September 6, 2023

HAITI

While moving their citizens out of carnage currently taking placeHuman Rights Group protest

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US DEPORTS HAITIANS BACK TO HAITI TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

3D COPY GUNS A MAJOR THREAT

Says PM Rowley especially to the police force - seeks to shut down operation

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ST. LUCIA

FIRST FEMALE POLICE HEAD

Re-appointed for another term as Commissioner

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CABINET RE-SHUFFLE

BY PM DAVIS

BAHAMAS Outlines reform - preparing the country for further growth

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SHERYL LEE RALPH AT 66 - GROWING WISE

Opens up about some of the life lessons she’s learned over the years.

JAMAICA

EXPECTING INFLUX OF AMERICANS

Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism says it’s a testament to the appeal of the island’s tourism product

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NEW YORK CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL CULTURAL SPLENDOR

CaribNews

AFRICA WORLD BRIEFS

Guterres leads call to make Africa ‘a renewable energy superpower’

Secretary-General António Guterres was addressing the African Climate Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, noting that despite “extreme heat, ferocious floods, and tens of thousands dead from devastating droughts”, the continent was responsible for less than four per cent of emissions.

“The blow inflicted on development is all around with growing hunger and displacement”, he said.

Ben Jealous

‘Quantum leap’

But amid the “climate chaos” he said it was still possible to avoid the worst, “but only with a quantum leap in climate action.”

He said far greater climate ambition was needed from all countries led by the largest emitters, in line with his Climate Solidarity Pact and Acceleration Agenda.

SPORTS

He called on the G20 advanced economies meeting in Delhi this week, to take responsibility and commit to reaching net zero emissions as close as possible to 2040.

Secondly, he called for “climate justice” to reach goals on renewable and affordable energy, particularly in Africa. This means operationalizing the agreed loss and damage fund, universal early warning systems, and a “course correction in the global financial system.”

Urgent call for $1 billion to support millions fleeing Sudan conflict

Since the crisis began when rival military groups clashed in mid-April, projections of growing numbers of people trying to escape fighting have sharply spiked upwards.

“The crisis has triggered an urgent demand for humanitarian assistance, as those arriving in remote border areas find themselves in desperate circumstances due to inadequate services, poor infrastructure and limited access,” said Mamadou Dian Balde, UNHCR Regional Bureau Director for the East and Horn of Africa and Great Lakes, and Regional Refugee Coordinator for the Sudan Situation.

“Partners active in this response are making every effort to support those who are arriving and their hosts, but without enough donor resources, these efforts will be severely curtailed.”

The current appeal is based on expectations reflecting a twofold increase of what was initially estimated in May to respond to the crisis.

Displacement, needs continue to soar

More than one million refugees, returnees, and third-country nationals have already fled the country, the agency reported. Critical necessities include water, food, shelter, health services, cash aid, core relief items, and protection services.

“It is deeply distressing to receive reports of children dying from diseases that are entirely preventable, should partners have had sufficient resources,” Mr. Balde said. “Action can no longer be delayed.”

The countries receiving people fleeing Sudan – Central African Republic, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, and South Sudan –were hosting hundreds of thousands of displaced people even

How girls are moving the goalpost in Iraq

Rama, 13, Zubaida, 14, and Hadeel, 15, have a shared story of displacement and loss. The name of their city, Mosul, was synonymous with death, destruction, and despair less than a decade ago. Many families, including theirs, have returned to Mosul after years of living in limbo, and are building a brighter future for their children. Bazaars, schools, community centres are reopening and being rebuilt. The city is shaking off the anguish and grief of the previous years and the community is reviving its millennia-old culture and traditions. They are also welcoming new practices and embracing change.

“We are not boys,” says Rama, while getting ready for football practice at the Al Ammal football club in Mosul.

“Generally, women and girls do not play sports in Mosul. It’s not common. My mother was afraid that I would fall and get hurt. But, eventually, she agreed. Now she is my biggest cheerleader.”

Many other girls on the team from the city report the same initial hesitation from their families and relatives, followed by cautious approval. Today, a majority of the girls have their entire community’s unwavering support.

‘Immense challenges’ block justice for Ukrainian war victims, rights experts warn

Mandated by the UN Human Rights Council to investigate violations committed since the start of Russia’s fullscale invasion, the Commission said that it has “followed closely” discussions about reparations.

Commission member Pablo de Greiff said reparations initiatives should be designed in close consultation with victims.

“The establishment of a comprehensive reparations programmes is a long-term process, which should be distinguished from, but also coordinated with, national reconstruction programmes, and property restitution and repair programmes,” he said.

Such initiatives should also be designed in close consultation with the victims, he added.

The rights experts also stressed that the delivery of urgent mental health and psychosocial support to victims remained a challenge.

The Commission has visited Ukraine more than 10 times. The current visit began in the Cherkasy region and continued to Kyiv, where the experts met with authorities and civilians affected by the war.rejected all legal challenges to the law. The Court based its decisions on the grounds that the use of the armed forces and the exercise of power by State bodies were prerogatives of the national Government.

Statement from The PJ Patterson Institute for Africa Caribbean Public Advocacy on the Commemoration of September 7 as AU-CARICOM Day - P 9

The 56th Annual West Indian American Day Parade Attracted Millions on Monday

It seems like everyone came out to the 56th annual West Indian American Day Parade on September 4 along Eastern Parkway. For years, it’s been one of Brooklyn’s biggest celebrations, if not the biggest, capturing the hearts of millions this past Monday.

Yesterday’s festivities started at 6 am with J’Ouvert, which is marked by jab jab, moko jumbies, people painted, covered in oil reveling through the streets, later joined by thousands of spectators who lined the sidewalks to take in the sights and sounds of calypso bands and steelpan, many in elaborate costumes marching down Eastern Parkway. The parade took place from Eastern Park-

way to Grand Army Plaza, and is marked by colorful costumes, island flags, Caribbean music and the smell of island food filled the air.

What many don’t know is that this parade nets the city millions. New York State Assembly Member Brian Cunningham said, “The West Indian Day Parade actually nets $300 million in revenue for the city. It’s actually considered the largest economic parade in North America.”

The weather was perfect as as per usual, the parade attracted about 2 million people, along with elected officials, foreigners, families and friends.

One reveler visiting from Los Angeles said she travels from Carnival to Carnival and

she loves it.

Some older citizens said it’s been twenty five years of coming to the parade and celebrating their Caribbean heritage. This year they say it’s “more floats, more people, they are enjoying it.”

Many parents bring their kids along in an effrot to get them to know their culture.

Carib News caught glimpses of several elected officials - Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Reverend Al Sharpton, Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, and State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, and of course Mayor Eric Adams who told CBS News, “I enjoy the diversity and how well the culture is celebrated.”

New York’s finest were out in full force, and some even took time to get in on the festivities, swaying to the music, singing along.

One person summed up the day for many, describing the parade as, “Just Caribbean people all together enjoying themselves.”

Police said the parade was peaceful, as was J’Ouvert earlier in the day.

Ahead of Monday, police promised to keep security tight. The New York Post today is reporting that at least two people were shot along the parade route while J’Ouvert remained violence free.

Leader Hakeem Jeffries Statement on Labor Day

Brooklyn, NY — Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries released the following statement in observance of Labor Day:

Each year on Labor Day we celebrate the American workers who are the backbone of our economy and the unions that empower and protect them. The organized labor movement decisively helped to build our country, expand the middle class, give us overtime pay and a 40-hour work week,

ensure we have weekends to spend time with our families and is at the center of the American dream. In our great country if you work hard and play by the rules, you should be able to provide a comfortable living for yourself and your family. That is at the core of the organized labor movement.

While President Biden and House Democrats continue to grow the economy from the middle out and the bottom up, ex-

treme MAGA Republicans have embraced a failed policy of trickle-down economics. For everyday Americans, this means that you may get a trickle, but you’re guaranteed to stay down. Under the leadership of President Biden we will continue to create good-paying union jobs, grow the middle class and stand side by side with organized labor so that every family can have a fair shot at the American dream.

