September 20, 2023

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42 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE See scroll of outstanding Belizean-Americans

JAMAICA

CREDIT RATING UPGRADED

By Standard and Poor’s expected to facilitate access to financing on better terms

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TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

PM ROWLEY CLEARED

By the Integrity Commission of any wrong doing in the purchase of TownHouse

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NEW YORK CITY

WORK PERMITS FOR MIGRANTS

New initiative by Mayor Adams to quickly identify eligible individuals

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JEFFRIES - ALI MEETING

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

HAKEEM JEFFRIES AND CONGRESSIONAL MEMBERS MET WITH PRESIDENT OF GUYANA. DR. IRFAAN ALI TO DISCUSS U.S./GUYANA RELATIONS

Gets Commonwealth 2023 Young Person of the Year for special needs persons

FOR CARIBBEAN VICTIMS OF FRAUD

MAYA KIRTI NANAN

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NYC

NEW CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL 2023 WINNERS NAMED

Revealed by WIADCA, with Skymaxx Mas winning Adult Band of the Year

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WESTERN UNION TO PAY $40 MILLION US DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE ANNOUNCED DISTRIBUTION OF PAYMENT TO VICTIMS HARMED BY PREDATORY SCHEMES

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CaribNews OPED A Bridge Builder for a New Era: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries

by Stacy M. Brown - P 9

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 26, 2023

AFRICA Libya floods aftermath: Response continues amid the wreckage

UN teams are working tirelessly to deliver vital assistance to communities devastated by the unprecedented floods that hit eastern Libya.

OPED Over the weekend, agency staff led missions into Derna, Cutting Tailpipe Pollution Starts at Shahat, Soussa and al Bayda, delivering emergency medical Home for New York City supplies, food, water purification kits and shelter material.

by Ben Jealous - P 9 ‘Horrific’ situation The situation is “horrific” in Derna, said Rana Ksaifi, leading a UN refugee agency (UNHCR) team to the city.

HEALTH Derna bore the brunt of the floods after two dams on the city’s outskirts collapsed, sending a torrent of water through First WHO Report Details Devastating Impact of Hypertension and Ways to Stop the streets that swept entire buildings out to sea.

It - P 16 “I cannot explain what I saw on the way coming to Derna: roads split in half, massive rocks moved from the mountains to coastal areas, and destroyed homes,” she said.

TRAVEL According to the Libyan Red Crescent, over 11,000 people CNN Travel Recognizes Dominica as are reported dead there, with a further 10,100 missing. More One of The Best Caribbean Islands - P 17 than 30,000 people have been displaced out of a population of around 150,000 before the disaster.

‘Very slim’ chance of survivors Though search and rescue efforts are ongoing, chances of finding survivors are “very slim”, said UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Libya, Georgette Gagnon, who also visited Derna in the aftermath of the flood.

Ethiopia: Mass killings continue, risk of further ‘largescale’ atrocities

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In Ethiopia, war crimes have continued unabated almost a year after a ceasefire was agreed between the country’s Government and forces from the northern Tigray region, UN-appointed independent rights experts said on Monday.

The latest report from the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia documents atrocities perpetrated “by all parties to the conflict” since 3 November 2020 – the start date of the armed conflict in Tigray - including mass killings, rape, starvation, destruction of schools and medical facilities, forced displacement and arbitrary detention.

Commission Chair Mohamed Chande Othman said that violent confrontations were now “at a near-national scale” and highlighted “alarming” reports of violations against civilians in the Amhara region as well as on-going atrocities.

“The situation in Oromia, Amhara and other parts of the country - including ongoing patterns of violations, entrenched impunity, and increasing securitization of the State - bear hallmarked risks of further atrocities and crimes,” he warned.

Amhara: ‘mass arbitrary detention’ In the Amhara region, where the Government announced a state of emergency last month, the Commission said that it was receiving reports of “mass arbitrary detention” of civilians and “at least one drone strike” carried out by the State.

WORLD BRIEFS US-Mexico border, ‘world’s deadliest’ overland migration route: IOM The United States-Mexico border is the world’s deadliest land route for migrants, with at least 686 deaths and disappearances last year, the UN migration agency (IOM) said on Tuesday.

Nearly half of the deaths on the border were linked to the hazardous crossing of the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts.

“These alarming figures are a stark reminder of the need for decisive action

by States,” said Michele Klein Solomon, IOM’s Regional Director for Central and North America and the Caribbean.

“Enhancing data collection is crucial.

Ultimately, what is needed is for countries to act on the data to ensure safe, regular migration routes are accessible.”

Throughout the Americas, 1,457 migrant deaths and disappearances were recorded in 2022, the deadliest year on record, according to IOM. Lack of proper data However, these figures represent the “lowest estimates” available as many deaths were likely not recorded due to lack of data.

Other concerning trends in the Americas included an over 42 per cent increase in deaths on migration routes in the Caribbean last year and the continuing dramatic situation at the Darien Gap. Taliban urged to uphold Afghan girls’ right to education The international community must ensure that every girl in Afghanistan has an opportunity to learn, the head of the UN fund for education in emergencies said on Monday – the second anniversary of the Taliban’s edict banning secondary education for girls.

“Denying education to girls is a violation of universal human rights,” said Yasmine Sherif, Executive Director of Education Cannot Wait (ECW).

“The de facto authorities can do the right thing for the long-suffering people of Afghanistan by ensuring that every girl in Afghanistan can access quality education and contribute to rebuilding their war-torn country,” she added.

2.5 million girls affected Ms. Sherif reported that 80 per cent of school-age Afghan girls are currently not in the classroom.

“That’s 2.5 million girls denied their right to the safety, protection, opportunity of education – their inherent human right,” she said.

Uplifting #AfghanGirlsVoices Education Cannot Wait (ECW) has expressed solidarity with all girls in Afghanistan who are courageously speaking up for the right to education.

The fund recently launched a campaign, #AfghanGirlsVoices which will highlight the issue throughout the year.

“Together, we must ensure that, through education, every girl in Afghanistan can emerge from the shadows so they can contribute to a brighter future...”

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 26, 2023

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Washington DC- Jeffries Supports VP Harris While former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) sounded hesitant to support the vice president last week, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) recently pledged his support for Harris.

When questioned about Pelosi’s recent remarks, Jeffries responded on ABC’s “This Week,” “Far be it for me to ever speak for Nancy D’Alesandro Pelosi, the greatest Speaker of all time.” She can definitely provide an independent response to that query. He remarked, “I will say that Vice President Harris has been a great vice president. She’ll be a great

running mate. She has been a tremendous partner in the things that President Biden has been able to accomplish, which have been phenomenal.”

Jeffries released a statement in response to Pelosi’s remarks about Harris being Biden’s ideal running mate for reelection. She first said, “He thinks so, and that’s what matters.”

Pelosi continued, unabated, when CNN’s Anderson Cooper questioned whether she shared his opinion, “She’s very politically astute.

I don’t think people give her enough credit.”

In praising Harris, Jeffries said that she played

a key role in the White House’s achievements over the previous two years, including “fixing our crumbling infrastructure, clean water in every single community, bringing domestic manufacturing jobs back home to the United States of America.”

He noted, “President Biden has led that effort.

House Democrats and Senate Democrats have worked with the administration, they got those things done. Vice President Harris has been a tremendous partner.”

T&T- PM Rowley Cleared by Integrity Commission of Wrongdoing

Dr. Keith Rowley, the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, has been exonerated.

(This word is already correct and does not require any rewriting.) by the Integrity Commission of any misconduct in connection with the acquisition of a townhouse in Tobago, claiming that the investigation into the subject has come to a conclusion.

The Commission stated that Rowley had not intentionally forgotten to declare the purchase, despite the fact that doing so would have violated the Integrity in Public Life Act. The government maintained its stance that there were no grounds to believe that the prime minister misrepresented the estimated worth of the townhouse in his Form A declaration of income, assets, and obligations.

Prime Minister Rowley has consistently insisted that filing the required paperwork was lawful, but the Commission has urged him to update his declaration to reflect the reality of his situation.

The opposition leader Saddam Hosein originally complained about the townhouse purchase in December 2021, and the

Commission claimed to have done a “meaningful investigation” into the matter.

The Commission responded to a second request for the reopening of its probe by an activist for the main opposition United National Congress (UNC), Ravi Balgobin Maharaj while stating that its initial examination into the case had found no wrongdoing.

In the second lawsuit, filed on August 17, Vishaal Siewsaran, the attorney for Maharaj, disputed the amount Prime Minister Rowley had listed the townhouse’s worth in his disclosure of income and assets made according to the Integrity in Public Life Act. The legal representative said that the Commission’s initial 18-month probe was “piecemeal,” “biased,” and “incomplete.”

When Prime Minister Rowley and his wife signed the deed for the purchase price of T&T$1.2 million, according to Siewsaran, they would have had to pay stamp duty on that amount, and the lawyer who represented them would have needed to provide a value report to pay the stamp tax.

