October 11, 2023

VOL. XLII NO. 2137 WEEK OF OCTOBER 11 - 17, 2023

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CARICOM CALLS FOR

BROOKLYN, NY

RALLY FOR MIGRANTS AID Elected officials led by Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn support services for all migrants

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HAITI

DELAY IN THE DEPLOYMENT OF KENYAN FORCES By the court in Kenya on the motion filed by the Opposition party Page 3

NEW YORK

18,000 JOBS FOR MIGRANTS

Announced by Governor Hochul - openings in 379 companies for asylum seekers

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CANADA

FIRST BLACK SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE Greg Fergus was appointed by the House of Commons to lead lawmakers Page 5

UNITED NATIONS

WINSTON DUKE AMB TO THE WORLD TOURISM ORG The Trinidadian-born actor welcomes his role in tourism promotion globally Page 17

IMMEDIATE CEASE-FIRE IN THE MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT WITH MORE THAN 2,000 DEATHS WASHINGTON, DC

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA

‘KING SHORT SHIRT’ CALYPSO ICON Receives honorary doctorate from UWI

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JEFFRIES MEETS GUYANA OPPOSITION IN TALKS OF RACIAL EQUALITY IN THE COUNTRY’S DEVELOPMENT

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CaribNews OPED Key Job Sectors Drive September Employment Surge of 336,000

by Stacy M. Brown

OPED Protecting Their Dream Homes from a Fracking Nightmare

by Ben Jealous - P 9

HEALTH Barbados - Dengue Fever Outbreak Confirmed - P 16

SPORTS Return of Concacaf Nations League Leads Week - P 19

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WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 17, 2023

AFRICA

WORLD BRIEFS

Sudan conflict creates world’s fastest-growing displacement crisis: UN aid official

How youth and forests tackle Honduras’ water crisis

As heavy fighting continues in Sudan, the UN’s top aid official in the country warned on Thursday that the conflict has created “the world’s fastest-growing displacement crisis” which threatens to outstrip the Organization’s best efforts to help those most in need.

“The past six months have caused untold suffering in Sudan” and forced more than 5.4 million people from their homes, said Clementine Nkweta-Salami, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan.

Speaking to journalists in Geneva, the UN official noted that approximately 30,000 a day have fled fighting, “some fleeing with nothing but the clothes on their backs”.

Ms. Nkweta-Salami continued: “I’ve met mothers in Sudan who’ve told me they don’t know where to find the next meal for their children. I’ve met families sleeping in makeshift shelters, struggling to find food and water and unable to access healthcare; their children out of school and the family breadwinners out of work.”

Conflict ‘could consume entire country’ Half of Sudan’s population – 24.7 million people - now require humanitarian assistance and protection, the UN official continued, before warning that conflict, displacement and disease outbreaks now “threaten to consume the entire country”.

Honduras is scrambling to solve ever worsening water shortages in its capital, Tegucigalpa. The answer lies in restoring and conserving the country’s forests.

Montserrat Xilotl, a Regional Technical Advisor in Climate Change Adaptation for the UN Development Programme (UNDP), explains why.

Montserrat Xilotl, Regional Technical Advisor in Climate Change Adaptation for the UN Development Programme (UNDP).

UNDP Montserrat Xilotl, Regional Technical Advisor in Climate Change Adaptation for the UN Development Programme (UNDP).

“Forests are nature’s water filters and storage systems. When rain falls, the trees, and vegetation capture and absorb it, allowing it to seep into the ground, replenishing aquifers, supplying drinking water to communities, and supporting agriculture.

Forests also help to regulate the flow of water in rivers and streams. The roots of trees and plants hold the soil together, preventing erosion and ensuring that water flows steadily, reducing the risk of floods and droughts.

Unfortunately, Honduras has seen a notable loss of forest cover over the years, with high levels of deforestation driven largely by unsustainable agriculture and illegal logging, both in return the result of poverty.

UN rights office concerned over pre-election violence in Liberia

Middle East crisis: UN engages parties as Security Council meets

A senior UN human rights official on Wednesday called on authorities in Liberia to take all necessary measures to ensure that the upcoming elections can take place in a fully inclusive manner.

“We are concerned by reported instances of election-related violence, use of language that could amount to hate speech, and attacks on journalists in Liberia ahead of the general election on 10 October,” said UN Human Rights Office Spokesperson in the country, Seif Magango.

Violent clashes Violent clashes between supporters of the opposition Unity Party and the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) last month left at least two people dead and 20 others injured in Foya, Lofa County.

According to the Spokesperson, there have also been outbreaks of electoral violence in Nimba, Montserrado and Grand Cape Mount counties.

The UN has also documented eight attacks on journalists by various political actors, two of which led to injuries.

Mr. Magango said the Government “must ensure that journalists can do their jobs freely and safely. All political actors must refrain from inciting violence or hatred.”

Political division Supporters of both main parties have accused each other of instigating the violence.

Top UN officials engaged key actors amid the spiraling Israeli-Palestinian conflict while UN peacekeepers detected rocket and artillery fire exchanged across the Israel-Lebanon border ahead of Sunday’s Security Council emergency closed-door meeting on the unfolding crisis.

As the 15-member Council prepared to meet, UN agencies were reporting that hundreds of people have been killed and thousands injured following the early Saturday morning rocket fire into Israel

by Palestinian militants.

The ensuing Israeli response to the Hamas attacks included airstrikes in Gaza, where the UN agency operating there, UNRWA, had reported massive damages alongside rising death tolls.

The UN agency is currently sheltering 73,538 internally displaced people in 64 of its schools in all areas in the Gaza Strip. An UNRWA school sheltering 225 people was “directly hit” and severely damaged, but no casualties were recorded, the agency said.

New reports emerged of alarming food scarcity and clashes across the IsraelLebanon border.

Israel-Lebanon border: Rocket, artillery fire Early Sunday, the UN peacekeeping operation in Lebanon, UNIFIL, “detected several rockets fired from southeast...

WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 17, 2023

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Brooklyn, NY – Democrat Elected Officials Rally for Migrants Aid at City Hall

Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, chair of the Brooklyn Democratic Party, claims that the party has heard from more than 1.4 million Democrats whose neighborhoods are being impacted by the migration of people from the Caribbean and other countries and who want fair help for them.

The 42nd District Assemblywoman noted, “The Brooklyn Democratic Party is consistently communicating with leaders at all levels of

government for updates and to relay our constituents’ feedback, including exploring the possibility of equitably spreading out access to migrant housing across Brooklyn from Fort Hamilton to Brooklyn Heights and beyond.”

She expressed the difficulties faced in helping migrants in need without sufficient assistance, “It is clear that vast existing inequities of shelter placements serving unhoused New Yorkers are being exacerbated by new emergency shelters

opening up in our communities that are all too familiar with disproportionately shouldering the responsibility of helping those in need.” she continued, “Neighborhoods without migrant shelters are being called to open their communities to ‘spread the love’ by Brooklyn Dems.

Bichotte Hermelyn who is the first HaitianAmerican State Legislature in New York City noted in her address, “We acknowledge this vital feedback from Brooklynites who are recommending having migrant shelters in communities from Fort Hamilton Army Base, Bay Ridge, Brooklyn Heights, Marine Park, and Manhattan Beach.”

She further added, “The Brooklyn Democratic Party is utilizing our members’ feedback by not only recommending using these neighborhoods in Brooklyn, but also similarly expanding to underutilized areas across NYC, the entire State of New York, and other municipalities across the US. The Assemblywoman states, “While everyone deserves fair, equitable, and humane housing, this is a national, unprecedented crisis; requiring federal aid and collaboration at all levels.”

She also defended Mayor Adams’ response to the crisis, which included holding press conferences and writing to the Biden Administration for assistance.

The mayor is criticized for being anti-immigrant while requesting federal assistance, although Bichotte Hermelyn said that elected authorities rebutted this charge.

In her address at the rally, she urges the support of Mayor Eric Adam “Let’s all come together and support our mayor…He’s been doing his darndest.”

Bichotte Hermelyn is one of 54 Democratic city council members from New York who recently signed a letter urging President Biden to address the city’s immigration situation.

But even though the Brooklyn Democratic Party applauds the Biden administration’s recent decision to grant nearly 500,000 Venezuelan asylum seekers TPS and work permits, Bichotte Hermelyn noted that this still leaves 75 percent of the city’s 60,000 migrant residents in need of care unable to legally find employment and support themselves.

She noted in her remark, “The federal government must designate the same status to all families arriving from other parts of the world, including African nations.” While adding that “The influx exacerbates New York’s existing housing crisis, with nearly 70,000 homeless children and adults already living in shelters city-wide as of January 2023.”

CARICOM Statement on the Developments in Israel The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) abhors the attacks in Israel and the counterattacks in the Palestinian territory of Gaza. Further, the savage nature of the attacks and counterattacks is the antithesis of civilised life and living.

Innocent lives are being lost amidst the fervour and violence of the actual combatants.CARICOM thus joins the responsible members of the international

community in calling for an immediate ceasefire and end of hostilities by all parties. The recent round of hostilities reflects the pain and suffering of ancient quarrels. The ongoing harsh conditions under which the Palestinians live in veritable colonialism and Israel’s sense of insecurity will contribute to a cycle of violence until those realities are definitively addressed. Accordingly,

CARICOM continues to support the United Nations Security Council Resolution 242 and the ongoing efforts of the United Nations towards a two-state solution as the best way to achieve comprehensive peace, security and tranquillity between Israel and Palestine.

Haiti - Kenya Court Puts Pause on The Deployment Of Troops To Haiti

A Kenyan court has temporarily halted the government’s decision to send police to Haiti as part of a UN-backed operation to de-escalate the gang-infested Caribbean country’s situation.

The UN Security Council approved a

global security force for the unrestplagued nation, with Nairobi offering to provide 1,000 police personnel.

A Nairobi court issued a temporary injunction against the deployment of security personnel in a complaint filed by opposition legislator Ekuru Aukot. Aukot argued that the deployment was illegal since it was not authorized by law or treaty.

Aukot, a lawyer who worked on Kenya’s 2010 constitution revision, claimed that while Kenya was sending police overseas, it was failing to address instability at home. Enock Mwita of the High Court made a decision, “I am satisfied that the application and petition raise substantial issues of national importance and public interest that require urgent consideration.”