Haiti – ICE Deports Individuals to the Country in Wake of Evacuation Call for US Citizens

Canaan opened fire on a group of churchgoers protesting violence in the area.

The scheduled deportation flight, the second to Haiti this month, left Alexandria, La., shortly before 8 am EDT and landed in Port-au-Prince shortly after 11 am.

Human rights advocates are baffled over many elements of the administration’s policies toward Haiti, from its support for the current regime to continued deportations to a country in chaos.

Steven Forester, immigration policy coordinator at the Institute for Justice and Democracy in Haiti said, “What’s unconscionable is that the US is propping up the illegitimate and abhorred regime which is responsible for the hellish conditions Haitians endure every day.”

He continued: “The United States must not deplane people, deported people. They need to turn that thing around.”

The same group penned an open letter to Biden in July saying:

asylum seekers traveling through other countries. The Biden administration must adjust course immediately and abandon the misguided pursuit of an asylum ban. We urge you not to issue the NPRM on the asylum ban. The group is intent on holding foreign administrations accountable in defense of Haiti’s current situation.

Individuals who lack a lawful basis to stay in the United States are ordered removed, consistent with U.S. law – all individuals who are removed have been screened for protection concerns. This policy applies to all non-citizens regardless of nationality to ensure the orderly and humane processing, transfer, and removal of single adults, family units, and others determined to be removeable.

WASHINGTON — US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in coordination with the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, facilitated multiple removal flights, including single adults and family units, to Central America, Ecuador, Haiti, Jamaica and Peru as part of dozens of other routine ICE removal flights conducted throughout the hemisphere

Since May 2023, DHS has removed or returned over 200,000 individuals, including over 17,000 individual family unit members.

The administration conducted a deportation flight to Haiti on Thursday, a day after the State Department called on all US citizens to leave the country immediately due to security concerns there, and shortly after a gang in

Dear President Biden, The undersigned 292 civil, human rights, and immigrant rights groups write to express our tremendous alarm and condemnation of your administration’s recent announcement of your plan to issue a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to resurrect Trump-era asylum bans. This announcement marks a full-throated embrace of policies initiated by the prior administration, which by your own description “contravened our values and caused needless human suffering.” We call on you not to break your campaign promise to end restrictions on

Non-citizens placed into removal proceedings receive their due process from immigration judges in the immigration courts, which are administered by the Justice Department’s Executive Office for Immigration Review. Due to operational security reasons, ICE does not confirm or discuss future or pending transportation operations.

ICE Air Operations facilitates the transfer and removal of noncitizens, including family units, via commercial airlines and chartered flights in support of ICE field offices and other DHS initiatives. In fiscal year 2022, ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations conducted 72,177 removals to more than 150 countries worldwide.

Washington DC – 60th Anniversary of the Historic March on Washington

60 Years after Martin Luther King Jr. gave his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, in front of a crowd of some 250,000 people, last Saturday Saturday, tens of thousands gathered in that same spot to declare that dream was in jeopardy.

Civil rights activist Rev. Al Sharpton, whose National Action Network co-hosted the rally alongside the nonprofit Drum Major Institute, said, “Sixty years ago, Martin Luther King talked about a dream. Sixty years later, we’re the dreamers.”

Arndrea Waters King, the daughter-in-law of Martin Luther King Jr., one of a number of his family members who spoke at the event, said, “We are here to liberate the soul of the nation, the soul of democracy from those forces who would have us all go backwards and perish rather than go forward as sisters and brothers.”

On Friday, several leaders who helped organize the march met with Attorney General Merrick Garland and Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke, where they discussed a range of issues, including redlining, voting rights, and policing.

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris will observe the march’s true anniversary today by meeting with organizers of the 1963 gathering.

Vice President Kamala Harris issued this statement:

Sixty years ago, nearly a quarter of a million people marched on Washington to demand jobs and freedom. They came from every corner of our country. Gathering on the

National Mall, they listened as the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., shared his dream of an America that lives up to its promise: A nation without segregation and discrimination, with

opportunity and equality for all. They heard from a young student organizer, the great John Lewis, who spoke of the importance of fighting to secure the sacred freedom to vote.

The March on Washington was a call to action for our nation. In the years to come, inspired by the passion and purpose of that day, Americans secured the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and other landmark victories in the fight for progress.

The March on Washington was historic, but it was neither the beginning nor the end of the movement for civil rights. The fight continued in the years after the passage of the Voting Rights Act, and the fight for civil rights continues today. Today, as extremist so-called leaders attempt to erase our history and roll back progress on voting rights, reproductive freedom, and LGBTQ+ equality, Americans are fighting for justice and equity.

Today, sixty years after that historic day, let us rededicate ourselves to the fight for equity, opportunity, and justice. And let us continue to work to secure our most foundational freedoms: the freedom to vote, the freedom of women to make decisions about their own bodies, and the freedom to live free from hate and violence.

Barbados – Protest Over Increased Retirement Age

Organizers of recent protests in Barbados say they are prepared to ramp up action if Government does not adjust its stance. They staged a third march on Saturday in protest of the Government’s attempt to increase the national retirement age. The march was organised by the Unity Workers Union, The Steering Committee, and the Marcia Weekes Show. A small gathering turned into more than 300 marchers moving through the city and ended at Independence Square.

Caswell Franklyn, fellow organizer and trade unionist, said he was prepared to

keep the issue on the boil for as long as it takes to effect change in the proposed legislation.

Speaking to the media at the start of yesterday’s march, which began at Pelican Village and ended at Golden Square Freedom Park in The City, Eastmond did not go into detail as to what further steps were being considered. . .

Former Senator Lynette Eastmont, who support the protestors said Government failed to answer their questions surrounding the National Insurance Scheme (NIS).

T&T – Police Seize ‘Ghost Guns’ Manufactured in the Country

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) — Trinidad and Tobago police on Wednesday said they had seized a quantity of “ghost guns” being manufactured using 3D printing technology during an early morning raid at a house in the Caparo district, in Central Trinidad. Police Commissioner Erla Christopher said that the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) remains relentless in its fight against rapidly evolving criminal elements and that the specialist unit acted with great urgency to put an end to the illicit activities of the male suspect.

A female relative of the suspect was also arrested, according to police reports.

“Acting on information received, officers of the Specialist Unit quickly verified that a man was allegedly performing the duties of an armourer for criminal groups in the country. A house at…Caparo, was soon targeted and enquiries revealed that the individual had advanced his criminal activities to include the manufacturing of ‘ghost guns’ using 3D printing technology,” the Police Commissioner said.

The police said that following the raid at the suspect’s home a quantity of firearms, ammunition, projectiles, a

3D printer and a computer system were seized from the location.

The police went on to describe ghost guns as “firearms that can be produced using readily available 3D printing technology, making it challenging for traditional firearm control measures to detect and prevent their production. They can be manufactured without serial numbers or other identifying marks, making them difficult to trace and regulate.”

The Police Commissioner has warned that if such manufacturing operations become established in Trinidad and Tobago, it could lead to an increase in untraceable and illegal firearms circulating within the country.

“The proliferation of illegal firearms poses significant risks to public safety and law enforcement and the lack of control over the production and distribution of these weapons could result in an increase in violent crime and contribute to the empowerment of criminal organisations,” Christopher noted.

Last year, Trinidad and Tobago recorded 599 murders and so far this year, the total has registered more than 400.

St Lucia – First Female Police Commissioner Re-appointed

CASTRIES, St Lucia (CMC) – The St Lucia government says it remains “dedicated to public safety and the well-being of all citizens” as it announced the re-appointment of the island’s first female Police Commissioner, Cruscita Descartes-Pelius for am additional year.

A statement from the Office of the Prime Minister said that Descartes-Pelius, who was first appointed in October 2022, has served the Royal St Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) with distinction for over 30 years until June 2023.