The attorney stated that the townhouse was valued at $T$T1.68 million and that it was obvious that the BIR (Board of Inland Revenue) grew skeptical of this transaction and so commissioned an independent appraisal from the Valuations Division.

However, the Commission said that it could find “no evidence of any alteration from a lower stamp value to a higher stamp value to raise an inference that there was a change in the circumstances that were so significant that Dr. Rowley had to be made aware of same.”

“Additionally, the commission reiterates that it had no evidence suggesting that Dr Rowley knew of the valuation of the said townhouse unit for stamp duty purposes,” he further added.

“The Commission is compelled to point out that what ought to have been done by the attorney responsible for the transaction and what was done are two distinct matters.

“In this regard, the commission is required to make its decision based on evidence.

“Certainly, Dr Rowley may have been informed of the stamp duty which he was required to

Washington DC- Jeffries and Members of Congress Meet with President Ali

On Thursday, I hosted a meeting with Guyanese President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and a delegation of government officials from the Republic of Guyana. Several leading congressional members with expertise in foreign affairs, finance, security, and other critical issues to the Western Hemisphere and the Caribbean-American community in Brooklyn and across the United States also participated.

During the meeting, we discussed several critical issues, including regional and energy security, the climate crisis, and the importance of an inclusive society in Guyana that involved full economic participation and civic engagement by Guyanese-Africans and Guyanese-Indians. We also discussed electoral reform, strengthening democratic institutions, and the need to bolster access to banking and financial services in the Caribbean region.

In the next few weeks, a delegation of House Members, myself included, will meet with leaders of the Guyanese opposition party to continue our dialogue about the opportunities and challenges confronting the Republic of

pay in the sum of TT$33,500. However, based on the evidence obtained during the course of the commission’s investigation, there was no indication that a valuation report was submitted to the Inland Revenue Division as regards the transaction,” he concluded.

Guyana and other nations within the African diaspora in the Western Hemisphere.

We will continue to encourage the government and the opposition to work together to ensure that all Guyanese citizens, regardless of race or ethnicity, benefit from the economic growth underway in the South American nation.

Members in the meeting were: Rep. Maxine Waters, Ranking Member, Committee on Financial Services Rep. Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member, Foreign Affairs Committee; Member, Committee on Financial Services Rep. Steven Horsford, Chair, Congressional Black Caucus; Member, Financial Services Committee; Member, Armed Services Committee, Rep. Yvette D. Clarke, First Vice Chair, Congressional Black Caucus; Member, Committee on Energy and Commerce; Member, Committee on Homeland Security Rep. Stacey Plaskett, Ranking Member, Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government; Member, Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 26, 2023

Guyana – Economic Opportunities Attract Overseas Guyanese According to President Dr. Irfaan Ali, Guyanese living abroad are coming back to enjoy the wealth of new prospects that his government is offering. In a recent speech to the Protocolary Meeting of the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States in Washington, D.C., Dr. Ali noted how remarkable Guyana’s economic transformation had been considering that it had previously been one of the world’s three poorest countries.

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government, according to the President, must make sure that all Guyanese reap the advantages of the oil and gas industry given its fantastic expansion.

He said that his government had established several initiatives targeted at improving the lives of the most disadvantaged people and had improved the education and health fields to attain that goal. President Ali said that the economic hardships drove many Guyanese to seek asylum in other nations, particularly in the United States and Canada, as he reflected on the gloomy days that permeated every part of Guyana.

Dr. Ali claimed that as we advance to greater possibilities and prospects, the scenario is changing as Guyanese people return to their homes.

According to the Head of State, many Guyanese are coming back home to benefit from the strong focus on economic and social development. In the first half of 2023, Guyana’s

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is expected to grow by a remarkable 59.5%, while the non-oil economy is projected to expand by 12.3%.

This is due to the significant economic growth happening in both the oil and non-oil sectors of the country.

The President stated at a news conference: “We are not a country pursuing a future of oil and gas. We are a country pursuing a balanced, holistic [and] diversified portfolio that will see sustainability and resilience of our economy, our country and our people.”

According to the President, sectors that had been allowed to wither under the previous coalition administration have been resurrected and rekindled and are now making significant contributions to the growth of Guyana’s economy.

The Head of State, who just concluded a three-day visit to Canada, spoke at a Guyana/Canada Diaspora event at La Primavera Banquet Hall in Ontario, where he repeated his goal of creating “One Guyana” and praised the expanding economy of the nation.

“Under the umbrella of ‘One Guyana’, we as a people, see, feel and experience prosperity together! It will and must be achieved!

The Head of state noted, “There is no stumbling block; there is no barrier, there are no challenges that I am afraid to confront, remove or dismantle to ensure that we as a people unify ourselves under the umbrella of ‘One Guyana’ for the development of Guyana.”

Western Union to Pay $ 40M To Caribbean Victims of Fraud

The Western Union Remission Fund has begun distributing approximately US$40 million in funds rescinded to the United States from the Western Union Company (Western Union) to approximately 25,000 victims located in the Caribbean, the United States, and other locations, according to a statement from the US Department of Justice (DOJ).

The DOJ recently stated that these victims are eligible to receive compensation for all their According to the statement, this is the first distribution of the second round of Western Union Remission disbursements.

The first wave of payouts, according to the DOJ, paid out more than 365 million dollars to more than 148,000 victims, who were all fully compensated for their losses.

In the upcoming months, the Justice Department expects to approve more payouts to victims.

According to the DOJ, the second phase of the Western Union Remission was launched in March 2022 to give victims who had not submitted petitions during the first phase of distributions the chance to do so.

It said that it is still open to pleas for forgiveness from individuals who have been harmed by the plan.

The Criminal Division of the Justice Department’s acting assistant attorney general Nicole M. Argentieri stated that the most recent allocation of the Western Union Remission Fund had helped thousands more people who had been injured by fraudulent schemes.

“Victim assistance is a primary goal of the Department’s Asset Forfeiture Program, and this latest distribution is a testament to the impact asset forfeiture can have in compensating and making victims whole.”

US Attorney Gerard M. Karam for the Middle

District of Pennsylvania remarked: “Today’s distribution of US$39.6 million to thousands of victims to compensate them for their losses demonstrates our commitment to hold all responsible parties accountable and to ensure justice for the victims who were financially harmed. We thank our law enforcement partners who continue to work tirelessly on behalf of the victims.”

According to Christopher Nielsen, the postal inspector in charge of the USPIS Philadelphia Division, “The US Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) is committed to protecting victims of fraud and will continue to investigate those perpetrating such schemes.”

He noted, “This US$39 million disbursement to 25,000 victims brings the total disbursed to over $404 million to over 174,000 victims in the Western Union Remission process.

We would like to thank our partners in this extraordinary effort, especially the Justice Department’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section.”

A deferred prosecution agreement was signed between Western Union and the US Department of Justice in 2017.

According to the DPA, Western Union admitted guilt for its, “criminal conduct, which included violations of the Bank Secrecy Act and aiding and abetting wire fraud, and agreed to forfeit US$586 million, which has been made available to compensate victims of the international consumer fraud scheme through

the remission process.”

The DOJ stated, “Western Union simultaneously resolved a parallel civil investigation with the Federal Trade Commission.”

According to this strategy, con artists used several ruses to lure clients, particularly elders.

According to the DOJ, three specific scams targeted at seniors include the grandparent scam, in which the con artist assumes the identity of the victim’s relative and demands money right away to prevent personal harm, lottery or sweepstakes scams, in which the con artist claims the victim has won a sizable cash prize but must pay fees like taxes to claim it, and romance scams, in which the con artist assumes the identity of an online love interest and requests money for a visit or for a date.

According to the DOJ, the con artists persuaded their victims in each of these crimes to pay money using Western Union.

It claimed that certain Western Union agent station owners, operators, or staff members were involved in the scams.

The DOJ remarked, “Western Union aided and abetted the fraud scheme by failing to suspend or terminate complicit agents and by allowing them to continue to process fraud-induced monetary transactions.”

The organization concluded, “Western Union fulfilled its obligations under the DPA, and the court granted the motion to dismiss the information.”

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 26, 2023

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NYC – New Initiative to Help Asylum Seekers Get Work Permits

NEW YORK, CMC – New York City Mayor Eric Adams has announced what he described as “an expedited sprint” to identify Caribbean and other asylum seekers in the city’s care who are currently eligible to apply for work authorisation.

Most asylum seekers entering New York City

from southern border states are nationals of Cuba, Haiti, Venezuela and Nicaragua.

The city has begun conducting in-depth, in-person surveys with the nearly 40,000 asylum seekers over the age of 18 years in its care to identify individuals who are eligible to apply for work authorisation.

Adams said, to date, the city had assessed over 10,000 adult asylum seekers and will continue this effort over the coming weeks.

