaluation and accounting allow us to live our lives with renewed commitment and to take advantage of every opportunity, and where there is no opportunity, we make it for ourselves,” she added.
For his part, Mayor of St. Ann’s Bay, Councillor Sydney Stewart, acknowledged the influential leader as one of the greatest philosophers globally, underlining his global significance and contributions.
He also highlighted the debt of gratitude owed to Marcus Garvey by St. Ann, the National Hero’s birthplace.
Councillor Stewart maintained that it was not only about honouring and celebrating Mr. Garvey, and urged Jamaicans to also delve into his enduring work and journey that encompassed Jamaica and the world beyond.
“So each August, on the 17th, we gather to celebrate and take great pleasure in honouring Marcus Garvey. I say this on behalf of all the citizens of St. Ann,” the Mayor said. The ceremony, which was also used to commemorate the 59th year of Marcus Garvey’s declaration as a National Hero, saw the laying of floral tributes in his honor as well as a marching parade by the Jamaica Constabulary Force and other uniformed groups.
We need community support!
Please sign if you want to help support our efforts in creating a Soca Music Category for The GRAMMY Awards.
The NY Carib News, a publishing company for over 40 years in New York City, is seeking your support in signing this petition to The Recording Academy for consideration before March 1st, 2024.
The Origins of Soca Music
Soca Music developed as a by-product of Calypso. In the 1970s in Trinidad, Calypso was losing favor with the younger generation as reggae from Jamaica and Soul and Funk from the USA rose to popularity. As a result, Lord Shorty (Ras Shorty I), developed Soca in an effort to restore Calypso's prevalence Shorty was the first to define his music as "Soca" during 1973 when his hit song "Indrani" caused musical waves on radio stations and at parties and clubs - not just in his native Trinidad and Tobago, but also in cities like New York, Toronto and London Soca literally means the '(So)ul of (Ca)lypso', and represents a fusion of African and Caribbean Kaiso, Calypso and South Asian rhythms At its introduction, it combined the musical traditions to the two major ethnic groups of cosmopolitan Trinidad and Tobago. It started as a two-category genre - Chutney Socathe fusion of Chutney music, Indian music and Soca; and Groovy Soca – a slower beat of 115 beats per minute
Soca music has gained massive popularity over the years and is now Caribbean music with artists from the small islands being highly popular. It is also still closely allied with Carnivals, with a number of releases mainly focused on the Trinidad Carnival cycle, effectively from late November to February of the following year
In modern times, Soca's development as a musical genre includes its fusion with Calypso, Chutney, Reggae, Zouk, Latin, Cadence and traditional West African rhythms Soca artists year after year put Soca music on the map, and around the globe Collaborations with popular world music artists in these different categories gives soca its uniqueness
Soca deserves its own category With your help, we can make this a reality
Thank you, NY Carib News
WASHINGTON, CMC – The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency says statistics show that border crossings in July by Caribbean and other migrants along the Southwest Border of the United States were lower than in July 2022.
CBP also said Border Patrol encounters remain lower than during the months leading up to the end of the Title 42 public health order.
Many of the migrants crossing the Southwestern Borders in the US and arriving in New York are nationals of Cuba and Haiti, as well those from Venezuela and Guatemala.
“We remain vigilant and continue to adjust our operational plans to maximise enforcement efforts against those individuals who do not use lawful pathways or processes, knowing that smugglers continue to use disinformation to prey on vulnerable individuals,” said Troy A Miller, Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Commissioner.
“Every day, the men and women of CBP are rescuing and rendering aid to individuals sent into harm’s way by callous smugglers, while at the same time, increasing seizures of dangerous
drugs, and processing high volumes of summer travellers,” he added.
CBP said it is processing all non-citizens under Title 8 immigration authorities, and generally placing non-citizens who cross the border unlawfully into Expedited Removal or Section 240 Removal Proceedings.