Descartes-Pelius served in several capacities before being appointed top cop last year, including the Paris-based International Police (INTERPOL). She is the holder of a Bachelor of Science in Management Studies and was awarded the National Service Cross of the Order of St Lucia when the island celebrated independence in 2021.

The statement said she has been appointed as Commissioner of Police effective September 1, 2023 for one year.

“Her reinstatement as Commissioner of Police is expected to be accompanied by a comprehensive professional training programme for senior officers aimed at cultivating strong leadership and ushering in a new cadre of leadership within the RSLPF.

“The government of St Lucia looks forward to the support of all officers as it commits to preparing officers for future leadership positions and the strengthening of the police force,” the statement said, thanking also Deputy Commissioner of Police, Ronald Phillip “for his sterling leadership as acting Commissioner of Police for the past 10 weeks”.

Haiti – ‘Carnage Must Stop’ – UN Relief Experts

immediate end to the fighting in Haiti. In the past two weeks, 71 people have been killed and injured in the capital, Port-auPrince, marking a major escalation, according to UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), which Griffiths heads.

“Entire families, including children, were executed while others were burned alive. This upsurge in violence has caused unspeakable continued suffering of Haitians,” said Philippe Branchat, acting UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Haiti in a statement on Thursday.

outlining the dire human rights situation there, including brutal killings and lynchings.

The report noted that the people, who are frustrated by the lack of security and functioning government, armed themselves with machetes, rocks, and fuel cans and have “resorted to brutal measures to prevent gang members and anyone associated with them from entering their neighborhoods”.

BINUH expressed concern about the forced recruitment of children by gangs and the severe mental and psychological toll the violence is exacting on the population. The office reiterated its call to the international community to deploy a specialised international force to address the crisis. According to OCHA, nearly half of Haiti’s population needs humanitarian and food assistance.

UNITED NATIONS (CMC) — The United Nations relief chief says the “carnage in Haiti needs to stop”, stating that the French-speaking Caribbean country is in the grip of “extreme brutality”, with gang-related violence continuing to force thousands from their homes amidst widespread suffering. Martin Griffiths, the UN’s Emergency Relief Coordinator, on Friday called for an

The UN said that, so far this year, gang violence in the Caribbean country has claimed more than 2,500 lives, with over 1,000 injured.

At least 970 Haitians have been kidnapped, and 10,000 forcibly displaced from their homes, the UN said.

It said the latest wave of violence has also resulted in the forced displacement of over 10,000 people who have sought refuge in spontaneous camps and host families.

Also on Thursday, the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) issued a report

Between April and June, the UN said nearly 240 alleged gang members were killed by these self-proclaimed “selfdefence groups.”

“While some killings appeared to be spontaneous, others were encouraged, supported, or facilitated by high-ranking police officers and gang members belonging to the G-9 and allies,” the report said.

The report also documented horrifying instances of sexual violence, including collective rape and mutilation, perpetrated by gangs to spread fear, punish rivals, and target women and girls under their territorial control.

Despite access challenges due to insecurity, OCHA said humanitarian partners are reaching the displaced people with immediate aid such as food, water, shelter, sanitation, health, and psychosocial support, particularly for victims of sexual violence.

“The people in Haiti cannot continue to live trapped in their homes, unable to feed their families, find work and live in dignity,” OCHA said.

The relief agency added that humanitarians are committed to standing with the people in Haiti and assist in providing immediate assistance to alleviate human suffering.

Haiti – Church License Suspended Over Protests

The suburb of Canaan, which was founded by survivors of the devastating 2010 earthquake, is controlled by a gang led by a man identified only as “Jeff”, who is believed to be allied with the 5 Segonn “5 Seconds” gang.

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti, CMC – Haitian authorities have announced the temporary suspension of the license of the Bethesta Church following last week’s protest march that left at least seven people dead and several others injured or kidnapped after gunmen fired upon them. Foreign Affairs and Worship Minister Jean Victor Généus, announced the closure of the church led by Pastor Marco Izidor also known as “Pastor Marco”, who on August 26, led several hundred worshippers armed with machetes, sticks or pikes as they marched through a suburb of the capital, Port-au-Prince. Members of a gang, believed to be those in control of the suburb of Canaan, fired upon them with machine guns. The acting Director General of the National Police of Haiti (PNH), Frantz Elbé, said that the authorities had been unsuccessful in preventing the march taking place.

Last Friday, Pastor Marco, failed to show up at the Public Prosecutor’s Office after being invited to do so. The pastor as well as three members of his church were invited to report to the Central Directorate of the Judicial Police (DCPJ) to answer questions related to the march. Media reports said that in the midst of heavy gunfire by the gang members, Pastor Marco fled on a motorcycle.

Unofficial reports put the death toll as high as 20, at least 12 wounded and an undetermined number of others taken hostage by the gang.

Social media users have expressed their anger at the irresponsibility of Pastor Marco and called for his immediate arrest. In a statement last week, the National Police of Haiti (PNH) condemned this “regrettable” tragedy and offered its sympathy to the families and loved ones of the victims.

Haiti has been thrown into turmoil since the July 7, 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, with the interim government of Prime Minister Dr Ariel Henry urging the international community to send in a multi-national force to maintain peace and security in the country.

Bahamas – Cabinet Re-shuffle

battered by a series of lockdowns and curfews.

“We had the worst unemployment crisis in our modern history. Our hospitals were overflowing, with some patients receiving treatment in parking lots. Our schools were closed, with no plans in sight to repair and reopen them, and thousands of children had barely been able to participate in remote learning.”

high for too long, but a global inflation crisis has made things even worse”.

He said the government has also started building affordable homes and launched a Catastrophic Health Care Fund, to help families through medical crises.

Davis said that there has also been improvements in education, adding “the years our children did not attend school had a real impact.

NASSAU, Bahamas (CMC) – Bahamas Prime Minister Philip Davis is marking the second anniversary of his ruling Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) by re-shuffling his cabinet, as well as outlining outlining reforms in immigration. In a nationwide radio and television broadcast, Davis also reflected on a broad range of gains he said his administration intends to build as part of the drive towards a new change. “We’ve made some important progress implementing our Blueprint for Change, but we know there is still a long way to go, especially in tackling on some of the most difficult problems our country has been facing for a long time,” Davis said, adding “change, real change, rarely comes easy, but we’re here to change the status quo, not to defend it”.

He said when his government came to office following the September 16, 2021, it faced a “multiple” of urgent crises including a national debt that had skyrocketed and an economy

But Prime Minister Davis told the nation that as part of the government’s “aggressive rescue operation” it lifted the curfew, implemented new financial and health measures that “despite the severe fiscal crisis, we made it a priority for the government to pay off significant arrears owed to Bahamian companies”. He said this decision injected US$100 million into the local economy and saved a number of businesses from bankruptcy.

“We brought back festivals and regattas and world-class sporting events, in some cases bigger and better than ever before. You trusted us to release the stranglehold on the economy and to fight the virus at the same time, and we did.

“Our policies jump-started the economy, and Bahamians, always resourceful , responded with energy and enthusiasm. Many businesses are now thriving. We now have a 15-year low in unemployment. Our fiscal situation is much stronger.”

Davis said that the country is in better shape because of the efforts of the Bahamian people, who remain vital partners as we make progress in our national development.

But he said that a top priority is reducing the cost of living, adding “I know how hard it is to pay for just the basics. Prices have been too

“We raised salaries and bonuses for nurses, who had been our superheroes during the pandemic. In the public sector, we did something long overdue – we settled promotions and inequities in the system. In addition, we paid salary arrears to public servants which had been outstanding since 2017, approved the return of annual increments for public servants, and increased public service pensions.”

He said the government also raised the minimum wage, ignoring those who argued against it, negotiating and concluding 22 labour agreements.

“And we decided we never again want to be so dependent on other countries for the food we put on our tables. We are working to build food security, so we can grow more of what we eat, and create new ownership opportunities for Bahamians in a modernized, revamped agriculture sector.