“For months, New York City has spoken with one voice, urging the federal government to put asylum seekers on the path to independence and ‘Let Them Work,’” said Adams.

“As Washington continues to leave New York City and other cities across the nation to manage this national humanitarian crisis largely on its own, we continue to fill the leadership void left by our federal partners by providing migrants with a place to stay and a range of services, utilising a unique model to help thousands of arrivals apply for asylum.

“But our message remains loud and clear: New York City needs significant and timely support from our state and federal partners to tackle this national issue,” he added.

In some instances, Adams said migrants who

are admitted into the US by federal authorities are given parole, which is a form of temporary permission to enter and remain in the United States.

He said parole may be granted for relatively short periods, sometimes just a few months, or longer periods, up to two years or more.

“While an immigrant is on active parole, they can apply for work authorisation immediately and, if granted, they can work legally during that period. For example, if someone is given eight weeks of parole upon entering the country, they can apply for work authorisation on day one of entering.

“If work authorisation is granted during their seventh week of parole, they would then be able to work just for their final (eighth) week.

To continue to work legally, they would need to apply for asylum and then wait for the federally mandated 150-day waiting period to apply for new work authorisation.”

He said New York City continues to urge the federal government to address the issuance and extension of parole periods, “so migrants can get to work right away.

“Federal immigration authorities have the authority to grant parole more consistently and for longer periods of time at the

border, and to extend expired or soon-to-beexpiring parole grants, which would allow migrants to apply for work authorisation and obtain work legally immediately rather than waiting for many months,” Adams said.

He said New York City is also calling for the US Department of Homeland Security to designate or re-designate Temporary Protected Status for immigrants from 11 countries, including Haiti.

“Without these surely needed changes to facilitate immigrants to gain work authorisation and become self-sufficient, the city expects the number of people currently eligible to apply for work authorisation to be a relatively small percentage of those now in care,” the mayor said.

He said by conducting a comprehensive survey, New York City will be able to support those currently eligible for work authorisation and help as many migrants as possible, who have yet to apply for asylum, to submit their asylum applications at the city-run Asylum Application Help Center.

Jamaica - Named by U.S. As Drug Transit or Producer

Jamaica is named amongst several Caribbean countries as a focal point for drug manufacturing or trafficking in the region by United States President Joe Biden for the year 2024.

In a recent meeting at the White House, the US President listed the nations of Bahamas, Belize, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Jamaica including other international countries involved in the production and trafficking of illicit drugs.

Afghanistan, Bolivia, Burma, the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Laos, Mexico, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela are other nations that have been mentioned.

Biden noted that the recognition of the listed countries does not indicate that the nations have performed poorly in handling the issue, “A country’s presence on the foregoing list is not necessarily a reflection of its government’s counterdrug efforts or level of cooperation with the United States.”

Additionally he noted, “Consistent with the statutory definition of a major drug transit or major illicit drug producing country set forth in sections 481(e)(2) and 481(e)(5) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended (Public Law 87-195) (FAA), the reason countries are placed on the list is the combination of geographic, commercial, and economic factors that allow drugs to be transited or produced, even if a government has engaged in robust and diligent narcotics control and law enforcement measures.”

The James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 expanded the definition of major drug supplier nations to include countries producing precursor chemicals with significant US impacts.

The US President noted that “a particularly difficult challenge, including for the United States and other countries with strict regulatory regimes to prevent diversion,” for countries with significant chemical and pharmaceutical industries to hinder precursor chemicals from

being used to produce illicit drugs.

According to Biden, this modification in the law has led to the PRC being named as a significant source nation.

“The United States strongly urges the PRC and other chemical source countries to tighten chemical supply chains and prevent diversion,” he remarked.

According to section 706(2)(A) of the FRAA, Biden declared Venezuela, Bolivia, and Burma to have “failed demonstrably during the previous 12 months to both adhere to their obligations under the international counternarcotics agreements and to take the measures required by section 489(a)(1) of the FAA.” In accordance with the president, this conclusion also includes the reasoning necessary to comply with section 706(2)(B) of the FRAA for the classifications of Bolivia, Burma, and Venezuela.

In compliance with the requirements of section 706(3)(A) of the FRAA, Biden has also concluded that US initiatives supporting Venezue-

la, Bolivia, and Burma are “vital to the national interests of the United States.”

“The vast majority of illicit drugs causing the most damage in the United States originate from beyond our borders, and our most effective means of reducing the availability of these drugs is to expand and improve our cooperation with international partners,” he shared. He continued by noting that “The political commitment of our international partners remains critical to achieving success against illicit drug threats.”

Biden stated that the United States will continue to assist continuing initiatives to lessen coca planting and cocaine manufacturing, provide access to justice, and promote other livelihoods in conjunction with important allies in South America.

He asserted that Colombia has consistently been a reliable ally in the war on drugs.

Jamaica – Credit Rating Upgraded by Standard & Poor’s Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Dr. the Hon. Nigel Clarke, says that upgrading Jamaica’s credit rating by Standard and Poor’s will facilitate access to financing on better terms.

Standard and Poor’s (S&P) Global Ratings, on September 13, upgraded the Government of Jamaica’s Long-Term Foreign and Local Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) from B+ to BB-, with a ‘Stable’ outlook.

It is the best global grading Jamaica has received from S&P since the entity started rating the country’s sovereign debt in 1999.

“Jamaica has the opportunity to access financing at costs lower than we have before, on a relative basis. Because the higher your credit

rating, it means the more credit-worthy you are and the more credit-worthy you are, is the less that investors demand to lend you money,” Dr. Clarke stated.

“So, if you pay less for money that you need to finance yourself, it means more becomes available for other expenditure [such as] health, security and infrastructure. So, creditworthiness is linked to fiscal space. The higher your level of creditworthiness, the more fiscal space that you can have, which, over a long period of time, amounts to a lot of resources,” he added.

The Minister was speaking during the opening ceremony for the Jamaica Institution of Engineers’ observance of Engineers’ Week, at The Summit in New Kingston on Monday

(September 18).

Dr. Clarke also pointed out that there is a direct linkage between credit ratings and the country’s ability to finance society’s needs.

He said Jamaica previously had a ranking of CCC, which is known as a junk credit rating status.

“There was a time where interest payments were 16 percent of gross domestic product (GDP). Today, interest payments are like five percent of GDP, and that is what has allowed us to rebalance the Jamaican economy, to put us on a strong footing and spend more on infrastructure than ever before,” Dr. Clarke indicated.

The Finance Minister also noted that the higher

the credit rating, the more favorable the investment climate is deemed to be.

“It means that investments are less risky. Our credit rating is linked to the riskiness or the perceived riskiness of an economy. The higher the credit rating is the more open the economy will be to foreign investment. More foreign investment means more economic activity, more economic activity means more jobs for Jamaicans. So, a higher credit rating provides an environment that supports the creation of more jobs for the Jamaican people,” Dr. Clarke stated.

Additionally, he said a higher credit rating affects the terms of trade that Jamaica has with the rest of the world.

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 26, 2023

T&T – Maya Kirti Nanan Gets Commonwealth Young Person of the Year Award

At the Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work, Maya Kirti Nanan, Founder of the Autism Siblings and Friends Network (ASFN), was chosen as the Commonwealth Young Person of the Year for 2023. She received the award from His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, and the Commonwealth SecretaryGeneral, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, at an event held on Thursday, 14 September 2023 at St James’s Palace in London.

The project, based in Trinidad and Tobago, is a non-profit organisation that creates opportunities for those with special needs. ASFN operates Rahul’s Clubhouse, an autism centre where people with autism can have equal access to developmental and social programs. The organisation is actively developing educational, social and skills programs for over 10,000 autistic persons. Ms Nanan was also awarded the regional prize for the Caribbean.

There were also four other regional winners: Mawuse Christina Gyisun – Africa Regional Winner - Soumya Dabriwal – Asia Regional Winner - Yi Fei Chen – Europe & Canada Regional Winner - Raeed Ali – Pacific Regional Winner - Commonly known as the Com-

monwealth Youth Awards, they recognise the contribution that young people aged 15–29 make towards strengthening democracy and achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The awards ceremony took place in the margins of the Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting. Government ministers, senior government officials, youth leaders and other stakeholders attended the Awards as a part of the week-long ministerial meeting.

The glittering awards ceremony was also used to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Commonwealth Youth Programme. The awards are one of the ways in which the Commonwealth Secretariat works to empower, engage and encourage as well as amplify the voices and work of youth across the 56 member states. A total of fifty outstanding young people had been highlighted for their work this year.

Those shortlisted include social entrepreneurs, environmental champions, innovators, and human rights activists, from across the Commonwealth. Twenty of those were chosen as finalists, which was then narrowed to five regional winners. Each of the 20 finalists will receive a trophy, a certificate and £1,000 as their prize. Each of the regional winners will

receive an additional £2,000.