A media house who have witnessed the ruling states, “A conservatory order is hereby issued restraining the respondents from de-

ploying police officers to Haiti or any other country until 24th October 2023.”

The poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, Haiti, has been in upheaval for years as armed gangs have seized control of large portions of the country and unleashed horrific bloodshed. The nation’s economy and public health system are both in ruins.

Kenya’s deployment plans have not yet been finalized since parliament must still give the maneuver the legal approval it needs.

The operation, which is supported by the UN and was initially given a one-year approval, calls for Kenyan police to go on the attack alongside their Haitian counterparts, who are outnumbered and outgunned by gang members.

According to the UN resolution enacted last week, the force intends to “operational support to the Haitian National Police, including building its capacity through the

planning and conduct of joint security support operations.”

The team will also work to provide the necessary framework for elections, which have not been held in Haiti since 2016.

Kenya’s participation has drawn criticism domestically, with many people doubting the logic of such a perilous operation.

Rights watchdogs further claim that Kenyan police have a history of abusing people with sometimes fatal force and that they present an unacceptable risk in Haiti, where foreign forces have already engaged in abusive behavior.

President William Ruto has defended the deployment, describing it as a “humanitarian mission.”

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WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 17, 2023

Haiti – Risky Security Mission for Kenyan Forces

Kenya claims it is prepared to lead a mission to Haiti with support from the UN, but there is increasing pressure at home to defend the dangerous involvement and the prudence of sending its police to the country wracked by violence.

The Caribbean island, where the economy has collapsed and armed gangs are in possession of territory that they have taken from a weak government, has received approval from the UN Security Council for a security operation headed by Kenya.

The country’s struggling authorities pleaded for assistance from abroad for a year to bring about order, but volunteers stayed away due to

memories of previous unsuccessful interventions in Haiti.

Then, in July, there was a sliver of hope when Kenya offered 1,000 of its police could take the lead. The United States and other countries who had previously decided against sending their own troops to the area welcomed this offer.

With the UN’s approval, Kenyans were aware that their police would soon be engaged in combat with heavily armed bandits in a foreign, remote country, and they began to raise questions.

Emiliano Kipkorir Tonui, a seasoned peacekeeper who managed Kenyan deployments to

places like Liberia, East Timor, and the former Yugoslavia among others, questioned, “What is their mission in Haiti?”

The media was informed by the retired brigadier general, “Kenyans must be informed. The leadership is answerable to the people.”

A constitutional necessity when Kenyan troops are being sent overseas, the administration has been on a publicity blitz to support the intervention but has not yet presented its proposal to parliament.

The country’s police chief and interior minister, Japhet Koome and Kithure Kindiki, were called before lawmakers on Wednesday to explain the mission, which some legal experts believe to be unlawful.

In a country devastated by colonialism, President William Ruto referred to it as a “mission for humanity,” and Foreign Minister Alfred Mutua claimed that by assisting the offspring of African slaves in Haiti, Kenya was carrying out “God’s will.”

Both mentioned Kenya’s long history of supporting international peacekeeping efforts.

The International Crisis Group’s Murithi Mutiga, program director for Africa, described the Haiti operation as “unusually risky” despite the fact that Kenya’s security services, who are primarily military but include police, have deployed across the world.

He noted, “The security challenges in Haiti are quite different, where you have gangs operating in densely populated, low-income settlements, with very good knowledge of the terrain, and a commercial interest in maintaining that

control.”

“It is an unusual intervention, it is one that Kenya has not done before, and I think they need to be very deliberate and careful.”

The Haitian contingent will be picked from specialized groups, according to Koome, who claims that his soldiers are highly trained.

In the deployment, which was initially authorized for a year, Kenyan police would go on the attack alongside their Haitian colleagues, who are outnumbered and outgunned by gang members.

Tonui, however, said that Kenya’s police suffered losses at home to poorly equipped bandits and livestock rustlers since they were primarily trained in the use of light weapons and had no fighting experience.

According to Tonui of Kenya Veterans for Peace, a group based in Nairobi, “the fighters in Haiti have 0.50 caliber, which is a real heavy machine gun.”

He added, “Our policemen are not trained like the military in map reading. They are not trained in communication. They are not trained in handling weapons like machine guns.”

More simply stated was Ekuru Aukot, an opposition politician and attorney who contributed to the revision of Kenya’s constitution.

He said on Twitter now known as X, “That deployment is a suicide mission for our 1000 police officers.”

Dominican Republic – To Restart Canal Operation in Border Dispute with Haiti Weeks after closing the border to halt the construction of another canal on the Haitian side that it claims breached a treaty, the Dominican Republic is prepared to reopen a defunct canal off a river shared with the neighboring country of Haiti.

Santo Domingo closed its border in the middle of September, preventing travel by land, air, and sea for persons and goods due to the construction of a canal by private individuals off the Massacre River on the Haitian side of the border in the Dajabon region.

The La Vigia canal, which was shut down in 2007, is prepared to reopen in Dajabon, according to a recent statement from the

Dominican government. The INDRHI water authority stated the testing on three motor pumps built at the intake site was successful.

The statement notes, “This immediate solution will guarantee water for local producers who could be affected by the construction of a canal in Haitian territory that diverts the waters of the Dajabon River,” the government said in a statement.

According to the treaty, Haiti, which is experiencing a humanitarian catastrophe brought on by gang violence, has the right to exploit resources on its side of the border.

The Dominican Republic deporting tens of thousands of migrants back into Haiti has strained ties between the two nations.

Luis Abinader, the president of the Dominican Republic, who is up for reelection in 2024, also stated that his nation intends to build two dams that ” without the treaty could significantly affect” Haiti.

The Organization of American States has called for a resumption of dialogue saying the current situation benefits neither party.

Last week the OAS stated, “There can be no doubt that Haiti and the Dominican Republic have equal rights of use over the Dajabon or Massacre River and that its water resources are vital for both, given the needs of its inhabitants, especially in the current context of drought.”

Haiti – Surge in Gang Violence Giles Clarke Photojournalist and Getty Image photographer renowned for covering topics such as current and post-global crises. Clarke was able to witness the fragments of the Caribbean Island of Haiti. A nation that has suffered from natural disasters, and economic crises and is now being tormented by gang violence.

Clarke who has been visiting the country since 2011 claimed, “Gangs now control some 75% of the city.” He added, “The streets I used to walk are now barricaded with burnt-out vehicles as

entire neighborhoods desperately try to protect themselves from gang-led abductions and attacks.” Much of Port-au-Prince is under the control of feuding gangs, cutting off essential supply routes to the rest of the nation. Gang members have harassed the metropolitan area’s residents as well, causing some 200,000 people to evacuate their homes amid waves of rape, arson, kidnapping, and indiscriminate slaughter.

Recently, Clarke visited Port-au-Prince and took pictures of the congested displacement

camps that have sprouted up all around the city.

These may be found in places like churches, boxing gyms, old theaters, and schools.

Clarke stated, “I was there when school was supposed to be starting for the new year, but instead, many are now overrun by families in tents who sleep on the floors of the classrooms.”

Clarke describes a few conditions that residents are forced to live under due to the ongoing catastrophe reckoned by gang members, “Mothers hold hungry babies as the NGOs rush to provide basic needs such as clean water, baby

formula, and a daily meal if outside security allows access. Many of those I met complain about being unable to access clean water or medicine.”

Ariel Henry, the Prime Minister of Haiti, has been pleading for military intervention to help reestablish security since President Jovenel Moise was slain in 2021. The UN Security Council recently approved the dispatch of an armed multinational force.

WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 17, 2023

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Washington DC – Jeffries Meets with Guyana Opposition Members Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, a prominent US House Democrat from New York, said that at a meeting with Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton and his group in Washington last week, they talked about a fair and equal society in Guyana.

According to a post on his Facebook page, on September 27, Jeffries arranged a meeting with Norton and members of the parliamentary opposition.

The Caribbean-American community in Brooklyn and across the United States, along with several prominent congressional Democrats with knowledge of foreign policy, economics, security, and other crucial issues affecting the Western Hemisphere, joined the two sides for this crucial and timely discussion, according to Jeffries.

Congressman Hakeem Jeffries of the United States, who serves as the chair of the Democratic Caucus in the US House of Representatives, has once again criticized the Guyana Government for what he perceives as the “mistreatment” of a particular segment of the Guyanese community.

Congressman Jeffries said in remarks made at the Guyana Day Church Service in New York this past weekend that the US will continue to strongly support Guyanese residing in the US, particularly those who are residents of Guyana.

The Congress noted, “We will continue to stand strongly behind Guyanese Americans, the SDA community, and certainly the folks back home in Guyana living right now in very difficult

circumstances. A government that has consistently not treated everyone consistent with the principles of equal protection under the law.”

Over the weekend, the US representative repeated what he had said.

And we are not going to allow racism here, he continued, adding that “we will do everything we can to move things in a better, more equitable way.”

The PPP, which claimed to be acting in the best interests of all Guyanese, urged the Congressman last year to “desist from partnering with these persons in causing turmoil in our communities at home and in the Diaspora.”

He noted, “And we are not going to tolerate racism here, we are not going to tolerate racism down in Guyana either and we will do all we can to get things moving in a fairer, more equitable digression.”

The PPP, which claimed to be acting in the best interests of all Guyanese, urged the Congressman last year to “desist from joining with these individuals in creating chaos in our communities at home and in the Diaspora.”

NYC- End Solitary Confinement in Jail Says Public Advocate A rally was recently held to urge the City Council and Mayor to adopt Intro. No. 549, a law intended to eliminate solitary confinement in New York City jails, together with Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, City Councilmembers, survivors of solitary

Canada – House Elects First Black Speaker

Greg Fergus, a 54-year-old Quebec Liberal lawmaker, was recently voted as the House of Commons’ next speaker, making him the country’s first black speaker.

The election was brought about by Anthony Rota’s retirement, which he announced last week after inviting and honoring a man who served in a Nazi military unit during World War II. Last month, Rota called attention to Yaroslav Hunka, 98, and Canadian parliamentarians gave him a standing ovation just after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the chamber.

Rota described Hunka as a First Ukrainian Division combatant and a military hero.

The First Ukrainian Division, a volunteer force commanded by the Nazis and also known as the Waffen-SS Galicia Division or the SS 14th Waffen Division, was subsequently made public by observers.

Rota later expressed regret, claiming he was unaware.