Generally, it said non-citizens who cross between the ports of entry or who present themselves at a port of entry without making a CBP One appointment are subject to the Circumvention of Lawful Pathways rule. This rule presumes asylum ineligibility for those who fail to use lawful processes, with certain exceptions.
“No one should believe the lies of smugglers. The border is not open to irregular migration; individuals and families without a legal basis to remain in the United States will be removed,” the CBP said in a statement..
In July 2023, CBP said it recorded 132,652 encounters between ports of entry along the Southwest Border: a decrease of 27 per cent from July 2022 when the Title 42 public health Order was in effect.
It said while total encounters increased from June to July, encounters of Single Adults between ports of entry remained flat, “which is indicative of the success of our work to maximise the use of Expedited Removal after the end of the Title 42 public health Order, which was initially focused primarily on Single Adults.”
Additionally, it said Border Patrol encountered fewer single adults on the Southwest Border in the entire month of July than it did in the early days of May prior to the lifting of Title 42. In July, CBP said Border Patrol encountered an average of 2,016 Single Adults per day, down from 6,164 per day the first eleven days of May. Total Southwest Border encounters in July, including individuals who presented at ports of entry with or without a CBP One appointment, were 183,503, a decrease of eight per cent from July 2022.
CBP said it has undertaken significant efforts in recent years to expand capacity to aid and rescue individuals in distress.
The CBP latest data comes as New York Governor Kathy Hochul said New York is continuing
efforts to support Caribbean and other asylum seekers, and to help them find shelter and connect them with critical social services as they arrive in the state.
rics for U visa applications. Services at the Havana Field Office will be available only by appointment. USCIS will update the USCIS International Immigration Offices page in the coming weeks with more information about services and appointments.
Under the previous administration, USCIS officially closed the Havana Field Office on December 10, 2018, due to a reallocation of agency resources and the long-term suspension of operations in 2017 after the U.S. Department of State ordered all non-essential personnel and families to depart Cuba.
WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), announced the reopening of an international field office in Havana, Cuba. The Havana office will assist with U.S. immigration benefits and services, including conducting interviews and processing cases for pending Cuban Family Reunification Parole (CFRP) cases and Form
I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petitions.
“This administration is taking steps to reduce unlawful entries, deny resources to ruthless smuggling organizations, and streamline access to lawful, safe, and orderly pathways for those seeking humanitarian relief. Reopening the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services field office in Havana helps us do just that.” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “Cubans like my own family, who nearly 63 years ago fled the communist takeover, deserve the same opportunity to follow legal pathways to build a new life in the United States. Our Department is committed to building and enforcing a lawful, humane, and secure immigration system, and we will continue to work with countries across the hemisphere and around the world to ensure it.”
The USCIS Havana Field Office will provide other limited services, which may include refugee processing and other limited appointment-only services such as collecting biomet-
On June 9, 2022, DHS announced it was resuming operations under the Cuban Family Reunification Parole (CFRP) program, which was established in 2007 to provide a safe, orderly pathway for certain Cuban beneficiaries of approved family-based immigrant petitions (Form I-130) to wait in the United States for their immigrant visas to become available. CFRP allows certain eligible U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, who receive an invitation letter, to apply for parole for their family members in Cuba. DHS recently streamlined the process to allow CFRP applicants to complete most steps on a secure online platform, modernizing the process so that it is more efficient. In January, the Biden-Harris administration also announced a new process to permit up to 30,000 individuals per month from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela (CHNV) who have a U.S.-based financial supporter, pass vetting and background checks, and meet other established criteria, to come to the United States for a period of two years and receive work authorization.
USCIS’ renewed presence in Cuba is part of an effort to restore USCIS’ footprint outside the United States. These efforts are consistent with the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to facilitate safe, legal, and orderly migration while discouraging irregular and dangerous maritime migration.