The Commonwealth Secretary-General congratulated all fifty of the awardees for the impact they are making in a world that often sees young people as challenges instead of agents of change. She said: “These Awards are one of the most inspiring and delightful parts of our work in the Secretariat, and my work as Secretary-General.

As is reflected in our Ministers’ and High Commissioners’ presence here today, they love these awards. But they are not simply just a feel-good moment – these awards resound; and they are extremely important.

“They recognise and dignify the valuable contribution thousands of young people across the Commonwealth make to human development, embodied in the outstanding efforts of our winners and the winners here today.”

“To all of the finalists, congratulations. It is brilliant work that you are doing and I hope this will stimulate you to do more. [The Commonwealth Youth Awards] are a fantastic demonstration of what happens when you give young people those opportunities and encouragement – I wish you all the best of luck.”

Just under 1,000 entries, from 39 Commonwealth countries, were received this year.

Following a rigorous judging process, those shortlisted were selected across each of the award’s five regional categories: Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe and Canada, and the Pacific. The panel of judges included high commissioners, development experts and youth leaders from across the Commonwealth.

The 2024 Awards will be held in March next year to return to the usual event cycle.

Jamaica- PM Holness, Jamaica Is Not Being Taken Over by Chinese

In his remarks during the Southern Coastal Highway’s May Pen to Williamsfield inauguration, Prime Minister Andrew Holness tried to debunk the notion that Jamaica is overrun by “Chinese interests,” claiming that its debt to China represents a small portion of the overall amount owed internationally.

Holness asserted that there are people who create a “false impression” that the debt that the Jamaican government owes to China is a significant portion of all obligations owed.

Holness said that 4.5% of Jamaica’s total debt to all l other nations is owed to China.

The government, according to the prime minister, collaborates with people who

want to see Jamaica prosper.

Additionally, he said that 603 Jamaicans were among the 754 workers hired for the US$188 million project.

China Harbour Engineering Company was responsible for undertaking the project, which is Part A of the Southern Coastal Highway Improvement Project.

The project was funded through a loan from China.

According to Holness, the construction of roads and other road networks has finally reduced the amount of time and distance needed to travel throughout the country.

It has a two-year liability defect term and is anticipated to reduce travel time to 15 minutes.

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 26, 2023

CARIBNEWS

7

Long COVID And How It Will Affect The Caribbean Community

by Paula Spann, Masters in Public Health Candidate, 2024

COVID-19 did a whammy on the world. There is a saying that New York is the city that never sleeps; well, it slept during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and part of 2021. In this article, I would like to tackle the symptoms of long COVID because it is not talked about enough, and I want people to be aware of how comorbidities contribute to the effects of long COVID. Long COVID is a severe outcome of COVID-19 infection with long-term effects. Long COVID is defined as signs, symptoms, and conditions that continue or develop after the initial COVID-19 infection.

I am passionate about this topic because I am from the Caribbean and live in East Flatbush, fondly called “Little Caribbean,” which boasts

of Afro-Caribbean immigrants from Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados, Jamaica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Panama, and other island nations. I wanted to tackle this issue because COVID-19 wreaked havoc on people with prior comorbidities. According to NYC Community Health Profiles, the obesity rate in East Flatbush is 34% higher than the rest of NYC, 18% have been diagnosed with diabetes, and 32% have hypertension.

There is a lack of public awareness of long COVID, and I want the Caribbean community to know of this issue. Since COVID-19 is not as prevalent as it used to be, the long-term effects are not an immediate health issue. Progress has been excruciatingly slow, and because of this it has not been taken seriously.

In East Flatbush, 17% of adults are uninsured, 8% have gone without medical care in the past 12 months, and the rate of avoidable hospitalizations among adults is 1,396 per 100,000.

“Avoidable hospitalizations” are hospital visits that could be prevented if adults had access to quality primary care. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services states that long COVID is a physiological condition affecting the body systems and can cause lung, heart, and kidney damage.

People living with long COVID have reported

symptoms such as shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, heart palpitations, chest pain, and cough, to name a few. I had brunch about a month ago with one of my friends, and she said that since she had COVID-19, she noticed an on-and-off cough, to which I responded that I had another friend who complained about the same symptom.

Long COVID is problematic for the Caribbean community. As noted in NYC Community Health Profiles, their obesity rate is higher than the rest of NYC. Obesity is a chronic health condition that raises the risk for heart disease – the leading cause of death in the United States and is linked to many other health problems, including Type 2 diabetes and cancer.

Some Caribbean people do not have the time to go to the doctor when they become sick.

They must work two or more jobs to make ends meet, and it comes down to going to the doctor or working to pay rent and buying food, most times, the latter wins. Frankly, some do not take their illness seriously – growing up in the Caribbean and even here in the U.S., every time I do not feel well, my mom tells me to drink ginger or orange-peel tea because it is gas, every ailment is chucked up to it being gas.

This shows that they would rather avoid going to the doctor than finding out what the true

ailment is.

Since the Caribbean community is already at high risk of obesity and hypertension, healthcare should be easily accessible. If they seek medical care, they should not be afraid that they will not get the proper care they deserve because of not having money to pay.

They also give incorrect information for fear of getting a high bill they cannot afford because they are uninsured. They may also experience healthcare bias and not seek medical attention because of the fear of being mistreated or disrespected. I think one of the solutions should be free mobile clinics stationed in key locations in the neighborhood to make it easily accessible for them to get to.

Even though there is ongoing research, we need to raise community awareness around long COVID since there is a lack of resources available at this time. Prevention is the best way to avoid getting long COVID, but how can you stop someone from getting it?

On August 3, in a NBC News clip they that New York state is reporting an uptick in COVID-19 cases and hospital admissions as of late. The state’s Department of Health released a report stating that hospital admissions increased 22% week over week, averaging more than 100 admissions per day.

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CARIBEDITORIAL

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 26, 2023

Belize Celebrates 42 Years of Independence

Belizean independence is a celebration of a real struggle that took place in this country for decades, to achieve final independence in 1981. It took 14 years of negotiation and the skilled and determined leadership of George Price, who led the People’s United Party to Independence in spite of local opposition within the country. Doing all this while under the threat of Guatemala looking to acquire most of the country. So independence is celebrated with vibrance and a mark of

determination and an appreciation of history. And so the celebration takes the form of marches and parades throughout the country. There are musical concerts, expos and, of course, carnival all over a period of celebration in the country.

This year’s theme for celebration is ‘Hope Ignited, Hands United, Vision Renewed, Belize at 42’. And Prime Minister Johnny Briceño living up to that motto in his statement and in his activities. Belizeans have a special appreciation for its indepen-

dence, because the country had to take its case to the United Nations, for decolonization of the country, and for years it had a constant struggle with the United Kingdom in so far as the need for independence. With the acquisition of independence, there is a genuine celebration of independence and a special connection, amongst its citizens and those abroad; that the struggle has created in a country with a diverse population and certainly many challenges. Belizeans have been and have seen a struggle for survival and coming out of that struggle has been a real force of personal development and a community celebrating success and we all must commend the Belizeans for their determination and persistence.

Like so many of their Caribbean neighbors, Belize is struggling with high crime rates and that has been of particular concern, especially when its dependance on tourism is a high percent of its income.

It is struggling to bring the security situation under control.

A small nation of approximately 355,000 in population and just over 22,000 square miles Belize has progressed in spite of its

highly militarized neighbor, Guatemala.

Belizeans are very proud of their resilience and their ability to survive. This has created a special love of country in Belize and a people friendly and ready to share with the world some of its beauty and attraction.

The capital of the ancient Mayans, a diversified population a natural treasure.

The durability of the Belizean spirit and imperishable ability of Belizean soul keeps this small nation together and has brought about world recognition of its fantastic natural wealth and its potential. This spirit that guides Belize is strong today, as ever before.

We wish to congratulate Belize on its 42nd year of independence and salute the Belizean Americans for their contribution to the United States and their continued support and interest in Belize and the Caribbean region. Belizeans have much to celebrate and we wish them a Happy Independence and a bright and glorious future.

Western Union - Making Payments to Victims of Fraud Western Union has dominated the remittance market for several years. It is the largest and oldest money transfer company in the world and immigrants have been one of the largest users of the Western Union services, and clearly for anyone transferring money to the Caribbean, Western Union has been the chief method for decades. So this community of immigrants and of the Caribbean has long been customers of Western Union and have suffered many problems in Western Union through the years.

Ask any immigrant or any Caribbean person who has had dealings with Western Union and you will get a story, a complaint, and some are horrific.

For some years now, the Department of Justice of the United States has been investigating Western Union and its practices, and has forced Western Union into an agreement with the Justice Department to forfeit some $586 million to victims who have suffered fraudulent

activities through Western Union and some of its services. Victims of fraud who sent money through Western Union between January 1, 2004, and January 2017 were able to file petition to receive compensation for their fraud losses. Over $365 million of monies was previously paid out to victims of these fraudulent activities. Now it has been announced that the Justice Department is releasing another 40 million that is available to be paid out to fraud victims of Western Union activities, victims that are primarily from the Caribbean and other immigrant groups.