He pledged to lead with respect after being chosen by MPs in a secret vote, and he urged them to show respect for one another. He said that Canadians are watching.

In his opening remarks from the chair, Fergus stated, “The speaker, to use the old hockey analogy, is nothing more than a referee.” He continued, “And if there’s one thing I know, it’s that nobody pays good money to go see the referee. They go to see the stars: you.”

confinement, and family members.

With Manish Kunwar, a 27-year-old with mental health concerns, reportedly dying at Rikers Island, the need for reform is now more pressing than ever. This is the seventh such fatality this year in municipal prisons.

There is a majority that may override vetoes, and Council Speaker Adrienne Adams supports Intro. No. 549. If approved, the measure will outlaw solitary confinement and encourage different kinds of segregation that are better for prisoners’ health and well-being.

William noted, “The status quo is not working,” he added, “The status quo did not work for Layleen Polanco. It did not work for the person who died today. Let’s get it done now. So we can save some lives.”

Several members of the City Council spoke out in favor of the legislation, describing solitary

confinement as a type of torture that conflicts with the city’s objectives for criminal justice.

The necessity for a complete ecosystem of social supports, mental health services, and treatment for drug use disorders was underlined by Councilmember Carlin Rivera (D—Lower Manhattan).

Councilmember Shahana Hanif noted, “The consensus is clear among faiths and countries across the world: Solitary confinement is torture, and every day our city allows this practice is a grave sin.”

“We have the legislation to end this torturous practice, and we have the votes to pass it; all we need is Intro 549 to come to a vote.”

Family members and survivors expressed grave worries. Mauricia Harry, whose brother had previously served time in isolation, made the observation that even when an inmate does not initially have a mental health problem, they frequently develop one while there.

Victor Pate, co-director of the #HALTsolitary Campaign described the situation as a “travesty”. He noted, “We are talking about human rights and constitutional rights. No one should be treated inhumanely. No one should be subject to torture. Just because you are incarcerated doesn’t mean you can be treated like an animal.

So why are our people being treated inhumanely and being exposed to torture in solitary confinement?”

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WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 17, 2023

NYS – Governor Hochul Announced 18,000 Jobs for Asylum Seekers

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the State has identified more than 18,000 job openings with nearly 400 employers who are willing to hire migrants and asylum seekers who have attained legal work status in the United States.

This announcement comes just one month after Governor Hochul directed the New York State Department of Labor to begin connecting businesses with job openings to migrants and asylum seekers who have attained legal work status. The Governor has focused on securing legal work status for migrants and asylum seekers, including successfully pressuring the federal government to grant Temporary Protected Status to individuals from Venezuela, so these individuals can leave the shelter system and begin living independently.

Migrants and asylum seekers came here to

work — so let’s put them to work,” Governor Hochul said. “Right now, we have a migrant crisis and a workforce crisis. By connecting work-eligible individuals with jobs and opportunities in New York, we can solve them both and secure a brighter future for all New Yorkers.”

On August 24, Governor Hochul directed the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) to conduct outreach to employers and determine which job openings could be filled with migrants and asylum seekers. This initiative has identified more than 18,000 private-sector job openings at 379 companies who have identified roles that could be filled by individuals with legal work status. This includes job openings in accommodation and food services, healthcare and social assistance,

manufacturing, and administrative support.

Employers were identified through a portal where they could inform the State that they would welcome newly authorized individuals into their workforce. Separately, a registration process where asylum seekers and migrants with work authorization can register for assistance has been established. The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) and a team of 70 State personnel representing 16 State agencies have since led a robust outreach effort to identify business needs and assess asylum seekers and migrants’ skills and expertise.

In addition, the Governor announced the start of a public awareness campaign to help more employers articulate their business needs and welcome asylum seekers and migrants with work authorizations into their workforce.

NYSDOL will expand their outreach to employers via social media and digital channels and begin circulating a digital flyer, which direct employers to the Department’s intake form.

Governor Hochul has identified work authorization as the path out of this crisis, allowing migrants and asylum seekers to leave taxpayer-funded shelters and begin living independently as generations of immigrants have done. After months of advocacy from Governor Hochul and a broad coalition of political, civic and business leaders, the White House announced plans to grant Temporary Protected Status to individuals who arrive in the United States from Venezuela on or before July 31, 2023; the City of New York estimates

this will allow more than 15,000 Venezuelan individuals to attain legal work status within 30 days.

Additionally, the Governor has surged personnel and resources to case management, to help migrants and asylum seekers fill out the necessary paperwork to attain legal work status. This includes deploying 250 National Guard personnel assigned to full-time case management services, part of a deployment of more than 2,100 National Guard personnel to address this ongoing situation. The Governor has also deployed significant financial resources to support case management, including $20 million allocated to local nonprofits serving asylum seekers and migrants; $20 million to help New York City with a casework surge through NYC Health + Hospitals; $10 million for migrant legal services.

Governor Hochul has led a robust state response to this crisis. Overall, the State has committed $1.7 billion to support asylum seekers and migrants, including for shelter, transportation and social services; the State recently advanced $250 million to the City for these purposes. The State has also offered up multiple State-owned sites, such as the former Lincoln Correctional Facility in Manhattan and Building 197 at JFK Airport, to be used as shelters; the State is also covering the cost of multiple Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Centers (HERRCs) at Creedmoor Psychiatric Facility and on Randall’s Island.

Governor Hochul, Mayor Adams Announce $38 Million for Asylum Seeker Legal Services and Case Management Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams today announced $38 million in new State funding to bolster the City’s efforts to provide legal services for asylum seekers. The announcement comes on the first day that the federal rule extending Temporary Protected Status to Venezuelans who entered the country before July 31, 2023 takes effect.

“For more than a year, the State and City have worked side-by-side to address the unprecedented humanitarian crisis we’re experiencing,” Governor Hochul said. “After months of coordinated advocacy from New Yorkers, the federal government has made thousands of migrants from Venezuela newly-eligible for Temporary Protected Status. Our job now is to ensure these individuals fill out all the appropriate paperwork so they can attain work authorization, find a job, and exit taxpayer-funded shelter.”

New York City Mayor Eric Adams said, “Throughout this crisis, New York City has led the nation in answering the call to support arriving asylum seekers, and that work continues again today in partnership with New York State. We were proud to lead the call to ‘Let Them Work’ and are grateful that the federal government heard us and has expanded the pathways to work for many of those in the city’s care. With the expansion of Temporary Protected Status taking effect today, our teams are already hard at work helping them apply for work authorization, and this investment from

the state will bolster those efforts to help thousands of migrants obtain work and eventually move out of shelter.” Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “This is a tough crisis to manage but the pathway out of crisis is through work and helping migrants live independently. Governor Hochul has been focused on funding and programs to help people leave shelter. This funding doubled down on earlier State funding for legal services, case management, and connections to legal employment.”

Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom said, “In just a few months, our Asylum Seeker Application Help Center has assisted thousands of individuals and families complete their federal asylum applications and helping them move one step closer to obtaining work authorization and participating in the American Dream. Now, with this investment from the state, we can build on that model, stand up satellite sites across the city to serve even more asylum seekers, and help Venezuelans who recently received TPS from the federal government.

Thank you to Governor Hochul and her team for this investment and for answering our call for more support on this national crisis.”

To coincide with the federal rule taking effect today, the city will begin assisting eligible Venezuelan asylum seekers submit their paper

applications for TPS and work authorization, in addition to their fee waiver forms at the city’s Asylum Application Help Center, which is also funded by State resources. In the coming weeks, the City and State will scale these efforts, expanding case management and legal services to help more asylum seekers in the city’s care obtain work authorization, stabilize their lives, and provide for themselves so they can move out of shelter. The city and state also plan to partner to expand access to legal and casework services by: - Opening additional Asylum Application Help Center satellite sites across the city; - Launching roving teams within the city’s emergency shelter sites to help asylum seekers

apply on the spot for TPS and work authorization; and - Scheduling those who enter the shelter system and are eligible for TPS for appointments to immediately apply upon entering the city’s care.

The $38 million in State funding announced today builds on an existing $50 million commitment from the State to support legal services and casework for asylum seekers and migrants. This includes $20 million allocated to local nonprofits serving asylum seekers and migrants; $20 million to help New York City with a casework surge through NYC Health + Hospitals; $10 million for migrant legal services.

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WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 17, 2023

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The SUNSHINE Awards Organization Announced Its Award Recipients for 2023 The SUNSHINE Awards Organization announced that the organization established two new awards, the Dr. Slinger Francisco SUNSHINE Award, and the Dr. Hollis Liverpool SUNSHINE Award.

The SUNSHINE Awards Program was founded 35 years ago to recognize excellence in the performing arts, education, humanity, research, science, and sports of the various Caribbean countries. Over the years, the program has expanded in scope and breadth with a global view including the United States, Africa, Asia, Europe, South America, Central America, and India. A special feature of the program is the SUNSHINE Awards Hall of Fame.

This year the SUNSHINE Awards Organization is thrilled and proud to announce the establishment of two very special awards in honor of two legendary performing artists, Dr. Slinger Francisco (the Mighty Sparrow) and Dr. Hollis Liverpool (the Mighty Chalkdust).

These awards are meant to reflect the extensive contribution, legacy, and impact on society made by the Mighty Sparrow and the Mighty Chalkdust. These prestigious Awards will be presented annually to the performing artists (individual or group), who demonstrate talent, creativity, and commitment to the artform just as the Mighty Sparrow and the Mighty Chalkdust exhibited throughout their careers.

The Founder and Chairman of the SUNSHINE Awards, Gil Figaro stated, “It is an honor and privilege to establish the Dr Slinger Francisco and the Dr. Hollis Liverpool award categories

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in recognition of these two highly talented and accomplished performing artists. Their legendary contributions to the performing arts highlight the importance of humor, social and political commentary that have entertained, enlightened and delighted audiences worldwide.”

Dr. Hollis “Chalkdust” Liverpool said, “For me, this award established in my name through the SUNSHINE Awards Organization will serve as the crowning glory to my achievements and contributions to society. It is my hope that this award will signal to future generations the important role that education, history, research, and the performing arts play in societies. I look forward to this award helping to motivate and pave the way for dreams to become reality. I therefore accept this honor with great humility.”