At a rally outside Brooklyn Borough Hall Plaza on Tuesday, Mayor Eric Adams continued his pleas to President Biden’s administration for more help in addressing the ongoing migrant crisis, approve temporary work authorizations for the new arrivals, and more money to house them.
Adams said, “There is no reason the national government is not standing true to the basic principle of the American experience to allow you the right to work. It is unacceptable.”
Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso was joined by Mayor Eric Adams, fellow elected officials, labor leaders, and immigrants’ rights groups at Brooklyn Borough Hall to call for federal and state government funding and involvement from the private sector to help New York City serve asylum-seekers. Nearly 100,000 asylum-seekers have arrived in NYC since spring 2022, and a record 108,400 people are currently sleeping in city shelters.
“Today, our call to action is loud and clear: the Federal and State administrations and private sector must aid New York City in addressing the migrant crisis – the well-being of our city demands it,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. “As Borough President, I am ready to do my part in welcoming our new neighbors – earlier this summer, I offered to the Adams Administration that Borough Hall could be used as a shelter for migrants, a promise that I stand ready to fulfill. The City of New York is stepping up to provide for our new neighbors, but we cannot do it alone, and many of the partners that we need have been
absent for far too long. I implore President Biden, Governor Hochul, and the private sector to step up.”
In May, Borough President Reynoso proposed immediate legal opportunities for Governor Hochul, Mayor Adams, and the New York City Council to open up tens of thousands of NYC apartments for New Yorkers living in city shelters and expand immediate and longterm housing opportunities across the state – including inviting the Mayor to use Brooklyn Borough Hall as a shelter for migrants.
“President Biden and Governor Hochul have so far failed to galvanize the full weight of the Federal and State governments to ensure the humane treatment of new arrivals to New York City and the City’s compliance with all Right to Shelter court orders and local laws,” said Adriene Holder, Chief Attorney of the Civil Practice at The Legal Aid Society. “This moment demands urgency from both the Biden and Hochul administration, and we call on the Governor for increased resources in the form of funding, facilities, staffing, coordination and more, as legally obligated under New York State’s Constitution.”
“The immigration system and influx of people seeking asylum is a national issue that the federal government is leaving New York City to solve,” said Public Advocate Jumaane Williams.
“Until we get adequate federal resources and state support, the city is being forced to choose from the best of bad options. We have an obligation to meet this humanitarian crisis, and the federal government has an obligation to
provide aid. I thank the Borough President for amplifying the needs of our new and aspiring New Yorkers and urge federal officials to see the urgency and scope of this emergency – to finally step up, not turn away.”
“While New York City remains a welcoming harbor for new arrivals seeking safety and opportunity, we cannot do so without State and federal partner,” said Comptroller Brad Lander. “The right to shelter is grounded in the State’s constitution, so New York State must step up to fulfill with additional resources and coordination across localities. As enacting immigration policies is a federal responsibility, Washington must accelerate work permits and expand resources to resettle refugees, so our new neighbors can support their families and our city can flourish.”
“New Yorkers are stepping up and standing in solidarity with migrants in crisis; it would be truly shameful if our own Governor and President were unwilling to follow their example and show New York City that same level of solidarity in this moment,” said State Senator Jabari Brisport.
“The Statue of Liberty’s torch is a beacon for all who seek shelter in this great city. However, the federal government has left those seeking refuge without a life raft to support themselves or their families,” said Assembly Member Brian A. Cunningham. “I am proud to join the chorus of elected officials calling for cross-collaborative partnerships to help the City‘s latest newcomers, so we do not fall victim to past mistakes.”
“Asylum-seekers in New York need coordinated
and cooperative action from all levels of government, including expedited work authorization and dignified housing,” said Assembly Member Emily Gallagher. “Living up to our ideals and obligations should not fall solely on the City of New York. The right to shelter must extend statewide while we continue to pressure the federal administration into action. I thank Brooklyn Borough President Reynoso for gathering elected officials across the ideological spectrum to speak out with urgency.”