The Department of Justice continues to receive petitions for remission from fraud victims and are anticipating authorizing more payments to these victims in the future and so It is to be noted by victims who have not already filed that the opportunity still exists for them to file claim for any fraud. Western Union has been the lifeline for so many immigrant communities over the years, a lifeline that,

however, has had its ugly side for the users of the service, sending money to relatives.

Immigrants sending money to a relative has been an age old practice and has grown more popular through the years.

In fact, to the Caribbean alone, there has been billions of dollars sent to families back home. Recently over 100 immigrant advocacy groups in the U.S. have accused Western Union of charging exorbitant fees, while failing to adequately reinvest in immigrant communities that provide the biggest source of their market.

The group also asks for Western Union to lower their fees and to put some of its profit back into the communities that provide that large profit margin. The money transfer market has boomed over the years, and the World Bank reports that the international remittance received by developing countries has doubled in the last five years.

According to the immigrant advocacy group, Western Union reinvests $0.40 for

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every $100 of profit, compared with $2.30 reinvested by Wal-Mart Stores Inc., and $7.50 by Ben and Jerry. Even the advocacy groups are asking or suggesting that Western Union should reinvest at least $1 per transaction in the community.

It has been a complaint for years that apart from the lack of services, that Western Union is not paying attention to those communities where it reaps its most profit.

It is time that this practice be viewed as a disservice to the community it serves.

Inasmuch as the Department of Justice is putting pressure on Western Union around fraudulent activities, there should be equal pressure on Western Union to be more responsive to the community that provides its huge profit margin in the way of reinvestment and services. It’s a poor immigrant community that has made Western Union the giant it is and it is that community that should reap some benefits from the profits.

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

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 26, 2023

CARIBOPINION

9

A Bridge Builder for a New Era: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries

by Stacy Brown

A distinguished figure rises above the ranks in the heart of a bustling and very divided United States Congress. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), unanimously elected as House Democratic Leader in January 2023, occupies a unique place in American political history.

As the highest-ranking Democrat in the House of Representatives and the first person of color to lead a major party in the U.S. Congress, Jeffries has brought a fresh and vital perspective to the nation’s political landscape.

A Dynamic Path to LeadershipUnwavering dedication and a steady commitment to his constituents have been hallmarks of Jeffries’ journey to this crucial position. Before becoming the House Democratic Leader, he held positions as Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, Whip of the Congressional Black Caucus, and Co-Chair of the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee.

He was crucial in shaping the successful “For The People” agenda, which played a key role in the Democratic Party’s victory in the 2018 midterm election and their regaining of the House. However, his role as an Impeachment Manager during the historic first impeachment of President Donald Trump propelled him into the national spotlight. Jeffries made history as the first African American man to hold such a position.

By paying homage to his roots in Brooklyn, he demonstrated both his adeptness in politics and his cultural significance. Jeffries famously quoted the late rapper, The Notorious B.I.G., to argue against Trump.

During Trump’s second impeachment hearing, he clearly stated that he abused his power and tried to hide it. “And we are here, sir, to follow the facts, follow the law, be guided by the Constitution, and present the truth to the American people. That is why we are here. And if you don’t know, now you know,” Jeffries declared—the last bit being a lyric from the Biggie song, “Juicy.” A Champion for Safer Communities and Affordable Housing Jeffries persists as a tireless advocate for policies that impact everyday Americans. His commitment to building safer communities, ensuring affordable housing, and reducing costs for American families has been unwavering. During the devastating COVID-19 pandemic and its economic fallout, Jeffries was pivotal in guiding Central and South Brooklyn toward recovery. He played a crucial role in passing important laws like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act. These laws seek to create jobs and enhance the lives of everyday people.

However, according to colleagues, Jeffries’ exceptional ability to listen sets him apart as a true leader. From across the political

spectrum, lawmakers consistently highlight his ability to understand the diverse perspectives within the Democratic Party. Rep. Steven Horsford of Nevada, Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, highlighted that Jeffries is effective because he devotes considerable time tolistening to members’ perspectives, their concerns, and the feedback from their constituents.

Even Republicans, like Congressman Garret Graves of Louisiana, have praised Jeffries for being more engaging and creating an environment that values and listens to diverse voices. A Bridge Between Generations.

Jeffries also straddles the generational divide.

Many new members of Congress see Jeffries as a colleague rather than a figure of authority, which makes him more relatable and approachable than previous leaders. Rep. Joe Morelle of New York contrasts the leadership styles of Jeffries and Speaker Nancy Pelosi, noting that Jeffries is more relatable to their generation compared to the previous era, where Pelosi was seen as being on a pedestal.

Democratic Rep. Gregory Meeks, a close ally of Jeffries, describes him as “the perfect bridge” between generations. He’s someone who can seamlessly discuss the music of both “Biggie Smalls and Gladys Knight.”

A Legislator of Impact. Jeffries’ legislative track record reflects his commitment to making meaningful federal laws and program changes. Bills like the FIRST STEP

Act and the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act show his commitment to social and economic justice, as his colleagues have noted.

He has played a significant role in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, securing funding for state and local governments, and advocating for emergency unemployment benefits. As the highest-ranking House Democrat, many see Jeffries as a leader for these times. His focus on unity, listening to diverse perspectives, and championing policies that positively impact everyday Americans make him a political force. He remains committed to winning back the House while being a bridge builder. “Hakeem Jeffries and the leadership know that the ultimate benchmark is winning and that we have to take back the House,” Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) said earlier this year. “That ultimately is the yardstick for judging leadership in the minority.”

Cutting Tailpipe Pollution Starts at Home for New York City

by Ben Jealous

For Leslie Vasquez, an activist with South Bronx Unite, the same word describes the need and the timeline for New York City to act on climate pollution -- immediate.

“Communities like the South Bronx, where I work, have suffered far too much and far too long from disproportionate fossil fuel pollution,” she told City Council members in December. “For communities like the South Bronx, asthma rates are already one of the highest in the country and children and teenagers visit emergency rooms with respiratory illnesses at rates twice city’s average. We cannot afford to endure additional respiratory illnesses, and we cannot afford to wait another year without government action.”

The city’s health department has found that New York City has the highest density of particle air pollution of any large American city, and some neighborhoods suffer more than others. Tailpipe emissions contribute to a rate of emergency room visits for asthma tied to particle pollution that is eight times higher in

communities that face environmental injustice.The costs aren’t just short term.

Some neighborhoods have average life expectancies that are a decade lower than more affluent parts of the city.The city moved four years ago to cut greenhouse gases from its largest culprit: buildings.

Less has been done to curb emissions from its second largest source, one that the government officials, journalists, advocates, and activists in New York City this week for Climate Week will have to confront just like residents do every day – pollution spewed out tailpipes.

The city government can take a huge step to cut that pollution by addressing its own fleet, which at more than 30,000 vehicles is the largest of any municipality in the country. A City Council proposal backed

by Majority Leader Keith Powers and many environmental and climate justice groups would require the city to go to zero emission vehicles essentially by 2035 – every police car, ambulance, fire truck, sanitation truck, school bus, and street

sweeper.

The proposal is the most ambitious of its kind in the nation, setting specific deadlines to end the purchase of each vehicle class. Powers and representatives from the Union of Concerned Scientists and the Sierra Club will describe it to Climate Week participants on Wednesday.

As a state, New York is trying to lead in cutting pollution from transportation, specifically government-operated vehicles. Last year, New York set a target to make sure all 50,000 school buses across the state are electric by 2035.

Protecting children in that way is a laudable start. The next step must be to prioritize communities like the South Bronx to be the first to feel this relief.

In 2019, New York City stepped up to take on climate pollution from buildings. The Climate Mobilization Act will cut greenhouse gas emissions from buildings by 40 percent, with buildings bigger than 25,000 square feet required to meet strict pollution standards

beginning next year.

The city is poised to take the next step by creating a zero-emissions fleet. If it does, New York City will combat the climate crisis, safeguard the health of New Yorkers, and send a signal to cities and towns across the United States about what is possible.

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CARIBAROUND

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 26, 2023

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 26, 2023

CARIBAROUND

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CARIBNEWS

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 26, 2023

How Belize Celebrates 42 Years of Independence As the sun sets on the eve of September 21st, Belizeans gather across the country to partake in a cherished tradition, the Flag Raising Ceremony, to bring in Independence Day. It’s a heartfelt moment that marks the start of Independence Day festivities, and this year, Belize celebrates 42 years of freedom. The country comes alive with bursting colors, music, and flavors, making Independence Day a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

Flag Raising Ceremony The night before Independence Day, every corner of Belize echoes the national anthem and the sight of the Belizean flag rising to the night sky as it did for the first time in 1981. Communities gather, sharing a collective pride and patriotism, as their eyes glisten from booming fireworks capturing videos and photos of the vivid flag flying high.