Dr. Slinger Francisco (the Mighty Sparrow), said, “To know that my name is so deeply associated with an award within the SUNSHINE Awards Organization is a testament to the value of the work I have dedicated my life to, and it is a tribute that I will forever cherish. This award will be a constant reflection of my legacy by recognizing individuals who demonstrate outstanding achievements in their field. I am excited about the positive impact this award will have on society, further underscoring dreams of excellence and dedication. I thank the SUNSHINE Awards Organization from the depths of my heart for this extraordinary recognition.”

Carla Cupid, Chief Executive Officer of Tour-

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ism Trinidad Limited commented, “Seeing the SUNSHINE Awards Organization include categories named after Dr. Slinger Francisco and Dr. Hollis Liverpool is truly a moment of pride for us. These two individuals are cultural icons of Trinidad and Tobago and their contributions to our music and culture are immeasurable.

The inclusion of these categories not only honors their legacy but also emphasizes the richness and diversity of our cultural heritage. It is a testament to our diaspora and the cultural exchanges that continue to shape us. This aligns perfectly with destination Trinidad having ‘More Seasons, More Reasons’ to visit. There is always a reason to celebrate in Trinidad, and now we have even more!”

Shirlane Hendrickson, speaking on behalf of the President of TUCO, Ainsley King, said, “The Dr. Slinger Francisco SUNSHINE Award and the Dr. Hollis Liverpool SUNSHINE Award established by the SUNSHINE Awards Organization signify a time of celebration and a time of reflection. These awards also ensures that the hard work and contribution of these two Icons of our indigenous calypso/soca artform are exposed to the world.”

Patrick Edwards, former student, and teacher of St. Benedict’s College commented, “The Mighty Sparrow and the Mighty Chalkdust collectively represent One Hundred and Seventy-one years of unrivalled excellence in the calypso/soca art form. The legendary nature of their achievements is further substantiated by the addition of seventeen calypso king titles

between them. They are the twin Archangels and Guardians of the Divine realm of the Calypso/soca and the Art Form. Long may they and their disciples reign in their National and International abodes.”

Dr. Harold Robertson, former Trinidad and Tobago Diplomat commented, “For over 35 years the SUNSHINE Awards Organization has been engaged in the recognition, uplifting and propagation of Caribbean music and musicology, particularly Calypso/soca. It is therefore fitting that in furtherance of this mission, the organization has decided to honor two giants of the artform, Dr. Slinger Francisco and Dr. Hollis Liverpool who, between them, have captured the Calypso Monarch title 17 times. This is an honor whose time has come.”

Mr. Figaro concluded, “It is my hope that their contribution to our world will forever be remembered through these prestigious Awards.”

The organization announced the recipients of the 2023 SUNSHINE Awards. The awards will be presented at the 35th Annual SUNSHINE Awards Celebration on Saturday October 14, at the Robert Treat Hotel in Newark, NJ. The following are the recipients: Patrick “Eze” Rockcliffe (Guyana) Gerardo Contino (Cuba) Natu Camara (Guinea) Ron Reid (Trinidad & Tobago) Rimli Roy (India) Gamal “Skinny Fabulous” Doyle (St. Vincent & The Grenadines) Doreen J. Ketchens (United States)

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CARIBEDITORIAL

WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 17, 2023

Guest Editorial: Israeli-Palestinian Conflict In early October 2023, war broke out between Israel and Hamas, the militant Islamist group that has controlled Gaza since 2006. Hamas fighters fired rockets into Israel and stormed southern Israeli cities and towns across the border of the Gaza strip, killing and injuring hundreds of soldiers and civilians and taking dozens of hostages. The attack took Israel by surprise, though the state quickly mounted a deadly retaliatory operation. One day after the October 7 attack, the Israeli cabinet formally declared war against Hamas, followed by a directive from the defense minister to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to carry out a “complete siege” of Gaza.

Background The Israeli-Palestinian conflict dates back to the end of the nineteenth century. In 1947, the United Nations adopted Resolution 181, known as the Partition Plan, which sought to divide the British Mandate of Palestine into Arab and Jewish states. On May 14, 1948, the State of Israel was created, sparking the first Arab-Israeli War. The war ended in 1949 with Israel’s victory, but 750,000 Palestinians were displaced, and the territory was divided into 3 parts: the State of Israel, the West Bank (of the Jordan River), and the Gaza Strip.

Over the following years, tensions rose in the region, particularly between Israel and Egypt, Jordan, and Syria. Following the 1956 Suez Crisis and Israel’s invasion of the Sinai Peninsula, Egypt, Jordan, and Syria signed mutual defense pacts in anticipation of a possible mobilization of Israeli troops. In June 1967, following a series of maneuvers by Egyptian President Abdel Gamal Nasser, Israel preemptively attacked Egyptian and Syrian air forces, starting the Six-Day War. After the war, Israel gained territorial control over the Sinai Peninsula and Gaza Strip from Egypt; the West Bank and East Jerusalem from Jordan; and the Golan Heights from Syria. Six years later, in what is referred to as the Yom Kippur War or the October War, Egypt and Syria launched a surprise two-front attack on Israel to regain their lost territory; the conflict did not result in significant gains for Egypt, Israel, or Syria, but Egyptian President Anwar al-Sadat declared the war a victory for Egypt as it allowed Egypt and Syria to negotiate over previously ceded territory. Finally, in 1979, following a series of cease-fires and peace negotiations, representatives from Egypt and Israel signed the Camp David Accords, a peace treaty that ended the thirty-year conflict between Egypt and Israel.

Even though the Camp David Accords improved relations between Israel and its neighbors, the question of Palestinian self-determination and self-governance remained unresolved. In 1987, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians living in the West Bank and Gaza Strip rose up against the Israeli government in what is known as the first intifada. The 1993 Oslo I Accords mediated the conflict, setting up a framework for the Palestinians to govern themselves in the West Bank and Gaza, and enabled mutual recognition between the newly established Palestinian Authority and Israel’s government. In 1995, the Oslo II Accords expanded on the first agreement, adding provisions that mandated the complete withdrawal of Israel from 6 cities and 450 towns in the West Bank.

In 2000, sparked in part by Palestinian grievances over Israel’s control over the West Bank, a stagnating peace process, and former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s visit to the al-Aqsa mosque—the third holiest site in Islam—in September 2000, Palestinians launched the second intifada, which would last until 2005.

In response, the Israeli government approved the construction of a barrier wall around the West Bank in 2002, despite opposition from the International Court of Justice and the Interna-

tional Criminal Court.

Factionalism among the Palestinians flared up when Hamas won the Palestinian Authority’s parliamentary elections in 2006, deposing longtime majority party Fatah. This gave Hamas, a political and militant movement inspired by the Palestinian Muslim Brotherhood, control of the Gaza Strip. Gaza is a small piece of land on the Mediterranean Sea that borders Egypt to the south and has been under the rule of the semi-autonomous Palestinian Authority since 1993. The United States and European Union, among others, did not acknowledge Hamas’ electoral victory, as the group has been considered a terrorist organization by western governments since the late 1990s. Following Hamas’ seizure of control, violence broke out between Hamas and Fatah. Between 2006 and 2011, a series of failed peace talks and deadly confrontations culminated in an agreement to reconcile. Fatah entered into a unity government with Hamas in 2014.

In the summer of 2014, clashes in the Palestinian territories precipitated a military confrontation between the Israeli military and Hamas in which Hamas fired nearly three thousand rockets at Israel, and Israel retaliated with a major offensive in Gaza. The skirmish ended in late August 2014 with a cease-fire deal brokered by Egypt, but only after 73 Israelis and 2,251 Palestinians were killed. After a wave of violence between Israelis and Palestinians in 2015, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas of Fatah announced that Palestinians would no longer be bound by the territorial divisions created by the Oslo Accords. In March and May of 2018, Palestinians in the Gaza Strip conducted weekly demonstrations at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel. The final protest coincided with the seventieth anniversary of the Nakba, the Palestinian exodus that accompanied Israeli independence. While most of the protesters were peaceful, some stormed the perimeter fence and threw rocks and other objects. According to the United Nations, 183 demonstrators were killed and more than 6,000 were wounded by live ammunition. The tense political atmosphere resulted in a return to disunity between Fatah and Hamas, with Mahmoud Abbas’ Fatah party controlling the Palestinian Authority from the West Bank and Hamas de facto ruling the Gaza Strip.

This remained largely true throughout the late 2010s and early 2020s, despite Abbas’ efforts to bring the Palestinian people together under the Palestinian Authority.

In May of 2018, fighting once again broke out between Hamas and the IDF in what became the worst period of violence since 2014. Before reaching a cease-fire, militants in Gaza fired over one hundred rockets into Israel; Israel responded with strikes on more than fifty targets in Gaza during the twenty-four-hour flare-up.

The Donald J. Trump administration set achieving an Israeli-Palestinian deal as a foreign policy priority. In 2018, the Trump administration canceled funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency, which provides aid to Palestinian refugees, and relocated the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, a reversal of a longstanding U.S. policy. The decision to move the U.S. embassy was met with applause from the Israeli leadership but was condemned by Palestinian leaders and others in the Middle East and Europe. Israel considers the “complete and united Jerusalem” its capital, while Palestinians claim [PDF] East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state.

In January 2020, the Trump administration released its long-awaited “Peace to Prosperity” plan, which was rejected by Palestinians due to its support for future Israeli annexation of settlements in the West Bank and control over an “undivided” Jerusalem.

In August and September 2020, the Unit-

ed Arab Emirates (UAE) and then Bahrain agreed to normalize relations with Israel, making them only the third and fourth countries in the region—following Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994—to do so. The agreements, named the Abraham Accords, came more than eighteen months after the United States hosted Israel and several Arab states for ministerial talks in Warsaw, Poland, about the future of peace in the Middle East. Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas of Fatah rejected the accords, as did Hamas.

In October 2020, an Israeli court ruled that several Palestinian families living in Sheikh Jarrah—a neighborhood in East Jerusalem—were to be evicted by May 2021 with their land handed over to Jewish families. In February 2021, several Palestinian families from Sheikh Jarrah filed an appeal to the court ruling, prompting protests around the appeal hearings, the ongoing legal battle around property ownership, and the forcible displacement of Palestinians from their homes in Jerusalem.