“New York City must step up as we have done many times in our history to provide for everyone in New York, new and old. But we are going to need some help,” said Assembly Member Robert Carroll. “This is not just an issue of welcoming asylum seekers. This is a question of answering the long-standing challenge of providing housing and basic needs for all New Yorkers. The City, State, and Federal governments need to work together to each do their part.”
“As the Chair of the Assembly Task Force on New Americans, I urge both the State and federal governments to rise above political and geographic divisions, to recognize that this crisis knows no boundaries, and to stand united with New York City in meeting the urgent needs of this moment,” said Assembly Member Phara Souffrant Forrest.
Continued on website at nycaribnews.com
PORT OF SPAIN – The Trinidad-based Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) says regional countries need to take adequate steps to prevent the transboundary spread of infectious diseases, describing it as a threat to regional and global health security.
The CARPHA said that it held a two-day conference here last week to discuss the devastating global impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and other public health concerns, reiterating the necessity for regional and global health security to protect and improve health. It said that Regional Health Security (RHS) encompasses the capacities required for the Caribbean to prepare for and respond to public health threats, risks, priority issues and concerns that transcend national boundaries and potentially impact on economic stability, trade, tourism, and access to goods and services in
the region.
“RHS offers a coordinated approach which is especially crucial in the Caribbean as the region, like the Pacific and African small island developing states, is characterised by small, under-resourced populations and varying surveillance, laboratory and human resource capacities.
“It is also highly interconnected with porous borders, heavily reliant on tourism, and susceptible to climate change and disasters,” CARPHA said, adding that this combination of factors significantly increases the region’s exposure and vulnerability to disease spread, enabling rapid spread of highly transmissible communicable diseases.
Furthermore, the tropical climate, and abundance of competent vectors make the region particularly vulnerable to vectorborne disease outbreaks.
“Consequently, regional health security
and prevention, preparedness and response to public health emergencies need to be improved not only at the national levels, but at the regional level, as functional regional capacities are greater than the sum of the capacities of individual countries for improving RHS in the Caribbean.”
CARPHA said that the RHS planning meeting here was attended by chief medical officers and and other health representatives from its 21 member states as well as representatives from regional and international agencies and three international developmental partners (IDPs).
“The major outcomes of this meeting include the detailing and prioritisation of member states’ current needs, increased awareness of CARPHA’s integrated surveillance and capacity building work and strengthening partnerships. These elements will assist in developing the sustainable RHS Pathway in short order.”
complications that are associated with bleeding and clotting disorders.
The ministry said that in order to ensure the adequate prevention, diagnosis and management of dengue, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, has activated the TWG responsible for assessing, recommending and implementing actions to mitigate this public health event.
Georgetown – Guyana has activated a technical working group (TWG) as the country so far this year has recorded a total of 2 169 confirmed dengue cases with 11 deaths.
The Ministry of Health in a statement said that 239 patients are hospitalised and that dengue is endemic to Guyana and the region of the Americas.
“Every few years there is a cyclical increase in dengue cases due to seasonal and climatic conditions amongst other factors. The region of the Americas has recorded a significant increase in dengue cases in the last few months.
“They have recorded 2,102,848 cases from January to June 2023, of which 3 210 were classified as severe dengue with 876 deaths. The highest number of cases within this region were observed in Brazil, Peru and Bolivia,” the ministry said in its statement.
Dengue is an acute febrile disease that is caused by the dengue virus which is transmitted by the Aedes mosquito. There are four serotypes of the dengue virus known as DENV 1-4, each of which can cause an infection. Re-infection with a different serotype from that of a previous infection can result in a more severe form of the disease.
The ministry said persons with dengue may experience fever, eye pain, muscle/joint pain, skin rash, and headache and generalised weakness. It warned that persons affected by severe dengue (haemorrhagic dengue) may develop
It said as recommended by the TWG several of these measures include, a heightened public awareness campaign to promote environmental sanitation and hygienic practices, and, public awareness on the prevention of dengue and other mosquito borne diseases.