The Fete Continues If you thought the carnival was over after the Belize City Road March, there are several others to experience if you missed

out! In Orange Walk, the streets burst with vibrant colors and the infectious rhythms of soca music. Meanwhile, in Placencia, a coastal celebration unfolds against the backdrop of the Caribbean Sea, with lively floats and masqueraders adorned in elaborate costumes dance through the village.

For those craving an island adventure, Caye Caulker’s carnival offers a laid-back but lively fiesta on sandy streets, where locals and visitors unite in dance and laughter to savor the festivities.

Youths are the Future On Independence Day, students flood the principal streets in cities and towns like Belize, Belmopan, San Ignacio, and Punta Gorda for the citizens and uniform parade.

It showcases the discipline and dedication of Belize’s youth as they proudly represent their high school, marching along to school bands or patriotic songs as families eagerly anticipate seeing their loved ones.

Beautifully decorated floats from corporate entities, churches, and government departments also partake, promoting their

NYC – New Caribbean Carnival 2023 Winners Named

Whenever you hear the word carnival, a tropical sensation may tickle your mind, with hips gyrating and high energy jumping to every sound that makes its way from high-powered speaker boxes. An exciting West Indian tradition indeed.

Whichever aspect there is in concern of the genre keeps you on your toes, and the announcement of the Adult Band of the Year by the West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA) was no exception. The winners of the Caribbean Carnival were revealed by WIADCA, with Skymaxx Mas winning Adult Band of the Year for their presentation of “Into the Wild.”

Big Boy Productions (Tribe is Colors), Banboche (Heritage), Branches, Suga Candy Mas (Zodiac Signs), 1199 SIEU Social Cultural Committee (Phoenix

Rising), Antoine International (Erotica), BParadise (Villains of Arkam), Greenz United (Amazonia), I am Caribbeing (Diaspora), and Branches (Enchanted Garden), are the other contenders for Adult Band of the Year 2023 title.

Big Boy Productions’ Patrick Prescott, who played D’King Zion, earned the title of King of Carnival, while Shani Bulter, who played Goddess of D’Purple Jewels, took home the title of Queen of Carnival.

The contenders who competed for the Queen of Carival title include, Rebirth by Sherzel Productions; Phoenix Rising by 1122 SIEU Cultural Committee; B’way: A Journey through Life by D’Midas International NY, Inc.; Viva La Mexico by Stronjeh Kids; The Gods and Goddesses

by Brooklyn United; Welcome to Niagara Falls by New Horizon Mas; Carnival Dreamz by Jubilee Mas & Hook’d Carnival; Enhanced Garden by Inspired by Zoe; and Fusion by Mas Productions Unlimited are just a few examples.

Junior King was awarded to King Mansa Musa, The Third, played by Rajon Vessup and produced by Kaisokah Moko Jumbies.

Goddess Of Love And Beauty was won by Phoenix Thornhill-Clarke of Kaisos Platinum Kids Mas, who played Queen Parvati.

work and even sharing merchandise and candy with citizens. The Independence Day parade is a reminder of the country’s bright future and the importance of education in shaping it.

In Belize, Independence Day isn’t just a date on the calendar; it’s a reminder of the country’s resilience, growth, and love for the nation. Whether you choose to dance in a carnival, watch the uniform parade,

or savor local delicacies at an after-party, one thing is certain: the spirit of Belizean independence will captivate your heart and leave you with lasting memories of this extraordinary celebration. Check out the National Celebration Calendar to book your stay wherever you want to experience the festivities and patriotism!

CARIBNEWS

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 26, 2023

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 26, 2023

Barbados – PM Mottley Welcomes African Union to G20 Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley has welcomed the decision of the G20 countries to add the African Union (AU) as a member, saying Africa a continent with a population of 1.3 billion has a strong and rapidly growing economy.

The Group of 20 top world economies added the AU at its annual summit in India last weekend making it the second regional bloc to become a permanent member after the European Union.

“It is with great joy and optimism that I

join my fellow African brothers and sisters across the world to celebrate the AU’s admission to participating in the G20 as a permanent member,” Mottley said, adding that its admission “is not only an admission of Africa’s rightful place amongst the

world’s prominent economic leaders, but it is a truly significant step towards creating a better tomorrow, by creating a more inclusive and equitable global community today”.

Continued on website at nycaribnews.com

Haiti – Responds to DR’s Borders Closing PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti, CMC – Haiti on Friday said it had taken “note of the decision” by the Dominican Republic to close its borders insisting that as a sovereign nation it will decide on the “exploitation of its natural resources.

“The Republic of Haiti will always favour

dialogue; dialogue which was underway and on a good track between the Haitian delegation, duly mandated, with their Dominican counterparts of the Binational Commission, at the Dominican Chancellery, in the Dominican Republic, when the announcement of the

Dominican President to close its borders was made,” the government said in a statement.

President Luis Abinader, on Thursday issued an order for the complete closure of the country’s border with Haiti, encompassing land, air, and sea routes, effective from 6:00 am on Friday. He

said that the Ministry of Defense, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force, is fully prepared to enforce this directive.

Continued on website at nycaribnews.com

Grenada – Russians Account for 90% of Citizenship Program Grenada is one of the five Caribbean islands offering a “golden passport” in return for an investment in the country. the country runs a “Citizenship by Investment” program from $150,000 donation

to the country’s National Transformation Fund, which was set up to boost its economy by financing areas such as tourism and agriculture or a $220,000-minimum investment into real-estate development.

St. Vincent – Citizenship to Second-Generation Vincentians KINGSTOWN, ST Vincent, CMC – The St Vincent and the Grenadines Parliament has amended the country’s citizenship law allowing for “second-generation Vincentians” born overseas to be considered for citizenship.

Currently, under the Constitution, a person is automatically a Vincentian at birth — regardless of where they are born — if

Demand for the program surged following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, as wealthy Russians looked to flee abroad, Richard Hallam told Bloomberg.

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Washington - US, Cuba Hold Talks Senior officials from Cuba and the United States held a meeting on Monday in Washington, according to a statement released this Thursday, shortly after the renewal of the US embargo was announced.

The meeting was attended by the Undersecretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs of the State Department, Brian A. Nichols, and the Cuban Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carlos Fernandez de Cossío.

The meeting discussed human rights, migration “and other issues of bilateral interest,” according to a spokesperson for the Department of State to the Nuevo Herald.

Fernández de Cossío, for his part, told Reuters that during those talks at the highest

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level – something unusual – some progress was made, but the differences on the major disputes between the two countries could not be reduced; i.e., the presence of Cuba on the list of states sponsoring terrorism and the embargo.

“We believe that it is unreasonable for the United States to continue to carry out a policy with which [Joe Biden] did not agree before taking office, which it knows is harming the Cuban population as a whole,” the official said.

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CARIBHEALTH

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 26, 2023

First WHO Report Details Devastating Impact of Hypertension and Ways to Stop it

The World Health Organization (WHO) released its first-ever report on the devastating global impact of high blood pressure, along with recommendations on the ways to win the race against this silent killer. The report shows approximately 4 out of every 5 people with hypertension are not adequately treated, but if countries can scale up coverage, 76 million deaths could be averted between 2023 and 2050.

Hypertension affects 1 in 3 adults worldwide. This common, deadly condition leads to stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney damage and many other health problems.

The number of people living with hypertension (blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg or higher or taking medication for hypertension) doubled between 1990 and 2019, from 650 million to 1.3 billion. Nearly half of people with hypertension globally are currently unaware of their condition. More than three-quarters of adults with hypertension live in low- and middle-income countries.

Older age and genetics can increase the risk of having high blood pressure, but modifiable risk factors such as eating high-salt diet, not being physically active and drinking too much alcohol can also increase the risk of hypertension.

Lifestyle changes like eating a healthier diet, quitting tobacco and being more active can help lower blood pressure. Some people may need medicines that can control hypertension effectively and prevent related complications.

The prevention, early detection and effective management of hypertension are among the most cost-effective interventions in health care and should be prioritized by countries as part of their national health benefit package offered at a primary care level. The economic benefits of improved hypertension treat­ment programs outweigh the costs by about 18 to 1.

“Hypertension can be controlled effec tively with simple, low-cost medication regimens, and yet only about one in five people with hypertension have controlled it.” Said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO

Director-General. “Hypertension control programmes remain neglected, under-prioritized and vastly underfunded. Strengthening hypertension control must be part of every country’s journey towards universal health coverage, based on well-functioning, equitable and resilient health systems, built on a foundation of primary health care.”

The report is being launched during the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly which addresses progress for the Sustainable Development Goals including health goals on pandemic preparedness and response, ending tuberculosis and attaining Universal Health Coverage. Better prevention and control of hypertension will be essential to progress in all of these.