“In tourism, we are having a blockbuster year. And we continue to build for an even better future. We are expanding into new markets, introducing innovations, and encouraging Bahamian ownership throughout the sector. We want to ensure that investments and opportunities are spread across our islands.

In fact, our Family Islands are a major focus, with new airports, infrastructure, and revamped health clinics all in motion.”

“In education, we brought together a coalition of the caring, to bring our children back into school, to conduct nationwide assessments, and to start building a learning recovery initiative.

“Our Smart Start programme focuses on job readiness for our young people who missed out on their last years of high school during the pandemic.

“In the coming weeks, we will begin our School Breakfast Programme – an initiative that will be expanded throughout the school year. We think it will make a real difference to our children, their families, and their teachers.”

On the issue of climate change, the prime minister said the government is fighting to get other countries to reduce the polluting emissions which are warming the oceans and creating more intense hurricanes.

“We are fighting for fair climate finance, since the Category 4 and 5 hurricanes that have hit us in less than one decade have cost us billions, accounting for a large share of our nation’s debt.

“We are demanding that Europeans judge our financial services industry by the same standards they use to judge their own, instead of adding extra burdens on majority-black countries. We have filed an amicus brief against US manufacturers of the weapons that are trafficked into our country, and we have told both the US and the UN: no, we cannot accept the burden of migrants in our country.”

Continued on website at nycaribnews.com

New York Caribbean Carnival

We have just witnessed once again the largest one-day festival in the United States of America the New York Caribbean Carnival on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn, where it is estimated that more than 3 million people gathered to enjoy and be a part of this cultural extravaganza from the Caribbean region and the Caribbean community.

It was a glorious day; the weather cooperated and was hot but not hot enough to prevent the music from bringing the sounds that keep people moving, infectious songs that keep all movements up the Parkway in rhythm and, of course, the food, the smell of the spices leaves the palette wanting more and more.

It’s a celebration that brings out the culture of the entire Caribbean region and the pride of the Caribbean people to bring on display this culture and not only to bring on display, but to invite people in to partake of the culture and to bring about the connectiveness that is so beautiful, where the people of the Caribbean are brought about a blend of cultures and have molded in a way that it can be universally enjoyed. So, on Eastern Parkway this blend, a beautiful rainbow of colors and the vibrance of the designs of costumes were just enthralling as you watch the beauty and grace along Eastern Parkway.

The West Indian Carnival dates as far back as the 1920s, when immigrants from

Caribbean countries held their celebrations in private places in Harlem. The parade permit for Harlem was revoked in 1964 following a disturbance. Five years later, by the effort of a committee led by Carlos Lezama, it was re-established on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn by what later became known as the West Indian American Day Carnival Association.

It’s a tradition that people of the Caribbean take pride in because they are out in full bloom before the city, the state and the country to exhibit their culture and remind us that we are here as a people, a people that is proud in contributing to the development of this country and it’s a moment when we can express this in the open and a moment when we can celebrate the culture and contribution of the Caribbean in their communities and in the region; so it’s a welcoming party to connect and share. You could feel and see the love and the embrace along Eastern Parkway and this is what people come for year after year to experience this and to be a part of a celebration that brings together people of all classes and levels to just be free to express themselves on the Parkway. The great energy that we see on display on Labor Day from a community that has been making its contribution to this society for some time, that same energy should also be displayed as we look at the issues and conditions that impact our community and our region.

It’s a time when we recognize the value of

a community and most festivals, parades of this ethnic source the issues that impact those communities are always front and center when the opportunity presents itself and so it should be no different for the New York Caribbean Carnival. When politicians and leaders come, we welcome them with open arms, and we take their compliments about the culture and the food with gratitude but we have to go beyond that, we want to go beyond the excitement of the crowd. As some people would talk about the tremendous success of the carnival which is wonderful, and we talk about the commitment and dedication of the organizers that is also wonderful; the excitement of the music and the festivities - all wonderful - but we also must use this occasion as other organizations have done to bring an understanding and commitment when they visited us as politicians and leaders that they understand the other issues that are underlying our communities and the region and make commitments at least in the open as to their positions about some of these things that are critical to our community and to the Caribbean region.

This is what other groups do, this is what other parades do, this is what other interest groups do, so the Caribbean should be no different. We should be able to merge festivities of parade festival and carnival with an understanding that there are issues beyond just a revelry that after the parade we all must pull together to solve to work for the future.

The carnival itself is a huge economic driver for the city on this weekend and brings in millions of dollars that needs to be recognized and that needs to be incentivized. The issues that we should be looking to the leaders to address when they come to our community particularly at this time when there are large numbers - 3 million people that they should be respectful of and also and also committed to dealing with those issues.

So yes, we want to celebrate the music the beauty the sound of carnival and the beautiful love that we find on the Parkway as we invite people to enjoy the cultures of the Caribbean. We must also as a people not be slighted on the issues that impact our daily lives outside of the one day on the Parkway, we should as we’ve always suggested use opportunities like these to get an understanding of those issues and to force action that will help to move and improve our communities forward, so we celebrate Carnival, jump up, and have a wonderful time as we should. But we should also keep front and center the issues that impact our daily lives and when we have an opportunity to have leaders and politicians coming before us as a group that they understand those issues, as well and are prepared to take steps to deal with them. Carnival was successful, the music, food and the fesitivities were just wonderful and we are proud about that.

Statement from The PJ Patterson Institute for Africa Caribbean Public Advocacy on the Commemoration of September 7 as AU-CARICOM Day

by P.J. Patterson, Statesman-in-Residence

September 7, 2023, marks two years since the first CARICOM Africa Union (AU) Summit, hosted by Kenya. The first Summit of Heads decided to establish for celebration, September 7th of every year as Africa-Caricom Day. The PJ Patterson Institute for Africa Caribbean Public Advocacy strongly supports the opportunity it presents for activities geared at greater African and Caribbean unity. The Caribbean and the African continent share a similar history of an oppressive, exploitative experience. In our most recent history of Independence, CARICOM and Africa were supportive of each other and drew inspiration from the works of individuals that advocated freedom and instilled the hopes of the Right Excellent Marcus Mosiah Garvey, who declared, “Africa for the Africans at home or abroad.”

Since our independence, CARICOM and The AU nations have had many fora within which their representatives have discussed and made several agreements, such as the African, Caribbean and the Pacific Group of States since the 1970s. The CARICOM AU Summit of 2021 the most significant for present and future cooperation and unification. The spheres for cooperation in education, tourism, technology and knowledge exchange, economic transformation, governance, and the creative industries are many and prospects of rewards so great that it is more than time that an entrenchment is made for this purpose.

In support of Africa Caricom Day, The PJ Patterson Institute for Africa Caribbean Public Advocacy will be collaborating with the Office of the Vice Chancellor of the University of the West Indies and it’s

entities The Office of Global Affairs and The Centre for Reparation Research to host the first Africa CARICOM Day Seminar at the Regional Headquarters of the University of the West Indies on September 7, 2023 at 9:30 EST, which will be broadcast on UWITV and CARICOM YouTube and Facebook channels. The public is invited to watch and participate from wherever you are on the African continent, in the Caribbean or in the Diaspora in this seminal event that will feature participation from the Vice Chancellor of the UWI, Sir Hilary Beckles; Statesman in Residence at the PJ Patterson Institute for Africa Caribbean Public Advocacy, The Most Honourable PJ Patterson, The Secretary General of CARICOM, noted academics and public officials and student leaders. The PJ Patterson Institute for Africa

Caribbean Public Advocacy is committed to the cause of building bridges between nations and the people of the AU and CARICOM to engage in activities which will promote a truly symbolic relationship. This seminar is intended to be a building block in the process of forging unity between our nations and people.

We Must Have Fewer Disposable Neighborhoods, More Good Green Jobs

by Ben Jealous

Nicknames like the Motor City and Motown make clear that the auto industry built Detroit. Cars did a lot to give the neighborhoods in and around the 48217 zip code on the city’s southwest side their nickname too — Michigan’s most polluted zip code.