“To ensure prevention and a curb in transmission, several environmental and entomological measures have been increased across Guyana such as fogging (fumigation), residual spraying, home inspections and distribution of larvicidal chemicals to communities through the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NCDs).
Notably, a second cycle of fogging (fumigation) has commenced in most regions.”
The ministry said that it has increased the procurement and distribution of rapid diagnostic test kits and other laboratory supplies and equipment to ensure adequate diagnostic capacity.
“Considering this disease does not have a cure, medication and medical supplies have been distributed in adequate quantity to all regions to ensure symptomatic treatment of all patients throughout the health care system in keeping with a revised national treatment guideline,” the ministry said, adding that the TWG will continue to assess the epidemiological situation and the progress of the implemented measures.
“All Guyanese are encouraged to do source reduction otherwise known as the elimination of mosquito breeding sites, especially around homes, schools and their surroundings. Importantly, containers such as bottles, buckets and old tyres should be inspected to ensure that they are covered, punctured or removed from your homes and community.” (CMC)
CARPHA said that the meeting follows the RHS meeting held in July last year in which it developed a RHS framework and conducted consultations with 84 stakeholders. (CMC)
one of us, not on some of us, but on all of us. I congratulate you on taking it upon yourself to contribute to the public good, and I’m proud to present you with the President’s Lifetime Achievement award in recognition of your 5,700 hours of service to this great nation.”
“Throughout our country’s history, the American story has been strengthened by those who combine an optimism about what can be with the resilience to turn that vision into reality,” the president added.
“I know I’m not alone in recognizing that those who are willing to step up and volunteer in service of community and country are essential to the ongoing work of forming our more perfect union.
service, you are providing all three.
“On behalf of the American people, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to you for your volunteer leadership, and I encourage you to continue to answer the call to serve,” he said. “The country is counting on you.”
She previously served as chair of the Brooklyn Borough President’s Caribbean-American Heritage Committee.
Trinidadian Hazra Ali has received the US Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from President Joseph Biden for over 20 years of Community Service – for her “lifelong commitment to building a stronger nation through volunteer service”. Biden in a White House statement said, “The American story depends not on any
“By sharing your time and passion, you are helping discover and deliver solutions to the challenges we face – solutions that we need now more than ever,” Biden continued. “We are living in a moment that calls for hope and light and love. Hope for our futures, light to see our way forward, and love for one another. Through your
Ali is the Community Lead person for New York City Mayor Eric L. Adams and who coordinates Adams’ CaribbeanAmerican Heritage celebration at Gracie Mansion, at the Mayor’s official residence in Upper Manhattan. She is also a member of Adams’ Caribbean Advisory Council. In 2006, Ali was appointed by the Washington-based Institute for Caribbean Studies (ICS) to serve as Director of Special Programming for New York, a voluntary position with a mandate to lead the charge in the celebration of the very first Caribbean-American Heritage Month. She represented New York at the White House reception to commemorate the first Caribbean-American Heritage Month Celebration.
Ali was born in Trinidad and Tobago and graduated from the University of the West Indies (UWI) St. Augustine with a degree in Pharmacy. She practiced as a pharmacist for several years before migrating to New York.
Prior to starting her business, New Hope and Beyond, Inc., a real estate investment company that deals primarily with foreclosure properties in Queens and Brooklyn, where she lives, Ali worked as an account executive in the pharmaceutical and biotech industry.
She currently serves on the Land Use/Historic Landmark Committee of Community Board 2 in Brooklyn and as the Mayor’s Representative on the Board of Trustees of the Brooklyn Botanical Garden.
On Sunday, the first street to be named after our twin-island anywhere in the world happened in New York. 131 Street in Richmond Hill, Queens, Trinidad and Tobago Street, co-named for the twin-island Republic.