An increase in the number of patients effectively treated for hypertension to levels observed in high-performing countries could prevent 76 million deaths, 120 million strokes, 79 million heart attacks, and 17 million cases of heart failure between now and 2050.

“Most heart attacks and strokes in the world today can be prevented with affordable, safe, accessible medicines and other interventions, such as sodium reduction,” said Michael R. Bloomberg, WHO Global Ambassador for Noncommunicable Diseases and Injuries. “Treating hypertension through primary health care will save lives, while also saving billions of dollars a year.”

Hypertension can easily be treated with safe, widely available, low-cost generic medications using programmes such as HEARTS. WHO’s HEARTS technical package for cardiovascular disease management in primary health care and the Guideline for the pharmacological treatment of hypertension in adults provide proven and practical steps to deliver effective hypertension care in primary health care settings.

Effective community- and country-wide blood pressure management can be achieved in countries of all income levels. More than 40 low- and middle-income countries, including Bangladesh, Cuba, India and Sri Lanka, have strengthened their hypertension

care with the HEARTS package, enrolling more than 17 million people into treatment programmes. Countries such as Canada and South Korea delivered comprehensive national hypertension treatment programmes, and both countries surpassed the 50% mark for blood pressure control in adults living with hypertension. Sustained, systematic national hypertension control programmes can succeed—and a high level of blood pressure control translates into fewer strokes and heart attacks, and longer, healthier lives.

The report underscores the importance of implementing WHO-recommended effective hypertension care to save lives, which include the following five components: Protocol: practical dose- and drug-specific treatment protocols with specific action steps for managing uncontrolled blood pressure can streamline care and improve adherence.

Medication and equipment supply: regular, uninterrupted access to affordable medication is necessary for effective hypertension treatment; currently, prices for essential anti-hypertensive medicines vary by more than ten-fold between countries.

Team-based care: patient outcomes improve when a team collaborates to adjust and intensify blood pressure medication regimens per doctor orders and protocols.

Patient-centred services: to reduce barriers to care by providing easy-to-take medication regimens, free medications and close-tohome follow-up visits, and making blood pressure monitoring readily available.

Information systems: user-centred, simple information systems facilitate rapid recording of essential patient-level data, reduce health care worker data entry burden, and support rapid scale-up while maintaining or improving the quality of care.

“Every hour, more than 1 000 people die from strokes and heart attacks. Most of these deaths are caused by high blood pressure, and most could have been prevented,” said Dr Tom Frieden, President & CEO, Resolve to Save Lives. “Good hypertension care is affordable, within reach, and strengthens primary health care. The challenge now is to go from “within reach” to “reached.” This will require commitment of governments around the world.”

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 26, 2023

CARIBTRAVEL

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CNN Travel Recognizes Dominica as One of The Best Caribbean Islands Roseau, Dominica - The Cable News Network (CNN) Travel has nominated the Commonwealth of Dominica as one of the nine best islands in the Caribbean!

All nine countries were categorised based on what they were known for catering to a variety of tourists’ reasons for travelling to the Caribbean. Dominica, also widely referred to as the ‘Nature Isle of the Caribbean’, boasts intricate features that make it one of the ultimate destinations for tourists and visitors alike.

CNN Travel classified all nine countries according to the following criteria: 1. Dominica: For lush natural beauty 2. North and Middle Caicos: For the unspoiled Caribbean 3. Curaçao: For ‘city’ life 4. Saba: For white-knuckle aviation thrill 5. Antigua: For diverse beaches 6. Barbados: For great cuisine and rum 7. St Barts: For over-the-top luxury 8. Puerto Rico: For music and dance 9. Martinique: For a taste of France in the Caribbean CNN Travel highlighted the lush natural island as it is home to natural rainforests, luxurious eco-friendly resorts and sustainable and eco-tourism practices around the Nature Isle.

Coulibri Ridge, is one of Dominica’s eco-resorts that has been featured on Conde Nast Traveller

and prides itself on its sustainable accommodation standards.

Tourists can complement their visit by booking accommodation in any of the luxurious resorts with natural outdoor adventures. Some factors that supported this recognition are as follows: Untamed nature It is renowned for its lush rainforests, pristine rivers, and abundant waterfalls. The island’s rugged terrain includes the Morne Trois Pitons National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which showcases volcanic peaks, hot springs, and the famous Boiling Lake.

Morne Trois Pitons National Park The Morne Trois Pitons National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stunning natural beauty and unique geological features. Spanning approximately 68,000 acres, this park encompasses a diverse range of ecosystems, making it a biodiverse hotspot in the Caribbean.

The national park is dominated by volcanic activity, the park displays dramatic features like Boiling Lake, the world’s second-largest hot spring, and the Valley of Desolation, known for its fumaroles and bubbling mud pots.

There are several breathtaking waterfalls, including Trafalgar Falls and Middleham Falls,

Bahamas Experiencing Explosive Growth In Visitor Arrival Numbers NASSAU, Bahamas - The Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation is excited to reveal that tourism performance has outpaced projections for the first seven months of 2023, with The Bahamas recording more than 5.89 million arrivals from January through the end of July.

Current tourism performance puts the country well on the way to closing out the year at 8 million plus visitors.

Of the 5,893,118 total visitors who came to The Islands of The Bahamas in the first seven months of the year, 1,133,494 arrived by air and 4,759,624 by sea. July year-to-date arrivals are pacing 59 percent ahead of 2022 and 30 percent ahead of 2019, the busiest year on record.

Comparing 2023 overall arrivals by month, March arrivals peaked at 951,311, making it the busiest arrivals month in our history. To contextualize how significant the gains were in the first seven months of 2023, during the entirety of 2022, 1,470,244 visitors came to our shores by air; another 5,530,462 visitors arrived by sea.

Importantly, overall tourist spending is also up significantly. Major hotels in Nassau and Paradise Island experienced occupancy rates for 2023 eclipsing those of corresponding periods in 2019 and 2022. Average Daily Rate (ADR) is up an average of 59% compared to 2019 and room revenues are up 42% for the same period.

More than 60% of visitors came to The Bahamas for the first time, with arrivals from nearly every region showing an increase over the same period last year.

The Hon. I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation said, “The stronger

than expected results speak to vibrancy of The Bahamas’ brand, methodical business strategies and the hard work of tourism industry professionals and stakeholders.”

“We are seeing record arrivals, because we have all worked together to resuscitate our tourism industry, coming out of the pandemic, and, because we continue to improve our tourism product,” said DPM Cooper.

In our cruise business, The Port of Nassau welcomed the largest share of cruise arrivals followed by The Berry Islands (Coco Cay), Bimini (mainland and Ocean Cay), Half Moon Cay, Grand Bahama and Abaco (Castaway Cay), respectively. Overall cruise arrivals, January through July, are up 72.1% over the corresponding period last year, and 43% ahead of the 2019 historic cruise arrival figures. Overall air stopover arrivals, which represent, “heads in beds”, surpassed same period 2022 numbers by 24%, and matched 2019 figures.

The destination’s biggest market for visitors remains the United States, representing 90% of overall visitor arrivals, followed by Canada, and the United Kingdom and Europe. The Latin American market is gaining momentum in its steady return to pre-pandemic stopover levels.

Looking at visitor trends, from January through July, 70% of all stopover visitors came to The Bahamas primarily for a vacation, 15% for weddings and honeymoons, 6% to play in casinos, 4% for business and 5% for “other/undisclosed” reasons.

tlements, adding an anthropological dimension to its natural beauty.

offering visitors the opportunity to swim in refreshing pools and enjoy the lush surroundings.

There is a rich biodiversity and home to various rare and endemic species of plants and animals, including the Sisserou parrot, which is the country’s national bird. It plays a crucial role in conservation efforts, protecting endangered species and preserving Dominica’s natural heritage.

Morne Trois Pitons offers a network of well-maintained hiking trails, allowing visitors to explore its natural wonders, such as the challenging trek to the Boiling Lake or the accessible Emerald Pool trail.

The park is also culturally significant, with historical remains of indigenous Kalinago set-

Boiling Lake The Boiling Lake is a geothermal wonder situated within Morne Trois Pitons National Park, formed by the collapse of a fumarole, a vent for volcanic gases. It is one of only a few known boiling lakes in the world.

The lake’s most distinctive feature is its constantly churning and bubbling waters, caused by the intense heat beneath. The water temperature ranges from 180 to 197 degrees Fahrenheit (82 to 92 degrees Celsius), making it too hot for a traditional swim.

The lake is one of the largest of its kind globally, spanning approximately 200 feet (61 meters) in diameter. Its depth is estimated to be over 200 feet, although exact measurements are challenging due to the constantly changing water levels.

The Boiling Lake is a testament to Dominica’s volcanic activity. It is nestled within a volcanic crater and surrounded by a lush rainforest, highlighting the island’s geological diversity.

Accessible only by a challenging hike, the journey to the Boiling Lake takes trekkers through dense forests, sulphur springs, and breathtaking viewpoints, making it a popular destination for adventurous hikers and nature enthusiasts.