In late April 2021, Palestinians began demonstrating in the streets of Jerusalem to protest the pending evictions, and residents of Sheikh Jarrah—along with other activists—began to host nightly sit-ins. In early May, after a court ruled in favor of the evictions, the protests expanded, with Israeli police deploying force against demonstrators. On May 7, following weeks of daily demonstrations and rising tensions between protesters, Israeli settlers, and police during the month of Ramadan, violence broke out at the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem, with Israeli police using stun grenades, rubber bullets, and water cannons in a clash with protestors that left hundreds of Palestinians wounded.

After the clashes in Jerusalem’s Old City, tensions increased throughout East Jerusalem, compounded by the celebration of Jerusalem Day. On May 10, after several consecutive days of violence throughout Jerusalem and the use of lethal and nonlethal force by Israeli police, Hamas, the militant group which governs Gaza, and other Palestinian militant groups launched hundreds of rockets into Israeli territory.

Israel responded with artillery bombardments and airstrikes, several of which killed more than twenty Palestinians, against targets in Gaza. While claiming to target Hamas, other militants (such as those from Palestinian Islamic Jihad), and their infrastructure—including tunnels and rocket launchers—Israel expanded its aerial campaign and struck non-military infrastructure including residential buildings, media headquarters, and refugee and healthcare facilities.

On May 21, 2021, Israel and Hamas agreed to a cease-fire, brokered by Egypt, with both sides claiming victory. More than 250 Palestinians were killed and nearly 2,000 others wounded, and at least 13 Israelis were killed over the eleven days of fighting. Authorities in Gaza estimate that tens of millions of dollars of damage was done, and the United Nations estimates that more than 72,000 Palestinians were displaced by the fighting.

Concerns Following the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas on October 7, 2023, President Joe Biden made a strong statement of support for Israel. On the same day that Israel declared war against the terrorist group, the United States announced that it would send renewed shipments of arms and move its Mediterranean Sea warships closer to Israel. While the UN Security Council called an emergency meeting to discuss the renewed violence, the members failed to come to a consensus statement. Given the history of brutality when Israel and Palestinian extremist groups have fought in the past, international groups quickly expressed concern

by the Center for Preventive Action for the safety of civilians in Israel and the Palestinian territories as well as those being held hostage by militants in Gaza. In the first two days of fighting, approximately 800 Israelis and 500 Palestinians were killed. Increasing loss of life is of primary concern in the conflict.

While the United States did not immediately confirm reports that Iranian intelligence and security forces directly helped Hamas plan its October 7 attack, Iran has a well-established patronage relationship with Hamas and other extremist groups across the Middle East. In addition to worries that the attacks were a signal from Iran that it is prepared to escalate its malign influence in various Middle Eastern conflicts, experts have expressed concern that another extremist group with Iranian backing, Hezbollah, will be drawn into the war, thereby expanding the conflict beyond Israeli and Palestinian borders. On October 9, reports surfaced that the IDF was firing at targets within Lebanon, where Hezbollah is based. An Israeli statement on the matter did not clarify the purpose of the cross-boundary operation.

A 2023 effort by the United States to help broker a normalization accord between Israel and Saudi Arabia was thrown into chaos by the October conflict. Saudi Arabia has long advocated for the rights and safety of Palestinian Arab populations in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza.

Especially in Gaza, those populations are now in the path of IDF operations, jeopardizing the progress the Israelis and Saudis made toward common understanding.

Recent Developments The most far-right and religious government in Israel’s history was inaugurated in late December 2022. The coalition government is led by Benjamin ‘Bibi’ Netanyahu and his Likud party and comprises two ultra-Orthodox parties and three far-right parties, including the Religious Zionism party, an ultranationalist faction affiliated with the West Bank settler movement. To reach a governing majority, Netanyahu made a variety of concessions to his far-right partners.

Opponents have criticized the government’s stated prioritization of the expansion and development of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. The governing coalition has also endorsed discrimination against LGBTQ+ people on religious grounds, and it voted to limit judicial oversight of the government in May 2023 after a delay due to nationwide protests in March.

2022 marked a renewed level of violence between Israelis and Palestinians. The first nine months of 2023 were characterized by a steady trend of clashes in the West Bank, including nearly daily Israeli incursions. Israel approved five thousand new settler homes in June 2023 which, along with other settlements in Palestinian territory, are considered by experts and intergovernmental institutions to be illegal under international law. The Israeli military also escalated its operations, including raiding the al-Aqsa mosque twice in one day, wounding thirty-five in a Ramallah operation, and firing missiles from a helicopter at the Jenin refugee camp. In May, Israel battled Gazan militants for five days, with nearly two thousand combined missile launches by Hamas and Israeli forces. Then, in July, Israel deployed nearly two thousand troops and conducted drone strikes in a large-scale raid on the Jenin refugee camp in the West Bank, killing twelve Palestinians and wounding fifty. Israel, which lost one soldier in the operation, claimed all those killed were militants. While withdrawing, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the incursion was “not a one-off ” incident; Israel intends to prevent the camp from serving as a safe haven for Jenin Brigades and other militant groups. Hamas responded to the raid by carrying out an attack in Tel Aviv and launching missiles at Israel.

WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 17, 2023

CARIBOPINION

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Key Job Sectors Drive September Employment Surge of 336,000

by Stacy Brown

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on October 6 that American employers added 336,000 jobs last month while the unemployment rate remained at 3.8 percent.

According to the new report, job gains occurred in several sectors, including leisure and hospitality, government, health care, professional, scientific, technical services, and social assistance. The household survey’s key labor market indicators showed minimal to no change over the month. The number of unemployed remained essentially unchanged at 6.4 million. Among different worker groups, unemployment rates showed slight variation in September: adult men (3.8 percent), adult women (3.1 percent), teenagers (11.6 percent), Whites (3.4 percent), Blacks (5.7 percent), Asians (2.8 percent), and Hispanics (4.6 percent).

The number of long-term unemployed (those without work for 27 weeks or more) saw little change, resting at 1.2 million in, constituting 19.1 percent of all unemployed individuals.

The labor force participation rate (62.8 percent) and the employment-population ratio (60.4 percent) remained steady over the month. Approximately 4.1 million individuals were employed part-time due to economic reasons, with their hours either reduced or unable to secure full-time positions, indicat-

ing little change from the previous month.

Those who desired employment but were not actively seeking work during the four weeks leading up to the survey or were unavailable to take a job totaled 5.5 million, a marginal difference from the prior month.

Among those not in the labor force but still seeking employment, about 1.5 million individuals were marginally attached to the labor force. These individuals were available for work and had looked for a job sometime within the past 12 months but not in the four weeks preceding the survey. The number of discouraged workers, a subset of the marginally attached group who believed no jobs were available, held steady at 367,000.

Leisure and hospitality witnessed a notable increase in jobs, adding 96,000 positions, surpassing the average monthly gain of 61,000 over the last year. Employment in food services and drinking establishments rose by 61,000 over the month, returning to its pre-pandemic level in February 2020.

Accommodation employment also experienced an upward trend (+16,000), though it remains 217,000 below its February 2020 level, a decline of 10.3 percent.

Government employment saw an uptick of 73,000, exceeding the average monthly gain of 47,000 over the past 12 months.

Gains in local government without regard to education (+27,000) and state government education (+29,000) were the main drivers of the increase. However, overall government employment remains slightly below its February 2020 level by 9,000. Health care added 41,000 jobs in September, a deviation from the average monthly gain of 53,000 over the past year. Ambulatory healthcare services saw the most significant increase (+24,000), with hospitals (+8,000) and nursing and residential care facilities (+8,000) also contributing to the growth.

Professional, scientific, and technical services saw an uptick of 29,000 jobs, aligning with the average monthly gain of 27,000 over the past 12 months. Social assistance also experienced growth, adding 25,000 jobs, consistent with the average monthly increase of 23,000 over the prior year. Individual and family services accounted for most of this job growth (+19,000). Transportation and warehousing employment remained largely stable, with a marginal increase of 9,000 jobs. Truck transportation added 9,000 jobs within this sector, rebounding from a 25,000 job decline in August. Air transportation saw an increase of 5,000 jobs. Employment in transportation and warehousing showed little net change over the year.

Employment in the information sector

experienced a slight decrease (-5,000).

Specifically, the work in motion picture and sound recording industries continued to trend downward (-7,000), marking a decline of 45,000 since May, reflecting the impact of labor disputes.

Other major industries, including mining, quarrying, oil and gas extraction, construction, manufacturing, wholesale trade, retail trade, financial activities, and other services, saw little change in employment over the month.

Average hourly earnings for all employees on private nonfarm payrolls increased by 7 cents, or 0.2 percent, to $33.88. Over the past 12 months, average hourly earnings have risen by 4.2 percent. For private-sector production and nonsupervisory employees, average hourly earnings rose by 6 cents, or 0.2 percent, to $29.06.

Protecting Their Dream Homes from a Fracking Nightmare

by Ben Jealous

Forever home. That’s how folks from Aurora I met last week describe the houses they bought outside Denver.

Now those dream homes are caught in what may be America’s most dire urban fracking nightmare.

Over the last year, residents have discovered, and began a grassroots challenge against, a plan to erect 174 10-story-high oil wells that stretch horizontally underground for thousands of feet.

The project is to be built next to a pristine, vital reservoir that hugs on the city’s edge and shares its name. Nearby communities without reservoirs buy their water from Aurora. The snowmelt-fed water is so clean you can drink it while you swim in it.

That all could change fast. Civitas, an oil company whose biggest investor is the Canadian equivalent of the Social Security Administration, wants to frack -- inject water, sand, and toxic chemicals underground to free oil -- under the reservoir, neighborhoods, and close to a Superfund toxic waste site. The entire area in the proposal is more than 33,000 acres with one drilling pad within 3,000 feet of a neighborhood.

What started as a Facebook page grew into a full-fledged campaign involving residents

and allied environmental groups pushing city, county, and state officials to stop the fracking proposal from moving forward.

Residents only learned of the plan when Civitas started trying to acquire the mineral rights under their houses and common areas controlled by homeowners’ associations.

When they go to a hearing, “it’s the suits versus the t-shirts” says Marsha Goldsmith Kamin, referring to the blue shirts she and other opponents wear. Kamin and her husband learned about the fracking proposal after they moved in November to be closer to their three grandchildren. Opposing the wells amounts to a full-time job for the retiree now.

In Colorado, like most Western, states access to water remains a contentious issue.

As its name suggests, the leading opposition group Save the Aurora Reservoir leads with the threat to drinking water for much of metro Denver.