This historic designation received a unanimous vote from the New York City Council and was signed by Mayor Eric Adams. The bill to designate “Trinidad and Tobago Street” was initiated by a committee that included NYS Assembly District Leader Richard David and community leaders of Trinidadian and Tobagonian descent. The renaming of the street recognizes the contributions of immigrants from Trinidad and Tobago to the economic, political and social fabric of New York City, as Richmond Hill is home to thousands of Trinidad and Tobago nationals. It is also populated with many Trinbagonian restaurants, roti shops and entertainment spots. Speaker of the New York City Council Adrienne Adams, who was present, tweeted: “Today, I joined elected officials and community leaders to unveil the new ‘Trinidad and Tobago Street’ in #TheGreat28!
Our Trinbagonian community is essential to the cultural and economic fabric of our city, and that’s why we’re so proud to uplift their legacy and impact.”
“NYC is home to more than half a million residents who trace their roots to Trinidad and Tobago. The sights and sounds
of Trinidadian culture can be found along Liberty Avenue and other corridors. Today’s street co-naming ceremony is a celebration of our Trinbagonian community!”
Consul General in New York, J Andre Laveau, added, “This is as powerful a compliment as one can imagine, to the contribution of Trinidad and Tobago nationals to community life in Queens. The Consulate General is truly thankful that the values, lifestyle and hard work that our people bring to New York are being so graciously recognized by our friends.”
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Jr. posted to social media:
“Our diversity is our strength in Queens County. Immigrants continue to play a vital role in all facets of our society. Proud to join @NYCSpeakerAdams and our Trinbagonian community on this historic day to recognize their contributions in our borough.”
In true Trini fashion the unveiling was accompanied by chutney and soca performances by Rikki Jai and Ravi B, a steelpan performance, and moko jumbies.
NGO Trinidadians and Tobagonians USA said it had been petitioning for the co-naming of the commercially-bustling street for many years.
The term ‘fighter for peace’ takes on new meaning in the form of a five-time world boxing champion combating hate speech in cooperation with the United Nations.
“Knock out hate,” declares Yokasta Valle who has suffered discrimination both for being a woman in a male-dominated sport and as a migrant who journeyed to Costa Rica from Nicaragua.
“Many of my colleagues told me that if they, as men, could not become champions, even less so could I as a woman,” she says. “There is nothing that women cannot do. As I always tell the girls: take those speeches of hate and discrimination as fuel to achieve your goals and show the world that our capabilities are limitless.”
Yokasta herself has done just that, transforming the discouragement she received throughout her career into energy to defy stereotypes and expectations.
“I started boxing when I was 13 years old, and there were always people who told me, ‘You’re never going to make it,’” she explains in an interview with UN News. “But those words just served as fuel for me to say, ‘Okay, I’m going to show you otherwise.”
She made good on that pledge, becoming the World Boxing Champion of the 105-pound weight class in both the International Boxing Federation and the World Boxing Organization.
Yokasta Valle is a five-time world boxing
champion.
Yokasta Valle Yokasta Valle is a five-time world boxing champion.
“Yokasta Valle is one of the best athletes in the history of Costa Rica, and for the UN, it is an honor to work with a woman who has overcome great challenges, from adapting her life to a new country as a child, to facing discrimination and exclusion at different times in her life,” says Allegra Baicochi, United Nations Resident Coordinator in the country.
As part of her advocacy against discrimination and hate speech, Yokasta met recently with the United Nations Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Alice Nderitu, who declares:
“Yokasta Valle is not only a boxer in the ring but also a fighter for human rights.”
The two found common ground in their shared struggle against discrimination. “She’s a young, female boxer who is very strong in her field. She has a lot of wins, lots of titles. And she is originally from Nicaragua but moved to Costa Rica as a migrant and fought the odds that migrants fight,” says Ms. Nderitu.