A Ford plant, a U.S. Steel mill and, most prominently, a Marathon Oil refinery that’s the only one in the state and one of the nation’s largest have fouled the air for decades in what locals call the Tri-Cities. In all, the Environmental Protection Agency monitors more than four dozen polluters in the area that’s home to poor Blacks and Hispanics.

In the mid-1960s, Interstate 75 dissected what was a vibrant neighborhood and added the fumes of 100,000 cars and trucks a day. Many trace their roots to the 13 original families that settled there in the Great Migration, and houses are a big part of neighborhood families’ wealth. Residents of the 48217 have fought for years to slow the pollution, protesting, and appearing at public hearings for decades.

The corporate interests have won more often than not.

The city historically traded the promise of jobs for residents’ interests.

Marathon promised 51 percent of jobs at the refinery would go to city residents when it won a $175 million tax abatement for an expansion in 2007; a decade later 6 percent of the workforce was from Detroit. We’re at a moment when we can change these patterns, when places across the country like the Tri-Cities can get relief and we can stop creating them in the first place. The hundreds of billions that the federal government has committed to infrastructure and clean energy – more money than we spent sending astronauts to the moon – can do that.

For example, there’s $3 billion alone set aside for communities like 48217 that have felt the most environmental and climate harm. It’s not enough, but it’s a significant start.

When it comes to the auto industry, our country is spending heavily to speed the transition to electric vehicles (EVs), from

a $9.2 billion loan the Energy Department gave Ford and its South Korean partner this summer to build battery plants to $7,500 tax credits for car buyers who choose new EVs. We’re lowering the cost of supplying the bigger demand for EVs that we are building for automakers at the same time. It begs the question why Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis are trying to make the work to build EVs less desirable for their 150,000 employees represented by the United Auto Workers. Their contract expires in less than two weeks.

A critical part of the negotiations underway is the question of how workers in plants making EVs will be treated. It’s a question not just for this contract, but for years to come as EVs become the standard for U.S. car buyers.

The automakers are forming joint ventures to open battery plants where they don’t have to pay the wages that they do at vehicle assembly plants. The union points to the starting pay at an Ohio battery plant

that’s half the top pay at gas powered car plants. The companies also are placing new plants in Southern states with right-to-work laws to avoid unions.

The people who make cars shouldn’t have to choose between a green, sustainable job and one that pays good wages they’ve negotiated. That’s not what American taxpayers expect in return for the incentives flowing to the auto industry.

West Indian Day Parade 2023

The Youngest Full-Time Salaried Teacher in the US is Just 16 Years Old

16-year-old Shania Shakura Muhammad is making history in the field of education as the youngest full-time teacher in the U.S. Her father, Elijah Muhammad, announced via Facebook that his daughter’s standing as a salaried teacher at 16 makes her the youngest ever in the country to do so. The straight-A student attended a twoyear program for educational training through the Thurgood Marshall Foundation, Muhammad received the necessary credentials to be offered the position to teach third graders in her hometown of Oklahoma City.

Muhammad earned numerous degrees and said this via Facebook: “My journey has been surreal, and I cannot believe I graduated with my 3rd College Degree (Bachelor’s Degree) at 15 years old and

WALKED THE STAGE WITH MY OLDER BROTHER AND SISTER.”

The young achiever earned her Bachelor’s degree with honors two years ago from Oklahoma Community College and Langston University, an HBCU. She continued her academic pursuits to obtain two more degrees in specialties such as child development. This background led her to pursue her already groundbreaking career in teaching.

“My dad was my coach, supporter, teacher, guide, and everything else he needed to be to ensure my success. I am grateful for everything that has gotten me where I am today. This shows it’s very much possible, and the only limits you have is the ones you set for yourself. This is still the beginning of my journey, and I will

continue my education by obtaining my MASTER DEGREE IN BUSINESS (MBA).

I have already started the program and have a 4.0 GPA!”

Upon accomplishing her most recent academic milestone, the HBCU graduate announced that her journey would not have been paved without the support of her family,

“But Beyond Her Long Resume and Professional Accolades, She Has A True Desire and Passion For Teaching,” shared the proud dad on Facebook.” I’m Super Proud Of My Daughter For Being Bold And Brave and Stepping Out On Her Faith and Into Her Purpose and Not Allowing Peoples Opinions Of Her To Dictate The Reality of Her Dreams and Passions.”

While Muhammad is already a trailblazer

in her own right, the teen is still not done reaching new heights. She also revealed on Facebook that she is matriculating through an MBA program, having already started and holding a 4.0 GPA. And on trend, she is also the youngest Black graduate to do it.

Vaughan P.A. Toney, Advocate, Chief Executive Officer & Ambassador-at-Large

June 29, 1955 – September 4, 2023

It is with profound sadness that The Friends of Crown Heights Educational Centers, Inc., (FOCH), announces the passing of its longtime President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Vaughan Toney. Mr. Toney died on Monday, September 4th, 2023, following a fiercely fought battle against cancer. He was 68.

In a career spanning more than four decades of exemplary public service and advocacy in the fields of child care and early childhood education, legislative reform, community empowerment and political activism, Vaughan Toney was the recipient of numerous awards and commendations celebrating his lifelong commitment and leadership in the service of others. In September 2022, he was formally accredited by the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines as an Ambassador-at-Large in recognition of his outstanding service to the Vincentian diaspora.

Vaughan Peter Adrian Toney was born on June 29,1955 in Calliaqua, a small town close to the southernmost point in St. Vincent. As

a teenager, he migrated to New York in 1969 to join his mother Ela, a professional nurse. Upon completing his secondary education, he enrolled as a student at the State University of New York (Albany), where he served as an elected member of the student governing body while concurrently working as a student intern in the office of then-State Assemblyman Angelo del Toro. His passion for service and aptitude for hard work gained him early attention; upon graduating from SUNY Albany in 1978 with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, he was recruited directly to the staff of the New York State Assembly Education Committee, where he served with distinction as legislative assistant to Chairman Leonard Stavisky, a former professor of history and government. When Stavisky acceded to the New York State Senate six years later, Toney followed as senior staff analyst and special assistant to the Senator. For the young Vaughan Toney, it was an assignment he would later describe as “the pivotal experience and opportunity of a lifetime.”

In 1992, following the adoption of a new City Charter and an expanded, more representative New York City Council, Toney left Albany to serve as Chief-of -Staff to Council Member Una Clarke, the first Caribbean-born woman elected to the New York City legislature. Four years later, he moved on to accept the position of Chief-of-staff to the Rev. Dr. Lloyd Henry, representing the adjacent 45th Council District in Central Brooklyn. In both capacities, he crafted the legislative strategy that brought tens of millions of dollars in capital investment and economic stimulus to the Flatbush, East Flatbush and surrounding communities of Central Brooklyn. He was instrumental in

brokering the public-private partnerships that led to the establishment of the Flatbush Business Improvement District, and creation of the Flatbush Triangle Junction Mall – a landmark commercial revitalization project that reinvigorated the entire Flatbush-Nostrand retail corridor and brought new life to the densely populated vicinity of nearby Brooklyn College. Amid these political engagements, Toney also pursued studies toward a Master’s degree in Public Administration at New York University. In 2001, he narrowly lost an historic election bid to represent the 45th District in the New York City Council.

For the past 22 years, Vaughan Toney served as President and Chief Executive Officer of The Friends of Crown Heights Educational Centers, Inc., (FOCH), a New York State-registered 501(c)3 not-for-profit, community-based organization in the City of New York. During that tenure, he presided over the largest expansion and diversification of the agency’s portfolio in its 46-year history. With a current network of 21 full-service Early Childhood Education Centers in Brooklyn, Manhattan and Staten Island, FOCH has evolved under Mr. Toney’s leadership to become the largest City-contracted, not-for-profit provider of subsidized child care and early education in the City of New York. In addition to its signature, Center-based Infant/Toddler, 3K and Pre-K programs, the agency also operates an extensive Family Child Care Network serving hundreds of preschool children in dozens of affiliated provider homes in Brooklyn and Queens. Through separate contracts with the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD), FOCH also administers multiple Elementary and Middle School

Afterschool programs. Additionally, FOCH is a State-contracted sponsoring agency of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) -- a nutrition education and meal reimbursement program enabling providers to serve nutritious and safely prepared meals and snacks to children in licensed child-care settings.