Beyond the direct threat of fracking under and around the reservoir, the proposed wells will demand billions of gallons of water that end up so polluted they’re lost to other uses. So Aurora, which has experienced recent droughts, would see precious water used to produce fossil fuels that are

accelerating climate change that can make water even more scarce.

The fracking would worsen Denver’s poor air quality as well. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) raised its concern about ozone levels in the Rockies’ Front Range from serious to severe last year. The proposed wells would emit thousands of tons of “volatile organic compounds” and nitrogen oxide that make up ozone.

The Superfund site, created by a now-closed Air Force base and city and county dumping, could be an unlikely hero in the story.

The EPA won’t allow fracking under the unlined landfill, and more recently has raised questions about the impact of fracking close by on the already leaking site’s structural integrity. Opponents hope that federal concern will help sway regulators in Colorado.

Opponents have made progress. Civitas agreed to move five well sites. The county commission, which narrowly defeated a drilling halt, this week is considering closing loopholes to its oil and gas ordinances to ensure no development within a mile of the reservoir. U.S. Representative Jason Crow wrote to commissioners reiterating residents’ concerns.

But Save the Aurora Reservoirs activists

are learning how far powerful interests can tilt the playing field. Civitas needs mineral rights from fewer than half of the property owners to force fracking on the rest. While the city has a one-mile setback preventing drilling near the reservoir, opponents must fight for the same from the county.

“We think it’s so obvious that the downside is so much greater than the upside. But it feels like so much of the structure – the laws and regulations and approval process – are really working against us,” says Julie Huygen, an Air Force veteran who moved to Aurora two years ago.

Kamin said she’s fighting for the grandchildren she relocated for. She’s energized by her eight-year-old granddaughter’s desire to take part. “She asked me, if they do that to the ground, where are the prairie dogs going to go?”

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CARIBAROUND

WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 17, 2023

WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 17, 2023

CARIBAROUND

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CARIBNEWS

WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 17, 2023

A Sit-Down With Marsha-Ann Donaldson-Brown, Sandals Resorts’ Director of Weddings and Romance

Every Sandals wedding includes a fully decorated reception, tailored to the couples’ style and designed to reflect the culture of the destination.

Meet Marsha-Ann Donaldson-Brown. A three-decade veteran of the hospitality and tourism sectors, and a 22-year executive with global power brand Sandals Resorts International, Marsha-Ann Donaldson-Brown is a passionate and driven woman committed to inspiring the lives around her.

Donaldson-Brown serves as the Director of Weddings & Romance at Sandals Resorts International and oversees the Destination Wedding Program. She leads a team spanning 18 resorts on seven islands and is acknowledged as one of the Caribbean’s most revered destination wedding experts and tastemakers. Her trendspotting flair, audience empathy and attention to detail – make her an in-demand expert industry commentator, regularly featured on international media platforms including Good Morning America, and Fox Business Live. Outside her work she is a proud mother, Jamaican and content creator empowering women to live a life of purpose-filled passion.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Sandals Resorts wedding experience, from the woman in charge.

At Sandals Resorts, couples have the option to choose between a free wedding, when staying for 3 nights or longer, or a fully customized wedding at an extra cost. Whether guests opt for a complimentary package or a completely personalized one, each Sandals wedding includes a delightful cocktail reception, photography, a honeymoon dinner and much more. A dedicated team of wedding planners will be at guests’ service to assist with the necessary marriage documents and provide additional support. At Sandals, the more guests invited, the more amazing perks received. Unlike traditional weddings where a larger guest list can be burdensome, destination weddings at a Sandals Resort encourage the spirit of celebration without unwanted stress or expenses for guests.

Why should couples consider the Caribbean for a destination wedding, and more specifically, why Sandals Resorts?

The Caribbean has long been hailed as a top choice for destination weddings. The warm weather, crystal clear waters, and ease of transport for guests can’t be beat. It’s also a great option for couples who want a no-fuss

wedding experience. Often, the couples we see book a destination wedding let the destination take the lead, which is easy to do in a place as beautiful as the Caribbean. Easy is the key word, and Sandals Resorts offer the ultimate destination wedding location for couples and their guests. From serving the island’s native cuisine to hiring local entertainment to curating welcome bags

begun developing styled inspirations infused with authentic destination elements. In The Bahamas, couples can be inspired by styled décor settings we call “Bahamian Rush” and “Bahamian Seashells” that incorporate key elements only found in the Bahamas, such as Conch, Junkanoo, and Androsian fabric. In Curaçao, couples can be inspired by styled décor we call “Curacao Desert Blooms” incorporating key elements such as cacti, succulents, and Chi Chi dolls. Our Customizable Weddings offer supremely personal ceremonies and receptions for each couple.

Couples can find inspiration from a range of wedding styles to help guide their planning, offering design lookbooks curated to inspire, whether the couple prefers a lush garden ceremony or the seaside tropics.

Tell us about the honeymoon experience at a Sandals Resort.

Here at Sandals Resorts, we encourage our couples to simply extend their stay post-wedding and kick off their honeymoons immediately. Our “Stay at One, Play at All” program is hugely popular amongst honey-

Wedding guests will enjoy the best of the island’s native cuisine and local entertainment, plus enjoy curated gifts including locally-made rum, spices, candles and other goodies. filled with locally-made rum, spices, candles and other goodies, we allow couples the opportunity to add elements of the local culture into their celebrations.

What does a Sandals Resorts wedding look like?

At all of our resorts, weddings are fully included with stays of 3 or more nights.

Beyond the basics, guests have the opportunity to tailor a fully customized wedding to execute their personal vision. Across our resorts, couples can choose from a collection of ceremony venues including over-thewater chapels and intimate gardens. Every Sandals wedding includes a cocktail reception for guests, featuring a signature cocktail for the bride and groom, a fully decorated reception, a personal wedding planning team to assist in the preparation of marriage documents, and more.

We’ve found that couples often want to experience the culture, food and music of the Caribbean as elements that are part of the celebration. With that in mind, we have

mooners, allowing couples to make new memories at a new, neighboring Sandals Resort rather than honeymooning on the same sand they married on, without paying for an extra vacation.

As for our recent honeymooners, we’ve found that culturally-immersive experiences reign supreme, and one of the major trends we’re seeing this year is the infusion of adventure into the experience. We’ve seen increased interest in our adventure experiences across our resorts, be it getting scuba dive certified or taking out a MINI Cooper at Sandals Royal Curaçao to explore the island like a local.

What can Sandals Resorts provide wedding planners that other resorts can’t?

Having specialized in Caribbean weddings for more than four decades, Sandals is the authority on creating a destination wedding planning experience that is as seamless as it is customized, with exceptional service from a dedicated team who are experts in bringing every couple’s vision to life. Sandals was made for people in love, and looking at the wedding sector of our customer base, many of our guests guests first came to us to celebrate engagements, weddings, and honeymoons, and continue to return to us now for anniversaries, babymoons, and empty-nester getaways. Sandals’ destination weddings also offer couples the opportunity to leave an impact on our destinations – whether it’s gifting their guests artisan-made crafts, organizing tree planting opportunities, or Pack for a Purpose – all facilitated by the amazing work of the Sandals Foundation.

Our wedding and honeymoon business has bypassed our best recorded year pre-pandemic, making it clear that couples will not compromise on these special moments. A recently completed study by our research-arm, the Sandals Institute of Romance, took the romantic pulse of America to define the state of romance for the year. The results showed that more than 80% of Americans were committed to making more time for romance in 2023 and beyond. Beyond the wedding day or the honeymoon, romance travel offers the promise of reinvigoration in relationships and allows couples to experience the world in new ways together. Love is all around us, and it’s an honor each time a couple chooses us to celebrate their love.

Each Sandals wedding includes bridal photography, with stunning locations from the shores of the Caribbean sea to lush tropical gardens.

WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 17, 2023

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CARIBBRIEFS

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Chief Justice Troubled By Increase in Domestic Violence Cases As he presented some of the Judiciary’s figures over the past year from the various court divisions and some of the strategies to reduce delay and backlog in the judicial system, Chief Justice Ivor Archie said, “Clearly we have a social problem that needs attending to.”

For the family court division in 2022/2023, Archie said there were 9,051 new filings of which 3,173 were domestic violence, 2,992 were divorces and 1,766 were maintenance.

The previous filings were in the range of 5,500 per year.

Of these numbers, the Judiciary managed 7,446 determinations or six per cent more than 2021/2022 and 24 per cent more than

the ten-year average.

Of these, he said only 35 per cent, 30 per cent and 57 per cent of matters in Port of Spain, Tobago and Princes Town, respectively, were less than six months old at the time of determination.

“We are not meeting our targets, especially for domestic violence, which may be life or death, and that is a human resource issue.

We need more appropriately trained staff.”

He expressed confidence that with the proclamation of the Administration of Justice Indictable Proceedings Amendment Act before the end of 2023, there would be a “significant increase.”

WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 17, 2023

Jamaica – Four in Custody in Paulwell’s Daughter and Mother Disappearance Four people have been detained by the police in connection with the disappearance of the baby daughter of opposition legislator Phillip Paulwell and her mother.

A female officer in the United States Navy is one of them, according to information recently released by Deputy Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey. According to Bailey, the inquiry has developed into a convoluted conspiracy and kidnapping case. He asserts that the probe is well underway and that the evidence amassed thus far is solid.

He stated that before formal accusations are taken into consideration, the four must go through a number of administrative

processes.

He stated that further details would be made available to the public. At the same time, he urged anyone with knowledge to come forward and assist the investigation.

Sarayah Paulwell, 10 months old, and her mother, Toshyna Patterson, 27, are thought to have been kidnapped on September 9 from their residence on Gilmour Drive in St. Andrew. Relatives said they were last seen at their home’s gate about 7 a.m.

Even though there is a $500,000 reward for information that might result in their safe return, their whereabouts remain a mystery.

Canada – Trudeau To Meet With Caricom Leaders The Antigua and Barbuda government following its weekly Cabinet meeting on Thursday, said in a statement that Prime Minister Gaston Browne had “reported” that “a CARICOM/ Canada Summit will take place next month.

“Closer relations with Canada are being developed, especially after the Canadians moved to institute a visa requirement for all persons visiting the country (with a 1,000-mile

border with the USA),” the statement noted.