“Not only is she strong in the ring but she’s also strong outside the ring,” the Special Adviser continues. “She has a huge social media following and she talks about countering hate speech. What she says is really relatable because she speaks about how to counter hate speech against migrants.”
Yokasta Valle is partnering with the UN in Costa Rica to promote the Sustainable Devel-
MIAMI, Florida – Players from the six different national teams that represented Concacaf at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup shined every chance they had when stepping onto the field, helping their teams perform on the biggest stage of international football.
GK Rebecca Spencer (JAM) - The goalkeeper of the Reggae Girlz was a key part of the team, not conceding a goal in the group stage, and just one getting past her in Jamaica’s first ever Round of 16 contest. No doubt she had one of the best performances of the tournament.
DF Naomi Girma (USA) - Even though it was her first FWWC, Girma led the backline of the USWNT with experience, starting all four matches and helping her team every match.
DF Chantelle Swaby (JAM) - Jamaica was outstanding in their defensive lines, with Swaby stopping everyone that came her way in Jamaica’s four matches while defending her area.
DF Allyson Swaby (JAM) - The Swaby sisters were brilliant for the Reggae Girlz in this FWWC, as Allyson was also a leader and played a key role in defending Jamaica’s area, helping keep a clean sheet for her team in the three group stage matches.
DF Ashley Lawrence (CAN) - The Canadian defender had one of the most consistent performances for the CWNT in this FWWC, not only in the back, but also creating some chances for her team to score.
MF Quinn (CAN) - Quinn served as an anchor in the Canadian midfield, starting all three
matches and helping create some of the best scoring chances for the reigning Olympic champions in the group stage.
MF Lindsey Horan (USA) - Captain and leader for the USWNT, Horan was one of the most important players for the four-time champions, scoring the U.S. goal in the 1-1 draw with the Netherlands and the third goal in the opening 3-0 win over Vietnam.
MF Marta Cox (PAN) - One of the biggest difference-makers for the Panama Women’s National Team, Cox stunned the world with her 35-yard banger free kick against France and her leadership throughout the group stage FW Sophia Smith (USA) - The world was watching and she delivered, scoring two goals and adding an assist in her FWWC debut, being one of the most dangerous players on the front line for the USWNT.
FW Melissa Herrera (CRC) - In La Sele’s second FWWC, Herrera became one of their most essential players when it came to attacking their opponents and tallied the Ticas’ goal in their finale versus Zambia.
FW Melchie Dumornay (HAI) - The wonder kid player everyone was talking about. Dumornay was the biggest difference-maker for Haiti, stepping up every chance she had in front of goal and keeping opposing defenders on their toes.
opment Goals.
UNESCO Costa Rica/Yonel Puga Yokasta Valle is partnering with the UN in Costa Rica to promote the Sustainable Development Goals. The Special Adviser praised Yokasta’s messages not only on hate speech towards migrants but also gender discrimination. “She is a very strong human rights activist, and to see a strong human rights activist in a boxer, and also a very humble and nice person is a very, very good combination.”
“I always suffered discrimination. First, for being a woman and for being a migrant from Nicaragua,” recalls Yokasta. “There will always be people who tell you, ‘This sport is not for women.’ ‘You don’t represent Costa Rica, you represent Nicaragua. Go back to your country.’”
Yokasta understands that hate speech tends to spread on social media, so she advocates countering it. “The fact that a post contains hate speech and discrimination makes people want to repost and comment,” she observes. “You don’t have to pay attention to everything you read and see. We have to see the reality of things.”
On International Women’s Day, March 8, the United Nations in Costa Rica announced Yokasta as its new Champion in an event held
at United Nations House. This distinction is awarded to individuals who serve as role models in areas such as sports and who promote human rights through their messages.
Yokasta expressed a strong resolve to live up to her new role. “Being a UN champion comes with enormous responsibility, and I am willing to assume it.”