In recognition of his lifelong leadership and advocacy in the field of Early Childhood Care and Education, Vaughan Toney was invited to serve as a Board Member of the Day Care Council of New York -- a membership organization of over 100 agencies that together operate more than 250 publicly and privately-funded child-care centers and family child-care programs in New York City. As a community leader and activist, he had previously served as a member of the Kings County Hospital Advisory Board. He was a founding member of the Caribbean American Political Organization, past President of the 42nd Assembly District Democratic Club, and a former member of the Carlos Lezama Archives and Caribbean Cultural Center. He was also an active member of numerous humanitarian and philanthropic organizations working to support the wellbeing and aspirations of his fellow Vincentian nationals both at home and throughout the diaspora.

The Management and Staff of The Friends of Crown Heights Educational Centers, Inc., (FOCH) extend their deepest sympathy to the family, relatives and friends of Mr. Vaughan P.A. Toney. Funeral arrangements will be announced as they are released by the family.

Bahamas – Needs International Help With Climate Crisis says UN Expert

UNITED NATIONS, CMC – A United Nations-appointed human rights expert on Friday urged the international community to increase assistance to The Bahamas and other Small Island States that face elevated threats from natural disasters resulting from climate change.

“The Bahamas needs long-term financial planning to address its climate vulnerability and economic dependence on tourism,” said Attiya Waris, the UN Independent Expert on foreign debt, international financial obligations, and human rights, in a statement at the end of a 10-day visit to the country.

Waris noted that The Bahamas’ status as a high-income country hinders its ability to secure loans from international financial institutions and access development aid.

“The reality is that they should be supported by the international community, including international financial institutions and development banks,” she said, calling for both The Bahamas and the global community to adopt an alternative comparative indicator instead of relying

solely on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita.

The UN said this recommendation stems from recognizing that the nation faces “distinctive challenges, such as a high cost of living and an ongoing vulnerability to catastrophic climate-related disasters, which demand a greater allocation of resources than many other states.”

Waris highlighted The Bahamas’ strong reliance on tourism as a cornerstone of its economy.

Over the last decade, the UN said the nation has endured five major hurricanes, with Hurricane Dorian in 2019 being the most recent.

This devastating event resulted in a staggering US$3.4 billion in damages, equating to almost a quarter of the country’s GDP, the UN said.

“The impact of Hurricane Dorian, COVID-19 and the decline in tourism was devastating for both the population and the country’s economy,” Waris said.

“The country is still repaying the debt incurred for reconstruction and will con-

NY – Guyanese Charged in Plot to Kill Relative

Massarone used Facebook Messenger to communicate with the potential hitman saying, “You take care of business and you be a rich man.”

One day before the assassination, the hitman notified the intended victim and accompanied him to the US Embassy to make a report.

tinue to do so for many years to come.”

She urged The Bahamian government to prioritise comprehensive, long-term economic planning that takes into account the impacts of climate change.

Additionally, the UN expert suggested exploring options to reduce the country’s heavy reliance on tourism, enhance food security, and harness local innovation as a means to diversify the economy.

The UN said these suggestions will be presented to the UN Human Rights Council in March 2024.

“The collective responsibility of the international community towards climate change and its consequences should not be forgotten,” Waris said.

UN independent experts are appointed by the Human Rights Council to monitor specific country situations or thematic issues.

They serve in their individual capacity, are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work, the UN said.

The family of a Guyanese woman has branded her as ‘evil’ after she was arrested for allegedly attempting to hire a hitman to take out her brother-in-law. The accused, Reshma Massarone of Hudson Valley, New York was charged on August 23 last month in the alleged murder-forhire scheme in Manhattan Federal Court.

The 39-year-old bank manager allegedly offered an unidentified friend $10,000 dollars to kill her brother-in-law while he was on a family trip to their native country of Guyana back In July. According to court documents, she allegedly wired $2,500 to the person, who said he would set up the hit to look like a robbery gone sideways.

The motive for the hire was an ‘ongoing civil litigation matter pending in New York.’ The attempted hit job unfolded after several months of infighting between Massarone and her family, who believe she tried to exploit a dying relative by taking out an insurance policy on her. She filed a restraining order against the brother-inlaw.

One family member described her as “…so evil. She has been torturing and tormenting people for a very long time.” Others in the family are “her next step was to get him assassinated or murdered because she was stuck with these attorney’s fees and all that”.

Massarone is known to the courts having sued the bank that employed her, claiming she was racially discriminated against while working there. Both cases were dismissed by judges. She is currently being held without bail “based on danger to the community”.

Nourishing Minds: How Dietary Choices Foster Optimal Brain Health

I, too, have found myself relieved that there are more public conversations about mental health post-pandemic; giving all of us permission to speak openly about our personal struggles with issues like anxiety, depression and mental fog. Like so many, I began my own exploration into non-pharmaceutical options to address mental and cognitive health. What I soon learned was that I could reimagine my dietary choices in a way that truly prioritized whole-body wellbeing. Subscribing to the belief in a mind-body connection, I am now able to better appreciate that the nutrients that I consume can play a critical role in my brain health. Further, it is my daily dietary choices that can either promote or hinder the optimal functioning of my brain, thereby influencing my emotional states and cognitive processes.

As a behavioral healthcare professional, I fully support addressing mental health issues with conventional interventions that include medication and talk therapy. But exposure to the emerging field of nutritional psychiatry has presented me with evidence-based studies that reveal how food can be harnessed as a tool to enhance mood, alleviate anxiety and support overall mental wellbeing. Research shows that food has a profound impact on our emotional health, not just on our physical wellbeing. Nutritional psychiatry, unlike traditional psychiatry, incorporates food into patient’s treatment plans. It advocates for nutrient-dense

by Nzinga N. Garvey, MBA

foods rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber and protein, while reducing the consumption of “empty” foods like sugar. These dietary adjustments aim to combat brain inflammation, regulate neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, promote positive emotional responses and slow cognitive decline.

A well-nourished brain is essential for good mental health. But how? It starts with the fact that the gut and the brain are intimately connected (creating a gut-brain axis). Our brain communicates with the gut through the vagus nerve, forming a two-way connection. This bidirectional relationship highlights the profound influence that the gut, specifically the gut microbiome, has on brain health and function. This connection facilitates the exchange of signals, chemicals and neurotransmitters between the two organs. Moreover, the gut microbiome, a diverse community of trillions of microorganisms residing in the gastrointestinal tract, plays a pivotal role in this connection. These microorganisms contribute to the production of neurotransmitters, including serotonin, dopamine and GABA, which are crucial for regulating mood, emotion and cognition. This intricate relationship underscores the importance of nourishing the brain through proper nutrition. Nutrients from the foods we consume are broken down in the gut and absorbed into the bloodstream, ultimately influencing the brain’s chemistry and structure.

WHO Initiative Signs New Licensing Agreements on COVID-19 Technologies

The COVID-19 Technology Access Pool (C-TAP), a multi-stakeholder partnership to facilitate sharing of intellectual property (IP), knowledge and innovations has announced three new licensing agreements acquired through the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP). The agreements include the following licenses to transfer know-how, materials and clinical data needed in different countries: Medigen Vaccine Biologics Corp, the first private manufacturer, is offering its patent and know-how for a COVID-19 vaccine that has seen more than three million doses administered across seven countries. It is the first time that a vaccine manufacturer is using the WHO C-TAP model - a win-win opportunity for the manufacturer, recipients of the technology and, most importantly, patients in need around the world. The agreement will enable licensing of IP facilitating technology transfer and staff training.

Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) is sharing a second license for a COVID-19 vaccine prototype. The agreement includes plant visits and training, direct assistance and ongoing consultation with recipient manufacturers, including on quality and regulatory matters.

The University of Chile is sharing its technology for a COVID-19 assay for quantification of neutralizing antibodies.

C-TAP was launched in May 2020 by the

WHO and the Government of Costa Rica with the support of 44 Member States, UN Development Programme, Unitaid, UNAIDS, and implementing partners such as MPP. It works under the principles of the Solidarity call to action and was designed to serve as a platform for developers of COVID-19 therapeutics, diagnostics, vaccines and other health products to voluntarily share their intellectual property, knowledge, and data to accelerate technological innovation and expand global production capacity.

C-TAP was acknowledged as an important tool in the 2021 “ Local Production Resolution” to facilitate sustainable access to quality-assured, safe, effective and affordable medicines and other health technologies. Furthermore, it has played an important role in raising awareness of the role of technology and knowledge sharing and access-oriented voluntary licensing.

“COVID-19 is here to stay, and the world will continue to need tools to prevent it, test for it and treat it,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.

“Through C-TAP, WHO and our partners are committed to making those tools accessible to everyone, everywhere. I am grateful to the leadership shown by those license holders who have contributed technology.”

Essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and antioxidants are required for optimal brain function and play roles in neuroprotection, neurotransmitter synthesis and combating oxidative stress.

There is an expanding body of research that highlights the mental health advantages associated with a nourishing diet. Multiple studies have pinpointed the positive effects of dietary choices on alleviating depression, anxiety and mental fog, with a particular emphasis on the benefits of a Mediterranean diet (a dietary approach inspired by the eating habits of Mediterranean populations). When comparing the Mediterranean diet with the typical Western diet, studies found that depression risk was 25% to 35% higher among those eating limited lean meats, dairy, processed and refined foods and sugars. A 2022 review by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showcased how increased consumption of a healthy diet, rich in vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, fish and fiber derived from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds reduced inflammation and influenced neurotransmitters, thereby mitigating depressive symptoms. Further, a study led by Jessica Bayers, Ph.D. delved into the effects of a Mediterranean diet on treating moderate to severe depression in males 18 to 25. Participants receiving nutritional counseling and meal planning support for adhering to the Mediterranean diet experienced substantial

improvements in depressive symptoms. In my own pursuit for better brain health, I continue to seek out those foods that contribute to my mental wellbeing and safeguard my brain’s function. These include:

Healthy Fats: Mono- and polyunsaturated fats prevalent in foods like avocados, olives, nuts and seeds as well as omega-3 fatty acids found in seafood, chia seeds and flax seeds (assist in reducing brain inflammation and slowing down brain aging).

Berries: Flavonoids-rich berries particularly blueberries (associated with memory enhancement and providing a protective effect on brain cells against oxidative stress).

Colorful Vegetables: Nutrient-dense green leafy vegetables, bell peppers and broccoli (containing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties from carotenoids, vitamin K and flavonoids).

Beans: Fiber-rich legumes like lentils, chickpeas and kidney beans (improving information processing, attention and memory).

Pre/Probiotics: Gut-healthy bacteria found in kimchi, miso, tempeh, garlic, apples and beans (increasing the healthy flora in the microbiome).

Tea/Coffee: Caffeinated tea and coffee (shown to boost concentration and improve mental function).

Continued on website at nycaribnews.com

Sheryl Lee Ralph at 66 - Growing Wise

66-year-old Sheryl Lee Ralph of ABC’s  Abbott Elementary, recently told Prevention that “Aging is a gift...” and opened up about some of the life lessons she’s learned over the years. She shared that her life has been about preparing for longevity.

“Finding my joy, making great choices for me, understanding that life is not always fair. Sometimes it’s your day. Sometimes it’s not your day. But if it’s a good day or a bad day, you’ve got to thank God because you got a day.”

The actor and philanthropist said, “Aging is a gift because there is definitely an alternative. Choose one. I choose living, I choose [to be] alive—but that is my choice. There are so many people who feel that as you age you feel that you have to grow old. You can grow wise.

You can grow wonderful.”

She also added that she she has a “100-year-old mother-in-law,” from whom she’s learned a lot. “There are so many people who do not know how to treat somebody who has aged well in life. They don’t know what to do; what to tell them. Geriatrics is something that we need to pay more attention to. If you have aged well.”

Her advice for setting yourself up for a long, healthy life - “Walk,” And ask yourself, “Did you drink your water?” After winning several awards last year for her latest role as teacher Barbara Howard on ABC’s Abbott Elementary, Ralph has proven that hard work pays off and says this is the case for living life to the fullest.

Guyana – Lisa Narine is New Miss Universe Guyana

Lisa Narine edged out seven other finalists to be crowned Miss Universe Guyana 2023 on Saturday, September 2 at the Guyana Marriott Hotel in Georgetown.

The 26-year-old creative coordinator, radio host, entrepreneur, and advocate representing the Pomeroon-Supenaam region will now prepare to represent Guyana at Miss Universe 2023 in El Salvador this November.

Lieve Blanckaert of Georgetown and Chandini Baljor of Essequibo Islands-West Demerara were named the first and second runners-up, respectively, while Colline Ward of Bartica and Melissa McLean of La Parfaite Harmonie rounded out the Top 5 finalists. This year’s pageant was the first edition

held under US-based talent acquisition leader and award-winning pageant director, Teri Brown-Walker, following a 5-year hiatus.

The new Miss Universe Guyana holds a diploma in business and marketing management and currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in international relations at the University of Guyana. She enjoys dancing, modeling, and archery as her hobbies.

No stranger to pageantry, Lisa previously joined the virtual Miss Glocal International 2021 competition where she finished as first runner-up. She also achieved the same placement at Miss India Guyana 2021 before getting appointed as Miss Top Model International Guyana 2022.

Jamaica – Travelers to Country Must Complete Immigration Form Online Starting September 1

All travelers entering Jamaica will be required to complete the Immigration and Customs Declaration [C5] form online, starting September 1. The online form will replace the paper document that is issued to travelers on airlines.

According to Kauna McKenzie, Director for Business Development & Communication at the Passport Immigration and Citizenship Agency [PICA], this will help to reduce wait times at airports. The Immigration/Customs (C5) Form is an entry requirement for persons traveling to the island, whether they are residents in Jamaica or visiting.

Barcode readers will be placed at the airports.

The form may be accessed at www.enterjamaica.com

Speaking at a JIS Think Tank on August 30, Chief Executive Officer of PICA, Andrew Wynter, said, “The Online Passenger Declaration or C5 form is what you would normally get in the paper format from the airline to fill out when returning to Jamaica. With the online form, passengers will now be able to submit that application ahead of their travel, and they can do it up to 30 days before they return to Jamaica.”

“It’s the same information that is on the physical form that is on the online form; it is like a mirror,” he said.

Jamaica – Eyes Influx of New American Travelers

from the related sector are brought together in a hospitality setting.

Speaking at the Caribbean Meeting and Incentive Travel Exchange (CMITE)

Breakfast held at the Secrets Wild Orchid Resort in Montego Bay, St. James, on Tuesday (August 22), Mr. White noted that “business is back, and in-person events are once again being well attended”.

“We here in Jamaica could not be more pleased, as group business has long been a key component of our strategy for the development and growth of the island’s tourism product,” he stated.

and our partners who are interested in this segment of the market have ensured that their hotels have the necessary facilities to accommodate small, medium, and even 600-person groups,” he added.

The objective of the CMITE series of meetings is to promote Jamaica as a

warm-weather destination of choice with the personnel, infrastructure, and strong cultural appeal that will result in reservations for meeting and incentive groups. More than 40 buyers and planners are participating in the meetings, which are being held from August 21 to 24.

As Jamaica ends what must have been their best tourism summer in history, the tourist projections for the fall should continue their winning streak with American travelers. the country is now expecting an increase of 140,000 additional seats in scheduled air capacity between September and December.

Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, Jamaica, said, “This added capacity is a testament to the appeal of the island’s tourism product as well as the excellent relationships we enjoy with our U.S. airline partners. They clearly have confidence that we can fill these seats as we are now surpassing 2019 stopover arrivals and on track for a full recovery in those annual figures for 2023.”

Jamaica secured 1.4 million seats this summer, a 16 percent jump over the alltime record in 2019. American travelers account for nearly 75 percent of all visitors to the island.

Director of Tourism, Jamaica Tourist Board, Donovan White, says Jamaica is experiencing a surge in business travel, which is on its way back to pre-COVID levels.

He informed that the country’s meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) sector is on the rise.

MICE tourism refers to business-related events that are planned, and professionals

The Director of Tourism pointed out that while MICE travel is not measured by percentages due to the varied sizes of the groups and the dynamic nature of meetings, tourism stakeholders have been reporting bookings for large groups, several months ahead of time.

“All our partners are beginning to report that they are [seeing] in their reservations, six months, 12 months, and 18 months ahead for large groups coming back to Jamaica, and that is an extremely good sign for our forecasting ability of arrivals to the destination,” he stated.

The CMITE meetings, which were hosted by wellness brand Questex on the island, connects North American meeting planners and incentive buyers with leading Caribbean and Mexico-based suppliers to foster meaningful industry relationships. While noting that the island is pleased to have been chosen to host CMITE for the third time, Mr. White outlined that Jamaica has put in the work to ensure that it could once again host meetings of this nature.

“It’s the kind of market that’s built on a lot of sensitivity, so we’ve worked very hard over the last two and a half to three years since COVID, to rebuild Jamaica’s appetite for business travel, meetings, and conventions,” he pointed out.

“Our hotels have adequate meeting spaces,

2023-24 Concacaf Nations League: All You Need to Know

MIAMI, Florida – The third edition of the Concacaf Nations League begins on Thursday, September 7 with a new look, as 41 teams over the course of the next seven months will square off across League A, League B and League C.

When

The 2023-24 Concacaf Nations League will begin on September 7 and will conclude with the Concacaf Nations League Finals in March 2024.

The match schedule for the first international window in September is available HERE:

Qualification for Copa America

The 2023-24 Concacaf Nations League will serve as a qualifier for the 2024 Copa America to be held within the United States. Six teams from the Concacaf region will represent Concacaf in the 16-team tournament.

New Format

The 2023-24 Concacaf Nations League will feature a new format in League A, which will feature a total of 16 teams.

League A will begin with 12 teams divided into two groups of six teams, with each team playing four matches against group opponents and the top two finishers in each group advancing to the 2023-24 Concacaf Nations League Quarterfinals, where they will join the top four seeded teams: United States, Mexico, Canada, Costa Rica.

The winners of the four Quarterfinal matchups not only will advance to the Concacaf Nations League Finals in March, but they will also qualify for the 2024 Copa America, while the defeated teams from the quarterfinals will meet in a pair of Play-In matches to determine the final two spots in the 2024 Copa America. While League B remains unchanged with 16 teams divided into four groups of four, League

C has a new look, with nine teams divided into three groups of three teams.

Promotion and Relegation

The 2023-24 Concacaf Nations League will also see the return of both Promotion and Relegation to the competition. The bottom two teams from the six-team groups in League A will be relegated to League B, while the last-place team in each of the four League B groups will be relegated to League C. The winners of each group in League B will be promoted to League A, while the winners of each group in League C and the best-ranked second-place team will be promoted to League B.

Participating Teams

League A

Top Seeds: United States, Mexico, Canada, Costa Rica

Group A: Panama, Guatemala, El Salvador, Martinique, Curacao, Trinidad and Tobago Group B: Haiti, Jamaica, Honduras, Cuba, Suriname, Grenada

League B

Group A: Guadeloupe, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Sint Maarten

Group B: Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Montserrat, Barbados

Group C: French Guiana, Bermuda, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Belize

Group D: Guyana, Antigua and Barbuda, Puerto Rico, Bahamas

League C

Group A: Bonaire, Saint Martin, Anguilla

Group B: Aruba, Cayman Islands, US Virgin Islands

Group C: Dominica, Turks and Caicos Islands, British Virgin Islands

Bol and Dos Santos Among Winners as Meeting Records Fall in Bellinzona

year’s world champion Kristjan Ceh from Slovenia, who produced 67.15m in the fourth round. Fedrick Dacres from Jamaica took third place with 66.19m.

Jamaica’s Oblique Seville stormed to a win in the men’s 100m in 10.01, edging Ferdinand Omanyala (10.04).

Five-time Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah completed a Jamaican double by winning the women’s 100m in a season’s best of 10.92. Imani Lansiquot from Great Britain dipped under 11 seconds for the first time in her career with 10.99. Gina Bass finished third in 11.12, while Zaynab Dosso missed her Italian record by 0.01 with 11.15.

“I feel good. I will end my season at the Diamond League final in Eugene, where I want to confirm my good level,” said Joseph. “I set my national record in Zurich and I came close to this time again here.”

Jamaica’s Natoya Goule -Toppin won the women’s 800m for the second consecutive year in Bellinzona in 1:57.53. US 19-year-old Addison Wiley also dipped under the 1:58 barrier, Continued on website at nycaribnews.com

World 400m hurdles champion Femke Bol improved her own meeting record by more than a second to 52.79, holding off world silver medallist Shamier Little (53.64) on a very warm night at the Gala dei Castelli in Bellinzona, a World Athletics Continental Tour Silver meeting, on Monday (4).

Racing in front of 5752 enthusiastic spectators who packed the Comunale Stadium, Little also ran under the previous meeting record that had been set by Bol, who returned to the scene of her first professional race in 2019.

“It’s amazing to see the crowd so close to the athletes in this beautiful meeting,” said the Dutch 23-year-old. “I stared my career in Bellinzona and it’s nice to be back here. I compete a lot, but I do that with passion and with a smile on my face.”

Brazil’s 2022 world champion Alison dos Santos came from behind in the final straight to win the men’s 400m hurdles, improving his own meeting record by 0.11 to 47.50. Wilfried Happio ran a season’s best of 47.56 in second, while his French compatriot Ludvy Vaillant also dipped under 48 seconds with 47.92, beating Trevor Bassitt (48.82).

USA’s Olympic discus champion Valarie Allman followed her winning throw of 70.47m in Berlin with a second consecutive win in Bellinzona with 69.09m in the first round.

Olympic and world champion Daniel Stahl from Sweden threw to 67.24m in the second round to win the men’s discus ahead of last

“I am happy with my win as I set my season’s best in Zurich last week and I improved it again,” said Thompson-Herah. “I want to continue this season and run more races.”

USA’s Tamara Clark won the women’s 200m in 22.64, beating Shashalee Forbes from Jamaica (22.74) and Italy’s Dalia Kaddari (22.86).

The women’s pole vault at the Gala dei Castelli was held on Sunday afternoon as a city event in Largo Zorzi in Locarno. Three-time world silver medallist Sandi Morris set a meeting record of 4.80m on her first attempt to win the competition. Morris then failed three attempts at 4.92m.

“My first goal is to end the season healthy, to focus on the preparation for next year’s Olympic Games,” she said. “I am very motivated and I aim to reach the five-metre barrier again and win a medal at the Olympic Games in Paris.”

World University Games champion Angelica Moser cleared 4.58m at the first time of asking to finish second, beating world finalist Elisa Molinarolo from Italy on countback.

Olympic champion Jasmine Camacho-Quinn won the women’s 100m hurdles for the second consecutive year in 12.56, improving Nadine Visser’s meeting record by 0.01. Visser took second place in 12.61, edging Nia Ali (12.63).

European indoor champion Jason Joseph from Switzerland followed his national record of 13.08 in Zurich with another win in the 110m hurdles on Swiss soil in 13.18. Louis Francois Mendy from Senegal finished second in 13.29 ahead of Orlando Bennett from Jamaica (13.40).