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CARIBA&E

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 26, 2023

Sheryl Lee Ralph Makes Impassioned Appeal for Striking Actors Jamaican-American actress, author, activist, and songbird Sheryl Lee Ralph stood up on behalf of herself and her fellow SAG-AFTRA members with a little help from a certain Rihanna hit.

The Abbott Elementary and Emmy award-winning actress posted a video of herself speaking passionately on Sept. 13 on her Instagram account, using Rihanna’s “Bi**h Better Have My Money” as a prop to emphasize her argument. The event was in support of striking actors and writers.

“You know why we’re here. You know what we deserve. And in the words of one of our SAG members, ‘Pay us what you owe us. Don’t act like you forgot. Shot shot shots! Aye!,’” Ralph said, utilizing lyrics from the pop 2015 hit.

With roles in films like Battleship, Ocean’s

8, and Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, Rihanna is also a member of SAG. “What can I say…the spirit of @badgalriri got to me,” Ralph captioned the video, making certain to include the Instagram handle of SAG-AFTRA. Ralph continued in the address that AP posted on YouTube, “We are the heartbeat of the entertainment industry. You might try to recreate us with AI, but ain’t nothing going to be as fabulous as the human beings that we are.”

A new contract for better pay and working conditions with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers could not be reached, therefore the Screen Actors Guild—American Federation of Television and Radio Artists disbanded on July 14, 2023. Additionally, actors are request-

ing better health and pension benefits as well as the creation of measures to prevent artificial intelligence from mimicking their appearance.

At the beginning of the strike, Fran Drescher, head of the actor’s union stated, “We are the victims here.” Dresher added, “We are being victimized by a very greedy entity. I am shocked by the way the people that we have been in business with are treating us… It is disgusting; shame on them.

You cannot change the business model as much as it has changed and not expect the contract to change, too.”

SAG-AFTRA is not the only union on strike; the Writers Guild of America (WGA) has been as well since May 2023.

Pulitzer Prize Expands Eligibility for Books, Drama and Music Awards to Include Noncitizens LOS ANGELES, CA – The Pulitzer Prize Board announced its decision to expand eligibility for the Books, Drama and Music awards to include “permanent residents of the United States and those who have made the United States their longtime primary home.” The amended criteria expands on its original U.S. citizenship requirement and will go into effect beginning with the 2025 awards cycle, which opens in the spring of 2024.

“We applaud this decision by the Pulitzer Prize Board to make its prestigious literary awards accessible to all storytellers regardless of citizenship status, and are confident that this decision aligns with the Pulitzer’s past efforts to uplift voices calling for justice and equality. In an increasingly nativistic world, we are grateful that the Pulitzer is continuing to be a visionary leader,” said Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and Define American Founder/President Jose Antonio Vargas.

“At a time when the human rights of immigrants are at risk, cultural institutions like the Pulitzer Prize can play a vital role in defining who is viewed as an American. We urge other organizations to follow the Pulitzer’s lead by making storyteller support and award opportunities more accessible to all.”

Creative industries are more interested than ever in correcting the systemic marginalization of underrepresented communities. Yet there remains a glaring lack of awareness of the unique challenges facing storytellers who are immigrants and how to best support them in their creative and professional development. Despite being a sizable portion of the U.S. population, all too often, immigrant, migrant and undocumented artists, storytellers, and other creatives are excluded from the opportunity to contribute to our artistic landscape due to their citizenship or immigration status.

“By considering immigrants of all statuses for Pulitzer literary awards, the Pulitzer Prize Board is taking a critical step toward includ-

ing art and stories that are necessary to defining the experience of being American,” said Define American Executive Director Rebecca Neuwirth. “Define American will continue to advocate for storytellers of all backgrounds and statuses to access the recognition they deserve for their contributions to American literature and culture.”

Background In August, the nonprofit organization Undocupoets circulated an open letter to the Pulitzer Prize Committee to raise awareness about the inability for undocumented and other immigrants to access Pulitzer literary awards. The letter was inspired by a Los Angeles Times op-ed penned by Javier Zamora, who declined to be a Pulitzer judge after realizing his citizenship status prohibited him from being eligible for the prize.

Earlier this year, Define American released Creativity is Boundless: An Inclusive Guide to help organizations, such as the Pulitzer Prize Board, understand practical next steps for making artist support opportunities (including fellowships, grants, and residency programs) more inclusive and accessible to all, regardless of immigration status.

While U.S. immigration policy may appear complex, organizations have the ability to adjust internal policies to make awards, fellowships, grants, and residencies accessible to immigrant, migrant, and undocumented applicants.

Define American’s efforts to expand eligibility for the Pulitzer Prize are part of its ongoing efforts to support inclusivity in the arts. In 2018, Define American co-advocated to the Rhodes Scholarship to expand eligibility to undocumented applicants, enabling Jin Park to became the first DACA recipient to be selected as a Rhodes Scholar.

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 26, 2023

CARIBSPORTS

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Concacaf Teams Learn U17 Men’s World Cup Group Stage Fate

MIAMI, Florida – This Friday the Draw for the 2023 FIFA Under-17 Men’s World Cup in Indonesia took place during which the four representatives from the Concacaf region, the United States, Panama, Canada and Mexico learned their group stage fate.

Playing in their third U17 World Cup and first since 2013, Panama have been drawn into Group A where they will take on host nation Indonesia, Ecuador and Morocco.

The Canaleros’ best finish at a U17 World Cup came in 2011 when they reached the Round of 16 in their debut. Panama qualified for the 2023 U17 World Cup as a semifinalist in the 2023 Concacaf Men’s Under-17 Championship.

Group B will feature Canada, who also had a semifinal finish at the 2023 Concacaf Men’s U17 Championship.

The Canadians will square off with fourtime U17 World Cup runners-up Spain, Mali and Uzbekistan in the group. Canada are making their eighth appearance in

a U17 World Cup and will attempt to advance from the group stage for the first time.

2023 CMU17 runners-up United States land in Group E along with Burkina Faso, Korea Republic and 2001 U17 World Cup champions France.

It marks the 18th time that the United States have participated in the U17 World Cup, with their best finish coming in 1999 when they were fourth.

Rounding out the list of Concacaf teams at the U17 World Cup is Mexico in Group F against Germany, Venezuela and New Zealand.

Mexico remain the only Concacaf team to have lifted the U17 World Cup trophy, having done so on two occasions, in 2005 and 2011.

El Tricolor captured their ninth CMU17 title in 2023 to qualify for the U17 World Cup and will be making their 15th appearance in the tournament.

CPL Week 4: T&T Knight Riders Hold On to Top Spot

The unassuming Saim Ayub played two vital knocks for Amazon Warriors. His 62 off 43 balls guided them to a comfortable six-wicket win over Knight Riders first.

Later, in Tarouba, he blasted 58 off 35, his innings laced with six sixes and one four, for a win over Barbados Royals.

He also followed it up with a gracious gesture. Ayub was awarded Player of the Match in the game against Royals, but he passed on the award to Gudakesh Motie, who defended just five in the final over of a tense match.

It was a tricky surface in Tarouba but Ayub got used to the conditions expertly and helped put his team in pole position. Ayub has picked up form at the crucial time of

the tournament and will be a lynchpin for his side in the knockouts.

A communication breakdown gives rise to beast Pooran It started with a comical run-out where ideally Nicholas Pooran should have been the one to walk back. That wasn’t the case, though.

It was the 20th game of the CPL, and Kieron Pollard tickled a Rahkeem Cornwall delivery to short fine-leg. Pooran hared down to the other end, but Pollard wasn’t going anywhere. Both batters found themselves at the same end. An argument ensued followed by a fist bump as Pooran made his way back to the change room.

However, replays showed that when Cornwall broke the stumps at the non-striker’s end, Pooran’s foot was inside the crease before Pollard’s bat-slide attempt. Pollard left, but thereon Pooran made it his mission to inflict pain on the Royals bowlers.

Pooran went on to smack a staggering 102 off 53 balls in front of a raucous home crowd. He was particularly severe on Nyeem Young in the 16th over, smashing him for a four and then three sixes before reaching his century in the final over. This was his second CPL century, both coming at his home venue.

Knight Riders plundered 89 runs in the last five overs to put up an imposing 208 for 6 in reply to which Royals could

only score 166 for 7. Pooran carried his form from Port of Spain to Tarouba and slammed a blistering half-century against Jamaica Tallawahs that scripted another clinical win for the side.

Fletcher helps Patriots break the duck on one leg Andre Fletcher pulled his hamstring but made sure he ended St Kitts & Nevis Patriots’ losing streak. And in match 21 of the CPL, they finally managed to do that by getting the better of St Lucia Kings by four wickets with the win all down to Fletcher’s unbeaten 93-run knock off 64 balls.

Continued on website at nycaribnews.com

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CARIBNEWS

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 26, 2023