In June this year, the communique issued following the meeting between CARICOM foreign ministers and their Canadian counterpart, noted that they had “reaffirmed the enduring value of the deep and dynamic partnership between Canada and CARICOM, and strengthened their commitment to sustainability, resilience, climate action, access to finance,

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regional security, and shared values”.

The communique noted that in reviewing concrete progress on the Canada-CARICOM Roadmap for Action, Ministers noted results in key areas such as climate resilience, trade, inclusive governance, and multilateral engagement.

In February this year, Prime Minister Trudeau said Canada is now implementing CAD$44.8

million in new initiatives to support CARICOM in addressing the climate crisis, and the Canada-CARICOM Expert Deployment Mechanism completed 48 capacity-building initiatives in 2022 alone.

The upcoming summit will most likely discuss the ongoing political and socio-economic situation in Haiti.

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CMBC 28 - 2023 Unveils Conference Discussions

The 2023 Caribbean Multinational Business Conference will resume its in-person conference from November 16 - 19, 2023, at Sandals Ochi Beach Resort Conference Center in Jamaica. The theme for this year is “Global Innovation, Driving Change, Collaboration and Growth” promises to address the dynamics of this changing world.

Since the launch of the annual Carib News Business Conference 27 years ago, the world has experienced life-altering changes. Significant, rapid, and impactful innovations have been seen in technology, politics, global demographics, world system integration, climate change and, of course, public health.

The 2023 conference distinguished guest speakers will include Global Private Sector Industry Thought Leaders and Innovators, Prime Ministers, Presidents, members of the US Congress, members of the UK Parliament, and Cultural Ambassadors all of whom are impacting meaningful collaboration and leading game changing efforts in the frontier markets Ambassador Andrew Young calls the “Golden Triangle” of people of color: Africa, the Caribbean, and the United

States.

Some of the highlight discussions you can expect for 2023 include: THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16 Golden Triangle – Communities and Countries of Color - Caribbean, African, and African American Realizing the Promise & Potential

Golden Triangle – Communities and Countries of Color - The Garveyism Alive FRIDAY NOVEMBER 17 Connecting Global Businesses in the Heart of the Caribbean - Premier Event of International Business Leaders Keynote Address - “The Value of the Golden Triangle – Collaboration - Partners Investment - Fostering Economic Development SATURDAY NOVEMBER 18 Africa, Caribbean, US - A Necessary Path to Development - A Strategic Alliance The PJ Patterson Center at UWI - For Advocacy to Advance the Economic and

Cultural Development of Africa, The Caribbean and the Diaspora Leadership Forum - Urgent Need of Collaboration to Strengthen the Golden Triangle - Communities and Countries of Color See www.cmbc2023.com for the full schedule.

The 2023 Speaker List includes: - Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Leader - Carl Heastie, Speaker of the New York State Assembly - Yvette Clarke, Member of US Congress, Brooklyn, NY - Gregory Meeks, US Congressman - Letitia James, NY State Attorney General - Dr. Terrance Drew, Prime Minister, St. Kitts/Nevis - Hon. Andrew Holness, Prime Minister, Jamaica - The Most Honorable P.J. Patterson, who served longer than anyone as Jamaica’s Prime Minister - Olivia Grange, CD MP, Minister of Sports, Youth and Culture - Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice-Chancellor of the UWI, Chairman, CARICOM Reparations Commission - Hon. Edmund Bartlett, CD MP, Minister of Tourism, Jamaica

- Lorna Johnson, CEO/Founder, CribMD - Carolyn Young, Philanthropist - Trisha Bailey, Entrepreneur - Dr. Sachin Narode, CEO Xeni - Dr. Pamela Jolly, CEO, Torch Enterprises - Diane Abbott, Member of Parliament, United Kingdom - Hon. Kevin Parker, NYS Senator - Dr. Julius Garvey, Garvey Exoneration Project - Paul Williams, Attorney - Patricia Chin, Founder, VP Records - Dr. Lesly Kernisant, Obstretrics & Gynecology - Adam Stewart, CEO, Sandals Resorts - Amir Windom, Grammy Award-winning, Entertainment Executive - Tremaine Wright, Chairwoman, NYS Cannabis Control Board The CMBC conference is an opportunity to tap into the minds of thought leaders across the global diaspora from the Americas, Africa and the Caribbean as we plan a path forward post-COVID. Registration is available via cmbc2023.com When: NOVEMBER 16 - 19, 2023 Where: SANDALS OCHI BEACH RESORT CONFERENCE CENTER Jamaica.

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CARIBHEALTH

WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 17, 2023

WHO-OHCHR Launch New Guidance to Improve Laws Addressing Human Rights Abuses in Mental Health Care Ahead of World Mental Health Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights (OHCHR) are jointly launching new guidance, entitled “Mental health, human rights and legislation: guidance and practice”, to support countries to reform legislation in order to end human rights abuses and increase access to quality mental health care.

Human rights abuses and coercive practices in mental health care, supported by existing legislation and policies, are still far too common.

Involuntary hospitalization and treatment, unsanitary living conditions and physical, psychological, and emotional abuse characterize many mental health services across the world.

While many countries have sought to reform their laws, policies and services since the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2006, too few have adopted or amended the relevant laws and policies on the scale needed to end abuses and promote human rights in mental health care.

“Mental health is an integral and essential component of the right to health,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “This new guidance will support countries to make the changes needed to provide quality mental health care that assists a person’s recovery and respects their dignity, empowering people with mental health conditions and psychosocial disabilities to lead full and healthy lives in their communities.”

“Our ambition must be to transform mental health services, not just in their reach, but in their underlying values, so that they are truly responsive to the needs and dignity of the individual. This publication offers guidance on how a rights-based approach can support the transformation needed in mental health systems” said Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Promoting more effective community-based mental health care The majority of reported government expenditure on mental health is allocated to psychiatric hospitals (43% in high-income countries).

However, evidence shows that community-based care services are more accessible, cost-efficient and effective in contrast to institutional models of mental health care.

The guidance sets out what needs to be done to accelerate deinstitutionalization and embed a rights-based community approach to mental health care. This includes adopting legislation to gradually replace psychiatric institutions with inclusive community support systems and mainstream services, such as income support, housing assistance and peer support networks.

Ending coercive practices Ending coercive practices in mental health – such as involuntary detention, forced treatment, seclusion and restraints – is essential in order to respect the right to make decisions about one’s own health care and treatment choices.

Moreover, a growing body of evidence sets out

Barbados - Dengue Fever Outbreak Confirmed

The Barbados Ministry of Health and Wellness has confirmed a dengue fever outbreak in Barbados.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Kenneth George, disclosed that the threshold was reached at the end of September, where 518 cases were recorded compared to the same period in 2022, when there were 241 cases.

The Ministry of Health classifies a case of dengue fever as both suspected and confirmed.

Of the 40 confirmed cases of dengue for the year, 28 were recorded in September.

“These recent increases signal the start of a dengue fever outbreak in Barbados in September 2023. There were no confirmed cases in 2022,” the Chief Medical Officer stated.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has also advised that there have been outbreaks in Martinique and Guadeloupe in the Eastern Caribbean, with the dengue virus serotype 2 resulting in some hospitalizations.

There have also been recorded rising cases in the OECS, including Grenada.

The World Health Organization recently indicated that increased cases of mosquito-borne disease were likely in Europe, the United States of America, and Africa, as a result of climate change.

Dengue fever is an acute mosquito-borne febrile illness caused by infection with one of the four known dengue serotypes. It is endemic in Barbados which sees occasional outbreaks. (CMC)

how coercive practices negatively impact physical and mental health, often compounding a person’s existing condition while alienating them from their support systems.

The guidance proposes legislative provisions to end coercion in mental health services and enshrine free and informed consent as the basis of all mental health-related interventions. It also provides guidance on how more complex and challenging cases can be handled in legislation and policies without recourse to coercive practices.

Using the guidance to adopt a right-based approach to mental health Recognizing that mental health is not the sole responsibility of the health care sector alone, the new guidance is aimed at all legislators and policy-makers involved in drafting, amending and implementing legislation impacting mental health, such as laws addressing poverty, inequality and discrimination.

The new guidance also provides a checklist to be used by countries to assess and evaluate whether mental health-related legislation is compliant with international human rights obligations. In addition, the guidance also sets out the importance of consulting persons with lived experience and their representative organizations as a critical part of this process, as well as the importance of public education and awareness on rights-based issues.

While the guidance proposes a set of principles and provisions that can be mirrored in national legislation, countries may also adapt and tailor these to their specific circumstances (national context, languages, cultural sensitivities, legal systems, etc.), without compromising human rights standards.

On 10 October, WHO will join global communities in marking World Mental Health Day 2023, the theme of which is “Mental health is a universal human right”.

WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 17, 2023

CARIBA&E

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Winston Duke, T&T Born Actor, Named UN Ambassador to World Tourism Organization The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has announced the appointment of acclaimed actor Winston Duke as its newest Ambassador for Responsible Tourism. Recognized for his exceptional talent and commitment to global philanthropic efforts, Duke will advocate for sustainable tourism practices and raise awareness about the transformative power of travel, in support of UNWTO’s latest campaign, “Tourism Open Minds.”

Duke, renowned for his captivating performances in critically acclaimed films such as “Black Panther,” “Us,” and “Nine Days,” has consistently demonstrated his dedication to social causes, making him an ideal choice for this prestigious role. As UNWTO Ambassador for Responsible Tourism, Duke will actively support UNWTO’s mission to promote responsible and sustainable tourism practices. He will work closely with the Organization to advocate for the importance of tourism in fostering economic growth, preserving cultural heritage, and protecting the environment.

Winston Duke is a master storyteller and capable of showcasing the power of tourism to open minds and transform lives, and as a humanitarian, he lives tourism’s values of empathy, delivering opportunity for all and going the extra mile for the common good The “Tourism Open Minds” campaign, launched by UNWTO on the occasion of World Tourism Day on 27 September, aims to

promote inclusive and sustainable tourism by fostering dialogue, understanding, and respect among travelers and local communities. It encourages travelers to embrace diverse cultures, traditions, and perspectives, while also highlighting the positive impact of tourism on local economies and the environment.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Winston Duke stated, “I am deeply honored to join the United Nations World Tourism Organization as an Ambassador. To journey, to travel is the act of confronting the truth… in that truth, we see that we are so much more alike than we are different, and without knowing it, we build bridges. If travel is a bridge, then tourism is the engineer. Tourism is the globe’s lifeblood of our global economy. It is the most human sector of our economies. With it, we can engineer mutual respect amongst nations as it is a reminder that, though we are individual spaces, what we have in common are a bounty of beautiful people and experiences.”

UNWTO Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili, welcomed the appointment, saying: “UNWTO is honored to welcome Winston Duke as our Ambassador for Responsible Tourism. As an actor, he is a master storyteller and capable of showcasing the power of tourism to open minds and transform lives, and as a humanitarian, he lives tourism’s values of empathy, delivering opportunity for all and going the extra mile for the common good.

Antigua/Barbuda – Calypso Icon ‘King Short Shirt’ Receives UWI Honorary Doctorate

Sir Leroy MacLean ‘King Short Shirt’ Emanuel, a well-known calypso performer from Antigua and Barbuda, received a Doctor of Letters degree from the University of the West Indies, Five Islands. Sir MacLean extended his appreciation to everyone who had helped him and said he felt privileged and honored to have spent more than 60 years of his life upholding the culture of Antigua and Barbuda.

In his acceptance speech, Sir MacLean emphasized his dedication to using calypso to advance social justice, educate the public about important issues in Antigua, the Caribbean, the Afrocentric diaspora, and

around the world, and serve as a voice for the underprivileged, oppressed, and economically marginalized.

He pleaded with the graduates to take on some of these qualities and uphold their cultures as models.

Sir MacLean, who has won 15 times in Antigua and Barbuda and earned more than two dozen trophies as a formidable competitor, is known as a giant of calypso. He was the first person to win three contests in a row and the only person to claim three distinct Calypso “hattricks.”

The 81-year-old has won seven Road March championships and seven Caribbean Calypso competitions since entering the calypso scene in 1962.

With songs like “Lamentation,” “Tourist Leggo,” “Power and Authority,” “Nobody Go Run Me,” and “Vivian Richards,” King Short Shirt has delighted audiences in Antigua and Barbuda and around the region for many years. He has a special chance thanks to his music to shape Antigua and Barbuda’s identity.

The University of the West Indies’ commencement ceremony for the class of 2023 was held on Saturday, and over 7,500 new “UWI Pelicans” are anticipated to graduate.

UNWTO looks forward to an exciting and fruitful relationship with Duke.”

Winston Duke will actively participate in various initiatives, campaigns, and events organized by the UNWTO across the world to promote responsible tourism practices and advocate for the sector’s recovery. His influential voice and global reach will undoubtedly contribute to raising awareness and inspiring positive change within the tourism industry.

Winston Duke rose to global stardom in Marvel’s critically acclaimed Black Panther

franchise, the third highest-grossing film ever in the United States. Duke played the fan-favorite character M’Baku. He reprised his role in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in which he was named the King of Wakanda.

His other prominent film credits include Peter Berg’s Netflix crime drama Spencer Confidential, Jordan Peele’s, US, and Sony Picture Classics’ Nine Days. Duke not only played the lead role, but also served as an Executive Producer. Duke’s upcoming projects include Universal Pictures The Fall Guy, in which he costars with Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt.

Duke was awarded with the Advanced Imaging Society’s Social Justice Lumiere Award for his work as the star and executive producer of “The Messy Truth VR Experience,” a virtual reality (VR) short doc which provides viewers with a look at the timely themes of race, mercy, and redemption through someone else’s eyes.

While onscreen, Duke is known as one of Hollywood’s most prominent rising film stars, offscreen he is equally known as a prolific champion of social justice. Duke has been appointed as the global ambassador for Partners in Health, a nonprofit global health and social justice organization dedicated to bringing the benefits of modern medical science to impov

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CARIBTRAVEL

WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 17, 2023

Nevis Recognised as the #6 Best Island in the Caribbean by Conde Nast Traveler Nevis, the picturesque island known for its natural beauty and warm hospitality was voted # 6 Best Island in the Caribbean by the prestigious Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Award 2023. More than 520,000 Condé Nast Traveler readers submitted responses rating their travel experiences across the globe to offer a comprehensive look at the places they eagerly anticipate revisiting.

Adding to this remarkable achievement, three of Nevis’ finest resorts have been listed as the Best Resorts in the Caribbean

by Condé Nast Traveler. Paradise Beach Nevis was # 6 on the list, Montpelier Plantation and Beach at #21 and the Four Seasons Resort Nevis at #30.

In addition, luxury travel expert Chris-

topher Parr of the award winning luxury lifestyle travel guide PURSUITIST named Four Seasons Resort Nevis, Montpelier Plantation and Beach and Paradise Beach Nevis in his travel review of the ‘Top 5 Best Luxury Hotels in St. Kitts and Nevis.’

These significant recognitions speak to the natural beauty, warm hospitality and unforgettable experiences that Nevis offers to all who visit. To our visitors, thank you for choosing Nevis as your destination. Thank you to all our residents who continue to preserve our island paradise.

Let us honor this achievement and continue to showcase Nevis as the gem of the Caribbean!

Grenada – Signed Air Services Agreement with Qatar

Grenada and the State of Qatar have a contract for air services. The deal, according to a report from Qatar News Agency (QNA), was sparked by the prime ministers of Grenada, Dickon Mitchell and Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti of Qatar, who is also the minister of transport for Qatar.

According to the agreement, the national airlines of both nations are granted complete transportation rights to run an arbitrary number of passenger and cargo flights.

The arrangement, which raises the total number of air transportation agreements between Qatar and international nations to 176, is part of an effort by Qatar to establish more air services agreements so that its national airline may travel to more

international locations.

The two representatives talked about measures to improve cooperation between Qatar and Grenada in the areas of ports, civil aviation, and transportation after the recent signing ceremony.

Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell departed Grenada on September 30 to attend the official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Air Service Agreement between the State of Qatar and the Commonwealth of Grenada, according to a statement released by the Minister’s Office of Grenada.

On Friday, October 6, 2023, Grenada’s Prime Minister Mitchell is expected to return.

WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 17, 2023

CARIBSPORTS

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Return of Concacaf Nations League Leads Week The resumption of the 2023-24 Concacaf Nations League headlines the week in Concacaf, with players shifting their focus toward their respective national teams.

Here are some of the matches to watch this week in the 2023-24 Concacaf Nations League October window.

League A The journey to the 2023-24 Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals continues for the 12 teams in Groups A and B of League A, with the ultimate goal being a top-two finish and a crack at qualifying for the 2024 Copa America.

Among the highlighted matches in this October window in Group A is a Friday match-up between Trinidad and Tobago and Guatemala in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.

The Caribbean nation was the only side from League A to have won both matches during the September window and they can take a big step toward the quarterfinals

with a full three points against a Guatemala side in third-place in the group with four points.

Group B is as tight as it gets, with all six teams separated by just three points. One of the marquee match-ups pits second-place Cuba (4 points) against thirdplace Honduras (3 points) in the Dominican Republic on Thursday night.

Sunday night will see a rematch in Trinidad and Tobago between Jamaica and Haiti after their thrilling 2-2 draw in Kingston during the September window.

Jamaica enter the window in first-place in the group with four points, while Haiti are lurking in fourth-place with two points.

League B The 16 teams in League B will also be back for another two matches each, as the goal of promotion to League A starts to take shape.

Fans of Saint Lucia and Guadeloupe will need to buckle up, as these two teams,

on Saturday.

Those two teams also boast the top two goal scorers in League B, with Guyana’s Omari Glasgow having four goals to his name, the same number scored by Puerto Rico’s Gerald Diaz.

each with six points in Group A, face off on Thursday in Saint Lucia and then again on Sunday in Guadeloupe.

It is a similar story in Group D in which Puerto Rico and Guyana head up the group with six points each and will play each other twice, with both matches taking place in Saint Kitts and Nevis beginning

League C There is another intriguing slate of games among the nine teams in League C, with one of the more notable contests on Thursday in Saint Lucia in Group C between Dominica and British Virgin Islands. Each team won their lone match in the September window, so first place will be on the line in this one.

Aruba head up Group B with three points, but on the hunt is US Virgin Islands with one point. These two sides will get together on Saturday in Aruba. A win for the hosts would go a long way to their promotion mission, while USVI could catapult into first place with a victory.

West Indies Were No Match for Australia in the First ODI at Allan Border Field

Without the injured Hayley Matthews, West Indies were no match for Australia in the first ODI at Allan Border Field as the

home side raced to an eight-wicket win in a contest that lasted little more than 42 overs.

West Indies were skittled for 83 by a collective effort from the Australia attack after the new-ball pairing of Megan Schutt and Kim Garth had set the tone.

After a sedate start to the chase against a new ball that nipped around, Alyssa Healy then put her foot down with six boundaries in ten balls including four in a row off Aaliyah Alleyne before glancing a catch down the leg side. Ellyse Perry added the finishing touches to the pursuit.

In overcast conditions, Healy had put West Indies into bat and they never got a foothold in the innings. There wasn’t a run from the bat until the fifth over and the first boundary came in the ninth with an

edge through the slips.

Garth, who had replaced Jess Jonassen for the final T20I, and Schutt were impressive with the new ball and after ten overs West Indies were 14 for 3.

Garth struck first when debutant Djenaba Joseph, asked to fill the huge shoes of Matthews who was ruled out with the quad strain picked up in the T20I series, skied a pull shot. She then had Rashada Williams taken at point. Schutt joined in when Zaida James, who had laboured 25 balls for 3, sliced to gully.

Briefly Stafanie Taylor and Shemaine Campbelle resisted, although the scoreboard barely moved, and when Taylor edged behind off the somewhat wayward Darcie Brown, West Indies’ best chance of posting any sort of total had vanished.

Campbelle fell to Ashleigh Gardner’s first ball when she top-edged a sweep which was well caught by Georgia Wareham.

The one bright spot in West Indies’ batting display was Alleyne who took on Wareham’s legspin with five boundaries through the cover region, showing an intent that had not been on display from her teammates.

Australia were sharp in the field with Healy pulling off two smart pieces of work to help wrap up the innings - a direct hit to run out Cherry-Ann Fraser for a diamond duck and a smart stumping to end Alleyne’s sprightly innings.

The only concern for the home side was that Brown left the field after three overs with a tight left hamstring.

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CARIBNEWS

WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 17, 2023